My Uncle Leroy

To our side of the family he was Uncle Leroy to his wife's side of the family he was Uncle Roy,but
whatever the name he will be missed. He left this world yesterday and Thursday we travel to
Morganton to say good bye.

As a child I never saw him much as he drove a truck and for many years lived in Maryland.
Our family was blessed that about nine years ago we reconnected. My Mama is his sister and now
she is the only one left out of seven.

The last years we enjoyed many visits with him and spent a few Thanksgivings with him. Great memories
that we will always have.

He was a man who loved to travel when his wife was alive and these later years he loved to eat.

We were not able to see him these last months as his health went downhill but in my mind I keep
seeing a picture of him smiling and healthy and I am glad for that.

It is hard to say good bye and to know he is no longer with us in this world but he professed
a great faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ so now he is with him and free from pain.

Good Bye Uncle Leroy I was happy to know you and will always remember you with much
love.

Until next ti,e
Linda

Tragedy

I along with the whole world have been saddened and horrified about the killing of
all the children and teachers in Conn. It has been on my mind and in my thoughts all
the time. The horror, you just can't get your mind around it.All those babies gone. My heart
goes out to all involved.

May it remind us that our time is short on this earth and to live and love as if it was our
last day. Take care with the people we love and don't take them for granted.

But we are human and we will move on and forget until the next tragedy reminds us again of
how fragile and fleeting life is.

But for now hold close and love your family. God comfort and help the families and
help our country to see that being a Godless country is not working.

Until next time
Linda

Catch up for November

It has been a month since I have made an entry. During this time we have moved.
We are renting a doublewide just a road over from where we were staying. It is
so very nice. We have so much room. Mama has a open wide space to get around in
her wheelchair. She can do more for herself. It is great.
My grandson Zack has moved in with us so that is another adjustment but all is good.
God has worked in out in his timing and I am so very thankful .
Christmas is coming and I have our tree up really not one but Two trees. Can you believe room for
two trees?
We had to cancel our trip to Florida due to Mama and moving but hopefully we will be able
to go later.
Have a Blessed day
Linda

Halloween Eve

This keeps running thru my mind. A few words to make you think and fill in the blanks. I
hope I get a few comments.

It was a dark cold rainy Halloween Eve.The demons of disaster had been at work all up
and down the east coast. New Jersey has cancelled Halloween. What do you think the
cancelling of Halloween will mean? The favorite holiday of ghost and goblins.The night
when the real world and the spirit world are so close so very close. Can you really
cancel a day?
Your thoughts? Or you can just read and think what is wrong with this woman????
Until next time
Linda

Hurricanes

It has been a rough few days for the east coast with more to come. Hurricane Sandy has stopped
some of the biggest cities in there tracks.Our hearts go out to the families that have lost loved ones.

A tragedy like this can happen anywhere any time to any one. Nature has shown that over and over
again. No one is immune. It should make us all realize that material things are not that important even
though we work so hard and go so far in debt to get them.We all should be happy with what we
need and not what we want,As long as our families and loved ones are safe we are most blessed.

The ocean and the wind two mighty forces that cannot be stopped.
God be with and comfort the folks that have lost so much and have such a long hard road ahead
of them
Keep safe
Until next time
Linda

Beach

We are having a wonderful time at the beach. The weather has been just the best.The condo is small
but it is located close to everything.
The first few days were stressful as April was having some problems with Mama who decided to stand up by herself and of course she fell. Thankful she was not hurt but not a good start to the week.
We have another trip planned for December so I will have to make other arrangements for her.
We may be leaving just in time as Hurricane Sandy may impact the coast.
I love the beach in the fall when it is cooler and not crowded.
Until next time
Linda

blog changes

I just started to process of connecting my blog to google+. I really don't know how it works
but I hope I can find my blog again after I sign off.
Wish me luck
Until next time
Linda

