HELLO? IDENTIFY YOURSELF!

The telephone rang yesterday afternoon and after my "hello" the caller identified herself by her first name.  No problem there, right? That is proper telephone etiquette for sure.

 My problem is, I know MANY women by that same first name.  Which one was it, my long ago friend, a volunteer in one of the many organizations where I spend time,  a relative, or the woman at the grocery store that told me of her recent husbands death?  (I held her as she cried!)

 I have a few distant relatives that don't give me a name at all, just a "hey, there," assuming that I recognize their voice and know exactly who I am talking to!!

When that happens I'm at a loss as what to say next, waiting, waiting, waiting for some clue as to who is reaching out to touch me.   It's an awkward moment! There have been times that I've listened for several MINUTES before figuring it out!

Explanation:  Several years ago I attended a book club for the first time with my neighbor at a nearby library.  We sat at the oval table along with several other strangers and proceeded to write our names on those sticky name tags.  That's always a good thing to do in a new group!  I scribbled my name as I talked with my friend, looked around the room, excitedly waiting for the leader to begin the discussion.

After a few minutes, my neighbor leaned over and whispered in my ear, "Why does your name tag say Joyce?"  I looked down. Sure enough!  I had written JOYCE as my own name!  At that time I didn't even KNOW a Joyce, was certainly NOT a Joyce, and had no intention of becoming a JOYCE! The author of the book was not named JOYCE and neither was the librarian. There was not a JOYCE in the room.  I ripped it off my shirt and confessed,  "I have NO idea why I wrote the name JOYCE."

Why do I bring up that silly TRUE story?  Well, because there are days  I evidently don't even know who I am, let alone able to recognize the women that call me up and identify themselves by their first names only!

It's a dilemma, probably a bon-a-fide disability!  But, that's the way it is! 

Please don't think me rude if I insist, "Gotta tell me who you are before we go any further here."

Maybe we should just text!  How r u? C U tmarrow! LOL! Pick U up in 60!

Geez!  That presents a whole new set of etiquette problems.  I think I'll just keep guessing!

Two Cemeteries in One Day!

The lake? the park? the picnic? the backyard bar-b-que? the pool?Nope! Honeybuns and I spent this Memorial Day morning at TWO cemeteries! Oh,  my, what an experience!

Memorial Park Cemetery  of Tulsa and American Legion Post One  raised a red, white and blue tent on the cemetery grounds, invited the Tulsa Community Band,  Washington DC dignitaries, and the 138th  Fighter Wing ANG Flyover pilots to their celebration honoring military heroes. The Young Marines presented and retired the Colors, Sue Wilson sang the National Anthem beautifully, and Bill Goswick played Taps!  The Tulsa Band was excellent! 

 Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, Director of the Air National Guard at the Pentagon was the keynote speaker. And he was FINE!  He honored the heroes of all branches of the military with dignity and respect. He drew our attention to the fact that it is ONLY the AMERICAN  soldier that is willing to die for the cause of freedom for all Americans AND foreigners who desire and deserve it as well. He reminded us that all the equipment, technology and resources available to the American military is useless without the volunteer SOLDIER that secures peace and freedom.  Lt. Wyatt exuded strength and kindness, it was a privilege to hear him. 

Veterans and their families filled the tent and received several standing ovations.  A 21 gun salute was sounded and prayers were offered. It was stirring!

Next stop, Floral Haven Cemetery of Broken Arrow.

Floral Haven must be the finest flag-place to be on Memorial Day!  Thousands of flags are placed on those grounds, each one a casket flag of a deceased military person.   Dog tags hang from the flagpoles to identify loved ones, and thousands of flowers and people filled that place today. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded with military precision and names of deceased soldiers are read aloud as family and friends stand in silence. On this sunny, windy day, it was a sight to behold!

Perhaps Arlington National Cemetery is just as impressive today, I doubt it!

So why all the ceremony and ritual?  To make absolutely sure that present and future Americans can still to go to the lakes, the parks, the picnics, the backyard bar-be-ques and the pools! 

The men and women now resting in those places deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.

(I doubt that freedom is ever really appreciated until it's taken away. I pray that we, our children and grandchildren don't have to experience that life lesson to learn it!)

Now, I'm going to go fire up the grill!

MEMORIAL DAY

Eugene Gaines

Venner Thompson

John Gaines

William "Bub" Gaines

It's not hard to remember these four men.  Their pictures hung on the walls of my childhood home and they were discussed often.  The three Gaines brothers were my uncles, the handsome Thompson man, my Dad.  Three sons and one son-in-law, all served in the Army, in the European theatre of WWII. Several years of their young lives were spent in uniform.  My grandparents often spoke of the worry, fear and critical radio reports that updated those back home of the Allies advances against the Nazis. It was a frightening period of history. Everyone at that time knew the horror of war was critical to defeat the epitome of evil.

The little town of Concord, Illinois witnessed the return of these four, and mourned her young men that gave the ultimate sacrifice.  Uncle Gene was an ambulance driver, Dad saw the horror of D-Day on Omaha Beach and the concentration camps in Germany, Uncle Johnny's stories went with him to his grave a few years ago, and Uncle Bub drove a tank in the Battle of the Bulge and got frostbite on his toes.

