This is the last day of the month of November and, as you might know, it is raining, cold and so very "wintery" looking outside. I am so happy that I can stay inside of my beautiful apartment and do not have to venture outside for anything today. I spent yesterday running errands so that I could enjoy some days inside. You see, my girls came Sunday afternoon and decorated my home for Christmas. It is just beautiful and so happy and cheerful looking that I don't have a desire to go anywhere. The Christmas tree that I had used at the house on Freda Villa was way too big for this area so my son-in-law, Ray, went to K-Mart and bought me a perfect tree. The girls, Nita, Corinne, Kim, Tracey and Jacque went through all of my tubs of decorations and, together, we selected the tree items that were meaningful to me and they put them on the tree, added a big gold bow at the top, and streamers of gold ribbons throughout the branches and then added my gold tree skirt and there you have it - the perfect tree in the perfect place for the white lights to be seen inside and outside and it is lovely. They also put garland and white lights along the railing of my porch. There were several boxes of decorations that I have collected through the years that I love and I had no idea what to do with them, as space is limited, but Nita and Corinne came up with the most ingenious of ideas and now I have all of my "treasures" displayed for my enjoyment. Oh, what a blessing to have these daughters of mine. God surely knew that I would need them all of my life and most especially in these "golden" years. When I tell my young friends who are raising teenage girls and they are so overwhelmed with frustrations I just smile and tell them to hang on because the best is yet to come.

I do hope that your Thanksgiving was a happy and lovely time for you. Mine was just splendid. 30 members of my family gathered at Emily and Jackson's house at 4:30 on Thursday afternoon. Each person came with their assigned dish of food, the tables were all set with flowers for the adults and Thanksgiving decorations for the children. We "circled up" as always and each person told what their particular "thanks" was. It appeared that most of the appreciation was for Kim's diagnosis of Cancer Free. Our Blessing, spoken by Jackson, was indicative of every one's thoughts on this special day. We welcomed Mikka and Joesea as new additions to our family circle. They will be Patrick's wife and daughter in the near future and we are so delighted with them. We were also happy to have Kyle as Courtney's good friend. Of course, we missed Drew, Tara and their family and Chris and Ashley and their family. We will have them at Christmastime and then we will be complete. The entire gathering was just perfect. We ate our good food, the children played in the bonus room with toys, while the adults enjoyed a time of relaxation and conversation. We also celebrated Will Carter's second birthday with an Elmo cake and presents. All in all I would declare the day to be a huge success in every way. Not to appear morbid I do have a tendency to ask myself as I lie down to sleep after such an event "will I have many more of such wonderful experiences to enjoy". Hopefully, I will. However, I will savor each minute of being with my family or my friends and know that without a doubt God is good - all the time.

THANKSGIVING THANKS A DAY EARLY

Today is Thanksgiving Eve and I am going to get a jump on all of the bloggers that will write tomorrow and tell you of all the things for which they are thankful. This morning as I write this my turkey (all 20 pounds of him) is cooking and beginning to fill my apartment with that wonderful holiday smell that nothing in the world can replace. I had to get up early and get him cooking in order to free the oven for more cooking later in the day. Houston thought it was way too early to get up so he has gone back to sleep. I really upset him when I made up the bed and he had to find another napping place. All of those things aside, I will follow the tradition and enumerate some of my "thankful thoughts".

I will start my list with a thankful heart that Kim has been declared cancer free. After the battle that she has so valiantly fought, it is such a splendid report. Even though she suffers with the fibromyalgia on a daily basis, she manages to live a good, full and happy life. I am so proud of her and the way she perseveres each and every day. She is my hero,

My daughter Nita, gave me a heartache when she was diagnosed with Lupus. Thankfully, her condition is not as bad as it could be and even though she suffers with daily pain she, too, has that gift of tenacity that is giving her a happy time with her children and her precious grandchildren - all 14 of them!!! I am so glad that she is retiring from her job so that she can enjoy those children and, quite selfishly, I will enjoy more of her time as we go to Bible Study, shopping, or just talking over a cup of coffee in the afternoon.

Corinne never ceases to amaze me with her strength and the way that she handles so many tasks - her stressful, busy job, her husband and home, her friends that she does so many benevolent acts for and of course the drive to Dyersburg to see her three grandboys play ball, perform at school or be the nanny while her children perform their social tasks or take a much needed respite from their busy lives.

Speaking of busy lives - my Tracey is the champion of multi-tasking. She has a demanding and most responsible job. She is at Goodpasture for anything and everything that her son is doing. She is at U. T. in Knoxville for anything and everything that her daughter is doing. She is always available for her friends and for me. She has always been and continues to be a joy and delight in my life.

I could not write a blog about my daughters without talking about Jacque. Even though she is not a biological daughter, she is a daughter in every other way. She and her husband, Wayne, take me to lunch every Sunday after church and we have such a good time talking and laughing about activities and people in our lives. Jacque sends me the most beautiful cards and writes such precious notes to me - telling me of her love for me which makes me so very happy. She is always willing to help me with anything no matter how big or how small when I need help. I have had her in my life for many years and I thank God for her in all of my prayers.

Well, as if that were not enough to be thankful for - daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren - I have so many things to be thankful for in my own life. My move from my home of 20 years to my apartment has proved to be a wonderful decision. My health, even though not wonderful, is extremely good for 77 years of age. My friends are many and faithful to me - some of these friends date back to East High School days. My church where I worship every week and fellowship with christian friends of many years. My new dog and companion, Houston, who loves to sit with me and just be quiet and content.

You see, I could go on and on and write many for things for which I am thankful but I will close with the most important and outstanding thanks that I have and that is that God is good - all the time.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU

JUST SOME THOUGHTS ON A RAINY DAY

Today, November 16th, is a rainy, windy, dreary day when you look outside or if you happen to to be outside. I had to go to the dentist and came within an inch of calling and cancelling my appointment but I could hear my mother yelling at me "take care of the teeth you have left and remember that dentures are bad news". So, I picked myself up, got dressed and drove to the dentist office. I have no idea why I dread that so much. It takes only a half of an hour for a cleaning and the people are so kind and cordial. Now it is all done until 2011. Since Houston came to live with me I really would rather stay at home. Oh by the way, have I told you about Houston? He is my new dog. He doesn't know he's a dog and I have no intention of telling him but he is the best thing that has happened to me in ages. He is half Poodle and half Lhasa Apso (which makes him a Lhasapoo) and he is sort of silvery color and just precious. He has big brown eyes and he looks at you when you talk to him as though he understands every word you are saying. As an example, I just told him that the weather was too bad for us to go walking and we would have to stay inside today and he just walked over to the window and is sitting there looking out as if to say "this will have to do for today I guess". Houston was a gift to Leslie, my granddaughter, from her husband in 2001 when they lived in Houston, Texas. Since that time they have moved several times and have been blessed with three little boys and their routine and lifestyle just did not accommodate the responsibility of a dog. Also, the boys, being a bit rowdy, were just a little bit too much for a dog that is getting older. So, it was decided by all parties that I would take Houston on a "try before you buy" arrangement and if he liked me and I liked him he would stay with me. Well, believe you me, it has been a love affair from day one. There is no way now that I can imagine not having him in my life. Also, he has made me walk at least a mile a day which is what I have been needing to do for so long and my doctor is going to be delighted when I go back for my follow-up visit and she sees the difference in my breathing and in my overall health.

