Saturday's Ride And My Random Mind

Tom and I have been discussing buying a pop-up camper someday. Not this week, next week, next month or even next year - just some day. We drove around today at several different RV places. We went to Greenwood and then back toward Spartanburg. We had the windows down with the breeze blowing my hair (Tom's hair is too short to blow in a hurricane). It was a fun day. There were several signs I saw that were funny and a few other random thoughts for the day.

• On the way to Greenwood, we saw a sign that said, "Youth Free Revival". Mmmmm. Aren't all revivals free? Or is this an Adults Only Revival, thus free of youth?
• While driving through Hickory Taverns, there is a daycare named "Hickory Tickory Tots". Oh, brother.
• At the first RV place we stopped, the conversation between the salesman, Tom & I went like this: (Salesman): "Hi, I'm Tom". (My Tom): "Hi, I'm Tom". (Me): "Hi, I'm not."
• When we were driving to the RV place near I-85, Tom cut through a Truck Stop to get to the road leading to our destination. There behind the truck stop was, not a car wash but, a truck wash. That just cracked my funny bone! Just like a car wash but much bigger.
• As we were driving down I-85, Tom saw a sign that I missed. He told me it said, "Indigo Bluegrass Festival". Of course, when Tom read me the sign, I didn't know if blue grass was one word or two. So, I asked Tom, "Is this a festival of bluegrass music where you are required to wear indigo, or is this a festival about sod that is indigo-blue in color (i.e., Indigo Blue Grass Festival)? Tom just looked straight ahead and kept driving while he shook his head.

Have a fun-filled and laughable weekend.

Big Bird

Early this morning I was walking through my den/kitchen to go out and get the newspaper. There are five large windows across the back of my house in the den/kitchen. From my peripheral vision, I saw something odd. I stopped and looked out into the backyard. I saw something that at first I thought was a fat cat. Then I saw this animal pecking at the ground like a bird. It was a bird. . . . a very large bird. I grabbed my faithful camera and headed toward the backyard. I sneaked around to take a picture and it was gone. Shoot, I missed it. Then I saw that the bird had perched on top of a shepherd's hook. Wow, it was big. I zoomed in and got a good picture to show Tom.

In comparison, here is a picture I took of a female cardinal recently. Notice the size of this bird on the shepherd's hook.

Now take a look at the BIG BIRD. Ok, Tom says it's a hawk . . . I'm not good with species of any animal. Just look how huge it is!

Shortly after taking this picture, Mr. Hawk swooped across the yard and visited our neighbors across the street. Tom says Mr. Hawk is a good friend . . . he may keep our chipmunks/squirrels population to a minimum. If that's the case, hey Mr. Hawk - wanna Big Bird House for you and your family? I can take care of that.

Duke University Hospital and Stupid People

My reflections on the past two days in Durham, N.C.

(1) Duke University Hospital is top-notch. Jan's surgery was done in 1 1/2 hours. The tumor was benign (PRAISE) and she's doing great. The medical staff was tremendous as they were with Adger 18 months ago. Can't say the same thing for non-medical staff . . .

(2) One spunky lady with slick-back, black pony-tailed hair is a dishonest lady. Jane & I went down to the cafeteria just to get a diet-soda in a cup with crushed ice. I don't like canned drinks. The beverages were self-serve then paid at the cashier. In line at the drink machine was Miss Pony Tail. She was taking her good ole time. She had an opened box of B.B. chicken wings and Jane commented on how delicious it looked. Miss P.T. said, "Oh, yeah, they're great." I thought I saw her wipe her mouth as she spoke. I then fixed my Diet Coke and sipped it. Yuck. No fizz. I got back in line to fix another drink. Miss P.T. was back in line refilling her Sprite. Ok, guess she's thirsty. But then I noticed that she was practically having a picnic of chicken wings right there at the beverage machine. I thought, "Good grief, lady, move it along!" Finally, she looked up and apologized for being in my way. I fixed my new drink and headed to pay. As luck would have it, Jane and I were right behind her in line to pay at the cashier. By the way, Jane and I were #27 and #28 in line because there was only one cashier. Stupid. Anyway, as we shuffled toward the cashier, we passed by another self-serve machine. Miss P.T. got more Sprite. When really got me was when we reached the cashier. Bold Miss P.T. put her darn chicken wings on the scales b/c they are charged by the ounce. She had already consumed a pound of those wings before she got to the checkout. THEN, she had already drained that Sprite drink. The cashier asked her if it was a cup of ice and she said yes. LIAR! Technically, at that point there was only ice left, but she had drank 3 cups full before checking out. And I don't think it was by chance that she choose to put Sprike instead of a dark cola b/c then the cashier would have noticed dark residue in the cup and charged her for a drink. Slick, huh? Duke University Hospital Cafeteria . . . beware of Miss P.T. who is robbing you blind. She works in Patient Transportation!!!

