From Pendleton to home!

We drove across I84, North to the Columbia River - more of Oregon scenery that I've never seen before. I hate to admit that I lived in Oregon for so many years and never saw so much of it!! I've read history along the way and found so many things that truly amaze me. I may be amazed easily - but every trip thru different parts of our whole country - - well, God did a really awesome job when he created all of the different parts is all I can say.

So we traveled most of the northern border of Oregon along the Columbia River. I have actually known for years that the Columbia is the Oregon/Washington border - but I never realized how huge the Columbia was, nor did I ever realize just how many dams are on it - and how different the scenery is from the highest part - towards Pendleton - and the lower parts of it - toward Portland.

We did take a detour and see the Multinomah and Horsetail Falls. Magnificant!! Pictures of them are on the Flickr Badge. Of course they don't even come close to doing justice to either of them. Today had been a rather murkey day for the most part....

We went from I84 to I5 around the Portland area - so we didn't really even get close to the City. We headed south with the decision that we would cut off at Corvallis, spend the night, and go down the coast the next day. Keith has acquired a rash that won't seem to go away. He soaked in the hot tub and got in the pool at the Holiday Inn in Pendleton and that just seemed to make it worse. I'm rather concerned so we will call it a day a little early.

At Corvallis we checked in to their Holiday Inn Express and checked out the rash again... It's even worse than this morning.... and no clue what it is!! he hasn't been out in the woods, sitting on the ground, or much of any thing that I can think of to cause a rash. No different laundry soap, regular showers, not too hot... What could it be? So off to the ER we go! Believe you me!! It was the shortest ER visit in history!!! I've had waits at the Dr.'s office longer than this one!! 55 minutes from check-in to check-out!! And they apologized for the wait! And you'll never guess - - - - - Poison Oak!! Absolutely no idea what or where he got into it!!

So now we know what is itching him... got him some medication and good old calamine lotion . . . so he got a good nights sleep so he can hold on while I drive down the coast.

We headed that way after breakfast and were amazed to see several people on bicycles traversing the same road! Up the hills and around the curves... just pedaling away. Amazing! We got to Hwy 101 and headed south towards Coos Bay. The last leg of our trip! It has been a fast forward several days but the end and our little house is at the end of this day! We made several small stops - at one of my favorites - Devil's Churn - we didn't walk down the paths to any of them - it was a very grey day and misty - I was afraid it would be slick and don't need another trip to the ER! We stopped at several places to look out over the Pacific Ocean as well as at Sea Lion Caves. My amazment at our world is still with me~ I reminissed about other trips down the same road - Most especially the one with S'te right as she was learning to drive!! Now that was a trip!! She nailed the brakes and and stopped at EVERY wide spot in the road where she thought there might maybe be something she wanted to look at :-)

About noon we rolled into our front yard. Clint and a friend were looking at the newest purchase - a used Salem travel trailer to use as a guest room. So we did hugs and welcome homes and caught up on current happenings as we unloaded the car.... and then just spent some time relaxing. It's great to be back!

Back to the trip

Sorry about that . . Jeremy's birthday always throws me for a loop.... it's really hard to grasp that I really do have a son whose 36th birthday just passed and all I can do is miss him.....


So back to the end of our trip.... I think I left us in Idaho.. We headed out from there early on Wednesday morning - so no sightseeing there either - but this time was really for a reason... We could get up to Pendleton and see Gerald for the afternoon visit session if we did. So I was all for that...

So off we went.. Right up the Oregon Trail.. We went from watching the snow on the hillsides in the Grand Tetons and the Rockies to the Burnt and Blue Mountains with snow right to the side of the highway!! And this was end-of-May!! It was a beautiful drive tho' All of the trees up to the treeline and the green and the blue sky!! Until we got close to Pendleton .... the mountains were so high the cars in front of us looked like they were driving right off into the clouds!! It was awesome!! The clouds are really dark so you can really see where mountain meets cloud!! It was probably not one of Keith's favorite parts... but it worked for me!! We made it to Pendleton just after lunchtime - so we tried - and failed to check into our room early so we went to Wally's and then had a quick sandwich before heading off to our visit....

It is not a fun place to visit... I have never done a visit in a place like that.. I have probably watched way to many movies LOL Everyone was exceptionally nice to us. Even if I did forget the rules and had to go into the bathroom and cut the wires out of my bra to get thru the metal detectors (and yes, Chaplan had even specifically warned me beforehand). I met both the Hospice Coordinator Shaw and Chaplan Swartz. We discussed Geralds status, health, issues, and the protocol if I change my mind and want to go back for the "vigil". At this point it is not something I am inclined to do... but we discussed it. I was amazed that they would take time to see us and to spend enough time to thouroughly explain things to the point that I had no questions that even attempted to get thru the fog. I am not supposed to be burying my younger brother any more than I should have lost my son!!

So, back on track, the 2 visits we did were great. Gerald looks ill - but not terribly. Sounds weird... and it is weird... to see someone that isn't going to live long and they almost look normal... a little pale, a little jaundiced.... they are taking great care of him~~ He's spacy to talk to.... definately medicated.. but not at all scary ~~ Nurse Shaw and Chaplan had already explained it all to me... We had a great visit ~ actually 2 ~ we went back for the morning visit the next day, before we headed out... God Bless you and may your suffering be short, May He have mercy on you Gerald!

But on this stop - I did some shopping!! I have heard about "Pendleton's" all of my life and never wanted to show my ignorance in asking just what was so special - so we went to the Pendleton's Store. Beautiful stuff.... Georgeous!! Absolutely Wonderful!!!! I bought a jacket for Keith. Arms were long enough!!! It is a well-fitting nice jacket.... (about 500 miles away I found a "made in China" sticker inside ~~ I'll never go back ~~ my own fault, I assumed that the items in this "LOCAL" Oregon Store with the solid rep would have Made In America items on their label!!) I was definately annoyed!!!! I made Keith go away from the register after he did his routine questioning - of which this time he got very few answers - so he snapped this photo of me coming out of the store... I think he likes his jacket - he wears it often - I'm sure glad :-)

The ending of our trip on the next post. I will also upload pics onto Flickr - all you have to do is click the badge on the sidebar and it will take you there!!

