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