On the Road...REALLY!!!!

The first "Widow World" blog I wrote was on October 25, 2011, over 6 years ago.  And the last one I wrote was January 5, 2015.  At that time I was hopeful as a new year was beginning, eager to move into my new condo, a little disappointed by a job offer totally opposite of what I expected, and planning to "settle" in one place for the rest of my life!  (Remember, I had moved quite a few times, sold more than a few homes, and left Kentucky for Michigan and then returned to Kentucky!  WHEW!!!)  It was surely time to settle! 

The 2-word phrase I chose for 2015 was excited anticipation.  I had no idea what was about to unfold.  In February of 2015 I was hired to be the Director of Sales at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Louisville East!  You may remember this is the position I retired from after HC Baker died.  What a blessing to be able to go back to my old stomping ground and begin again.  I was able to renew old friendships and make new ones.  Then later in the month of February I gained another granddaughter, Lilly Jo!  Most of you have seen her photos on Facebook and she is a delight.  TR Baker is a wonderful Daddy and I am so happy to watch them both mature!  Being a single Dad is not easy as many of you can attest to.  Since my last post in 2015 all of my children and grandchildren have enjoyed so many wonderful life changes.  Libby married Tim and I gained another fabulous son-in-law.  Daniel will soon be 26, Hannah and Isaac will be 25 and Adam will be 22.  All are working and enjoying successful lives.  Emily and Brett sold the candy store and gained their lives back!  Garrett is a sophomore at Ferris State University studying engineering and Gracie is a sophomore in high school and is the drum major for the marching band, plays soccer, basketball and golf at Cheboygan High School.  As a matter of fact, she "made the cut" and played for the Michigan State High School Girls Golf Championship. Currently she is playing basketball and her team is so far undefeated!  And Lilly Jo will be 3 in February, never walks when she can run, talks non-stop and is growing like a weed!

So that brings me to "ME"!  What am I doing?  On Friday, October 13, I retired...again and this time it's for real!  A new adventure is about to begin!  Handsome Fella" is still handsome and he will be my partner on this new journey.  We had a conversation June 9 and discussed what we would do if we both retired.  I immediately said I would sell everything I own (that the children and grandchildren didn't want), put Nutty in the car and drive across the country to see all the things I have spent years flying over!  Handsome Fella' decided he'd like that too.  So the planning began. 

We decided we would "plan" to begin this new journey giving ourselves 12 months to figure this out.  With winter not being the best time to sell your home, I listed my condo mid-September to sort of test the waters.  Well, it sold in 5 days at the asking price!!!  Jo Ann, start your engine!!!  OH MY!  Handsome Fella' and I now needed to re-think our plan.  What to do?  We made the decision to see if we could make this work.  We began looking for some type of "mobile" home.  You see, Nutty was a huge part of this plan.  Three months ago I didn't even know what a 5th wheel was and now we own one!  We also bought an F350 pick-up truck (it's huge) to pull the 5th wheel.  Our new home has a bath and a half, walk-in closet, washer/dryer, central vac, fabulous kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a fireplace, two TVs, wonderful solid wood finishes, pantry, and I could go on and on!  I gave my "notice" at the hotel and gave them a 30-day time frame to find my replacement.  Now I had to get ride of everything I owned.  (Huge sigh!)  Oh, by the way, Handsome Fella' and I also had to tell our children what we were planning to do.  That took a couple of weeks.  The first step was to decided how we would deliver this information.  Then we told the local children and then I went north and he went south.  There were positive comments and quite a few questions.  We answered as best we could and told them all we would be learning via "on the road training"! 

The following month was like a whirlwind.  The most difficult thing was passing on all our belongings.  I had no idea how difficult this would be.  The children came and got all they wanted and we still had tons of "stuff".  Important and not so important things that had been a part of our lives for years and years and years.  Handsome Fella' had a 2-bedroom apartment and he was able to pass nearly all of it on to one family.  I on the other hand had a 3 bedroom, 3 bath, living room, dining room, kitchen, den, and lower level FULL of a lifetime of living.  So...I had an estate sale and sold my history to people totally unknown to me.  What was left in both of our homes went to consignment stores or charitable organizations.  (Our 5th wheel is wonderful but came fully furnished with very little storage.)  I forced my children and grandchildren to take things they really didn't want but I was firm that they had to remain a part of our family!  (Hugh sighs and rolling of eyes from them!)  We did survive, me shedding a few tears. 

