Reflections

Life is good! Happy Thanksgiving!

Paul & I were having coffee/tea this morning and reviewing the local paper.  I looked at the ads on real estate.  I have NO idea what ever made me do that, as I am really not interested in real estate ... AT ALL.  And we love our "Glover House" and have no real desire to move.  We're still on our 10 year plan to fix things up and etc.  There are a go-zillion properties for sale, of course.  One really made my interest peak.  It was a 1940 small farm house on acreage with an organic garden, stream, etc.  The price was unbelievably reasonable.  I have always had a soft spot and a romantic notion to own and work a farm.  I have dreamed of such off and on throughout my life.  My maternal grandparents had horses, chickens, rabbits, garden, etc.  They lived in a tiny little house on a VERY small piece of land, yet they managed to have a barn, an exercise ring, a garden plot, a chicken pen with coop and a rabbit "nook".   My grandfather raised horses for the Calvary (I even have his mule skinner papers!) and then later on raised and rode race horses.  He literally dreamed horse racing until the day he passed on.  I think that was where my love for the "farm life" must've bloomed and it blossomed every summer when I visited them.  I did do the horse scene for a while in L.A. (of all places!) and I loved it.  Anyway, when I saw the ad in the paper for that property my heart ached to really have it! All those dreams of living on a farm with places to roam and fresh food and animals rushed in and it was warm and fuzzy and glorious!  And then I remembered what's involved in farming, caring for animals, keeping up with all that goes with farming, and I remember that side too, having been at my grandparents so much as a kid.  The "to do" list was not as intimidating as having to do it at the age I now find myself!  At then the big question came: At what point do you just resign yourself to saying you'll have to do that the next time around.  Have I reached that time in my life?  When I was busy being busy, I think I crested the hill and have begun to descend the other side.  Now, how did that happen?  The last trip I took to Atlanta sparked this very same argument with myself.  Have I arrived at the place where some things are just no longer accessible and it's time to settle a bit?  Now the gypsy blood in me is boiling in a complete uproar about this!  I think I might resist retirement in the traditional sense of the word.  Hmmmmm.

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We are approaching Thanksgiving with a huge list of gratitude! 

We are in good health and are in love with each other and protect and appreciate each other.

Paul's parents are doing well.

Our extended families are all healthy (hallelujah!) and secure.

Our adult children and grandchildren are all wonderfully vibrant.  (Nina and Melissa have both been accepted to nursing school!  Jon is thriving in the restaurant industry and Jennifer and Victor are thriving in the fitness industry and in ministry.)

We have a wonderful home, heat, running water, transportation, and the basic necessities (and then some) anyone needs to live in comfort and safety.

We can see, hear, speak, read, write, function in society, feel compassion and love.

We have wonderful friends to share life with.

We are able to volunteer in the community and give back a little of our good fortune.

We have been able to maintain enough income to keep our home, feed ourselves and help with some needs of others.

We are blessed.

We are grateful!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all,

Paul & Cheri

Gosh! It's November 15th already!

Spartacus (l) and Artemis (r) have taken to literally hiding in the bathroom, behind the bathtub in a cubby hole.  They can BARELY fit into this space.  But apparently it is better than having to face the new resident of the Glover household.  There is a lot of hissing and posturing going on right now.  I sure hope they all get over their "stuff" sooner than later!

 This, of course, is the reason for their bizarre behavior.  Remember Sheep?  Well, as he has chosen us, we've adopted him officially now.  He's been neutered, had his shots and had a name change.  He is now Sulu, after the incredible Mr. Sulu of Star Trek.  Sulu likes to come inside for his overnight sleep.  But he's still out exploring the depths of the universe during the day --- at least until the snow hits.  Then we'll see what he decides about that!  The older boys would love it if he just disappeared all together.  I'm praying for harmony here.  Please send good thoughts!

 Station wagon Paul has taken some FABULOUS shots of the tree season this year.  Here are a few.

Last I heard, we're expecting wet weather this week ... beginning as rain and ending as snow.  I'm glad he was able to get such beautiful shots before this sets in!

In other news:

It's birthday quarter, and we'd like to just send out some happy birthday wishes to you late Scorpios and early Sagittarius folks.  I've been terribly neglectful of these details of late, and I'm truly sorry.  Seems our schedules have required more of us than I've had to give.  I'm trying to get it all in order ...

