Thanksgiving 2008 and Family

Sunday – November 30, 2008

Thanksgiving and family - Bill, Jeni, and David:


Thanksgiving has come and gone oh so quickly. My body tells me that I may have been on my feet just a little too long – this is the sad thing about getting older – the pain that tends to find muscles and joints that I didn’t know existed! I will go and use my back massager and all will be well.

I really dreaded Thanksgiving – the loss of so many loved ones, especially John – oh how I missed that call of “Happy Thanksgiving Sis.” He always tried to contact all of us here in WV to wish us a Happy Thanksgiving. He would tell us what he and Laurie were fixing and how many would be surrounding their table. They always had a house full of family and friends. I’m sure it was hard on them without him there.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at Mom’s. I fixed a huge turkey, gravy, dressing, corn pudding, three pies, and took some rolls, cranberry salad, and sweet tea; Debbie fixed green bean casserole and a broccoli casserole along with soft drinks; Mom fixed “shuck” beans, mashed potatoes, and an Easter Parade pie which is sugar free! We had many loved ones there to eat Thanksgiving dinner and then visit with one another – besides Bill, Mom, and me there was Mike, Debbie, Todd, Cassie (Todd’s fiancé who is from Utah), Meghan, Grant (Meghan’s boyfriend), Grant’s mother, and then David and Jeni came down after eating dinner with his mother’s family to visit and eat some desserts with us. We were so blessed to have all of them there. Rhonda and Dink fixed dinner for them, Bobby, Billy, Jamie, and Rhonda’s family members. Laurie went to Tennessee to be with Dawn, Brian, and the kids, while JD, Darcie, Linnie, Nate, and the kids were together in Ohio. What a joy it is to have the family near, and how we cherish these moments. It is hard work for all who helped prepare the food, but in the end it was well worth it!!

When Bill’s parents and Grandmother were still living, we always went to Inez to have Thanksgiving with them as well as being with Mom and Dad sometime during the week. Bill’s brothers - Twink and John - along with sister-in-law, Angie and niece, Ashlea would be there as well. It is a matter of juggling the time to be able to be with both sides of the family!

David and Jeni are trying to do that – spend time with her family, his mother, and us. Bless their hearts; they are doing a great job to spend time with us all. We had a wonderful visit with them at Mom’s and then again on Saturday when they came out here to the house. We did not have turkey on Saturday. Bill grilled steaks just for David!!!! David is still having trouble with his stomach, but oh did he love the steak! As long as he takes his medication, he can eat most food placed before him. He is to have further test this coming week. We’re praying for an answer to what is causing his pain!

We had such a great visit with David and Jeni on Saturday. The steaks were just right and the visit was superb. Toby had to put on a show for them – he brought his big ball out of the utility room to show them how he plays with it. Then Bill and David took him outside so he could really put on a good show. David then realized just how blind Toby is! As long as his senses of smelling and hearing are working, he will be fine in getting around.

I would like to end this post with a thought of how thankful I am. I am thankful for God sending His only Son so that we can be forgiven of all our sins; that God has promised us a place in Heaven where we will be with Him and unite with all family and friends who have gone home before us; for family and friends; for Mom’s health; for my brothers and their family; for David and Jeni who are going to make us grandparents in March; and for Bill who understands this “silly goose” who can cry at the drop of a hat, and then turn around and laugh at the antics of her beloved Toby. I am also thankful that I am healthy enough to be able to do what I can for others because I get so much joy out of helping and giving to others.
Hope you enjoy the following pictures!

Jeni and David with Mom:



David and Jeni on their visit to Wayne:



The turkey:



Bill pulling the meat off the bone:




Toby waiting in anticipation for Bill to drop some turkey his way!

Win a Prize - Thanksgiving Trivia!

Tuesday – November 25, 2008

Thanksgiving in America is a day we gather together with family and friends to give thanks for the many blessing we have received during the past year. For the past several years, we have celebrated Thanksgiving with some chairs being empty. This year those chairs belong to John, Aunt Delma, Eva Jo, Jeni’s Grandma Hannah, and little Abigail’s mother, Kathy Dawn. I know how sad those sitting around these tables will be, but the memories of the loved ones will forever be embedded in our minds and hearts. I know there are many others who have lost loved ones and our hearts and prayers go out to all of you. Yes it will be sad, but let’s make it a good day for those still with us! Let’s help them smile and enjoy themselves with all who are around. Our loved ones would want it to be that way – be with family and be happy.

