NANA NOTES

"CHRISTMAS CHAOS AT THE NURSING HOME"

The MUMC Jolly Elders did their annual Christmas play tonight. "Christmas Chaos at the Nursing Home" was written by the Jolly Elders and portrayed what they thought they would be like many years from now.  The "Front Door Sitters" were Quent, Doc, Beverly and Madelene.  They were so friendly and it took me a few minutes to realize what they were doing. 

If you've visited the nursing home you know what I'm talking about.  Joddie did a great job of playing the Activities Director [who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent!].  
One of the activities was to decorate the tree.  The "residents" brought out Easter, Halloween, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day and Christmas decorations to put on the tree.  Madelene kept looking for "Leroy" who was going to marry her. Doc kept insisting he was a doctor and "had to make rounds".  Ed Y. was flipping light switches and wondering why the lights kept going on and off.  Margaret lost her false teeth and insisted on singing. Beverly insisted that everyone (including the audience) take pills to get their "yearly cleanout" that her mother always gave her and her siblings.  Nancy was the Administrator and gave a lovely talk. Joddie read a book about what God wants for Christmas.   
 
 

Madelene's flower holder was of particular interest!!  She was ready for her wedding!

Katherine Jones had been an "Inflatable Santa" last year.  She heard they were putting on a play and thought she was supposed to be Santa! [Joddie said, "Katherine, that was ten years ago!"]

Quent was building a bicycle and going to "ride to Alasker" to see Sarah Palin.  He tried to ride out the front door which is a no no!!

 

Joddie explaining to Margaret that she had to give Betty back her teeth!!

 

The top of the Jolly Elders Chaotic Tree!

The entire Jolly Elder group.  During Nancy's talk Ms Inez picked up Baby Jesus out of the basket.  Beverly walked over to her and put the baby back in the basket.  Seems like I saw Stephenie Sullivan do that once.  We're all destined for the same scene!!  I love it!  Merry CHRISTmas Jolly Elders; thanks for sharing your time and talents with us!!  And thank you Joddie for all that you do!

COTTON BRANCH IS A WINTER WONDERLAND---AGAIN!

"They" said it was coming but should we believe it?  We watched the weather all day long.  At dark, the call came.  "It's snowing outside!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The flakes were big as quarters and were falling fast!  It looks like we got about three inches on the deck.

What a beautiful gift this was!  I walked outside several times expecting to hear Christmas Carols being sung by the angels.

   Christmas came early and I'm sure the children will have a cold, wet, fun morning in the snow. 

Thank you Lord for this beautiful covering for our little world on Highway 98.

MUMC BAZAAR WAS GREAT!!!

The MUMC Bazaar was tremendous.  Not a huge crowd but enough to have a wonderful day.  Here are a few pictures to show you what was there.  For those of you who will be at church on Sunday, you still have a chance to purchase the items that are left.  Thanks to everyone who helped make the day such a great one!!

Cakes, pies and peanut brittle!

 

Chocolate cashew clusters that even had samples!!  Yummy!

 

 

 

Treat filled decorated paint cans for special occasions. Very cute!

 
  

 

 

Beautiful homemade aprons!!  I thought of that last year after the bazaar but forgot about it.  I'm glad Suzie did them. They were gorgeous!! 

 

Heritage Candles--smell good! Sold well!

 

MUMC Coffee Mugs--perfect for my Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate Mix!!

 

Ms June and Mr. Mark did a  wonderful job with biscuits and sausage and the awesome "West Burger" for lunch.

 

Those wonderful "Pot Scrubbers" are back!!  Cute blankets and burp pads too.   

Grandma's attic was in the pavillion.  What a wonderful place for that.  Barbie did a great job.  Maybe we should move the whole Bazaar out there if next year is as beautiful as today was!

 

Thanks again to everyone for making the Annual Fall Bazaar a good one!

And Doc, you took my Diet Dr. Pepper!!

**The report at church today was that we made over $4000.00 for the Building Fund.  AWESOME!!

175th CELEBRATION at MUMC

After months of work the day is finally arriving--the 175th anniversary of our church--Meadville United Methodist.  The committee has spent countless hours working and planning for this day.  Although I wasn't on the committee, I got to work on a couple of projects for the event. I designed and sold tshirts. So far that has gone well.  We've sold almost 100.  I also got to put together four bulletin boards for the church--this let me put all my scrapbooking equipment to good use!! 

