Saturday afternoon ride

Today turned out to be beautiful as any one that was near the out of doors would testify. Just perfect temperature, sunny skies, and all around perfect. So, since we didn't wind up doing the "patio experience" with our friends, we took a ride to Blue Licks State Park. This is a destination we take several times a year for the scenery, home cooked buffet and together time. As we were heading out Paris Pike, just beautiful horse farms, Clyde asked me if I wanted to turn around and go back to see an especially nice group of horses. Yes....so here are a few photos.

Morning with Miss Maggie

While Becky and Jason took the boys to Silas' birthday party at Boyd's Orchard, I got to keep Maggie! She is so precious. Just a delightful little girl. She is so pretty with her light colored hair and curls. Her eyes are brown, like her daddy's. We all love her dearly. I think Pap relives having a little blonde haired girl just like her almost 30 years ago. Becky was a daddy's girl but was always able to stay close to mom! I made sure of that. I wanted a daughter and decided long ago we would remain close. It is a fact that although we don't agree on all "life lessons" she listens to me and shows respect, then does what she and Jason deem best. That is all I ask. I treat her children as I treated my own. I don't have the same energy, but that's why God gave them to Jason and Becky to raise. I am thankful they include us in their lives.

Today I have watched all morning the funeral of Senator Ted Kennedy. Anyone that knows me, will know that I do not agree with many of his views/issues, especially the one of abortion. He is known in the Senate as the "Liberal Lion" and that is just about as opposite my conservative views as night is from day. However, I could not help but appreciate the way he was with his brother's children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and the Americans he wanted to see have equal rights....the poor, equality in education and so on, I watched to see what was said of him. Some words did recall him as not a perfect man, especially his early life sins. The message however was strong on his qualities in the senate and the man he became. I certainly do not agree with aborting an unborn that has no voice in this terrible action, but I did watch to the end. He was someone's son, husband, father, and friend. I do pray he rests in peace.

This is a red Knockout rose bush we planted after we moved in. It is much bigger in real life. This is a great view out my dining room window. The impatients are all volunteer (earlier post).

Mid Week Dinner

For the past couple of months, Jason has been looking to buy a house using the $$ for first time buyers. So, he has been on line more than ever looking for the "right" house. He loves the house in Winchester with the big backyard, two car garage and fully finished basement. For all intents and purposes the house is his, although our name is on the deed. It's hard to sell (or move from) a house that you like so well to one in a town you want to live in (Lexington was home all his life) that is smaller (not as much Bang to the Buck in Lex.) There were a couple of "possibilities" tonight, so we'll see.
Several times today I was reminded of the date, August 26th. This is my sister and brother in laws 42nd anniversary! I didn't call or go by but my thoughts were with her. Directly after school, I visited mom & dad, went straight home, and out with Clyde to meet up with Jason.
It's pretty remarkable in this day to celebrate over 40 yrs. of marriage. I have always admired Beverly for her happy marriage and very strong Christian faith. She walks the walk each day. She is the "hands on" mother in every way, as well as a very involved nona (spelling?) Her grandkids mean the world to her and they love her dearly. She and Larry attend every activity they possibly can the kids are in. Band competitions, music programs, school events and many baseball games.
I would have been 13 when I was in their wedding. I'm sure she most likely didn't "need" me in their wedding, but she used me as a junior bridesmaid. I remember the wedding and was proud to stand up along with her friends beside her. Blessings Larry & Bev for many more happy, healthy years of married life. Bev., if you are reading today read my P.S.!
P.S. I know how Larry loves to fish...I have posted a blog below that has a link to my friend Fred's blog. He is flyfishing in Wyoming and has a very interesting entry for Mon & Tues. He caught the BIG one! I know Larry would love reading Fred's trip, if he has the time to look.

