We were saddened a couple of days ago to hear that Rob Squires had died. He was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease 5 years ago and had fought the good fight to continue life for as long as he could. My prayers are with his family. I have gone through the sadness of losing a spouse but I can't imagine the heartache of losing a child. I am truly blessed in that I still have both of my parents and all of my siblings. We all loved Rob and will miss him.
My little Sook has engine problems and will probably need a new one....can't see throwing good money after bad. Would rather save up for a new engine that will last me a good long time. My thanks to Kevin for trying so hard to find a solution. Yesterday was not the first time we have had a tow in the Keys but it is the first time for Sook!
Then to top it off, last night Bama lost the Sugar Bowl to Utah. It was as if they did not even prepare for the game. I was so disappointed that they did not make a better showing. At least most of the other SEC teams have won so far. Just South Carolina and Alabama have not. BUMMER!!!
But having said all the above, putting all in perspective, we need to all be thankful for our families every single day that we have them in our lives. Boats can be repaired. There will be other bowl games. But our loved ones just can't be replaced and are forever gone from us except for the memories.
God bless all who read this post and Happy New Year 2009!
January 3, 2009
December 8, 2008
Happy Gator Nation
The Gators have again made it to the National Championship game and it is in Miami!! Just a few hours away you say. Well it might as well be in California for most of us trying to make it to the game. We are hoping to be able to score tickets (for Paige & Ashley) and am disappointed that more tickets are not allotted to the schools. Out of the 73,000+ tickets, only 32,000 are given to the schools. Where oh where do those other tickets go? But, if not we will all be gathered around a TV somewhere to watch our Gators take on the Sooners. Welcome back to Florida Bobby!!!
What a game in Atlanta last weekend. Alabama certainly came to play. It was close and exciting and SEC football at it's best. It's hard to watch your team lose a big game......been there and done that....many times. It is a lot more fun when you win and this time it was our turn.
Side note: We have a new employee at our office. Today was her first day. Would you believe she grew up in Greenville, AL? not 12 miles from my home town? Once we have time to sit and talk a little we will see if we know any of the same people. She is a BIG Alabama fan so she scowled a little at my orange and blue outfit and Gator jewelry. Unfortunately she is really outnumbered in our office.
Good luck Gators....make us proud!!
What a game in Atlanta last weekend. Alabama certainly came to play. It was close and exciting and SEC football at it's best. It's hard to watch your team lose a big game......been there and done that....many times. It is a lot more fun when you win and this time it was our turn.
Side note: We have a new employee at our office. Today was her first day. Would you believe she grew up in Greenville, AL? not 12 miles from my home town? Once we have time to sit and talk a little we will see if we know any of the same people. She is a BIG Alabama fan so she scowled a little at my orange and blue outfit and Gator jewelry. Unfortunately she is really outnumbered in our office.
Good luck Gators....make us proud!!
December 4, 2008
No Title
Thanksgiving in Fort D was so much fun. The weather on Turkey Day was just glorious and thankfully so. It is really difficult to cram 30+ people into the little house on Coleman Road. And by the way, when did the name change from Mt Willing Rd??
Sunday, the first weekend, my Aunt Melba had a bad car accident. She has 5 broken ribs and a large hematoma on her forehead. She has been recuperating at my cousin Beverly's home and is feeling much better.
After a week's visit we started back to Florida on Saturday morning and that is the day it started to rain. It rained most of the trip to Tallahassee, it poured water the entire UF/FSU game, and it continued to rain on us as we traveled south on Sunday to Clearwater and Ft Myers. Ashley did a marvelous job of driving..it was nice not to have to drive on this trip... and we arrived safely home.
Then we started to get some more bad news. We think my daddy had another TIA early Sunday morning. He seems much better now but it is so scary for my mama when this happens. On Wednesday my Aunt Bill died. I know she was at peace and was ready but we were not ready to let her go. She will be missed so much.
