Baby Jesus on the Porch Swing

 Jesus.  Immanuel.  God with us.

Last Christmas I created a simple manager scene in my side yard.  I had some extra crate pieces from gathering such for props at school.  This year I had enough crate pieces remaining to create another simple manager scene in my yard.  I have a thrift store baby doll wrapped in a pillowcase in a pile of hay within the wooden frame with a star above and lights to illuminate it.  For the past month baby Jesus has resided out in the yard.  This year the weather has been pretty mild and I haven't worried much about him.  Last year I occasionally brough him in to dry off because it was so wet and cold.

Christmas Eve day my neighbor said she and her granddaughter walked by my house and saw that baby Jesus had fallen out of the manager.  So little Scottie "wrapped him in his swaddeling clothes and layed him in the manger." Christmas morning I discovered baby Jesus naked in the cold wet grass.  It was raining.  His swaddling clothes were missing.  It is a mystery as to who or what happened.  As a result Christmas morning baby Jesus was rescued, wrapped up in a blanket from the front porch blanket basket and placed on the porch swing.  It is still really wet and rainy here. So he is still there.

Well, I have been thinking. It is so easy to think of "God with us" when we see the baby in the manger throughout December.  But when the creche is put away, I tend to go back to thinking I am on my own and the one who has to "figure it out" and "make it work."  So maybe I will keep baby Jesus in his cozy blanket on the porch swing for awhile as a reminder that "God is with us" even when the Christmas decorations have been put away and the New Year commences.

Christmas Miracles

I confess I have watched too many Halmark christmas movies.  They love to use the phrase "Christmas Miracles."  We know THE Christmas miracle is Jesus but after watching too many Halmark movies one may begin to think Christmas Miracles relate to the local historical building being saved from becoming a high rise condo's or it snows on Christmas Eve. With the mindset I have to say, while opening the mail Christmas Eve, the first thought I had was "oh my, it's a Christmas Miracle!"

In the mail that gathered while I was away ,was mail for Peter from the Social Security office.  It included his acceptance letter for SSI, his newly qualified Medicid card and a check covering back pay for his dissability since his application was made in August.  After being warned it could take a year and he would likely be rejected and have to apply, Peter received SSI after only 4 months without delay.  It does feel pretty miraculous.

The other Christmas Miracle came when after 3 1/2 months (anc a weekend of failed attempts) I finally got to talk with Peter on the phone.  We also got to talk today and he is definetly in a better headspace.  He is ready to get out of jail because he is bored.  All there is to do is sleep and eat.  He said meals were the highlight of the day.  He doesn't seem to realize how bad things were but seems willing to take the medicine.  He is talking about getting out, getting a car, and getting a job.  Today he was telling me what he wanted for Christmas/birthday present.  

These are all good things.  But I wont lie, it has stirred up a lot anxiety about what's next and what I need to do etc.  I am very grateful for Jennie, the Mental Health Liason at the Jail.  She has gone out of her way to help me.  She sent me an e-mail from her home this evening to reassure me when she received an email from me where I was spiraling a bit with anxiety over next steps.  She assured me that Peter's SSI was good news and would help in tfinding him a place to go.  I am so grateful for her position which was created in the last 6 weeks.

Thank you for your prayers regarding the SSI.  We can thank God for answering it. Your prayers for the many next steps are greatly appreciated.  We will look forward to the future miracles regarding PEter's story,

Merry Christmas Eve

Greetings from the South Carolina coast. Mom and I have spent the Yunpast 4 days with our friends, May and Kevin Adams at Litchfield Beach. It has been a delightful time of shell gathering, casual shopping, game playing, puzzle assembling and good eating. The weather has been great, cool but sunny. We are so grateful for me and their inviting us to join them. We are all headed back to our respective homes today.

There has been some activity regarding Peter. He attempted  call me on Friday from the office of my liaison Jeanie at the jail. I missed the call and the voicemail would not go through. I spoke with Jeanie later for some time and that was helpful. I put money on an account so he can call me. However that system currently is glitchy and Peter's attempts to call yesterday did not get through. I was unable to get help on the phone to resolve it. If he can't reach me before Tuesday, Jeanie said she would again try to get him in her office to call me.

Peter is on oral medication and doing better. Jeanie said she even saw him smile when he was in her office. Improvement could lead to the competency test being canceled and an earlier release happening. Although this is good , my continued concern is that he will be released without anywhere to go. My other concern is that there aren't really any obvious options as for a place he can go. I really appreciate Jeanie and her honesty about what could happen as well as her efforts to do whatever she can to help, even though she's limited.