I am beginning to start thinking of the holidays and I get excited about it. Already my December calendar has seven parties booked and that doesn't count family activities. I love parties and especially when I get to fellowship with friends and family. Thanksgiving will come first and most of my family will gather at Emily and Jackson's house where we will have a feast that will contain the traditional turkey, dressing and all the trimmings. It is really getting under my skin the way that the stores and business places in the country are skipping from Halloween to Christmas, just leaving out Thanksgiving. That day, of all days, should be so very important to each and every one of us. Of course, we give thanks to God every day for our blessings, but on that one particular day we really reflect to ourselves, our family, our friends and most of all to our Lord that we are the most blessed of all people and we offer our thanks and praise. I know that this year, 2010, has been a very special one for me - my daughter, Kim, and her cancer issues which have been declared to be over and my move from my home to my new home has been completed so I have lots of things to be thankful for but the most important of all is the one enduring fact that God is good - all the time.

IT'S WONDERFUL TO BE HAPPY

To those of you, who know me well, you know that I love Words. New words that I have to look up the meanings and then hopefully use them in the correct form. I love to write and I love to read and I love the written language. I guess that if I have to answer to the question of "what words do you like to hear the most?" it, of course, would be "I love you". These are simple words that need no explanation. I now have a new phrase of just two words that mean more to me than any spoken or written words in any language. Those two words are "CANCER FREE. Yesterday I went with Kim to the radiation oncologist and after he did his despicable scope procedure he looked at her and smiled his beautiful smile (he is quite handsome by the way) and said those two words - Cancer Free. He and Kim did a beautiful high five smack and I looked away in order to hide the tears that were getting ready to invade my face. I believe him. I know that in the past we have heard doctors say "I got it all" and we have others to say that they are well only to have problems again. That sort of thing makes you a bit sceptical but I refuse to believe anything other than my daughter is Cancer Free. I know that prayers have been offered in her behalf every day for over a year and being the God that I serve and know is a good God, I just think that He has said "yeah, it's going to be okay". She is still suffering from the fibromyalgia and will do so probably for the remainder of her life which is not a good thing by any means, but this cancer that she fought so valiantly and the treatments that she withstood and the time that she spent in the ICU in very serious condition all are behind her now and I just want to say Hallelujah and praise God that Kim Cline Pigue is CANCER FREE.

We are going to Dyersburg, TN tomorrow (Saturday) to celebrate Cannon's 4th birthday and I am quite excited about the trip. I am riding there with Brad, Kim and Joesea. Joesea is the daughter of Patrick's girlfriend and we are quite "taken" with her. She turned five years old this week and she is most entertaining and charming. We are going to introduce her into the world of Leslie, Russell, Connor, Cannon, Cord Pigg and Corinne and Mark. She has already met Nita and her group (some of it) and also Tracey and her family so this will make her even more puzzled as to where all of these people came from and why they have Aunt and Uncle and Cousin added to their names. I am confident that it will be a cool, crisp Autumn day and when the children are riding the ponies that Leslie has for them and playing the games in the yard it will be the happiest of times for all of us. There is nothing in the world like the sound of happy children, and believe me Leslie's parties do make children, as well as adults, happy.

So, with the wonderful news that we were given yesterday about Kim and the party that I will be privileged to attend tomorrow I just need to say that Happy is what I am about today and it is all because God is good - all the time.

MY FRIEND SARA

I know that I just wrote on here yesterday, but I wanted to tell you of my night that I had last night. Yesterday was my BFF Sara Chauvin's 80th birthday. She and her daughter, Julie Heath, came by and picked me up and we drove to Sara's other daughter, Lu Ann Walker's house to begin a lovely birthday celebration for Sara. We drove to one of my favorite parts of Nashville and that is Germantown. When I was growing up we called it North Nashville. There is a restaurant there, The Mad Platter, that is in a building that was built in the 1800's and I just love it. It is small and you must have reservations because it cannot accommodate a big crowd of people. Also, each dish is prepared individually and there are only a couple of waiters so you have to be ready for a very leisurely dinner - no rush for anything. The floors are very uneven, wooden floors and you almost think that you are going to fall at times so caution is advised. We were shown to a lovely table with fresh flowers and candles and of course, linen napkins, crystal glasses, etc. The menu is a single, typed sheet of paper with a limited number of items and our menus last night had typed at the top HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARA. We decided to go for the five course dinner and each course was, as they say on TV, "pleasing to the palate". Our dinner, from soup to dessert, took approximately three hours which gave us plenty of time to talk and gave Sara and her girls cause for reminiscing which was fun for me to hear. It was a lovely night and one that I will remember with much fondness for the rest of my life.

Everybody should have a friend like my BFF Sara. As I wrote in a previous blog we are so tuned into each other that it becomes almost scary at times. She can tell by the tone of my voice on the telephone when I have a problem or feel bad or when I am just overjoyed about something. She is the one that was with me during my time of life that I took care of Aunt Ree -sitting for me when I needed to go out, thinking of ways to entertain Aunt Ree, calming her when she would become angry, and was there at the end when we let her go to her heavenly home. She has been with me through surgeries, through moving from my home to the apartment and I have no idea how I would have managed to have Cleo put to sleep without her going with me and, in fact, taking him into the vet office and bringing back the empty crate. We have laughed together, we have cried together, we have solved family problems together, and we have shared secrets and thoughts that nobody will ever know about us. Put all of that together and you have the clear definition of a friend. Sara, and her friendship, are just one more evidence in my life that God is good - all the time.

CATCHING UP

So much has occurred in my life since the last blog that I am confused as to just where to start. I left off on my Birthday Eve. Well, the birthday came and it was just lovely. Tracey had a dinner party that included Kim, Brad, Jacque,Wayne, Tommy Pardue, Sara, Danny, Carter and Tracey. The meal was excellent and the presentation was beautiful. The table accommodated all of us and it was so nice to be seated among these people that I love so much and enjoy a beautiful meal and stimulating conversation. Brad was exceedingly humorous with a story of his past experience of working at a funeral home. Danny had some really funny comments concerning Tracey's extravagances that amused us all. It was a lovely, happy evening that made the transition from one year to another in age not bad at all. My other daughters were travelling and not able to join us. I received many gifts (all very much appreciated), many cards and my telephone rang all day. So you see that I am telling you that as long as you are blessed with a wonderful family and friends, birthdays no matter the age, are fun and I say "bring 'em on".

Sara and I drove in Sara's car to Gatlinburg last week. We had planned this trip for months, anticipated it to the fullest and were not disappointed in any way. We left on a beautiful Fall morning and drove into the most breathtaking sight you can imagine. The trees were at their peak of color and my eyes and heart just couldn't get enough. Sara, driving, was not privy to the beauty as I was and I am sorry because I hate to think of anybody missing this picture that God painted of blue, blue sky, red, yellow, and orange leaves with lots of evergreen trees thrown in for background. No artist, even one as talented as Michelangelo, could not have captured the beauty and color as God painted for me on this ride to the mountains. We arrived at our hotel, Zoder's Best Western, and it was just as we remembered it from years past. The parrot in the office greeted us with "hello" over and over until you wanted to tape his little mouth shut. Our room had a balcony that was over a creek rushing over big and little rocks as it made its way down the mountain to the river. It was such a pleasant sound to leave our door open and listen to the creek - very reminiscent of the ocean sounds in Florida. We shopped the stores in Gatlinburg and made some purchases. We had delicious meals in the best restaurants. We rode the Sky Lift to the top of the mountain and from that height just devoured the scenery of the town and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. We rode the trolley to Pigeon Forge and saw the sights along that route. As we left to come home we made a stop at the Christmas Place and it was just like walking into a fairy land. Really got me in the Christmas Spirit. The drive home was a duplicate picture of the ride up and was the perfect ending to a perfect trip. To have a friend like Sara is a gift straight from heaven. She and I are so in tune that she truly is the sister that I never had and vice versa.

