Christmas Town

It is another dark and dreary rainy day in Williamsburg VA for the second day in a row. We arrived Friday and had 2 nice days. We visited Christmas Town at Busch Gardens and I just loved it. Surrounded by
Christmas lights and music, how could you not enjoy it.

It was just such a happy joyful place to be at this time of year.

We saw a great Christmas show "Gloria" that tells the story of Christ birth in a beautiful way. The music
and the scenery just took your breathe away. Praise God that you can still go to places and hear God's
Word told.

It was cold but they had the best hot chocolate I have ever had in a refillable Christmas mug.It was so good.

We had planned to attend the Grand Illumination at Colonial Williamsburg that brings in the Christmas
season but it got to cold and raining to hard for us so we will try another year.There was still quite a few people there but we didn't dress warm enough.

Hoping the weather clears up so we can go back to Colonial Williamsburg.

Until next time
God Bless
Linda

.

Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving weekend is over and it is now December.I hope everyone had a wonderful
and blessed Thanksgiving.

As the children are grown now and have kids and some of their kids have kids it is hard to
get everyone together. We cooked and enjoyed those that could come sort of a buffet come when you can thing. I am thankful for family. Still making memories

My three girls.

We ate and then SHOPPING. Had a fun weekend of shopping. Really shopped until we dropped.Thursday night with Rachel and Friday with Kelly. Enjoyed the time with my girls
Memories being made.

My Mothers 90th Thanksgiving and 3 little ones 1st Thanksgivng

Thanks be to God  for the blessings in my life.

Until next time
God Bless
Linda

BRRRRCold

November 12 our coldest day we have had and unusual for this time of year. It started out a typical fall
day and then the wind picked up and the temps went down.

Snow flurries in some areas and we folks in the south love anything to do with snow. Almost any amount of snow that sticks calls for a snow day. Folks from up North think we are crazy because of our
reaction to snow but hey we love it cause we don't see it much.

This is a brief cold spell and then it will warm back up. It will be down in the cold 20's tonight and not
out of the 40's tomorrow.

Praying for people who have to be out in it because of work or maybe they are homeless and don't have
a warm place to go. We also think of outside animals who may not have shelter. We remember all of these and pray for their safety and protection thru this cold November night.

Until next time
God Bless and keep warm
Linda

Carolina Kite Fest

Kites big and small all shapes and sizes at Atlantic Beach for their annual kite festival.It was
quite a sight to see the variety of kites and the people flying them.

This event has been going on for 26 years started by Don Dixon owner of Kites Unlimited.
There is no set schedule for events because it is all wind dependent.

They have demos and games that can be done with kites. The kids get to build their own kite.

It was quite a wonderful sight to see all the kites in the air.

Lovin Atlantic Beach

Until Next Time
God Bless
Linda

Beaufort Ghost Walk

We joined this tour for a nice, lovely, screepy walk around this quaint little town. Our guide
none other than Bonnie the Blood Thirsty Pirate. It was very enjoyable.

As we walked our pirate told about the events and legends of the Beaufort ghost. The most
famous being Blackbeard.We didn't get to see it but his house is there in Beaufort.

The 300 year old graveyard was the best and spookiest. The graves above are called tabletops and
the reason is when folks came to a funeral or to visit the graves since the trip was long they brought
their food and had a nice picnic on top of their loved one.

The tour has been featured on Discovery channels "Ghost Lab".Our pirate had quite a few interesting
stories about sightings in the graveyard.

This grave was the most interesting,The grave of a child who legend has still plays around
the graveyard at night.When folks come to visit they leave a shell or trinket on grave and story
goes that the next day it is gone or moved. Who knows?

If you ever get to Beaufort be sure and take this great Ghost Walk. It was even better because it
being Halloween time a lot of the houses were decorated.

Just a little downhome humor, I am sitting here concentration on writing my blog about the Ghost
Tour and my grandson sneaks up behind me and scared the crap out of me, I thought one of the ghost
had gotten me.

Take Care
Until next time
God Bless
Linda

Shackleford Island

We went to Beaufort where we took a boat ride to Shackleford Island to look for shells and to see if we could catch a glimpse of the wild horses.The exciting boat ride took about 30 minutes.

He dropped us off and then the trek began over the sand dunes to the ocean side. It was quite a walk.
Beautiful but tiring. We were able to see about 5 horses off in the distance. It was windy so most of the
105 horses on this island where somewhere protecting themselves from the wind.The horses are on
their own they get no food or water from the Park service but survive on what is available on the island
as they have for many years.

