Tomorrow the weather here could reach the low 70’s, so I feel very sure our chances of snow in the foreseeable future are 0 to none! Of course, we will have a few more cold snaps, but nothing like before. Probably. Most likely. Which is fine by me! I am not a fan of the cold weather.

So, I’m taking this chance to post some of my favorite snow pictures…and then, some snow jokes. The last one is a little risque…but it is also cute…I hope it doesn’t offend anyone. I feel sure it was done in the spirit of fun.

Typical Snowman…

This one’s for you, Pop!…

Still, sleepy, snowy, sheep…

A Two-Horse Open Sleigh…

Fido’s Freezing…

Abandoned…forgotten…desolent…

The Glory of the Lord is ALWAYS on display!

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“AH-CHOO!”

Amanda learns the REAL Edmund…

A Cold-Hearted Burglar

The US Surgeon General told you, too!

Bless their little hearts…and every other little part!

I have no words except, he must have done it for love…
Hope you are staying warm!

I have just returned from the funeral of the mother of my dear friend, Shirl. It was a chilly and rainy day…very dismal…outside. We went first to the ‘old home place’ to the home where the family was all gathering. Everyone was covered with raincoats and big umbrellas as we all ran for the protection of her porch.

Inside, all was a-bustle. Family checking on one another…food being brought in,etc. Many of Mrs Ollie’s friends were there. They reminded me so much of her. They were such ‘ladies’….truly Southern ladies. This group of friends are the type, even in their late 80’s, who still walk 2 miles a day! Mrs. Ollie was 90! They braved the showers in their plastic rain hats to bring butter beans and fresh peach cobbler. When introduced to them, they said, “Oh,yes, we know about you. Ollie talked about you.” They were the genteel type, who said, “Oh, no, we musn’t tarry, we should be on our way!” And after a quick bite to eat and a prayer for the coming events, we made our way down the country roads to the funeral home in Blakely.

This was a little country funeral home…much like a country church in feel. The visitation was held an hour prior to the funeral, as is becoming the custom here, especially when the deceased is elderly. In a short time, it became filled to capacity. It held friends of Shirley’s Mom, these same ladies who were just at the house were now here, ready to be of any assistance that may be needed. It held friends of Shirley’s sister, Sue, and of Shirley. It held Mrs. Ollie’s grandchildren and Great-grands! It held old friends from Dothan who went to church with Shirley when she lived here. It held many family members that loved this sweet lady.

My niece, Tara, and I rode over with Buddy, Tina and Amy. They are technically family…while Tara and I are friends of the heart. [Tara and Jayna, Shirl’s daughter, have remained dear friends even though they live apart.] So, Tara and I made our way to the back to sit. We wanted to be nearby, but not intrusive. From our vantage point, we could see almost everyone who came in. And, it struck me as so wonderful how every. single. person. who came in was greeted with a hug or 2 or 6 from everyone they passed as they made their way down the aisle. Some were family…some were not. Didn’t matter…everyone there loved this sweet lady, and that made us all friends. There was none of this shaking hands and quiet,solemn feeling. Everyone who walked in was a part of the ‘family’.

There were 2 gentlemen (pastors) who spoke…as did Shirley. And, Shirl’s son-in-law, Paulo, added so much to the worship during the service. He is such a talented young man and loves to share his talent with others. He played the piano and sang. He chose, “It Is Well With My Soul”, and “Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus”. These are such songs of faith and joy! Perfect for the day.

I thought as I sat and waited for the service to begin…just how wonderful it is to be with God’s people. There is a song we sing at times, The Family of God. It says…”I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God…Washed in the Fountain, cleansed by His Blood…Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod…For, I’m part of the family, the Family of God.” Now what is so wonderful about this is the fact that wherever or whenever you encounter another Christian, it feels as if you already know enough about them to become immediate friends. When there is so much loneliness and isolation in the world today…this is a real blessing. I saw this in action at the Manry Funeral Home today in Blakely, GA. And, I have seen it played out many times before. God draws people unto Himself, and He desires that we meet together. It may be for worship, or celebration, for study or play. It also can be for a time such as this…the funeral of someone we hold dear. Whatever the case…There is God…right in the middle of the group! One of His promises is …”if 2 or more of you are gathered IN MY NAME…there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20. And, that’s where the Son came from today. Two or three…or 100 or 150. It matters not.