I picked up a couple of fall wreaths for the doors and Beverly added the bows. It made the front look so inviting. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This board is in the front foyer. I wanted a border but couldn't find one I liked. My theory is "when in doubt-don't" so I left it plain.  The emblem in the middle is on the back of the tshirt.  The Military board has to be one  of my favorites.  It has the sons and friends of our members in the military on it that we are praying for.  Be sure to check it out.

This is really a good one--and I can't take full credit for the idea. But--I did do it with my own creative additions. It's on the board going into the Fellowship Hall. Check it out!    Downstairs in the Sunday School foyer is this board.  I thought it turned out well.

Today when I carried my food to the church there were beautiful flowers everywhere and the video with pictures was tremendous. I know the music is going to be good and the sermon and other speakers should be wonderful as well.  I hope I can take my camera tomorrow and get some shots of the day. This will be too good to miss.  Muffins and coffee at 9:30 AM with church to begin at 10:30 AM.  Come if you can.  You won't be disappointed.

AND THE WINNER IS--------------------------------------

AMY!!!!!

Please get in touch with me [you know all the ways!] so I can get your great, awesome, tremendous HIGH ROAD cd to you! Congratulations!! Your name was drawn from the group in a totally annonamous drawing by a wonderful guy--out of the candy jar!!

The rest of you don't be disappointed--there may be another give away soon.

A "HIGH ROAD" GIVE AWAY!!

 I'm finally getting the CD on the blog!!  Twitter me or comment on the blog to win this wonderful second High Road "Turn Your Radio On" CD!! I think you'll love it as much as I do!  This is the back picture--the front one is a real sunny pose and doesn't photograph well for me.  I'm already wanting a third!! You're gonna' love these girls [and guys!]  Anna Grace and Sarah have done it again! And as an added bonus you get Lee Holland and Blake Stratton!!  It doesn't get any better--or maybe it will!  You have until next week!

THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF HER LIFE!

I've been writing "twitters" and blogs about "my friend" and now for those of you who haven't a clue, I'm revealing who it is.  We are at the Dr.'s office and she's having chemo for the first time.  She's handling it very well.  She has even fallen into the "talking and carrying on" with the other patients. I love that!!  Please pray for Libby (as I know you already have been) as she goes through these treatments. As Ed said a little while ago, "She can do it". 

Tiffany was very gentle with her and Libby didn't even holler! You know I would have!!

The first day---we had fun during my year---this one will be the same way!  Friends always have fun!

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

FOR MY FRIEND

I was taking some pictures out of a frame yesterday and found a note that my Mom had written probably thirteen or fourteen years ago.  Why it was in that frame hidden behind the pictures I will never know.  I don't know if she put it there or if I did.  It doesn't matter--what matters is that I found it at a time when I really needed to hear the words.  My friends needs this note.  This is for you with the same love I'm sure she wrote it with for me:

"I pray for the very best for you but when you have nights filled with sleeplessness and days dark with discouragement and you can't read or pray, just sit still and let God love you."

Need I say more.  I love you.

Barbara

MISSION TEAM TREAT

There are about 100 teens and adults here from three churches in Texas doing local mission work in Franklin County.  They are sleeping in MUMC and using the school field house for showers.  Someone said they were a well oiled machine. Their leadership is awesome.  Ed and I had the priviledge of having them for a cookout and swim party tonight and we all had a grand time.  Ed cooked the best hamburgers with all the trimmings and Susan (or Bubba) and Dale made brownies.  Everyone ate until everything was gone and their were smiles on all of the faces. Ed said they broke the record for the largest number of people in the pool so far.  I also found out that they are doing work on some homes of people I know--deserving people and that made me happy. 

Steve [the guy with the glasses] is the leader of the team. He was here in May checking everything out and getting things ready for the team. This is only part of the kids. 

All of the people were very nice and seemed happy to be in Meadville.  They were very pleased with the help they were getting from Tyson's and folks around town.  Sheila is even going to keep the Snoball Stand open until late on Thursday night just for them.    Thanks, Sheila!

 

The burger line was as popular as the pool--especially the brownies. Thanks to Linda and Janice for all their help.  The team was actually upset that they didn't get to help.  

 

 There are about a dozen vans like this driving around Franklin County full of hard working teens and adults.  If you see one of them--give them a hug and say "thanks" for what they are doing.

And thanks guys for letting us serve you tonight.  We had a great time. God bless you all on this trip and others that you make.  Have a safe journey home and don't forget the Snocones on Thursday!!