Since my return home I have been plagued with a very bad episode that is a result of the emphysema that I suffer with and my breathing became very labored and caused me to just have to sit down and do nothing for several days. As you know, this is not my style nor indicative of my lifestyle so I sought the advice of my doctor. She assured me that my problem was minor and overexertion mixed with high mountain thin air plus a touch of asthma was the culprit and with a breathing treatment and some new medicine I am slowly coming back to feeling like myself. I have to tell you that I did get a bit nervous before I went to the doctor and thought "is this the beginning of life as an old woman? I certainly am not ready to be a shut in and not be able to live my life as I need and want to". It was with a grateful heart and a prayerful praise as I drove home from the doctor's office with the words of encouragement in my ears and a peace in my heart. Just one more example of knowing that God is good - all the time.

One more thing I almost forgot to report. My East Nashville High School All Classes Reunion was held on October 16th. It was a fun time and I enjoyed seeing some of my classmates that attended. I will tell you, and this is a bragging statement, I was given a plaque and named Outstanding Alumni. I just have to say that I enjoyed getting that award and all of the accolades from my peers that were given to me. Some people said "you deserved it". I don't know about that because I love my East High and I love being on the Board of Directors and I love being my Class Representative and whatever I do along those lines I do with love so it is not a chore. It is nice to be recognized I think and I appreciated and treasure my plaque that is hanging in my office as I write this blog.

Birthday Eve

Today is my "birthday eve" and I am feeling every year of my age. I am not complaining - just acknowledging. It always seems like my birthday lasts for a week or maybe more and that is just fine with me. I was taught by my mother that a birthday is special. It is the day that belongs only to you and, therefore, with her meager circumstances, she always made it a special time for me. I miss her now as I write this blog. She had a beautiful soprano voice and she sang as she worked in her house or yard and in those days of my childhood it irritated me that she sang in front of my friends; embarrassed me really. Oh, how I would love to hear "Trust and Obey" one more time. But back to my story, she would wake me up singing "Happy Birthday to you Patsy Belle" and I would cringe, shudder, scream and cover my head with my pillow. It was bad enough to be waked up but to hear Patsy Belle was over the top. My toast would have a face drawn on it in jelly and my juice would be in a special crystal glass and my milk (which I hated for breakfast) would also be in a crystal glass. That would start my day. I feel so blessed to have had such a delightful woman for my mother and I feel doubly blessed that I was born in the month of October. This month, with the change of the season, the leaves turning their beautiful colors, the orange color of the pumpkins that are adorning everybody's porches and all of the other Halloween decorations, the crisp mornings, the warm afternoons and then the cool evenings makes for lovely days and also I love the Fall clothes - sweaters, shawls, shoes that are not sandals, even hats and gloves when necessary. I remember walking to East High on those crisp October mornings when dew would be on all the cars that were parked on the street and the acorns and walnuts were all over the ground and then when the leaves would start falling it was so much fun to crunch them as I walked. As the song goes "those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end", but they do end and new lives take place. My high school sweetheart became my husband and together we had 46 years of marriage and were blessed with 4 wonderful daughters (none of which were born in October) so on this beautiful October morning as I plan for brunch with my daughter and a day of shopping and fun I just want to remind myself and everybody else that God is good - all the time.

A REAL SURE ENOUGH YESTERDAY

The last time I wrote on this blog I asked the question concerning your Yesterdays. I told you some of my thoughts about my yesterdays. Well, today I'm going to tell you about a Real Yesterday. It is a day that will remain in my memory forever and from the words that were spoken to me yesterday afternoon I'm confident that lots of people will remember Thursday, September 23, 2010. Here is what happened:

A few weeks ago my friend, Jane Bradbury Russell, called me to inform me that she was coming to Nashville for her grandson's wedding and she would like to get a few of her girlfriends from high school together for a visit. I told her to give me a list of the people she wanted to see. She did that and away I went!!! I reserved the East High Alumni House, I hired a caterer to make us a delicious salad, dessert and fruit tea lunch, I invited the entire list that she had given me, and they all accepted even if they had to change some of their plans. To give you a bit of a background concerning why Jane called me from Florida to ask this favor, Jane and I have been friends since first grade at Eastland School. We lived next door to each other and she got to start school earlier than I because of the way our birthdays fell in the school calendar. Each day I would sit on my front steps waiting for her to come home from school so that she could teach me what she learned that day. It was a happy day for me when I could start to school and we walked the two blocks from our homes together every morning and afternoon. Then, as fate worked in our lives, my family moved and it put me in another school district. She and I remained "talking on the telephone and going to the same parties friends" for several years and then got back together at East High. Graduation separated us physically for many years as she married, I married, we both had children and busy lives but somehow we always managed to stay in close contact and would get together for all of our class reunions, picnics, etc. No matter where she lived she made the trip back to Nashville for any school event. Now, Jane is suffering a very rare nerve disease and she cannot take physical care of herself and must be attended all the time. Back to the yesterday party after the background information - as each of the guests arrived she was asked to sit beside Jane in a chair and a picture of the two of them was made. This was a hard project to complete because of the excitement of seeing Jane and of seeing each other and everyone wanted to just sit and talk to her. However, after this task was completed we were served our lunch. You have never heard so much talking, so much laughing and so much reminiscing in all of your life. What a beautiful sound and sight to see these women that had been friends in their youth and now were in their golden years looking so different and yet so similar. Looking into the eyes of each woman and seeing the smile that each one had on their faces made you forget the wrinkles, the extra pounds, the gray hair and all of these wretched things that happen to us and we were transported back to those times many years ago. While we were having our lunch my daughter, Kim and Jane's daughter and granddaughter, Karen and Lauren, printed out the pictures that had been taken, put them in frames, put them in a bright colored gift bag and delivered them to each lady as a remembrance of this glorious occasion. Then the noise level did raise many decibels as they looked at their pictures and exclaimed over and over how much they appreciated this gesture. A group picture was also made and printed for Jane for her frame.

You know the saying that "Time Changes Everything" is really very true of most things but there are just some things that don't change and aren't we so glad about that? Even though age changes our looks and our health and makes us where we can't remember where we put our keys we don't forget the blessing of growing up in a safe, loving environment and making friends that last a lifetime. Everyone moves in a fast society and has many stresses and concerns but when we can stop for three hours, sit and visit with people who are true friends that we love and that love us I can truly say that God is good - all the time.

WHAT ARE YOUR YESTERDAYS?

The other day I read something very interesting to me. I read where an interviewer was interviewing Natalie Wood. She said to her "You are rich, you're famous, you're beautiful, you're married to a rich, famous man and you have beautiful children. What more could you possibly want?" Natalie Wood responded,"I want yesterday". That really started me to thinking. I even spoke to my best friend and asked her about her "yesterdays" and she very readily told me that her best yesterdays occurred in the early sixties. I do believe that love of someone prompted that wish. Being in love and being happy probably is the most satisfying thing a woman can experience. What would be your "yesterday" wish? I have asked myself the question over and over and since I am not a person to dwell on the past I really have to dig deep. I thought about the summers that I spent in Athens, Alabama with my grandmother, my other Rainey relatives and friends - wading in the cold water of the creek, eating fried chicken for breakfast, drinking coca-cola and eating popsicles, going to the little Church of Christ that was so hot and crowded and listening to my uncle lead singing. Those were good "yesterdays". I thought of my first date with Billy Cline and mother letting me wear blue jeans for the first time (she did not like "girls in pants") because the date was to a wiener roast in Shelby Park. I thought about the first day of high school and how overcome I was with the spacious building and all of the strange faces.. I thought of spending time at Auntie and Daddy Russell's house in West Nashville and going to the Happiness Club at the BelleMeade Theater. I thought of lying in the front yard on a quilt under a big shade tree at my home on Rudolph in the summer reading "Bobbsey Twins" books. My first prom. My engagement ring. My wedding at Lockeland Baptist Church. Births of my babies. Oh, my goodness, how do you pick out one outstanding "Yesterday". So, I think that what Natalie Wood meant was that she had everything she needed now but she treasured the yesterdays that had brought her to this place in life. That is what I think also. My life, like yours, has been so filled with ups and downs, ins and outs, disappointments and wonderfuls, all of which has made me the person that I am now. When I have a day that is less than perfect and I am feeling low and having a big, old pity party I just pull myself up and realize that yesterdays are fine and good and should be remembered but what I have now, at this time in my life, is the best. This is where the yesterdays led me and truth be known I am very blessed and as long as I am a child of a God that is good - all the time the yesterdays that were so good can't compare with the present that is even better.