My Son

Happy

Birthday

Jeremy

This is a hard day to get thru -

even after 21 years of

being without you.

I want you to know that we love you.

This is from your father,

he sent it to me,

and I am posting it.

Your family

On the road....

After leaving Missouri we traveled west, west, north, west, south, north, west, south and stop!!

We went thru Missouri and part of Kansas on Sunday, stopping in Topeka for a night, a dinner, and sleep. The Plains States are beautiful - if long.... The plan on Monday was to stop in Denver before crossing the Rockies - I picked out a place that had hot springs and all - but as things go - that didn't happen. Keith started driving and the next thing I knew - I saw the Wyoming state line!!! Instead of going thru the Rockies - we went around them - so Monday night we spent in Laramie, WY. Another eat and sleep and leave deal. On Tuesday we finished up Wyoming - seeing lots of deer and watching those majestic windmills that are popping up all over - I really think they are quite nice looking. If I had a choice - I'd take windmills over about any other type of "decor" (like power poles, transformers, cell towers, etc) I really don't know what the problem people have with protesting the windmills. Especially in some areas, wind is definately a renewable resource!! LOL I found new talk shows on the radio to keep me company as I drove and as I rode. When there was nothing on the radio to talk to - I talked to the deer, other drivers, sky, and if he was awake and listening, Keith. LOL It was a long drive.....

After Wyoming we went on down thru Utah, I think we were in the state an hour or so - maybe - only got out of the car for the Visitors Center and the rest stop - oh, wait! - that was the same place!! We enjoyed the scenery but soon came upon our first really bad weather on the trip. About 100 miles out of Boise, our Tuesday night stop-over, we started hearing about potential thunderstorms and that sort of thing on the radio. I was at the wheel. The clouds started gathering, we could see the wall of clouds to the west of us. They were big and they were black. But oddly enough - they never got to us!!! But a huge, brown, massive wall appeared in front of us and the wind began blowing - almost as badly as it can on the Oregon and Florida coasts!! Only thing was - there was this huge BROWN fog like wall that cars and trucks were disappearing into. So we followed.... tumbleweeds blowing across the Interstate - both hands gripped tight on the wheel - Keith hanging on for dear life (of course he does that anyway!) - we went into this wall..... It was like driving in fog...with very, very strong winds blowing. It was scary.... Keith started looking for hotels, motels, - I think about then he would've settled for a big rock to hide behind, hehehe!!! Well, I hung on to the wheel and after being sandblasted for about 90 minutes, we reached Boise. My shoulders felt like the bungie cords in them had retracted about 6 feet. The rubber bands were wound way too tight!! And to top it all off - Keith has an ugly rash on his legs!! I was afraid it was stress!! So we went to dinner and to our room to relax, check email, watch tv.... the transformer outside our window made a few ugly noises - but nothing to compare with the afternoon "festivities" so we ignored it.....

This ended our first 3 days "on the road"....

Ready to Roam

Click here for more pics

After a great weekend watching the kids play soccer, baseball, and swim, a sidetrip downtown to watch the Cardinals beat Tampa Bay, an evening at the Ameristar, and lots of great company, we spent the last morning enjoying the sunshine poolside before going over to Rick's family birthday party.

We said goodbye from there and headed out. We watched the scenery as we drove across the state of Missouri and part way thru Kansas. We have had wonderful weather as we cross the country. We landed in Topeka for the night. Look Toto, we are in Kansas LOL!!

Friday

We left Indiana in the midst of rain and gloom. We traveled from Mom's to April's thru Illinois in the rain. I drove the first 1/2 and Keith drove the second. We made really good time even with the nasty weather. We arrived at April's in time for a good visit with the kids and Ric and April before having Keith's favorite dinner - of course! - April fixed tacos for him!! Whoopee! He certainly enjoyed that! No one makes tacos like his "Little April" :-)

She gave me a tour of her almost-finished-with-remodeled house while Keith and the kids played. It is beautiful. One of the upstairs bathroom is still in the works - but she has wonderful taste in the rest of the changes. They also have put a pool in the back yard since my last visit. The kids will have an absolutely wonderful time this summer. This evening we plan to watch either: Brennan's baseball game or Elizabeth's soccer game. I don't know yet which Keith will choose. Tomorrow we hope to go to a Cardinal game (I even remembered to pack our Cardinal shirts hehe).

And, again I will have to post pictures when I remember where I packed the card reader :-(

More travel to come!!

Mother's Day

Mom Beatty with 4 out of 5 of her children

at Church for Mother's Day

Heather, Keith, Mom, Joy, and Melody

Keith and his happy Mom :-)

Click here for more pics

Some Pics

Keith and Baby resting up for

thier trips!

Holiday Inn Bowling Green, KY atrium

Ready for dinner

The first stop!

We have arrived at Mom B's!! It was a really nice trip up from Florida. We spent the first night in Georgia at a really nice Holiday Inn. The weather cooperated wonderfully! We only traveled for about 6 hours and made it further than the kids did when they traveled north LOL!! On Friday we traveled the rest of the way thru Georgia, Tennesee (where we hit a small amount of rain around Nashville), and up to Bowling Green, Ky where we spent the second night. This was a really, truly exceptional place to stay! The Atrium was beautiful, the workers exceptionally nice, and the weather was so absolutely gorgeous!! After a wonderful evening, we packed up again and headed up the road for the last little bit of our trip. We got to Mom B's home just before noon so we were able to catch her before she ate lunch and go down to the Mexican Restaurant here in Charlestown.

Mom B has her list of sonny-do's all ready and we started in right after lunch.... We worked in the yard with Joy and her husband Ray during the afternoon and had a great dinner of homemade chili while visiting and catching up on news for the evening. Keith's sister Melody welcomed him as did the other two, Joy and Heather. Dolores was unable to come up but will be over sometime before we leave. So far, it's been a really nice trip - and we are about 1/4 of the way thru it . . . . . LOL

I am having trouble uploading pics so I will try that at a later date. Have a great day!!

Ready, Set, ???

