Friends

There comes a point in your life when you realize:

Who matters,

Who never did,

Who won't anymore...

And who always will.

So, don't worry about people from your past, there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future. Give these flowers to everyone you don't want to lose in 2009.

A good friend emailed this to me. I pass it on to you, all of the reader's of this blog. I would like to keep you all as friends this coming year.

God bless you all, and may you have the best year of your life, in 2009!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Tagged

After some whining on my part, I've been tagged by my friend and fellow blogger, Caroline.

RULE ONE: Grab one of the books closest to you, go to page 56, type the fifth line and the next two to five lines that follow.

RULE TWO: Pick five people who love books and who could receive the Bookworm award with honor.

From: A Continual Feast. Words of comfort and celebration collected by Father Tim, from the Mitford Years Series. Author, Jan Karon

Page 56

IV. Sing lustily and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sang the songs of Satan.

I have recently completed the Mitford Series by Jan Karon. I read ALL kinds of books, but sometimes I just want to read something fun and enjoyable, that doesn't cause me to think. That's what these books are like. Father Tim is an Espiscopalian priest, with a kind heart, and many words of wisdom.

I always notice what my patients are reading, and if I haven't read that particular book, I ask them about it. That is how I heard about the Mitford Series.

I don't know if these five people are bookworms, or not, but I tag Sis. Linda Elms, Sis. Ronda Hurst, Sis. Karla Holley, Tracey Jacquez, and Catherine Roseberry-Meyer

Back to the Real World

Darren has gone back to North Carolina, and I have gone back to work. We had a really great time while he was here. We hadn't seen each other in 15 months, the last time being when I was in N.C. in August, 2007. Talking on the telephone is just not like seeing each other!

We didn't do very much this time around. We just felt like staying close by, and visting with each other, and my friends and family. This was the first time he got to meet Aaron and Daron. He met Ryan the first time he came here.

Here is a slide show of some of the pictures that I took while he was here.

Belated Happy Thanksgiving

I must apologize for this belated wish, but trust everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Even though we all have many prayer requests, EVERYONE has blessings to count. I'm sure you all were counting blessings yesterday, as was I.

I actually had to work yesterday, but it was the only day to work out of eight, (but I was counting my blessing that I have a good job.) I have a "special" guest visiting this week from North Carolina. He will be going back home next Tuesday... :=( I picked him up at the airport in Sacramento last Monday evening. My sister, Verlaine, works in Sacramento so met us for dinner in "Old Sac". We then spent the night with her at her home in Yuba City. We got up Tuesday morning and went to Apple Hill. We visited some of the Apple Orchards where they sell apple juice, cider, baked goods, crafts, etc. The trees were still wearing the gorgeous colors of autumn, and it was a beautiful day. I cannot believe I didn't have my camera!!

When I got off work last evening, I met the whole family at Mike and Pat's house where they all had Thanksgiving. Everyone had already eaten (2 or 3 times), so we played a few rounds of Catch Phrase. It was pretty lively, and we had a blast.

Today I picked him up at my Brother-in-law and sister's house (Mike and Pat) where he is utilizing their guest room, and we drove up to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. It was gorgeous up there, also. It was pretty cool, but not too cold. I took him to see the huge sequoia trees; General Grant and General Sherman, and others. It was a half mile trek down to General Sherman. The hike down was easy...it was all down hill!! LOL I can't say that for the trudge back up!! I had to stop four times to catch my breath. It was pretty exhilarating, though. I did take my camera and may post pictures later. There was a breath-takingly beautiful sunset of which I took multiple pictures, as well as the trees, etc.

So, anyway, this is why my Thanksgiving wish to you is late. I may (or may not) post more about my week, later....LOL (I guess it depends on how the week ends..... :=))

I'm Too Young, To Have Kids This Old!!

Wishing my twin sons, Aaron and Daron, a very Happy 33rd Birthday!!

Aaron, and Daron, you have grown up to be fine young men. I am proud of you both, and love you both very much!! I hope you had a wonderful birthday today!! (I'm sorry I am posting this so late, but I was out of town, with no computer.) Love, Mom

Happy Birthday, Sandy!!

