A larger than life birthday.........

Today is my 53rd birthday. I commented on my facebook page that rather than burning the house down with that many candles lit atop a cake large enough to hold them all I pondered on switching the numbers around and using 35 instead. That way maybe only the house smoke alams would go off. I've been thinking a lot of the kindness we all need to extend to others and was reminded by my Aunt about that yesterday on our way back home from my Uncles funeral. Imagine how much lower our blood pressures would be were we not to let things bother us to the extent that we sometimes do. Why also is it that wisdom doesn't arrive between our ears until we're much older. Thankfully most of us have some horse sense but perhaps it's the life lessons that cannot be taught that bring the wisdom in later years. I try to teach my sons that everyone has a story and to be mindful not to judge for that very reason. We don't always know what path life has taken them down and the valleys they may have gone through just to live each day. I know that's why we become much wiser by listening than by talking. There is much to learn, even with each new day and someone we have yet to meet that may be one to teach us. I'll close here with a quote, one that I often think of when I think of my darling husband <3

If you live to be 100, I want to live to be 100 minus one so that I never have to be without you. Author- Pooh Bear

Bittersweet Summer

This past Tuesday my Uncle Charles passed away, he was 73 and I want to quote the pastor that spoke at his service today in saying that he lived a, 'beautiful life.' He had been ill with pulmonary edema and it was his heart that gave out Tuesday. He was married to my Aunt Betty for 56 years. He was a wonderful father to four grown children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that spoke so highly of their love for him today and the joy that he and his wife have added to their lives. He was a State Farm Insurance agent in Chillicothe Ohio for more than 30 years and thought so much of his customers and they of him. He recently gave his life to Christ and I'm sure is now with our other loved ones that have passed including my own Mother, his sister. He will be greatly missed by all of us privledged to know and love him. He touched many lives in his own lifetime. He teasingly called me Donnachellnabber and my sister Briarcatty when we saw him and always told us we were, "prettier than speckled pups." I will remember him fondly though we'll all miss him so much. I'm so grateful for having gone down to visit and see him twice in the past couple of months. I'm thankful also that the suffering has ended and for the beautiful service and many family members who were able to make the trip safely. I pray them all safe travel mercies back home again. Days are precious and so are loved ones. May we never take any of it for granted for how swiftly the days go by but yet another season has passed - not only in the year but our lives as well.

Cannon-The Boys in The Band

Two of my sons are in a band called, "Cannon." They played out a few weeks ago at St. Bernadettes Church in Westlake much to the chagrin of their parents and friends ! They played well for a first time out and had gotten the word out that they would be there by word of mouth and handing out flyers at a local mall. A nice crowd turned out to see them, lots of fun ! Last night they played at the,"Newport Music Hall" in Columbus Ohio. Apparently a lot of big name bands got their start playing at this place - so very cool !! Several other bands played but the two main bands were listed on the tickets and Tyler our middle son, the guitarist/backup singer commented that they were..... and more <---- listed on the ticket. He cracks me up. Ryan is the singer for the band and Tony is the bass player/backup singer also. Our oldest Dustin said he was very impressed that they were playing at a venue that required buying tickets through ticketmaster. I thought it very cool also. Jared, our youngest and the drummer made it through the night thankfully, even though he had an awful accident smashing his left index finger with a sledge hammer. The end of it literally exploded, just awful. He played like a trooper but I'm sure it throbbed terribly. The guys all went to school together and are really good friends. All in all, they got to play for close to 45 minutes and I would call it a stellar performance, not biased or anything you know, LOL !! I love them all so much and it is with great joy that I watch them fulfilling dreams they're dreaming. In the back from left to right are, Tyler, Ryan, Jared and Tony. I don't know who the girls are. I'll end here with a little tidbit.......not mine of course, I just like it.

Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.

A Pig Roast

On the 4th we held a pig roast. This time at the shop as there were going to be quite a few more folks and we wouldn't have the tent and chair rental etc. It turned out to be a wonderfully gorgeous day with the weather in the low 70's, perfect in my humble opinion with a few pretty clouds passing by. We had quite an assortment of food and delicious food it was. Hubby stuffed the pig with kielbasi and kraut then sewed him up nicely to cook. Made it nice and juicy and good, that is if you like eating pig. I'll stick with a burger or maybe just some of Aunt Louise's delicious pasta salad instead. Last fall when we held Jared's 21st birthday party we cooked our first pig and after they had taken him off the spit they put his head on the trailer hitch of the pig roaster. Sometime later Tyler let the pups out for a potty break. Emily, our oldest dachscund turned up missing. Not for too long though. She was found beneath the pig roaster having gotten that pig head off the hitch. She managed to eat half his face off and was laying on her back in, pardon my pun - 'hog heaven.' Crazy dog, she didn't eat for two whole days. Amazing. Had to share that story, it still makes me laugh ! Just as everything was winding down and folks were heading out we saw a few fireworks in the distance. Happy Birthday America, what a great nation we call home.

A Visit

My Aunt Shirley called me to ask me to ride along with her down to Chillicothe to visit my Uncle Charles her brother. I was overjoyed and responded with a resounding, 'yes !' I contemplated how much fun it would be the trip down and back with her. She is always so much fun to be with and when I think of her it just makes my heart smile. When I think of my Mothers three sisters she reminds me most of Mom so it's such a treat to see her whenever possible. We only circled Columbus once trying to find the bypass around it ( giggle ) so that just added to the silliness. Once there we planned a cookout for evening which was very enjoyable. Uncle Charles is not doing very well and has been sick with a pulmonary infection and on continuous oxygen. It's hard to see him sick, reminds me of my own Dad who passed away in 1995. I can scarcely believe that much time has passed. Shouldn't life SLOW down as we age. I ponder that one often however next thing I know a month has passed so I guess I'd best keep up. It was a delight to see Diana my cousin, and her husband Wayne again. In fact I phoned the night before we left to talk with her and Wayne answered. I remarked did he think he could put up with me yet again. Didn't visit for 3 years then did 3 times within a matter of about 6 weeks. He laughed and said sure, LOL. Joyful though and always so very much fun. Diana is most definitely like the big sister I never had and is a sweet blessing in my life standing in the gap filling a void left by another. So I give thanks for that time spent visiting and the memories that were made. Life is a treasure indeed.