A Beautiful Summer Evening

Liz has been here today. What a blessing this has been. This afternoon Rebecca, Liz, and I drove to Chickamauga Battlefield around sunset. Becca and I had watched "Glory" last weekend, and the Civil War and it's stories became alive for us through this. Since Chickamauga is just down the road from our little home, we drove there after dinner tonight.
The total peace of its rolling hills, wooded landscape and verdant pastures was such a contrast to the horrific battle that had taken place there 150 years ago. Deer and wild turkeys were in abundance this afternoon. They seemed totally unperturbed by our presence. Liz even called to a young buck and his doe. They braved an approach tp our car after her call. And they seemed just as curious about us as we were about them. I love occasions when supposedly "wild" animals stop and stare at me. I felt at times tonight that they were literally looking into my very soul.
The intense heat seemed to wane a little as we waited in the shade for these beautiful creatures of God. And I could not help but think of the Psalm, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, and He leadeth me beside the still waters."

Caleb

This BB is just too tired to blog much this evening. This "Mountain Mama" is exhausted after her trek to "Almost Heaven"......
But I simply had to post a few pictures of my youngest grandson. He is a delight and a joy. A beautiful blessing from our Father. Caleb seems laid back and relaxed but is very alert when awake. The miracle of his birth still amazes me of God's care for His children.
And to think that this granny now has two grandsons!! What a gift and what a joy!
Will write more another day soon, after I recouperate from the blissful, joy-filled days of the past few weeks.....

Easter Memories

There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel's veins
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day
And there may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away.

Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its pow'r
Till all the ransomed Church of God be saved to sin no more.

E'er since by faith I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.

Morning Has Broken

These were the views outside my window this morning. It's Friday, which means a very "laid-back" day at the office. The springtime and the mountains are calling me. The hills are beginning to "green" before my eyes. It's as if God is taking a watercolor brush to the greys and browns. He touches them with pink and white and soft green and highlights His handiwork with the golden light of the sun. Life is peaceful, even amidst the turmoil that has become the definition of our larger world. Here, on my little mountaintop, "all is well," and my soul is filled with His presence. He has set my feet upon a Rock and has transplanted this Texan to grow, anew, in North Georgia.

Another Macon Cherry Blossom Festival

Thank you, Dad and Bea for showing us around your beautiful city yesterday.
The drive was enjoyable and refreshing. The hues of pinks and whites everywhere were simply stunning.
Thanks for making the delicious lunch, for chauffering us around, and for sharing your hometown with us.
The day was so special, and we appreciate all you did for us!

A Golden Afternoon for St. Patrick's Day

My girls always called this time of day "the golden time".
Here in Dalton we've had a long cold winter. Even yesterday, I was bundled in a jacket and we started our little gas fireplace for the evening. But then the morning arrived, and it seems that Spring herself arrived as well. I made a trip to Lowe's and bought some potting soil and new flowers for our beds. And this evening, as I was sitting in the dining room typing my dad's memoirs, these beautiful daffodils smiled at me through the window. They were like translucent gold for a brief moment as the sunlight shone through their petals....and then, all too quickly it seemed, the sun sank behind the hills, and nightime fell. But not before leaving me a true pot of gold for this St. Patrick's Day.

Remembering......

On this very rainy spring afternoon, I find my mind drifting, both to past joys and to future blessings. How I look forward to New Baby R! And how much I cherish memories of little Neil!
Grandchildren are, indeed, the treasures of growing older, and they really are the sunshine on the path of Life.
The LORD has graced these latter years of my life with riches beyond my wildest dreams.... And, unless God calls me Home, He has even more in store in July.....double the joy, in fact! How truly amazing is His grace!

Tired

Even the snow that fell last night seems tired and worn. Patchy white, semi-covering the dormant grass and plants outside.....
I've had a bout with the flu the last few days. So I'm tired, as well,....and worn.
But, as a dear long ago friend, Patty Payne, once cross-stitched "This, too, shall pass". And, sure enough the sun is breaking through, the clouds are dissipating, and patches of blue are peeking through the grey and brown landscape. My bout with the flu is also rounding the bend, and I'm able to sit up this afternoon.
I am constantly reminded of all that TODAY holds....even with its seemingly dull palette of somber colors. The air outside is cool, but not cold, today. The red new limbs of the trees hold their promise of spring to come. And my tulips and hycianths are, hopefully, gaining strength for their days of glory that are soon to come.
All of this....and memories of my precious little grandson (these are the last of my pics from my trip last week) to see me through. Thank you Lord, for Your faithfulness!

