Tuesday, December 1, 2009

One afternoon in November

I know I didn't blog much in November. There really wasn't a whole lot to say. I have lots of things that go on in my head, but thankfully, not much gets written! I did spend much of my writing time writing letters to Andrew. He's thankful that he gets letters most every day. And he's doing great, I might add. Found friends and is happy.
One thing Den and I did do on a sunny day in November was walk around downtown Omaha. It was a gorgeous warm day.
The cat stayed home and read a book!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Our Thanksgiving












































This year we traveled across the great state of Iowa for a mini-family gathering. Our niece and her family and her brother and his wife (nephew, of course) came from Pennsylvania. Linnea came from South Carolina, and we all met up with my sisters' family at my mom's right on the banks (not literally) of the Mississippi River. We set up two big tables in Mom's sitting room and had more food than we could eat. It's amazing that we could make more than enough. Sometimes I think it multiplies! We thought 19 people would be so many and we needed so much!
It was great to have Linnea with us, first time since 2000! Felt like I got a sneak preview on Christmas. We sang, played Boggle, crocheted and talked. Lots of noise. Lots of fun. We're so thankful for a great family, safely in travel for everyone and a good time together. How blessed we are!

Friday, November 6, 2009

I love living in the Midwest!






Every once in a while I get a couple of hours out in the real Midwest. This morning was one time. It's not all that great of a video, but it sure is cool watching those claws grab that corn and chew it all to bits.

The second bit was an accident, so only a couple of seconds, but the corn pouring out is to cool, too!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Guy Fawkes Day Harvesting

I arrived home from grocery shopping this afternoon just as the combine was passing the back of our house on his last sweep across the field. I just stood there and watched, laden with my bags, while clouds of corn dust swirled around me. It's awesome! I never ever get tired of watching. And today is one of those perfect Midwest days, clear skies and 66 degrees!
I ran into the house after all the dust cleared, and got the camera. This is what I caught.

We're so thankful that the rain has stopped, the weather has been warm and there's been wind to get things dried out so that the farmers can get their crops out. The harvest hasn't been this late for decades.











































Tuesday, November 3, 2009

The past continues to teach

Many years ago we learned this song in choir. Then I taught it to my dad and he sang it as a solo. I can still hear him singing it. I wish it had been recorded, too. This morning I was playing through the old Intervarsity hymnbook they sang through at Cono, and came to this song. What meaningful words that are just as much my prayer today as they were when I first learned them.

(The field makes me think of "the future's broadening way...peace)
O Master, let me walk with Thee in lowly paths of service free; Tell me they secret; help me bear the strain of toil, the fret of care.
Help me the slow of heart to move by some clear, winning word of love; Teach me the wayward feet to stay, and guide them in the homeward way.
Teach me they patience; still with Thee in closer, dearer company, in work that keeps faith sweet and strong, in trust that triumphs over wrong;
In hope that sends a shining ray far down the future's broadening way; in peace that only Thou canst give, with Thee, O Master, let me live.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

It's not so bad


Ah, what could be nicer on a Sunday evening than reading a book under a cozy afghan with a nice warm kitty?

And if it's a party you want, sit on the floor. It's like being part of a pride!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Head over Heart

It's time for child number three to leave home. He's lived on his own for a year and a half, but here in town. Linnea and Will went away, far away, to college, now Andrew joins the Navy. Cute little Navy boy here!

It's always hard the days before they leave, especially the first time. And then (with Denny) every deployment. Everyone has a coping mechanism, and it may not be a positive one. But what else can you do but cry? Can't do that.

So I must discipline the mind. Reason with my heart:

  • It's not that long, really. Boot camp is only 8 weeks. Will and Linnea didn't communicate much their first weeks away. And Linnea didn't even come home at fall break that first year, or any year for that matter.
  • He'll probably be home for a few days around Christmas.
  • Maybe he'll get stationed in Europe and we can all go visit!
  • And who says he'll make this a career?
  • And who says he'll not be back here living and working when he's finished?
  • It could be worse.....

The other part of the mother heart is concerned for other son who is going to be living alone and bearing those expenses. Adjusting to that. Hopefully, he'll find someone to live with him at least for awhile.

We take him to the recruiting center this afternoon. They take him to a hotel to spend the night, but we can pick him up for dinner. (What's with that?) He leaves sometime tomorrow but we don't know when. I hate all this living from moment to moment. Why don't they tell us every thing all at once. Like when they leave and what they're doing all day???

Think I'll vacuum.