Stressed

I am going to the beach for a week and I am praying I will get some much needed time alone
to think and pray.
I am very stressed and it is telling in my actions and words.
My Mama who I love dearly I am not being as patient and kind as I should be. She cannot
help her situation. I have to ask God to forgive and help me everyday not to be unkind to her
her.
I am enjoying being back close to the family but there is always so much drama going on
that sometimes it is overwhealming.
Crisis situation this week with one of the grandchildren. Bad choice made and there will be
hard consequences that may hurt their future plans. Praying for mercy  and that this
one bad choice will not control the rest of their life.
I am looking forward to time sitting on the beach watching the great ocean.You can get lost watching
 the waves going back and forth and let it soothe the turmoil that is going on.
Until next time
Linda

Catch UP

Hi everyone sorry it has been so long since I have posted anything.I will try to get
you caught up with what has been going on.
Mama is doing pretty good right now. She had a short hospital stay in September.
She was having some bad hallucinations. They could not find anything wrong so they
just changed some of her medications. She has really been better since then.

We went to Williamsburg Va for 4 days. Grandsons Zack and Brandon went with us.
It was very enjoyable. We went to Busch Gardens while there.Our room was free thru
our timeshare company wanting to have a "SHORT" meeting with the home owners.We
are enjoying our time share ownership but they don't know the meaning of short or NO.

We have a beach trip coming up. Atlantic Beach for a week. Looking forward to it.

My avon business is still ongoing but slow. I am enjoying it and it keeps me out and
about.

New grandson has arrived Andrew Levi. Big boy 9lbs. He and Mom are doing great.

Life is good and I thank God for all his blessings.

Until next time
Linda

Retirement

I have been reading many of the articles about retirement. These articles tell you how much you need to retire ,
the best places to retire and it goes on and on. They tell of folks selling all they have and moving to another

country,moving to another state,moving to a deserted island. This is a dream for many people during this

time.A dream that may not come true.

I am retired but only from a public job with rules that controlled my life. They were good years and they

provided for my family. I am retired but want and need to keep busy. I am working at building up two

at home businesses which I shared with you in my previous blog. The best things to me about being

retired are staying up as late as I want to, getting up when I want to, not having to get dressed up every

morning to go somewhere. I like being able to go on a trip when I want to and not when I can get vacation

(if I have the money).These are small things but to me very important things that make me happy.

I don't have to move to a retirement town or country. Retirement is just fine here. The time to enjoy

friends and family,being able to stay up late,get up when you want to, go on a trip when you want to

or just stay home.The blessings of retirement are many and I am thankful for them all.

Until next time
Linda

Working From Home

I think I am what they call a jack of all trades but master of none. I am trying so many
different things.I think I miss working a public job with the interaction of customers
and co workers. My closest and dearest friends are ladies I worked with for many years.
Here I am at home taking care of my husband and my mother which with my Mom is giving me
on the job training as a CNA.
I am a Avon represenative. I love ordering and getting boxes in the mail. I am not making any
money but it makes me feel good. Check out my web site www.youravon.com/lindalyles
I also have been taking a weight loss product which works so I signed up to be a distributor
check this out www.LLyles.voyagerhealth.com
I am blogging and have been taking writing classes.
God has a plan and someday all of the above will come together for a reason.
But until it is revealed I will enjoy this season of my life.
Until next time
Linda

Sleepless Night

The nights are long and quiet when you can't sleep. The mind just won't shut down to rest.
Tonight my mind thinks calmly about a broken relationship with a dearly loved and missed
family member.
I think about my Mama and the way her life is now. She is unable to walk and care for herself.
She is unhappy and in pain and is wondering why God has not taken her home.I think about
how our lives as mother and daughter have changed....
I think about the future and what it holds for her,myself and my husband as we adjust to the
way our lives are now. How to take care of Mama and how to spend time with my husband and
do some of the things we had planned before we get older and unable to do them.
Yes the nights are long and quiet and the mind is busy

Until next time'
Linda


.