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR FRIEND

I know you've heard the story about when I went to chemo for the first time that if I hadn't had my friends with me I don't think I would have made it.  No one talked to me except the nurse and the room was full of people.  I decided right then and there that as long as I was going to that room that no one would experience that feeling.  They were feeling bad enough, they didn't have to feel alone too.  Our friend Skeeter went for his first treatment on Monday.  I knew that his wife would be with him but I really wanted to be there to support him.  Being my "crafty self" I made a sign that said "Skeeter is going to kick cancer's butt" with a kicking donkey on it.  Off I went on Monday and got there before he started.  He didn't know whether to laugh or cry and I think we did a little of both. 

This is Tiffany giving Skeeter his first stick.  I told him I had "magic cream" out in the car if he needed it.  He said he thought he could handle it.  The treatment that day would last six and one half hours.  He started at 8:40 AM. [I found out later that the last drop went through at 4:15 PM].  A very long day for them!!  

This was shortly after the Benadryl bag got started.  I guess Skeeter will be a "sleeper" instead of going hyper like me.  He got quiet.  I hope he gets to rest. 

Deb was filling out papers because somehow theirs had gotten lost.  She came to the line that said "referring physician" and she wrote down "Barbara Herring"!  I had almost insisted that Skeeter use Dr. Jack.  They are glad to be in a clinic that cares so much for their patients.  This picture also shows how much they believe that Skeeter is going to do well with his treatment.  God is in control of this situation and is guiding Dr. Jack to do his best for Skeeter.  Please pray for this family as they go through the months ahead.  God bless you Skeeter; we love you! You too, Deb!!

FINDING 'HEART ROCKS'

Until I got sick I walked every day all around the farm.  I read a blog called Farmgirl Fare and she collects "heart rocks".  Obviously her rocks are a lot bigger than mine [I've shown you some of mine from time to time and you can see hers on her blog. In the upper right hand corner of her blog there is a search block; type in "heart rocks"].  The other day I was out taking pictures and saw this rock.  It's been in my backyard for several years and I've never noticed it.  Right under my nose!!  If I had known it was there I would have put it in the center or in a more noticeable place. But, for now--it's special--a very special "heart rock"! 

THE BEST EASTER DAY!

This is what greeted us at church this morning--a beautiful fresh flower cross made by the Jolly Elders of our church--a beautiful sign that Jesus died on the cross for US!

The choir sang two very good specials that we'd been working on for a while.

I got to do the children's sermon--something I've just recently learned that I really like to do. I read the children The Parable of the Lily and they look like they enjoyed it.

The rustic wooden cross inside the church was decorated with beautiful fresh flowers.  The church was alive with beauty this morning.

 

A former member of our church sends flowers every holiday. There's a long story there and he's never forgotten us. We won't ever forget him either.  

 

The flowers were beautiful and so much appreciated by our congregation.

After church it was home to lunch and the Easter Baskets.  Lunch was delicious and we all enjoyed it-lots of family and some friends.  Cagney baked

a beautiful carrot cake in the shape of a bunny. Even though we hated to cut it, Jeanne and I did and it was delicious. Cagney makes the best desserts!

 

Then it was on to the egg hunt.  Even though the kids said they didn't want to do it, after the eggs were hidden they all got really into it.

 It was a totally great Easter Day!

HIGH ROAD SHOWS UP AND SHOWS OUT!

  Anna Grace and Sarah came to Meadville this weekend to do a couple of concerts.  I went to Natchez to hear them and as usual I wasn't disappointed.  I told them I needed new CD's because I know every word on the one they have out. The good news is they are working on one. These girls are so precious to me-such genuinely awesome good girls.

 

Anna Grace

 

Sarah

 

 

 

 

 

Keep your ears open for "High Road" on the radio--it's coming soon to a Christian station near you!!  It's already happening here!

TODAY'S A GREAT DAY!

This is what the face of a woman looks like who has just been told that all of her scans are clear and that her tests are all negative!  She will have to come back every three months for checkups and she is a healthy woman!!  No more treatments--no cancer at this time. Praise God for His goodness and thank everyone of you for your love and prayers.  I have felt the "wings of angels" surrounding me for the last year.  I love you all!