(3) Jane & I stayed in a motel which is just a block from the hospital. It's within walking distance but let's just say that someone in my group wanted to use valet parking instead of walking. Not a problem since she paid. The valet even found my ring that I'd dropped on the floor of my car. Thanks, mister. Here are my thoughts about the motel.

(a) Obviously, it is run by either a foreigner (my guess) or someone who does not know that SpellCheck exists. Here are some errors on the Information Sheet in our room.

- Dry cleaning - pease bring items to Front Desk

- In-room safe - Each guest room sis equipped with an in-room safe.

- Lost & found - Please notify housekeeping if you have lost of found any item.

- Messages - If you have a message, the light on you phone will be on. To retrieve, tough message button.

- Room Service - is available whine the grill is open (so, ya gotta WHINE to get room service??)

(b) Someone needs to reorganize this motel for the convenience of the guests. Examples:

- We were on floor 5.
- Ice is on floors 2, 3, 4, and 6

- Water is on floor 2

- Snack machine is on floor 3

- Soda is on 5, and 8

So that means if Jane wanted water, I wanted Diet Coke, we needed ice and we wanted a snack, we had to go to floors 2, 3, 5 and 6. By the time we finished gathering all our needs and wants, we needed a nap.

Jane & I returned late this afternoon. I must say that I drove through a terrible rainstorm in North Carolina. I couldn't see anything in front of me except for the break lights of some crazy woman who obviously had never driven in rain before. She kept hitting her breaks for no reason other than the fact that she was freaking out. Thanks for making my heart stop several times, lady. As soon as possible, I got off I-85 onto Highway 101 and drove the backroads. MUCH better. Of course, my navigator was sound asleep most of the drive. She did help me maneuver through the traffic in the rain and she was able to spot a Dairy Queen 10 miles down the road. That's talent.

Glad to be home. Glad Jan got a good report and looks so good. Glad to be able to walk to my kitchen to get ice, Diet Coke or water and a snack.

Pray Request For Today

Please pray for Adger's wife Jan. Today at 2:45 she's having surgery for a brain tumor. It'll be about a seven-hour surgery. She's in good hands. She has the same Duke University Hospital surgeon that did Ted Kennedy's brain surgery. Please pray that all goes well and she recovers quickly with as little pain as possible. Adger is especially anxious about this surgery b/c it's only been 1 1/2 years since his brain surgery. He remembers all too well the difficult recovery period. They will be staying in Durham for several weeks during recuperation and post-op. Jane & I are leaving this morning to be there and will return tomorrow if all goes well.



An update on Hannah who had severe head trauma from that boating accident: She was taken out of ICU/Trauma unit at Medical College of Georgia and is not expected to have any permanent damage from the accident. Hannah Wade graduated from Elbert County Comprehensive High School on Friday night and this accident was Saturday. She plans on attending Lander University. Thanks for praying and please continue the prayers.

Gotta go get ready.........

Again . . . . . I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

We went to the lake for a short vacay. The Ivester's lugged enough baby paraphernalia to open a small day care. Abby, Matt and Cady went on Wed., I went on Thursday, Tom, Chad, Michelle and two dogs came Friday. Mark, Andrea & Brie were in Canada because Andrea's mom had surgery on Friday. Thankfully, Brenda's surgery went well. She did not know they were coming to Canada. Andrea called when they drove up in the yard. When her mom came to the phone, Andrea said, "Look out the front door and there's something there for you." When Brenda opened the door, there were three smiling faces! Tears flowed. I got very teary just listening to Mark tell the story.

Back to the lake. Fun, fun, fun. The weather was not perfect, but who cares? It's so peaceful and beautiful there. Here are lots of pictures.

This child was the best thing the entire long weekend.

Matt was giving her a bath.

I was happy when Tom came. He'd been on a business trip to Kentucky all week.

Matt & Abby need not search for pralines anymore. They have a recipe and they tasted as good as they looked!

Is this not the ugliest fish ever? Found it in the yard at the lake. It's a Gar. It looks like a prehistoric creature.

Friday evening when we were returning from a boat ride, we saw that Chad & Michelle had just arrived with Darby and Mark's dog Brady.

Chad & Tom are catching up on the last week.

My favorite spot on the pontoon - holding Cady in "my seat". She took good naps during boat rides.

Cute, cute, cute

Here are two, too-cool chicks.

'Sup, Cady?

She and her daddy drove the boat with great skill.

Sat. night was our annual Low Country Boil. Matt & Tom are cooking. Notice the huge granite picnic table. It helps to be born in the Granite Capital of the World . . . Elberton, GA.

Everyone chowing down on some very good food. Cady enjoyed herself on top of the picnic table.

