Good morning, Lloyd.  I hope when you see the doctor tomorrow you get a good report.

Vanilla-Jackie--Nice story.

Sandy--Good morning.  Glad all is well in your part of the country.

A late Good Morning to all.  I'm running a little behinder this morning but getting there eventually.  Yesterday we had such a lovely day.  The weather was beautiful and the temps and humidity were down.  Thanks to the "after storm" effect it was beautiful.  We went to a brand new park just 15 min. from us and walked and watched all of the little children laughing, running, playing on all of the neat and brand new play-ground equipment.  David walked around a little and I sat and people watched.  Then we drove over to another park that surrounds a restored historic grist mill and I walked a little and David walked some more around the large mill pond.  We are so blessed here in Cary to have many, many parks and new ones being built nearly every year.  I just googled and this new park makes 32 parks within Cary's city limits.  Also, we have several over in South Raleigh that are easy drives to go to.  I'm grateful to the town planners who consider parks to be high on the priority list.

With all that walking and a stop for a very good dinner at Bob Evans (Chicken Fried Steak....one of my favorites) I was really tired when we got home so I slept quite awhile in the recliner while watching TV through my eyelids and then went to bed and slept like a log all night long.  I woke up feeing so refreshed to another beautiful day.

Today is laundry day and whatever else I can think of.  Take care, everyfriend, and I hope it will be a good day for you, too.

Merry Monday and Happy Labor Day.

If I understand correctly this is supposed to be a "Rest From Your Labor" Day - but I don't think very many of us have that need.....well, maybe except JaneS and Lloyd.

My family is scattered.  Miss Ellen has finished her performances in Tulsa and is coming home for a few weeks before her next adventure.  Miss Emily and brother Carson came home after the OSU football game on Saturday- going back this afternoon.  Their Dad (#1 son - meaning "oldest", not "most favorite) is dove hunting on some family property in one direction and #2 son is on our property in another direction setting up game cams and feeders in preparation for deer season in October.

I'm having a "leisurely" day at home.  Might treat myself to some KFC or a fast food burger later on.

Wishing Everyfriend Everywhere a lovely day.

Good morning from the Interior!

After six or more days of sunny, dry and cooler weather, I awoke this morning to foggy, trails of mist,and pouring rain. Mother Nature has had it in for us all summer it seems! My barbeque I'm going to today will probably end up inside instead of out.

Farrah was feeling afraid and jumpy yesterday, and I hope she is over it today. She continually comes up wanting to play, and I'm just not that mobile these days. I feel guilty and wish we were allowed a second pet. I think we would both be happier!

MaryAnn, I enjoyed seeing your photo with Norm and Dot yesterday, and it was nice to "see" you!

I've got a busy if damp day scheduled so I best get moving and hope everyone is having a sunny, bright labor day or otherwise enjoying a very nice day!

Phyllis--How lucky you are to have so many parks to visit.  Sure wouldn't get bored when you can pick from so many.  When my sister was a snowbird here, they liked to go to Bob Evans.  I loved the chicken fried steak, sans the gravy.  Since her husband died, and she sold their villa, she hasn't been back, and I haven't been to Bob Evans.

Callie--Your family is scattered, but at least they aren't too far away.  Mine are now several thousand miles away.

angelface--At least you had a few days of nice weather.  Enjoy the barbeque.

It is still morning here in So. Ca. but after nine a.m. When I spoke to our Jackie, it was early morning for her, but bedtime for me. And did I ever sleep well. I have been sleeping with just a sheet covering me, last night I felt cool so put a light blanket over the sheet and slept so well, I woke up an hour later this morning. Seven a.m. instead of six.By eight I had finished my daily prayer readings and the exercises and leg massage I do daily, now at nine, I am with you all slurping on my first cup of coffee.

We have nary a single program listed for today. I guess they want us to really rest from our labors, but mostly it will give those that do all the programing can have the day off. I think that is being very kind of the employers. The only ones working will have to be the kitchen/dining room team, a skeleton crew of maintenance, and of course the clinic….that is 24/7 at all times. I am content with that.