Only Bub survives now and he's thriving at the Veterans Home at Quincy, Illinois, age 86. Last Friday they held a Memorial Day Service there and he "waved" as they played the Army's song, no longer able to stand for applause and appreciation.

Today we remember and honor millions of men and women, just like these.  All had family and friends that loved, worried, prayed and mourned.  All saw things that innocent fresh faces ought not to see. That is the nature of war, and that is the nature of those that volunteer to keep the rest of us safe and free.

 Most of the time we take them for granted shamelessly. But this weekend flags are flying everywhere, taps are playing and flowers adorn white markers at cemeteries across the country.

The price of freedom is very high!  That's a good thing to REMEMBER!

Happy Birthday Philip

This daddy/horse is THIRTY-FOUR YEARS OLD TODAY, and is the youngest one of the three most important men in my world. And he is FINE!

He is strong and kind, brilliant and humble, fun and thoughtful.

He is a super daddy and devoted husband. He loves God and has his priorities perfectly placed. He takes care of his little family beautifully.  (He says his family isn't little, just short.)

He is my hero and my little boy.  He knows me better than I know myself sometime and I trust his counsel completely.

I think that's just the way it's supposed to be when boys become men.

He's making some fabulous memories with his own children now and it's delightful to watch it happen! He laughs at their antics and enjoys them thoroughly.

We "cheer him on from the stands" and celebrate his accomplishments! His international career takes him all over the world and he embraces the adventure. It's his turn to make the world spin now!

 He's in my thoughts and prayers every single day. Hanging out with him is a fabulous time!

 We have that sweet mother/son" relationship that only other mothers-of-sons can grasp. He can read my mind across a room and I know what he's feeling by the look on his face.  That's just the way it works!  I love it! And I love him....and as they say in this family....TO THE MOON AND BACK! 

I hope his birthday is the best one ever!

   






 








AFRICA

Twelve years ago TODAY, I was in this place!  It was a women's conference in Kitale, Kenya and I was one of four speakers invited to participate. 

While looking for something else today,  I found the scrapbook of that trip. Oh, my!  It was a few hours later before I emerged "Out of Africa!"

This trip opened my heart to the people of Africa.  These gals know how to SING, in Swahili!  And pray!  And celebrate!  And serve!

Many walked for hours to attend those meetings, sleeping on the concrete floors of that church with their babies at night. They sat on hard wooden benches for hours, thrilled to be there!

They graciously and lovingly served me and two other women from our church in Dallas, and a young married couple from Austin for a week.  That was the team. None of us knew what we were doing, traipsing all over that dark continent. We ate unidentifiable food, trusted a guard for our safety and travelled in an old van that we had to push to get it to start every time we wanted to travel over the deeply rutted dirt roads. That's the nature of mission trips!

We waited on single engine airplanes on dusty benches and took pictures of zebras, lions, water buffalo and giraffe from a jeep. We shooed gigantic geckos out of our rooms before crawling under mosquito netting at night. We prayed that all those shots we took before we left the US were doing their best work of protection in our bodies.

We left much wiser than we were when we arrived. That little team was truly blessed beyond our wildest imaginations.

Africa is no doubt a third world country with rampant poverty and destitution.  Corrupt governments have kept their citizens enslaved.  Superstition, ignorance, AIDS, tribalism and war have wrecked havoc. Women have suffered greatly, as they try to raise their children and eek out a living in order to feed them.

 But when God's Word is opened to these people, as it was that week, they embrace it, are eager to understand it and obey it.  They throw themselves on the mercy of God and pray for His provision and deliverance.

Perhaps twelve years and much prayer has changed things. I would go back in a "Mississippi minute."

 I wonder how my African friends are doing, what has transpired in that place, and what progress has been made.

I wonder what truth they could teach me now.

JACKSON AND DAISY

What a great day!!!

This is my friend Jackson, he's five years old.  He's riding Daisy, age unknown!

Today I picked up Jackson from his home and gave his mom a day off!

This was OUR day to play and that's just what we did. His weary mother got to take a walk, ALONE, take a leisurely shower, run some errands and do a little shopping! 

First stop for us was Intercontinental Jet Services where he got to climb in the cockpit of several business jets and pretend he was flying at 30,000 feet. Honeybuns gave him "flight" lessons and he was qualified for the imaginary trip in a matter of minutes.  He looked the airplanes over inside and out, his eyes jumping at each new button and switch he could flip. Twirling the propellers was his favorite thing to do.  Finding snacks the pilots squirrel away was also VERY exciting!

After lunch, we hit the ZOO!  Oh, yes, there were lions and tigers and bears! But there was also this CAMEL!  Daisy and her sister were parked just inside the gate, eager for small  bodies to climb up into the saddle. I couldn't believe Jackson wanted to ride this beast.  He didn't hesitate as I told the zookeeper that NO amount of money would get ME up there. 

Daisy rounded the corner and turned her head at just the right moment, flashing her winning smile.

I think she knows the drill!  I'm not sure which one was happier at that moment, Jackson or Daisy!

We rode the ZOO TRAIN, another hit!  The engineer had to stop once to let an 8 foot black snake slither across the track. Why, oh why, he just didn't cut that thing into two pieces is beyond me! Popular opinion was that the thing had escaped his cage, but no, it was of the native species.  (A reason to MOVE out of OKLAHOMA!)

