Well, I guess ALL MY CHILDREN have quit blogging. Kim's still running from Frankeinstein Friday, Benjamin is still on Fall Break, and Mark's little baby is still going to the bathroom. Jill, well, Jill never blogs anyway.
We are stuck here in Louisiana for one more week and I keep hoping SOMEONE will call us or email us or let us know they are alive. BUT...woe is the life of an old woman who out lives her years and wonders about her children.
I guess NO NEWS is GOOD NEWS and I shouldn't knock it. Parents do wonder though. Yes we do!!!!!!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Week Five in the Sewing Room
We have had a busy week. Last Friday Linda and I drove to Lafayette, LA to buy fabric for the Christmas Stockings for Chez Hope. That is the Domestic Abuse Center here in Franklin.
We found the fabric quickly, drove on the Harbor Freight and bought some blades for the rotary cutters and headed back toward Baldwin.
We were to meet the guys (Ted and Ken) in New Iberia for dinner but we wanted to stop at the big Walmart store in Brusard first. We both ended up buying quite a few groceries and off we went.
After a steak dinner it was home and early to bed. I was SO tired. That seems to be my middle name these days. I cannot sleep very long at one time here in these twin beds that squeek every time you move it seems, or a train is going through town or I wake myself up snoring or Ted wakes me up snoring. O.K., I'll quit whining.
Saturday was our usual cleaning of the apartment and laundry. After that we headed into Franklin to the Pumpkin Fest and see all the "goings on". Two bands were playing, old cars were on display, all the organizations in St. Mary Parish had a booth I think selling something, and the sun was warm. My favorite place is a big store converted into a garage sale for some organization. They always have the most interesting items. Last year we bought some things to embroider and the hoops and yarn were included. They are still in the bag. We also bought a light wt. blanket with "Freedom Isn't Free" embroidered on it and that we use at home.
This year we bought a pillow case to make a dress for Africa, some yarn for a dish rag, a hard hat so Ted could play a joke on his co-worker and I tried to buy the new fancy watch that snaps on your arm. There was no price on it and when I asked a lady how much she began to laugh and said "Oh, probably .75 cents" I tried to tell her they were really popular and she really laughed then saying it probably didn't work. She was right and I got tickled at her. She was having more fun than anyone.
This week we only had two women that wanted to sew and one is going on every tour offered. She's smart as this is her first time here and you need to experience the Mickey Mouse Head Start program, the elementary school, and tomorrow they will both go to Chez Hope.
So with about 45 Christmas Stockings to make we have not had the quantity of sewers we usually have but the three of us have managed to make 43 Stockings and found out last night they only need 31. That's great as they will have a few to start next year with.
So...all in all it's been a good week. Today we only have volunteers here a half day. Then I will get the rest of the supplies I'm taking back for the house they are setting up in Nashville for Veterans to get them off the street. This is one of the wonderful things Obama has done but not many people know about it. We will take towels, soap, tooth brushes, tooth paste, combs, band-aids, and nail clippers. These are things that are the wrong size to put in the kits assembled here. I want to get these boxed up and in the truck ready to go next week.
I know, this is kind of boring but it is good for us to be here and do what little we can. With everyone working together we do help a few of the hurting in our world.
We found the fabric quickly, drove on the Harbor Freight and bought some blades for the rotary cutters and headed back toward Baldwin.
We were to meet the guys (Ted and Ken) in New Iberia for dinner but we wanted to stop at the big Walmart store in Brusard first. We both ended up buying quite a few groceries and off we went.
After a steak dinner it was home and early to bed. I was SO tired. That seems to be my middle name these days. I cannot sleep very long at one time here in these twin beds that squeek every time you move it seems, or a train is going through town or I wake myself up snoring or Ted wakes me up snoring. O.K., I'll quit whining.
Saturday was our usual cleaning of the apartment and laundry. After that we headed into Franklin to the Pumpkin Fest and see all the "goings on". Two bands were playing, old cars were on display, all the organizations in St. Mary Parish had a booth I think selling something, and the sun was warm. My favorite place is a big store converted into a garage sale for some organization. They always have the most interesting items. Last year we bought some things to embroider and the hoops and yarn were included. They are still in the bag. We also bought a light wt. blanket with "Freedom Isn't Free" embroidered on it and that we use at home.
