NANA NOTES

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!!

 

 October 1, 2009 is the beginning of a brand new year for my sweet husband.  I won't tell you how old he turned today but he and Herring Gas were born the same day and that was in 1946.  He spent the morning at the store and the afternoon on a tractor fluffing hay for Ryan. Tonight we attended the first night of a Bible study.  That's how birthdays go when you get this age.  It's been a good day. He heard from all the children.  We look forward to many more.  Happy Birthday, Papa!
 

CAN YOU SAY "SURPRISED" ?

You all know my story of cancer and how my friends rallied around me. I wanted to do the same for my dearest friend Libby who is fighting the battle now.  A few of us got together today and surprised her [and we REALLY did!!!] with a small party to show her that we love her and are supporting her. Debra and I 'dropped in' with some tea that she'd been wishing she had.  We were sitting there drinking tea when others started "dropping in" too!  They brought food, gifts, balloons and "tacky wigs" to model! :)  The next two hours were filled with fun, food and laughter.   I think you can see that she was surprised. And--she looked beautiful in her pink hat and bandana.  Her biggest surprise was when her cousin from Covington County came in--there were a few tears shed then. 

 

You can't have a party with this bunch without good food and everything was delicious.  Mary Kathryn brought a beautiful bouquet of zinnias from her garden.  She always has gorgeous zinnias!!  You can't have a party without presents and Libby got a table full--lotions, tshirts, books, homemade cinnamon rolls, and gift certificates for pedis and massages.  She will be well pampered for a while--and that's just what we intended!!  The highlight of the afternoon was a "Wig Style Show" to show Libby how gorgeous she could be with the choices of wigs available today!! Leigha chose a dark blonde one and Sharon was describing it.                       

Mary Kathryn looked especially lovely wearing a blonde long wig and sun glasses; her stage name is Marilyn.  I'll stop there or I'll give away the best part!!  Sandra Geter was "Suzette" and wore a dark blonde wig. She was extremely lovely with her quiet demeanor and beautiful smile. 

 

Alisa was "Alexandra the Hippie Chick".  Her wig was black and curly and she came back later with peace sign earrings and sunglasses.  You know Libby will wear that soon!!  My used to be friend Pat was somebody from Paduka who not only attended the race but rode in it! [You had to be there!] She said if I put her picture on here that she would not be my friend any more.  I think she'll forgive me. I didn't put the crazy one!! :)  And yes, I modeled one too.  Sharon made me.

They all agreed that I looked better BALD!! 

Of course, we had the pink balloon ceremony. We all said a silent prayer and let it go with the balloon. Glory bumps galore when those balloons go up!! 

Libby and her girls: Mimi, Libby, Alisa, Katherine, and Leigha

For a look at all of the pictures take a look at the photo album labeled "Libby's Party 2009" on the sidebar of the blog.

We love you, Sister!!

Ed's Fly Fishing Trip

During the days that we were melting here in Mississippi, Ed and some friends were fly fishing in Montana, Colorado and Utah in 40 degree weather looking at snow capped mountains.  Doesn't that just hurt your feelings!!  :)  I finally got the pictures today.  He had called most every day with stories of what they were doing and what they were seeing [and giving me weather reports which I did not want!!!] but the pictures do not do his stories justice.  The excitement in his voice told me that the water and mountains were as beautiful as anything he had ever seen and that they were having a wonderful time.  Here are a few shots of the trip.  He said there just wasn't time to take pictures--they were too busy fishing and "looking" to be photographers.  

Ed said some woman passed by and offered to take this picture.  Left to right: Yancey, John, a guide, Vin and Ed.  Look at all the "stuff"!! The mountains are beautiful. 

This is the Green River and the water was so clear.  Ed said in some places it was 15 feet deep and you could see fish swimming everywhere.  This river is in Utah.  

One day for lunch [which Ed always bragged about] they stopped on the side of the river and had a picnic--chairs, tables and all.  I can't remember what they had but the other night he said he wished he had some of the cookies that they had that day!  He always makes the food sound so good. He sent me a video [from his phone] from Old Faithful. If I could figure out how to get it on here I'd let you see it. Awesome is the only word I can use for how it looks.

Thanks to Susie (who went to Belgium and Paris) and Ed who toured the West, I've had two good vacations this summer and didn't even have to leave home. No packing and no stress!  The best way to do it and I got happies from both trips!!