Well, it's the last day. . . . I've been cleaning, packing, unpacking, got my last 6 loaves of bread baked, the sheets are in the washer, dishwasher is running. All that is left is to put the stuff in the car and put away the stuff from above. My dear, wonderful, procrasinating, Husband has now decided that this is the time to clean out his pickup, worry about the number of black garbage bags we have left, and maybe, hopefully, put the things back in the storage that he has taken out over the last few days!!! :-)

Oh, we are doing great. He gave me the Noon on the 8th timeframe - and I will be ready!! The weather is helpong me get ready really quickly!! Up until last week I was ok with the heat . . . . . high 80's not to much humidity. . . . yesterday fixed that!!! I was sitting at my little laptop . . . . . sweating!!!

We finished all of our "travel" appointments with the various doctors that we seem to have accumulated over the years. . . got prescriptions refilled, tossed stuff that expired (it's really nice since this gets done 2x a year!!), sent clothes to charity as I was packing (ooops - no button there! haven't seen this on a body since. . . . ., and the inevitable. . . . this doesn't fit right). Pastor Craig included traveling mercies in our Wednesday group. .

I finally have gotten a hard diagnosis from a nerologist - fibromyalgia - and he has taken me off of several meds that I did use and replaced them with 1 - and of course, pain meds, for when I just "can't take it anymore". . . . but even tho' I generally ache all over . . . . I feel much more alert than I was. Mostly it is under control.... Keith's Doctors have given him a clean bill . . . his neuro had tried a different combo of meds to control the Parkinsons but they didn't work as well as the prior ones . . . so he will go back to them.... yippeee!!!! So we both wake up in the mornings with our "old age" aches and go for today!!!

All in all, our life is great. Our day of travel is upon us. We are ready. . . . well, almost :-) Wish us well and keep us in your prayers. . . . first stop. . . . Mom Beatty's. We hope to spend Mother's Day in Indiana with her. . . . God willing.

KOIN News Segment

The CBS affiliate KOIN actually had 3 segments that they aired, here are the websites:

11:oo News - interview with S'te that was done in California
Radio link for interview with Jeff Gianola - the reporter
and
the link for the interview done here in Florida with me.

Hopefully we will be blessed with someone who needs to get the info off of thier chest and will call in that "missing piece" so the Detectives can put it all together.

Jeremy's Story

The first news for today is that KOIN news (CBS) has done a segment on Jeremy's disappearance... Jeremy is almost 36 years old (May 25). . . . he has been gone for almost 22 years(Aug 14) and I am hoping this segment helps God open someone's heart and mouth. The Coos County Detectives have worked this case hard for many years. I can't begin to thank them enough for the dedication and hard work and the loyalty they have shown in their resolution to solve this for Jeremy. As S'te said in our conversation last night; We know how horrible it is to live with the "unknown" and to live with the knowledge kept inside must be pure torture. It will be shown only in Oregon but will be on the WWW on Friday. I will post the link to it as soon as I can offer it. Jeff Gianola - the reporter who sidroded the project- said he is very pleased with the way it turned out. . . . 3 of the Detectives will be at the newsroom both after the 11pm newscast and the Friday morning newscast. . . manning a hotline. . . so they will have firsthand knowledge of any tips that come in. They are working htis very hard. . . and pray that it is the Lord's will that finalizing this is in His plans.

S'te attended the preliminary hearing for Angie's case, the murdering adoptive mother has been bound over for trial. Here is the news article.

We've had some quite busy days just lately. We have been getting ready to get ready to leave for our annual trek across country. We have taken a load of "stuff" to donate, washed houses, cleaned carpet, re-arranged (cleaned out) the shed (again) so we have room to put the outdoor items - and have done most of the last Doctor appointments for the summer and are awaiting the decision on placement of our houseguest. Keith decided that we aren't taking the RV this summer - we will just be driving the van - and this year we will take a different route - after seeing Mom B and April -

We hope to visit Mom B for Mother's Day and then head for April's. From there Keith hasn't "plotted our course". Most of it depends on whether I can see brother Gerald. If allowed to do so - we will probably travel a northern route - of course, that is weather permitting!!! I'd love to see Yellowstone National Park - as far as the WWW news - it's still snowed in - so maybe that won't happen this year.

Our days are in God's hands so we will see what He has in store for us.

Never to young to learn!

P4070390
Originally uploaded by Just Taken Pics

I wanted to share this picture of Jaleel in the kitchen. He isn't even a teen yet (notice the phone?) He has on his Dad's apron and is complete with the smudge on his cheek.

What a guy!!

He really, really enjoy's this. . . .

When the kids were here from Spring Valley, Cavelle's blanket got left behind. . . . . It's a soft fuzzy furry blanket. . . . I've been mailing the momentos that got left behind - on a weekly basis. . . . but this just "hasn't fit" into any of the stuff I've mailed. I give up. . . . cause. . . . Baby really, really likes this blanket. . . . It starts out straight and smooth. . . then, he will snuggle up into it. . . . pull it all close to his head and rub his hands on it. . then rub his cheek on it until he gets everything wadded up like he wants it. . . . . rub his nose a few times. . . stroke it a little more . . . . .

And then he goes to sleep. . . .
and sleeps . . . . .

Like a baby!!! hehe

So, Cavelle, it looks like it might be summer before you get your blanket back. Love, Amah

4 Years!!

It doesn't sound like much to you "long timers" -

but we've just celebrated 4 years since that

fatefull, fun trip to Las Vegas.

And they've been 4 very full, very great years too!!

Found

The child that I posted about a while back. . . . She has been found. She is ok. . . and I am sure that family is very relieved. The Lord saw to it that she was kept safe during her absence from the family home. I don't know the details so. . . . just thankfully, she is alive. Thank you Lord.

Just an update

Nothing much has been going on around here - normal round of visits, frustration with lack of coordination with the "system", the love/hate feelings that I keep harbored for the lack of "for the children" that our current systems seem to have.

Other than that - the interviews for the segment on Jeremy have been done. They did S'te's at her home and mine here at our home. I have no clue what she said - and she has no clue of what I said. I really didn't get much said - it was a really bad day for me. I sort of lost it right at the beginning and never found it again. I didn't do a very good job. Jeremy and Gerald have both been on my mind and heavy on my heart lately. I just dropped the box that I had all my "stuff" in and it split wide open - I've been that way for several weeks now. . . but anyway, it's done. Last word was that it would be airing on April 28 out of the Portland KOIN station. I don't know what time or after or during what program. Hopefully, more will follow.

