Loneliness is my companion the past few days. I know where it comes from. When it gets tired of me it will leave. I just needed to get it out in the open and shine some Light on it.
BAB
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Historial tour of Gallatin
For almost a year now I have wanted to discover downtown Gallatin. So this morning, in this heat and humidity Ya-Ya and I went off and visited the Gallatin Museum. Three floors of interesting artifacts, even back to early American history.
The best parts for me was a hand drawn map of Gallatin and surrounding area by a civil war soldier. It measures about 4' by 4'. It has very tiny printing; names the owners of the different homesteads; has little hand drawn trees with the shadows for the forested areas; it marks the little streams, etc. It also was supposed to have the location of the Union army encampment marked but I couldn't see that.
The second best was the display of Randy's Record Shop. Now do any of you remember DOT records? If you look on your old 45 rpm records that have the DOT label you will see they came from - GALLATIN, Tennessee! It started in Randy's Record shop on Broadway in Gallatin. He was the very first mail order record business. The Pat Boone fan club (to which I did belong as a pre-teen) was headquartered at DOT records!
So I mentioned to the ladies there about it being too bad that Randy's Record Shop was torn down and it was just an empty lot on The Square. They looked at me puzzled. I said you know where the historical plaque is to Randy Records Shop. They said "Oh no, they just moved that sign there because it kept getting hit on on Broadway Street!"
I thought only in Tennessee would they move a historical plaque away from its place of significance! We drove by the original building after lunch (I will tell you about that in a second). It is an abandoned building now, pretty shabby looking, where a Mexican restaurant used to be. It would be great to mark it and fix it up.
We went to Lariviere's Restaurant on the Square. It is a huge store, with the original brick walls exposed and beautiful hard wood flooring. The food was excellent. The place was very busy but the best part - they will accept no tips! Maybe that is why their business is booming.
That was enough for one day. A couple more places we want to discover on another cooler day.
Love to all
Grandma
The best parts for me was a hand drawn map of Gallatin and surrounding area by a civil war soldier. It measures about 4' by 4'. It has very tiny printing; names the owners of the different homesteads; has little hand drawn trees with the shadows for the forested areas; it marks the little streams, etc. It also was supposed to have the location of the Union army encampment marked but I couldn't see that.
The second best was the display of Randy's Record Shop. Now do any of you remember DOT records? If you look on your old 45 rpm records that have the DOT label you will see they came from - GALLATIN, Tennessee! It started in Randy's Record shop on Broadway in Gallatin. He was the very first mail order record business. The Pat Boone fan club (to which I did belong as a pre-teen) was headquartered at DOT records!
So I mentioned to the ladies there about it being too bad that Randy's Record Shop was torn down and it was just an empty lot on The Square. They looked at me puzzled. I said you know where the historical plaque is to Randy Records Shop. They said "Oh no, they just moved that sign there because it kept getting hit on on Broadway Street!"
I thought only in Tennessee would they move a historical plaque away from its place of significance! We drove by the original building after lunch (I will tell you about that in a second). It is an abandoned building now, pretty shabby looking, where a Mexican restaurant used to be. It would be great to mark it and fix it up.
We went to Lariviere's Restaurant on the Square. It is a huge store, with the original brick walls exposed and beautiful hard wood flooring. The food was excellent. The place was very busy but the best part - they will accept no tips! Maybe that is why their business is booming.
That was enough for one day. A couple more places we want to discover on another cooler day.
Love to all
Grandma
Are any of you on Facebook? My kids got me on it. I don't really understand all of it. Seems like a more private blog, they invite people to be their "friends". I am on Facebook as others friend but I don't understand yet how to get "friends" of my own.
Oh well. People think I'm cool because I'm on Facebook, little do they know how little I know!
Way Cool Grandma, NOT!
BAB
Oh well. People think I'm cool because I'm on Facebook, little do they know how little I know!
Way Cool Grandma, NOT!
BAB
Monday, June 25, 2007
Weekend Pictures June 2007
Miss C. in dance recital costume.
Mr. H. on 3rd base at t-ball.
Miss D. at Jr. Kindergarten celebration!
Good Busy
We have just returned from another whirl wind holiday "home". We had such fun entering in to each of the kids and grand kids lives at different times in their weekend.
We saw Mr. H. play T-ball. Most fun part was when from the sidelines Grandpa encouraged him by telling him about his good hit and running the bases. Mr. H. looked straight at Grandpa and said "Thank you Grandpa Larry". Mr. H. totally concentrates when he plays T-ball.
We also were very interested in hearing Rich's account of his missions trip to South Africa. His church sent a team there to determine how best to help serve in the AIDS-Hiv pandemic there. His insights were very fresh and things we hadn't heard or seen on news reports.