Life with Mama

We are all still adjusting to being back in Mama's house.There are six of us adjusting to each other.
Mama is still unable to walk so it is better for her and the therapists to be here.
She has good days and bad days. Some days she can help herself alot and some days she just can't do
it. The Pt comes 3 times a week to excercise and show her how to transfer herself from chair to bed
etc.She also has an aide that comes and helps her bathe.I am sure going to miss that help when it ends.
We miss the peace and quiet of the lake but at the same time enjoy at least I do being closer to
everything and family members and friends.
It is a challenge with our fur babies between my granddaughter and myself we have 5 and we have to
time which dog is where and when.
But life is good and I am going to enjoy and make the best of this season of my life.
Until next time
Linda

Purple Heart Dinner

Last night we attended our 3rd Purple Heart Dinner held by the town of Wake Forest for veterans
who in combat have received a Purple Heart.
It is a great honor for these veterans to be recognized for what they have done and what they have been through.
The dinner was blessed to still have WW11 veterans to be able to share in this tribute. From WW11,
Korean, Vietnam and Iraq.Forty three names listed on the program sadly a few didnot make it back home and were represented by family members.The dinner and the recognition of these veterans is held with much dignity and respect.
The guest speaker this year was Col Danny R McKnight USA retired. He was involved with the
famous Black Hawk Down incident.
My husband is a Vietnam veteran and these men and women didnot receive the welcome they so deserved. Our country and its people have realized that and are now doing whatever they can do
to thank them for their service to our country. No matter how we feel about a situation our military
are called to fight in we must always take care of them and support them
My heart was touched by the two veterans from the Iraq war such devastating TBI. I cried for the young men and for the families. Such a sacrifice they have made for our country.
I give my thanks to the men and women who started this dinner and the town of Wake Forest
and all involved for making this tribute possible for our veterans.
Until Next Time
Linda

.

Catch Up Sunday Afternoon

It has been a while so I thought I would try to get caught up on the events going on in my life.

Mother came home last week still unable to walk. The insurance company decided not enough
progress to keep paying. She is suppose to have some kind of at home help but no one has contacted
us to get that set up. She needs help from wheelchair to bed and also to use the bathroom. She is
so scared she is going to fall that she is stiff and dead weigh. I cannot do it alone. I will have
to hire someone to help me if family not available.I am still sore and not fully healed from my wreck
and that does not help. It is what it is and we will just do the best we can.

My car totaled. The insurance paid off the balance (Hurray) and a little extra. My husband replaced it with a very Blue F-150 4 door truck. It is a 2010 but it is very nice.I Love My Truck. I just hope I get
to drive it some.

Mama and I are back at our house in Youngsville with my grand daughter and her family. My
husband at our place with the dogs. So I need to be 2 people which is not going to happen so
I will split my time between both as soon as I can get some dependable help with Mama.
My grand daughter is a very small person and also expecting so she is not able to help much..

God is still in control and I will keep trusting him to work it all out for the best.

Until next time'
Linda

Best Laid Plans

I had this weekend all planned. My grandson Brandon was staying and other grandson Zack who I hadn't seen since June graduation was coming. I went to grocery store and planned meals for all week-end. Friday
evening went great. Saturday morning started off good with the boys going swimming. Saturday afternoon Zack and I went to see Memaw at nursing home.Then on the way home is when it all changed. I don't know what happen I don't know if I blacked out or what but whatever happen we are blessed by God to be here.
I ran off the road and hit a driveway culvert and the car flipped and we were upside down in the road.All I
remember is Zack calling my name and then we flipped and whatever else we did and then it ended and
we are hanging from our seat belts in the car. Shock and then I saw smoke and I think I told Zack to get out.
Someone stopped and pulled his door open and helped him out. I had to crawl out his door. Some wonderful man helped me up and just stood  there with me.I get all nervous again as I write this. The car looks destroyed. We went to ER.We are bruised beaten but not broken. The air bags and the seat belts save lives but they beat the heck out of you doing it.I thank God that Zack is ok if I had seriously hurt him I don't think I could deal with it.I know that God was watching over us and protected our lives. At this moment in time I am not sure I will be driving again because I don't know what happen to me and my
family is so very precious to me I don't want to be the cause of hurting them in a car.
Life can change in a moment.I am thankful that my life and that of my grandson did not end that day upside
down in a car.
God is Good All The Time.
Until next time
Linda

