NANA NOTES

PLAYING CATCH UP!!

This blogging thing seems to get harder and harder--I guess because Facebook and Instagram have taken over the blogging world. Oh, and don't forget Twitter and ---! :) Really, it's just laziness or busyness on my part.  Here is a little bit of "catch up" to let you see what's going on at the farm.

 

Some of the jam made from berries from the farm.

I spend a lot of time upstairs running my embroidery machine. These are some of the things that I donated to the bazaar.

One of the biggest happenings was Josh and Victoria getting married. Not the big wedding we had planned but a beautiful one nonetheless. A lovely ceremony and a trip to Canada then back to real life. Hope to have a party after Christmas for them. 
The Herring Gas Bicycle Team years have been great ones. Each year we've had a get together and fellowshipped with each other. This year was the last HGC sponsored year.  We had a grand party and will watch the guys ride under a new name next year. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hunting was good to the kids this year! They all got big deer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The other pictures must be on my ipad and I'll have to switch devices. I'm frustrated to say the least!!  To be continued--sooner or later--sooner, I hope!!

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

I've heard of blessing of the fleet and blessing of the crops but I don't think I've ever heard of blessing of the animals.  But---that only seems fair. Our pets are precious to us, like family. Meadville United Methodist Church had a service this morning that was for Blessing of the Animals.  We had a nice group of both members and guests that brought pets and pictures of pets. We had prayers and music and then each pet was personally blessed by name by Brother Tim. The weather was beautiful and the service was very nice. I hope the animals felt as blessed as I did! Here are some pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Piper was on her best behavior. She was decked out in her new pink halter and leash. I was so proud of her for not barking continuously and trying to attack the other dogs. She acted like a real lady at church!!

The Brookhaven Animal Rescue League has a special place in a lot of our hearts.  Several of the pets that belong to MUM members came from BARL.  We support them in lots of ways. The Youth will give 10% of their fundraising monies to BARL.  I hope this service becomes a tradition at our church and that it grows with people and pets.

BLESSED!

It's not everyday that you get the chance to host a beautiful party and have fun! Lately it seems that we've been doing a lot of that though. Ed and I were blessed to have Anna Grace and Nate's rehearsal dinner here on Friday night. People from all over the US were here and we had a wonderful time. Nothing goes better with friends, food and music that nice chilly weather, warm propane heaters and a fire pit!!  After a delicious meal and nice toasts from family and friends and (as Nate said) everyone put on their "ankle braces" and got the party started. I was off my camera game and didn't get many pictures but someone took my camera and got a few shots.  I did, however, enjoy the dancing!! Thanks, AG and Nate for trusting us to have your dinner at our home. We loved doing it.                                               Shots of the lower deck. Four of the six Hollinger siblings--Jean, Bruce, Joni and Mark (seated). And, yes, I danced till I couldn't any more!! Here I'm doing some kind of something with Chris and Cosima from California!! I loved it!! And I love these kids!!  The wedding was beautiful and I didn't take my camera. I knew Jen would take plenty and maybe I could see those later.  We were blessed by Anna Grace and Nate when they came by the house to change into their traveling clothes so I got a picture after all.  It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission so I'm posting it. (thanks, Susie.)     Ready to leave and yes, she's still going to know me when she's famous !

We love you Anna Grace and Nate!!

 

attitudes

I found this in a knitting package I bought in a store in Gatlinburg. I have been wanting to put it on the blog for several days. Today I read the first devotional in a new book given to me by one of my "sisters".  What a God thing.  It's about the same subject.

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, that what other people think or say or do.  It is more important than appearances, giftedness, or skill.  It will make or break a company..a church..a home.  The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we embrace for that day.  We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people act in a certain way.  We cannot change the inevitable.  The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our ATTITUDES. 

Author of "Attitude"; Chuck Swindoll 

I;ve always tried to be cheerful to checkers at a store. You never know their story and some of them are not friendly. I have rarely left one that doesn't eventually laugh or smile after some off the wall comment I make.  I tell them that a long time ago I chose to be happy on this day and that's the way it's going to be. I am the one who makes me happy and no one can take that away.  I've seen the coldest hearts melt and have made friends.  I've prayed out loud right there in the store. I refuse to let a day go by that someone doesn't smile. A day without laughter is wasted. That's my attitude!!  What's yours??

AN UPDATE FOR FAR AWAY FAMILY. . .

 

Today I had treatment and was dressed to go. I asked Linda to take my picture because Ididn't have one of "this time". She was sweet enough to do it for me. Since I'd just had the side entrance fixed for a get together, we decided to make it there.  The pink pumpkin is one of two I painted and "blinged" for Halloween.  Totally doesn't go with Halloween, but goes with my way of thinking these days.  I'm wearing more hats than caps and am enjoying them.  Libby and I have shared all our bandanas, etc.  We've had enough of this sharing things we don't want to be wearing!!  BUT, we are grateful to be able to do it for each other.  I can still stand and so far have not lost of gained any weight.  That to me is a good thing. My CA 27-29 went down a month ago nearly 20 points so next week I am looking forward to hearing another drop.  My white count is up and that means I don't miss treatment. Haven't made any lasting friends at chemo this time. The mother of a friend of mine at church who passed away takes treatment but we've only hit twice on the same day.  She's a sweetie.  I guess the point of this post is to tell you "far away family" that I am fine. I still need your prayers and I love you and miss you and hope to see you soon.