We attended Miss D. kindergarten celebration in Erin from Jr. kindergarten. She was so happy and knew the actions to all of the songs. She and her mom later showed us a dance Miss D. made up to one of their celebration songs. I think Miss D. should have danced that at the celebration. She has such dainty moves for such an active 5 year old.
We had a good visit with Jen. We also visited with our two special friends Barb and Paula who presented Ya-Ya with another award and a lovely cheque for her accomplishments this past year. Ya-Ya had a few hours with her best friend K. Lots of smiles and hugs.
On Saturday we met Jake's for a birthday brunch for Miss C. (10 years) and Miss D. (5 years). Aftewards we attended the girl's dance recital in Erin. It was totally country and western music that all the dances were based on, even the ballet numbers. Ya-Ya groaned and said "I can't get away from it!". The 3 Cousins were gorgeous and all are lovely dancers!
In the evening we attended a 50's and 60's event and roast beef dinner and auction to help raise money for the new church building in Erin. Heather was in the band and all were dressed in poodle skirts, etc. Heather does an amazing job producing all of the bands pieces and made her keyboard swing especially during "Great Balls of Fire" number!
We arrived back at our hotel in Stoney Creek after midnight and were awakened at 2 AM, with loud music coming from the next room. Grandpa had to call down to the front desk 4 times before the people turned off their music and settled down.
With 3 hours sleep, maybe, we attened The Meeting House in Hamilton where Rich was working that day. We were pleasantly surprised at the vibrant and large congregation there at the Silvercity movie theatre. In the afternoon we spent some time with Rich and Christine and H and H. They had arrived home from a camping weekend with H and H's school.
So back to reality. Loads and loads of laundry but great memories. It is a complicated world -living apart from our family. I have very torn emotions; knowing we need to live and grandpa needs to work but also we would love to live closer and be a help as we can be but that is not the life chosen for us right now in our lives.
I encourage all:
Cherish
Yesterday
Dream
Tomorrow
Live
Today!
Grandma
We saw Mr. H. play T-ball. Most fun part was when from the sidelines Grandpa encouraged him by telling him about his good hit and running the bases. Mr. H. looked straight at Grandpa and said "Thank you Grandpa Larry". Mr. H. totally concentrates when he plays T-ball.
We also were very interested in hearing Rich's account of his missions trip to South Africa. His church sent a team there to determine how best to help serve in the AIDS-Hiv pandemic there. His insights were very fresh and things we hadn't heard or seen on news reports.
We attended Miss D. kindergarten celebration in Erin from Jr. kindergarten. She was so happy and knew the actions to all of the songs. She and her mom later showed us a dance Miss D. made up to one of their celebration songs. I think Miss D. should have danced that at the celebration. She has such dainty moves for such an active 5 year old.
We had a good visit with Jen. We also visited with our two special friends Barb and Paula who presented Ya-Ya with another award and a lovely cheque for her accomplishments this past year. Ya-Ya had a few hours with her best friend K. Lots of smiles and hugs.
On Saturday we met Jake's for a birthday brunch for Miss C. (10 years) and Miss D. (5 years). Aftewards we attended the girl's dance recital in Erin. It was totally country and western music that all the dances were based on, even the ballet numbers. Ya-Ya groaned and said "I can't get away from it!". The 3 Cousins were gorgeous and all are lovely dancers!
In the evening we attended a 50's and 60's event and roast beef dinner and auction to help raise money for the new church building in Erin. Heather was in the band and all were dressed in poodle skirts, etc. Heather does an amazing job producing all of the bands pieces and made her keyboard swing especially during "Great Balls of Fire" number!
We arrived back at our hotel in Stoney Creek after midnight and were awakened at 2 AM, with loud music coming from the next room. Grandpa had to call down to the front desk 4 times before the people turned off their music and settled down.
With 3 hours sleep, maybe, we attened The Meeting House in Hamilton where Rich was working that day. We were pleasantly surprised at the vibrant and large congregation there at the Silvercity movie theatre. In the afternoon we spent some time with Rich and Christine and H and H. They had arrived home from a camping weekend with H and H's school.
So back to reality. Loads and loads of laundry but great memories. It is a complicated world -living apart from our family. I have very torn emotions; knowing we need to live and grandpa needs to work but also we would love to live closer and be a help as we can be but that is not the life chosen for us right now in our lives.
I encourage all:
Cherish
Yesterday
Dream
Tomorrow
Live
Today!
Grandma
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Fire and Water
Yesterday was a weird day.