Happy Birthday to my awesome friend, Sandy Garrett!! Sandy is one of the most faithful, generous, compassionate friends a person can have. I love you Sandy. Hope your day is as special as you are!!

Four Years Old Today!

Happy Birthday to my great-niece Victoria "Tori" Rodriquez!! Wow!! You are such a beautiful, big girl now. I hope you have a very special birthday, and I'll see you at your "Princess" party Saturday!! Love you, Auntie Grandma Gayla

Fabulous Fifty!

I remember when God dropped you off at our house. I looked at you and asked if you could smile. They told me "no, you couldn't do that yet. You were too little". I looked at you for a few minutes, and since you couldn't do anything fun, I left the room to go play.

Fifty years of fun, fights, laughter, tears, sharing bedrooms and toys, secrets and whispers in the night, giggles and phone calls, and everything else sisters enjoy!!

Do you remember...

Your kindergarten picture?...and the big crocodile tears?

The peach trees on Cambridge full of blossoms that you loved?

"Look at that doorknob and don't move your head!!!"?

The "slicked back" ponytail that was the only hair-do Dad could do for you?

Sharing ONE bathroom with six people? Four of them women with long hair??

Spying on your older sisters and their boyfriends?

Having the mumps? You looked like Petunia Pig...LOL

The big oak tree out back that we used to climb.

Mrs. Bedford? Mrs. Micalwrath? The Stogners? The Canales's? The Johnsons? The Oremus's?

I could make this blog go on forever, but will stop now, so the rest of the world doesn't get too bored.

I'm glad you could make it to Fresno today. To my sister with brown eyes, have a wonderfully, Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday, Katelynn!!

Tomorrow, November 4, is my granddaughter Katelynn's 14th birthday. WOW...14 and in High School. Where has time flown off to?

I love you very much, Katelynn, and miss you so, so, so, so much. I wish you a very, very Happy Birthday. Love, Grandma Gayla

Happy Birthday, Dad...Happy Anniversary Dad and Mom

Tomorrow, November 3, my Father will be 89 years old. He is not doing very well today, and he and Mom missed church. He is becoming very forgetful and is rapidly going downhill. I know that I am blessed to have my Dad still with me, and I wish him a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I love you, Daddy!




November 3rd is also my parents anniversary. It will be 63 years tomorrow!! Imagine that....WOW! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, Mom and Dad. I love you both very much!!

I hope you both have a wonderful day!!

West Coast Conference

Happy Birthday, Tracey

Hope you have a wonderful day, my friend!!

Yeah, Me!

Well, well...I actually had this photo featured on Webshots in the Autumn Colors Collection. (And I really don't even know what I'm doing! LOL) This is a picture that I took at Arlington Cemetery. The following link is to the complete album if you are interested in viewing some pretty photos.

http://www.webshots.com/collections/autumncolors/slideshow.html

Happy Birthday, Candice

Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter-in-law, Candice. You are a terrific Mom to Nathaniel, and an awesome wife to Aaron. I am proud to share a birthday with you!!! Have a wonderful day!!


(The following is about me and how I feel today.....LOL)

The Old Lady in My Mirror

A very weird thing has happened. A strange old lady has moved into my house. I have no idea where she came from, or how she got in. I certainly did not invite her. All I know is that one day, she wasn't there, and the next day, she was.

She is a clever old lady, and manages to keep out of sight for the most part, but whenever I pass a mirror, I catch a glimpse of her. And whenever I look in the mirror to check my appearance, there she is hogging the whole thing, completely obliterating my gorgeous face and body. This is very rude. I have tried screaming at her, but she just screams back.

If she insists on hanging around, the least she could do is offer to pay part of the rent, but no. Every once in a while, I find a dollar bill stuck in a coat pocket, or some loose change under a sofa cushion, but it is not nearly enough.