Trying to get into cleaning up and getting ready to head out. This year Keith wants to drive out - take the scenic route - by way of Mom B's and April's. It will be nice to see how Mom B is doing since her surgery. She was blessed with the presence of several family members to make sure her recovery was rapid! And soon she will have a new floor in her other bathroom. It's wonderful to know that she has so many caring people so close when Keith lives so far away. It will be great to see her. And April too. Keith went at Christmas and visited for a week but I haven't seen her or the kids since the Cruise ended last year. I was sorry that they weren't able to come down when S'te and family were here. It would have been a wonderful houseful!!

So, that's the update from the last update. Just being. . . . .

Hurry Home Rod!

Siggie Tag
Originally uploaded by Just Taken Pics

I'm stealing S'te's photo. The family went on a tour before Rod was deployed. Keep them in your prayers. Rod for a safe journey and a timely return home. S'te for stregnth to do all that she does while he is at sea. They are both heros in my eyes!!

Budding Artist

We have new artwork for our wall!! It is perfect for the tropical motif in the guest room!! Elizabeth painted Papa a wonderful picture of the beach. We received it yesterday - along with about a dozen boxes of Girl Scout Cookies - Papa was the original Cookie Monster !!! and lots of love. We always enjoy getting originals from the kids. Our shelves and walls are living proof of that!!

Otherwise, we are doing well. I go on Wednesday for a ct scan on my sinuses to see what is going on there. I still haven't gotten over whatever it is that I'm trying to get over. You should see me when I get ready for bed!!! First I drag out my "medicine box" and I take my medicine cocktail of antibiotics, restless leg stuff, fibromyalgia stuff, calcium, "D", and of course the Protonix to keep the acid from all the other stuff from eating my stomach. . . . then I put on my black wrist braces. . . . so that my hands will work the next day. . . . . then I put on my nose piece for the cpap~~~ Then I say, "Come on sweetie, kiss me goodnight" hahahahahahaha!!

I don't care what they say about getting old. . . . . it beats the option!!

The Presentation @ Lakewood Park

This is the presentation that the kids did 3 times during thier short visit here. They presented soooo well!!! They have such a gift, a great message, and such talent!! Everyone was thrilled!!

I think I have it figured out. If this didn't work - I will have to wait until S'te has time to figure it out for me!!!

Another Missing Child

This child belongs to an aquaintance of S'te's. She has passed this information to me - I know it is true and not a hoax. Please pray that this child returns to her home. As the parent of a child that has been missing for over 20 years- I feel their pain as tho' it is my own. I pray the information on their daughter is much, much better - and sooner than ours.

Fourteen-year-old Ventura County Girl Missing Since March 12th, 2008


The fourteen-year-old daughter of Heidi and Damian Warner was last seen leaving base housing in Port Hueneme the afternoon of March 12th, 2008. Thought to be with a Hispanic male, age 17-20 said to be on his way to San Bernadino, California, parents fear that she is being held against her will as she left with nothing but the clothing on her back and without money. Police and NCIS have been assigned to the case, though as of Saturday, March 15th, she has yet to contact home and little is known as to her whereabouts. At this point, we are concerned for her safety and well-being and urge the public to help bring Brenna Oppel (might be going by “Warner”) home! Brenna is 5’3-5’4 and around 110 pounds, with brown eyes and hair. She has her nose pierced and wears braces with green elastic bands.
Any information needs to be given ASAP to:
The Oxnard Police (805) 385-7600
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (805) 982-4591
Or the Polly Klaas Foundation (800) 587-4357

To Catch up

The very same day that the kids were flying - I got a call from the Coos County Sheriff's Department to discuss a phone conversation with the CBS affiliate in Portland, OR. They were looking into "spotlighting" Jeremy's case during the "Without a Trace" program. I was totally speechless. It is such wonderful news - that yet another source of keeping Jeremy's disappearance from becoming a cold case. I am so amazed that the Lord has provided such resources to us - so many haven't had the blessings of the many people that have worked hard on this mystery. In January 1989 Jeremy's case was televised on Unsolved Mysteries. And now, this~~ I've spent many, many hours in prayer ~ hoping the Lord would provide us with an answer - He is providing us with another resource. The answer will come in His time. Someday he will make that person who knows something open up and we will then know.

I am just so glad that the Lord is giving yet another opportunity and resource for information to us. And I still pray for answers - not only for myself - but for all the parents, sisters, brothers, and children out there who haven't as many answers as I've gotten. I've not been as "lucky" as some - but still "luckier" than others. The Bible says that the Lord won't give us more than we can bear ~ He must know something about me that I don't know :)

So, if anything comes of the conversations and if I get an idea of when or if something may come to fruition, I will definately let everyone know. I doubt if the "spotlight" will be shown outside of Oregon - but who knows? Who'd have ever thought that this 21 1/2 year old case was still on so many peoples minds? Right now all I can think of is 23rd Psalms. . . . . . Tho I walk thru the valley. . . .

Back to California

They didn't get to come back!!!! BooHooo!!!! It just got to late. Finally at 6:30 with them only about 1/2 way here - they decided to head for Orlando as their flight was before noon - and the airport is about 2 hours north of here.

So, as disappointing as it was, I agreed with the it-makes-no-sense-to-drive-2-extra-hours-South just to turn around and drive the 2-hours-North in less than 6 hours.

So, I put all their "behinds" in a box and Keith mailed it out for me. They should get it in a week or sooooo ....... good old USPS!! And I found all sorts of good stuff, electric razors, socks, hair stuff, toothbrushes, mouthwash, shirts, toys. I had lots to send. I also sent their Florida shirts that I didn't have a chance to give them - since they didn't come back. . . . . .

I hope to see them again in just a few short months. I am still blessed enough to be able to keep up with thier lives thru S'tes blog, the webcam, Im's, and at least 2x a year visits - a few of them several months long. . .. !!