A sad occasion…but a time for rejoicing, as well. Her life was well lived, her family could only praise her, her friends were many, and she knew Jesus…well. So today, she is with the One who made her life sing…she is with Jesus! And, the comfort this brings is overwhelming.
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This post is written for, and dedicated to the Davis, Vargas, and Summerlin Families…in memory and love of Mrs Ollie Manion…beloved of them all.

***1***
Today, I had a wonderful visit with 3 of my dearest friends, Judy, Kathy, and Ann. Judy and I became such good friends when we lived across the street from one another. We were pregnant together, and my Alex and her Dana are 3 weeks apart in age. They were always the best of buds! Kathy and Ann and I taught together for many years. They came over today, brought lunch, and we sat and visited until they had to go. Oh, it was great! I have not seen them since Mom’s funeral…and we had not all sat down and visited for longer than that. They had not seen the Creek House, so Alex and I gave a tour, and then we sat to eat and catch up on each other’s lives.
I do love these ladies! And, getting together today was wonderful! We will NOT be so long seeing one another again.
I do not know why this picture is this color…other than the fact that Alex is the one behind the camera…and his eyes are still filled with blood. Sorry.
L to R: Kathy…Judy…Tonja…Ann

***2***
You have heard me speak often of my good friend, Shirl. Her Mom passed away very suddenly Thursday morning. In much the same way my Mom did. Shirley and her sister, Sue, were blessed with the opportunity to read scripture and sing praises with their Mom in the hours before her death. She went peacefully, and is brightening heaven with her sweet spirit and beautiful smile. Tara and I and Tina and her husband, and Amy, are going over for the funeral. My niece, Tara, and Shirl’s daughter, Jayna, are dearest of friends. We know it will be sad, but also a cause for rejoicing!
***3***
I went over to visit with Suzanne and Adam for a little. They moved into the house that we moved out of. They moved the week after Christmas. I have not been able to go over until tonight. But, they have done a wonderful job repairing and redoing the paint and lights and such. They have so much more room now, and Adam is able to have a studio to work in and an office. Her Dad has helped so much, and he was there painting cabinets while I was there tonight. The house is about 38 years old, and served us well as we raised our family. We always loved our house. So, I am very happy to see them living there and bringing it up to newer standards. They have some great ideas, and I’m sure with time they will carry them all to fruition.
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Oh, the things God does for us every day. The little blessings He send our way!
Today, I am blessed and thankful for dear friends who share my values and my way of life.***I am thankful for Mrs.Ollie’s life and the beautiful example she lived in front of us. I am thankful to know she is with her Savior right now!***I am thankful for the provision He makes for warm and comfortable homes for our comfort and pleasure. I am thankful for the blessing of a new home and the blessing of a newer home for Adam and Suze.***And, from the earlier post today…I am thankful beyond my words to express, for the miracle of Alex’s eyes. Aside from how bad they look…all that matters is how they see! And, that is better! And, we praise His name. We know that “Every good and perfect gift comes from above.” James 1:17 .We acknowledge this and are humbly grateful.

Just a quick post to let you know that Alex’s eyes are healing very well! And, the best thing of all…he says he can see a distance of about 5 or 6 feet with NO DOUBLE VISION!!! And, without his glasses! Can you say MIRACLE? Well, we sure are! More to tell you soon. TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!

TUESDAY EVENING

Well, I planned to be back in my own bed tonight…safe at home after a quick trip to B’ham for the last surgery on Alex’s eyes. Those were MY plans. However…here I am…still in Birmingham.

Alex went in for surgery this morning, but he had some trouble with his breathing, and it took much longer than predicted. When we finally were able to leave the hospital…it was almost dark. Alex was in terrific pain, Joy and I had not had anything to eat since early morning, all 3 of us were cold, and none of us were looking forward to riding 4 hours to get home.