Taking Care of Mama

My Mama is still in Rehab and not making much progress.We had a care meeting today and they are
going to x-ray her knee to see if something is going on besides the arthritis. She needs assistance for
everything. They are talking assisted living. I donot plan for that to happen as she is so unhappy every
time we go.You walk in and she is sitting in wheelchair with her head down. I will do my best to bring
her home.Even though it is necessary for some people it is still a sad lonely place.
We are looking for a bigger place to live so it will be easier for her to get around.I had rather pay rent than
pay for her to stay in one room and be extra unhappy.
I believe God is in control and he will work it out for Mama.
Until next time
LInda

July Celebration

Since the 4th was on a Wednesday we had our family celebration on Saturday the 7th. The lake
where we lived had there fireworks that evening. It was so hot but it cooled off in time for the show.
As usual the fireworks were the best. It is such a nice feeling to be sitting outside under the stars
and watching the sky light up with colors of the rainbow.
Family and friends came up and went swimming and we had a cook out before the fireworks
display. Had a great time except for a brief run in with a grumpy neighbor.
We missed some of our family who either by choice or were unable to attend. We missed them.
I am thankful for this place we have to entertain our family and friends. It is a blessing.
Hope that the rest of July is the best for you and yours.
Until next time
Linda

Another Writing Class

I started another online writing class. Creative Writing Workshop. I started late so I am in catch up mode.
This class will have a lot of practice assignments in it. I love words they can be the best and the worse thing
in life.I am planning to use what I am taught to improve this blog. For me it is much easier to express myself
with the written word than face to face.
One of our assignments was to light a candle and watch it and write down our thoughts. I am going to share
with you my brief paragraph

My candle gives out a soft comforting warm glow.As I watch my candle the thought comes to me what
a much better world, neighborhood,family we all would have if our lives like the candle gave off the
same soft comforting warm glow to all we come in contact with.

Until next time
Linda

Indifference

Indifference  The lack of interest or concern. I think that this may be a very sad word and one that hurts
more than any other word in our language.I am still reeling from the relationship change with my daughter
but she seems to be quite alright with it. It makes you wonder if the relationship you had was what you thought it was.Life is full of changes some good, some bad, some easier to accept than others.This is a change that is not easy for me. My children have always been top priority for me and I would do almost anything for them. I guess this is why this is so hard for me.I am going through the stages of grief over this
sadness, anger, unbelief but I will accept whatever this stage of my life brings and mourn for the lost of
the close relationship I had with this child of mine.
God is in control.
Until next time
Linda

Family Relationships

Have you ever had a change in your relationship with family that absolutely throws you for a loop?
I have encounter such a change this week and I am still in shock over it.I didn't see it coming and don't know from whence it came.
A daughter who I have been very close to for a very long time has all at once decided I am not to be a big part of her life anymore.After years of everyday phone calls and shopping trips and taking care of her
kids and the list goes on and on. Now I am a poison in her life. I know I have many shortcomings and failures that I will be judged for one day when I face my Lord and Savior but I don't think this is one.
She has decided that she is tired of me controlling and managing her life. This is my stubborn headstrong daughter who no one can make do anything but what she wants to do.I really don't know know as I said were this came from. My husband said it was just the opposite. It is sad and it hurts but I will respect
her decision and pray that someday it will change. I love her and her children and I shall miss the almost
daily contact we once had but life goes on a little sadder but it goes on.God is in control always.
Until next time
Linda