Views from Anna's Windows....and an Angel

Animals on the Farm by Choo Choo Soul

Well, I'm back at home.....and missing my little grandson more than ever....
Neil, you really do "light up my life"! What would this granny do without you?!!
This moment seemed to capture your absolute delight in all things musical....and things with rhythm!! The pictures are blurred because you have "moves", Neil!! How I love to see you express yourself!
And how I love being with you as you dance around your living room!

Of Monsters and Cookies and Playdough

The weather outside is frightful....
But inside with Neil.....delightful:)!
What joy!

Oh the Things Good Dads Will Endure for Their Families!!

Thank you, P, for going through this for your family! J and B, thank you both so much for being such dear examples and teachers for your son!
I am so blessed to have two sons-in-law who care so deeply for their families!

More of Little Neil......

P had a conference in Boston this week. Here's little Neil all dressed and ready to "go" and then watching his dad load the car. He has really good dance "moves"....especially for not quite two.....and, oh, how he loves his daddy! It touched my heart this morning when the first thing Neil did was to take a picture of his family, say "Daddy" and then kiss and hug P's picture:)

Neil, You Are My Sunshine

It's such a snowy day in Connecticut.....but this is what is making my days:) Is this baby not the most angelic little guy! He has been a constant source of laughter and joy! Grey skies, ice, and snow cannot damper the light that is glowing inside this dear little home:) Ahhh....the blessings of grandparenting!

All I do is think of you....

All day through....
Morning, noon, and nightime, too....I think of you!

Round trip to Boston tonight. 12" of snow coming tomorrow. Historic ice storm due Wednesday. But inside cozy and warm....and full of sheer delight!
Neil.....I love you with all my heart. Baby R.....Amazing things happen to grannies when new babies arrive.....My heart will grow twice it's current size once you're here! So there's plenty of room for you, as well, dear Child;)!

What a Way to Start a Day!!

I'm here in Connecticut this morning.....and THIS was my view as I ate breakfast this morning:)! Pure HEAVEN!! .... complete with the Littlest Angel!!

Happy 90th Birthday, Dad!

Ninety years......and counting....And may there be many days of blessing ahead!
I thank God for you, Dad. He has taught me so many valuable lessons through growing up in your home:

A true work ethic,
the importance of a disciplined life,
the beauty of order,
perseverance,
frugality,
the importance of living an uncluttered life,
determination,
diligence
loyalty to our employers,
dedication to our LORD's Church,
the knowledge that wealth and "things" do not equal a man's character nor value,
the lesson that difficulties in life can be used to build character,
the lesson that hard work does pay off in the end,
the truth that "blood" does not equal "family,"
the knowledge that our true reputation comes from God alone,
the truth that love wins out in the end,
the knowledge that God does provide, protect, and bless...."even to our grey hair"!

I love you, Dad.
May I be the kind of daughter and mother that will bring you honor.
Thank you and Mother for taking me "as your own" 62 years ago.
May the LORD richly bless you as you continue the "race set before you"
May your 90th year be full of joy and peace,
And may this season of your life truly be used for His glory and honor.

So many times, when I think of you, Dad, I find the chorus to "Victory in Jesus" running through my mind. I can see you singing that song in dear Central Baptist Church many years ago. "He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my life is due Him. He plunged me to victory with His redeeming love."

My prayer for you today, Dad, is from Proverbs 9:10-11:

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
For by me your days will be multiplied,
And years of life will be added to you.