We closed on the condo 1:30pm, October 26, one last stop at the condo to load a few last minute things and headed out of town to places we want to see.  We spent a bit of time in southern Kentucky making sure we knew what we were doing and then headed to Atlanta for a quick visit with one of Handsome Fella's children and her family.  We enjoyed being with them and Stone Mountain RV Park and the sights of Christmas there.  We have spent the last several weeks in the Orlando area visiting Mickey Mouse and friends!  We have been to the top of the Citrus Tower, a museum in Winter Park to see a fabulous collection of Tiffany glass created by Louis Comfort Tiffany, son of the jeweler, Disney Springs (former downtown Disney), so many beautiful orange groves, traveled around the area to see the landscape and architecture, and lots more!  We have rested and read the manuals about how new home, I have cooked leisurely and tried new things, and most importantly we have enjoyed seeing and meeting new people.  We are both retired and can do anything we want!We plan to spend most of the winter in southern Florida and then head west.  But plans can change you know!!!!

Handsome Fella', Nutty and I will continue to celebrate each day with a renewed joy in life!  Our children are excited for us, and I promise I will keep you informed of all the things we find to laugh about, all the wonderful sights in our great country and the beauty the Lord has provided in each and every place we visit.

We are so grateful for each of you.  xxoo   

P.S. The sun is shining, it's 78 degrees and no humidity, and when I look out my windows I see palm trees!!!!                          

Time to begin again...

but where to start? 

I have my 2015 list of things to accomplish and I like everything on it, but I'm confused.  As I prioritize, things are not in the order I want them to be.  I can't do this one until I have completed that one, but I want to be "there" instead of "here".  I want to bypass those "things" and jump to "these" things.  So here I am.  I read a saying somewhere that said "you know all those things you've been waiting to do in your life?  Well, do them!"  And there's that wonderful line from a Mary Oliver poem that asks the question "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"  Well, needless to say I have learned in the past five years just how precious life is and by many or most people's standards I can also answer to the "wild" part! 

(The past five years "side bar" - In 2010, 2011 and most of 2012, I honestly thought I might never again have a heart filled with love.  Yes, of course, our hearts are always full of love for our children and grand children and families and friends, but to also have your heart full of love for yourself and your life, well, that's a different part of your heart.  It's a lonely hole.  It's sad and cold.  It leaves you aching.  I do know there are many who cannot and do not recover from this but I also know if you trust in the Lord, He WILL take care of you and lead you through.  I am in full recovery mode trusting in the Lord and He is filling my heart again.)

Back to the "wild" part!  I've decided I must get a job, a full time job where I will be able to share my experience with others and find purpose.  My brain needs to focus on something that will keep me learning!  So let me tell you this story.  I interviewed with a new, soon to open local hotel in downtown Louisville.  I did my homework and prepared for the interview.  I was interested in a position in the sales office.  The interview went great, I liked the people, met those who had already joined the team, and I left feeling positive.  I was told I would hear from them by the middle of the next week.  Well, that time came and went without a call.  So a few days later, I sent an e-mail asking if any decision had been made yet.  I received a response Christmas morning.  Yes, they would love to offer me not one, but two positions...restaurant hostess or bartender!!!!!!!!!!!  I reread it  to make sure I was not having some kind of brain lapse.  Bartender, REALLY????????  WOW!  Can you imagine the impact a 67 year old widow would have on sales in an upscale hotel bar?????  So there's the story of my first interview.  The good news is the next will have to be better don't you think?  Note:  I was impressed with the interviewer.  My mistake!

I worked during the Christmas shopping season at A Taste of Kentucky in Middletown.  I had a blast and got to meet new people and see old friends.  I had forgotten what is was like to stand on your feet for eight hours!  WOW, not an easy task.  But so happy to have had the opportunity! 