I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I think she is stealing money from me. I go to the ATM and withdraw $100, and a few days later it's all gone. I certainly don't spend money THAT fast, so I can only conclude the old lady is pilfering from me. You'd think she would spend some of that money to buy wrinkle cream. She needs it. And money isn't the only thing I think she is stealing. Food seems to disappear at an alarming rate - especially the good stuff like ice cream, cookies, and candy. I can't seem to keep that stuff in the house anymore. She must have a real sweet tooth, but she'd better watch it, because she is really packing on the pounds. I suspect she realizes this, and to make herself feel better, she is tampering with my scale to make me think I am putting on weight, too.

For an old lady, she is quite childish. She likes to play nasty games, like going into my closets when I'm not home and altering my clothes so they don't fit. And she messes with my files and papers so I can't find anything. This is particularly annoying since I am extremely neat and organized.

She has found other imaginative ways to annoy me. She gets into my mail, newspapers, and magazines before I do, and blurs the print so I can't read it. And she has done something really sinister to the volume controls on my radio and telephone. Now, all I hear are mumbles and whispers.

She has done other things - like make my stairs steeper, my vacuum cleaner heavier and all my knobs and faucets harder to turn. She even made my bed higher so that getting into and out of it is a real challenge. Lately, she has been fooling with my groceries before I put them away, applying glue to the lids, making it almost impossible for me to open the jars. Is this any way to repay my hospitality?

She has taken the fun out of shopping for clothes. When I try something on, she stands in front of the mirror and monopolizes it. She looks totally ridiculous in some of those outfits, plus, she keeps me from seeing how great they look on me.

Just when I thought she couldn't get any meaner, she proved me wrong. She came along when I went to get my picture taken for my driver's license, and just as the camera shutter clicked, she jumped in front of me! No one is going to believe that the picture of that old lady is me.

FromPatsy Clairmont's book NORMAL IS JUST A SETTING ON YOUR DRYER.

They're Engaged!

CONGRATULATIONS TO TIM AND JOYCE!

Two of my favorite people have become engaged!! We all met on the UPCI SAM (Single Adult Ministries) trips. Tim and I met on the very first trip to London in 2003 and became fast friends. We met Joyce on the trip to Hawaii in 2006.


They will have to wait until some time next year for the wedding to actually take place, because she is a Canadian citizen. It will take time to work out all of the details....



If you are single, the next SAM trip is March 2009 to Greece. It will be a GREAT trip, and who knows...you might meet someone. ;)



(Does this mean there is hope for me??......)

Unspectacular

Catherine Roseberry-Meyer tagged me http://myfrenchconnection.blogspot.com/

Meme terms & conditions
1. link the person who tagged you
2. mention the rules on your blog
3. list 6 unspectacular things about you
4. tag 6 other bloggers

Well, I don't think there is anything spectacular about me, but here are a few things you may not know.

1. I don't like chocolate

2. I don't particularly like to shop

3. I love to take bubble baths

4. I love to "dabble" in photography and am trying to learn more about it.

5. I could never get too much of the ocean. I could be there always....

6. I have never been to a movie theater, never drank alcohol or been drunk, never smoked, never cut my hair, never owned a television, and have NEVER missed any of that. (Thanks to God!)

I am tagging:

Caroline: http://carolinessoundingboard.blogspot.com/
Jen: http://undisclosedemotion.blogspot.com/
Bro. Steve Saiz: http://lifesaiz.blogspot.com/
Sis. Debbie Saiz:http://lifesaiz.blogspot.com/
Brad: http://bradtitus.blogspot.com/
Kevin: http://www.kevinhopper.blogspot.com/

My Problem???

Happy Birthday, Alphonso (or better known as "Gordo")

Gordo, I didn't know you well before you married into our family. I have since come to know you for the polite young man you are. You are a wonderful husband to Jana, and an awesome Daddy to your little girls.

I hope you have a very wonderful birthday!!

Feliz Cumpleanos!!!

Auntie Gayla

To My Son, Ryan

HAPPY 29TH BIRTHDAY!!!