This is one of the times during the year that I would have my kids do some research about the first Thanksgiving. They would find out who, when, where, how, and why it was started. There are many kid friendly sites that help the kids understand what Thanksgiving is all about, and why it is such an important day that they get out of school because of it!

Let’s see if you can answer some Thanksgiving trivia!

• When was the first Thanksgiving?
• Where did it take place?
• What Native American tribe was in attendance with the Pilgrims?
• What is a male turkey called?
• What is the female turkey called?
• Can wild turkeys fly? If so, how fast?
• Which President said that Thanksgiving would fall on the last Thurs. of Nov.?
• What Indians were there to help the colonist after landing in the New World?
• Who was the leader for the Pilgrims?
• What is the name of the skin that hangs from a turkey’s neck?

Send me your answers by December 2 and you might win a prize! If there is more than one winner – Toby will draw your name from a hat!!!! Join in on the fun – you might be able to google to find the answers! (I fixed the mistake just for you Meghan!! Love you!)

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, and May God bless you and your loved ones.

Does Not Play Well With Others!

Friday – November 21, 2008

A picture of innocence and sweetness! :):)


Many bloggers have tons of topics to use as a new posting. When we (I) decide what topic to use, Bill and I will discuss what could be included, or he will say go ahead and write it and then I’ll read it. This is a joint effort – but somehow I think I got the larger portion! I don’t mind because I love to write. This may have been the reason behind me teaching English for over 30 years! I loved teaching and getting the kids to write. (Most days)

I have had students who were prolific writers. They knew what they wanted to say and how it needed to be said. Many of them won writing contests sponsored by the county and/or the state. They won because they had the drive to do so. Others students had aspirations of writing short stories and poetry. They would bring in their “collection” which they kept in an old composition notebook for me to read! Most of what they had written had a lot of potential! I’m sure some of them will go on to better and brighter writing assignments than I could ever have assigned to them. (Wonder if I have former students reading the blog and proofreading my writing? Thank goodness for spell/grammar check!:))

This posting is not going to be about my experience as an English teacher, but how and why we (I) choose the topics we’ve written about. In the beginning it was to give an account of what we had done, seen, or experienced while at Kiawah Beach. Naturally, what we experienced was a lot different than the experiences we have here on Craig Road. Once we were home, we didn’t know if we would continue the blog or not. Many of our friends and relatives said please do so, we enjoy reading what you have to say. So, we have approached the topics to include as many positive events surrounding our lives as possible. We are trying to “honor” family member on their birthdays, commemorate important dates for our family, remember loved ones who have gone home to be with our Lord and Savior, and to include topics we hope that will help you forget your worries and to get a chuckle out of the antics of Toby, Bill, and me!

I know for a fact that many members of the family got a big chuckle out of the way Bill tried to get out of mowing the grass! I pull from live experiences, daily happenings, or even sentimental ideas to come up with a topic – the teacher coming out in me! I know when our granddaughter arrives there will be plenty of stories about her!

I hope we can keep this blog going with topics that are light, enjoyable, and will help take your cares away for just a little while! We thoroughly enjoy other blogs -some are by family members while others we just happened to come across. We hope all who read ours enjoy them as much as I enjoy writing them!

Today’s topic is going to be about Toby – again. In case you haven’t figured it out – he is a part of our life that has given us so much joy and unconditional love. Now that he is older, we are cherishing each and every day with him. There are times when the “puppy” in him takes over, and he will entertain us until we are bent over double laughing. Many years ago, when he was still in the puppy stage, he displayed a very dominant territorial trait. The only other dog he would really play with was Max, David’s Boston Terrier who was several years older than Toby. They would run and play and Max was tolerant of Toby as some older brothers tend to be towards their younger siblings. However, when Max had all he wanted of Toby’s aggravation, he would snap at him and Toby would eventually leave him alone. They really did get along well.

One evening after Bill and I had gotten home from school, two young pups came galloping into the back yard from across the tracks. Toby was on his 50 foot leash and had free range of the back yard. Needless to say, Toby was not at all thrilled about other dogs being in His yard, on His road, in His county, state, continent – I think you might get the picture! He barked, attacked, chased, and growled at them. Bless their hearts; they thought he was PLAYING with them! Next thing we knew, another LARGE pup came running into the yard! Oh boy, the games were about to begin. Toby ran after him with lightening speed and grabbed him underneath his throat. He had gone in for the kill! Scared that poor pup to death; he yelped and ran off – can’t say I blame him. It scared the pup more than anything. The other two pups were still out there frolicking around in the yard having a good time!