 My December was difficult.  I never went to church throughout the entire Christmas season.  Why?  Just didn't seem to have the courage.  And I so love the Christmas Eve service, but when the candle lighting/Silent Night part begins, I fall apart.  And then for the first Sunday in January I had volunteered to provide the flowers for the sanctuary in memory of HC Baker.  His birthday was January 9th.  I talked to my wonderful friend and florist and shared with him what I wanted.  Knowing he would do a fabulous arrangement, I told myself I would go to church on that Sunday (yesterday).  As the day got closer, I realized I wouldn't be able to go that day either.  So Saturday, I stopped by his shop, Panache, and saw the flowers.  They were so beautiful, fresh and fragrant.  I hoped all who saw them loved them.  HC Baker would have been 68 years old on Friday.  Happy Birthday to him!  Will miss you always!

I had a lovely Christmas Eve with Handsome Fella'. ( He also gave me this new "tablet" I'm writing on right now!  It's amazing except the keyboard and the "touch" are quite different from my laptop.  Adjusting and getting the hang of it!)  I spent a wonderful Christmas day with daughter Libby and her wonderful family.  Absolutely fabulous food and fellowship.  It was the first Christmas I had spent with them in five years.  And guess what?  When all of your grandchildren have jobs, you get a gift from each of them!!!!!  And they remembered my favorite things, all things peach and exciting nail colors!  Perfect day filled with love.

Still planning to move into my new place by the first of February.  Wish all that was over!  It will be my fifth move in five years.  GOT TO SETTLE!!!!!  It confuses me so can you imagine how Nutty and Maggie feel? 

My 2 word phrase for 2015 is excited anticipation!  Can't wait to see what the new year will bring for each of us.  I'm especially awaiting the excited anticipation of meeting my new grand daughter in early March!!!

My one word reflection of 2014 is GRATEFUL! Most importantly Grateful to the Lord, Grateful for good news for my wonderful friends, Madeline and Cinda, Grateful for my dear friend Christy now settled in her new home, Grateful to my family for their continuous support and Grateful for good, Christian friends especially Handsome Fella' who has wonderful listening ears, broad shoulders for leaning, strong hands for holding, and a sense of humor to keep me laughing.    

I wish for each of you the happiest and healthiest New Year with the Lord always by your side!  He is, you know!

xxoo 

Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll!!!!

Bet that got your attention, didn't it?  I had totally forgotten that "line" but heard it this weekend and just wanted to say it!!!!  It's funny how you forget things and then something happens and it triggers a memory.

Finishing a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.  This was the fifth year without HC Baker, and I didn't get to see any of my children or grandchildren.  Two are up north "digging out" and my nearby daughter worked.  I did speak with all of them.  Emily and her family were joined by TR Baker and his family for what I'm sure was a delicious dinner.  Libby completed her day at work, went home and she and Tim had a cook out!  It seems as if everyone had new Thanksgiving experiences!  I had breakfast with Handsome Fella' and then he went to his daughter's home, and I went to my sister Linda's home.  We both enjoyed very special family time.  Holidays are hard.  I have so much to be thankful for, but it takes a lot of energy to stay focused on that.  My brain tells me to count my blessings and my heart points out memories.  I always want to go to the Thanksgiving service at my church, but the last time I was there, HC Baker spoke about his faith journey through his illness.  Somehow I just cannot go back there yet.  Maybe next year.  I am so thankful for my wonderful family and friends, and this year I added Handsome Fella' as one of my blessings.  We both have lost our spouses of many years and it's such a comfort to be able to talk with each other about that.  We understand the feelings and the emotions that will forever be a part of our lives.  But we are also able to find joy in this new life, and we laugh.

I'm working!!!!  I am a part-time seasonal helper at A Taste of Kentucky in Middletown.  I'm having a ball but must admit I had forgotten about standing on your feet for eight hours!  WOW!  I am adjusting and enjoying this experience.  We have so many lovely and unique things in the store, I love telling people about them.  I'm learning about exceptionally creative people in the state who use their talent and gifts making the beautiful things we sell.  Stop by and see me!!!  (I'm working Monday and Tuesday, 11-7, this week.)  And we sell CANDY!!!!!  Mojeskas, bourbon balls, pull candy, Derby pies, Bourbon Barrel cakes, Blue Monday bars, and country ham, beaten biscuits, cheeses, jams and jellies, and on and on!!!  All made in Kentucky!!!!  