EMOTIONS ARE RUNNING HIGH

Emotions have been "touch and go" around here for a week or so.  We've had lots of things happening in our community.  Our little community is so small than when something happens to one it pretty much affects all.  There's a Lady Antebellum song [One Day You Will] I was listening to today that made me feel better about some of the "stuff".  Here is part of the chorus.

"But down the road the sun is shining
In every cloud there's a silver lining
Just keep holding on (just keep holding on)
And every heartache makes you stronger
But it won't be much longer. . . 
I know right now that's not the way you feel
But one day you will."

Maybe we should be listening more to Jeremiah 29:11:  For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Or maybe Romans 8:28:  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Maybe that's why God invented country music--sometimes the words just fit the situation.  I do know first hand that all of this is true and "that may not be the way you feel, but one day you will."

TRIBUTE TO MY FRIEND

Karen Reynolds

What do you say about a friend you've had for almost forty years?  Karen and I have spent many hours working in concession stands, sitting at ball practice and ballgames, attending cow shows--freezing and sweating--having bake sales, arranging flowers--you name it and we've probably done it at one time or another.  One thing I didn't want to share with her was cancer.  During the times I was sick she was faithful to call me and send cards of encouragement.  I wasn't as faithful as she was in that department but I prayed for her daily.  We talked a week or so ago and she was tired.  Today she is healed and home with her God.  Her family and friends will miss her, but our memories are sweet.  Karen, from here on all your arrangements will have blue ribbons--you deserve it!

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

PROUD OF MY BOY!

Jennifer and Shelly's #1 son graduated last night--an honor graduate who's made us all proud.  He's been my heart since the day he was born and will continue to be so until I am no longer here.  I'll leave the details for Jennifer to blog but here are a few of my candid shots.  Jeanne and Jennifer have much better ones I'm sure.  They had the "big" cameras out.

As he was coming in to the Processional.

I never tire of seeing the flag flying and hearing the National Anthem.

It's official--diploma in hand!!

 

When I left them Ryan and Haleigh they were very happy and deciding where they were going. I pray for all of them a safe and happy life.

God bless and I love you.

Nana

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!

THE GREAT RECITAL WEEKEND [NASHVILLE OR BUST!]

Ed and I left on Thursday for Nashville and drove to Birmingham. We had a great dinner at J Alexander's and a good night's sleep. After breakfast we headed for Nashville.  We got there in time to order flowers and rest a little bit before Anna Grace's recital at the Massey Performing Arts Center on the Belmont Campus.  We met up with Susie, Bob, and John Robert and rode together. The first person we saw when we got there was Sarah Crosby. She and Brother Johnny had come and we were pleased to visit with them.  The "Anna Grace" crew filled up two rows. The auditorium was full and folks said that more people attended that recital than any they had seen in a long time.  Music students are required to attend a certain number per year but are not told which ones to go to.  She had friends and family from Meadville (us), Starkville, California, Brookhaven, Iowa, Ohio and more. 

She wowed everyone with her music, her poise and personality.  I know there were some professionals in the audience who really enjoyed the show.  We all could have sat there much longer.  Doesn't she look beautiful?  Ed loves "Baby Girl" and is so proud of her. His appreciation of music has grown because of her. So has mine!! 

Sarah and her mother had prepared and set up a wonderful barbecue reception following the recital.  It was delicious.  Sarah had baked four cakes, made baked beans, delicious potato salad and had veggies and dips. The barbecue was very good and everyone had a great time.  There were lots of photo ops.  

This photo is Anna Grace with "Corn" and RJ. "Corn" played the bass and RJ came out for the final number and sang like WOW!!!  These guys were good!

  Sarah's parents were delightful--Scott and Kathleen Davison--how could they not be having raised such a beautiful and sweet girl as Sarah?

I probably could sell this picture--in fact I told Andy that I probably would!  Two of the guys play with the "Time Jumpers" [Joe Spivey on the left and Andy Reiss on the right] and the guy on the right of Susie is Bob Colvert who introduced AG to them.  She plays with them sometimes at the Station Inn on Monday nights. 

 

These folks are pretty important in AG's life.  John Robert is Anna Grace's brother [far left], Holli-her older sister-and Pascal, Holli's husband from Belgium.  Allin was missed [he was working but wanted to be there badly.] 