We are working on a time frame for her to be able to bring the kids to Oregon. If there is time between Ty's summer school, Mak's medical appointments, and the trial for Angies killer - they will come north. If not - I will go South!!! Keith is looking forward to doing the Tiger Cruise this year and I look forward to spending the time with S'te. Life is soooo wonderful! Now if we'd just get some answers for Jeremy - it would be absolutely perfect. Lord, please send an answer - this is my daily prayer.

Week 2 of Visit

Boy, the week went by soooo fast. They are on thier way to Georgia right now. Planning a wonderful visit with the other side of the family.

But days stayed soooo full!! We've had great weather for sightseeing and swimming and beachcombing. We even got rained on at the water park!! They packed up on Wednesday night (sniff sniff) and S'te repacked on Thursday morning. Much research was done on the best and most scenic route between here and Atlanta!!! Last I heard was about 9 pm and they had finally reached the Georgia border!!!! Must've done more seeing than driving hehe.

We were so blessed to be able to have them here!! The older kids did presentations for our Church (at 2 different campuses, in fact) and got standing ovations!!! They also did a presentation for the Village during our Tuesday "Coffee" that everyone just loved!! We celebrated Mak's 7th birthday and Baby CB actually started crawling and figured out how to roll from his back to his belly!!! It was so great!!!

So now they are gone - to be back on Monday. . . . and the house is way to quiet. It was sooooo great having them here!! I miss them already!!

Our Week

The kids have been having a lot of fun. Brayana and Jaleel immediately found the basketball court. We have a couple of bikes so others rode bikes. S'te and I took a tour in the golf cart, then picked Rod up and went for another one. . . . They did several activities but unfortunately - I wasn't feeling well enough to go with them.

Finally, on Friday, we agreed to meet in Sebastian. Keith and I had both gotten Dr. appointments and neither of us were feeling well at all!! S'te packed a picnic lunch and we met at Riverside Park. We had lunch and Keith watched the babies while we went on over to the "waterfront". This is the Inland River / Sebastian Inlet - not the ocean. We had a nice walk - the kids "discovered" lots of things in the rocks and then it was time for Keith and I to go get our chest xrays - so we parted. They drove back over the A1A coastal road - and we headed straight for Vero.

The family at the Memorial in Sebastian

The kids got to play in the sand and ocean - and see the big waters an entire country away from the big waters they are used to playing in. hehe.

They are here!!!

It was a tough wait. All day I just checked plane activity!! I finished getting enough pillows and blankets counted out. Changed all the sheets and made sure we have enough towels - etc. Busy work to try to make the day go by!!

I drove up to Orlando and found out the plane was going to be 30 minutes late (it was still "on time" the last time I checked on the internet). I was so excited that it was a loooooonnnnnggggg 30 minutes!!

But I finally saw them coming thru the secure area. I was soooo happy to see them......

We got thier luggage and van and got headed south. We went by the Lone Cabbage - but it was already closed. So we wound up at McDonalds. It was great being with all of them again. They've all grown sooo much. And so well behaved!!! I almost thought they'd be cranky and/or grumpy after that long flight and then the long drive = but they weren't. I think they were excited to be here. I pretty much had the kid van - I have the dvd in it. They watched a movie during the drive. Raquel kept saying "I can't believe I'm in Florida!!" Even Tetee stayed awake and watched all the movie. It was dark - so there wasn't much scenery - and blessedly - not much traffic either. Just a trucker that must've been trying really hard to stay awake at the wheel and then someone else just "parked" in the lanes on one of the 2 lane roads. But we made it home safely and all are tucked in thier "beds". On the floor, in the beds, in the recliners, all soundly snoozing. I'm so happy. Just wish I felt better. Hope I don't "pass anything around". Baby hasn't "caught" whatever it is I have but I think Keith might be feeling a little under the weather.

Blogger won't let me upload pics right now -

Visit

So excited to be getting ready for S'te's visit. I am like a little kid in a candy store. To think that the Lord provided a way for all 11 of them to come visit - all at once - it's like a miracle!!! Brayana and Ladaria were here a few years ago - and Kiah was here when he was 2. So it wasn't the only visit for some - but to make it all happen so they could ALL come!!!

I'm busy getting "family" packs of STUFF. I did a huge trip to Sam's since I was to sick to go to the commissary. Between fevers, sweats, coughs, and changing damp clothes, I am cleaning, and making room!! And it's great excitement. A purpose, a light, and to see my "babies" again!!! It seems like so long ago (and it was in August!). I just know Cavelle is 1/2 grown already.

The Crossings Community Church has invited the ones that do the Action Presentations to perform at both their Lakewood and Vero Campuses!! Ladaria is working on songs that 5 of them can do. It will be so exciting. They are going to present at the coffee hour here at the Village too. Everyone is going to get to meet our family!!!

I'm just tickled!!! I plan to drive up to Orlando to meet them!! Can't wait for them to get clear here!!! I am soooooo ready to see them. and it might possibly cut some of the lonliness around here too.

Anyhow, I'm sure they have lots of great plans and I only hope that I finally get better enough to enjoy and "run" with them. There are so many things I want to show them. And take them to lunch down at the "Driftwood" and show them the house I just love that is totally inappropriate - but I love it anyway. And take S'te and Rod to Bingo and Bunco. And see the Atlantic together, and just be with them. Oh, to be sooooooo blessed!!!!!

Back at Canaveral

Woke this morning feeling better. Went up to the gym thinking I'd sweat some of it out. Well, I got about a ton of stuff sweated out... As soon as I got warm enough - I started coughing - well - then I had to go to the shower - - and I coughed up some of my toenails - I stayed in that hot shower until my lungs and sinuses cleared way out!! Attendants stopped by several times to see if I was ok - back at a really good place to be sick. . . . .LOL But after all that - I really felt sooooo much better.

Got up to the Lido in time to catch Sharen and Jack having coffee after thier breakfast, Keith finally came thru - we got our carryons - and waited our turn to debark.