 

 

UPDATE ON GRAHAM

Ed and I took Sam and Ben to see Graham after lunch today.  He was eating Kentucky Fried Chicken his Aunt Carol brought him.  He was going to save the lunch we brought him for later.   While we were there the Physical Therapist came in and got him up.  The boys and I left the room and Papa stayed with him. He used the crutches to get up and walk across the room.  The only part that hurt was turning around.   Tomorrow she's going to work with walking on crutches and climbing stairs. Then--he may get to come home.

He wasn't in a very good mood but who could blame him. I think he's been a real trooper throughout this whole ordeal. One minute he was having a good time riding a horse and the next minute he was in the back of an ambulance headed to a hospital for who knows what!

 

Graham really didn't want me to take a picture of his leg but this is what it looks like.  No cast! Just a great big bandage covering the incision. 

Please keep Graham in your prayers--his recovery will be several months.  He's a real outdoors guy and will be hard to keep "penned"!  Lots of his friends have called or come to the hospital. I just hope he remembers it.

LIFE IS NEVER DULL ON COTTON BRANCH

Following a nice lunch after church everyone settled in for their afternoon activities.   Ed and Vin were going hunting, Cathleen was watching football, I was blogging, and the Cowarts were roping in the pen.  We got a frantic call saying that I was needed over at the Cowarts--Graham had broken his leg and Jennifer needed help.  I called Ed and told him.  Then another call came in a more frantic manner that she REALLY NEEDED HELP!  I once again called Ed and he got there before I did.  I called the Dr. to see who was on call and see what needed to be done.  He said get an ambulance and head to McComb.  When I got to Jennifer's the EMT's were there and an ambulance was on the way.  They thought the bone was through the skin and would not move him.  We made it to McComb [Shelly in the ambulance with Graham, Chonda driving Jennifer and me following behind]. There's a really long and gruelling story inserted here but I'll spare you that.  Just know that the "Herring" came out of Jennifer and me and the police were sent to get the Dr. on call after an hour and a half of paging him.       

Chonda took the picture of the xray over Shelly's shoulder. I can't tell much about it but I did see the xray and his femur is broken in two and the two pieces were side by side.  He was lying on the bed after they gave him the first pain med. Someone had to be touching him the whole time-Shelly rubbing his head or me holding his hand.  They cut his "almost new" boots off his feet and totally destroyed his jeans.  I promised him a new pair of boots!  :)  The last pic is one of his leg as it was stabilized to the board.  They had straightened it a bit before this picture.  From his knee down was turned inward.

I talked to Jennifer a few minutes ago and she said that he had a good night-he slept for about four hours. He woke up hungry. That's a good sign.

Please keep Graham, Jennifer, Shelly and the other two boys in your hearts and prayers in the days to come.  Learning to deal with crutches and limitations for the months ahead may be stressful.

CHRISTMAS TOUR [better late than never!]

   

Welcome to the front door! I decided to go with traditional red and green this year-my favorite!  The "JOY" mat was in honor of my friend Charlotte.

 

 

   

This cute little snowman greeted you as you came up the walk. Can't leave him out!!

As you turned to the right into the library you saw the portrait of our children over the mantle.  Over the baby grand piano hung this beautiful Christmas tree made from antique costume jewelry by my mother almost 50 years ago. It's displayed on red velvet and something I had always wanted.  I had it framed for her when she moved to Meadville.

  Both dining tables were set alike.  Of course, they didn't stay like this the whole time. :)  The cake dome was something I saw in a magazine. Cute!  Coming into the den you see the "little gold trees" with the stockings.   

Over the mantle in the den hangs the beautiful new portrait of our "grands". We finally got one--everyone has hair because the youngest is five years old. They are all gorgeous.  The mantle is covered in funky Santas and Snowmen with candles and greenery and "Merry Christmas" letters given to me by HGC employees a long time ago. I still love them.

 

"My" tree has always been "my" tree and I say that with a smile! :)  The ornaments have been being collected since Hallmark formed the Ornament Club and I am a charter member.  This year was a first-I let the children decorate the tree.  I usually hang each one and relive the memory of why I bought it as I do.  My enjoyment this year was watching them (and praying that none got broken!).  One day I'm going to stop buying them--I don't have room for a bigger tree and we already put up three!  [two I forgot to take pictures of!!]

 

 

 

 

Next to the mantle in the den is a bookcase where some Santas, my "Moni" angels, the Fontanini manger scene and some village pieces sit.  They stay out all year. I never tire of looking at them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The "Santa Cabinet" is running over!  I started collecting Santas when the children were young.  Some were gifts and one was even especially made just for me [Ed had it done!]. No one will ever love them like I do!