After already having twin sons, you were supposed to be my daughter. When you were born, you had enough hair to put ribbons and bows in, but, alas...another boy. But, when I first saw you, I wouldn't have traded you for all of the daughters in the world. I was happy to have another son. You have always been such a sensitive person, and with a gentleness about you.

You’re a gift to my heart in so many ways, and I hope you can see how very special you are and how many unique talents and strengths you have to share. You make my world so much brighter, and I hope you know how lucky I feel to have a wonderful son like you.

Happy Birthday with love,

From Mom

Happy Birthday, Jana

Today is my beautiful niece's 27th birthday. Jana, I remember the night you were born. I spent all night out in the waiting room, waiting for you. When you got here, the nurses came out to tell me that you were born, and they were crying....along with everyone else. Your birth was a very special time, Jana.

You have grown into a very lovely young lady, and a wonderful mother to your precious little girls. Keep your heart true to God, and let Him guide your steps always.

Hope you had a wonderful day!!

Love you bunches, Auntie Gayla

Blessed...But Are We Thankful?

Sisters...Tori and Alayna

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits..." Psalms 68:19

Loadeth! Daily!

How long would it take us to count our blessings? Really count them...ALL, one by one. Quite possibly the list could take us weeks, with no break. I know a thing or two about blessings, and how they are, even in the worst of times, inexhaustible!!

Suppose that God began taking from us the many things for which we have failed to give him thanks. Which of our limbs and faculties would be left? Would we still have our hands, and our minds? What about loved ones? If God were to take from us all those persons and things for which we have not given thanks, who or what would be left of us?

Have we taken the time lately, to really thank God for His many blessings?

"In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you." I Thessalonians 5:18

Just a thought to ponder...

Lighthouses

I like lighthouses. I think they are beautiful and majestic looking. I love to be able to go take my own pictures of them. There are many beautiful lighthouses in the world, and I haven't been able to take pictures of very many, but I have taken a few. Here is a slide show of some of the ones I have taken.

Enjoy...

A Funny Thing Happened at Work Today

Something funny happened to me today, that I just have to tell you about. I thought it was hilarious!!

I have been working for the past three days. I have had one particular woman as a patient all three days. Her husband is very attentive, and stays with her all day, so I got to talk to both of them quite a lot. They are both very nice people, and it was my pleasure to care for her.

This part of the story may seem to be a bit braggadocios, but I must tell it in order for you to understand the funny part of the story. Mrs. Patient has several medical conditions that have caused her to be in hospital for the past month. She was not doing well on Friday evening just before I was to go home, and I called in the crisis team for another opinion. I was late getting off that night, because I wanted to make sure she was all right before I left. (She actually did stabilize before I went home.) In addition, over the last three days, I was able to “diagnose” some conditions that were plaguing her that the doctors had over looked.

Because of this, Mrs. Patient and Mr. Husband have thanked me profusely for my care. Mr. Husband came in to the hospital this morning, and handed me an envelope. He wanted me to read the letter inside, in his presence. It was a very nice letter that he had emailed to the hospital administrators telling them about the “great” care I have been giving his wife, and letting them know that he thinks I am an asset to the hospital, blah, blah, blah…. (It was a very nice letter and I thanked him for writing it.)

Okay, so here is the “funny” part of the story. This afternoon, I walked into Mrs. Patient’s room to give her insulin injection. Mr. Husband, and Mr. Visitor were having a discussion on the other side of the room from where I was preparing the medication. I heard Mr. Husband say to Mr. Visitor, “…you know, that small country that Iraq invaded several years ago when Daddy Bush was president”. Mr. Visitor said, “you mean the Kurds”? Mr. Husband said, “no, not the Kurds, the other small country”. So in my normal, silly, humorous way, I THINK, “the Kurds?”… then I SAY, “it was the Whey!” (you know, curds and whey…HA HA) Well, Mr. Husband says, “yeah! Kuwait! I should have asked Gayla, she knows everything!!!”. He thought I said Kuwait, the country he was trying to think of!! I started laughing so hard inside, that I had to leave the room so I could crack up out loud!!

After all the praise they had been giving me, do you think I could let him know what I REALLY said??? Of course, NOT!!