As I've said before - it is amazing how quickly and well organized they manage to move the thousands of people, bags, grumps, and kids on and off of the ships. Only improvement would be to shut down the all but the aft set of elevators and steps so that people aren't coming down the front stairs and "cutting" in line. After I've walked to the end of the line, waited in line, and am taking my own turn, I have a "resentment" (as Keith calls it) for those who think they or thier time is more valuable than me or mine. Carnival does a wonderful job of getting those with airlines to catch, handicapped and disabled people go priority, and all of that is great. I'm all for it. But for a group of 20 to come crashing down the stairs and run over my feet with thier wheeled carryons, and just butt into the line - yes, I have a resentment. Kind of like the car that drives up the shoulder of the road to a blocked exit - because they are to important to wait in the same line everyone else is in. Someday they will be in a line that they can't butt into - I'm a firm believer in "what goes around, comes around" and the Lord sees everything!! So I can let my resentments go to Him - and know that someday. . . .

So anyway, we took Sharen and Jack to Orlando where they had a room booked - said our bye-bye's and headed for home. Sharen can tell you what they did - I know we headed south - it got hotter - we decided not to stop at the Commisary (I didn't want that far from a bathroom or fresh clothes) - and picked Baby J up from the sitters.

She wasn't happy to see him leave. She had a wonderful week with him. He is so lucky - to be loved so much by so many people!!

We got home and I spent the rest of the day in absolute agony!!! Several times I wished that I had left Baby at the sitters. . . just for 1 more day!! But thanks to Papa - we all made it thru. I sat in the hot shower again - got my head and chest cleared up again - and it was better. . . . . .

So ended our February 2008 Cruise

Thanks for going with us

We definately enjoyed your company

The difference in our excursions gave for many

conversations and lots of fun.

Hope to do it again.

And of course no pictures, as I lost my camera sniff sniff.

Friday at the Bahamas

We pulled into Nassau about mid-morning. It was the first time I've ever actually watched us dock. I was sick enough that I wasn't busy elsewhere!!! By now. . . whatever my body had ahold of really had ahold of me!! I wasn't DOWN sick - but no one really wanted to be close. . . . .LOL By now Sharen and I were both looking for cough drops, syrup, hot tea - anything that would stop the horrible deep crappy coughs!!! I had taken my last antibiotic for my sinusitus on Thursday - so I was even out of that.

We got off of the ship in pretty good shape. Sharen and Jack had some stuff they wanted to do - so we went our own ways. We took a little 20 minute horse and buggy ride - just great. There was enough breeze that it wasn't stiffling and the constant fresh air seemed to help my head. It was way to short. . . and great fun. And I took lots of pictures too.

We then went to Bay Street (I think) to take the ring setting and stone in to be set - found out it would be. . . like 3 hours. . . by this time Jack and Sharen had caught up with us and we sat on the bench and watched Captain Hook, several pirates (complete with real birds), and some other characters strolling along the sidewalk. Meanwhile, I'm feeling worse and worse. And it's getting hotter and hotter. But I wanted t-shirts for the kids. . .

Sharen and Jack had found a neat little stand - so we went there and I got 12 tshirts. I miscounted - - - and I got 2 of the same - - - and a couple were the wrong sizes. . . . . but at that point I didn't care!!! I checked my wallet - and of course - I didn't have enough cash - and couldn't move without coughing and. . . . so anyway, I asked Sharen to go get some money from Keith - - she came back with the money and laughing like mad. . . . . She said "things don't change much" I was still telling her what to do and she was still doing it without question LOL. Now, mind you, this isn't really the way it always was. When we were kids, if we had to ask Jack something - I did it, if we needed Mom's permission - she did it. We knew how to work that system to a T!!

So we've got our t-shirts, the gem man from Carnival has agreed to bring my ring back to the ship with the other stuff, I am feeling like I've been run over by a truck and Sharen is looks close to feeling the same. . . . so we head back to the ship. Thank the Lord for it being close!!!!! We got to this really cute statue and I want a picture. . . .. no camera. . . .no idea where I put it down. . . so Keith keeps heading for the ship (his basketball aches are catching up and his legs hurt hehe) and I head back to visit our previous stops. . . Sharen catches up with me on the corner. . . . we can't find the camera anywhere. . . Someone got themselves a fairly nice camera - just wish I had the photos!!! We don't find it - but on the way back - we find Jack looking for us. . . . But I can't stop - I've got to get back to my room. . . . It's like a beeline. I felt so bad that I knew if I stopped, sat down, or slowed down, I would be done. . . . I was terribly rude and left them back in the customs line . . . I got to my room - changed out of my sweaty, wet clothes, into a cool shower and laid down with my cough drops and a wet cloth. And there I stayed for about an hour.

I finally felt human and not like an internal inferno and went up on deck for lunch, found the others, and got some soup. By this time Sharen is pale and looking for a lay down - so they left - Keith went to find a basketball game - and I ate my lunch - went back to lay down some more and missed dinner. Now, you know I'm not well if I miss food - especially that great food!! Our room steward was wonderful - she filled up our ice bin - brought me a cold cloth for my head and offered anything else I wanted. Oh what a place to be ill!!! If it wasn't that I was missing all the fun - It's the best place in the world to be sick. Everything is available, someone is there to bring it, change the bed, clean the room, empty the garbage cans full of tissues. Even being sick on the cruise was decadent.

Keith had to go cash out our Casino cards and do the Purser stuff as we wanted to be done before getting home. I just stayed in bed. He brought me tea and chocolate on his last trip to the room. Then we had to pack. By now I cannot bend over and put my head down!! I was sitting on the floor trying to pack. . . Keith finally had to finish it up (of course I supervised hehe) He's a wonderful guy!!! He had the bags out in the hall before time.

I took a bunch of meds, put on my c-pap, sucked on coughdrops and finally slept for a few hours - until my head and chest hurt to bad to lay down!!! It was a memorable ending to our last day of the cruise.

And of course - I have no pictures - because I lost the camera!!!!

Sea Days

Wednesday and Thursday were our At Sea days. Sharen started hers off with a visit to the ship's clinic and a round of antibiotics - and I hung out on deck. I picked a chair that would get some sun on the side that didn't get any sun on Sunday!! LOL I had tanned on the left side of my body!! Wednesday I spent trying to get the right side kind of evened up. Keith found a basketball hoop and several others that wanted to play - so he spent several hours at the hoops. . . . They had shoot-off contests scheduled in the Capers - and afterwords - they picked teams and played some more. He had a wonderful time. . . . I went to the 10:00 silver sale (lol) . . . and spent the rest of the morning looking for Sharen and Jack. At lunchtime I finally ran into him and he told me of Sharen's trip to the doc. She was resting and hopefully we'd see her at dinner.