Family Dinner

As most of my friends know, we meet Jason Allen on Wednesday's for dinner. Our usual "fare" is Cracker Barrel but sometimes we eat at Cheddars or Logans. I like having the whole family here as we enjoy the kids more. They get to run and play and we can sit and talk if they let us. So, that's what we did tonight. I used a cajun run (after slathering with olive oil) and wrapped in foil last night. I rushed home (after dropping by moms for some fresh picked green beans...cooked) and put the pork in the oven. I baked it for 40 min. then removed it, cut it open and stuffed it with spinach leaves, roasted tomatoes in a jar and shredded jalepeno jack cheese. I roll it back up and continue baking for 40 minutes (I always let it sit until everyone's ready to eat)...then I take it out, let it rest, and slice. Yum...thanks Paula Deen. Fresh corn on the cob, a green salad, watermelon cubes and bread finished off the meal. For dessert, chocolate dipped strawberries.

I think Jason is saying "put it here Cassie...you can do it!"

Saturday drive & grandkids

Today, Clyde and I took one of our favorite "short" rides to Midway. We love the food at Darlin' Jeans and I love the shops. A win win for me. The ride across Pisgah Pike is beautiful with horse farms, black fences and lots of horses. It was cloudy and cool but the drive was still nice. I love their Bagel Melt sandwich and Clyde loves their Granny Grilled Cheese. It is VERY bad...has bacon and tomato like a BLT. The french fries are the BEST. Then we topped it off by sharing a chocolate cobbler with icecream!!!! TERRIBLE, but so good.

I bought a serving plate in a cute store and at Baskets from the Bluegrass shop I bought a cheese tray and spreader.

Tonight we roasted hotdogs and the boys helped bring in the wood to build the fire. We had grapes, multi grain chips with dip, and dessert. We came in and had baths, watched some of the Nascar race in Bristol, Austin is a Jeff Gordon fan and Matthew says he wants "Fred" to win. Not sure who that is. Now all three are asleep and we are wiped out! They were good and we enjoyed having them.

So Nice Saturday!

These were taken from inside looking out my back window.

Today is Saturday, a dream day to be off work! Clyde got up at 7 a.m. and joined the "boys" at McDonalds. I made big sweet muffins, I added applesauce, blueberries and a mashed up banana and ate two!

The pond was in dire need of a "clean up" job this morning, so Clyde has been working on the pump. I have been scraping the bottom. I brought up a couple of fish and one frog. I put the fish back and dumped out the trash can to get the frog out. I will post a picture, but as Clyde said, the picture is ugly! I didn't catch him and put him among flowers or on a lilypad.

The weekend is suppose to be pretty, but it is cool now and a little cloudy. Jason is at Cumberland Lake so I am praying he is able to enjoy his visit. He will make it fun no matter what the weather!

Tonight Becky and Jason will attend "Picnic with the Pops" with Kay and Don Blevins. She is so looking forward to it. I'm not sure how many years they have been invited to join their table, but it has been years....9 or 10. We get to have the children for the evening and keep them overnight. Might be late for church tomorrow, but we'll make it! We look forward to having them. They are funny and make me laugh. Mom said she was surprised to see how tall Austin is getting. Becky took the kids by to see Matthew's papaw, Kent, and mamaw and papaw.

Our good friend, Fred, is journaling his trip out west at this time. When he was a young boy, his father took him flyfishing and Fred has continued this throughout his life. He also has passed this on to his grown son....wonder if he will pass it on to Olivia? Check out Fred's blog!

Fun Friday!

This bench was given to me by Jason Allen when I turned 50. It was the perfect gift. The first one he bought had wood on it and was better looking, but this one will withstand the rain. Today is one reason why I love working at school. Although the certified staff has to work today, the rest of us are off. So, I am loving checking out my bird population! I was blogging on the back porch when my battery went down and the electric outlet wasn't working (?) so I had to come in. I am sitting by the back window looking at the cardinals visiting. As soon as I step outside, they fly away! However, as usual the hummers just keep coming back over and again. I need to keep that feeder filled!