My faith is weak. But the bible says I don't need much. I continue to hope and trust that God will provide in his perfect time. I pray that God will use this time in jail forPeter's  good. That there will be people who show him kindness and the love of God. 

Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thank you so much for being part of our journey.

Peter update Dec 3

I did not talk with Peter on Friday.  My contact, Jeanie said she offered to help him make the phone call but he did not want to.  I am ok with that.  I wanted him to know I knew where he was and that if he wanted to connect,  I was available.  I now know that he knows that. But if he is still in an agitated state, I don't think it would have been beneficial to either of us. Jeanie says that she will offer again as he improves which of course is the hope now that he is taking some medication.

To backtrack a bit.  This past Tuesday after not hearing from anyone in several weeks, I received a call from a lady with the ACT Team.  She and I spoke back in August when Peter showed up on my porch.  She is a nurse with the program Peter was "working with" while on the porch.  A connection had just been made between the mental health liaison and ACT Team.  She called me to see if she could connect me with the Mental Health liaison at the jail, Jeanie. So I had the opportunity to speak with both of them and probably gained more information than I had in 3 months.  There is still quite a bit that I am unclear about but it appears that there are definitely some people working on Peter's behalf.  The process I am told is slow.  Currently the court has ordered a competency test based on his state when he last was to appear in court.  (Evidently the psychosis got pretty bad.)  From my understanding, they won't let him out while that is pending.  And it could take up to a year.  Meanwhile they are working on getting him medication.  I was able to share with Jeanie (who is a nurse) all the meds that he has been on over the past 3 years which I think gives them a head start. There are programs for people in jail upon release but I learned only if it is a felony.  Peter's is a misdemeanor.  So the "what happens after incarceration?" is still a big question.  And how the outcome of the competency test, either way, affect things, I don't know.  I did learn that his disability application will have been stopped because his is incarcerated.  It will have to be started all over.  With new information of course comes new "concerns" I am mentally trying to solve.  There is something to be said about the whole "ignorance is bliss" thing.  

So here are things I am concerned for and appreciate your prayers regarding (in addition to however God leads you.)

• Peter's mental stability - effective medication and his willingness to take it.
• God's kindness and mercy to him in the midst of great mental darkness as well as jail.
• For mental, physical, spiritual healing.
• For Jeanie and his Public Defenders as they work on his behalf.
• A place for him to live as well as people support and advocacy once he is out of jail.
• Financial support - disability etc.
• Wisdom for me in knowing what I am to do - regarding the medical bills and letters from collection agencies, preparing for his future financial needs, etc.

Here are things I thank God for.

• Peter is "safe" and sheltered and fed.
• There are people working on his behalf.  Our city government just instigated this Mental Health Liaison position and put Jeanie in the position to help people like Peter.
• I have had a reprieve from  the stress of the past year with Peter.
• During Peter's incarceration I have been on 2 tripsand many other day events that I have been free to enjoy without constant anticipation of "a phone call."
• Mom and I were not going to do a Christmas beach trip this year because of all the uncertainty with Peter.  However a few weeks ago some friends invited us to go to the beach with them for a few days before Christmas.  Because Peter will be "cared for," we are going to go. We are looking forward to it.
• Mom's health has been good.
• I am grateful for my peaceful little house.
• I have great friends who have been supportive and caring.

It is an interesting season we are in with Peter.  There has been peace in not dealing with him day to day, wondering "is he safe," "what might he do next," and "what should I do?" This is a season where I have not been able to do much and that is a relief. Yet I struggle with the guilt of feeling such relief.  I feel guilty for all my freedoms, comforts and somewhat sound mind  knowing he has none of those. We have gone through his birthday, Thanksgiving and now Christmas and it is sad.  Memories of celebrations past stir up the grief of what is currently lost. Mom and I miss the healthy Peter. As I struggle with my own emotional mental battles I hurt for Peter knowing his mental battle is beyond my comprehension.  And to all of it I simply say JESUS.  God is with us in the midst of all of this.  And that is where my hope lies.

• 
  

Maybe tomorrow

I did not receive a phone call from Peter today.  Jeanie (my contact) did text with no explanation but an apology and a "we will try again tomorrow." So maybe tomorrow.