I am so thankful to have gotten to see Aunt Bill, Uncle Max & Aunt Beth this trip. I love all my aunts and uncles and it's hard to have them leave us one by one.I have so many wonderful memories of family gatherings and special events. We have a very close family and I feel so blessed especially when I encounter others who don't have that closeness with their families.
Sunday, the first weekend, my Aunt Melba had a bad car accident. She has 5 broken ribs and a large hematoma on her forehead. She has been recuperating at my cousin Beverly's home and is feeling much better.
After a week's visit we started back to Florida on Saturday morning and that is the day it started to rain. It rained most of the trip to Tallahassee, it poured water the entire UF/FSU game, and it continued to rain on us as we traveled south on Sunday to Clearwater and Ft Myers. Ashley did a marvelous job of driving..it was nice not to have to drive on this trip... and we arrived safely home.
Then we started to get some more bad news. We think my daddy had another TIA early Sunday morning. He seems much better now but it is so scary for my mama when this happens. On Wednesday my Aunt Bill died. I know she was at peace and was ready but we were not ready to let her go. She will be missed so much.
I am so thankful to have gotten to see Aunt Bill, Uncle Max & Aunt Beth this trip. I love all my aunts and uncles and it's hard to have them leave us one by one.I have so many wonderful memories of family gatherings and special events. We have a very close family and I feel so blessed especially when I encounter others who don't have that closeness with their families.
November 19, 2008
It's Almost Turkey Day Once Again
This year will be a little different in that I will be traveling to Alabama the weekend before Thanksgiving and will be there the entire week. Ashley, Kyle and Todd are going to be driving up with me and I know the GG's are so excited. There is something about having little people in the house that makes a holiday so much more fun. Kevin will be flying up on Wednesday.
Now if only my Daddy will not keep the heat up to 110 degrees....bless his heart he just gets so cold. I guess I will be taking one suitcase with shorts and tee shirts and one with jeans and sweaters. Sigh.....
Paige, PG and Zane are traveling to Hope Town to spend the holiday with his dad and stepmom. I know they are going to have a great visit. Zane is just such a sweet little boy and so much fun to be around. And I know Paige & PG are going to have such a good time showing him off to everyone. Safe travels to you!!
We are not going to miss seeing the last Gator home game this weekend. Ashley, the boys and I will be stopping over in G'ville for at least part of the game. It's always a little sad when this time of year arrives and we have to find another way to entertain ourselves on Saturday. FSU game is in Tallahassee and then off to Hot'lanta for the SEC championship game against Alabama. Been there, done that before. It is going to be fun to watch these two teams go head to head.
Safe and happy Thanksgiving to all who might check in to my blog.
Now if only my Daddy will not keep the heat up to 110 degrees....bless his heart he just gets so cold. I guess I will be taking one suitcase with shorts and tee shirts and one with jeans and sweaters. Sigh.....
Paige, PG and Zane are traveling to Hope Town to spend the holiday with his dad and stepmom. I know they are going to have a great visit. Zane is just such a sweet little boy and so much fun to be around. And I know Paige & PG are going to have such a good time showing him off to everyone. Safe travels to you!!
We are not going to miss seeing the last Gator home game this weekend. Ashley, the boys and I will be stopping over in G'ville for at least part of the game. It's always a little sad when this time of year arrives and we have to find another way to entertain ourselves on Saturday. FSU game is in Tallahassee and then off to Hot'lanta for the SEC championship game against Alabama. Been there, done that before. It is going to be fun to watch these two teams go head to head.
Safe and happy Thanksgiving to all who might check in to my blog.
November 5, 2008
Election 2008
Very mixed emotions from people I have spoken to today regarding the election of our next president. The ones of us who suffered through the JFK and Jimmy Carter years are more than a little skeptical about the outcome of this one. Not that I could say that I was 100% behind John McCain but the issues being spouted by "Barama" are just way too out there for me.
Our country was founded on Christian principles and we have been considered the greatest country in the world for hundreds of years. Everyone wanted to come here to live and that was OK if those people came here to work and make a life, however, in the last decade or so the integrity of our country has been compromised. We are now more a country of people who expect to be taken care of.......I see it every day in my industry. We are an entitlement society.