 

And it wouldn't be Christmas without a poinsettia!  There were several around the house to brighten the corners.

The next best thing to Santas is Snowmen and we put them right where they are the center of attention!  Some of them sing and dance.  The grandchildren love them! They especially love the reindeer that plays "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer"! 

The side door looks pretty much like the front door except that it has a lighted grapevine cross on it.  This picture isn't very good but you get the idea.  Out the door, down the driveway to the barn--  

I love driving up at night and seeing the lights on the barn (although this picture is made in the daytime). It reminds me of the manger with all the animals watching over Baby Jesus. 

 

 

  Brother David did a children's sermon one Sunday in Advent and gave out buttons and car stickers that said, "It's OK to say Merry Christmas!"  You know I've never been shy about saying what I believe and I decided we should make a statement.  A couple of friends helped me with this 4' by 8' sign that we lite at night.  Since we live on a major highway I think we got our point across!  I love it!! 

Well, it's finally done--Christmas Home Tour--late but none the less done. Thanks to my two dear, sweet friends who urged me to do it anyway. I hope you enjoy it.  Happy New Year!!

WE CELEBRATED HANUKKAH

Because Ed's sister's husband is Jewish we consider his religion on holidays just as we do ours.  At Thanksgiving Barry and Hillary said a Jewish blessing for our meal.  Hillary and Becky attended our Christmas Eve Communion Service and when we got home we celebrated Hannukkah with Barry and Hillary.  Barry read prayers from the book he used in Hebrew class as we all lit the candles of the menorrah.

 

Hillary really likes celebrating the eight days of Hanukkah because you get a gift each night and she loves presents!  That night she got the recently re-released "Thriller" DVD and you should see her dance to it.

Thanks, Barry, for sharing with us.  It doesn't get any better than that!

A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT

I woke up at 5:00 AM on Christmas Eve--because I wanted to get the day started (and the first part finished!). That day was my last radiation treatment and believe me I was ready for it to be over.  Debra and Libby were there when the diagnosis was given to me; they were there for my first chemo treatment and they were there for the last radiation.  They've been there for me through the whole journey.  Everyone has, but especially those two.

Of course we had to make it a photo op. Thanks, sisters, for everything. When we got home this is what we saw as we drove up to the drive way.

Now I know why Jennifer wouldn't let us in her driveway the night before.  She and the boys were working on this sign that was hung on the fence for all to see. What a great surprise.  The family support I received was tremendous.

I look forward to NOT getting up before 6:00 AM tomorrow and the days ahead and the drive to Natchez.  I look forward to good check ups and great reports.  I have a few weeks off and then have to have scans again.  I'll keep you updated but for now I'm looking forward to a Happy and Healthy New Year!!

THE CHRISTMAS COMPETITION

The Jolly Elders at MUMC had their annual Christmas production on Sunday night.  If you weren't there, you missed a delightful [and hilarious] evening.  If you've seen the movie-Deck the Halls-that should give you some idea of what the play was about.  The scenery was well appointed with furniture and Christmas lighting. The stage hands did a great job!!  [Inez Manning and Delores Martin]

This is the full cast [almost]; aren't they wonderful looking?

  This is "Inflate-a-Santa" 2008 version, better known as Katherine Jones. Doc even had to blow her up!!

Bernie, Flora and Marcy (their teenage daughter) are better known to us as Ed Youngblood, Nancy Corley and Beverly Gabbert.  They were the party hosts and were in the lighting "competition".

Harriet, Arthur, Rob and Junior were the neighbors who were competing in the lighting. To us they are Madelene Carter, Doc Gabbert, Betty Wilkinson and Jean Peterson.  You should see Rob and Junior play video games ! :)

Evelyn, Walter and Gerry Matthews were played by Margaret Chatham, Bill Manning and Sarah Halford. They did a great job too.

The "elderly" neighbors were Mr. Carson (Quent Peterson) and Ms. Phillips (Doris Jean Hollinger.  Doc begrudgingly blew the snow from their driveways in a loving way!   :)

 

 

I missed Delores Martin, Betty Youngblood, Esther Spring and Joddie Spring and I'm sorry. Ms Inez Manning was in the group picture.  Joddie Spring is the "proud stage Mom" to this group and does a wonderful job as their faithful leader.  She's like the Energizer Rabbit: always moving, always helping, always giving.  Thanks, Joddie, for a wonderful production.