The ocean side beautiful and deserted on this chilly windy October day. We spent time walking and
collecting shells. The park ranger came by on her 4 wheeler and said there had not been any really
good or big shells in a couple of years.Still a nice adventure.

Then the trek back to meet the Captain of our boat. We walked the shore line of the sound while
waiting for him. The water very clear at the shore line.

Beaufort is a very nice quaint little town and worth spending some time just sitting and walking
along their waterfront boardwalk.

Until next time
God Bless
Linda

October Beach Trip/ Jack

Ocean,breeze,sun,birds all the wonderful words you can use about time spent at the beach in the Fall. It
is just awesome. The crowds are gone and it is quiet and peaceful and you almost have the beach to
yourself. I am n ot a hot weather person so this is almost heaven to me.

My daughter Kelly and her husband Donald went with us. We had oceanfront so we could see the ocean
from our condo.

I have a lot of things to tell you about that we did. First thing don't visit an animal shelter while out of
town. We did and we came home with a Min/Pincher who you call Jack as in jumping jack. He is red or stag in color.He is cute as a button.

So now we are back up to four furbabies.Jack loves to jump and he is fast as lightening. It is funny
to see this little bit thinking he is as big and tough as the other 3 30lb plus dogs.So now we have
Mr B, Coco, Tuna and Jack. I am sure more adventures to come with this guys.

 More to come.

Until next time
God Bless
Linda

Apathy

I have been doing much thinking about our country and the situation it is in. I think the protest
are good and I am sorry our media didnot cover the events.

I don't think they will do much good because of apathy. The majority of our country either
doesn't care or they don't realize what is happening. We are concerned only for today with not
much thought for the future.

The people  the government shut down has touched the most are the ones who work for
the government or get most of their support from the government. Their only concern is get it
back up and running so they can work or get benefits.I am included in that number as I get
Social Security.It will all come crashing down one day but we think not in our time.

America is like the old story about a frog if you put it into boiling water it will jump out but if you put it in cold and gradually heat it up it will not.We as a country are like that frog one thing at a time is being taken
away or a new tax here a new fee there and we don't even realize what is going on.

So many of us are dependent upon the government. It would be a great parnership if the
government was really doing what is best for the country and its people.

Until next time
God Bless
Linda

PROTEST

Here I am 65 years old and never been very political but now with all the protest planned
for this weekend  I WANT TO TAKE PART. I would love to be going to DC with the truckers
and the Veterans. The bikers got it started and I believe it will continue.

I think we as a country have set back and let the government get out of hand. We have not
taken part in the process and tried to understand and make better choices.

The situation going on I believe is a wake-up call for all of America what ever your party
afflication. Our government has us between a rock and a hard place. We depend on them more
than we should or need to.They are in control and we are at their mercy.Our leaders must not
have their own agenda but really be working for the country and its people.

I know we should help others but the bible says you should take care of your own first, We
have so many needs in our country, we have people hungry without shelter and the list goes on.
Our government needs to address the needs at home before they keep giving money, that we
don't have away. From experience if you are in debt the person you own has the upper hand.

We are so far away from the country we use to be. We are so far away from the God who blessed
this country. We need to make changes before all of these unwise decisions catch up with us.
I think the government shut down is proving that. It will catch up with you and you will have no
where to turn.

I pray that we as a nation will get upon our knees to our heavenly Father and pray for our
country and our leaders and ask his blessings for the United States once more.

I pray for safety and a peaceful protest for everyone this weekend in DC and around the country.

God Bless you and our country.

Until next time
Linda

What If??

Today I think I have spent to much time thinking about and reading about what is going on with
our governement.

It has brought on the What if's and the spirit of fear. Now is a testing time of our faith in Jesus
Christ. We must trust and believe that HE is in control and that HE has our back as the saying goes.

We will survive if the What If's happen. We will band together as family and friends and take care of
each other.

We as a nation have let our governement get out of hand and be able to hold us ransome in their
political moves.It also shows how much control they have over us. The government is leading a life style
that I am afraid a lot of us have and are doing living beyond our means. It will and has to stop.

President Obama is our leader.He is the one that needs to step up to the plate.He has chosen to target
areas to close that would effect the American people the most. We all know that there are many many
things in government that are not needed that could be cut out. But just maybe this is the wake up call
that We the People need.