And here's another news flash.  I made an offer on a condo and it was accepted!  Had the inspection and am waiting for the decisions about that.  The condo is in Plainview - Sycamore II and has 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 2 fireplaces and 2000 square feet.  There's a lovely back patio with a privacy fence, a lower level with a really neat family room, the front faces a lake with a fountain and plenty of green space for my "girls" (Nutty and Maggie).  I haven't had them over there yet, but I know they will love it!  And guess who built them 35+ years ago?  Handsome Fella' did!!!!  It's been fun!  Hoping to move in after the first of the year.

Excited about next weekend.  TR Baker and Danielle are coming to Louisville for the weekend.  We're going to celebrate the upcoming March 5 birth of a precious little girl, my NINTH grandchild and fourth granddaughter!  How exciting is that?  I can't wait to see them.  It will be a quick trip, but such valuable time for me.  Please pray for safe travels for them.

I hope all of you had a blessed Thanksgiving.  We have much to be thankful for.  I'm smiling as I think of all of you.  xxoo                          

Ramblings...

I have eight pillows on my bed, and I sleep on ONE!  What's that about?  Yes, it looks beautiful, but why did I think it was necessary?  Every night I move them to a chaise next to the bed.  I stack them up, turn the covers back, crawl into bed and go to sleep using one.  The next morning I put them all back, arranged perfectly, and wait to move them again.  Thank you to my dear friend, Christy, for finding the most expensive "decorator" pillows available in the city, but I do love them.  Apparently, so does Nutty!  For the past week, when I wake up, I find her quite cozy in the midst of them sleeping soundly.  NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!  These are not doggie pillows, they are not for lounging upon, they don't look good covered in brown dog hair, and the beading on two of them is not designed for her weight!

I'm back on the house hunting trail.  Six months ago I moved into a "rental" as a temporary location until I found the perfect home for me.  It's been quite some time since I "rented", 39 years ago actually.  Anyway, quite by accident (seems to be how things happen to me these days) I met a woman who is in town preparing to sell her recently deceased father's home.  I asked her about it and she invited me to see it.  Well, Saturday morning I looked at it.  Her parents had lived in this home since 1978 and not updated anything.  There's wallpaper, paneling, formica countertops, harvest gold appliances, totally outdated lighting, hunter green wall to wall carpeting, low vanities, rust colored ceramic tile, no fence and a neighborhood I have never lived in before .  There's also double front doors, a slate floored entry, formal living room, formal dining room, fabulous rock fireplace in a cozy family room, three bedrooms, two full baths, attached garage, a lovely back yard, neighborhood sidewalks, and a history of a loving family who enjoyed being together.  So here I am wondering if my home has found me.  Anxious to see if this home and I will come together.

Spent last Saturday night celebrating my brother-in-law's birthday.  Bill was 70 years old!!!!  We all said, "Holy Cow, Bill's seventy!!!!"  Then I realized I'm 67 and in three years will (hopefully) celebrate MY 70th birthday!  Why does the age of 70 sound about 20 years older than the age of 67??????  Or maybe the question is why does 67 sound young and 70 sound so old????????  Of course, as usual, sister Mary immediately informed everyone within hearing she was the youngest!!!!  Happy Birthday Bill!  We all love you!

Had a tutorial this morning on how to build a fire in my fireplace.  Thought of this as I listened to the weather forecast this morning.  Two maintenance men timidly knocked on my door.  (I don't have the best reputation in the complex for being easy to get along with!!  Surprise!!!)  They came in and checked the living room fireplace first.  When they opened the "damper" (not sure if that's spelled correctly), a bucket full of soot fell into my living room!  You were wondering about my reputation????  The handle for opening this damper thing would stick.  They worked it several times and then had me try.  Still sticking!  They told me not to push or pull so hard.  How am I supposed to know stuff like that?  Anyway, finally got it working.  Then we went upstairs to my bedroom.  The handle worked much easier up here.  They asked me if I had a log to test the "drawing"!  What?????  I told them I just decided to build a fire so why would I have any logs????????  I'm going to Lowe's to buy those logs wrapped in paper.  I think you just light the paper.  Anyway, once they were sure I could open and close the damper, they left.  They were looking for any retreat they could find!!!  Anyway, so now I know how to build a fire in the fireplace.  Really??????  For those of you living close to me, listen for the sounds of a fire engine Wednesday evening around 10pm and come on over.  It might be one of the biggest fireplace fires you've ever seen!  Fingers crossed!