Ok, I don’t hear anyone laughing. Maybe it was one of those…”you had to be there things”. But it really WAS funny!!

Camp Meeting

The sawdust was so thick and high that I could hardly walk. I was holding my Mother’s hand and felt like I was being dragged down the isle as we looked for an empty row of seats.

This is one of my earliest memories of Camp Meeting at Frasier Park. I’m sure the sawdust was not as thick and high as I remember, but I was a small child, so it seemed so to me. I also remember a great crowd of people shouting and praising God in that Tent Tabernacle. As I grew to my teenage years, camp was moved to Beulah Park in Santa Cruz. I loved the cool weather of Santa Cruz and the fact that we were near the ocean. We teenagers would go to the beach and to the boardwalk in the afternoon between services. It was a great time to meet other young people from other churches as well as feeling the mighty power of God in the services.

Quite some time ago, Camp Meeting moved from Santa Cruz and is now held in Santa Maria. I love it because it is cool there also, and again, near the ocean. I did not get to attend Camp Meeting for many years, but I try to attend every year now. It is so wonderful to see so many young families camping on the grounds at Santa Maria. Their small children are riding their bikes, or skating and playing with other children that they have met. They are building memories that they will never forget. These young families are building traditions that include the power of God.

II Thessalonians 2:15 says “stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught”. Camp Meeting is one of the best traditions of Pentecost. Where else can a family go on a camping vacation together, but also attend power packed services with so much wonderful preaching? Also, it is so much fun to see friends that we haven't seen in a while, and to make new friends.

Camp Meeting this year was one of the best. Bro. Bill Davis preached every day, and Bro. Jerry Jones preached every night. There was some MIGHTY preaching and some AWESOME singing. The choirs this year were the best!! Here is a slide show of some of my pictures. Enjoy!

Busy....Just Busy

To the two or three people who read my blog, you probably think I have died and gone to Heaven. Well, that doesn't sound like such a bad idea, but I have just been extremely busy!

I am working two jobs right now. I got a part-time job at a surgical hospital. I work in recovery there. This is completely different than what I do at my full time job, and that is why I wanted to do it. I have always thought I would enjoy working in PACU (post anesthesia care unit) and wanted to try it out. I like that I get a patient from OR, get the person stable, awake, pain and nausea under control and ship them off...either upstairs for the rest of the stay, or home. Then...NEXT...do it all over again. I'm working there at least 1 extra day a week. One thing I like about nursing...there are so many professions within a profession. If you don't enjoy what you are doing, you can find another position, nursing in a completely different capacity. Also...you can always find a job...or two, or three. I actually am employed three places, but I think I would fall over dead if I took on any more work, so I haven't worked for the 3rd place for quite a while.

Besides starting another job, I planned and gave a wedding reception for my son, Aaron and Candice on July 12. It turned out really good. Since they got married at the coast, I carried the beach theme throughout the party. I have pictures and may post some later.

I had another nerve block on my foot today. I have an old softball injury to my right foot, that turned into "reflex sympathetic dystrophy" or "regional pain syndrome". I won't go into detail, but it causes great pain in my foot, which is not good for someone who is always on her feet! The doctor has given me a series of 3 blocks, (this is the 3rd) to try to get an extra amount of blood flow to my foot, and "shock" the sympathetic nerve back into acting right. Anyway, it makes me feel like I am walking on a block of wood, since the feeling in my foot is completely gone. I have to be careful not to hurt my foot right now, as I would not feel it until tomorrow when this block wears off. (Great fun...!!)

Also, last week I got news from the orthopedic surgeon that I need knee surgery again. I have another torn meniscus to the same knee that I had done last year......SIGH.....I told her it won't be happening any time soon, if my knee will hold up.

So...see why I haven't posted anything lately? Not really anything worth while to blog about in my little world.

Oh, yeah....the second batch of bird eggs hatched this week. I've got two more baby birds.

It will be silent on here for a while, again. I am working the next three days, and then I am off to Santa Maria for Camp Meeting. I can't wait!! I need some time off!!! Maybe I will see you there....