Now we have elected a person who proclaims to be an American but he must be of the new breed of American because in my America the president will salute our flag, put his hand over his heart when the national anthem is played and honors the fighting men and women over which he is commander-in-chief.
It seems that our younger generation is OK with our country becoming a socialist nation. National health care....what a joke. Why do people from other countries want to come here for medical care if the care in their country is so great? Why are the members of the younger generations expecting the government to take care of them? What happened to working for the things you want and the life you want to lead? I have worked hard since I was 18 years old to be able to have the things I want in life. Somehow it seems really unfair that government thinks that my hard earned income should be mega taxed to pay for freebie programs for people who don't want to work. Many people come to our country, work hard and become very successful. People who are born in this country seem to have a hard time with the concept of hard work for what they want....they have a gimme for free attitude.
Sorry to be such a downer on this post but I am truly blue today. Hopefully tomorrow will be be a better day for me.
Our country was founded on Christian principles and we have been considered the greatest country in the world for hundreds of years. Everyone wanted to come here to live and that was OK if those people came here to work and make a life, however, in the last decade or so the integrity of our country has been compromised. We are now more a country of people who expect to be taken care of.......I see it every day in my industry. We are an entitlement society.
Now we have elected a person who proclaims to be an American but he must be of the new breed of American because in my America the president will salute our flag, put his hand over his heart when the national anthem is played and honors the fighting men and women over which he is commander-in-chief.
It seems that our younger generation is OK with our country becoming a socialist nation. National health care....what a joke. Why do people from other countries want to come here for medical care if the care in their country is so great? Why are the members of the younger generations expecting the government to take care of them? What happened to working for the things you want and the life you want to lead? I have worked hard since I was 18 years old to be able to have the things I want in life. Somehow it seems really unfair that government thinks that my hard earned income should be mega taxed to pay for freebie programs for people who don't want to work. Many people come to our country, work hard and become very successful. People who are born in this country seem to have a hard time with the concept of hard work for what they want....they have a gimme for free attitude.
Sorry to be such a downer on this post but I am truly blue today. Hopefully tomorrow will be be a better day for me.
October 27, 2008
October Update
Once Gator football season starts my car seems to stay in the road most every weekend. Add to that a BIG celebration in Fort Deposit for monumental birthdays and a 65th wedding anniversary and it has been a crazy month.
What a great celebration party we had. As it turned out it was a mini-family reunion for me. George it was great seeing you after all these years. I was trying to remember when we had last been in the same place and I can't remember any time since the one family reunion at the armory and that was a long time ago! It was just great catching up with you. And.....if you decide to stay home and not off on a hunting trip next year we will catch up with you in Baton Rouge when UF plays LSU.
Many other cousins were there and what a special day when we could have Aunt Bill, Uncle Max, Aunt Beth, Aunt Neanie, and Aunt Melba visit with us. I can't even express how special that was for me. I know Mama & Daddy feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family and so many friends.
Unfortunately, my Daddy ended up in the hospital again this week (not from the party!)but hopefully will be home soon.
Last weekend was Homecoming @ UF. What a great time we had. Friday night the big kids (Paige, Ashley & Kevin) went to Gator Growl and rocked to the Steve Miller Band. I got to keep all my little grandboys for the evening......they are all so sweet and have such a good time together. I think I had more fun with the little kids than the big kids could have had at Growl!! Saturday Kevin & Kyle went to Tallahassee for the FSU game while Ashley, Todd, Paige, Zane and I went to Gainesville for the UF/Kentucky game. And what a game........next Saturday will be the BIG game against the Georgia Dawgs.
There is still more to the month of October with Halloween this weekend. But it looks like hurricane season is finally over. It is going to be cold here tomorrow morning and colder on Wednesday morning. That means the water is cooling down and the storms have nothing to feed on. Yippee!