We watched the penguins and sea lions swim, chased the geese, and tried extremely hard NOT to yell at the elephants.  We were told that they would charge if angered!

The last treat was the gift shop of course. And Jackson selected several tiny wild animals of the plastic variety to carry home.  He'll be dreaming of cheetahs, monkeys and Komo Dragons all night long.

Moral of the story:  When your own children or grandchildren are not available for an outing, go find a child with a weary momma.  Jackson is my new best friend. We have many more good ideas for beautiful days together.



MOTHERS DAY GIFT

This is a chiminea.  It was formed painted, glazed and fired in a kiln somewhere in Mexico.   Honeybuns bought it Sat. for me for Mothers Day from a handsome young man named Julio!

I love it! 

I've been wanting one of these for a long time and I have great plans.

It's primary purpose is to smell up the back yard with smoke from pinion wood.  It instantly transports everyone within smelling distance back in time to campfires, prehistoric mealtimes, and communes out in the forests. It probably scares away mosquitoes, too! 

Other than that it's totally useless. Yard art of questionable taste!

We've decided that the folks in Mexico probably don't use one for ANYTHING.  They just make them for fools and tourists, with outlandish stories of cooking flatbread  filled with refried beans on a rock in it or something!

Julio assured us that he and his family own several, and of course they are indestructible.  (?)  When his family has a party they surround their guests with these things and no bugs come near. They choke to death! (The bugs, not the people!)

I'm thinking this is going to make a great fire for a suburban weenie roast.  I can see the grand kids huddled around sticking their little hot dog sticks right in that hole. Marshmellows will surely light up the nighttime sky.

We'll also learn to send smoke signals.  There must be a book or class or course on "language arts" for that as well. I'm going to talk my neighbor into getting one to see if we can communicate without the use of electricity, cell phones, ipads OR simply yelling across the street!

I wonder how many puffs of smoke means, "do you have an extra cup of sugar?"

Yes, this is going to be fun.  Adios Amigo!



HAPPY MOTHERS DAY, JAMIE & NANCY!

Jamie and Nancy

Of all the mothers in the world, THESE two are the most important to Honeybuns and me.

 Jamie has been Andy's best friend and sweetheart for about 17 years, wife for 15.  Nancy has been Philip's heart-throb and confidant for 12 years, wife for 10. We've known them both for that long as well and what we know, we like!

GOD Himself chose these beautiful young women to be part of our family before the foundations of the earth.  And HE did good! Each one is ideally suited for our boys. And they are ideally suited for us!

There has never been two more different girls, but there has never two more different young men either.  Jamie is adventurous and brave, Nancy is  traditional and loves detail. Jamie might be swimming with sharks one moment and wisely counseling a pregnant teenager the next.  Nancy has impeccable taste and enjoys surrounding her family with beauty. Jamie designs fabulous t-shirts for a non-profit that supports African orphans. Nancy teaches her children traditional hymns and Jamie's kids rock out to Justin Beiber. The variety is simply delightful!

They both love God and seek to be obedient to His plan for their lives.

It is sheer joy to watch them do life. 

Also, their households are full!

Jamie is mother to Hays 13, Maggie 10, Tiki 8, Dax 7, and Gabby 5!  There is NEVER a dull moment in that CO mountain home and if one SHOULD arrive, Jamie makes sure some fun happens to fill in the lull. 

Nancy is mom to Gracie 7, Mollie 5, Thompson 2 and Betsy 1.  The action never ceases there either.
She laughs at each new antic and also enjoys her children thoroughly.

Both know how to PLAY!  And when these kiddos are grown they will have the best memories to laugh about around their own kitchen tables.

Our sons believe in these girls. Their wives light up the world and they are appreicated immensely.

 Jamie and Nancy bring their husbands comfort and encouragement, strength and dignity. Their homes and their children are top priorities. They love fiercely and unconditionally. They have more wisdom than I ever thought about having at their age.  I greatly respect them and their ideas.

I pray for them without ceasing.  Today I pray that they will have the best Mother's Day Ever!

We love them both to the moon and back!

NEW MENTORING GROUP

Older gal to younger,  "I can't wait to see you for lunch, I'll bring brownies from scratch."
Younger one,  "GREAT! Can I order scratch online?"

There is NO doubt  a generation gap exists. The chasm has been created by distance, time, family pressures, a ka-billion practices and games to attend, and the idea that only your peers can truly understand what you're going through.  Our culture has divided the ages. Two worlds have evolved and they rarely collide, but when they do it's FABULOUS.

A friendship that bridges the gap is delightful.  The older woman  offers years of experience, free babysitting, wisdom and a listening ear.  The younger gal can teach her older friend to tweet, order fabulous shoes online and help her feel needed in the second half of her life.

Having been the guest speaker in 25 different venues/women's clubs/retreats/luncheons/parties over the past year and a half, I BELIEVE its time to build a bridge. There has been an outcry EVERYWHERE I've travelled throughout Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma.  It's always the same.

The younger women moan, "Where are the older women?"  The older women shake their heads and wonder, "Where are the younger women?"

I'm writing to answer that question! They're out there, doing life, consumed with daily challenges, sometimes floundering alone.