A quote from somewhere I don't remember where"You need to stand for something or you will
fall for anything"

We need to pray for our governement and for our country.We need to pray for strength and peace
thru the What If's

Until Next Time
God Bless
Linda

HELLO I AM BACK

Hi everyone I haven't posted since July.Not much traveling or anything going on during the summer.
But the Fall is here and cooler weather so trips are planned.

We went to A Place at the Beach in September and had a wonderful time. The weather couldnot
have been any better. I even got a little tan. I so enjoyed my beach time just sitting and watching
the ocean waves. The ocean breeze is more than wonderful.

My daughter Rachel and her family came down for a few days and it was awesome to watch
the kids play in the sand and in the pool. The baby Andrew just loved the sand and the water.

My granddaughter April and her family came down for the day and baby Nicolas was a different
story he didnot like anything about the sand or the water.He cried and cried. He does the same thing
at home when he is getting a bath.

We have a October beach trip planned also. Really hoping the weather is just as good as September.

Sorry no photos to share as my camera has died. As soon as it or a new one is up and running I will
once again have pictures to post.

I hope you will once again read and follow my blog. Thanks

Until next time
God Bless
Linda

Dottie Dog

Today was a very very hard day as we had to say goodbye to our Dottie after 17 years as a part of
our family.I am thankful that I had a few days to get prepared for it or as prepared as you can get.

She had been on medicine for her heart and this weekend she just couldnot get up and about. The first time she had an episode I thought she had just dropped dead in front of me.Poor baby all she was able to do was just lay in her kennel. I had the weekend to cry and grieve and get use to the decision that
had to be made for what was the best for her.

Dottie was always a happy dog who loved squeaky toys. She like to walk around with them in her mouth. Dottie had a little cattle dog in her so you had to look out for thoses sneak attacks on your ankles.You never knew when she would strike.
Brandon took this picture of Dottie last night and said his good byes to her.

It was bittersweet at the Vet as we all agreed that she was coming to the end of her life. The table she was on was next to a window and she was able to look outside and see the grass and the wind blowing.I think she was longing once again to be able to run and play. We stayed with her until the sedative took over.We had her cremated and they said at the office that the person who took care of
the departed animals has a farm and the ashes would be scattered over the farm.
I am missing her so much right now but I am really thankful that she is no longer suffering but it is hard to say good bye so very hard.
RIP DOTTIE GIRL. Give all your Furbabies a extra hug!!

Until next time
Linda

July 4 2013

I am thankful that I live in America. America even with all the problems that we have is still a great
and wonderful country to live in. The future of America is undecided as the storm clouds gather over
the choices that a few have made deciding the path that we are going down.. I pray that the God I serve will
continue to bless and protect us.

We celebrated very quietly this year. No fireworks or picnics or family over. My son in laws mother
had a heart attack and fell and broke her hip. I have been with the grandkids most of the time so
that they could be at the hospital. It has been a very stressful time for them and it is not over yet.

I don't know how many hours of Handy Mandy we have watched as that is Johannah's favorite.We
also have watched Survivor Man and Myth Busters the boys favorite on Netflix.It has been fun to watch them play games on the wii until they start fussing.A good time that I am thankful for.

God Bless America.
God Bless You
Until next time
Linda

Elijah and Emery

Today was the first time I got to visit and hold Elijah and Emery. Nothing better or sweeter than to
just sit and hold a newborn baby. They are so very tiny, it is like holding a baby doll.
Emery seems to be doing just fine. Elijah is having a few problems with jaundice and not eating
like he needs to. Praying that all this will clear up and they will just grow and be healthy. The first
photo is Elijah and Emery is the second photo.

 Grandma and Great Grandma holding Elijah and Emery

 Daddy and Grandma

The miracle of birth is always amazing.

Until next time
God Bless
Linda

The Twins Arrive

On Friday June 28 2013 my newest great grandbabies came into this world. Elijah Douglas Chalk
and his sister Emery Grace Chalk arrived one month early but healthy. They weighed in at 5lbs even for Elijah and 5lbs 9oz for Emery. They are so tiny and precious.

They are the children of my grandson Steven and his girlfriend Taylor.I wish for them many happy years
ahead with their precious babies.

Welcome into the world Elijah and Emery. You are greatly loved and wanted

Until next time
God Bless
Linda

Camping Trip

My first tent camping trip in about 10 years happen this weekend. Jaime and I and Brandon went
up to Falls Lake for the weekend.

The weather couldn't have been any better. A nice breeze and sunshine. It was quiet and peaceful.
Jaime and Brandon did some fishing. We walked around the campground.