LABOR DAY CELEBRATION - 2010

Yesterday was a holiday that is called Labor Day. This day has always been special to me. Not because I have always concentrated on the real meaning of the day which happens to be a celebration of the hard core workers of this country - the people who get up every morning, put on their clothes and go to jobs that keep this nation moving. I do salute the plumbers, the electricians, the postal workers, the construction workers, etc. because they are proud and they have a purpose to which they are committed, and without them we would not be able to have all of the things of which we are privileged. Yes, I honor the working class very much. However, Labor Day always had a special meaning for me because it signaled the end of Summer and the beginning of Fall and School. When I was a teenager on Labor Day I would put away white shoes and any other garment in the closet that was "summery" and begin to think about sweaters and skirts and saddle oxfords. The day after Labor Day would be so exciting because I would get up early, eat a quick breakfast and begin to get ready for school. The first day was probably the most important day and, of course, my outfit had been carefully selected the day before and was spread out on the chair, complete with shoes hair ribbons and jewelry. I walked to school and the air would be crisp and the neighborhood would be buzzing with activity and I would meet up with other students to discuss our summer fun as we walked together. Getting to East High and seeing all of my friends that I had not seen in three months was a noisy, gala time and lasted until the bell signaled the assembly in the auditorium to receive our assignments for the day. It was hard to settle down but in those days you settled when you were told to settle and no questions asked. I always had a new outfit and you can bet that it didn't consist of short shorts, low cut shirt and flip flops. When I saw the students on TV that were starting to school this year I was aghast at the way some were dressed. Thank goodness for the schools that have uniforms. Well, enough of old lady thinking so I will move on.

I had a perfectly wonderful Holiday Week-end. On Saturday my friend, Sara, came and we went to the Frist Center for the Visual Arts and toured the Christian Dior Couture Exhibit. We scrutinized each design and read in the book. that accompanied our tour, what material each article was made of, who wore the outfit and where they wore it and who donated it to the exhibit. There was also lots of information about the famous designer. It was a lovely activity and as I looked at each manikin with the beautiful, soft feminine look of the 50's it made me wonder why we have strayed away from that look and maybe it will come back. Mind you, I will wear the dresses if they do become popular again but my waist will not be small and my hips will be large so I have no expectations of looking like I did in the 50's but I still think I would feel prettier. Sara and I had coffee on the patio and enjoyed the lovely scenery at the Frist after the exhibit. On Sunday, I had the delightful experience of being with three of my grandchildren and their spouses (Chris, Drew and Emily) and nine of my great-grandchildren. It was just the grandest of times to sit in a comfortable chair with a glass of tea and watch all of these children play kick ball, dance, ride bicycles, the little children not big enough to be on a team or play the games were playing with wagons and push toys and their parents playing with them - even Nita and Ray playing kick ball and running the bases (running slow mind you but nevertheless running). What a happy time to sit, enjoy and not have to participate. Then, as if that wasn't enough good times to hold me forever, Corinne and I went to lunch on Monday, then to a movie, had another visit with grandchildren and great-grandchildren and ended up at the Mexican Restaurant sitting on the patio on a cool, lovely night with margaritas and nachos. Now, I ask you this question - isn't life just grand and glorious? I am so blessed and I realize it more and more as I am around my lovely girls and their families and these darling little ones. I will not live to see them grown and I will never know just what Christopher, John Ed, Mary Hollis, Anni, Maddux, Will Carter, Emma, Ava, and Sarah James will accomplish in this world but I do know this it will be remarkable. They are all gifts from a God that is good - all the time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DAUGHTER - CORINNE

When you look at your calendar this morning it will be Tuesday, August 31st. This will not be colored in red as some days are, but you can believe that it is a RED LETTER DAY. Why you ask? Because this is the day that the Lord saw fit to give me a beautiful 9lb. 14 oz. baby girl that her father and I named Leslie Corinne Cline. It was a hot, sultry Summer afternoon that she made her arrival. One funny incident that I remember quite well was that Billy and I drove to St. Thomas Hospital and parked in the visitor's parking lot. We walked into the lobby as though we were there as visitors. All the while I was in very hard labor. I was dressed in a beautiful navy blue skirt with a pink top trimmed in Daisy's. If memory serves me right I had on high heel shoes. The rest of the afternoon is unknown to me because in those days I was taken to "the back" and given medication that makes you talk crazy and silly but no pain is felt. The husbands were banished to a waiting room and could only come by infrequently to "visit" for short times. After Corinne made her appearance and went to the nursery then the family, including father, was allowed to watch through the glass. Nobody touched the baby. When I go to the hospital now to visit new mothers and babies and the baby is in the room for all to see, touch and goo-goo over I am amazed. As Corinne grew and developed she was like a little "fireball". She could wreak havoc everywhere she went and she could spread joy everywhere she went. Her smile and her twinkling eyes charmed everyone. She has always had a good word for her associates, be it family, work partners, friends, everyone. She sees the good and overlooks what might be considered bad in people. She is a workaholic and can do more in one day than most people can in a week. Her daughter, Leslie, is just like her - looks, actions, thoughts, and everything. They are quite a pair those two. The love that exists there is beyond description. We celebrated her birthday Sunday night with a dinner, gifts, a birthday dessert and lots of love showered on her. Corinne has been a delight to me and to her sisters and was a shining star to her daddy. He called her Trinna and she could really light up his life anytime she came around. I could tell you story after story about my daughter, Corinne, and some of them would just bring you to your knees with laughter and some with tears, but I think I will stop here and just simply say that I have a daughter, Leslie Corinne Cline Smith, who is celebrating her birth today and I am so proud and blessed to be called her Mother. She is a very real evidence that God is good - all the time.

THIS AND THAT THOUGHTS ON MONDAY AM

I'm confessing that I haven't walked the track - or trail as some call it - in four days. This morning when I took my first two steps I knew that I should not have waited so long between walks. I still made my mile in 20 minutes which is very good for me, but believe me it was tempting to stop and sit on the bench several times. I play a game while walking. I try to decide who will speak to me and who will just breeze by without so much as a sideways glance. Most of the time I hit it right on the button. This morning two young women pushing baby carts were so involved in conversation that I really don't believe they heard my "good morning" and they just went by but everybody else spoke - some reluctantly and some with a big smile. I have always been a big people watching person so this is really fun for me. Also, as I went by the creek that has thick brush around it I heard a critter saying something. I wasn't sure at first if it was a frog or some larger animal so I didn't tarry long there. I crossed the bridge over the creek and took a quick look down but didn't see whatever it was that tried to greet me and succeeded in scaring me. Well, enough about my walk this morning but I will continue walking and maybe I will have some spectacular event to report later.

