February

Well, believe it--it's almost February. Will the ground hog see his shadow or not? But the question today, is--are the National and local weather forecaster's right? Is it or isn't it? They predict-ice, rain and snow for 50% of the nation. They predict a 1/2 "of ice for place -- that's hard on the tree but good for the auto repair shops.

I worry about all those people who have to go to work in that stuff, while all I have to worry about is, will the electricity stay on so I can stay warm. Don't worry about it though, I have lots to keep me warm for some time. This year you kids don't have to worry about your parents, we both are taken care of well.

Went to dad yesterday and took him a valentines bear--candy --and a card. I took him to the dining room for coffee and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.( He just scarfs them down). I talked about the snow which might be coming in and then I wouldn't come if the roads weren't good. Before I left he thought we should go in, because the snow was getting deeper and he was getting cold. Poor guy.

I've been doing little things that had to get done since I moved--but I believe I'm caught up. Now what? Don't worry-if I take part in some of the activities they have around here I'll not get lonely. I started to play bridge (which I never thought I'd do). I enjoy that because two of the ladies are 97 and we play for fun, not for blood. Tonight we have wii-fi bowling. Sometimes we play Uno--phase ten or skipo. All are fine--lots of the not so well women , who know nothing about the game enjoy playing and wining( with a lot of help--(now lay this -- where --and when).

Evonne gave me a perm the last time she was here and it's a good one. Now I don't have to give my own. My finger nails are improving since I started taking calcium for nail breakage. I love taking showers , since I can walk right in and sit down. I use those bath balls they gave me for Christmas and that new bath jell soap. Does that work good. (Man, I've been missing 1/2 of life.) Also I now wear lipstick body cologne-and perfume. I've got all kinds of good cloths-some new -some hand me downs,- but all great.

Until more rambling--Keep well.

Lady of Leizure

It's me again after exactly - 3 months-16 days and 17 hours. Boy did I miss this thing. Boy am I glad it's up and running . And boy am I glad it's not costing me anything extra a month.

I had a lot to catch up with and Evonne helped me a number of times with things I had already forgotten.

Just want you all to know--I like it here and am now a lady of leisure. Painted finger nails--lots of activities--meals made for me--bed changing-vacuuming-mopping-taking out the garbage--washing all the dirty clothes--Can use all the water and electricity I want and set the heat to 87 if I feel like it.

Today a singing group came in at 2 and played about an hour and this evening I go to WI bowling. Also am started on another painted. Love you all. Ladene

School Again

Yesterday, early morning--there were flashing lights outside the front room windows. Now what? You guessed it--School started around here yesterday--Aug. 19-6:45 AM. What a deal! I can remember when we could milk the cows for dad--hang out the wash for mom --have breakfast and still catch the bus in time for school at 9 o'clock.

I know I'm living in the past and I have good rights too. One morning I got to school-- hung up my coat in the first part of the girl's bathroom, and was surprised to see I still had my apron on. I guess that was the original layered looked.

Most all the schools have air conditioning so it really doesn't matter if it's 95 degree outside or if it's snowing and 20 degrees outside the windows.

Found out yesterday that the lady who always helps with Immanuel Baptist church services held at Innisfree every Sunday morning, teaches school at Garfield.

Pray for a weather change

Boy--this year is the worst year I can remember since moving to Arkansas many years ago. Just read the long range forecast and there is not going to be a drastic weather change for us at this time.

It continues to be very hot and very dry. We do need rain badly. Won't have to mow for many moons if it stays this way.

Miranda is busy painting the duplex for Rich , in this heat, and doing a great job. She has a good day left , if all goes well, and then some time Rich plans on doing the trim for her.

Just thought I'd let you know just in case you don't keep up with us guys in
Ar.

Faith

Just ran across a great poem and decided to share it with you all again. Have done it before--but it is so powerful.

"The Beautiful Gift" by Grace Noll Crowell

What can a mother give her children
Greater today than this one great thing,
FAITH in an old, sweet, beautiful story,
A Star-- A Stable-- A New Born King?

Shining FAITH in the young lad, Jesus:
Lover of high, white things was HE:
Jesus--straight as a Lebanon cedar;
Jesus--clean as the winds from the sea.

FAITH in the young lad come to manhood;
Jesus, compassionate, tender and true-
OH, my children--what more glorious
Gift in the world can I give to you?

Carry it high like a lamp in the darkness
Hold it for warmth when the day is cold.
Keep it for joy when youth goes singing,
Clasp it for peace when you are old.

What can a Mother give her children
More than a Faith that will not dim?
Take it--my dear ones--hold it forever;
A lamp for a lifetime--FAITH in HIM.

Friends

This is the third time I am trying to get this off to you. Don't know what I do. One time I only got the picture printed and the next time I looked up and only had a blank page, so her goes again. If I don't make it this time I am going to crash this &*&**** thing.

I had the best week with Henrietta. She drove up alone, from Iowa on Sat. She had spent the night in Nevada, Mo. and left this am. and plans to spend the night some place in Mo. past Kansas City. She plans to be home early enough tomorrow to mow the lawn yet.

Wally never wanted to ride and see anything while he was here so this time we drove around some. We drove to Lake Atlanta--Pea Ridge(Nat. Park)--Jane Mo.--Evonne--Eureka Springs and the statue--Gather--etc. She really enjoyed Eureka Springs.

We visited a lot--played cards--Pinnacle--golf--kings in the corner--crazy rummy--rummy--etc. That was sure fun. We ate out some--sleep off and on--went to the wellness center--etc. and really enjoyed each other. He took a loose leaf notebook along with all of Wally's letter that he had written the while he was in the army during world war 2. That was so interesting. We enjoyed each other.

Dad had his 83. I must say he is going down hill rapidly, lately. He still likes to have me come, sit with and hold his hand but we carry on no conversation any more. He fell twice this past week. Both time he got bruised, but no serious injury. He is caring less about if his hair is combed, or if he is shaved. He wets a lot ( in depends a lot) and also in a wheel chair. This week he went all over the bathroom floor twice, went on the bed and floor by it--needed a change of clothes because of missing the stool--etc. He is not irritated at all lately and still just as sweet and pleasant as always. So too bad. He still likes to snoop and enjoys candies-cookies-etc. that people bring him.

This morning before Henrietta left we went to Steak and Shake for breakfast. Neither of us had been there before for breakfast. Was that good. I must go again. We had two scrambled eggs--four large stripes of bacon--two slices of toast--hash browns and all the coffee we wanted for only $4.99. She also gave me a beautiful arrangement of cut flowers. Do I ever appreciate them, She is a wonderful, thoughtful, caring person with a whole lot more stamina than what I have.

Poem

"It is only a tiny rose,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not know to such as I,
GOD opens this flower so easily,
But in my hands they die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?

So I'll trust in God for leading
Each moment of my day.
I will look too God for guidance
In each step of the way.

The path that lies before me,
Only my Lord knows.
I'll trust God to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfold the rose."

Isn't this beautiful? In the last week I realize how blessed I am and safe in the arm of Jesus. Thanks for all the prayers. God is great.