Sad Sunday

Today I am so very sad and all I want to do is stay in bed and cover my head and not move.The
physical changes in my Mom are easier to handle than the changes in her mind. It is so hard to
see how confused she is and mixed up.I pray that it is temporary and she will become clearer
each day.
I want to retreat and wait for these things to pass but I can't.My mothers need for me is stronger
than my desire to cover my head. So up I get and prepare for whatever awaits me as I go to
visit her.
My thoughts and prayers are for all children who are facing the same situation with a beloved
parent. It is hard but we will do what we have to do to take care of them.
Thank you for letting me write my feelings out because if I verbalize them it will open the
floodgates of tears.
Until next time
Linda

Circle of Life

The first time I remember hearing this Circle of Life phrase was from the movie The Lion King. This becomes
all to real if you have become the caregiver of a parent. I am blessed that my Mom who is 88 is still with me and a part of my life.The roles are now reversed and I am her caregiver.It is hard to comprehend that this once strong and independent woman now needs help with things that we
take for granted.It is so hard for her, she is always saying I am sorry but I can't help it. I know she
can't and I feel for her as I know what she feels. If you have always been the one who takes care of everyone else it is a hard reality.
We come into this world as helpless little babies and then we grow and grow and become adults and
then as the circle of life continues we begin to get older and older and return to the helpless condition we came into the world with.As I said earlier the roles are reversed and we beome the
parent and they the child. They cling to us as we clung to them as children
The circle of life is what it is a circle that continues without stopping.
This new season of life within this circle is hard in many ways but I am thankful that I am able
to take care of her to give back to her the love and care that she has always given to me
In Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season and  time to every purpose under the heaven"
Until next time
Linda

Hard Week

It has been a very hard week. Last Saturday my Mama fell and fractured her hip. We had to call EMS to take her to the hospital.It was about 4am. We went to Wake Med North first and they x-rayed her and got her stable and then transferred her to the main campus for surgery. They did surgery that afternoon and
put pins in her hip to hold it together. She was in the hospital until yesterday when they sent her to
rehab. She could be there as long as six weeks depending on how she does.We are just hoping and
praying that she will be able to walk again. She was already using a walker because of the very bad
arthritis in her knees.
It is very hard to see your Mama in pain and to leave her with strangers.
I am trusting God to keep her safe and for a full and complete recovery.
Until next time
Linda

Writing Class #2

This class is about to beat me down. So much information that some of it( to me)
 is hard to understand. I am printing out each lesson to use as a reference because
I know I will be referring back to it many times.
.
.

The class is showing you and giving you information about how to possibly make money
on the internet.It is instructing you on how to blog/ how to set up web site/ how to write
a webzine and much much more. Mind blowing and a lot of work. You can make money
writing and publishing on the internet. You must do your research and check everything out
before you commit to doing it.

I am going to do my research check out my options and then decide which way to go
with my writing. I have lots of things I want to write articles about but just need to
know the right place to do it.

They say as long as you keep learning and try new things it will keep you feeling
young and alert. I am ready to keep on keeping on.

To those of you are reading my blogs I thank you very much.

Until next time
Linda

Writing Class

I am learning alot in my writing class. The more I learn the more I need to learn.
It is not as simple as just sitting down and writing. The average person when
surfing spends only 56 seconds on a web page so you need to write to grab
their attention so they will stay longer.

I am not going to give up. I have a few people reading my blog so as I absorb
all this information and apply it to my writing, my readership should grow.
We can only hope and be positive.

Until next time
Linda

The End of May

The lovely month of May is coming to an end. I have always loved this month.
I like the warm spring days that we have most of the time. It is a month to plant
flowers and gardens to enjoy thru the hot days of summer.
When I was a child it was the month that school ended and we were free to be
kids and enjoy what we wanted to do.
The month of May is also the month that I married my husband Jim, we celebrated
45 years of marriage yesterday on the 30th of May.
We also have Memorial Day to take time and honor our fallen soldiers and thank
the ones still with us.
Mothers Day to honor our dear Mama's who have loved and cared for us all our
lives.
Yes May is indeed a merry month with lots to do and to celebrate.I hope this
month of May has been a blessed one for you.
Until next time
Linda

Memorial Day

This is considered the first weekend of the vacation season. A time for cook outs, beach trips
and other activities and fun.
While we enjoy this holiday we all need to take time out to honor and thank all the servicemen
and woman who have served or are serving in our military. Their service in protecting out country
is why we can enjoy this weekend. We thank them and honor them for their service to our country.