Another nice day for Stanton, Ca. I will be getting a grocery delivery between 11 and  3p.m. so I am at home during those hours. When I give them a four hour window, delivery costs just 6 dollars and 50 cents. Half of what it would cost for a "right now" delivery. And it gives me good reason to just stay put at home. I can still get out to walk the hallways if needed.

Life is good and I am so grateful.

Callie, your life sounds very pleasant and having so many parks is truly a gift from your city. In this area where I live now, it seems you just drive from one small town to another with no greenery in between. Just busy streets, stores, homes, and businesses. Orange Co. Has become a very popular place to live in the past  hundred years.

Bis, I am sorry you are so separated from family now, but you do know that if they are needed they would be there as soon as possible. I would never dream of leaving here if Gary and Dori should decide to move away, which I don't think they plan to do in my life time. They are so active with pastoring their Church, and they are free to visit their kids when they want to.  Dan and Nancy are content with their life in Santa Cruz, but they pop out to see me once a year, and that is enough. With the computer I visit with them when ever I want to. And with all you dear friends here, as close as my keyboard, I am content.

Good afternoon, well the big storm missed us. Now that I have all my plants in the house.We  were very lucky. To day the ocean is wild looking.  It is also very windy and rain expected this afternoon

gloria so glad to see you back with us.  You were missed.

It is Sept. so the clubs start up.  Lassies our womens club here in the park with be Wed., Thursday is Rec. Club meeting, the owner of the park is there on the first meeting. So it is well attened. Friday I have Home makers, next Friday I will be teaching a class on knitting fingerless gloves. I have been a member of Homemakers for over 50 years. I started when it was called HomeExtenion.

Thanks Joan for goodies.

Everyone enjoy your Labor Day fun.

Joan, having family near doesn't necessarily mean seeing them often - especially when football and hunting seasons begin and more especially, as The Grands grow up and move out on their own.

That's o.k.  I don't do Guilt Trips and absolutely refuse to be the kind of mom/MIL/grandmother who lets everyone know how (lonely-sad-bored-"fill in the blank") she is and expects them to Do Something About It.

#2 son used to say he was going to tie a bell on me so he could keep up with where I was.  I told him,  "I'll wear one if you will."   -----End of conversation 

I've gotten out the Fall house decorations and have just added 3 books to my e-book library account.

Onward and Upward.

June--I am glad you slept so well with a blanket.  I always use a blanket because I have to keep my a/c set at 73°.  Nice you can get grocery delivery on Labor Day.  Oh yes--family would be here quickly if I needed them.  They all chose careers/jobs that located them far away.

Linedancer--Glad the big storm missed you.  You have many activities coming up.  I admire you for getting out and being active.

Callie--I do not do guilt trips.  I simply stated that my entire family lives so far away that they can only come once a year--if that.  It used to be I would go visit them, but now not being able to fly prohibits that.  And the portable oxygen is only good for 4-5 hours, so car trips are not possible.

Oh, Joan,  please forgive me if I sounded like you were "doing a guilt trip". I did not mean that at all at all!

I was thinking of friends with adult children living in the same area who expect to be together at least weekly, if not more often.....and complain when that doesn't happen.

(These perpetual mommies also seem to be on the cell phone with their adult darlings about every 15 minutes!!! I wouldn't know what to talk about that often.)

O.K. - off my soap box. 