Bill finally got a hold of Toby and put him in the house. We checked the injured dog only to find there were no marks on her, and that she had just been frightened. The other two pups decided to come up on the porch and try and play with Toby through the door. Toby was one MAD baby! He did not want those other dogs around HIS house! We finally had to come in, close all the curtains, and keep Toby away from the door before the pups would go back home! Finally, after about an hour, the coast was clear and Toby could go back out into his yard and not be bothered with those intruders! I think he marked every corner, bush, and tree he could reach in the yard to make sure every critter knew who this area belonged to!

David had called later that evening and Bill was telling him about what had happened. Bill said that we had to fill out a report card on Toby and had to mark –“DOES NOT PLAY WELL WITH OTHERS.” This is where the idea for the title of this posting originated.

Last night, Toby earned another check on his report card that states “HE STILL DOES NOT PLAY WELL WITH OTHERS!” It was dark and of course Toby had to go outdoors. As most of you know, he is going blind. He walked down the ramp and headed straight to his post on the car port that he marks! There were two pups out in the yard. One was within reach of Bill and Toby while the other was a little further out in the yard. I walked out on to the back porch and the closest pup came running up the ramp. It was so friendly and wanted to play. Toby did not know it was there! He had not seen it, heard it, or sensed it until Bill grabbed him up in his arms. Then he knew something was adrift. Something was going on for his daddy to grab and hold on to him for dear life. We got him inside and then did his anger come out with a vengeance! The pup was trying to play with him through the glass and Toby was having a conniption fit! I was able to capture some of this on my camera phone. The quality of the pictures may not be the best, but I think you can tell what was happening!

It took Toby a while before he really settled down, and then he slept for the rest of the evening. This experience wore him out! He will always protect his territory and the ones he loves!!!!!

Toby's ears indicate he HEARS something on the porch!


Toby is letting this big pup know he is not allowed on his porch!!


Toby barked and barked and barked and . . . barked!

Pink is for . . .

Wednesday – November 19, 2008

Today was the day the word pink came to the top of our vocabulary. What does the word represent? Depending on your background and your interest, it can mean different things to different people. This would be a “story starter” I would/could use as a journal entry for my students. In the past I have used a “color” word to get the kids to respond to. Many would start to work while others would sit there and say, “I don’t like that color!” That was just an excuse of trying to get out of work. My response would be, “then tell me why you don’t like that color!”

I decided to do a little “brainstorming” using the word pink. Brainstorming is simply jotting down things that come to your mind about the topic. Believe it or not – this was a step the kids did not like to do!

Here goes my brainstorming about the word PINK:

• Shade lighter than red
• Color of bubble gum/cotton candy
• Pink roses, tulips, dogwood trees, etc
• Color used for little girls
• Mary Kay Cadillac’s
• Pink Panther
• Pink Floyd
• Pink
• Box used to pack the doll Barbie
• Sugar and spice and everything nice
• In the pink – meaning looking healthy
• Tickled pink – excited, happy, content
• Pink ribbon represents the Breast Cancer Awareness
• Pink shirts the boys wore that said “real men wear pink”
• Represents beauty, grace, femininity, goodness, softness
• Shades of pink – Fuchsia, blush, salmon, coral
• Pretty in pink
• Pink Magazine
• Valentine’s Day

Looking back at the list – oh my – what a journal entry I could have written. I am going to focus only on a few of these notes because today we received some very exciting news! Which notes would I use from above? How about – “color used for little girls,” “sugar and spice and everything nice,” and “tickled pink.” Have you figured out why the color pink has become a very important word for us? It is a color that is representative of a small baby that will be welcomed into this world at the end of March, 2009.

Yes, Jeni and David found out today that the baby can now be referred to as she and/or her. We are all so excited that this small baby girl is to be a member of our family. We are so happy for Jeni and David as they await their first born child. This will be the third grandchild for Jeni’s parents and the first for David’s. Whether she is the first or the tenth, she will be loved and adored by all. Babies have a way of capturing your heart – she has already captured our hearts. As are all the grandparents, I can’t wait to hold her! She will be loved and cherished by us all. Had the news been that the baby was to be a boy, we would still feel the same - the only difference would be I would write about the word –BLUE!