My husband served and was wounded in Vietnam. We as a country treated those servicemen and women really bad and didnot welcome them home.It was not their war but they followed the orders they were given and fought and died.Those that served came home different people forever

Wet Wednesday

The thunderstorm we had today had some hail in it but it soon passed. Sometimes I love the storms we have. It looked like snow on the ground. Pretty but scary, ice falling from the sky.

I took Nathan and Jared birthday shopping and out to lunch today. They are brothers and have
birthdays the same week but two years apart. It was fun shopping at Walmart and then we
had lunch at Golden Corral. It was a very nice time and they behaved extremely well. I was very
pleased.It is times like this we need to enjoy as time goes by so fast and they are kids one day
and grown the next.
Until next time
Linda

I am registering my blog and this is my claim number
VGYF3VBGA8H5
I am finding out how little I know and how much I have to learn.
It keeps you young.
Here's hoping this works

Until next time
Linda

Terrible Tuesday LOL

After not being able to sleep for two nights I got up this morning ready to clean up the house and do clothes etc, all that stuff that needs to be done especially after you've been gone for a couple of
weeks.
I put the first load of clothes in and preceded to do other things. I went back to check on the
clothes and guess what I stepped in you guessed it WATER the machine had overflowed and
water filled the floor. I screamed and also started to cry. But then as we started to mop up I
prayed for the Lord to help me and He did. I saw the funny side of it I had been telling my
husband we needed to clean the floor but I wasn't counting on this way. It is better to laugh
than to cry but REALLY it was almost more than I could handle. It wouldn't be so bad but
our place is very very small and this room that flooded is  laundry room/bedroom/computer room so
it was alot to clean up. The floor does look good and it is clean.

Until next time
Linda

Home from Branson

We arrived home Sunday afternoon from our Branson vacation. It was good to be home and we
Thank God for protecting us as we where a long way from home.

Friday was our last day and we went and saw two movies Battleship and The Avengers both really
good movies. I liked Battleship the best. Guess what Battleship was in the movie??
The Missouri!!

We ate at McFarlands and it was the best.Talk about yummy I had a openfaced roastbeef sandwich with mashed potatoes.

We also visited Veterans Memorial Museum. It honors all servicemen from WW1 WW2 Korea
Vietnam and the Persian Gulf. It was very well done. It had personal items as well as military items
from each war. Each war had the names listed of the dead and missing.It also had some life sized
bronze sculptures.One sculpture depicts fifty servicemen as they go into battle and the faces are of
real soldiers one from each state.

Now to start planning our next adventure
Until next time
Linda

Thursday in Branson

Our time in Branson is swiftly coming to an end. It has been one of the best vacations we have had.
Last night we returned to Silver Dollar City to see their after closing show called GAC Country Nights
All I can say is that Branson is full of talented young people. The show was great.

The theme that has run thru all the shows we have been able to attend is love of country and God.
Every show has taken the time to recognize the veterans and the sacrifices they made to keep our
country free and safe. They are not afraid to mention the name of God and thank him and praise him.

Today we attended a 2 hour gospel only show with New South a great group. It was a wonderful show
featuring old and new gospel tunes.

All of our shows were at Grand Country Music Hall.It is a complex that has hotel shops and the music hall and a killer buffet.A great place to visit and attend shows. They also give some great discounts.

All in all it has been a great place to visit and we do plan to return as there is still so much more to
do.