I have 2 right here in town.  I see Cathy at least once a week.  If we haven't seen one another all week, she stops during her running around to visit for as long as she has to spare on Saturday.  I cherish those moments.  My son also lives here and we text.  If it's his turn to pick up Kiran, I see him.  If it's not, I don't.  He is so busy with his business and in the Fall and Winter, his duties increase.  He gets Kiran ready and takes her to school and he coaches the Girls High School basketball team. Cindy comes home from Texas at least 2 times a year and the last couple times, she's stayed with me.  I love that, too.  If Frankie is here, I see Christy often.  If she isn't, and she won't be coming here, I see Christy rarely.  If I need something, she'll come.  I talk to her or text a couple times a week.  Cindy and I text almost every day.  [b[I don't do guilt trips either.  They are so useless and they must make both parties feel resentful.[/b]

So far, it's been a leisurely day.  I went and had my ears lowered and I was lucky enough to get my favorite gal.  She calls everyone "Hon" about a hundred times.  But she is so sincere about everything she says that you don't mind. 

Guess I better get my clothes changed, feed the doggies and be on my way or I'll miss the picnic. 

P.S.  I know that both of you are not Guilt Trippers.  And I'm pretty sure that's true of Everyfriend in here.  We are all far too independent for that!

Bis, like you, I do not believe in guilt trips either...to me that is using or abusing any relationship with others. And I feel free not to accept a guilt trip either, not that my kids would ever lay one on me. I am so happy to be in a place now that offers so much care, but still leaves me independent. My happiness comes that it truly gives my kids the freedom to come and go as they please. Anything that happens with me medically, is immediately phoned to Gary. That really surprised me.

Callie--Thanks for the explanation.  We are have different lifestyles and many times logistics play into that.

Janie--You seem to do well seeing or talking to family.  For sure none of us are guilt trippers.

June--I am sure it gives your boys peace of mind to know that if anything happens with you, Gary would be called.

I had a large family, but after my parents and daughter died, everyone scattered to the four winds. Three out of 12 live overseas and the rest in Oregon, Idaho, California, Colorado and Kansas. None seem to be especially close, even in the immediate family and that is just plain sad. So enjoy your families, these times pass and won't come again.

We'll just have to be your close "relatives" Angelface/Patricia.  We can all be cousins together.

Hi everyone.  I want to post this evening as have a very busy day tomorrow.  Pat has an early appointment, then I have a meeting at the church regarding our Senior luncheon group and finally have to be at the hospital for some more lab work and then a doctor's appointment.  By the time I get home I will need to rest and then think about our evening meal.  We had a very quiet day today.  I couldn't stop at COSTCO as they were closed for the holiday but I did attend my Monday meeting.

Interesting postings today but will forego comments.

Patricia, I value the friendship of all of you here more than words can say. I am the last of my "birth" family, and the last of my good friends. i am blessed with my two sons, the grandchildren and great grandchildren. I see only my sons and their dear good wives mostly, the Grands and Gr. Grands have their own friends and families, but I know they love me, and I value that. But what we share here with one another, has a life of it's own. We share, we are warmed by the sharing. We are not obliged or obliging, we are just simply friends, children of God, that have a special understanding of one another. Such a valuable part of our personal lives. So I pray you never, ever, feel alone. We are as close as our computers.

Hi Janie, yes, we are very special "relatives" aren't we ?

Larry, dear friend, it sounds like you are pushing yourself. Don't do more than you absolutely have to do.

Time to fix myself some supper. I don't feel up to going downstairs and being "social", so since I ordered some new items for me on my grocery delivery today, I am going to fix a frozen Jimmy Dean breakfast for supper, with some nice fresh sour dough bread toasted, and some fruit for dessert. The frozen dinner is scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes and cheddar cheese. sounds just right for me. I'll let you know later how it was.

June,  you're having my favorite kind of "supper".    

Jane, thought I better make an appearance, even tho it is getting late in the evening. Since you mentioned that the other "J" was missing.    Thanks, tho, for thinking of me.   I really must make a better effort to check in more often. 