What a great celebration party we had. As it turned out it was a mini-family reunion for me. George it was great seeing you after all these years. I was trying to remember when we had last been in the same place and I can't remember any time since the one family reunion at the armory and that was a long time ago! It was just great catching up with you. And.....if you decide to stay home and not off on a hunting trip next year we will catch up with you in Baton Rouge when UF plays LSU.
Many other cousins were there and what a special day when we could have Aunt Bill, Uncle Max, Aunt Beth, Aunt Neanie, and Aunt Melba visit with us. I can't even express how special that was for me. I know Mama & Daddy feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family and so many friends.
Unfortunately, my Daddy ended up in the hospital again this week (not from the party!)but hopefully will be home soon.
Last weekend was Homecoming @ UF. What a great time we had. Friday night the big kids (Paige, Ashley & Kevin) went to Gator Growl and rocked to the Steve Miller Band. I got to keep all my little grandboys for the evening......they are all so sweet and have such a good time together. I think I had more fun with the little kids than the big kids could have had at Growl!! Saturday Kevin & Kyle went to Tallahassee for the FSU game while Ashley, Todd, Paige, Zane and I went to Gainesville for the UF/Kentucky game. And what a game........next Saturday will be the BIG game against the Georgia Dawgs.
There is still more to the month of October with Halloween this weekend. But it looks like hurricane season is finally over. It is going to be cold here tomorrow morning and colder on Wednesday morning. That means the water is cooling down and the storms have nothing to feed on. Yippee!
October 7, 2008
COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS
Early this morning I got a call from my youngest daughter to let me know that her husband, Kevin, had been in a really bad car accident. When the call started with "Mama, Kevin is just fine...." the heartbeat sped up a trifle and anxiety set in. After I heard the rest of the story the shaking started and I had to sit down. Kevin was almost home (from a trip to Miami)when he lost control of his car on rain slick roads and his Expedition rolled into the median totally destroying the car. Thank you God for watching over him as Kevin walked away with absolutely no injuries....not even minor. Everyone who has seen the vehicle is amazed that he was not killed or at the least badly injured. We are all counting our blessings tonight that this story has a good ending. There is much to be done to replace the car and the electronics but THEY CAN BE REPLACED. Kevin could not be replaced if we lost him.
Over the weekend I had a chance to visit Quiet Water and had a great weekend of relaxation. I love October in the Keys. Winter visitors have not arrived yet; the weather is usually good; there are fewer bugs (the biting kind)and the pace has slowed down after the summer months. All the above was true except for the weather. It stormed Saturday night with very gusty winds. Kinda felt like a tropical storm coming through again. At least the extreme high tides seem to have abated somewhat as there was no water over the driveway this weekend. Only two iguanas showed themselves while I was in residence. Hate those things!
I came back through Fort Myers last night and got to spend some time with Ashley and the boys (supervised a very splashy bath time) and Paige, PG and Zane (got to feed the little guy...he loves his groceries). No matter how my day is going..... when I get to spend time with my kids (little and big)I always get a boost. I am looking forward to making that move to FM early next year.
A special thank you to God this evening for watching over my family, most especially Kevin last night. My family is the most important part of my life and I thank God for them each and every day.
Over the weekend I had a chance to visit Quiet Water and had a great weekend of relaxation. I love October in the Keys. Winter visitors have not arrived yet; the weather is usually good; there are fewer bugs (the biting kind)and the pace has slowed down after the summer months. All the above was true except for the weather. It stormed Saturday night with very gusty winds. Kinda felt like a tropical storm coming through again. At least the extreme high tides seem to have abated somewhat as there was no water over the driveway this weekend. Only two iguanas showed themselves while I was in residence. Hate those things!
I came back through Fort Myers last night and got to spend some time with Ashley and the boys (supervised a very splashy bath time) and Paige, PG and Zane (got to feed the little guy...he loves his groceries). No matter how my day is going..... when I get to spend time with my kids (little and big)I always get a boost. I am looking forward to making that move to FM early next year.
A special thank you to God this evening for watching over my family, most especially Kevin last night. My family is the most important part of my life and I thank God for them each and every day.
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