A little addition:  We've had two deer since late June.  They are up to 15 gallons of milk a week. I am ready for them to leave.  They are eating well on their own and are fat and healthy.  Ed let them out today but they won't go.  I took these pictures when I got home from treatment. 

This is LuLu (aka Morgan).

This is Lacy.

They have a wonderful place to go (providing they haven't eaten my new pansies and my gerber daisies in the morning!!)  It's full of corn and acorns and deer for them to buddy up with. There's no hunting in this area so they will be fine and be able to produce babies.  They have a good home.

BLESSINGS sung by Laura Story

A friend gave me a CD she had made for another friend of ours. This was the first song on the CD. It has unbelievably touched my heart. I hope as you read the words it touches yours too. I pray that it helps our friend as she goes through her "trials".

Blessings

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

ONE BEAUTIFUL DAY!!

There's not enough time or space to write about the wedding. God blessed us with a beautiful day and wonderful family and friends to share the day. It lasted until the wee hours and on into Sunday. The pictures only tell part of the story!! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=576241373#!/media/set/?set=a.10150212179691374.311067.576241373 Click on the link and then click on the first picture. That will make them bigger and you can move through the arrows to see the pictures. Hope you enjoy them.

MUMC SHOWER FOR HALEIGH AND RYAN

Meadville UMC Celebration Committee hosted a lovely shower for Haleigh and Ryan on April 3. Look on the blog albums for the 2011 Shower for Haleigh and Ryan and click on it.  You can see all the pictures. Click on them to see them larger. Thank you wonderful church family for loving our children.

ANSWERED PRAYERS!!

We've been seeing the sign on First Baptist Church McComb about Selah coming to do a concert there. Jennifer mentioned about trying to get tickets but we discovered they were long sold out.  She and Jackie put their names on the waiting list--just hoping.  Well, actually we were all praying.  I tried to find someone who could help us but had no luck. Today Jennifer and Jackie both got calls that they each had two tickets. We had no problem getting someone to go!

Ed took this picture of four happy ladies! Tickets in hand, we set out to get good seats!!  Can you say "fourth row" center!!  We all had our kleenex stash and were ready!

Alan, Amy and Todd--need I say more!

The testimonies these guys gave were tremendous! As Pat said, "we're having some CHURCH up in here"!
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pat and I think we should get Alan and Sarah Davison together to play dual pianos!!

Powerful voices with a powerful message.  I am so thankful that God answered our prayers and sent those tickets our way.  The messages we received from the music and testimonies were more than we could have asked for.  Thank you God for allowing us to enjoy this amazing concert.

ASHLEY AND CASEY'S WEDDING

 
The weather outside was frightful but that didn't stop people from coming out to Ashley Hancock and Casey Hammack's beautiful wedding today at the Meadville United Methodist Church.  I didn't ask permission so I guess I'll ask forgiveness tomorrow for posting these pictures!!  The rain didn't make a mess of anyone involved.  All the ladies were gorgeous and the men were handsome. 

 

Casey waiting on his bride.  Does Terry look nervous??

 
Beautiful bridesmaids in their lovely fern green dresses with red roses.

Handsome guys: preachers-David Cox, Brad Moak- and the groomsmen, groom and father of the groom. 

Lighting the unity candle. I only wish we could have seen their faces as the music played. We could tell they were happy.

What happened to my "kissing" picture?  It's gone on my camera!!  He "dipped" her and it was so precious!

 Mom and Bill look relieved that it's over. Doesn't Ruthie look beautiful? Loved your dress, Ruthie!!  

Betty Jean and Terry look very happy. Betty Jean's purple dress was awesome and Terry looks more relaxed now that the wedding is over!!  

And the winner is--you guessed it--Mr. Bill and Ms Inez!!  He said he was so proud of his granddaughter. He said she was so beautiful and he did a great job of walking her down the isle.  Ms Inez, you have a wonderful, sweet husband and you look gorgeous!

Can't forget the wedding cakes--

 Casey's was chocolate with a horseshoe on top and Ashley's was a white cake with white icing. It had two horses and riders on the top. I grabbed a piece as I left and wish I had a big chunk right now. It was delicious! That's a hint, Ruthie!!  I loved the portrait of Ashley that was on the easel by the cake too! 

The church was running over with guests; the food was delicious and everyone was happy.  Rain or not--it was a beautiful day!  Congratulations to you both!!
 
 
 
 

 

"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!!