As Ya-Ya and I went out around noon we saw a huge black cloud of smoke to the west of us. After getting my hair cut it was still there. After going out for lunch it was worse. We decided to try and go to the Bible book store but we were stopped in a huge traffic jam. Later at home we learned a tanker truck ran into the back of a dump truck on the 386. It reminded us of the huge truck accident outside Milton years ago, where the truck exploded under the overpass bridge and that bridge had to be rebuilt I believe. The pavement yesterday was melted also but T. DOT worked over night and the 386 is open this morning. The overpass bridge is still closed until they determine the damage if any to its structure.
On our way home from that traffic jam, as we approached Long Hollow Pike from Harris Lane, a huge plume of water was gushing up in the air, I don't know, higher than the trees, from a newly installed pump station there!
But great news. The 386 will be finally officially be opened all the way to Gallatin on Friday afternoon, 4 months ahead of schedule. This will help Grandpa get to and from work much safer and quicker! It will really take the pressure off Long Hollow Pike and 31E for we locals.
Also it was announced that we are getting a JC Penney's and a Target in Gallatin, within a 5 minute drive of our house! Ya-Ya and I are excited! We love Penney's.
Now if we could know for certain that the Predators are staying, all of our ducks would be lined up in a row, so to speak.
Love to all,
Grandma
As Ya-Ya and I went out around noon we saw a huge black cloud of smoke to the west of us. After getting my hair cut it was still there. After going out for lunch it was worse. We decided to try and go to the Bible book store but we were stopped in a huge traffic jam. Later at home we learned a tanker truck ran into the back of a dump truck on the 386. It reminded us of the huge truck accident outside Milton years ago, where the truck exploded under the overpass bridge and that bridge had to be rebuilt I believe. The pavement yesterday was melted also but T. DOT worked over night and the 386 is open this morning. The overpass bridge is still closed until they determine the damage if any to its structure.
On our way home from that traffic jam, as we approached Long Hollow Pike from Harris Lane, a huge plume of water was gushing up in the air, I don't know, higher than the trees, from a newly installed pump station there!
But great news. The 386 will be finally officially be opened all the way to Gallatin on Friday afternoon, 4 months ahead of schedule. This will help Grandpa get to and from work much safer and quicker! It will really take the pressure off Long Hollow Pike and 31E for we locals.
Also it was announced that we are getting a JC Penney's and a Target in Gallatin, within a 5 minute drive of our house! Ya-Ya and I are excited! We love Penney's.
Now if we could know for certain that the Predators are staying, all of our ducks would be lined up in a row, so to speak.
Love to all,
Grandma
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Destination: Destin, Florida
Here we are Ya-Ya and I in Seaside, Florida. This is a gorgeous artists village 30 miles from Destin. All of the houses and stores are beautiful pale watercolours. It was originally settled by artists and writers now mainly a haven for rich Texans. The town next to Seaside is called Watercolor! Where, too, all homes and businesses are watercoloured, clap board siding with white trim. You can see from the back ground there are still the fabulous white sand beaches.We went out on a glass bottom boat to search for dolphins. It didn't take long. We saw about 5 or 6 different schools of dolphins come near our boat. Even a baby dolphin with its mother!
This area is called the Emerald Coast of Florida. We never knew such beauty existed. It is out of the way but very worth the visit for a beautiful beach vacation
We are so thankful to be given this opportunity.
Love,
Grandma
Friday, June 1, 2007
Updates
June 1st already! We moved here 11 months ago today. Here are a few updates:
1. Ya-Ya completed grade 9 with 6 A's and 2 B's (nothing below 85% the way they work the grading system here). She will have a pretty heavy course load next year with a full year of french and she will be taking Algebra I. She goes to the beach with us for vacation; will go to the same beach with her youth group in July; she will attend Camp Mini Yo We in July for two weeks; she gets home from that and attends Band Day Camp at her school.
She will be somewhat busy.
She has made a couple of friends here. 'Talks' on the computer with her friends from Burlington. Many aspects of Tennessee she is starting to enjoy. We are so proud of her progress and putting up with us.
2. Mercy is now 10 months old and weighs just over 11 pounds. She is adorable. She is playful but has just recently enjoyed sitting on our laps for a little cuddling and a nap. She is house broken and trained, finally. She loves to play ball with grandpa and goes for walks to the pond with grandma. She loved it this year when the Grandkids got to visit and she got to go up North and visit them. When she hears the neighbours outside she thinks that they are "her kids". We have to tell her no they aren't ours.
3. Grandma continued all year to do Bible study at the first church we attended here. The ladies who teach are awesome and our little church doesn't have, as yet, a ladies daytime Bible study. Prayer request.