The baby’s name will be revealed on the day of her birth by her parents. We just pray that the rest of her time she is with her mother that both remain healthy, and that her entry into this world will be an easy one – for her and her mother! We want her to know that she has been loved from the time we first heard about her existence. She will be showered with more love once she arrives! All our love to David, Jeni, and “baby girl" Hardin!

The happy parents to be: David and Jeni



















David, Jeni, and Molly - the first little girl! :):) She will still be loved!

A Snowy Morning

Tuesday – November 18, 2008




We had snow on the ground this morning. Actually, last night the ground was covered before we went to bed. Had I still been teaching, I would not have slept a wink. I would be awaiting a call that would say “No school,” “one hour delay,” or “two hour delay.” The time of the call would always vary. If we were lucky, we might get the call before we went to bed – most of the time this was not the case. Our calls came anywhere from 4:30 AM to 6:30 AM for a delay and then around 8:00 we might get the call that said “No School!” Bill and I were lucky to be on a reliable branch of the phone tree. We always got a call! Some of our co-workers did not always receive a call. We came up with a plan that some of them would receive a call from more than one person – this helped.

The time of information about school caused me to experience some anxiety when I still lived in Huntington. I would always leave earlier when bad weather was predicted. It would be days like this that Dad would say I should stay home - call in sick! Then he and I would discuss the responsibilities I had with my job and how many days HE had called in sick! :) When I would ask him if he would stay home, he would grin and say no! It was at this time he began to realize his “little girl” did have a job, and that I had to go and do that job! He would not want me to go to work; he wanted me to stay of the road and stay safe. However, Mom had others ideas about me staying home. She did not drive, so, she had no fear of the road. She had complete faith in all of us and our driving skills. She always wanted/needed to go to the store – regardless of how much snow there was. You jingle those keys, and she was ready to go!

Now Mom really liked to get out and have a snowball fight!!!!


This was also before the “phone tree” was started, and we had to depend on the radio and TV for information. So many people were like me, they were already at school or on the road by the time we received the information about the status of school for that day. Many times I would have to turn around and head back home. There were times when I would be at school only to be told to go on back home. On one of those occasions, it took us about six hours to get home!!! The roads were horrendous with wrecks blocking traffic. The roads were dangerous because the salt trucks had not been able to clear the roads - it was snowing that hard!

The amount of snow this morning around us was minimal – but there have been days when they would call off school for the day with the same amount as we had today. Some days we would travel on snow covered roads that were extremely slick with school NOT delayed or called off for the day. We never could figure out the reasoning on when school would be open or not! Some of the problem stemmed from the size of the county and that part of the county would have a large amount of snow fall while other areas would have none! Attendance now plays a part on the funding the school system receives. Counties now have to call off the whole county because of this system.

To my friends still teaching, Bill and I will think of you on these days. We understand the anxiety or frustration of not knowing. We also know that to have snow days this early means extra days with the kids around June!! Snow days were always welcomed during the months of January and February. Usually there are no scheduled days off during those two months. Those months after Christmas aalways seemed so long!

If you look closely, you will see Toby running through the heavy snow from years past! We did get the day off with this snow!




Mom and Dad on a means of transportation that might not be what they needed with a snow fall!!!




The season is here – snow is on its way! Hopefully everyone will enjoy it and stay safe! I saw a “wooly worm” the other day. He was back on both ends and brown in the center. According to Appalachian folk lore – we are going to have a rough winter in the beginning and at the end of the season with a mild time in between. Time will tell!

Today’s snow also brought to mind the poem written by the poet Robert Frost - "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" - which I would like to share with you.

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Yes, this is a poem I used with my kids. Some liked it – most didn’t!!!! Robert Frost’s poems were part of the English/reading series. I will not give you a lesson on the poem – it’s here just for you to read!

The Letter to Enroll Toby

Friday - November 14, 2008

Occasionally Bill and I come up with an ornery plan. Some of this mischievousness may come from having worked with middle school students. However, most of it comes from working with some of the personnel. When the middle school was first started back in the 80's we were told that a middle school teacher needed to have two characteristics. Those included us needing to be FLEXIBLE, and boy was that that truth! We could always plan on our schedules and lesson plans to be disrupted due to fire drills, assemblies, state and national test, and even sports activities! However, the most interesting trait was that we needed to be "SQUIRRLEY!" In order to keep your sanity, we did need to go with the flow. We taught; the students learned; but we also had some fun time with them as well! Not only did we have a good time with kids, but we also had some wonderful time with some of our co-workers. The following letter was sent to a very dear friend of ours who is still teaching and helping out with an after school tutoring program. I could not help myself. I had to write this letter to her. Bill and I could both see her laughing when reading the letter. She knows how much Toby means to us and how much he has been a comfort to us both over the years - especially when we had rough days at school! We hope you enjoy this little bit of humor! When a person can't smile and laugh, it is a sad, sad day for all around them!

