NANA NOTES

HOW SWEET CAN HE BE?

 

Well, it's chapter 3 in the same book. I started my treatment on Wednesday and it was a "Murphy's Law" day. My port didn't want to cooperate so I went to the hospital for a dye scan which showed that the port worked perfectly! Back to the clinic where the meds refused to flow unless I jiggled the bag or rubbed my arm. Finally the flow just stopped all together. An IV was inserted and the meds finished. What should have taken 1 1/2 hours took 5 hours.  My BFF was with me and we went to eat lunch. On the way home, Ed called to ask what he could do for me.  Libby said for him to turn my bed down and lay out my pj's.  I told him not worry that I was fine. When I went into the bedroom this is what I found:  He even had honey candy on my pillow that helped my cough!!  I crawled into that bed as fast as I could and stayed there until the next morning--didn't sleep much due to steroids but stayed in my bed none the less. It's a good thing. I am very blessed to have so many people looking after me.

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.

MY BEST FRIEND'S (son's) WEDDING

I just sort of skipped over this Saturday post. For some reason the week after the wedding was hectic for everyone.  Ed was out of town and I spent a lot of time with Libby getting ready for the rehearsal dinner and taking some pictures of the rehearsal and wedding.  I've known Libby's children since they were young and Sonny since before he was born. He has been a blessing to Libby. Megan has become a very good friend and I got to help her with the wedding--I was the "researcher" while she was finishing up her Master's Degree. I researched flowers, cakes, candy, invitations, napkins, food--almost everything.  I made her Bridesmaid's gifts and loved doing it.  The wedding was beautiful and very sweet.

Bride and bridesmaids at the rehearsal. (Megan has on a long dress.)

Libby and me before the wedding. Doesn't she look beautiful? I had the pleasure of going with her to pick out her dress. It was my favorite color and she looked great in it!  Beautiful mother of the groom!!

The candy station!!  I loved this and plan to use this idea soon. 

 Their cake was  beautiful and delicious. It had two lemon filled layers (and everyone knows that Libby and I love lemon filling!!), a raspberry filled layer, red velvet, and Italian cream. The purple crystal "B" was gorgeous!

Beautiful bridesmaids!

The handsome groom with his beautiful bride. They made it to their honeymoon destination, had a great time and have returned to the "real" world. Thank you both for letting me be a part of your special day.

Just thought I'd show you the towel wraps. Cute and colorful! 
 


 
 


 
 
 
 

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.

BEACH SCENES 2010

Well, I can honestly say that we've done very little while at the beach-or should I say condo. The most sand I've seen has been between here and Cobalt where we've had dinner twice. If I had a job to go back to, I would be so rested and ready to get back to it!!  These pictures are just some I've taken without a reason really.  Ed and I have a game of making up stories.  There was a beautiful HUGE motor home parked at the condo.  As the people were leaving I snapped some shots--there was a driver, a man with two boys, a man and a woman with a baby.  Here's my version--the guy in the blue plaid shirt is a rock star and the woman with the baby is his wife.  The other guy plays backup and the guy with the two boys was the busy driver. The fact that he's the busy driver is real.

 
 
  Ok, we have bus, backup, wife and child, bus driver and now rock star! 

 As hard as I tried I could not get a shot of his face.  That was my story; Ed just said "megabucks"!!

Breakfast for Papa and me--our favoritebeach thing--bagles, bacon, fresh fruit, and homemade blackberry jam and homemade peach jam! 

 
Have to get Papa walking Sadie for one of her "daily's"!!  She really just likes to ride the elevator!!

  Always weddings on the beach. This was one of three this afternoon.  Gotta go take Sadie out. It's about time to come back to good ole Franklin County too!

 

 

THIS NANA CAN FISH!!