We roasted marshmellows and hot dogs over a campfire. This is Brandon putting up the tent.

This is Jaime fishing

This is Brandon baiting her hook for her. They caught a few small ones.

It was peaceful and relaxing and beautiful

Behind our campsite we found what remains of a house and chimney.This is a man made lake so
a lot of the water covers what use to be peoples homes.It is a very nice campgroound

Sleeping in the tent at night not to bad as we had electricity and a FAN.

But when we got up the next morning we discovered that the bugs had tried to eat us during the night.
Bug bites all over and 3 days later they are still itching.A small price to pay for such a enjoyable
weekend.

Until next time
God Bless
Linda

Tuesday Another Stormy Day

Tuesday another beautiful sun shine filled day not to hot or humid. The weather predicting a chance
of afternoon thunderstorms.

The afternoon arrived and I left to go to the grocery store and as the old saying goes the bottom
fell out. I sat in my truck in the parking lot for about 20 minutes as the rain poured down.The parking
lot looked like a river. Then an tornado warning alert came over my phone. When it let up a little
I went in the store and it started pouring again. The sky darkened and it was scary.It rained and rained
During another break I was able to get out of the store and get home.

Our county and others had tornado warnings going on.It missed us and thankfully it was a small
area of damage and so far no reports of injuries. People are without power and trees are down.

As I said in an earlier blog post a storm shelter is looking better and better.

The sky after the storm were beautiful and a rainbow appeared. Praying for the safety of
the crews out working to remove trees and get the power back on. Be safe

Until next time
Linda

A Castle Wedding

I attended a wedding today at Castle McCullock in Jamestown NC. A beautiful simple wedding. Best
Wishes to Kamie and Tommy.

Castle McCullock built in 1832 is actually a former Gold Mill built by Charles McCullock when there
was a gold rush in North Carolina. It was rebuilt in the 1980's and is now a wedding venue and other
special events.

We didn't get to tour all the grounds but they have trails that you can walk and a couple of other places
to hold your special event

I hope to go back at Christmas time when it is all decorated the Castle and the trails for Christmas.

The Bride on her special day

The happy couple!
Thanks for letting us share in your special day

Until next time
God Bless
Linda

Hot and Stormy Thursday

The day was so hot. I am not a heat person it changes my personality and not for the good.
I am thinking of living the vampire life (minus the blood stuff) and just go out at night unless
I have no choice.

The afternoon the clouds rolled in and it got really scary looking for a little while with the
wind blowing and the sky darkened. It was some thunder and some rain but our area was
spared the full force of the storm. A new word is being used that I have never heard of
derecho which is when a bunch of thunderstorms get in a line and go across country. That is
what was going on today. It started out in the midwest and just moved across the country.
A lot of damage in a lot of the country and thousands of folks still with out power.We pray
for their safety and that the power is quickly restored.

We live in a mobile home and we would really like to have a storm shelter.It would be
great to have a safe place to go with all this wild weather going on.The Doomsday Preppers
might be on the right track with being prepared.



Until next time
Linda
Check out my facebook book store for sale by Linda

Making Money with Blog

I had this plan of being able to make money with my blog. After working on it for a couple
of days now, I don't know.

I am a visual person and I like to have written instructions in my hand to read. It is very hard
sometimes for me to decide how to do things. The problem I am having now is trying to
determine how to do what I have signed up to do.

I am going to be having advertisements on my blog IF I can learn how to place them on my site.

I need to place the ads on my blog in a certain place.I need to copy and paste a code so I will
start receiving ads and the list goes on and on.

It may take some time and more research but I am determined to conquer this and be able to
make some money.

If you have any advice or instructions to share please do. I would be very grateful

Until next time
Linda

Graduation Day Photo's

Jaime and Austin

Brandon and Austin

Austin lining up to get diploma

The Class

2013 Graduation Day

My grandson Austin graduated today from Franklin Academy. This has been in my opinion a tough
year for him but he made it. I think it is so special to me because Franklin Academy is still a "small"
school and they were able to graduate at Binkley Chapel on the seminary campus. My husband and I
both had our graduation at the chapel in 1966. It brought back a lot of memories.

The chapel was full with friends and family wanting to share in this milestone with the class of 2013.
The kids where very enthusiastic and seemed to enjoy the ceremony.

Austin is the last of my first group of grandkids 18 and older. He has plans for community college,
an apartment and transferring with his part time job.I pray he has a bright and successful
future.I pray for all of his classmates the same.