We all enjoyed meeting and getting to know Cosima and Chris Luther from California (by way of Colorado). They and their dad run the Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp that Susie and AG attend each summer.  They are smart and funny and great people.  I hope some day they come here and you can meet them.  

I told Susie that there wasn't any need to be hugging on Bob. All the money was gone--spent on the education and recital! Bob laughed and agreed!

 

Leave it to AG--RED SHOES!!  "It was Valentines, Ms Barbara!"

There is still lots more to this post but my computer says  "Not tonight".  Stay tuned for part two of the Nashville trip-Sarah's gig at The Stage on Broadway and the impromptu concert!!

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!

 

 

2009 - A GREAT NEW YEAR BEGINNING

Ed and I have never been much for going out on New Year's Eve. We can't stay awake that long and we're really not rowdy people.  We went to bed early and woke up about 4:00 AM to someone knocking on our door. A young man from Vicksburg had wrecked his vehicle in front of our home and came for help.  We carried him to the hospital.  After looking at his vehicle we realized he was a very lucky guy.  There wasn't anything about it that was recognizable. He had angels surrounding him.

We had plans for about 24 people for lunch--the usual New Year's fare-roast pork, baked chicken, black eyed peas, cole slaw, potato salad, green beans, sweet potato pone, cabbage, mexican cornbread, pecan pie, blueberry cake--just the normal little lunch!! :)

After lunch we all settled in to listen to Anna Grace and Sarah [High Road] do a little playing and singing.  When we looked at the clock it was nearly 5:00 PM.  The guys didn't even miss the football games; they enjoyed the music so much.  We all did.  Jennifer is hoping that John Robert playing her new guitar rubbed off on the guitar and she will be able to get some of the sounds out of it. :)

These girls have great talent--some of which I will keep a great secret-unless I'm bribed to tell !! :)  Only a few shall know!!

By now Jennifer probably has a video on her blog that you can see. Please check it out.  And--buy their CD; you'll love it!!

Thanks everyone for a great New Year's Day celebration.

PS:  The young man checked out fine at the hospital; when I talked to the nurse at noon he was waiting for someone in his family to come and get him.  They said he had a "reality check".  I'm sure he did.  He will be very grateful for 2009.

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!

ARE YOU SURE THIS IS MISSISSIPPI??

This is what we woke up to this morning!!  I have been jealous of my "twitter" friends talking about snow in the north.  Now I can brag too! 

 

  

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas---and all my dreams have come true!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!! 

QUICK UPDATE FOR EXTENDED FAMILY

I haven't posted an update lately on the "health" situation so I guess I should.  I'm not good at calling or writing and most of my cousins are electronic!  I have had 15 radiation treatments with 13 left to go. The way I counted it--IF the doctor is open on Christmas Eve [and I pray he is] that will be my last day! What a gift that would be!  Other than the first reaction to the marking pen [permanent cross on my left side!-not bad to be marked with a cross!] and a little nausea every now and then I am doing well.  Radiation is not a "friendship bonding" place. I get there at 7:45 AM, change into a gown, get zapped, and am usually out by 8:10 AM at the latest. At least with chemotherapy, I made friendships and had conversations.  But I'm not complaining.  I have used the drive back and forth to Natchez to memorize the Christmas contata for church [I've been out of choir since February] and have some quiet time with God.  These are trying times and this is a learning experience, right? I'm looking forward to a wonderful Christmas with the children and grandchildren.  And---2009---we're praying for a wonderful year!

UPDATE FOR MY EXTENDED FAMILY

Today was my third radiation treatment. So far the only side effect I have had [besides the chemical burn from the marking pen] is a little bit of nausea feeling every now and then. I have medication for that and don't hesitate to take it.  Twenty seven to go [not counting Saturdays and Sundays]. Thanks for your prayers and notes. They are carrying me through this journey.

MISTLETOE AND E WOMEN-My Last Hurrah [at least for 6 weeks!]

November 7 was "Mistletoe Day". Libby didn't get to go so Pat and I went and hurriedly walked the isles.  She ran across so many people that she knew that we didn't get much shopping done but we sure had fun! [And I was the one who grew up in Jackson and lived there most of my life.] Libby would be proud of us because we only bought candy!!  I did manage to pick up one Christmas gift and a couple of stocking stuffers.  I really would have loved to go back today but the Friday night session of the EWomen Conference was so good and we knew that today would be even better.  We were right!! 

We met up with Carolyn, Sharon and Dana [back row] and a few more from our wonderful community.  It's great to sing and laugh and cry with friends.