Proof positive that Abby caught a fish. Those purple gloves. . . . wow. Michelle uses these when she baits her hooks b/c she doesn't like to touch worms. Abby used them because she didn't like her fingers stinking after baiting the hook. Girls will be girls.

Cady's new nose-wrinkling giggle.

"Yes, I just love the lake!"

Sunday night Chad & Michelle cooked the meal. We had grilled chicken, mashed potatoes and grilled corn that they shucked and silked. Yum.

Meet Chad's new best friend - Lawson, age 11 (our next door neighbors at the lake) . I told ya Chad has a connection with kids b/c he's still a kid himself. Lawson was Chad's shadow.

Call the fire station b/c this babe's hot!

Chad & Michelle and dogs relaxing during a boat ride.

The Ivester family.

Chad tried his hand at feeding Cady baby food peaches. He did a good job, but peaches are very runny and it was messy. ShellBell commented that Cady has developed quite a personality.

The aftermath of Chad feeding Cady peaches!

On a sad note, Saturday, Chad & Abby witness a boat accident. Two boats collided right in front of our dock. An 18-year-old from Elberton was air lifted because of severe head trauma. Pray for Hannah.

Last but not least is the sheer beauty of Clark Hill Lake. There's nothing like it.

When we returned home, we were in our backyard when we heard a very distinct sound. I knew immediately that a hot air balloon was close by. This was the closing of Freedom Weekend Aloft which is held about a mile from our house. We ran to Tom's truck and took off to find it. Of course, I didn't have my camera nor my cell phone. Darn. One landed within walking distance of our house and another landed in CVS parking lot which is also within walking distance. So neat to see.

Today I had my knee drained once again. On the positive side, I'm having it drained less frequently and less fluid is drained each time. But I am so sick of this knee. Jeepers, creepers. When will I ever be normal again? It's been 8 months. At the lake I had terrible pain almost constantly. Getting up and down to the dock was a real challenge. I used my faithful hiking stick. I could not have climbed up and down the hill without it. Thankfully, today after visiting the doctor, it is much better - much more mobile w/o the fluid. But I'll just keep plugging along my merry way and know that one day it will stay pain free.

Time to finish supper..............

Wild And Crazy Night at Chad & Michelle's!!!!!

What an evening. The best way to describe this night is by the noun/verb explanation. Adger & Jan had not seen Chad & Michelle's house so we started the evening with . . .

tour given

video watched

conversation flowed

camera snapped

jokes cracked

laughter erupted

babies played

Brie crawled
Cady "talked"

odor detected

sparks flew

evacuation implemented

rescue came

fans blew

kitchen cleaned

house aired

thanks given

food tossed

food repurchased

pizza eaten

song sang

cake cut

presents opened

Adger danced

tears flowed

Brie crawled

Cady "talked"

hugs given

goodbyes said

Now for lengthy explanations. We arrived before the birthday boy, so Mom had the camera ready to snap a picture upon his arrival.

Love my goofy boy

Chad & Michelle had a neat home before the babies arrived. There's a hearth in there somewhere.


Cady, all of a sudden, looks like a small toddler!


Brie with great Aunt Jane


Such a precious picture!


Cady resorted to eating her hand b/c she was hungry.

This is where the evening took a turn that no one had envisioned. Michelle bought pizzas for supper. Everyone did not arrive at the same time, so she put them in her oven (still in the boxes) on a very low heat. I've done this many times. Everyone was milling around. Abby & I were in the kitchen. I looked toward the oven and saw something like smoke coming from a potpourri container on Michelle's stove top. I asked Abby, "What is that?" She said, "That's Michelle's potpourri . . .doesn't it smell great?" I said, "No, it doesn't . . . something is wrong." I immediately called Michelle who opened the oven to find two pizza boxes and two bags of bread stix on fire. Oops. Mild panic mode. When it became apparent that it was more than could be blown out or doused away, Chad came with the fire extinguisher and quickly put out the fire. The pizza boxes and bags were still smoldering so he took them outside and threw them in the yard. It's difficult to see, but the boxes and bags are smoking and still have a small flame.

Always Johnny-On-The-Spot, my camera began to shoot pictures of the aftermath. (Thankfully, I'm not crazy enough to snap while the chaos is happening.)

Literally, you could not see in their kitchen.





After raising windows and getting fans going, it began to dissipate a bit.

We all decided that the little girls needed to go outside while the house aired. It only took about 20 minutes or so to get clear. We were just thankful we caught it before it was out of control. Jane, Jan & I left to get more pizza & crazy bread while the house continued to air out. The "Hot & Ready" pizza was hot, but not ready. I had to wait for about 10 minutes. Ugh. When we returned, the party continued just as planned. It was one birthday party to remember!

One half of the table: Matt, Mark, Chad, Michelle, Adger, Jan & Christy (Michelle's sister).

