I'm moving

No not literally but in the cyber world I have a new address:
http://welchstuff.wordpress.com/

I switched over to wordpress.  I'm not sure what the deal is with Blogger, but I've had several issues and decided to make a switch. Now you can actually leave a comment if you are so inclined.

Jump on over there and see what's happening to waynes3girls!

Book on CD

I think I'm old. Seriously, in the last year I have heard and seen myself say and do things that are considered old, for example:

I've eaten oatmeal for the last few months every morning. Not the flavored packets, but the steel cut, stir for 2 minutes on the stove top oatmeal.

I've been hooked on listening to NPR on the way to work.

I have been scoping out hand lotions to help me deal with these large brown spots on the tops of my hands.

Last night I looked at the clock and told Wayne, "No wonder I'm tired, it's 10:30"

But this last one, well, it pretty much seals the deal.....I'm hooked on books on CD. 

It all started innocently enough. There was a book I wanted to read and it had been sitting on my bedisde table for about 3 weeks.  I seriously had no time. That is a sad thing when you no longer have enough time to read, but the truth is, I didn't.
 One day at work while I was cleaning out a book shelf I happened upon "The Magic Hour" audiobook by Kristin Hannah.  The book on my shelf is by the same author and I knew I like her writings.  As I announced my discovery to my coworkers, my young sweet student worker, Jessica said, "Yeah my grandma listens to those all the time in the car."

So I discreetly slid it into my bag, and said nothing to anyone........and now I'm hooked.  As I slid the CD in the car stereo, I was aware that this was just one more step I was taking down the road of aging. What's next? Geritol and estrogen patches?

The story is captivating and I am now taking the long way home trying to squeeze in the last 3 minutes of the story.  Ginny mocked me yesterday as I slowly inched up the drive in my car.  It was a critical moment and I dare not turn off the car in the middle of the court scene.  She went inside while I waited with A/C full blast, wasting gas to hear which way the judge will rule in the custody of the wolf girl. (too complicated for me to explain here, you have to read the book)

So unashamedly I embrace audiobook. Wayne is now never allowed to speak in car, he gets dirty looks if he mocks the voices of my beloved characters and I must somehow break him from asking me details of the stories when we drive to the store. He is becoming as captivated as me.

So add this to the list of my "growing older but fully embracing the benefits" list. By the way, I am taking Leslie to college orientation on Monday. It's a two and half hour drive, but no worries, we are stopping at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. If I happen to browse the audiobook stand in the general store, don't mind me, I'm just looking for Nicholas Sparks.

Good Night

Wayne and I have gotten into the habit of sitting on the back porch swing every evening, that is when it's not 5,000 degrees. It's a good time to relax, talk about our day and watch Willow chase birds and run around like a wild  hoodlum.  She somehow thinks that she is chasing every bird she sees fly overhead and she's off the porch and across the field like a bottle rocket.  Ginger prefers to sniff around the porch and finally whine until Wayne lifts her up on the swing where she settles down between the two of us, content for one of us to scratch her ears.

These warm summer evenings are the best part of the day. Unrushed, we talk quietly about the events of the day and pause to sip our iced tea.  Some evenings there is little talk and more of a contented silence between us as we watch the  summer clouds gather and feel that warm breeze promising a sprinkle of rain before we head in.

Tonight we decided the humid muggy night air was just too stifling for outside conversation.  Wayne headed towards the recliner and Ginger made her way to her favorite spot, tucked in beside him.  No doubt both settled in to watch the "Swamp People".

I stayed out for just a minute longer. Although the air was thick and I felt beads of sweat begin to roll down my face, I turned in time to see this:

Yeah I know, poor quality picture, but in real life there was a brilliant streak of pink just above the inky black silhouette of trees.  Enough contrast to make me strain my eyes and draw in a breath. Ever so quietly I hear the Father say,

"Hey, how was your day? Did you hear me?  Did you feel me? I was right there beside you, all day. It was a good day.  I'm glad you walked with me, and that strip of pink in the sky? Well, that's just for you, I knew you'd love it."