Quick update on Peter

This is quick because I need to go to sleep. My legs are doing that "you are really tired" jerking. Yesterday I talked with the mental health liason at the jail, Jeanie. This is evidentally a new position and she and I were just connected.  It was a helpful conversation and she spent a good bit of time talking with me.  It sounds like Peter has been in a pretty psychotic state but has recentlyagreed to take some medication.  She said he is not "stable" but it has helped.  It sounds like the court is seeking a compentency test.  According to Jeanie this can be a really long process, months.  I did ask her about my reaching out to Peter. She said she would ask him when she saw him and later responded that she would help him try to call me tomorrow (thursday) or Friday.  Please pray for this conversation.  

I will try to share more information following our conversation.

Thank you.

Heading Home

It's Monday afternoon and I am sitting at the gate for my flight out of Yakima headed back to Atlanta via Seattle.  The end of a trip is usually not as fun as the beginning.  But there is definitely a sense of peace. I am glad I came and grateful for time with Sue and her family as well as quiet time alone.

On Saturday I had a couple of little visits with Sue. And in the between there was lunch with Sherry (Sue's daughter) and Mary Beth ( not a daughter, but like me feels very connected to Ron and Sue.) Mary Beth and I also managed a visit to a great coffee shop.  Throughout the weekend my time with them was also helpful. During one of the Sue visits I told her my story about AT the Pen Man. She directed me to a lamb on her couch and gave him to me. So I had a travel buddy for the rest of the trip, Sanders Lamb. 

I am now on airplane 2. I have a row to myself. woo hoo. I may get a nap before the midnight landing.  It's time to switch to airplane mode soI will share more from the trip later. Thanks for the prayers and encouragement!!

Destination Reached

Yesterday was a long day of travel but I made all my connections, got a rental car and made it to my intended destination. Yesterday afternoon I got to hug Sue's neck and visit with her for a couple of hours. It was very sweet. There were a lot of tears on both side. Her daughter and a long time friend who is here to help care for her, took me out for dinner after we took Sue to get hers in the dining room. I enjoyed getting to know them and was able to hear more of what had happened these past five months. It certainly helped fill in the gaps.

I am staying in a nice hotel. I slept smack In the middle of the king size bed for a good twelve hours. I had only slept a couple hours the night before and was pretty tired. I just finished the yummy free breakfast and will get to see Sue in about an hour.

I unpacked my bag and AT, the pen man definitely didn't make it to Washington state. I would love to know where he ended up and with who. Truth is, I found when traveling,  especially when alone, it helps to have a little object for photos. It helps tell the story as I'm not a fan of solo selfies or just pictures of places. I forgot to bring one of my travel buddies from home And I found the pen in the gift shop at the Atlanta airport. Maybe I will pick up a small buddy here in Yakima or perhaps this trip just won't have many pictures.

that didn't last long!

Well we are sitting at the gate... waiting... it's 20 min past schedule. something about auxiliary air?

And looks like my new friend ditched me back at the airport, somewhere. I can't find him 

tucked among my things. He probably thought LA sunshine sounded better than Seattle cold and hopped on with someone at the next gate over. Oh well. Pen Men come and Pen Men go. Do we cry? goodness no.

the next adventure

Today I got up and headed for the Atlanta airport about 2:45 AM. I am headed to Yakima WA to visit my Aunt Sue. If you have followed my journey for awhile, you may recall other pilgrimages I have made to see my honorary Aunt Sue and Uncle Ron in Washington state. Before we could plan my visit for this past August, Sue suffered a brain aneurysm and has been working hard to regain in rehab ever since. Thus I did not go at my usual time. When Uncle Ron rather suddenly died in October,  I decided I wanted to make the journey to see Sue.  So today I am on my way for a long weekend. This will be a different kind of Yakima trip but I am excited to see Sue and experience Yakima in November. It already has proven adventurous. My plane has been delayed and new arrangements were made by the airline to get me to my destination after midnight. So thanks to Maggie, the rep in Boise who helped me on the phone, plans have been flipped around making my arrival in Yakima the same with less travel time in a rental car. In addition, the airline bought me breakfast and well..... I met a guy.  A.T. was just hanging out in the airport gift shop with no plans for the weekend.  He asked if he could go with me. And I said,  yes!

We'll keep you posted!

SURPRISE!!!!