Keith hanging out on deck. He was really enjoying the music. We took the Cribbage Board on deck and each of the three of us won a game. Jack pretty well waled on me - he's much quicker at counting (I think I have old-timers) and we bored him after he won the 1 game - and off to see how Sharen was doing!!
Jack is watching the views as they walk by (LOL) and hoping that Sharen gets better soon. He kept her supplied with all sorts of goodies. Every time I saw him he was getting a sweet, or a drink, or something to take to her.
Sharen was so sick that they missed the 2nd formal night (like I missed the first) and boy did she miss a treat!! Chateaubriand and Baked Alaska!! Here is our server with the Baked Alaska!! And a flower for Valentines Day!! It was absolutely delicious. By this time - I had a cough and a forever and ever dripping nose and was getting a headache - but I wasn't ready to quit yet~~ We went to the really~best~neatest~ show that they had put on yet. It was another musical - but it was great!!!

Even tho' I spent most of Thursday between laying down napping, coughing and blowing my nose and sunning myself - I did manage to make it to dinner. . . LOL

While in Belize Keith bought me the most beautiful Valentines/Birthday gift!! It's a georgeous square cut diamond - unset. The setting we go to go with it has 2 marquise diamonds on it so it will match my wedding rings!! Here he is with the largest diamond I've ever worn!!! He is such a sweet-heart - and all I got him was a new bicycle seat!!!

After the show. . . we headed back to our freshly turned down cabin and to see which animal we were sharing our room with for the night!!

Oh..... what treatment.......

Belize

On Tuesday we were ported in Belize. I had thought Belize was a part of Mexico - but our guide promptly put any illusions to that thought to rest. Belize is a really young nation, kind of like the Bahamas - and English - like the Bahamas. They "won" thier independance peacefully and are working at making a great county of thier own. Right now, tourism is the biggest industry in Belize - as such - we were treated like kings and queens. Every one was patient with our rubbernecking and endless stupid questions!! And the road to the zoo - beyond the sleeping giants - and beyond the jungle - the end of that road was in Guatamala - Just a little history - for those of you who could definately care less.....LOL I didn't get up this morning in time to go "work out" but we were on the "tenders" to go the 6 mile trip to shore by 9 am. Sharen and Jack again chose a real sporty "excursion" and you will have to wait for her to write about it at Rea's Place and we (of course) did an airconditioned bus ride to the Zoo and City Tour. One thing that was real noticable about Belize - the Police there carry machine guns. Even sitting in the shade - there is a machine gun (or something of that type) propped right up next to them.

I don't know for sure which road we went on - most probably the Northern highway - to to Zoo. It was a great trip to an outdoor, completely habitat - stle zoo. We had cages that we waked thru to see the animals. They had about everything!! The howling monkeys, otters, ocelots, jaguars (3 kinds) and the birds - parrots and macaws - were well worth the trip. The excursion service provided us with ice cold water (it was in the 90's) and gave us time to shop in the little gift shop.

Then back to the ship for yet another fancy dinner another show, a little time at the Casino and our freshly turned down bed.
For pics of the beautiful greens and blues of the ocean and of our day click here

Cozumel, Mexico

Believe it or not - I got up early enough 3 days in a row to go "work out". My version of it anyhow :-)


Here we are getting off of the ship at Cozumel. We were lucky that it actually had a pier to tie to so we didn't have to "tender" to shore :) The Glory is on the right side. We headed in our different directions to our respective "Excursions". Sharen and Jack went diving - I snuck a picture of them paying close attention to thier guide. It started out a rather grey day - but quickly cleared - and heated up.
Keith and I headed for our sightseeing tour. We skirted the southern portion of the island and our first visit was to see the Mayan ruins at El Cedral. According to David (pronounced da- vede) - there is a massage party that goes on here for the first whole week of May. It is quite a ways from the port - we enjoyed the visit, history, and Da-vede's stories as we rode.
After the ruins we rode on around the end of the island and then up the east side of the island. Da-vede explained that if we fell in the ocean and managed to get to land (going east) and not get eaten by sharks or anything else along the way - we'd land on the coast of Africa - that's how close to the equator we were!!We then went on to the Tequila factory where a very nice - red eyed - man showed us the history of the agave pina that is used, as well as all the different methods used to make all the different kinds of tequila!! They even gave us sample shots!! I tried the orange and the lemon - but I'm not much of a tequila sort of person - Chuckie~ you and Janet would've been in heaven!!!

So then we cut across the middle of the island - there are many more Mayan ruins on the northern part - but the Federales protect that and no one is allowed to go there.

So we got back to the Port, had some lunch, did some window shopping, watched the Bay, and headed back to the ship - to get ready for yet another really decadent dinner and to compare day's happenings with Sharen and Jack.

After dinner we went to the most halarious comedy show I've ever seen - live that is - it was along the lines of "Cable Guy" - it was GREAT!!!!

And after another full day and lots of entertainment - it was off to bed!!

To see the rest of the Cozumel Pics - click here

Our Sunday - Day 2

Saturday, the first day of our Cruise was also my birthday - way to many of them but thank the Lord, I'm still having them!! Sharen and Jack gave me a beautiful pewter dresser set that I will put out - as soon as I feel good enough to rearrange the top of said dresser!!! Not a lot of room since the TV sits on top of Keith's dresser and he dumps his pockets on mine (snicker, snicker). and of course we ate to much, Keith went to the Casino, Sharen and I went for our massages and then I promptly rested up for DAY 2!!