A little boy and his sisters

Once upon a time there was an adorable, wild, blond headed boy who was the baby in his family. He owned his mama's heart and was his daddy's little man.  He had two older sisters.  His eldest sister mothered him, and he terrorized the other sister.  Life was happy for him.

Every summer this family would celebrate being out of school by heading up to the mountains of Virginia,where the mother's family lived. For city kids, this was the best of times.   The boy loved it most of all when his parents left him there with his big sisters.  Although he loved to tease them, the boy loved his sisters, and they loved him.  His summer days in Virginia made memories of the best kind.  Working in Granny's garden, playing on the farm with his cousins, and riding Uncle Johnny's horse, these are the memories that come to life when he visits with the sisters.

And somedays when he and his sisters are together, those memories are relived in such away that the rest of us see those days in vibrant colors.  When I listen intently to stories that they tell, the details and endings are etched in my mind.  I smile in anticicipation of the tales of those three children I know so well.  I see their bare feet slapping along a dirt road. I hear their laughter across the green Virginia hills.  I smile when I think of the good natured shoving and chatter that fills Granny's kitchen at supper time, everyone reaching for a piece of fried chicken.

I never met Granny, or Mama. I would love to have been one of those carefree children splashing in the mountain stream.  But when the boy and his sisters, now all grown, are together, and stomachs are full from a  good meal,  they stretch out, relax and the stories flow. And I am there. I see the children. I hear Granny fussing in her mountain twang.  I see Mama, laughing at the antics of a wild little blond boy and I smile. He is a treasure that little blond boy. A treasure I know full well.

All the makings of a perfect Saturday

Sleeping late until Willow decided to lick my face at 8am

Coffee with a cool breeze on the front porch

Helping Wayne with a building project- our new chicken coop

We didn't yell, throw anything or fuss

"Bridges of Madison County" while I knit on my sweater

Headed to the big town to eat at Outback

Stopping by the yarn shop where they are having a 40% off sale

Spending the afternoon with my three favorite people

Value

The things that really matter in life cannot be bought or sold.  Those things can never be measured or packaged.

The things that matter most in life can only be experienced from the heart. For how can you measure love? Who can package peace? How can you weigh the value of contentment?

The true value of life is found in the quietness of a morning cup of coffee with the living word of God as He speaks deep into your soul.  The value of a sweet babies breath is impossible to figure.  Who could sell the worth of a long sweaty run that makes your limbs heavy but your heart and mind light?  There is no way I would let go of the treasure of the Wayne's smile.  My girls laughter is immeasureable.  The feel of their arms around my neck, even now, especially now, are worth their weight in gold.

Progress

When I saw this yarn at Hobby Lobby I had to get it. It will make the best sweater ever!!!!I startyed on it as soona s I got home from my sister's house.

I'm making progress alhtough I admit it's hard to stay motivated on a 100% wool sweater when it's so stinkin' hot outside.  I keep telling myself I will be done and wearing this beauty on my way to the mountains this fall! 

Thoughts on Rahab

Our Sunday school class is exploring "Extraordinary Women" by John MacArthur for the next few weeks.  Today we will study Rahab.  What a gal! She had so many strikes against her yet managed to be used by God that it gives all of us hope, even those of us who judge her because we are already ahead of her in being used, after all, I'm not a prostitute.  I love that the Bible never holds back. To be quite honest, the Bible is a compeletely R rated. I mean, how many churches are gonna explain to the preK kids what  "harlot" is as they color their pictures of her?  It tells the true real life stories of men and women at their best....and worst. I see myself over and over and yes, I see myself today in Rahab's story.

So what did I learn from Rahab?

- People will always remember your mistakes, sometimes all your life, but it doesn't have to define you.
- When God gives you opportunities, do what you know to do until He tells you different.
-When you define people at first impression, you lose out.
-Let God write your story, He has a much better ending, or as Pastor Andy says. "It's not as important how you begin, it's how you end!"