Yesterday Corinne and Nita and I went to the East Alumni House to scrutinize the interior in preparation for Paul Kemp's Birthday Party that we are having this coming Saturday afternoon. The daughters were impressed with this venue and think it would be an ideal place for a party. It has a big room with tables and chairs, a full kitchen with ice machine, stove, microwave, fridge and anything else that you could want, plus a foyer and restrooms. We planed the party and then locked up and went out to get into our cars and go home. My car that had run so well for so long wouldn't hit a lick. Nothing happened when you turned the key except a little ticking sound. I am here to announce that these daughters are so "with it" that they got the battery cables out of my trunk and hitched them up to my car and Corinne's car and presto - started right up ready to go. On the way home I called Firestone and the manager who knows me and that car from long years of association said that even though he was ready to close he would wait for me and put me in a new battery. He did and we left there with the car in perfect running order and my pocketbook empty of money. Wasn't he a dear to do that for me?

Well, we have had a full week-end of Courtney and the Sorority Rush at U.T. She has kept us informed through her mother with text messages and phone calls. We have all experienced every facet of Rush and finally pledged AOPi which is the sorority that Tracey pledged at U. T. Martin during her college career. Of course we we were all silently hoping that this would be Courtney's choice and also that she would be the sorority's choice but you just never know how those things will go so we were smart enough to keep our mouth's closed (at least in Courtney's presence) but we were all very happy. Now, I am waiting to hear something about the Academics at U. T. Knoxville. Surely after all this frivolity the studying and classes will come to the forefront. Courtney is like her mother and me and loves social activities but I do think the time has come to get to work for her educational purposes.

My friend, Sara, will be here shortly and we are going to Burdette's Tea Room in Springfield for lunch. Normally on Monday I dust the furniture, run the vacuum, clean bathrooms and get my place cleaned up for the week, but today is different. When Sara suggested that she would surely love to have this outing I thought "why not?" That is something that I am learning to do these days after all the years of regimentation in my life - lighten up and realize that life is short and I should live it to the fullest for as long as I can. In other words when the music is playing I need to dance.

GOTTA' TELL YOU ABOUT COURTNEY

Writing two days in a row. Setting some sort of a record. Just had something to write this morning.

To those of you who sent congratulatory messages to me for walking yesterday, thanks. For your information I did it again this morning. It was so humid that I had to go slow, stop a couple of times and didn't enjoy it as much as yesterday. I went under the road (Indian Lake) and over to the other side for the first time and it really made me proud that I got so far in the damp, humid morning. Like I told you yesterday I am committed.

You may have noticed that I have not mentioned the BIG EVENT that has happened in my family this past week. My granddaughter, Courtney Blair Wiseman, left the nest and flew to U. T. Knoxville, where she will live for the next four or five years studying in the School of Business and enjoying every facet of social life that she can. Tracey and Danny took her last Friday, the 13th and somehow or another they moved two vans full of "stuff" to the 11th floor of Carrick Hall and also bought books and attended to everything that Courtney will need in the way of meal tickets, sports tickets, etc. On Saturday, the 14th, they worked all day organizing, decorating, running back and forth to Walmart and finally had her room finished. From everything that I have heard it is a dazzling display of pink and green and pretty things. I will be so glad when my time comes to see it in person. Sunday was the Good-Bye Party for the parents and that sent the parents home and Courtney to start the exciting Week of Rush. She has outfits planned for each day (complete with jewelry and other accessories) and she is really ready to meet all of the people and then make her big decision as to which sorority she feels most comfortable with. Today, Wednesday, her classes start and I was amused to find out that she and some of her friends had walked the routes to classes yesterday so that they would know the time constraints and best routes for today when she actually starts her college career. I will miss Courtney being at Goodpasture. I will miss watching her play soccer. I will miss watching her play basketball. I will miss watching her run into my house all breathless to take a shower, do her hair and make-up as she runs to another activity after school. I will miss making her chess squares and hearing her say "oh, Mimi, you make the best". To make a point I have enjoyed every facet of Courtney's life from the week that she came home from the hospital as an infant until this very day. I know that there will be many more wonderful times to share with Courtney as she moves from high school girl to college co-ed to a beautiful, accomplished woman. There is no way to know what the future holds for her but we all know who holds her future so we have nothing to worry about. All we have to do is sit back, watch her go and love her more and more. Courtney is certainly one more evidence in my life that God is good - all the time.

GOOD DAY FOR ME AND FOR PATRICK

Good morning to you who may be reading my blog today. It really is a good morning. I decided that this would be the day I would start my walking program. Heretofore it has been way too hot and humid for me, but today is perfect. I looked out my bedroom window and the joggers, the walkers and the bikers were going by on the track at rapid pace. I drank my coffee, ate my toast, did my breathing exercise and dressed in light clothing for my time on the trail. Delightful is my only way to describe it. I was the only person walking because most people had gone in to start their daily work, school or whatever, so I had the entire outside world to myself. I did not know that you could hear so much in the quietness and stillness of a morning. The crickets were chirping themselves to death, the butterflies flitted by all bright in color and motion, the birds were calling out to each other informing them where the best 'breakfast" was located. Every now and then I could hear faint music coming from an open window. The train track that lies just to the south side of the walking trail was devoid of activity this morning. I would not have minded a train to rumble by because I love trains and the sound is a happy sound to me. After my walk I came back into the apartment, poured me another cup of coffee, picked up my newspaper and went out on my porch for more relaxation and fresh air. I intend to make this walking in the morning a permanent project for me when the weather permits. I know it will help my lung capacity to increase and who knows it might make my fat body decrease. Certainly worth a try I say.

While reading my paper I came across an article about Tammy Wynette, the country singer who died many years ago. There was a quote in the article made by Faith Hill (another country singer that was befriended by Ms. Wynette) who said that "Tammy was real and not fake". I loved that description. My hope is that when I am gone from this world people will be able to say that about me. As I have gone through this life I have met many people through my jobs, my associations, my neighborhoods, my church, etc. and believe me there are so many phony people in this world. There is an old saying that "what you see is what you get". Now, I didn't always like that expression and to a certain degree I still don't. There are times that it just doesn't pay to express your exact feelings in some surroundings. That is not to say that you have to pretend other than what you are but there are times to be funny, times to be quiet, times to be "classy", times to be sweet, times to be a disciplinarian and to be disciplined, times to be studious, times to be silly and giggly, and on and on. In fact the Bible teaches us that there is a time for everything. Just as long as you stay true to yourself is what matters most. The thing that I have learned, and it comes with age, is to cling to the people that are real and really your friends through thick and thin and let the others go. I had a friend who told me that when you die if you can count your real friends on one hand you are a rich person. I do think that is true.

Today is my grandson, Patrick Evans, birthday. He is 25 years old today and that just means that he is 25 times more wonderful than he was on August 17, 1985. Patrick and I have always shared a special bond. I stayed with Kim and Danny for a week when he was brought home from the hospital and during that time when he and I would be up in the wee hours of the morning I would talk to him and the way he looked at me was as though he understood and was listening. Of course he wasn't, but still from that time on he and I have had many hours of talking together and even though most women tell me that their sons don't talk to them, Patrick always had time to tell me what he thought, what he wanted to do, what he aspired to be as a man and he always had time to tell me that he loved me. Now, he is a man with a demanding job, a home that he owns, he is a helper to his mother when she needs help, he has a very busy life but I know that if I needed Patrick for anything he would be here immediately. We will celebrate his birthday on Thursday night of this week with a family meal at a restaurant but in the meantime I will wish him a Happy Birthday today. I pray for him to have a good, long and healthy life. Patrick is one of my evidences that God is good - all the time.