Even though I do read messages mostly every day, I don't always comment. And, I do know, it only takes a minute or two to just stop by and say "Hi".   Just really don't have a very interesting life, so figure I don't do that many interesting things.  LOL

I was busy most of the day. Went to my oldest son's for a Labor Day dinner. My two other sons and 2 daughter-in-laws were also there. We had planned to have steamed crabs, but the place where we usually get them wasn't able to get any because of the storm coming up the east coast.   So, my son, who is always ready and willing to cook, said he would fix dinner.  We had steamed shrimp, lobster tails, roasted potatoes, coleslaw and macaroni salad.  Key lime pie, mini eclairs and coconut cake for dessert.  So, it was just as good as having steamed crabs, only not as messy. 

It was a nice afternoon and evening.  They have a horse farm, so we sat on the deck and watched the horses in the field and at dusk, the deer appear at the edge of the woods.  Also a big group of Canadian geese always make an appearance.  It was nice and warm and very peaceful.  They live far enough back from the main road that you don't hear any traffic.  Sometimes there are lots of airplanes going over as they are on a flight path to BWI airport, but today must have been an off day, as didn't hear any planes going over at all. 

So, I will say good night, and go get ready for bed, but will read for a while. 

Have a good rest of the evening.

Joy

 angelface555
It relay is a sad shame how family's do not stay together anymore. I made a mistake and left but we got back to gather and for the most part all was forgiven. so all is well that ends well. have a rest of the day the best.

Lloyd

Some folks are bringing us memories of past gatherings and "bashes".  Join the fun at:  Meetings and Gatherings. 

If you have photos of any meetings you've had with SN or S&F friends we'd love to see them.  If you need help posting them, just let me know.

Just really don't have a very interesting life.  Joy i bet you do just a quite more inward person, but when you do elaborate it is totally to the point, have a good night's sleep.

Lloyd

Went to my Granddaughters for supper tonite.  Had beef fajitas and all the trimmings.  They ordered out and were delivered.  They were excellent.

Speaking of family, that is what our topic of conversation was about.  Christmas time and all the family and where to put all the out of town bunch.  And  I will leave it at that.

Tired to the bone, Good night, God Bless and Sweet dreams.

Callie, I could only eat half of the Jimmy Dean "breakfast", so I will have the other half tomorrow morning. I rarely eat a big breakfast but it may be a good plan to get into.

I just took a nice long walk around the outside of our property...all locked in so I felt secure and it was a beautiful walk. Nice clean air and that will mean a nice good sleep. May our Good God bless you all this night, and we will meet again in the morning. Hugs, Love and Prayers, June.

Larry, I am pretty sure the name I'm looking for was A. Swenson.  "Aut Swenson â€" who also operated the Thrillcade show"...........  too long ago and nobody from my old days around that knew about him.  At the time I thought he was as big of a name as Joey Chitwood and thought he was one of the drivers.  Thanks for the thought. 

Busy day again tomorrow, my 5 hours sleep last night and only 4+ the night before has me running on empty.  We are back in the heat & high humidity mode so a struggle to keep up with everything to do outside.  Had a nice picnic at the church this evening, the planners did a fantastic job of feeding and entertaining all ages.  Cats are all fed and out for the night and my eye lids are at half mast, time to turn out the lights.  Sweet dreams.  Shirley

Another "J" checking in.....

Unfortunately, I have not been doing very good at posting....time is moving much too quickly for me.  I am caught up with all the posts tonight, but now I am so tired, I just keep nodding off. 

I have been out of town attending my 50th class reunion in a little town in SW Colorado called Cortez.  It is a 7 plus hour drive and we left last Thursday morning fairly early. Enjoyed a beautiful drive.  We stayed with my best friend at her families home that she grew up in.  Her brother and his wife live there now, but they were away for the holiday weekend.  It was so much fun.  We attended a Friday night get together at the local Elks Club.  Then Saturday at noon about 12 of us ladies met for lunch.  That night was a dinner with everyone and it was delightful.   Staying with Patti and her husband we got to reminisce a lot.....her hubby was in our class as well. Sunday morning we all packed up...had a nice breakfast out and then said our goodbyes.  The  SouthWest corner of the state is just so beautiful.  Cortez is surrounded by three mountain ranges....The La Plata's, The Mesa Verde and the Sleeping Ute.  They are all beautiful mountain ranges.   I left feeling happy as can be that I attended, but sad that it was all,over.  We had a safe drive home and enjoyed all the views. 