They are our hope the leaders of tomorrow. They will need all of our prayers
and support.

Austin I love you and am very proud of you.
The best is wished for the Class of 2013 everywhere!!

Until next time
God Bless
Linda

Fixed Income

We are blessed with a set amount of money coming in every month as long as the government
keeps paying us.It is still hard when you need a little extra for different things.

I am for ever trying to tweek our finances to try and squeeze out a little more or make it last
a little longer. It doesn't always work well in fact most of the time it doesn't work.

I am trying to sell Avon but that seems to always put me in the hole. I am listing stuff on the swap
and shop but seem to buy more than I sell. I have books listed on ebay and amazon and on my
own page For Sale by Linda.A little here and there.

I am doing some online paid to read emails but will not get rich or anywhere close to it. All the above
keep me busy but still broke.

Then I start thinking I need to get a real job but because of my age I am way down on the hiring list.I look
for a while and then I give up.

So what is the answer I can only look to the word of God which says in Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,
let your requests be known to God and Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all

your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus

I faithfully am trying to put all my faith and trust in my Lord and Savior.

Until next time
God Bless
Linda

Anniversary

Today we have been married 46 years. I do not know where the years have gone. We got married
in 1967. Jim was in the Marines and we married before he was shipped out to Vietnam.I guess I
can say I was a war bride.

I am thankful for all our years together. We went thru some hard times but I guess the good times
out did the bad, because we are still together.

Marriage is hard work but worth it. We have been blessed with 3 daughters and 10 grandsons and
2 granddaughters. January of this year we celebrated the  birth of our first great grandchild Nicolas who
joined our step great grandchild Derek.

As we celebrate this milestone I give thanks to God above for our blessings and his protection of
our lives thru these years.

Until next time
God Bless
Linda

Activities on Vacation

We had so many good days of almost doing nothing.

We slept late and got up and went out to get something to eat. Just being able to sit and do
nothing or go do whatever. It was the best.

We were able to go see three movies while in Florida. That was a treat. My husband loves
to go to the movies but I am not always able to go because of someone having to stay with my
Mama.

We went to see Star Trek Into the Darkness. I really liked it but we are "Trekkies"
Ironman 3 was the best of the three in my opinion and Robert Downey looked great.

Today we went and saw Fast and Furious 6 and it was AWESOME. It was one of those
movies that had the audience clapping,laughing really getting in to the movie. It left you
with a teaser for the next installament # 7. I think if you get to see it you will really enjoy
it.

I have also been using my Kindle Fire ordering a few books and loving every minute of it.
Of course right now I am into books and stories about dogs.I have read some good ones.
I will tell you about them in another blog

Until next time
God Bless
Linda

End of Vacation

Our two weeks has come to an end and we travel back to the real world tomorrow. It will be good
to see the family and my dogs. But after a couple of days I will be ready to go again. I don't have
any plans for the summer at this point in time.

We visited Magic Kingdom for a day and it was fun but was cut short by afternoon rain. You really
need more than one day for each park as there is so much to do.

This resort is beautiful and we have really enjoyed staying here. I will miss my walk across the bridge
to the ice cream store every evening.

Pray for our safety as we travel back home to North Carolina.
God Bless
Until next time
Linda

MAY 18TH FLORIDA

We arrived at the Marriott Grande Vista Resort for our last days of vacation. It is beautiful.
We have a view of the lake with fountains so I am sitting on the balcony enjoying the warm
breeze and the sound of water. The grounds make you feel as if you are in a tropical paradise.
Palm trees, cover walkways, indoor courtyard with more fountains.
I am sharing a few photos.

God Bless
Until next time
Linda

 View from balcony

Animal Kingdom

We visited Animal Kingdom on Wednesday and it was very interesting. The grounds made you feel like you where in a jungle,

We went on a safari thru the back country, thru water, over water, mud and etc. Very realistic and bumpy. We saw rhino's which are on the endangered list being killed for their horns. The elephants
being killed for their ivory. I am very grateful for what Disney does for animal conservation.

Flights of Wonder is a bird show. It is amazing what they have trained the birds to do. They have
beautiful colorful birds from all over the world. A Bald Eagle who is now off the endangered list. What a wonderful recovery but always another to take its place.

Disney does an outstanding job with everything they do.

Our age is telling on us we got back to the room around six and I laid down to rest and when I
woke up it was 9:30 at night so I got up and got ready for bed and slept until the next day.

Take care
God Bless
Until next time
Linda

 Tree of Life

 Big Bats

Photos from Epcot