SERENDIPITY TIMES ARE THE BEST

Today is Saturday, July 31st. Another month has "hit the dust" and before I can turn around twice it will be Labor Day and Summer will be a thing of the past. You know, it's really getting to be quite scary the way that time is moving so fast. Today has really been a reminder of the hot, sultry summer days of my childhood and my years on Rudolph Street. When I went out this morning to go to the Farmer's Market the heat and humidity just astounded me. The reason I felt it so strong was because just last night I was outside and it was the most wonderful, breezy, cool night and just the kind of time that made you want to sit in a yard chair and spin yarns about happy times and happy people in your life. Since I had no one to "spin yarns" with I skipped the chair, the storytelling and enjoyed a book that I am reading titled "Serendipity". I have always loved the word serendipity because it means that something unexpected and delightful is added to whatever event is happening. I could say that the weather last night was a serendipity because of the weather experiences of the past month. Today, however, was back to 96 degrees. I went to the market and the farmers had brought their vegetables to the Streets of Indian Lake and set up tents. I went from vendor to vendor checking the produce, the prices and talking to the farmers about their gardens, their problems with no rain, etc and finally made my purchases of tomatoes and corn. It reminded me of the summers during the war when everybody had a "victory garden". We had a small back yard but somehow we managed to have a garden that produced the best green beans, the best tomatoes, the best squash, the best peppers, and the best ears of corn that I have ever tasted. Not that I appreciated the taste of the vegetabeles in those days. In fact it meant nothing to me except that I was expected to help with the weed pulling and the gathering of the crops. The worst thing was those chickens that we had. My oh my I hated that rooster. He would run at the fence when I walked by and the hens would chase all over the area clucking and carrying on. When we would get a new load of baby chicks and they would be put in the brooder with the lights on them I could hardly keep my hands off of them. The rest of the chickens, the garden and especially that rooster was unbearable. However, on Sunday morning when I woke up to the smell of my mother frying chicken and cooking green beans I was pretty glad about the whole thing. Isn't it amazing how well your mother cooked when you were a child and you never knew it until you were grown and gone? Do you think the food was that good in reality or just in your mind? Whichever it is I know that my mother could put the best meal together and her perfect presentation of that meal is not just a figment of my imagination - it is the real thing.

I am working on a letter to the East High people that I graduated with in 1951 and also friends from other classes that are being invited to a picnic in September. Yesterday I composed the letter and my daughter, Kim, and I addressed most of the envelopes. I plan to finish the job today so that the letters can be mailed next week. As I addressed each envelope and called the name of my classmate I could just see that person so very clearly. Now, I'm seeing them as they looked in 1951 which is a far cry from the way they look in 2010. Isn't it amazing - the human mind - the way it just sorta' comes and goes without any reasoning? For instance, in those days I had long blonde hair, clear blue eyes, a 21 inch waist, skinny legs, and big knees and elbows. Contrast that with 2010 description of gray hair, blue eyes that are fading, waist size much more than 21 inchses, and believe me there are no skinny parts anywhere. This is the same scenario with all of us but as I have said before when you get past all of the exterior and look into the eyes and the smile of someone that you knew and loved many years ago they seem to look the same to you. That is a serendipity moment.

I am beginning to really love my apartment. I feel more like I am at home. I rode by my house the other day and, in fact, drove into the driveway and around to the back. I wanted to see if my crepe mytle bushes were blooming and also my rose bush. They were blooming and looked very pretty. They were the only things on the property that looked the same. The new owners have made many changes on the inside that I haven't seen but they have also changed the looks of the exterior also. Maybe that is the reason I was glad to get back home to my apartment - it looked the same and felt the same and I felt comfortable. Since I am on the first floor of my building I have enjoyed the serenity of not having anybody living above me. I, now, have a neighbor above me and, yes, there has been some noisy times up there. I met the lady today and she is so nice and apologized for any disturbance that she has caused by moving in and moving furniture, etc. Of course I assured her that it was fine, and I do mean it. It could be a whole lot worse and, in truth, she probably has been a lot quieter than I would have been or, for that matter, than I was when I moved in with my army of children swarming all over the place. I knew when I chose the ground floor that there would be changes when the upper apartment was rented and I will just hope for the best. I do think that the whole move from Freda Villa to here was orchestrated by God and it was His plan for me so I will just continue to leave it up to Him and say once more that God is good - all the time. That, also is a serendipity thing.

GOOD HOT FRIDAY MORNING TO YOU

It is Friday morning, July 23rd and it is another sweltering hot day. Already the temperature is reaching 90 and predicted to go to 100 today and tomorrow. Praise the Lord for the person who invented air conditioning. Now if we can pay our NES bill for the use of this convenience we will all be happy. Isn't it a fact that the things that we have in this life that are the most important to comfortable and healthy living are becoming the most costly? Groceries, gasoline for our cars, electricity, water, education, and I could go on and on. Our mothers always told us that the things we cannot avoid in this life are taxes and death and those gals sure knew what they were talking about.

If you notice my Slide Show that Kim put on my blog yesterday I want to tell you that she will be adding pictures from her computer that I don't have. They will be pictures of the family and friends celebrating events and good times in my life. The pictures of the East High people were made at a Christmas Party for the Board of Directors and also our Class of 51 Committee meetings. The group of pictures of Courtney as the Birthday Girl were made just this week as 12 members of the Cline Clan and the Wiseman Family gathered at a place called Sips and Strokes. We met there, along with 59 other people that had reservations and were shown to our table. An easel with a canvas on a frame, four brushes of various sizes and a palette for our paint were waiting for us. The picture that we painted is shown in my slide show which is a cross with the word Believe on it. What a hoot it was to watch each picture emerge from that plain white piece of canvas. Each person, following the directions of the artist, did their own work and each picture was so different. The brush strokes were sometimes so far from the artist's instruction that many laughs, giggles and sighs of frustration were heard all over the room. The artist assured us all that we would not go home with a painting that would be obnoxious ( I think she said "jacked") and promised that a jacked picture would be unjacked before leaving the premises due to the fact that they don't want to discourage anyone from coming back. We had cake and drinks for Courtney and sang Happy Birthday to her as she will be 19 years old on the 26th of the month. There were several groups of women having a "Ladies Night Out" and they had wine to encourage their artistic endeavors. I think that would have made my picture much more professional - a glass of White Zen and a project always go together well. Anyway, it was a delightful evening with my daughters, granddaughters, and Courtney's grandmother and cousin.

Kim spent the night with me after the party and yesterday we had a very leisurely day of just cooking, eating, talking and she even did some napping. It was quite relaxing and I always enjoy her company. It was too hot to go outside for any reason - even too hot to go swimming which sounds crazy but it is true. I told her that next week when she comes here it will not be a "vacation" day but a "project" day. I am going to make a list of things and we will check them off one by one.

Speaking of lists - I haven't made a Bucket List but since I saw the movie I determined that I would start me a list of things that I want to see and do before I "kick the bucket". When I started thinking about it I was considering places to travel - far away places with strange sounding names as they say. However, since that time I have decided that the things that I really am going to put on my bucket list are things that mean the most to me and involve family, friends that I haven't seen or talked to in a long time - maybe even travel to see them, and really very simple things. In fact, thinking about the subject I realize that the days come and the days go with such a rapid pace that I had better get that pen and pad out and start my list and then get up and get busy with it. Who knows when Jesus may decide that I am needed in Heaven to organize the group and plan a meeting or who knows what I may be needed for. Matters not because I will move on knowing that whatever is there for me will be wonderful because I know that God is good - all the time.

Stay cool and well and before long we will be shoveling snow!!!!