When Mom returned from her visit to her homeland of Kansas in August,  she had news that there was going to be a family celebration in October.  Her brother's 4 daughters were hosting a party to celebrate his 90th birthday and he and his wife's 70th wedding anniversery.  Thus we began discussing the possibility of going.  We decided with Peter's current situation that instead of our annual Christmas trip, She and I would fly to Kansas for the celebration.  Mom decided it was going to be a big SURPRISE for everyone.  So even though we had airline tickets, a rental car and VBRO rental house lined up, when a cousin called to offer to get us there, Mom said I couldn't get off work. In truth I think we were in the midst of ordering our T-shirts to wear to the event.  

This was a different trip for mom because since she wasn't telling anyone she was coming, she couldn't do her usual planning and detailed itinerary. Plus, she had just been to visit so she did not feel the pressure to make sure she fit everyone in. There were a couple of people not related to that side of the family that  I finally convinced her we should give a heads up to so that we didn't miss them.  We knew that most of her side of the family would be at the party and we would get to see them there. Personally I loved that this trip was not planned out and we got to be a bit spontaneous.  We had a great trip!!!  I think we really did pleasantly surprise her family. The weather was beautifulI. Our accomidations and car were just what we needed. We had some fun unexpected visits with friends and family. Overall, it was just so fun to be with Mom and enjoy her homeland.  I will use pictures to share a bit of the story.

After arriving in Kansas City our first stop was the Russel Stover Chocolate outlet and lunch at Bob Evans.

The Russel Stovers had been purchased (some of it anyway) for Mom's college friend Shirley.  Shirley's mom had worked for Russel Stovers when they were in college and Shirley often brought the candy back to school.  Last time mom saw her, Shirley talked about wishing she had some.  So the next stop was a surprise visit to Shirley with a bag of Russel Stovers candy in towe.

Next we took our rental car (which funny enough had Georgia plates) to the cute little house in an old historic district of Topeka. It was a great little place to set up base camp.  It was easy for getting to our various points of inerest.  We weren't too far from the Kansas State Capital building where I remember my Grandma working when I was little.  Mom and I made several drives by it during the weekend to determine exactly what color was the roof! It used to be green, oxidized copper.  They redid the roof and people tell us it is copper.  It looked black to us!

Next stop was to the cemetary in the little town of Hoyt where my parent's grew up.  I was excited to go out there on a pleasant sunny day.  My other trips have been on cold, wet and windy days.  Dad's tree is growing well and it's always nice to spend a few minutes at this peaceful spot.  While we were there we drove down a dirt road to make a surprise visit to a classmate of my mom's.  (My mom and dad were 2 of 10 students in their graduating class.)  It was fun to chat with Carolyn a bit but we had to make her promise not to tell my Uncle Delbert  (Mom's brother in law by her sister).  They are friends and she said she was suppose to call him..  He would be at the party and we didn't want him to know.  Then we went to the graocery store to get food supplies.  I know I was looking around every corner to make sure we didn't run in to a relative! 

Saturday morning was saw another childhood friend of my mom's.  She is the one mom stayed with while visiting in August.  We watched her play some pickle ball and she gave me a bunch of succulent clippings.  Yes "Succulents in my Suitcase" is just another title of one of my unwritten books.  Carolyn was also told "Don't tell anyone we are here!"  Yes mom has two school friends that she keeps up with, both named Carolyn!

Mom planned for us to wear celebration T-shirts to the event.  Etsy helped us combine old photo's with the word's stating that we were there to celebrate these people.

After making a couple of fun spontaneous stops, it was time to go to the party.  It was so fun to see the surprise on the family's faces as they realized Aunt Millie was there. I think my Aunt and Uncle were really excited about mom's surprise.  It was such a great celebration and we are so glad we were able to be there. I got to see several cousins and aunts and uncles that I don't see very often. 

Uncle Walt and Aunt Wanda

Dale is Wanda's brother and he and my mom
stood up with Walt and Wanda at their wedding. 
He and mom had a couple of dates back in the 
day as well.

Walt and Wanda's 4 daughters did a great job of
putting this celebration together. 

The rest of the trip was delightful spontaneous visits with family.  Saturday evening we were invited to join my uncl Delbert (he was married to mom's sister that died several years ago) on his regualr Saturday night "date" with mom's classmate Carolyn. "Date" is my word, not theirs.  They go most every Satruday, at the same time, and to the same restaurant just a town over. And after dinner Carolyn fed us Apple Pie.  I learned a couple of years ago that Carolyn can make really good apple pie so I was glad we got in on that.  The whole evening with them was so much fun. I grew up in big towns and have contact with two friend from all my pre-college schooling. I find the dynamics of these folks who grew up in a small town together and are still friends fascinating

Sunday we had an early lunch with my Uncle Slim (he was married to Dad's sister) and my cousin Tonya.  That was another real treat.  I learned later as mom was telling me stories that this uncle had dated Carolyn (from the night before) back in the day.  I love small towns!  Later that evening when we had no plans Mom and I made a surprise stop by Cousin Tonya's house and had a spontaneous dinner with her.  Again, so much fun.