Other half: Christy was in both shots, then Ab, Brie, Andrea, Jane & Cady. Tom was out of town on business, but he called and heard the entire story about the fire. Michelle's mother, who I lovingly call "Mother Mary" came later because of a prior commitment. When she entered, she smelled an odd odor and immediately knew something had happened!

Chad & Michelle got tickled about something, I don't remember what.

Remember when Adger "danced like his life depended on it" and I didn't have my camera? Well, last night we talked him into dancing again. He used every inch of Chad & Michelle's entryway. I have it on video but I don't think my blog readers can stomach watching such a sight.

Brie & Cady playing after supper.

Brie is crawling, but as Mark says, "It ain't pretty, but she gets around." She's so cute. She concentrates so hard when she's traveling.

Well, so much for a laid-back family birthday party, huh? Enough excitement for a long time. But, true to form, we all had a good laugh about it.

To My Son, Chad

Happy Birthday, Chad!

Today you are 34 years old. That makes your mom feel sorta old. I still feel 34 myself, except for my aching knee. Here is a walk down memory lane during the first years of your life.

In 1975, Dad & I lived in Alabaster, AL. You were born at St. Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham. You were due on Mother's Day, but when you were a week overdue, I was induced on Monday, 5-19-75. Of course, our family back in Georgia knew that a baby was coming (no ultrasounds in those days so we didn't know if you were a boy or a girl). Pappy (the big, bad Sheriff of Elbert County) got physically sick knowing that his baby girl was going through labor that day. As soon as Tom called and told Mimi that the baby boy and mother were fine, Pappy was sick no more. You arrived at 1:45 p.m. (Alabama time) and weighted 8# 8 1/2 oz.

Chad, you were the perfect baby (not a dig to Mark & Ab). You smiled all the time. We should have called you "Smile-o". One lady at church said that you were such a happy baby that "there is love written all over" you. You slept great, ate great and you were a complete delight to raise.

Here are a few pictures from your first year. Sorry for the quality. 34 years ago there weren't digital cameras.

3 1/2 mon. old - Notice the old-fashioned baby swing! Wind-up knob and plastic (probably uncomfortable) seat. Also, notice your feet that are "wind-blown". I'll get back to those feet later.

6 mo. old. You and Dad had a great time together. You laughed and smiled all day long.

7 mon. old. Sitting on our bed

8 mon. old - you were crawling.

9 mon. old picture

When you were 10 mon. old, Dad & I were in for a surprise. An orthopedic surgeon put casts on both your legs to correct your "wind-blown" feet. I am positive that in 2009, other measures would be taken. However, the next morning when you woke up, you paid the casts no attention whatsoever. You continued to be a happy baby.

Your smiles never ceased. You wore these casts for 3 months.

Throughout your life you have been so much fun and totally creative. I realize now that I didn't understand just how talented you were - I thought all 6th and 7th graders had detailed cartoon notebooks with hilarious stories. Remember "Bag Boy", "Sash Man", and "Super Ink Blot"?

In sixth grade you had an assignment from Mrs. Chartier to create a Simile, Metaphor, Personification Notebook. If ever there was an assignment right down your future-advertising alley, this was it. Not only did you get an A, you got 110%. It was hilarious and still is. Here is one example, although it is difficult to read:

The assignment was to cut sentences from newspaper/magazines and illustrate the simile, metaphor, etc. The one above is from the newspaper saying "An exasperated teacher of creative writing got tired of reading stories that took as long to get moving as a pregnant elephant." The teacher is yelling, "Could you please move it along!" The pregnant elephant (labeled Slow-Moving Story) is thinking, "What an exasperated creative writing teacher!" Funny, Chad!

When you were in middle school, your future advertising genius/creative mind took on a whole new meaning. You gave me a birthday notebook, bound in masking tape. It said,

"Mom, I have worked all year into discovering the true happiness of life. You have perfected it. Mom, this is your meaningful life condensed into one page. The world will be forever grateful." Then I turned the page and it said, "Drum roll, please . . . " The next page said, "Take a deep breath." Next page was your baby picture!

Then there was a time that you were starving and wanted a large hamburger for a snack. I had told you that you didn't need a hamburger, that it was too close to supper. You went in your room and created an entire advertising campaign about why you deserved a hamburger. The corner of the construction-paper "ad" looked like you had eaten the corner. You added that you were so hungry that you had resolved to eat paper. Needless to say, I immediately left to buy you the biggest hamburger Simpleville had to offer at the time.

Your creative juices have been good to you. You had a great career at Erwin -Penland and now you are writing at the Cliffs Communities. I am very proud of you. You are honestly the funniest person I know. Your one-liners make me laugh and laugh. When you walk in the room, I begin to smile just waiting for you to say something funny. God has given you a great sense of humor and a tremendous talent for writing. I'm now anxiously waiting for you to write a book. It should be a best seller!

I love you, Chad. Have a great day. See ya tonight!