GOOD SATURDAY MORNING TO YOU

Today is a dreary, cloudy, very humid, very hot Saturday morning. Looking out my window, that overlooks the walking track, I have not seen one jogger, one mother pushing a baby stroller, no bicycle riders, no activity at all. It is no wonder. When I stepped outside to retrieve my paper I was aghast at the high humidity that affects my breathing so very much. I hastily picked up the paper, came back inside and do not intend to go out again today.

I wonder if everyone is as crazy about pictures as I am. My scrapbooks that contain event pictures, journaling that gives my thoughts about that particular time in my life, the little embellishments that I put on the page to liven it up are very dear to me. I haven't started my 2010 book as yet so, therefore, I am already way behind. I have made a list of everything that I want to record in the year thus far, starting with Kim's birthday that was celebrated at the Cracker Barrel, on through various birthdays, the children's athletic events, Courtney's activities surrounding her senior year in school and the sale of my house including the Estate Sale that was held and then pictures of my new home. Kim and I went over this list, and with her help, I now have pictures to accompany each of the aforementioned events. I plan to start this project in the next week or so.

I do not have any pictures to record the lovely Dance Production/Fund Raiser that I attended last evening. The show was held at Harpeth Hall School and the dancers were from a studio called "Nashville in Motion" and the dancers were so very talented. Each of the scenes was skillfully executed by young women and young men whose bodies were so beautiful and moved with such grace and beauty. It was interpretive dancing so the audience was privileged to use their imagination as to what the dancers were trying to convey to the music and words that were played or spoken. Also, there was one group of young children that danced to "Rocky Top" that was very enjoyable. We had another dancer entertaining us in the aisle by our row of seats and that was Sara James. She twirled and posed and really wanted to go on stage. The purpose of this night was to raise money for Drew and Tara to help defray the expenses of their adoption of Patrick and Nicholas from Uganda. There was two other families who also shared in the money that was collected as they adopt a child or children from Uganda and Haiti. I am not sure when Drew and Tara will actually make the voyage to Uganda to collect the boys and bring them home but we are in excited anticipation of this time. We have many pictures of the boys and last night they showed a video of them as they ate, played, etc and it was so enlightening to see them in action and not just in a still photograph. We, in the family, know that this will be a huge undertaking for Drew and Tara since they already have three girls but we are also so very proud of them for accepting this challenge and following the command that God has given to take care of orphans and those that are in need.

My friend, Barbara, came here the other night and we went to dinner to celebrate her birthday. After dinner we came home and talked until midnight. I guess you never outgrow the fun of a "girl's slumber party" do you? Anyway, she broke me up laughing over one of her adventures. Barbara is probably the most naive person that I know and because of that trusting, loving personality of hers she can do the most bizarre things. A homeless woman came to her Sunday School Class. Upon finding that Sal (the woman's name) had walked many miles to arrive at Immanuel Baptist Church Barbara offered to drive her back to the shelter. Before taking her back, however, Barbara took her home with her and they had lunch. Several Sundays this same thing happened. Then Barbara found out that a church was giving away clothes so she goes over there and selects garments for Sal so that she will "look nicer and feel better about herself". When her son found out about the woman being in his mother's home he asked her what the woman's teeth looked like. Barbara said they were "in great need". He then told her that methadone caused teeth destruction (he suspected that she might be on drugs or had been on drugs) and not to ever take her in her home again. Barbara, as usual, saw someone that she perceived to be in need and took it upon herself to "save" her. She told me that she supposed that she would "back off" but she really enjoyed talking to her and, knowing Barbara as I do, it will be hard to let go but she will do it and then move on to another situation. I couldn't help but laugh at the thought of Barbara preparing her gourmet lunches and driving the homeless woman around in her Cadillac. I bet the woman never had it so good.

My East High Alumni work is beckoning me to get busy today. I have some memorial bricks to order from the engravers and some contributions to the scholarship fund to acknowledge. My high school class will be hosting a picnic on September 11th and then the entire East High Alumni Association will have a reunion on October 16th so, as you can see, I will be involved in all of that. A lot of people leave high school and because of circumstances they never have a desire to recapture old acquaintances or memories. I, on the other hand, had a lovely high school experience and love to see those people and see where they have gone with their lives since our "hey days". Sure we are gray headed now, pudgy around the middle, slow to walk, etc. but when you get past all of that and look into those familiar eyes you are transported back in time to happy days and happy times. I am one of the fortunate ones that married their high school sweetheart and have lived a very good life. Being able to make that statement makes me able to say that God is good - all the time.

FOURTH OF JULY THOUGHTS

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY, 2010. This is a holiday that all Americans celebrate, or should celebrate, because it represents Independence. Who among us doesn't want to be independent? I know that I do. Getting back to the National Holiday I will say that I am sure that at some time in my educational background I read the Declaration of Independence. Probably I half-heartedly read it because, remembering my school days, I'm sure that I was much more involved in what guy was going to ask me to the football banquet, or talking on the telephone to my girlfriends about "gossipy" things, or worrying about whether or not my mother was going to give me the money to buy that "got to have or I will die" angora sweater at Loveman's Dept. Store. Anyway, I still remember that the document was written to insure that all citizens of the United States would have freedom. That is something that we should all give thought to today. Sometimes it seems that so many of our freedoms are being taken away and that is a scary and devastating thought. I remember the surrender of Germany and Japan in World War II and the country celebrated victory. I have lived through the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, Iraq, Iran and now Afghanistan. These wars, or "conflicts" as some people in authority call them were being fought to insure that we will secure our freedom from terrorists or people that would do us harm in our country. I appreciate the sacrifices that our servicemen and women have made but it appears to me that there will always be a war or conflict in some part of the world that we will become involved in and the reason is always to "protect our freedoms". Wouldn't it be wonderful if all people on this earth that God created would take care of their plot of land and not try to take over what does not belong to them? Jealousy, greed, dishonesty, and covertness are terrible things and I do believe that those things are what motivates countries to war.

We, here in the United States, can go to the schools of our choice, we can wear the clothes that we like, we can work at jobs that we enjoy, we spend our money to suit our purposes (except for taxes which nobody likes) and most importantly we can worship our Lord as we see fit. Today, being Sunday and Independence Day, I will pray an extra prayer at my worship service for all of the service men and women and thank God that I was born in the United States and not in some other country where religion is not allowed as an individual preference. Have you ever given thought to wonder why you were born where you were, at the time you were, to the parents that you had, etc? It is not luck as I have thought in the past. It was the plan of God and I thank Him.

Now, after all of that sermon I will tell you that last night I had a hot dog, a hamburger and watched fireworks from my apartment yard. Tonight I will watch the big show of fireworks on my TV and probably eat another hamburger which seems to be the food that accompanies the 4th of July. In fact, when Tracey brought me the hamburgers and hot dogs she supplied me with red plates, blue cups, and red white and blue napkins. All I needed was a big old American Flag flying in my breezeway like Billy always had. He did love the flag. As I have said before change comes to everybody - a new abode, new health issues, new grandchildren and great-grandchildren, new friends, new ideas on subjects, just lots of things in life. One thing will never change and that is that we are free to embrace changes and to always know that one thing that will never change is that God is good - all the time.

JUST DROPPING IN TO SAY HELLO

I was reminded by a friend today that my last post on this blog was quite some time ago so, therefore, I decided that today would be a good time to say "hello" to my friends and family who take the time to read my rambling thoughts.