So as not to leave any good deed unpunished, I brought along this hat. And this hat has a story to it.... Last April we (Keith and I) were in the BWI airport and in very good spirits - after having a wonderful week in Maryland and Williamsburg, VA, and visiting the monuments and the Wall in DC. So we went by this store that was having a sale. . . . And it was a WONDERFUL sale!!! I bought crabby shirts for several of the grandkids, a crabby apron for my friend, (crabby is a Maryland thing) a lighthouse button down sweatshirt, and Keith found this red hat. Well, Sharen's penchant for hats is well known - as well as the fact that I like them - but they won't stay on my head. I have lost every hat that I ever tried to wear ANYWHERE!! So anyway, Keith added Sharen's hat to the pile of STUFF that I had. We paid, I picked up the dozen or so "carryon's" that we purchased and proceeded to the airplane to come home. Boy did I get some nasty looks - but - honestly - when I came thru security - I had my computer, camera, and purse. That was ALL!!

So, in May we leave FL to go visit S'te and I become a semi-permanent pain in her ^^^>>> for all the reasons that I stayed for several months. Again, I took all the crabby stuff (which I just KNEW that I had stuffed this hat with) - the kids wore them on the cruise in August - and I went on about my business. . . . . . Until I went to check out (visit) Sharen and Jack's new house in KFalls. . .. . . and I see this hat. Well, I just KNOW that this hat is the one that I bought at BWI but don't remember sending it to her.... talk about senior moments!! Well, anyway, it wasn't that hat. It was similar - but not that one. She didn't get one from me. SO, I go back to Coos Bay, tear that place apart looking for the hat that I know couldn't still be at S'te's because we finally cleaned up our mess and got most of it out of her house. . . and I fret about this hat. Well, I had 6 weeks to fret because it was that long before we got back to Vero. And I found the hat. . . . sitting on the dresser next to where I packed the suitcase of crabby stuff to take to the west coast with us.

So, 10 months later , I pack this hat and took it ON THE CRUISE to make sure that I finally, really, truly, gave her the hat that Keith picked out for her last year. And it's a georgeous hat - huh!!!


So, now we can get on with the cruise - I didn't wait until Valentines or any of that stuff - I made sure said hat was delivered and now free of any responsibilities - I can enjoy!!

I think this is Jack on the waterslide - he and Sharen were the only ones of us to try it. . It was our first whole day at sea and we spent it eating and laying in the sun (I toasted 1 side of my leg and 1 arm), I watched the "hairy chest contest" on the Lido Deck and then went in to lay down for a few minutes before getting ready for the first formal dinner night - well. . . I didn't wake up. . . I hadn't realized that the release of the hat responsibility would make such a difference (here is another snicker!). . . . SO. . . . instead of the formal dinner - we met Jack and Sharen and went to the neatest show - and then went and had pizza at the all-night pizzaria!! Even after my 3 hour nap I was tired. . . . so. . . . .

Then it was off to bed for us. . . . Sharen's part of the story can be read about at Rea's Place!! And she doesn't get sidelined so much - actually - you can get a really good feel for how much Carnival does to try to keep us amused by reading her blog.

Funship Freddy!!

Funship Freddy
Sharen
Keith
Me

And Jack

Here we all are on the great "Sail Away" day -

which also happened to be my Birthday.

Sharen and Jack were exhausted from Day 1 -

after flying all night to get there!!

Keith and I were pretty chipper,

we'd had a good nights sleep,

no kids,

no animals,

no flights,

just wake up and to

start the PARTY!!!

Back from our Cruise - we had a wonderful week -

even with catching colds, losing the camera,

I will fill more in later -

but wanted all to know we got back safe and sound

- even if a bit sneezy, sniffy, and a cough like an old cow!!!

And we're off!!!

The house is childless, we are rested, most of it is cleaned and ready for the visit from Rod, S'te and Kids!!!!

But right now we are headed out to the airport now to pickup Sister Sharen and Jack. Then we head to Port Canaveral to get on the Carnival Glory!!!

I will let you know how Cozumel, Belize, and Nassau are getting along. Sharen has huge plans for excursions - I think Keith plans to take it a little slower than that.

So wish us Bon Voyage, the housesitter has arrived -- so adios amigos!!

As my birthday gets closer:

Birds of a feather flock together and crap on your car.

When I'm feeling down, I like to whistle.

It makes the neighbor's dog run to the end of his chain and gag himself.

A penny saved is a government oversight.

The real art of conversation is not only to say the

right thing at the right time,

but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing

at the tempting moment.

The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight,

because by then your body and your fat

have gotten to be really good friends.

He who hesitates is probably right.

Did you ever notice: The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are 'XL.'

If you think there is good in everybody,

you haven't met everybody.

If you can smile when things go wrong,

you have someone in mind to blame.

The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so

he can tell when he's really in trouble

.

There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it.

For example I am sitting here thinking how nice it is

that wrinkles don't hurt.

Did you ever notice: When you put the 2 words

'The' and 'IRS' together it spells 'Theirs?'

Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop

lying about your age and start bragging about it.

The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

Some people try to turn back their odometers.

Not me, I want people to know 'why' I look this way.

I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.

When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth,

think of Algebra.

You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.

One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that

it is such a nice change from being young.

Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.

First you forget names, then you forget faces.

Then you forget to pull up your zipper.

It's worse when you forget to pull it down.

Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks,

it was called witchcraft.

Today, it's called golf.

Change is what happens when the pain of holding on

becomes greater than the fear of letting go

Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and

your hand over my mouth...AMEN!!

End Of January Already!!

Today is February 1st. Can't say that I got any of my "projects" finished. The ones that I always start a month out with. Sort of like New Year Resolutions. I start every month out with . . . when I get last month's stuff done. . . . I'm going to start on. . . . . It just seems like I'm busier that a cat covering c*** all day long, exhausted every night, and still don't get anything done!!! Would someone please follow me around and show me where I'm wasting so much time!!!????

Well, I got the carpet cleaned. . . Actually, Keith paid someone to do it so I'd stop whining about it LOL!!! Besides which - as I told S'te - I had to get the bedding done. . . . And with the carpet cleaning came moving all the furniture around, and picking up lots of stuff. Now I just need to get it all put away again. . . before it all moves back to where I picked it up from. hehehehe

I have so many wonderful things that will be happening during our good old Valentines month. A cruise with my sweetie pie (my sister and hers is joining us!) and a visit from my baby and her family. I am so looking forward to them both!!

And I'm sweating already. . . . it was 80 degrees here by 10 am. . . I can't imagine what it will be like around here by April!!

So Happy Valentine's Day to all!!