SO....a brand new shiny mentoring program has been birthed! (Name is still pending, but this plan has been sanctioned and encouraged by Stonecroft Ministries, the experts in connecting women with each other for many years.)

 Last Thursday a few of my young friends put out the word and the e-mails are pouring in.  The UNDER 50 gal desperately wants an older woman friend in her life that can help with babysitting, time management, recipes, old-wives tales, and most of all a listening ear.  Some of these delightful women live away from mom, aunts and cousins and have no one to help them.

Today I announced this idea to a group of ABOVE 50 young-at-heart women and was AMAZED at the response.  They couldn't get those applications to be a MENTOR in their hands fast enough.  They are excited about befriending a younger wife/mom/business woman for this pilot program that will begin in a few weeks.

I have applications for "Mentors" and "Mentees."   After they are filled out and returned to me they will be paired up according to interests, backgrounds, locations and asked to be in touch with each other at least THREE times for a six week period starting June 1st.  They can call, go to lunch, visit in a home, email, talk on Facebook, Facetime or Skype.  Any contact will do that will give the new friendship a chance!

At the end of six weeks we'll evaluate what's happened.  If a "friendship" just isn't working, no big deal. That pair will part ways, no guilt, no obligation whatsoever.  For those that are having a good time, great! They will probably continue the mentoring relationship for as long as they both shall live. That's usually how that works! We might plan a tea party or an event to just share stories!

I have several elderly women in my life and they have no idea how much I appreciate them. They are SO funny.  The one-liners that come from them are stunning. And every once in a while they drop a pearl of wisdom that changes my life, attitude and countenance. (How many times have my older friends actually saved Honeybuns life when I was contemplating murder?)  Sometimes if I'm in a complaining mood,  low on estrogen or high on blood sugar, one will just smile and say "oh, honey...."  and proceed with words that calm my soul!  I'm amazed at how much we need each other.

I treasure elderly friends.  And I learn SO much by hanging out with the younger ones.

It's happened!  I've graduated from Mentee to Mentor!   Well, Yippee, Skippee!  This is going to be fun!  I'm going to dig out my brownie-from-scratch recipe!

MY TRUCK NEEDS A PRIEST!

Weird!  That's all I can say.

A couple of weeks ago I was all dressed up in my Sunday best, heading out of Tulsa to a Kansas speaking event when Honeybuns declared, "you can't drive that, you've got to go by the service dept. of the local Ford dealership. You can't park that in a hotel parking lot overnight the way it's behaving!"

My red truck was demon possessed.  For two weeks prior to this day the "spirits" had had their way.

Randomly the back door would lift up, ALL BY ITSELF, at very unexpected times, sometimes in the parking lot of the grocery store, church or  often our driveway.  In the mornings I would
enter the garage and there it was, tail in the air!   If I slammed the drivers door, up it went.  If a loud noise occurred in the garage, up it went!   If I slammed the door into the house, yep....it was up again. Noises seemed to trigger the action, sometimes!

SO...on my way to Kansas, I stopped by the super duper repair shop.  The service department manager looked at me rather pitifully and gently explained (as he would to his ancient grandmother) that the problem was surely ME, that I was inadvertently pressing the UP button on my key fob.  Perhaps it was receiving a push while lying in my purse, maybe feeling a nudge from my wallet or phone.  I let him talk. 

Sometimes that's  all an old lady can do!

After he said his spiel, I drew myself up as tall as I could and looked him square in the eye. 
"NOPE, you got this one wrong, sir.  It is not ME! The back door lifts up BY ITSELF, RANDOMLY!"

To make my point I walked around to the passenger door, opened it and slammed it. 

I was vindicated.  The back door lifted up right on cue.  The guy was dumbfounded.

He summoned his mechanic friends and they all stood there in awe.  They slammed a couple of other doors and that back door repeated it's antics.  IMPOSSIBLE, they declared!  Their eyes were seeing what could NOT be happening. The experts were baffled.

One brave young mechanic opened up a mysterious panel in the back of my truck and disconnected some wires.  That did it.  No more juice, no more automatic lifting!  Period!  End of discussion!

The men scattered and I climbed in the drivers seat and was about to get on my way.

That brave young technician leaned in to my window and whispered, "lady, if that back door lifts now, don't call me, call a priest!" 

This is hilarious!

At first glance you might think this is just a dog with his head stuck in a cookie box!  Nope!  This is NOT just any ordinary dog. Meet Baylor, yellow lab, newest member of the Braner Party of 7 family of Durango, CO.  Baylor belongs to the Fab5 grandkids and I cannot wait to meet him. 

He's growing fast, every picture shows him getting bigger and stronger.  And CHECK OUT those feet! He's going to be huge! But right now he's still at that clumsy, super cute stage. He's bringing lots of smiles and laughs to that household. That's what puppies do!!  (I did NOT ask his permission to  publish this shot, hopefully he'll forgive me for posting his backside on cyberspace!)

Back to the picture! 

I'm thinking Baylor is simply doing what we all NEED to do occasionally!  When things get way too confusing, painful or stressful I too must quickly assume this position.  Sticking my head in a cookie box is often the only place comfort can be found instantly! (That explains the constant need to diet, also!)