  Pat was sweet enough to take my picture with Chonda Pierce.  This woman can make you laugh and cry at the same time.  Thanks, Pat.

The Children of Hope are always a delight. They are children from Africa.  You have a chance to sponsor children whose parents have given them up or cannot raise them usually due to HIV. Their dancing and singing always bring a smile to your face.

 I especially liked Avalon this year. Their music wasn't as loud and was more to my liking.  They did new versions of old, contemporary hymns. I loved the version of "I'll Fly Away".

Karen Kingsbury did a wonderful job. I don't think I have read any of her books but she has a book out that I definitely plan to buy. [They ran out before I could get one today.] I think Barbie will change from Dr. Suess to this one for the Seniors on Graduation Sunday!

 

Angela Thomas is just about my favorite.  This girl gets right to your heart with laughs and tears.  She said we're all "little Jesus girls"!  I love that.

 

I got to walk down the hall with Thelma Wells. We were coming from the "product room" to the sanctuary and I happen to see her.  I spoke to her and we started talking.  When we started down the steps, she took my hand.  A couple of years ago she had cancer and was very sick.  She's doing fine now.  Her story is incredible.  And-we learned today that she has a beautiful singing voice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I did not know Mark Schultz. His plane was late so he was the last on the program. He did about 20 minutes worth of music and flew out again.  His music is very good. Pat and I decided that he should find Anna Grace in Nashville and they should work together.  Stranger things have happened!  The next E Women's Conference in Jackson will be in 2010--but we know the way to Baton Rouge or Birmingham for 2009!  Don't we Libby?

REMISSION!!

That was the word I heard today!  Sounds good to me. No more chemotherapy but for "insurance" I will have six weeks of radiation.  The faslodex shot will be a permanent fixture in my life.  The Dr. said that in the next two years there are some greatly advanced treatments coming out and if they could help me in any way he would consider them for me--anything to keep the cancer from returning.  I figure I've given almost fourteen years to fighting this disease [for myself this year--for others for the last thirteen years with Relay for Life]. I can give another six weeks.  After that I will continue the fight for Donna.  Right now we're just singing praises to God for the work He has done!

A SONG I LOVE

I found a CD that I really enjoy--Jim Brinkman Valentine. The song copied below is on that CD.  When I was going through chemotherapy and felt so bad I would listen to this song and think about how God was watching over me and protecting me-always there for me.  I realize that He always has been there for me and always has been protecting me but this song really touched me.  Last night when I was driving home from town the moon was really bright and beautiful.  This song came on and I heard it in a totally different way.  I thought about my family--children and grandchildren and Ed.  And really if you think about it--you want these things for everyone you know.   I tried to find a link so you can hear it but you know I'm "technically challenged". Find one if you can and listen to it.  You'll love it as much as I do.

Never Alone                                    

                                                                  
May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you when its time to go home
May you always have plenty
Your glass never empty
And know in your belly
You're never alone

May your tears come from laughing
You find friends worth having
With every year passing
They mean more than gold
May you win but stay humble
Smile more than grumble
And know when you stumble
You're never alone

Chorus:
Never alone
Never alone
You'll be in every beat of your heart
When you face the unknown
Wherever you fly
This isn't goodbye
My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you¹re never alone

Well I have to be honest
As much as I wanted
I'm not gonna promise the cold winds won't blow
So when hard times have found you
And your fears surround you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone

Chorus

May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you when its time to go home
And when hard times have found you
And your fear surrounds you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone

Chorus

My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone

BECAUSE. . .

When I got home today there were five GORGEOUS flower arrangements on the counter. I was so overwhelmed by the beauty that I called Debra [who lives very close by] and told her to come look.  I called Ed and he said we were celebrating a milestone--no more chemo for me! What a sweet, thoughtful man I married.

Each one had a card with a handwritten note--in Ed's handwriting.

 "Because your friends love you"

 

  "Because you are so special"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                         

"Because God loves you"       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Just Because. . ."             

 "I LOVE YOU"

Aren't they beautiful and wouldn't that make your day better?

Just a short update on the next round:  a couple of weeks off and then another CAT and PET scan. A visit with the oncologist and a visit with the radiation doctor. Six weeks of radiation following the visit. Continue faslodex shots forever and routine visits with oncologist. Nothing I can't handle after the last five months.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Phil. 4:13