Sunday afternoon cousin Dale invited us over to gather with his mom (Mom's oldest sister  Aunt Phyllis) and her brother and wife Walt and Wanda.  The Chief's were playing on the big screen and in the midst of that we did a little visiting.  I had fun conversations with both of my aunts.  I was delighted to hear my Aunt Wanda share stories about her and my uncle dating and his marriage proposal. 

Mom (87) with her sibblings,
Phyllis (94) Walt (90) The baby
Imagene died several years ago.

Me with the Amazing Aunt Wanda

Sunday evening mom and I enjoyed putting on our comfy clothes and watching some Netflix in our cute little rental.  The next day we packed up, found the See's Candy shop at the Nebraska Furniture Market then met long time friends Frank and Lee for lunch.  This couple and my parents became friends shortly after getting married and have been "like family" friends ever since.

Then it was time to turn in the rental car and get ready to fly home.  While waiting in the airport, mom was approached by an airline worker who thought she must be Sophia (Estelle Getty) from the Golden Girls.  Mom says that isn't the first time that has happened.  We had a good laugh.  Then mom went and got her haircut shortly after getting back!

The hardest part of the trip was from the time we got off the plane in Atlanta until we final got to our car. It was a small price to pay for the great little adventure together. I am grateful for all of mom's efforts to plan and make this surprise visit.  It is a memory I will always treasure.

October Recap

I don't have any new information on Peter. I do know he is to appear before a judge in a couple of weeks. The ultimate goal seems to be to get him qualified for mandated medical help. Please continue to pray towards this end along with a place to get therapeutic help once he is stabilized. My heart breaks for him and his current situation. There is a continual underlying sadness. However, I have been very grateful for the break from trying to fix things for him. The past month plus, I have had several fun events. Knowing he is being cared for has freed me to fully engage in them. Here is a little recap.

At the end of September we caught up with Anna and the kids in Cleveland GA for an Ag Festival.  Always fun to be with them and it was a beautiful day outside.  

In early October I tagged along with Billy and Melissa (and friends) to St. Simon and Jekyl Island.  This is where I did my one and only half marathon 9 years ago.  I barely did a 5K this time. But it was so fun to be back at the islannds and breath in the salt air. The weather was phenominal and the people and pace soothing to the soul.

Mid October I participated in my church Trunk or Treat.  I recycled last year's costume, borrowed props from school, and revamped an old trunk or treat activity to present Pete the Cat and his Groovy Button Game.

October 20-23 mom and I went on surprise visit to Kansas.  It will get it's own post.

This past weekend I capped off the fall festivies with a visit from my friend Dora who lives in Alabama.  She called herself Dora the Explorer as she led me on an adventurous day exploring in the North Georgia Mountains.  It was so fun to have her stay in my guest room and I  enjoyed the peaceful time with her.  

I am grateful for these many gifts of being able to rest and refresh this Fall.  I have one more trip coming up  .. but I will tell you about that later.  As always thank you for cheering me on and praying with us.  A friend recently said "I like to think we are walking each other Home, to our Eternal Home."  I really like that.  Thanks for walking me home.  (And I am just now having this thought that maybe I have already shared that with you.  I am not going to take the time to go back and look.  Even if I have,, I don't think it hurts to say it again.

Over Due Peter Update

I look forward to telling you about my latest fun adventure with my mom but first I want to give you an update on Peter.  There is not much new as he remains in Jail, I understand that he still is refusing medication . I have had no contact with him, however I have made a contact that was helpful.

Amongst the many medical bills that have arrived for Peter, he recieved a jury summons for next week.  In my efforts to get it excused, I was corresponding by email with a clerk in the jury duty office.  In my explanation that I could not get the excusal documentation that they required, I expresed my frustration over my lack of information on his status.  This kind woman took the time to do some digging and not only did she take care of getting Peter cleared from jury duty, she gave me information.  She gave me his bail amount and the name of his public defender along with his public defender's phone number and the recommendation that I contact him.  