I am also getting more involved with the Bridge ministry here in our town. Candy Christmas (I believe she is a professional gospel singer) has this huge ministry she started in Nashville feeding the needy who live under the bridges in Nashville. She has extended this ministry to the less privileged here in our town. We pack weekend backpacks for about 45 children from one of the schools in downtown Gallatin plus every month we serve a hot meal to about 200 and give them all the groceries to take home that they can carry. This is a more physical ministry than I have ever been involved in, real change, but rewarding.
Well I guess Marriage Encounter was physical at times more mental and emotional but this Bridge Ministry is all physical. Both have (had) prayer as the basis for all we do (did).
4. Grandpa has pretty much completed the transformation of the plant here in Springfield. He is working on a new project for his same boss, which will mean a change of job, location but not a move for us (good thing!). God willing.
5. We continue to miss the kids and grandkids but they are so faithful to phone and have each now visited us twice here in Tennessee. We will be able to visit them this summer a couple of times. All this is wonderful, but its not the same. But at least, I am not getting stuck in my memories as I did for so many of the first months here. So I am making progress.
6. Rich is going to Africa on a two weeks missions trip with his church. They will mainly visit AIDS orphanages and schools. Jake and Heather and kids are preparing for a move to Niagara Falls, Ontario to minister there at Glengate Alliance. Pray for the boys and their families for protection and God's will and purposes in each of their lives.
7. Our little church is growing and in a building campaign right now. Not an official fancy financial campaign, just the pastor keeps putting the vision he has for ministry here with a new building and also his vision to build churches in Europe and to send teams to the Sudan.
That's us for now. Have a great summer. Thanks for all who have prayed for us, encouraged us and continue to be part of our lives.
Love from
Grandma
1. Ya-Ya completed grade 9 with 6 A's and 2 B's (nothing below 85% the way they work the grading system here). She will have a pretty heavy course load next year with a full year of french and she will be taking Algebra I. She goes to the beach with us for vacation; will go to the same beach with her youth group in July; she will attend Camp Mini Yo We in July for two weeks; she gets home from that and attends Band Day Camp at her school.
She will be somewhat busy.
She has made a couple of friends here. 'Talks' on the computer with her friends from Burlington. Many aspects of Tennessee she is starting to enjoy. We are so proud of her progress and putting up with us.
2. Mercy is now 10 months old and weighs just over 11 pounds. She is adorable. She is playful but has just recently enjoyed sitting on our laps for a little cuddling and a nap. She is house broken and trained, finally. She loves to play ball with grandpa and goes for walks to the pond with grandma. She loved it this year when the Grandkids got to visit and she got to go up North and visit them. When she hears the neighbours outside she thinks that they are "her kids". We have to tell her no they aren't ours.
3. Grandma continued all year to do Bible study at the first church we attended here. The ladies who teach are awesome and our little church doesn't have, as yet, a ladies daytime Bible study. Prayer request.
I am also getting more involved with the Bridge ministry here in our town. Candy Christmas (I believe she is a professional gospel singer) has this huge ministry she started in Nashville feeding the needy who live under the bridges in Nashville. She has extended this ministry to the less privileged here in our town. We pack weekend backpacks for about 45 children from one of the schools in downtown Gallatin plus every month we serve a hot meal to about 200 and give them all the groceries to take home that they can carry. This is a more physical ministry than I have ever been involved in, real change, but rewarding.
Well I guess Marriage Encounter was physical at times more mental and emotional but this Bridge Ministry is all physical. Both have (had) prayer as the basis for all we do (did).
4. Grandpa has pretty much completed the transformation of the plant here in Springfield. He is working on a new project for his same boss, which will mean a change of job, location but not a move for us (good thing!). God willing.
5. We continue to miss the kids and grandkids but they are so faithful to phone and have each now visited us twice here in Tennessee. We will be able to visit them this summer a couple of times. All this is wonderful, but its not the same. But at least, I am not getting stuck in my memories as I did for so many of the first months here. So I am making progress.
6. Rich is going to Africa on a two weeks missions trip with his church. They will mainly visit AIDS orphanages and schools. Jake and Heather and kids are preparing for a move to Niagara Falls, Ontario to minister there at Glengate Alliance. Pray for the boys and their families for protection and God's will and purposes in each of their lives.
7. Our little church is growing and in a building campaign right now. Not an official fancy financial campaign, just the pastor keeps putting the vision he has for ministry here with a new building and also his vision to build churches in Europe and to send teams to the Sudan.
That's us for now. Have a great summer. Thanks for all who have prayed for us, encouraged us and continue to be part of our lives.
Love from
Grandma
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