Baylor has it right.  Getting in a dark, tight place is a good thing.   It calms the nerves and soothes the soul.

Men do it when they enter into their caves, whether that be a quiet office, tool filled garage, or a private room complete with a 90 inch flat screen TV, pool table and refrigerator filled with fizzy drinks. Women take buble baths, go window shopping, flip through magazines or hide their heads under a blanket. I sometimes retreat to a library, a museum or my sewing room at the back of the house. A good book can also "take me away."

EVERYBODY needs to close out the world once in a while. Our culture has evolved backward in time and now we're living in the "Wild, Wild, West" once again.   AND no human can stay on the "George Jetson treadmill" of life 24/7. Some days it seems as if all news is bad news and we still have another 6 months to endure this year's presidential campaign!  UGH!

I LOVE being around people and my calendar is full of challenging, positive, productive endeavors, but once in a while aloneness is a necessity for mental health.

AND a box of cookies can't hurt!  I thank Baylor for that reminder!




CHRISTMAS IN APRIL???



Well, Merry Christmas (in April) to ME!!

Last December 23rd all the shopping, decorating, wrapping and baking was done so, on a whim, I decided to "start" a Christmas quilt. It took 3 days to cut, piece, place and sew all these colors into place.  A month or so later I contacted the famous area quilter so she could do her magic!  Needless to say, it was NOT done by the 25th.  BUT, today it is!

Mary Covey of Jenks, OK returned it to me with all the stitched feathers, circles, and curl-i-ques in their appropriate places.  She is great, no wonder she is in such high demand.

The picture doesn't do it justice, as they say!  It is a scrappy quilt made of  beautiful new fabrics and some old ones I found in the stash closet.  There are poinsettias, gingerbread men, pine cones, holly berries, red roses, stars, squares, rectangles, borders and mitered corners.  The back is a cream and black print with a border of that same cream and black checked.  So fun!

This one will become an heirloom and will stay in my house.  I've made and given away so many of these "works of art" that my bed was "quilt poor."  (Also, I'm counting on one or two granddaughters loving this!)  Our bed will look super festive next November-December, and maybe even this week!

Hobbies!  I have so many and enjoy each one fully.  I have enough ideas/supplies stored away in closets to last a lifetime. It will be impossible to live long enough to get them all done!  It seems that during stressful times I simply HAVE TO CREATE something.  Perhaps it's a way to control SOMETHING when EVERYTHING else seems to be so out of control.

Maybe I analyze too much.

It's healthy for me to do something with my hands!

NOW...on to the flower garden.  Today is the day to PLANT GOURDS!



SALUTE A VET

He's been in his new "home" now for 10 days.  And not one day as passed without me thinking of him, wondering how's he's doing. 

This is my Uncle, William Gaines, he turned 88 just 9 days ago! 

It was the day before his birthday that we moved him into the Veterans Home for Soldiers and Sailors at Quincy, Illinois.  What an experience! 

He's lived in his hometown of Concord, Illinois nearly all his life.  We're guessing that's he's been in that house, minus a couple of years in Europe fighting evil, driving a tank in the Battle of the Bulge, for the past 70 years at least.  (I can't imagine being in one place that long. I can't imagine fighting in a war for 2 years either!)

That house was also my home for my first 20 years of life and he was an important person in the family unit. He was the breadwinner, our chauffer at times, & our companion to the movies and ballgames. He was (and is) a sweet gentle soul. He never married and worked very hard all his life.
He cared for my sister and I when we were small and for his parents when they were elderly.

We are his family.

He'd been doing pretty well in his little block house in that small town for a long time.  The past 10 years have been shared with caretakers, nearly around the clock.  They came in shifts, helped him dress, eat, shuffle around on his walker, do light cleaning and most importantly, watch the Cardinals Baseball games with him.  That all changed Jan 8, 2012 when he fell out of bed and broke his right femur. 

Surgery followed and two or three near death experiences before he was admitted to transitional care at the hospital and then the nursing home across the street. Then the big moving day arrived.

I'm not sure he knew exactly what was happening, as he repeatedly asked me, "Where am I going?" He was a little confused but excited and enjoyed the 2 hour road trip.  He'd not been out and about to enjoy the scenery for a long time.

Once we cleared admissions and rolled him into the Fifer Unit there on that beautiful campus, all hint of anxiety disappeared.  We were met by a welcoming committee of 5-6 nurses, a social worker, an activity director and several of his "new WWII combat neighbors" wheeling by to take a look at the incoming ex-Army WWII private.  The Dr. arrived  5 minutes later and completely won our hearts with his compassion and efficiency.  Dr. Dave is a geriatric specialist and had things movin' and shakin' immediately.  The beehive of activity was extremely impressive.

My sister and I stayed in the guest house for two days, visiting him in his new state-of-the-art home checking on things like cleanliness, friendliness and quality of food.  It was all GOOD!

(We had a back-up plan formulated in case it did NOT meet our approval!)

We met a few of  the residents, watched them motivate down the halls, listened to them tease each other and started calling them by name. The nurses and technicians got to know us and realized that they would be seeing us often.

(We decided that we were going to try to ENLIST in the Army so that our golden days might be lived out there, too!!)

We are SO thankful for the very caring, extremely trained and patient staff.  They treat those elderly soldiers with such respect that they almost salute when one comes rolling by. 