Tomorrow is our last day and it will be spent getting ready for the trip home. I think we may take time \out and go to a movie" Battleship" is opening tomorrow.

Until next time
Linda

Tuesday in Branson

It has been a beautiful day in Branson. The weather couldn't be any better for our visit.
We attended two shows today. "Down Home Country" at 10 am. Classic country and it was
great. The comedian Harley Worthit had you laughing out loud.
Tonight we saw "Grand Jubilee" alot of variety in the music but still an outstanding show.
Branson has some very talented performers.
Branson has some things other "tourist" places need to follow. FREE PARKING AND
PUBLIC RESTROOMS. What a pleasure.
We also visited "Dicks 5 and 10" What a treat it had everything you could imagine in it.
I saw rows and rows of Paper Dolls who else can remember them. I loved playing with
paper dolls. Every person you could think of Shirley Temple, Ave Gardner, I Love Lucy and many
more. A great place that had some great deals plus brought back a lot of memories.
We are going to run out of time and we're already out of money and will not be able to experience
all the places and attractions that Branson has to offer.

Until next time
Linda

Silver Dollar City

Visited Silver Dollar City today. It is BBQ and Bluegrass time. The BBQ we ate was good and the music
was great. They had signs up with facts about BBQ grilling like hamburger is the # 1 food cooked on a grill and 4th of July # 1 day when most cook outs happen.We got 2 day tickets so we plan to go back one more day before we leave and catch some more shows.

I really like the country you can be driving surrounded by trees and hills and then all at once it opens
up and you have the greatest view of one of the lakes.

You can still see the damage from the tornadoes they had but they are  rebuilding. The power of
nature is massive in its destruction. BUT Branson is alive and well and in the business of welcoming
everyone to their town..

Until Next Time
Linda

Branson

We are staying at a beautiful place in Branson. We are at Table Rock Lake( I think). We have a
awesome view of the lake and enjoying it very much. Just to look out the window or go out
on the enclosed balcony and just gaze at the beauty it is breath taking.
Mothers Day in Branson let's see I got a free hot doughnut at Krispy Kreme but also had
the best treat a strawberry creme doughnut it was delicious.
We went to a sales presentation to get cheap tickets to Silver Dollar City and I got a rose
from them. These presentations if you can stick to the answer NO are a good way to get some money and cheap tickets. It is time consuming but sometimes it is worth it.
I like what I have seen of Branson so far a neat area.
Headed to Silver Dollar City tomorrow.
Until next time
Linda

Nashville Tenn

We are spending a couple of nights here to break up the trip to Branson. We will be back
as we have found there is lots to do here in Nashville.
Today was a goose bump day as we toured the Grand Ole Opry. What an experience to know you
are walking where so many great stars have been. Our hostess was just the best with lots of
information to share.
We got to stand in the circle cut out from the floor of the Ryman Auditorium where
the show was held from 1943-1974 when it moved to its present location. Just think we stood and believe it or not sang on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry!!!
The Grand Ole Opry has 66 members at this time.They all have mailboxes where they pick up any fan mail when they come to perform. They usually drive theirselves to the show and are ready to go on stage when they get there. Just a nice down home feel to the place.
Little Jimmy Dickens is the oldest member at 91 and still performs at almost every show.It was a
great tour and we enjoyed it very much.

Tomorrow on to Branson
Until Next time
Linda

Packed and not quite Loaded

Its all packed and ready to be loaded into the car. The road trip begins in the morning.

My Mama and our animals are all set up at their home away from home until we get back.

It was quite an experience getting the animals set up

We have never planned a trip this long before so who knows what the road will hold.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers and I will keep you informed about the trip

as it unfolds before us.