Dear Mrs. W,

I am writing in reference to the notice I read in the WC News about "free" tutoring being offered after school at WMS. I have a 12 year old son who is in trouble of failing and would benefit greatly from some extra help. Most kids do not like the idea of "extra" time at school, however when he discovered that snacks would be served, he was jumping up and down all over the place. He tends to take after his father when talking about free snacks! He is well behaved most of the time as long as he gets his way - meaning he wants to go outside a dozen times a day! He also likes to snuggle and will always make you laugh when feeling sad, depressed, or lonely. He learns quickly when being offered snacks - just a little bribe that works wonders! His attention span is short at times, but that could be because he does have trouble seeing. His hearing is also poor, but his sense of smell lets him know where the snacks are! I sincerely hope you will consider him as a potential member of your program. One other attribute that might be very beneficial with him being in your program - he will help keep the other kids in line!
I am enclosing an updated picture of my son to help you make a decision as to whether he might be able to join your program.

Sincerely,
Phyllis S Hardin

Our 12 year old son:

Mamaw Goes to a Concert!

Wednesday – November 12, 2008

This posting is being written later than I intended due to a little excitement we had on Monday! Whew – that was some day! Just so thankful no one was hurt, and the only thing burnt was the mower!

As some of the earlier postings have indicated, Bill and I have attended a number of concerts. These included the concerts of Bob Dylan and James Taylor to Celtic Woman and Celtic Thunder. We have not limited our concert going to one genre only! We have seen some of the “old” rock stars; country classics; then on to what is called “world music,” and we have included some gospel music in our repertoire. We have been to see some musicals (Romeo and Juliet) which have been part of the Marshall Artist Series. As an early Christmas present from David and Jeni, we will be going to Lexington to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra perform in December. We are excited about this and have purchased a couple of CD’s. They sound wonderful.

Mom has usually scowled when I tell her we are going to a concert. This could be for several reasons. One, she wants me to stay with her so we can run around. Two, I’d be spending money foolishly. And three, she has no real comprehension as to what a “concert” really is. I’m sure had I used the terminology of “song fest” or “singing” she would have grasped the meaning of what a concert is all about! She has been to several concerts over the years, but just referred to them as going to see The Gaithers, The Journeymen, Loretta Lynn, and Conway Twitty. She attended those latter two many years ago when I was still at home!

She loves listening to gospel music and watching The Gaithers every weekend. Back in 1952, a cousin of Dad’s, Harold Lane – son of Curtis and Cassie Lane – started a group called the Gospel Harmony Boys. They actually could be seen on WSAZ TV Channel 3 weekly. Harold was raised in Wayne; had been in the service; gone to school and became a music/band teacher at Wayne High School. He and three of his “singing” friends formed a group they were going to call the “Shepherd Four.” However, there was another group that had already been using that name. So, on their way to the studio for their first show, they had to change their name. Thus, they became known as The Gospel Harmony Boys. This little bit of trivia came from listening to Homer Frye, a former member of the GHB, at Saturday’s concert. You can read more history about the GHB on their web site. The link will be posted below!

We grew up listening to the GHB and knowing that we had a cousin who sang with the group and later went on to Nashville and joined The Speer Family. He also wrote many songs which became hits for other gospel groups such as The Inspirations. The one song that comes to mind is “Touring That City” which was a big hit for the Inspirations and sung by many other gospel singers.

Last year, Bill and I were in Hillsdale visiting David and Jeni at the same time the GHB were to be at The Gospel Barn. We all decided to go! Not only did we want to go listen to the singing, but I was going to get to visit with a cousin of mine whom I hadn’t seen in a very long time, Donna Gail. Donna is the youngest child of Dad’s sister, Oma Blevins and her husband Alfred. Donna is married to the bass singer of the GHB, Calvin Thompson. We had a great visit and were able to listen to some great singing. The GHB were to perform at the Huntington City Auditorium the next month. Donna wanted me to bring Mom.