So we didn’t. We got another motel, loaded up on drinks and chips…OK, and a little chocolate…and checked in, unloaded the car again, and made our way to the room. Alex was walking only with assistance since he couldn’t open his eyes…because there are stitches sticking out of his EYEBALLS! [Bear in mind that Alex has very little balance due to his disease…so he uses a cane all the time…if he is not in a wheelchair.] He’s wobbling all over the place…and now, he can’t open his eyes! So, here we go…Alex and I weaving around like we’d had a few too many…Alex, near tears due to pain…My feet screaming loudly, “STOP! Do not take another step!” Joy, trying to push our luggage cart inside-suitcases on the bottom…and plastic bags from C*S full of yummy snacks swinging crazily from the hooks on top. We were a parade of strange!

My family should be the poster children for ‘having the unexpected happen’! We know that what we PLAN very rarely is the way it goes! So, we should not have been surprised when today unfolded. And, we weren’t. We just rolled with it…and did what had to be done. So, why can’t other folks play along when things happen unexpectedly?

I had failed to bring any extra of the medication I take on a regular basis. I NEVER go off overnight without at least 2 or 3 days worth with me. HOWEVER…the prescriptions had run out, and were waiting to be filled. I had enough for the 1 night I intended to be gone, and Don was going to refill them while I was gone. The reason I had no leeway in getting them filled is because my ______insurance company insists they be filled exactly on the day they lapse. So, here I am…out of town…none of my medication…and a mean insurance company. This is medicine I have to take daily, and if I miss even 1 dose, I can get very ill. We found a C*S (thanks, Ian)…and I go in and explain my plight to the pharmacist. Kindly, she called the______ insurance company…who NOT so kindly refused to OK the purchase of 1 pill from each prescription. Thank goodness for kind pharmacists…..I got my 4 pills.

We made it to the room…ordered take-out from O’Ch*rleys…ate…listened to Alex snore…and NOW…we’re going to sleep! Good-night!

WEDNESDAY MORNING

OOPS! didn’t post this last night…imagine that!!! Oh, well…I can give you the update.

We made it through the night, and Alex slept fairly well. He and Joy are still asleep, so I am quietly sitting on the floor blogging away…because…PRIORITIES, people!!

I’ll tell you one more funny and then I’ll go get dressed…and try to head these sleepyheads towards home!
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Outside the Eye Foundation Hospital, there are 3 driveways….very close together. Unless you have been previously, it is very easy to get confused as to which is the entrance to parking deck…or entrance to valet parking…or entrance to patient pick up. I explained all this to Joy as we went in, since I knew she would be going to get the car from the deck to pick us up to leave. She nodded her head in agreement as if if she understood exactly what I meant. And, I felt sure I had done my part to keep us all on the same page for a quick getaway back to Dothan!