Actually, I haven't had very much happening that I felt was worthy to convey. However, I will tell you about my past week-end. Jacque and Wayne invited me to ride to Dyersburg for the occasion of Connor Pigg's 6th Birthday party. They told me that we would go for a "surprise breakfast" on our way out of town. I had in my mind that it would be Loveless Restaurant because it was on the way to West Tennessee. Was I ever shocked and surprised when Wayne pulled into the parking lot of The Farm House Restaurant on the grounds of the Fontanel Mansion. You may remember that Barbara Mandrell and her family built this beautiful estate many years ago and lived there until they moved away and sold it. Now the grounds contain a gift shop, a restaurant, an Amphitheater, walking trails, bus tours and many other things. We had a wonderful breakfast and a good visit to the gift shop before getting back into the car for our trip. The ride to Dyersburg was reminiscent of the many times that I went to Martin, TN when Tracey was in school at U. T. Martin. Same road, same scenery, different exit. Our visit to Leslie and Russell's lovely home was extraordinary. The party was quite an extravaganza as Leslie had researched a Ball Team Party and it was complete with ball park music, popcorn, hot dogs, candy, ice cream served in plastic ball caps, a big softball pinata filled with candy that was finally broken by a child's strong arm at bat. Connor and his friends enjoyed every facet of the party and I observed everything from a chair in the shade. Needless to say the weather was beastly hot. It was evident to me that Leslie and Russell have made many friends in the short time they have lived in Dyersburg and are quite embraced by the community. They have the ability to go into a strange city and endear themselves to the inhabitants in record time. This makes me very happy and also very proud.

I haven't had a very active week due to the 90+ degree days. It appears that when I go outside and the heat surrounds me I just melt as if I was made of snow. Little by little my stamina goes, my breathing is shallow and I find myself seeking shelter and air conditioning wherever it may be. I really enjoy the grocery store, the library and any restaurant available. My apartment is so very comfortable and cool that my favorite place these days is in my lounge chair with a good book. When I remember the days before air conditioning I just marvel at the way I lived and withstood the heat with very little argument or discussion about the weather. I can remember coming home from the hospital with Corinne and the temperature was 105. We went into our apartment on Greerland Drive and put the new baby in her cradle and there was not a dry thread on her clothing or mine. With electric fans and windows open to the breeze we went about our lives never knowing that the day would come that windows would close and fans would be a thing of the past and the temperature could be controlled. I suppose that a list could be compiled a mile long of changes that have occurred during my lifetime that have made living much easier so it makes me wonder why I do so much whining about this and that. I remember asking Aunt Ree to tell me about the things that had changed in her 98 years of living and she would talk about street cars, telephones where you had to tell the operator what number you wanted and so many things that she remembered. It seemed hilariously funny but some day my great-grandchildren will laugh at things that are happening here and now. I go over to Kim's house and my son-in-law, Brad, has an electronic book that he reads, he has a telephone that does everything, he has a DVD, a BluRay and many more gadgets that only he knows how to operate. I wouldn't dare to touch his big TV because he has so many remote controls on his table. Too much for this old mind of mine to absorb. I do well to write on this blog and sometimes I erase my writing before I can say "Publish Post". I do love to fool with the computer and learn how to do new things but sometimes I have to call Kim to come and fix my "disasters".

Today I am going to an East High Luncheon that is held every month at a restaurant in Madison. We normally have between 85 and 100 people in attendance. It is always fun to see some of the people that I went to school with as well as people that were before me and after me in classes. I will never lose my love for my high school and my high school friends. I lost a very good friend this month, George Hulsey. He had a beautiful voice and just last month I heard him sing "Can't Help Falling In Love With You" and it was so pretty even at his advanced age. He sang at my wedding and many weddings of my friends. I will miss him because he was a big part of a group that got together frequently. Didn't mean to write morbid thoughts but it does seem as though I have lost a lot of friends lately. Funerals are not my favorite outings but they have been a big part of my schedule lately.

Very soon the month of June will be over and we will be celebrating the 4th of July. I love that day with red, white and blue shirts and the flag being displayed, hot dogs and hamburgers and the wonderful fireworks shows that so many places display. The Nashville Fireworks at Riverfront Park are really spectacular. I may possibly be in Jackson, Mississippi for the 4th this year and I understand they have a huge celebration at the Country Club where Chris and his family are members. That will be fun and if I do go I will have a good report to write about. The year is moving on and before you know it we will be celebrating end of the year holidays. I don't know why it is but time, or the lack of it, seems to be prominent in my life these days. Seems like the days just fly by and I wonder what I am accomplishing. Maybe I should make a resolve right now to use each day that I have to the fullest potential. That would be a good resolution for everybody. God gives each of us 24 hours each day and if we don't use it then we lose it. He gives us our abilities, our time, our necessities, our luxuries, and He gives us love. It is more than we deserve but aren't we glad? God is good - all the time.

JUST RAMBLING THOUGHTS

Today is Wednesday, June 9th. It is hard to realize that the year is almost half over. That sounds like I am a person that says the "glass is half empty" rather than the "glass is half full" and really I am a "full" person by nature. Maybe I am just a little bit depressed today because it is a depressing day of clouds, thunder, rain and lots of wind. I haven't been outside at all today because it was not conducive to walking or sitting on the porch. However, I have been at this computer many hours catching up on my East High Scholarship work and when I finish with that I can put my files away for another year. I really do enjoy working at this new, fancy desk that I have and it is much easier to type when I can pull out the part of the desk that holds my keyboard and not have to reach over the desk as I did for many years. I sold my old desk in the estate sale and somebody really got a good old desk. It belonged to Billy and it was big and heavy and served a great purpose for many years.

One reason I am feeling "down" a bit is because I buried one of my dear, longtime friends, George Hulsey, yesterday. He and I graduated from high school together and his wife Rachel and I were friends since high school. Rachel left us 5 months ago and poor George just couldn't make it without her. I have heard of people dying of a broken heart and scoffed at it but now I believe that there is more truth to that than I knew. He did have many health issues but he grieved all the time for his Rachel. Another friend of long standing, Kenneth Haas, had a stroke and fortunately it is not a bad stroke (if there is such as thing as good or bad strokes) and that has made me sad. You know, Art Linkletter was so right when he made the statement that "old age is not for sissies". A person has to be tough and have lots of stamina to handle old age for themselves as well as for their friends.

Life at my apartment is getting so much better. It never was bad but for some time I almost felt as though I was visiting and not living here. Now, it seems like everything is in order and more and more I am getting used to my surroundings - not only here in the apartment but in the streets and places around me. For instance, yesterday I went to the Hendersonville Library and got my library card. The library building is beautiful and so spacious. You could put two Madison libraries in this one. I have never seen so many rooms for this and rooms for that and the number of books, DVD's, VCR's and everything was astounding. The place was buzzing with people of all ages and I know that I will enjoy spending time there. Also, right next to the library is a park with lots of trees and tables and a really good place to spend a lazy Summer afternoon reading and enjoying the park. In fact, there is a track here at my apartment complex that goes under the street and ends at this park and if I could walk several miles it would be great exercise for me. I'm not up to miles of walking at this point but who knows what might happen. It is something to think about for sure.

It seems as though I went to Florida at the perfect time. From what I read and hear that oil stuff is moving into places like Destin, Panama City, etc. When we were in Destin it was perfect. The days were warm but not too hot, the ocean was calm and beautiful, the seafood was excellent and it was just a wonderful place to be. I feel sorry for all of the people that have vacations planned and are canceling their plans and losing out on what I enjoyed for five days.

When I sat down here to write today I thought I had a lot to say but now it appears that I am just rambling on and on about nothing so I will close and make me some dinner. The vegetables are beginning to be so tasty and I have enjoyed cooking squash, green beans and even the tomatoes that I bought the other day are enjoyable on a BLT sandwich. Each season has a special gift and the Summer gift is the good vegetable crop. As always, I can say that God knows what we need and supplies it for us. God is good - all the time.