So, the next month, Mom, Mike, Debbie, Bill, and I went to the “concert.” Mom enjoyed it tremendously, especially when her “nephew” made a special point to make her feel like a queen. We took Mom back again this year to their 56th Anniversary Concert. Again, Mom was treated special – she even had her picture taken with Calvin by their photographer! Oh my, she was grinning from ear to ear. Thank you Calvin! We were able to find seats up front so she could see the singers a little better. She is losing her eyesight, and we wanted her to be able to get as close as she could so she could see the singers. She had a wonderful time. She was able to not only see The Gospel Harmony, but the groups Sincere, Bloodline, The Guardians Quartet, and the Adkins Brothers. It was a great evening!

We are going to list a few links for you to click on that will take you to the Gospel Harmony Boys main web site and YouTube where you can see and hear them perform. Also, we are posting pictures from last year’s concert as well as the picture of Mom and Calvin from this year’s performance.

Mom and Donna - 2007 concert


Mom with her two nieces - Pat and Donna - and me - concert 2007

Donna Gail, Mom, and Debbie


Former and Present members of the Gospel Harmony Boys - concert 2007


Mom with Donna and Calvin - concert 2007


Mom and Calvin - concert 2008


Through the years many of my cousins and me had been told we could have passed for sisters! Donna this is for you - look what I found I had scanned - let's let the readers decide if there is a family resemblance!

Donna Gail


Me



Link for The Gospel Harmony Boys:
This is their official web site. You may have to copy and paste the url in your browser to get to the site. Appears the blogger system is not going to work properly.
http://www.gospelharmonyboys.org/index.html

You can also go to YouTube and type in The Gospel Harmony Boys and find several songs which have been placed there and you can see and hear them sing.

If You Don't Want to Mow the Yard - Just Say So!

Monday - November 10, 2008

I'm sure the title for today's post may have caught your attention. Why would we not want to mow since we do have(had) a working riding lawn mower? No real reason unless the weather is too cold, rainy, or hot! Today was a perfect day to be working in the yard. It was a little windy which did cause some problems this afternoon.

If today is a preference to what our week is going to be like - I'm going back to bed and not get back up until next week! Maybe I am asleep, and I had a nightmare. No, I'm awake, and we both had an experience we will never forget!

We have shown you pictures of our beautiful trees in the front yard! Today, Bill decided to mulch up some of these leaves. He got more than he bargained for! Using the riding mower, he made one swipe through the front yard when he noticed smoke! He turned off the mower; got off; and proceeded to move the leaves which appeared to be smoldering away from the front of the mower. Whoa - did our eyes see what appeared to be red flames shooting up from underneath the mower. Sure did - flames were blazing out from the front of the mower - that's where the gas tank is on this mower! Thankfully he had stopped the mower away from the bulk of the leaves in the front yard!

He saw he wasn't going to be able to stop the flames and told me to call the fire department. I ran into the house and dialed 911. I explained what was happening, and they assured me they would get someone here quickly! It seemed like hours before they came - but it was about 10 minutes! We have a volunteer fire department, and one of the members is the Chief of Police for Wayne! He and another volunteer came down and using our neighbors water hose (and their water) put out the fire! Our hose and spicket are on the other side of the house from where the mower was burning. They stayed around to assure us that there were no hot spots around the mower, and that the fire would not start up again.

Needless to say, we lost the mower; damage was done mainly to our neighbor's yard; and there was some smoke damage to a tree on their property. Insurance has been contacted and hopefully the damage to the neighbor's property will be taken care of, but we probably won't get back enough to buy a new mower. The insurance adjuster explained the process they had to use and that our policy has a $500.00 deductible!

The main thing is - no one was hurt! I thank God for that! We were afraid the mower would explode! Thankfully all it did was smolder with red flames blazing out from all around it. We are going to post some of the pictures Bill took for insurance purposes! I'm glad he thought about taking pictures - all I wanted to do was RUN!

I believe that the pictures will tell the story better than I. At one point we thought the fire was going out when swoosh the wind fed the fire and it came back with more vengeance!

Leaves, Leaves, Leaves

Sunday - November 9,2008

We have posted several pictures showing the beauty of the trees in the front yard. We have also alluded to the impending work which will soon be upon us! This afternoon we took Toby out to enjoy running through the leaves that have fallen from the branches of these trees. We hope you can see the enormous amount of leaves already on the ground and the amount that still will be falling! The trees are beautiful, but oh the work we have ahead! Hope we get it all cleaned up before it gets too cold! :)

Due to Toby's poor eyesight, he was a little skiddish with the rustling of the leaves around him! He wanted to up and run! Bless his heart!








Here are a few pictures of how many more leaves will be falling!!!!!