Now I may not be as good a fisherman/fisherwoman as Jody or Ed, but I can catch fish.  I'd rather it be called "catching" because I'm not really happy when we're not getting anything.  Ed and I have a secret spot where we go every now and then and it usually turns into a competition.  That's all I'll say about that.  He caught a very nice fish today.  Here's mine. Ed made the picture with his cell phone so this is as big as it will get.  I was happy.  And Sadie is so funny--she runs from one of us to the other as we catch a fish. She is worn out.  A fun hour on a late, hot summer afternoon.

GIRLS BEACH TRIP

 
The girls left for the beach on Wednesday. Josh was kind enough to take our picture. A couple of them couldn't go and we're missing them but we're having a great time. Fun, sun, food, more fun, a little shopping and lots more sun. And did I mention food!!

Some teacher friends from Natchez were there having fun in the pool. They were practicing their synchronized skills!
   Deb and Libby relaxing in the pool!  Of course, there had to be "retail therapy"! Deb brought beautiful things for the new baby that's coming soon.   Today we spent some quality time at the beach.  We saw very little yucky oil but there were lots of people working to keep it clean.  This is one of the oil booms stretched out on the water.  One of the cranes out behind the condo used to lift the loads of oil that are collected.  The people are working 24/7 to keep the beaches clean.  So far we haven't noticed any less people here.
 
 
 
 

MEMORIAL DAY 2010

Ed and I are watching the Memorial Day Celebration on MPB television and I am so emotional. The stories, the songs and the people are so inspiring. I am so thankful that my grandfathers, my uncles, my dad, my father-in-law, my husband and my son served our country and made it home safely. So many didn't.  Thank all of you who fought for our freedom. You are remembered and prayed for and appreciated daily.

 

 

 

 

THE FOUNTAIN FROM HEAVEN!!

The fountain from @#$% is now distributed to several parts of the garden being used as "yard art" and the wonderful new fountain is in place and running. The new flower bed is finished with the exception of the breaker for the lights on the fountain.  I absolutely love it. Nothing soothes me like the sound of running water and this is certainly peaceful. It's so much fun to watch the birds dip into the water.  The fountain is now an "integrated" part of the garden instead of a stand alone object. Thanks to Ed for letting me have this done.  The fountain is now surrounded by a rock garden with roses, gardenias, gold mound spirea and day lilies. 

There's a blue stone path way from one sidewalk to the other and I hung baskets with "blue daze". There are hydrangeas under the crape myrtle trees.  I have a little meditation bench that I'm going to put at the center of the walk by the fountain.    I'm excited to watch this project grow. Now to the watering. I'll have to watch the sprinkler system to make sure it's doing its job!! 

 
 

FINALLY--THE POND IS FULL!!

Every day since all the rain started Papa has driven Sadie to the pond and back to check and see how much deck was showing underneath.  Every day he would come home and say, "we need about 12 more inches".  Well, last week after a two inch rain, he came home and said the pond was full.  The water is even with the deck.  The overflow is running.  My comment was, "so much for a three year project. It's done in about six months!"  But--now the fish have to grow and some more have to be added.  It's going to be a wonderful place for the grandchildren this summer.  Someone even added that a rope swing would be great.  NOT!!  This Nana's heart couldn't stand it!! 

 

 The rockers and the swing will get more inviting as the weather warms up. I can see many afternoons spent out here with the children.  I thank the guys for building this great "Lake Okhissa II" and God for filling it up so quickly.
 

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!!
 
 
 
 

 

RIDGE POINT CHRISTMAS 2009

I've spent the last four hours downloading and labeling the pictures from the "Pirate Christmas" at Ridge Point today.  The pictures will have to speak for themselves because I am exhausted!!  We had a great day and enjoyed every minute of being with family and eating and playing games with gifts.  There was lots of laughter and hugging.  If you don't have family, you miss out on a lot. Thank you Lord for giving us such a big extended family!!  Check out the Ridge Point Christmas 2009 photo album on the left sidebar!!  You can also [maybe] see it on my Facebook page.

"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.

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!