Handsome Fella' has been out of town since Friday and will not return until mid-week.  That's a long time and I've missed him.  Let me remind each of you how wonderful and special it is to have someone to talk to, someone who listens to you, someone who makes you laugh, someone to have dinner with, someone who puts their arms around you or holds your hand.  Stop right now and touch or call or text (not if you are driving) someone you hold dear.  I was reminded yesterday during church that we all have gifts and those gifts come with a responsibility.  For those we care about, that responsibility is letting them know every day how important they are to us.  Please don't forget to do that.  You just never know...

And for heaven's sake, hug a Veteran this week!  (I plan to!)  It's the least we can do.  xxoo

*Madeline and Cinda doing well.  Keep them in your prayers as well as Rick and Barbara.  And there are others with silent prayer requests.  Add them too.  God is good!                  

                

"Re-Booting"

I have re-booted my laptop, my TV while talking to a recorded voice on the phone, and my bluetooth procedure in the car.  In October, I re-booted my life!  I decided not to wait until January, but to take action now.

I've told several people that if HC Baker hadn't been cremated and was buried in the ground, he would have rolled over in his grave so many times, he would have put himself on a rotisserie (always the efficiency expert)!

I started the month of October with a new job!!!!!  I'm working part-time at A Taste Of Kentucky in the Middletown store.  I have loved this store for years.  Anything and everything Kentucky!  It's the perfect place to find the perfect gift for yourself or others!  Please let me know when you'd like to come and visit, and I'll help you with ALL your Christmas shopping...one stop shopping for everyone on your list.  And we wrap!!!!!  I'm having a great time with happy people!  Hope to see you there!

I made a quick trip to northern Michigan.  Remember every year I buy the indoor space in the press box.  Three years ago I signed a five-year contract to do this.  My contract ends next year when grandson Garrett is a senior.  I love football and there's nothing like a small town high school football game on a dark, chilly Friday night!  This year I even bought a sponsorship on the local radio station that broadcasts the games.  When I'm not there, I can listen to the "live streaming" of the game at my townhome in Louisville!!!!  When I told them I would buy a sponsorship they asked what I wanted to advertise.  I told them they just have to mention #75, Garrett Lindgren, every time he was a part of a play!  They've done pretty well.  It's incredibly exciting to be in Louisville, Kentucky, listening to my laptop and hear my grandson's name called as he tackles someone or recovers a fumble!!!!  But I did get to be in attendance for the homecoming game!  They won 45-13!!!  Great game!

Saturday morning was soccer time!  Gracie played two games and lost both, but we soothed our wounded souls with a great lunch and SHOPPING!!!!!  Gracie and I love to shop and we did our best to add to the northern Michigan economy!  Saturday night was a special treat as we were all together for dinner.  TR Baker, Danielle (showing the baby bump), Natalie and Oliver joined Emily, Brett, Garrett, Gracie and Brianne (Garrett's date for the Homecoming dance) and me for dinner at the Dam Site Inn, a favorite restaurant of ours.  Lots of laughing and happy conversations!  The only thing missing was Libby and her gang!  Family...it's the best!

Saw a few of the dear friends I made during my four-year "residency"!  Thank you to Kathy and Beverly and Boots for welcoming me back and sorry to others I just did not have time to visit.  Maybe next time I can stay longer!  I did drive by the grey house and was pleased and surprised I did not feel any heart stirrings.  I made the right decision.  It was time to return to Louisville.  (Oh and by the way, they had snow yesterday with more to come today!!!!  Yes, the right decision!)  I miss them all so much, but it was time.

I should mention I was thrilled to have a traveling companion for six hours up and six hours back!  My dear friend Christy traveled with me to Saugatuck where I dropped her off for a weekend with wonderful friends Kristi and Tom.  Thanks to them for lunch on the way up and brunch on the way back.  Enjoyed my very short visit with them.  And especially enjoyed Christy being with me.  The drive was so much nicer with a friend!  