Salute!  That's a great word.  I salute my uncle, and thank him, and love him.  I salute those 493 other vets that now live in that small world of the Veterans Home.  They are precious adult babies now but at one time were the strong courageous warriors that saved the world from  horrific evil.

They are NOT forgotten and they ARE great appreciated.  At least this one is!!

 I got a report this morning that he's doing just fine.  His new meds are kickin' in, his new place is starting to feel like home and his new friends are his entertainment! We're hoping that the therapy  he is receiving will strengthen his leg so he can walk again. Until it does he's happy watching the Cardinals Baseball games, sporting his new Cardinal-signed ball cap! (Theres an ongoing  rivalry amongst the vets between the fans of the Cards vs the fans of the Cubs.)

He's content and we are thrilled. This whole transition could not have gone better. His new home is fine.

If you're ever in Quincy, Illinois, do YOURSELF a favor and stop by and salute a vet.  You'll come away amazed at the gratitude that fills your heart!

HOLY WEEK

10 days ago I threw some grass seed into this planter, watered it and set it in the sun...and left town! Honeybuns had instructions to very gently water those little seeds every evening...then HE left town!  We were both surprised to find this thick stand of grass growing when we got home last night.  I had to actually "mow" it with my scissors. 

It's supposed to represent the Garden Tomb (see the little flower pot in the center next to the stone, the rock path leading to it?)   There is a hill with three crosses, one very special!

The actual Garden Tomb looks nothing like this little makeshift crafty centerpiece.  It's much more eloquent in it's simplicity, much more profound.  This is a poor depiction but perhaps a conversation starter, or a visual to stimulate the thought processes.

The miracle that happened there 2000 years ago changed history forever.   LIFE from DEATH is a big deal!  Was then, is now. 

LIFE from tiny dried up grass seeds, LIFE when I die to my selfish desires and LOVE my neighbor instead.  LIFE when I put to death my past, present and future worries to the ONE that walked out of the tomb ALIVE.   LIFE when I lay down my ideas of how things "should" be and let HIM take charge. LIFE when I bury it all, and choose to trust in HIS sovereignty, power and grace.

It's HOLY WEEK!   Hallelujah! We're celebrating LIFE!

SPARTAN COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS GRADUATION

Last night Honeybuns gave the commencement address for the graduates of Spartan College of Aeronautics located here in Tulsa.  I learned SO much!

I learned that this college has been in business since 1928 and boasts of over 90,000 graduates entering the aviation field. I learned that it takes an awful lot of hard work and even more cold hard cash to get to this point in a persons life.  As names were called and diplomas were received I learned that many already held positions in their field of interest.  Aviation companies have already snapped them up!

I learned that WOMEN enter this field and some as far away as Jamaica! She was a STAR pupil and simply delightful as she shared her story and motto, "where there is a will, there is a way," Her lilting accent endeared her to the audience. Hopefully we'll be able to follow her path now that the tassel has been flipped to the left side!

I learned that the professors out there are dedicated to seeing their students succeed and they're are deeply loved and respected.

The distinguished folks spoke, the audience laughed at the appropriate times, clapped and cheered at others.  It was a fun, proud night.  Pictures were taken with moms, dads, spouses and children.  One guy walked across the stage holding his precious little 4-yr-old daughters hand.  What kind of struggles had he faced as he studied, attended classes and flight training while parenting that cute doll baby?

I learned that I couldn't stop grinning as Honeybuns was introduced.  His very lengthy aviation career surely made those young minds wonder if they would EVER have such wonderful opportunities.  I was so proud of him when he gave his speech.  He did SO good. I snapped pictures and sent them to Andy and Philip, wishing they could see this moment live!

He urged them to be leaders in their families, communities and workplace, that only 10% would make it!  It would be up to them if they wanted to be included in that number.  He challenged them to become "surgeons" and not "butchers" as they worked, to be precise, to do their job absolutely correct 100% of the time.  Lives would depend upon their integrity and work ethic.  AND that THEY would be the ones to fly people into space.  It was GREAT!

I learned that I am a very proud wife, married to one of the 10% ers!  He does it GOOD, whatever he does!

CANCER

The big C word entered our family this week.  It's not been in our midst in my lifetime.  We have not prayed for, sat beside, driven to treatments, held hands, or made knit hats to cover bald heads for anyone in the Braner family thus far.  I've often wondered thankfully why we have been spared when we have watched so many friends endure that frightening experience.

 After a routine test it was discovered in the body of Honeybuns brother and the news has sent a shock wave through the ranks.  That word shouts STOP and THINK and RE-EVALUATE everything. Now, we don't know the stage of his disease, we don't know the prognosis, or the treatment plan just yet.  The possibility of surgery is being discussed soon. All are hopeful, praying and supporting, while waiting for more news. We are reminding each other of the many that have experienced this same diagnosis, received treatment for a while and are doing just fine today. There is no doubt that the whole family will help out in any and every way possible as he proceeds through appointments, consultations and treatments. Difficult days bring out the best in this family!