Back to life, Back to reality

After spending a wonderful few days with these adorable cuties....


 
I figured it was time to get back into life full swing.  I have decided to really enjoy this summer. No more mad rushing through days, going at break neck speed. No, this summer I will take it all in, read, knit, enjoy people, savor good food and get this 42 year old body ready for a marathon in November.
 
Here's whats on my knitting needles:

Now is that cute or what?  I love the sweet little owls blinking at me on the yoke.  My first attempt at a  pullover, we'll see if it will be wearable by fall.


Finished reading this book recommended by my SIL. She loves to read as much as I do and she always recommends books to me that turn out to be spellbinding. This was no exception. Wonderful book! Read it this summer!

I just ordered these flip flops yesterday.  I can't wait to finish the sumemr and see if it's really true that they last forever.   My Chacos have seen better days and after a couple mission trips they are ready to retire from  day to day use.

  Well, I am off to enjoy my first early Friday afternoon. This is the first summer I have gotten half days on Fridays. Makes the long days with no lunch the other four worth it.

Happy Birthday Heather

I love you little sis. I love you because you were my built in playmate. Gilligans Island in the big ole tree out back, mermaids in the swimming pool, and laughing when mom spanked us with the ruler and it broke.

I love you because you "get it".  I can talk without a filter to you because you never judge me.  You make me feel normal and help me to laugh when life seems hard.

I love you because it's not hard to be your sister.  You understand that although we are apart, it's OK. When we don't have time to sit and talk for hours on end, FB or txt is enough.  You know that being close doesn't have to mean a physical proximity.

I love you because you share my secrets, you understand where we come from and you are an amazing,strong and beautiful woman.  I love you Heather! Happy Birthday! Wishing you the best day and the best year ever!

What did I do all weekend? Well.......

I spent some QT with the two sweetest babies in the entire world!  Their little milk crusted lips, sweet pearly toes and precious humm song they sing when they are milk drunk are on my mind tonight, and I miss them.  If you know me, you know I love me some wee tiny baby.  It was a blast!

canopy road

Somedays your run can find you in unfamiliar territitory. A run in a new place is good for your mind and body. Not knowing what to expect keeps your senses sharp and you observe and experience new sights and sounds.

This morning, I found myself on canopy Road.  My sister's house backs up to the most beautiful road I've ever seen.  Giant oaks line either side and branches join like clasped hands to cover the road in a  tunnel of trees. Spanish moss drapes down to make curtain thatfilters the early morning sun.   The warm humid Florida air makes breathing hard this morning. The thick air is heavy and already sweat trickles down my face, burning my eyes. The canopy road gives relief to the hot humid air.  The shadows fall on the road and a gentle breeze greets my face.  As the breeze blows the sweat from my eyes, it carries the the heady scent from the wild honeysuckle from the roadside.  The early morning sun streams theough openings in the arms of the oaks  makes abstract designs on the pavement that my feet connect with rhythmic patterns.

My mind drifts now to thoughts of sisters.  My two sisters I left at the house, talking and chattering about the day.  The sisters to whom we fed early morning bottles.  Their tiny lips surrounded by a  crusty milk mustaches.  I think about the two sisters that live at my house. I think about the adjustment of the upcoming year and how life will change for both of them.

All these thoughts weave through my mind and as my feet pound out a mindless pattern, and my breathing repeats the cadence, I notice that I have gone farther down this canopy road than I intended.  I hear a dog bark in the distance and that is my cue to turn around and head home, if I can find it.  I'm sure my sister has a pot of coffee waiting.  A good start to a relaxing day.  I feel at peace with the world.  There is a  great comfort in having  and in being a sister.  A built in friend. Someone like you and someone so different. Forever joined by an invisible thread.

And that's my thoughts on my canopy road run.