This year we bought a pillow case to make a dress for Africa, some yarn for a dish rag, a hard hat so Ted could play a joke on his co-worker and I tried to buy the new fancy watch that snaps on your arm. There was no price on it and when I asked a lady how much she began to laugh and said "Oh, probably .75 cents" I tried to tell her they were really popular and she really laughed then saying it probably didn't work. She was right and I got tickled at her. She was having more fun than anyone.
This week we only had two women that wanted to sew and one is going on every tour offered. She's smart as this is her first time here and you need to experience the Mickey Mouse Head Start program, the elementary school, and tomorrow they will both go to Chez Hope.
So with about 45 Christmas Stockings to make we have not had the quantity of sewers we usually have but the three of us have managed to make 43 Stockings and found out last night they only need 31. That's great as they will have a few to start next year with.
So...all in all it's been a good week. Today we only have volunteers here a half day. Then I will get the rest of the supplies I'm taking back for the house they are setting up in Nashville for Veterans to get them off the street. This is one of the wonderful things Obama has done but not many people know about it. We will take towels, soap, tooth brushes, tooth paste, combs, band-aids, and nail clippers. These are things that are the wrong size to put in the kits assembled here. I want to get these boxed up and in the truck ready to go next week.
I know, this is kind of boring but it is good for us to be here and do what little we can. With everyone working together we do help a few of the hurting in our world.
Friday, October 28, 2011
VESPER SERVICE
Both my two readers know this has not been the best Mission Trip I've had. BUT...last night was just the most moving Vesper Service ever.
Our music before the service started was a minister and his wife playing their Dulcimers. It was so beautiful and calming. They just played and went from one song to another with no announcement. One of the songs they played was "I'll Fly Away". All of a sudden you could hear someone humming softly, then another voice joined in and another. It moved me to tears. It was truly a Spiritual Experience.
Two ladies sang solo's. One said she was not a Methodist and everyone laughed. She also said she only had one vocal chord but God had still given her the ability to sing and sing she did.
The other lady had the most beautiful alto voice and sang In The Calm.
The whole service was one of the best I've EVER experienced here and all of a sudden it came together that this is where I need to come. I'm still not sure I'll get to come back but these last two weeks are going to be much different than I've been working on so far.
Our music before the service started was a minister and his wife playing their Dulcimers. It was so beautiful and calming. They just played and went from one song to another with no announcement. One of the songs they played was "I'll Fly Away". All of a sudden you could hear someone humming softly, then another voice joined in and another. It moved me to tears. It was truly a Spiritual Experience.
Two ladies sang solo's. One said she was not a Methodist and everyone laughed. She also said she only had one vocal chord but God had still given her the ability to sing and sing she did.
The other lady had the most beautiful alto voice and sang In The Calm.
The whole service was one of the best I've EVER experienced here and all of a sudden it came together that this is where I need to come. I'm still not sure I'll get to come back but these last two weeks are going to be much different than I've been working on so far.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
TEN and a HALF MORE DAYS
I never thought I'd be counting the days till we could go home but I am. Coming to Louisiana to work has been one of the most rewarding things we have ever done. I've loved what we did here, the people that come to work and the staff.
BUT...things have changed and it's no longer fun for me. I cannot speak for Ted but I'm ready to leave now. This will be one of the nicest memories in my book of life if I don't count this year.
I admit some of my disappointment comes from my age. The people bother me more than they used to. But other things have come into the picture too that have taken away from it for me.
I'll GET ER DONE and do my best job but my heart will not be in it - it WILL be a JOB.
So...10 1/2 full work days till we head north and that's none too soon for me.
BUT...things have changed and it's no longer fun for me. I cannot speak for Ted but I'm ready to leave now. This will be one of the nicest memories in my book of life if I don't count this year.
I admit some of my disappointment comes from my age. The people bother me more than they used to. But other things have come into the picture too that have taken away from it for me.
I'll GET ER DONE and do my best job but my heart will not be in it - it WILL be a JOB.
So...10 1/2 full work days till we head north and that's none too soon for me.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Short Break in Biloxi
Friday morning Ted and I worked in the Depot till about 10:30, then headed to Biloxi to meet Connie, Jim, and Benjamin. The weather was perfect and we were so happy for an excuse to get away.