Since I returned I have been working and also enjoying the beautiful Kentucky autumn.  A northern Michigan friend, Karen, spent a night with me on her journey to Florida for the winter!  Last weekend Handsome Fella' and I drove to Madison, Indiana, and had many moments when our breath caught in our throats at the beautiful colors!  Handsome Fella' spent a few teenage years in the Hanover/Madison area so our drive included memory visits to places and the home of a beloved grandfather.  Emotional, "releasing" and relaxing.  And on the way back, we stopped at Bray's Orchard, a memory for me.

Which brings me to last Tuesday night.  Just an ordinary Tuesday night for many of you but for me...well...it was amazing!!!!  I saw Sir Paul McCartney, live and in person!!!!  Like some of you, I remember sitting on the floor in front of the TV quite a few years ago on a Sunday night watching the Ed Sullivan Show and seeing the Beatles for the first time.  When I think of all the life I have experienced since then, what fun to now, at this point in my life*, be able to say "I have seen Paul McCartney in person", well, that's just very cool!  Handsome Fella' and I had a great time. 

*Speaking of "at this point in my life", Handsome Fella' and I did discuss posting our concert photo on my FB page.  And it was a serious discussion.  We each have wonderful families and friends and our histories with them are very special to us.  Privacy is also important to us.  Never would we want our families and friends to be hurt in any way.  So that being said, thank you to all who "liked" and commented.  We enjoyed reading your words and feeling safe in your hearts.

Hope you can spend this first week of November beginning anew, counting your blessings.  And PRAY!!!  I should pray more because when I pray, I feel the closeness with the Lord I want to feel.  And He knows I know HE is the reason I have blessings to count!  Special prayers this week and counted as blessings to me are for dear friends.  First, Madeline, who has completed all her radiation treatments and can now move on to the next step.  Second, Cinda, who is doing well and recovering from her breast cancer surgery.  I saw them both this week and rejoiced at their smiles!  Many others I know are concerned with serious news they have received and are waiting for more information to help them with decisions that will need to be made.  The world is full of hurting people.  Please pray for them.  And don't forget to include our military and their families wherever they are serving.  The Lord loves us all.  Let us be worthy.  xxoo










  

My Walking Girls, the Ballet and Handsome Fella' at the Sundial!

What an awesome weekend!

It all began Friday morning with my walking girls, Cinda and Joyce!  Stop whatever you are doing right now and clap your hands...a lot!!!!!  That's applause for these two remarkable women who for the THIRD time walked 60 miles in three days, this time in Philadelphia!   Yes, there was a bit of rain but hey, the tents were indoors this year!!!!  No muddy footprints on the mattresses!  I am so proud of them and their knees and feet.  Think about it.  When was the last time you walked one mile?  They walked 60!  WOW!  They are such an inspiration to me, AND they do it for all of us.  That's just over-the-top awesome!  I love them so much!

Friday evening I made two new friends (I think).  I had a lovely dinner with Handsome Fella' and his best friend and his wife.  I must admit I was a bit nervous.  When you've been married for a ton of years and your spouse dies, all of a sudden you are one instead of two.  All of your friends are used to you and your spouse and the "couple" you are.  It's quite a "moment" when you appear with someone else. We arrived a bit late (not my fault) and his friends were already there.  So, introductions were made and the evening began.  How am I supposed to relax, talk, EAT, and be comfortable while I'm wondering what they think about this...and me?  They were so warm and friendly to me.  The conversation included children, grandchildren, the "old times" stories, and the history between Handsome Fella' and me.  (Remember, 40+ years ago, Handsome Fella' and I dated prior to me marrying HC Baker and Handsome Fella' marrying Miss Patti.)  Dinner was delicious, Handsome Fella' was right beside me and kept me included and the evening ended with hugs!  Sigh of relief and smiling!  (And Cinda and Joyce walked!)