I am posting a few pictures from the front yard today. The impatients are all volunteer. I did not buy ONE plant this year. Wherever there is a bed of them, they came back from last year, and those came back from the year before, so on for all the years we've lived here. I did plant them the first year here, but every since they return all on their own.

Mid Week

It's Wednesday and a night we normally meet to eat with Jason. We get caught up on his week, his work, and I get a big hug...that's the best part. We saw him on Monday to look at houses, so tonight he called to say he was heading on home. We may go out another evening soon to look at more houses.

Today dad had 4 liters or more of fluid taken off of his abdomen at St. Joe. Bev. went by to take them and she and Larry stayed with mom for the afternoon. I finished work and ran by to stay until they released him. He goes back tomorrow to see Dr. Swisher about his liver. I know he felt better already after the procedure as his stomach went way down. Becky took Maggie, Matthew and Austin by to visit for a short time after they got home. My prayer is that dad will remain strong in his mind and in no real pain.

I have really enjoyed the hummingbird (there are two) that visit all day. I kept the same feeder that I have used for years, but I moved it in the back of the bog (pond). Now, he visits all day. I love seeing him come and go. The flowers that are nearby are called "cleome" but my neighbor, Larry, said his mother always called them "cats whiskers". I think they look like fireworks! Bev, if you read this, and you still need a bird shot, come by anytime to see if the hummer is here.

Tuesday Tuneup!

We got our "grandchildren fix" tonight! As good as they are, we are ready when mom or dad comes back. We play outside, playing chase, baseball, and swinging them for as long as we can last. Then we all come in, clean up as best we can, and head for Fazoli's. Pizza for the kids with breadsticks....they like dipping the bread in something, so we give them a little spaghetti sauce. They sat very nicely during supper, no tears, and then got to go in the back room to play with the "kids night" games. Tonight they had playdough for the boys and they liked playing with it.

I know it's not easy for Jason and Becky. Please pray for them, their family, their marriage to stay as strong as it is and grow even stronger. Jason drives two hours to come home to help get the kids ready for bed and visit with them a short while. He is working in Northern Ky. and could stay there overnight, but he comes home. Becky had an Open House at WCH tonight so we went to get the boys at Tots and kept them until Jason got home. We love them dearly, and we were happy to see them. We don't see them as often now that school has started.

On a sadder note, dad hasn't been feeling real well lately. Today he went to the doctor and they sent him to have a MRI. This showed his liver wasn't working right. He has been retaining a lot of fluid, so his pills aren't doing their job. The doctor took him off lasiks (spelling?) and to cut back on the amount of fluids he drinks. Now they have called him and said to come in to the hospital tomorrow to "withdraw" this fluid. Mom said they said there was "lots" wrong with him. However, to me he is still dad! He plays Rook several times a week and beats me and mom about half the time! He is sharp, even though he can't hear well. He has a disadvantage with hearing, but his mind makes up for it! No parents should go through what my mom and dad have dealt with in their "golden years". We love them so much. Please pray for dad.

Service in Love

In a blog entry this morning I wrote about our service this weekend on love. I wrote the verse in Galatians and today we experienced it full circle. First, this morning after Becky's family went to church, they went to Walmart and bought three toys. While there they saw a lady in a wheelchair and a man with his son went up to her and gave her a $50 gift card. They had more of them in their hand. After Walmart, Jason drove his family downtown to find children to give the toys to. They drove round and round looking for kids. Then they decided to go to Cardinal Valley where Becky spoke to the adults in Spanish very easily. They carried on a good conversation, and her children were able to find two boys and a little girl to give the new toys to. Then after we came home from the lake today, we went up to Sonics to get a burger. We pulled up and saw a young boy drinking a cold drink. I saw him look into his wallet, and when our waiter came up to bring our food, he told us the young boy had paid for our food. He rode off on his bike and we tried to thank him. We told our waiter he must have been from Southland and then we gave him the same amount our food would have cost us for his tip. He asked if we were like "paying it forward" and I told him something like that. Just passing on the love. Blessings everyone!