Meanwhile life as we know it has come to a screeching halt, and thoughts are racing through our minds.    It's a good thing to be forced to stop and take stock of what is really important, isn't it?
Suddenly bills,  petty conflicts, politics, diets, and the mundane tasks of every day life are put in their proper place.  It's time for "don't sweat the small stuff." And it's time to realize that ALL of us have but a few years on this earth but a LONG, LONG time in eternity. We will ALL face that  day sooner or later.  Where we spend THAT time is far more important than where we spend THIS earthly time.

This  time of reflection brings out questions for God , too.  Why cancer, why now, why him, why at all? 

And there are no answers to those questions. 

BUT, there is great comfort in knowing the character of God.

I know that God is good, all the time, that disease is part of this world we live in and HE has a plan that we do not understand and cannot see.  When CANCER surprises us and turns our world upside down, HE is not surprised.  HE is still the sure foundation even when ours is crumbling. HE has never promised us a life of perfect health, wealth and happiness but HAS promised HIS presence, grace and strength through it all, if we choose to trust HIM.  In times like these, faith in God becomes reality OR faith is ditched.  Do we only love Him when things are going smoothly?

We are praying confidently for complete, total, pain free healing.  And God can grant health if He so chooses.  BUT, if  HE has another plan, we will continue to trust HIM and look for the good that HE will bring out of it..  He makes no mistakes, His plan is perfect and when we get to the other side we'll understand it. He alone is the Almighty Sovereign One when He answers YES, but also when He answers NO.  Regardless of HIS answer, NOTHING can separate us from the love of Christ.

Not even CANCER!

"GCB "- Brand New Television Show

OK, I've had it!  I am LIVID!  Today I will not be tolerant! I just heard this news a few hours ago and smoke is still coming out my ears.

ABC has launched a new television series, titled  GCB which stands for "Good Christian Belles."  The comedy is based upon a novel titled "Good Christian B....." (rhymes with witches!)   The NEW title is a compromise but no one is fooled.  Perhaps softening the vulgar title some men with  a limited vocabulary often use referring to women fools some folks but not this gal. 

I am LIVID!  Did I already say that? 

I have NOT read the book and I have NOT seen the TV show.  Nope, don't have to. I can't get past the title.

(By the way, I am not alone, there are politicians and statesmen crying for a boycott of this show, asking ABC to pull it from their schedule.)

I'm just wondering if there would be any hesitancy  of cancelling if the title were,  "Good Muslim B......," or "Good Catholic B........, " or "Good Jewish B........?" Apalling, isn't it?

Evidently the show will portray women who PROFESS to be Christian that go to church on Sunday, sing in the choir, teach  children in Sunday School but live like the heathen during the week.  The whole premise is a lie....there is NO such thing as a CHRISTIAN  B........  Those two words CANNOT exist in the same breath.

Let's concentrate on the word PROFESS.  Yep, I agree, the Christian church is FULL of women (and men) that PROFESS to be believers in the virgin birth, sinless life, sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, a.k.a. God in human form!  Words are cheap, lots of folks can use them for a variety of reason. Sometimes church attendance and membership is good for a resume, a social position or status in the community.  Family pressures must be included, as well.  The good Lord knows it happens often!
BUT...if a woman  (or man) is a TRUE believer her life is different, NOT perfect and never will be, but DIFFERENT.  Because she is a new creature in Christ, (I could quote verses here) because her sanctification is the responsibility of God, because sin is repulsive to her, because the love she has for Jesus is magnified in all her relationships, because she is quickly convicted of unkindness, selfishness and hatred and repents of it daily, she can NEVER wear the B word!

I'm going to assume the producers/writers/actors of this show know these true facts and promises from the Good Book and therefore must conclude that their purpose is to mock and degrade Christian women and convince those that are NOT Christian that they want no part of it. "The church is nothing but hypocrites anyway, right?"  Sure the hypocrites are there, but so are the genuine!

I know thousands myself!  Billions of GENUINE  believers have lived and served humanity throughout history and given their lives for the good of mankind.  ABC: Who do you think founded the great universities, hospitals, schools, charities?  Who do you think gives away their wealth, their health and sometimes even their children to mission work?  Who is the first on the scene of disasters large and small?  Not the PROFESSORS, but the genuine! 

(My anger must be a defense of all the genuine I personally admire from the history books and those that are my friends now.)

ABC, shame on you!  Until you're ready to include Muslim women, Catholic women, Jewish women, your mothers, sisters and wives, leave the believers alone!

Why would ANY woman put up with this?  We wouldn't let our husbands, sons, brothers, or uncles call us by that name, even disguised or in jest, why should we allow ABC to get away with it?

ALOHA

Well, who ARE those old folks?  Comparing this picture to the one taken ten years ago in that same place is a shock to my system. (Same dress!)  But growing older is a privilege, denied by many people that leave this earth way too young, so  I am thankful for every wrinkle and  gray hair! 

Maui, Hawaii is truly paradise!  Adding a fabuloso resort, great food, and no responsibility to the natural beauty doesn't hurt either. Boating out to visit the annual migration of thousands of hump-backed whales was nothing short of thrilling! Walking endless miles on pristine beaches, hiking up a volcano, going to sleep listening to the waves hit the shore, feeling the trade winds on our faces, watching ancient huge sea turtles swimming, and admiring local artists, are all  the things that describe the perfect vacation. We had a super duper good time!