On this note, I MUST say goodnight to EVERYFRIEND. 

PLEASANT DREAMS TO ALL.

Jenny

JUNEDRABEK.....
....yes I so agree, we have become one large, although now getting a tad smaller, family.....I personally have been a member now for over five years, came a year after this forum opened....but during those years my family ( S & F's, mainly our Soda Shoppe friends ) have been through my ups and downs, been with me while I traced my family, although all past history is now wiped out since our forum had to start up fresh again this year...you have also been on my leading up to MS journey, amongst many other journeys...the same goes for me as to your journeys, and there have been many, some good, some sad and bad...

JENNY....
... a good morning and a good night....happy to read your 50th class reunion went well and all to plan...

Good Tuesday morning, Everyfriend.   There's a blueberry coffee cake to accompany your coffee or tea. I wish everyone a great day!!





50th Wedding Anniversary

During their 50th anniversary wedding celebration at a banquet in their honor, my Dad was asked to give a brief account of the benefits achieved from being married for so long.

My father stood up, thought for a long moment, then said, "Well, I've learned that marriage is the best teacher of all. It teaches you loyalty, meekness, forbearance, self-restraint, forgiveness, and...." he paused.

"And?" someone cried out from the back of the room.

"...and a great many other qualities you wouldn't have needed if you'd stayed single!" my father exclaimed.

The room erupted in laughter.



Promise Keeping

By John Kuperus

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75

Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.”
Matthew 26:35
In the movie It Can Happen to You, a police officer is unable to pay a tip, so he promises the waitress half of a lottery winning the next day if he wins. He wins four million dollars. His wife does not want him to share the money with the waitress. Cage has to decide ¬whether or not to keep his promise, which he does at a price.
Peter made a promise to Jesus: “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” Yet later that night Peter “wept bitterly” because he had denied three times that he knew Jesus, who had now been arrested. How could Peter be a loyal friend at one moment and then disown Jesus the next?
If we are honest, we have to admit that we could have done the same. Peter was probably afraid that he could be arrested and sentenced with Jesus. In fact, all of Jesus’ disciples deserted him that night. Alone outside at dawn, Peter wept bitterly, having broken his relationship with Jesus. But thankfully Peter’s relationship with Jesus did not end there. After his death and resurrection, Jesus forgave and restored Peter to serve him more boldly than before (John 21:15-19).
Our world is full of broken promises. Yet at the center of life is the promise-keeping God who went to the cross to restore our broken world and our broken lives, calling us to serve. We might fail, but God never does.
Father, thank you for providing a way back into relationship with you even after we fail. May we serve you faithfully and boldly for Jesus’ sake. Amen.


“There are two ways of being rich.  One is to have all you want, the other is to be satisfied with what you have.”

~ Author Unknown

Good Morning Everyfriend!  I woke up at my usual time this morning without the help of the alarm (which I forgot to set) and without the help of the dogs.  I guess my internal alarm was working fine.

Our nights are made for sleeping these days but we're still in for some hot days before Fall enters the picture.

Jenny, what a nice weekend you had in your hometown!  Sometimes it's nice to reminisce.  Around here, those of us who never left, get together once a month for breakfast and when anyone comes home for any reason, we gather for dinner. Having had a small class, it makes us appreciate one another more.  This past week, we lost another classmate.  He was a real diamond in the rough!  He would have done anything for any of us.  Everyone loved Dutch!  But he always said it as it was and let the chips fall where they may.  He will be missed.

Joy, I'm so glad to see you checking in.  You may think your life is not reportable but we're always happy to see you!  Come back often!

I'll be off to Wally World later to meet and greet my public.  After the long weekend, I predict that we won't be very busy.  I hope I'm wrong.

I wish you all a good day.  Take it and make it yours.