Until next time
Linda

Getting ready for Road Trip

The countdown is on for our trip to Branson Missouri. One week from today we hit
the road. I am so ready for this road trip.
I will be very tired before we even get started.It takes alot to get ready for a two week
trip.
First have to make arrangements for my Mom to stay with my daughter while we are gone
2nd have to make arrangements for my 2 dogs and the cat to have a place to stay while we are gone
Have to get supplies together to transport to each location where Mom and the dogs will be
staying.
I worked on supplies for the dogs today.My granddaughter and her husband or the lucky ones
who get to take care of Mr.B and Dottie and Cassie the cat. They are "thrilled" or not.
I appreciate them doing it for me.

Until next time
Linda

Writing assignment

I want to share a live web cam with you from my writing class Africam.com
it is live stream from Africa. It show 3 watering holes and it is great. Our assignment was
to go and watch and take notes about what we saw and what we felt
and then write about it.It was amazing to me to be able to watch animals halfway around the
world from my location.
I am going to share what I wrote. My instructor said it was good lets hope she is correct.

Africa the view before me is a peaceful relatively quiet scene. The animals including a herd
of Gazelles are gathering at the waterhole to drink and eat. They drink and walk around but alert knowing that danger is always lurking around and could pounce at any moment, but for now it is
quiet except for the sound of the birds.  But wait what is that in the background  a growl and
suddenly the animals all scatter and only the waterhole is left in my view. How quickly the
view before me has changed. That is Africa a land of beauty, danger and everchanging. That
is what draws you to this great untamed wilderness you never know what adventure awaits you.

Let me know what you think.
Until next time
Linda

Books

It has been a beautiful Sunday. The weather has been the best. Mama and I set out on our new patio
most of the day. Thank you Alan
.
I have just finished reading"A Love That Multiplies" by Michelle & Jim Bob Duggar.They are amazing
people to have and raise that many children. They seem to have it all under control and are following what they believe to be God's plan for their life. I respect and admire them. They are raising the next generation and to all apperances are doing a bang up job.

I am in the process of reading "Pawprints of Katrina"  Pets Saved and Lessons Learned by Cathy Scott.
If you are an animal person this will touch your heart.The story is much bigger than was ever told on
tv.The tragedy of Katrina was bigger than we who did not experience it will ever know.People having to
leave their pets forced to leave them behind to live or die on their own. Heartbreaking. But out of this
tragedy a new law was passed "The PETS ACT" that requires local and state governments to include
household pets in their evacuation plans and gives federal funding for pet friendly refugee shelters.What
a great thing to come out of such a hugh tragedy.

On our visit to New Orleans we visited the Ninth Ward and the damage is still visible with most people
still gone from the area.

Until next time
Linda

Writing Class

Good Evening,
I am really liking my online writing class. There sure is a lot to know if you even want to attempt
to have anything published. It really gets you to thinking from a writers  view  about everything
you see or do, in your mind you are writing it or thinking about how you would write it.
We had a thunderstorm last night and my dog Mr B(pit bull terrier) is scared to death. He came
and jumped right in bed between my husband and I and was trembling like a leaf on a tree.I think he was trying to get under us. Such a big sweet baby.
Take Care
Until next time
Linda

The Etc part

Hi It is Tuesday and this is my second post and I really don't have anything great to write about tonight, so I guess this is the etc part. This is going to take some time to get used to
all the items that you can do with your blog according to a message I got even make money now
that would be great.!!
I am still working on my post about New Orleans but  will try to have it ready this week.
It was a cool but beautiful sunshine filled day with a nice breeze in North Carolina. I enjoyed watching the trees dance in the wind.OK enough of the ETC part for tonight.
Until next time
Linda

The Beginning

Hi I am new to blogging and this is my first attempt. I am taking a travel writing class and I think that blogging may help with the class. I will get to practice on you. My husband and I love to travel and plan to do as much as we can. My daughter and I also do alot of traveling together. She has a goal of visiting every state and we have a good start on that goal. We just got back from New Orleans.I will tell you about that trip in my next posting. My husband and I are leaving for Branson Missouri on May 9 and I plan to blog all about that as I will have the trusty old laptop with me.
Thanks for reading
Until next time
God Bless
Linda