Happy Birthday, Pat

Happy Birthday to my MUCH older sister!! LOL Happy Birthday, Pat!!!

Sure lookin' good for 61! (Now, she'll hate me for sure...) :)

I Think I've Gone to the Birds!!

When I planted my flowers, I had no idea that basket would be a bird magnet, but it appears so.

I went out on my patio on Sunday to feed my dogs, and lo and behold, another bird flew out of the flower basket where the previous bird family grew.

I stood on a chair and quickly got a look inside before I went crashing to the ground!! (I'm glad no one was around to see that! Since I'm not "light as a feather", I now have a huge purple bruise on my right thigh, but otherwise, no damage..)

Anyway, there are two eggs in my basket, again. These eggs are white. The other eggs were brown. Both Mamas appear to be doves, though. I am somewhat of a "bird-brain", and don't know anything about birds, but I would think that the same species would have the same color eggs. Maybe someone out there can clue me in.... :)

One thing I know for sure....when this family is grown and gone, I will IMMEDIATELY take control over my flower basket, again!!

Empty Nest Syndrome

Well, my bird nest is now empty. Yes, Mama Dove returned to the smallest baby and taught that one to fly, also. They are now all gone to explore the world, and my flower basket sits empty with only dead flowers.

Must make another trip to the nursery for more flowers.....

My Bird Family

I like this Mama Dove. I identify with her...a single Mom!! LOL

I went out on my patio this early afternoon, and noticed Mama sitting there with both babies.
I think she is getting used to me, so she didn't fly away this time. I can see them better now that my flowers are completely dead... I also noticed that the smaller baby bird is progressing nicely. I think I have come to the conclusion that this one hatched a day or so later than his/her sibling. Thus, the later development.

Later in the evening, as I was putting a steak and corn on the cob on the grill, I looked up at the basket, and it seemed that the smallest baby was all alone. I pulled up a chair to get a closer look. Yes, I was right... All alone. It seems that Mama had taken the largest baby for a flying lesson and left this one alone.

I was a bit concerned about this baby being by his/herself, so I just went out to check on him/her. He/she is still alone. I sure hope Mama doesn't forget that she has another baby!! If so, I will have a dead baby bird along with dead flowers!! Yikes....

By the way...the steak and corn were delicious!!

A Day to Celebrate

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!

GOD, BLESS AMERICA.....

Growing Fast

My baby birds are growing fast. Well, one of them is, anyway. I went outside today, and when Mama flew away, I took pictures again. I was surprised to see that they actually look like birds, already!!





One of the babies, is a lot bigger than the other, and has nice feathers, whereas the other is still scraggly looking. I don't know if this has anything to do with me watering my flowers, or not. As you can see...I have not been watering them since I realized there were actual babies in the nest. Watering eggs is one thing, but drowning baby birds is another. I just can't do that!! So...my flowers are wilting and dying in this heat.

I wonder if they will both survive. Mama sits faithfully day in and day out. I have never seen Daddy....

I will keep you updated as to the health of my newest twins.

I Have Twins, Again!

Every day, I have been checking on my Mama dove. She has been sitting on her eggs faithfully. She will fly away if I get too close, however. I took this picture with my zoom lens. Isn't she pretty?

Today, when she flew away, I decided to get a chair and take a look at the eggs. I expected to see some rather yucky looking eggs, that only a mother could love.

To my surprise, I found two baby birds, (that only a mother could love)! They must have hatched just recently, because I have not heard one peep out of them. You will see that their eyes are still closed.

I really did not expect these eggs to hatch, as I have been watering my flowers. I guess these little guys are some fighters.

My first set of twins are named Aaron and Daron. Shall I name these Sharon and Karen? Maybe Dovey and Lovey...or Hairy and Kerry?

I will keep you posted with the growth of these two little guys...or girls...or maybe one of each.

Bird Nest

I planted flowers in my backyard several weeks ago, but they were stolen as soon as I turned my back. Yes,... stolen. My ornery puppies are a year old now, but they still dig and chew. Not as bad as they used to, but it is still bad!! (Will they EVER out grow it???) sigh...