I did call him and he took the time to update me.  Peter does remain in jail with a fairly high bail.  His charge is a simple disorderly conduct misdemeanor but they are holding him because of his mental state.  Peter is refusing medication and is not interested in talking to those who come to talk with him.  The current plan is to try to get a compentency test done on Peter that would show he is not clear of mind to make decisions.  This would allow him to be transported to a mental hospital and medicated with hopes of recovery.  The public defender confirmed my thoughts that currently jail was the safest place for Peter as it provided food and shelter and keeps him off the street.  I am told this process is slow yet I know through a notice in the mail, Peter has an arraignment hearing on November 16th. I do not know how that fits into all of this.   I have been asked to provide some documentation of Peter's medical history that may help with the compentency test.  

I am grateful for these people who made the effort to help me be informed and put to rest some of my mom anxiety that was developing as a result of the silence.  Please continue to pray for the people involved, Peter to get medication, and theruptic housing in the aftermath.  Pray that I will complete the work I need to that may help in this process.  And as always we pray for the light of Christ to shine in the darkness that currently Peter is stuck in.  Thank you for your cares, concerns and prayers.

Good morning from St. Simons Island.

I just made a discovery. I can create a blog post from my phone. And I can even voice type it. You the reader may regret that I now have so much accessibility. Thanks to kind friends Billy and Melissa, I am at the beach this weekend. While part of the party ran a half marathon yesterday at Jekyll Island,  the other part ran a 5K. Everyone felt like they did really well. Considering I hadn't run in three years I was excited to finish in the top ten of my age category. And yes there were more than ten women in my age category. The weather has been fantastic. The food has been great. The company is some of the best. The vibe laid back (minus the running part.) I am extremely grateful for this weekend.

I came out this morning to the beach. It's a 0.4 mile walk through a mossy lane. The sun rise went ahead without me. It was waiting in beauty when I got there. I brought my beloved quilt that my friend Helen made me. It has become a beach sunrise necessity. Early risers at the house had the coffee ready. And I sit here on the sand in great contentment. As much as I am a mountain girl and love my mountains, there is something very soothing to my soul about the ocean, especially early in the morning..

Ever since I learned the hymn, Oh the Deep Deep Love of Jesus from a BSF hymnal, I find attempting to sing it while looking at the ocean another requirement of a beach visit. My church sings that song but they changed the tune. I haven't gotten over that yet. But that doesn't matter here just me on the beach.

"Oh the deep deep love of Jesus , vast unmeasured, fullness free. Rolling as a mighty ocean, over me." There is something about sitting in front of the ocean and singing those words  that is a balm to my soul. Life is hard. There is so much we don't understand about this world. Yet I believe with all my heart that Jesus loves me. Even when things don't look the way I wish they did. And I choose to let that be enough. It's always easier doing so while sitting here on the beach. So I'm really grateful for these moments. And I hold on to them when I'm living in the muck and meyer of day to day.

Today is Peter's twenty fifth birthday. He is in jail. I have had no contact with him in over four weeks. And I don't have any more information since my last post about him.  When I ttexted Helen that today was his birthday she said. "I don't think hallmark has a card for that." Pretty much sums it . I would ask that you would say a prayer for him today. It's all I have to offer him right now. And yet in the spiritual world -which is the real reality- it is everything that one can offer him.

My coffee has run out. My bottom is sore from sitting on this lump of sand. So I will look at wrapping this up. I have to head back home in a few hours. That is sad. But I am so grateful for the gift of this weekend. Peter had a birthday and I got a gift. Go figure.

Happy Birthday

Here is a little Birthday Shout out (a day late) to this great lady! Mom was 87 yesterday, Oct 1st- finally! I have been telling people for almost a year that she is 87.  She recently corrected me!  She was 86 ALL last year.  Now she is 87 and going strong!

She is a friend to many keeping up with friends old and new through cards, calls and even text!

She is active working in her yard, working on jigsaw puzzels, and going to swim excercise (even when she doesn't really want to.)

yes we have twinsy bathing suits like we had
twinsy dresses when I was a kid. 
FYI - I had my suit first.

She is an award winning mom, friend, and cookie baker!

She has "adopted" many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren over the years and is beloved by many.

I am so grateful to call this great lady mom!  Really I mean it.  I am not just saying it because she will read this post.  In honesty she might not like that I displayed her all over this page!  Oh well.  Thats what she gets for being so great!!!