(Getting to and returning FROM that island in the Pacific is another story that I'll no longer think about!)

The Island atmosphere is laid back and easy.  No pushing and shovin', no concerns about time or schedules. Lovely smiling people were everywhere.  It is very tempting to fa niggle a plan to move there permanently. What a dream!

An endless vacation!  AH, Bliss!

But today reality calls!  The laundry has to be done, dinner prepared, errands to run, friends and family to check on, business appointments to keep!  I'm glad to be home, there's NO PLACE LIKE IT! 

Maui again some day?  Hope so!  Maybe in another ten years! I'll save the dress just in case!

COMPUTER CRASH

No picture today, because I have NO computer today.  I'm at the mercy of the gracious people at the Broken Arrow Library!  (Did you know that YOUR library has computers for you to use when your computer fries?  It's wonderful!) And free if you have a library card.  I LOVE my library!!!

I'm not sure when my new, state-of-the art, did I say new, top-of-the line, computer met it's maker but I think it happened sometime while I was traveling in Illinois to visit my elderly uncle.  When I got home, switched it on, logged in....IT FROZE!  Yep, no amount of praying, pleading or cajoling would convince the thing to do as I was asking it to do!

My heart stopped.  Years of FAMILY PICTURES, book writing projects, MY CHRISTMAS CARD ADDRESS LIST, letters to and from friends and businesses, devotionals sent to magazines, biographical sketches, etc. all there but out of my reach.

We headed to the GEEK store, left it with a promise to return for the diagnosis!  A few hours later my worst fear was confirmed.  My trusty computer was fried! Completely! Totally!  There was only a slight chance of retrieving any data at all.  We sadly took it home and Honeybuns took it to his computer whiz company the next day.  It is still in intensive care there!  A specialist has been flown in (not really, I made that up) to see if it will take a final gasp before life support is discontinued.

SO...you ask, what have I been doing with myself these past few days?  Well, the house is clean, I've knitted a couple of projects, read a few books, attended two book clubs, visited friends EVERY DAY and took a couple of road trips for speaking engagements.  And did I mention, I've been complaining ALOT, in person, on Facebook (I still have the iPad), and on my iphone?!  Yes, everyone is tired of hearing about my computers demise!

SO....I'm done complaining. This week really hasn't been all that bad!  In fact, I've learned that I can lead a very rewarding life without my HP.  Isn't that what how we used to live BEFORE the PC entered our living rooms and we spent HOURS surfing the web, etc?

I'm not quite experiencing Life on the Prairie, but almost!

We'll see, perhaps this cold turkey computer rehabilitation ordeal will soon become my NEW NORMAL! 

Now, where IS that pen and paper?   Do they still make carbon paper???

THE FASHION POLICE ARE COMING

I just heard it on the news.  Louisiana is  trying to pass a law that forbids anyone from wearing their Jammie's in public. Evidently it all started at a local Walmart store.  Someone was arrested for "indecent exposure" and had their jams on at the time. 

Well, who is surprised at that one?  If you've been to Walmart recently you've seen the latest craze.  It's those long flannel pajamas in a variety of delicious patterns and colors parading up and down the aisle.  (IF you need to know what really goes on at my favorite store all hours of the day and night, go to: thepeopleofWalmart online  It is hilarious!)

And before we label Walmart as the only place in town where this happens, let me tell you what I saw in Dallas recently.  I was shopping the after Christmas sales with my daughter-in-law at one of the higher end designer outdoor malls when we happen to drive by one of those wonderful swanky restaurants that defines that part of town.  Coming out  the door was a middle aged woman decked out in her full length GORGEOUS mink coat.  As she swirled into the parking lot with her coat unbuttoned the world got a view of this years favorite Christmas gift.  She was wearing her brand new pink and gray giraffe-printed flannel pajamas.  They had that "never been washed" look.  I'm sure they were extra warm and cozy.

 Just saying.......it happens everywhere!

As a people watcher, I am entertained by what people are willing to display in public on their bodies.  I always give those in their nightclothes the benefit of the doubt thinking that maybe they just woke up in the early morning hours and discovered they were out of milk, bread or eggs and needed to make a quick run to the store for breakfast, or  for brunch at a swanky restaurant as in the Dallas sighting.

 Then there are the teenagers that sport their sleeping attire at all hours of the day and night at the grocery.  But, then again, they sleep at odd times and who knows?? Who am I to say?

Evidently now the good folks of the south think it's time to do something about it!  Well, good luck! 

How can they outlaw pj's and ignore "below the hinney" jeans, human flesh hanging out of a way too small  cut off t-shirt, ladies in long denim skirts dragging the floor  or the infamous "plumbers problem?"  I'm wondering what kind of fine I will have to pay for my outdated baggy sweats and platform tennies that I wear to clean the house and then realize I need to make an errand run to the store?

I can see how this could turn into a constitutional crisis quickly, freedom of expression and all!

And now for your entertainment, I present this picture of my newest winter look.  These red, footed, monkey feet Jammie's were a Christmas gift to my sister and me.  Enjoy it quick.  You'll not be seeing these outside the walls of the house!

Maybe if the fashion police law is passed it should included pictures like this posted on the internet! Flattering, aren't they????   We will plead guilty of public indency and throw ourselves on the mercy of the court!