When we realized that Alex was having some trouble, we called Ian to make him aware, and he came over to lend a younger and much stronger hand. We packed our belongings and the Aide from the floor began to push us to the patient pickup. “Go Joy!” we said…and she went to get the car. Ian, the Aide, myself, and Alex proceed ed to the waiting area to wait on ‘Sister with the new Volvo’ to retrieve us. And, we waited. Let me set the scene…Alex was in the wheelchair, cloth to eyes, moaning with much agitation, since the Aide parked his wheelchair right in the window that the bright sunlight was streaming through, “so he will stay toasty.” She then proceeded over to the bench to take a load off. The bright yellow piece of gum she had been smacking for over an hour, is joined by a bright purple piece of gum that is pulled from the pocket of her scrubs top. The gums mix to become a dirty green color. I know this because she had perfected a method of chewing her gum half inside her mouth and half outside her mouth. You could easily watch it change shades as she worked that stuff half to death. Another lady was sitting beside her. She asked, as a very thin runner in black leggings, sweatshirt, and earmuffs, zipped by the big picture window on University Blvd. “You much of a runner?” And, I wondered who among us she could possibly be talking about. She was looking at ME! For all the things in the world I may look like…a runner is most certainly not one of them! “Well, no, I can’t say that I am, actually,” I replied to she who obviously wasn’t either. “I didn’t think so,” she replied. And, then she added these words of wisdom.. “Some folks is just born thin like ‘at and they runs all the time.” Not wanting to be left out, Aide piped up with this interesting tidbit, “Me and my brother used to run lots when we was young’uns. But, he ain’t got but one foot now, so we don’t no more….but I would win ever’ time!” She turned her head and pointed her gum at me, “What is the car that’s comin’ fer y’all gonna look like?” I shook my head to clear the dust off my brain, and said, “It is a silver Volvo.” “No”, she shook her head, “I ain’t never heard of that…I don’t think we got those around here.” Her gum had gotten to a nice dirty shade of brown by now. “Well…you’ll see one when she gets here,” I answered…cause I know ‘Sister with the new Volvo’ will be happy to explain the intricacies of a car that can stop itself if it gets too close to another car. So they say. “Well, I think she got lost”, Aide said. I called Ian on his phone, as he stood under the awning for patient pick up…watching for his Aunt Joy. He went closer to the road, so she would be sure to see him. And, she did. But, ‘Sister with the New Volvo’ STILL turned into the wrong driveway! Then, I heard runner lady say, “I think that little car yonder is coming right on in here. It’s headed this way and it ain’t on the street.” She spoke in a perfect monotone with about the same sort of inflection you may hear if she had said. “This is a brown floor.” You would just have to have been there, in the midst of the situation for these words to have sounded perfectly plausible. But I digress. Aide said, “I don’t think she’s supposed to be driving down the sidewalk like that.” Alex, astute and clever young man that he is…though reduced to blindness and pain at the moment, asked to no one in particular, “Do I need to move?” Aide said, “No, Shug, you’ll be warmer to stay right there.” Never mind that his ‘Aunt Joy with the new Volvo’ had left the roadway and was now driving down the sidewalks of downtown Birmingham…being led by her young nephew, Ian, who assured her it was perfectly OK…just follow him…and the entire waiting room at patient pick up was having a coronary of epic proportions…while Alex sat warmly in the sunlight…and Aide chewed her gum…and I wished to be any where else on earth other than where I was at that moment.

But, it would not be this interesting.

And, on a side note…as she finally pulled into the patient pick up lane, a van with bars on the
windows and sporting green letters that say Jefferson Country Jail pulled in right behind her.

Alex the Blind Man, Joy the Daredevil, and Tonja the Bewildered got into the car and attempted to enter the traffic out on University Blvd. We were stopped when someone knocked on our window. We were hopeful it was not the patrons of the prison van that was in line behind ‘Sister with the New Volvo ‘and her crew. No, it was the Valet Parking man. “Will y’all jest mind backing up a little?, he said with a smile. “This lady over here wants to go over there like you did.” And, he was pointing towards the sidewalk. Oh! No! We had started a trend of madness and mayhem in downtown Birmingham! A total disregard for law and order and proper traffic regulations. We backed up and sure enough, the Valet Parking Man’ led her right down the paths of unrighteousness ‘Sister with the new Volvo’ had just travelled. We were trying to wait on Ian to come around the block so that he could lead us on to the C*S, as I told you last night.

Do you think this pleased the Valet Parking Man, and the Prison Van Driver?

Do you think they were willing to show just a little kindness and understanding toward visitors from out of town who were obviously in a sad state of mental anguish and obvious extreme agitation? On top of being frozen half to death in the 10 degree weather.

WHY! NO! No, the prison van started honking its horn…anxious to get its riders back to the safety of the bars they came from.

And, I was wondering if I might have been safer there myself.

FYI: This is a true story. No names were changed to protect the innocent. The only innocent was Alex, who, still being under the influence of a double dose of anesthesia, remembers nothing. ‘Sister with the New Volvo’ will be happy to confirm any facts you find hard to believe.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON
I am back in Dothan. And, now, I am going to take a nap that I hope lasts until tomorrow morning!

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And, just in case you think this trip could not get any crazier…when we checked into our first hotel, there was a sign in the lobby that said the hotel had ladybugs residing there. Some sort of scientific experiment. But, the note said IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO KILL LADYBUGS! We were sharing our room with a swarm of ladybugs! TRUE! And, they did not even chip in on the bill!

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Alex is feeling better this evening. He thinks he can tell some improvement in his vision. God is good, friends! He is always good!