Cumberland Lake

Since before Jason and Becky were born, 32 years, we have been boating with Chris and Susan Wiley. We have never owned a boat, just went along with them! Early years we would stay with Susan's parents in their mobile home and walked through the woods to a cove. From there we would be picked up by the boat and dropped off at the end of the day. We "dropped" a ski in the cove while trying to learn to slalom. We laid on floats there and floated around to cool off. We all skied and all learn to ski on one. Those were the days of youth and energy! Today was a different story. Clyde and I haven't skied for a long time (several years) and Clyde and I both came up our second try. He went a little longer than I, and I went a shorter distance than I have ever skied....not too much to brag about, but we did it! Chris and Sue still looked like pros!
The weather was great, the food on the boat good, and we met Joe's fiance' Stephanie. She is a doll and very nice. A very cute couple. I will post a few pictures of our day.
Thanks Chris and Sue for all the fun lake trips through the years! We love you guys.

A Lake Outing!

I took this after Becky came back from getting her "back to school" haircut...so cute! I am very proud of Becky. She has always had a "heart" for the hurting. Her mission trips showed that. She would have brought several of the children home from Haiti if she was allowed. I know her family, Matthew and his family, will be better for she and Jason taking him into their home and hearts. We all need to pray daily for Matthew to grow up with love in his heart and for Austin to know they did this out of love. A lot about love...that's the sermon Jon preached last night! Sermon notes at the bottom of this blog.

If you happen to have checked out my blog since Tues., you will have noticed no new entries! Well, I lost my camera....tragic for me. I take it with me everywhere I go. It's not an expensive one, but I have taken photos since Jason and Becky were babies. I even made my own version of a scrapbook (wish I had used the "right" type of paper, tape, and added cute "add ons" and I would be rich by now! I did have all their teachers, through elementary school, sign it and pasted their photos on each page. It was good recently going through and reading notes about their life as they grew up.

Anyway, back to my camera...it was lost and now it's found!!! I couldn't remember where I placed it, but (now that Clyde found it) I remember putting it in the center compartment of the Avalon. I even recall (now!) that I thought to myself "self (that's what Austin would say) don't forget you are putting it in here!" Well, I forgot. So, today, as we are heading out for Cumberland Lake with the Wiley's (this goes way back, but it's been a LONG time since we've went boating) he found it in the car!! Yeah. I will take photos today and post them tomorrow.
I always write a note to my kids as I leave town, usually not for a one day trip, however. But I AM going out on a boat after all and I AM 55 years old (don't laugh, I know this isn't like doing something courageous, but it is big for me). So, I will say, I love you guys....Austin, you're Nana's little man. When we leave each other, one of us will call out "I love YOU more....from the grass to the sky", or something silly like that. This was before Maggie and Matthew came along and could understand the words! We don't mean "I love you more than mommy or daddy, or I love you more than Maggie or Matthew", just I love YOU more than YOU love me! So, saying all that, I love all of you more. Be safe, see you there. You are family, don't forget each other.

We have the best parents any family could have...we all love them dearly.

Last night we went to church so we could get on the road early for the lake. My thoughts on the sermon....number 3 for our "IT" series. We walked in with Fred and Michelle and he noticed pretty quickly there were no musicians on the stage, no mics, no keyboards. Just one old looking sofa. There were no bulletins either. Just back to the basics. Soon (no singing) Jon came on the large screen and spoke. The message was

"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love"...Gal. 5:6

It is a radical commitment to a radical generosity.

Be the church, go into our city and serve. Do radical ACTS of love. We're on a mission to radically love this city...Go do it, go make someones day. Be the person Jesus loved and died for today...you won't ever regret loving another person. These were the points I recall from Jon's sermon.