Saturday was filled with the usual Saturday things.  However, I was looking forward to the evening with Handsome Fella and attending the Louisville Ballet's production of Giselle, my most favorite ballet.  Many, many years ago I performed with the Louisville Ballet and danced twice in Giselle.  Absolutely love it!  And Handsome Fella' had never been to the ballet!  (He's a sports guy, especially baseball as he nearly made a career in that profession.  More about that later.)  So, he picks me up and we head downtown.  Dinner on Main Street and then to the performance.  I did offer a very brief synopsis of the story of Giselle so he would hopefully be ready to see and feel the romance and heartbreak of "the dance".  So often the choreography of many of the original classic ballets is altered, but the new artistic director of the Louisville Ballet retained much of the original work.  My feet wanted to move with the music so many times, I was afraid I would jump up from my seat and dance in the aisle.  (Kept myself in check!)  It was beautiful.  Giselle and Albrecht (the prince) were fabulous!  She was graceful on pointe with beautiful extension.  He was a master of leaps - great height and precise beats.  And Handsome Fella' now has a new respect for the artistic ability of dancers.  He was impressed and enjoyed the performance, maybe would even go again!!!  We both agreed on one thing though.  Having not attended a Louisville Ballet performance in over five years, I was surprised the music was recorded, as was he.  Does the Louisville Orchestra no longer provide the music for the ballet?  What about the opera?  What happened?  My goodness, the orchestra would have so enhanced the performance!  But what an evening!  Perfect from beginning to end!  I was happy to see a few wonderful friends at the ballet too.  (And Cinda and Joyce walked!)

Sunday morning, Handsome Fella' invited me to breakfast.  The day was so beautiful, after breakfast he decided we would take a road trip!  We began to drive east on US 60, something I hadn't done in quite some time.  Interstate highways are wonderful when you're traveling long distances, but there's nothing like the "old" road to relax and surprise you!  And the day was gorgeous!  Perfect temperatures and wonderful sunshine were everywhere we went.  Our first real "slow down" was in Frankfort.  I love Frankfort.  We drove down (or up maybe?) Capitol Avenue, circled the capitol and saw the floral clock.  Good grief, I remember when it was brand new!  We drove past the Governor's mansion, and I remembered having dinner there twice in my life.  Handsome Fella' has had dinner there lots of times over the years.  Memories!!!!  We saw the sign for the Kentucky Viet Nam Veterans Memorial and he asked if I'd ever seen it.  I said yes, several times and he said he'd never seen it.  We agreed to go, and I took him right to it.  (If you've never seen it, shame on you.  It's very special in it's location and design.)
Here's a bit of history about Handsome Fella'.  He was an Airborne Ranger in the mid to late 60's and served in Viet Nam.  He is the recipient of two Purple Hearts.  With the design of the Memorial, he could stand on it just where his name would have been inscribed had he lost his life.  Fortunately, he did survive his injuries, but those injuries did cancel his baseball contract as a short stop with the St. Louis Cardinals.  Despite his incredible disappointment at not being able to play professional baseball, he has achieved business successes worthy of the true American hero he is!  I am so proud of him and am blessed to call him my friend.  

From the capitol, we traveled the back roads and found Woodford Reserve Distillery.  I had been there several times but he had not.  (All those business successes kept him pretty busy.  He is just beginning to learn to relax a bit.)  We decided to take the tour and what fun we had.  Again, the beautiful day added to the enjoyment!  It seemed every time our guide asked if there were any questions, I was the only one who had something to ask!!!  (Go figure!)  Well, most of you know how that tour ends and we enjoyed that too!  As the sun began to set, we headed back to Louisville.  What a glorious day!  (And Cinda and Joyce walked!)

Another beautiful day today (Monday), and I got to have lunch with my dear Harrodsburg friend who was in town for a morning seminar.  We shared about our families and laughed!  What's better than that?  (And Cinda and Joyce flew home!)

Life is short Friends!  Praise the Lord, do your best, laugh a lot and enjoy every moment!  xxoo



                        

WHEW!!!!!

I love wonderful, exciting, happy memories, and the last two weeks have provided so many, I just don't know where to begin!

I'd like to begin with Pastor Barr's sermon, Sunday, August 24th.  He has been sharing a few of the Parables Jesus told and this Sunday's was called "A Rude Awakening".  It's the Parable of the steward who stole money from his master (Luke 16:1-8), and it's always been a bit vague to me as I never knew where it "fit" me.  Now I have a new understanding of it and know exactly how it applies to me.  Dr. Barr began with the question, "Have you ever had a game-changer?"  WOW, have I, and that game-changer left me spinning in an unknown world.  Now I have a few possible avenues to pursue.