Of Memies, Mallows, and Things that Go Vroom

How life changes when grandchildren arrive! I can remember well when packing for a trip involved getting clothes, pj's and make-up into one suitcase!!!!. Now......just throwing in a few pairs of jeans, sweatshirts, and long-johns....and the rest of my luggage is devoted to holding my "Granny Stache":)
We're off to share my dad's 90th birthday with Dad and Bea. More about that in the next blog.....

p.s. I learned a new "granny time" game last week when interviewing for BBBS. "Snowtime Hide and Go Seek" . Hide the "king sized" campfire marshmallows in the snow. When the child finds the mallow, he can make a s'more with it! Or more fun.....make little mallow snow men....Then hide them in the snow! Can hardly wait to try this with Neil!:)

I've heard of a lady who had hundreds of pictures made and, out of those, found one that she liked. Well, today my daughter insisted on a photo shoot.... I felt totally vain and more than a little silly....but in the end I actually found some that I liked. I believe the reason is....these pictures seem to capture just how happy I really am these days.......
God has blessed me above what I could ever have dreamed of or hoped for. I love our home, our church, my job, and the mountains I wake up to each morning. All of this....and the most beautiful grandson in the world as a source of this grandmother's pride and laughter and JOY!! (thanks to SKYPE and Transair:))
I realize more and more each day that the latter phases of life hold so many treasures to discover...
I've learned that honest aging can be so satisfying and full, that wrinkles and sags simply tell of our unique life's journeys, and that there's still the hope for adventures, and the realization of many dreams to come! I can hardly wait!!

p.s. Jenny A, Thank you so very much for the adorable scarves! As you can see...I'm enjoying them already!

More Pictures of Ocoee

Brave Hearts were actually kayaking down stream from this. One man had capsized and was holding on to a bolder in the middle of the currents. I was grateful to simply keep my footing on some of the slick patches of ice/snow....

The Thaw

After being snowbound for six days, we headed to Ocoee yesterday. These were some of the scenes from our hike there. I loved tromping through the snow, hearing the water thunder by, and taking in the wintry landscape that surrounded us.

Snowbound: Day 4

We're still in our little condo on top of the hill. Still cozy, still warm....yet, if truth be known, I'm getting a little "cabin fever";)
But hope is in sight....the sun has broken through the clouds, and patches of blue are "busting out all over"........

Our entire hill is glazed this morning. The show melted a little yesterday afternoon and then refroze overnight. The sun hitting it makes the entire landscape a blinding white and gold and frosty blue. The thaw will be coming soon, creaking and groaning like my old bones in the early morning. And with this, we will be free to roam the countryside a bit and to explore the mountains that will still be in the depths of the freeze. I'm looking forward to these adventures that await me.
The pictures above are of scenes from our yard and windows this morning.
The sun first appeared yesterday afternoon as a frosty, hazy orb in the sky. Snowflakes were drifting and floating in the surrounding sky. Then, this morning, its light broke through in earnest and gilded our entire town's rooftops in the process.
Cynthia Nicolini, from Alamo Elementary, taught me the British term "chufft" many years ago. That's exactly what the little birds on my fence were doing a bit ago. Their fluffed feathers serve as God's down comforters for them, and delight me in the process.
And the sight of Grassy Mountain in the last picture gives me hope for wonderful "treasures in the snow" tomorrow!
For today....back to coffee, and reading, and dreaming....

Let It Snow

We keep waiting for some kind of pause from the flakes coming down. So far....it's still snowing! I'm sitting in our little dining room and looking out on the scenes above. I've had quite a bit of coffee lately, and I understand my Minnesota friends' love for it.....Coffee keeps you warm:) Looks like we'll be off work for the remainder of the week. And since no one can make it up or down our hill....we're simply staying in and keeping cozy.....

Snowbound

Thank you, LORD, for the times that you force our lives to be still, to behold the beauty of your creation, and to reflect upon Your creative grace. You do provide for the fragile sparrow. And you make even the smallest terrace to become a wonder.....

Heaviest snow since the Blizzard of '93. .......
Officially, Dalton recieved 6" during the early hours today. I awoke at 4 a.m. to the scene in the first picture. (Note the fire hydrant for an accumulation gauge.) So much can happen during a span of 4 hours... There was not a flake in sight when I finally went to bed at midnight. But when I let Sophie out this morning, she was "nose deep" in white....
I'm about to pour yet another cup of coffee, settle into my chair by our little fire, and finish "In the Company of Others".....
Life is good;)