So, Happy Birthday to:

Ruthie - who has moved to Virginia!, Oct. 24

Cyndie (my little sister) in Tennessee, Oct. 29

Pennisu, one of "the Pilgrims" in Orlando, Nov. 5

Valerie Marozzi - busiest mom in Orlando, Nov. 8

Dwayne neighbor in Orlando, Nov. 11

Beryl (Paul's mum) in Orlando, Nov. 20

Sabrina - friend of more years that most of you have been alive, in Atlanta, Nov. 22

I cannot BELIEVE it is mid November already.  I know a lot of people who are saying that!

We will be having our usual "Adult Orphan" Thanksgiving here this year.  If you are alone and have no one to make you Thanksgiving dinner, put your name on the list.  The more the merrier!  You are only required to show up - no cooking required.  However, you must wear proper clothing (shirt, shoes, etc.)

SAVE THIS DATE:

December 18, 2010

We (Beth, Paul  & I) will be having, what we hope to be, a very large celebration here at our house.

Winter Solstice/Holiday party!

Bring a dish to share and a friend or two.

Bring something to drink if you like a unique beverage, but we'll have a wine and beer selection ready for you when you arrive.

We'll begin about 7.

No ending time or date designated.

We are thinking it will be more of a Mexican/Mayan Fiesta with pork tamales, chicken and/or cheese enchiladas, a taco bar, some layered dips and etc.  Just thought that would be a nice contrast to the normal cheese balls and turkey wraps!

We hope to have a bonfire (weather permitting) for some Solstice rituals (no human sacrifices tho!) and maybe those of you gifted with musical skills can bring your instruments and talents to share. 

We'll have the house heated nice and warm!

PLEASE come by if you can, and stay a while!  We really want to visit with all of our friends for a holiday celebration of friendship, gratitude, and happiness!  If you'd like, wear your bells - after all, it's the holidays!

Happy November (already!)

Paul & Cheri

Trees and Trip

Isn't this little guy the CUTEST Dracula you've EVER seen?  And the one with the least amount of teeth!

 So, Paul has been tractoring and harvesting trees since last Sunday (week ago yesterday) and has worked everyday since the start of the season! He's a TIRED and hurting unit when he gets home, but he enjoys doing it.  What could be better than enjoying your day at work?  Especially if you're going to work 7 day weeks!  He will have close to 70 hours for this week.  Wow!

 He drives one of these, cab free most days because he enjoys the open air.  But since it snowed last week, he may have been in a cab ... if he had any sense at all!!!  ;-)

They are putting all the trees on pallets now ... and I presume this big red machine has something to do with that.  Not too sure how it all works, but it's voluminous ... lots and lots of trees stacked up!

I took a Ninja trip to Atlanta --- in and out quietly and quickly.  Had enough time to visit with this little guy.  He came to the room and watched a movie and some cartoons.  Guess that really wasn't visiting, but we were together!  He was quite consumed with the movie.  Can you tell?

From a different perspective.  We were watching a Wizard of Waverly movie.  He got pretty nervous at one point and got all the way off the bed and right under that tv.  This is after I made him back up!  So funny!

 Here is Jane.  Jane is my son's (Jon's) wife, Melissa's mom.  (guess it would've been easier to just say daughter-in-law, eh?  The kids threw her one heck of a surprise bash for her birthday!  So very sweet.  And Jane is one awesome woman, so it was WELL deserved!  This is the true reason I was in Atlanta!  Happy Birthday, Jane!

A momma and her son.  So good to spend some time together.  This is my son, Jon.  He doesn't make it in to a lot of blog pics because he is ALWAYS working.  Restaurant biz.  Need I say more?

Jane and her fabulous kids (l to r) Johnny, Jane, Melissa and Michael.  Johnny and Melissa are local Atlanta residents, however, Michael is a Jacksonville resident.  There was a lot of traveling last weekend!



And this is the departure ... a VERY full car and some very precious cargo (the people). 

Not pictured today are my daughter, Jennifer, who I was lucky enough to have an entire afternoon with on Saturday and dinner and a bit with on Friday night.  She is doing GREAT, looks beautiful and is an astounding woman.  SUCH a blessing to have her in such wonderful health. 

I also got to have an appointment with Dr. Gunter and get an adjustment (very overdue).  Boy, do I ever feel BETTER!  Thanks, Dr. G!

I got to swing by and visit with my sister-in-law Debbie.  She also seems great, happy and busy.  The house is under some major rehaul and redecorating.  It is looking fantastic.  Such a wonderful transformation every time I drop in.  I know it makes Debbie feel better to get it all "under control" once again. 

I pulled into the driveway about 5pm yesterday and am ready for another week!  It's getting on to "choose and cut" season, so we will be busy doing all that in another week or so.  This will be my week to get myself organized and situated for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.  Lots to do in a small window of time.  So ... I'm outta here.

Happy Trails to all,

Paul & Cheri