     I am the STEWARD of my own life.  There will be an accounting to the Lord and did I use
     all the gifts the Lord gave me?  Have I lost sight of who I am and who I am becoming?  What
     investment can I make today to affect my future and others' futures?  The hymn "I need Thee every  
     hour" was sung followed by this statement - Yes, we need Thee every hour but we don't always
     act like it!  LIVE WISELY!!!!!

The following week was incredible!  On Tuesday, my dear friend Christy moved into her new home.  It's beautiful and she is settling in!  Wednesday began the final wedding preparations for Libby and Tim's special day.  Most of you have seen a few of the photos and they are perfect!  It was a beautiful day of memories and fun, exciting times with family and friends.

With our arms around each other, Libby and I walked down the aisle which was between bales of hay covered in old quilts from the handwork of my grandmother, Mamaw, HC Baker's grandmother, Gandy, great Aunt Mary, and a few newer, purchased ones!  Surrounded by memories right there!!!  There was lawn Twister, giant Genga (made by Tim) and not sure of that spelling, 3 sets of corn hole, the HUGE pile of old trees, stumps, old fence posts, etc., ready for a wonderful bonfire, plenty to eat and drink and lots of laughter and a few tears!  What a day!  Missed having Emily, Brett, Garrett and Gracie there.  *Handsome Fella' missed the day too as he was in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with his family enjoying his grandchildren for a final summer outing.  So it was a family holiday weekend for everyone!  Hearts are full!

Survived all that and spent the next week recuperating!  I did visit with dear friends Hub and Reenie.  Some of you might remember them from the years of the live Nativity - they supplied the lambs and Jamison, the donkey!  Hadn't seen them in some time and it was good to catch up!

Made it to church on Sunday for the first in a sermon series titled Just Walk Across the Room, a book by Bill Hybels.  Bought the book, starting to read it and already cried once!  Excited to learn how I can just walk across the room!  Wouldn't that be wonderful for ALL of us?

Spent Sunday afternoon with Handsome Fella' and dear friends, Rick and Barbara (you've been praying for them because they were BOTH diagnosed with cancer last fall) on their weekend farm in Washington County.  Barbara is doing well, Rick is still in treatment.  A large part of his problem is his heart cannot stay in the right rhythm and the meds he is taking keep him sick to his stomach most of the time.  Continued prayers please.  We did take a ride around the farm in his new "mule".  I asked my friend Christy if she knew what a mule was and she said yes.  Then I told her I rode in it around the farm and she gasped!!!!!  She thought I meant a real mule!!!!  After we both stopped laughing, I explained to her it was like a golf cart!!  She felt better!  (I was still totally out of my element but I did it!  Handsome Fella' took a photo if you need proof!)

There's so much else I could tell you but am running out of time.  I have 3 huge projects going on as I write and none of them are going very well!  For some reason, my power drill/screwdriver won't stay charged and I can't find the correct "bits" (???).  I am trying to hang a picture and cannot get the hooks to catch on the back of the frame!!!!!!!  Aggravating to say the least!  I'm trying to hang drapery rods and I think I'm trying to drill into metal and that's a problem!!!!  AND...I'm sewing and broke the machine needle and can't find another one in my sewing box!!!!!  Not my morning!

But let me close with a few prayer requests.  Tomorrow, dear friend Madeline will have her first radiation treatment.  Even though she is the best nurse many of us have ever had, she is now the patient!  Not an easy task for her.  PRAY!  Thursday, dear friends, Cinda and Joyce fly to Philadelphia for their THIRD 3-day 60 mile Susan G. Komen breast cancer walk.  I am so proud of these two women for their commitment and hard work!  PRAY!  Tomorrow a wonderful young woman and her patient and kind husband will be overjoyed at the arrival of their triplets.  She has been in the hospital on bed rest for over a week now waiting and tomorrow is the day!  PRAY!  There are lots of others needing prayers for all kinds of reasons, good and bad.  PRAY!  And always please remember our military and their families.  PRAY!

And to everyone, PRAY we will all find the strength and courage in our hearts to JUST WALK ACROSS THE ROOM!

Love you all, xxoo