We decided to stop and pick up a couple of Halloween costumes to add to the fun of the week-end. Below is what we ended up with.
We decided to stop and pick up a couple of Halloween costumes to add to the fun of the week-end. Below is what we ended up with.
Jim picked us up at our motel and took us to get Connie and Benjamin for a walk on the beach. When Jim drove up in front of their fancy Casino, I would of given a lot to have had a video of Connie when she saw Ted and I. Benjamin was not srue he even wanted to get in the car and Connie was laughing so hard she could hardly stand up. Not sure what Jim was thinking, probably just as well we don't know.
Had a great week-end. The costumes came off and we had a good walk on the beach. Sun was warm and a gentle breeze kept us from getting too hot.
Saturday proved to be just as great and we had another nice walk on the beach before heading to the Grand Casino for a buffet. Then Ted and I took Benjamin for the evening and Benjamin and I went to find a Putt-Putt Golf place. He beat me by two strokes. Ornery kid.
We got back here about 12:30 and before long our good friends from Oklahoma arrived so the next three weeks will be fun.
Monday, October 17, 2011
BOOK
Miss Topsey Turvey lives alone on Dizzle Dazzle Street,
She wears her slippers on her hands and mittens on her feet.
O.K. Kim, that's all I can remember. Oh, I do remember the picture of her too.
She wears her slippers on her hands and mittens on her feet.
O.K. Kim, that's all I can remember. Oh, I do remember the picture of her too.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Church in Louisiana
When we are here working I attend a Black church. I love it. Back home my minister recently asked us why we came to church? To see our friends?, to wear the new dress we got?, it's what we do?.
She reminded us we should come to church to Worship God.
Well, let me tell you the little Methodist Church I attend here knows how to WORSHIP GOD. They say their church starts at 8 a.m. but no one keeps track. Sometime around 8 a.m. the organist begins to play and sing. Man, can she sing. People come in for a good 15 to 20 minutes before we settle down to the actual worship service.
One lady is the sister to Freddie that works in the Depot. Her name is Juanita and she teaches 5th grade. I love this woman. She has the most beautiful voice. I heard her sing a couple of years ago when the UMCOR Disaster Accademy went over for a Choir performance. I told her she needs to come to Nashville but she only laughs.
Last Sunday another couple from Sager Brown and I had attended service together. They were having a meeting after church so we quietly (we thought) slipped out. Just as we started to get in their truck a big booming voice said, "DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT"!!!! I thought it was God telling us to get back in there. It was Juanita saying we better not leave till she had a hug.
They don't seem to care that some of us are not Black. They hug us and tell us God Loves Us too when we Pass the Peace. Our church used to do that but we are too large and dignified now. I miss some of the things a smaller church can do.
Our service ALWAYS lasts 2 hours and I'm wondering what would happen at home if the service went over 1 hour.
If you are ever in the area and feel the need to REALLY Worship God just stop in Baldwin at Trinity United Methodist church and tell them I said "HEY"
She reminded us we should come to church to Worship God.
Well, let me tell you the little Methodist Church I attend here knows how to WORSHIP GOD. They say their church starts at 8 a.m. but no one keeps track. Sometime around 8 a.m. the organist begins to play and sing. Man, can she sing. People come in for a good 15 to 20 minutes before we settle down to the actual worship service.
One lady is the sister to Freddie that works in the Depot. Her name is Juanita and she teaches 5th grade. I love this woman. She has the most beautiful voice. I heard her sing a couple of years ago when the UMCOR Disaster Accademy went over for a Choir performance. I told her she needs to come to Nashville but she only laughs.
Last Sunday another couple from Sager Brown and I had attended service together. They were having a meeting after church so we quietly (we thought) slipped out. Just as we started to get in their truck a big booming voice said, "DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT"!!!! I thought it was God telling us to get back in there. It was Juanita saying we better not leave till she had a hug.
They don't seem to care that some of us are not Black. They hug us and tell us God Loves Us too when we Pass the Peace. Our church used to do that but we are too large and dignified now. I miss some of the things a smaller church can do.
Our service ALWAYS lasts 2 hours and I'm wondering what would happen at home if the service went over 1 hour.
If you are ever in the area and feel the need to REALLY Worship God just stop in Baldwin at Trinity United Methodist church and tell them I said "HEY"
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