My backyard was in desperate need of flowers, so I decided to outsmart those little she-devils. I planted flowers in pots and baskets and put them higher than the puppies could reach. (Now, mind you, that didn't have to be very high, since they are Scottish Terriers with very short legs.)
And really, I do love them very much, even if they do try me at times...

I hung several baskets of flowers from my patio, and it added a cheery effect to my backyard. The worst thing about all of these flowers, is that I have to water them. If they were planted in the ground, they would get watered when the sprinklers come on.

A couple of weeks ago, I was watering the flowers. While watering the middle basket, a bird flew out of the basket causing me to scream and dance!! I'm sure that was a sight to behold, but as I was the only human in the back yard, it was not witnessed. (Thank God..)

A few days later, while watering the flowers, the bird again, flew out of the middle basket. It startled me again this time, but now I started to wonder what was in there. I pulled a chair over to the flower basket and peeked in. Sure enough....two little eggs. Awww


A beautiful, grey, Mama mourning dove has made my flower basket her nest. Since I had been watering the flowers in the basket, (and therefore, unknowingly watering the eggs) I'm not sure if these eggs will hatch, or not. She has not given up on them, though, as she still faithfully sits on them. Instead of baby mourning doves, we might only have boiled eggs, from the water I gave them, and the heat wave we have been having.

There are two other blogs that I have been reading, of people who have baby birds at their houses. Read herehttp://writenow.wordpress.com/2008/06/20/a-day-in-the-life-of-the-buxton-robins/ and here http://writeathome.wordpress.com/2008/06/15/first-fathers-day-family-portrait/

'Tis the season for baby birds. I will let you all know whether I get baby birds, or boiled eggs.....

Wedding Bells

There weren't really any bells, nor was there an organ, or piano. There was a grand orchestra of music, however.





Saturday evening, June 14, 2008, as the waves clapped time to the song of the seagulls, Aaron and Candice became husband and wife.




Just before sunset, at Lover's Point in Pacific Grove, (Monterey) California, they said their wedding vows.





The ceremony was very simple, but God provided the beautiful decorations. There was no candle light, but the setting sun provided a diffuse glow. It was a "simply elegant" wedding.

Congratulations, Aaron and Candice. I love you both very much!!

Help, Anyone?

Can anyone out there explain to me why I am getting the JUNK from MySpace (HugMe, BuyMe) added to my slide shows, and how do I get them off and keep them from appearing in the future??? I haven't gotten this on previous slide shows, so why now?

I would appreciate any comments on this, as I don't wish to advertise something I don't care for....HELP???

Visit from Friends

Last week Tim Smith from Sumter, South Carolina, and Joyce McCoy from Courtenay, Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, B.C., were here to visit.

We had a grand time seeing each other again, and touring California. Tim and I met in 2003 on the first UPC singles trip to London. We have been best of friends since that time, and have seen each other on other trips, and at various times over the years. We met Joyce on the UPC singles trip to Hawaii in 2006. I had not seen Joyce since then, but she and Tim have visited each other several times.

While they were in California, they went sight-seeing in San Francisco and the northern part of the state when I had to work. I then had 6 days off, and I took them to Pismo Beach over Memorial Weekend. My sister Pat and her husband, Mike, their daughter Jana and her husband, Gordo and their two girls, Tori and Alayna...all were camping in their trailers on the beach. We stopped by to be with them for the day.(If you have never been to Pismo Beach during a major holiday weekend, you need to go for the experience, even if you don't "do the dunes".) It is a sight to behold. Most people from other parts of the country, have never seen sand dunes such as we have in California, much less ride them!! Oh, what FUN!! They had a BLAST!!

After Pismo, we went on down to Solvang and Santa Barbara. On Tuesday, we headed home, but first we went by Shell Beach, Morro Bay, and San Simeon. We could not have asked for better weather. It was beautiful; clear, and sunny, but not too warm. On Wednesday, we went to Yosemite. There, it was slightly rainy and cool, but the weather made for some awesome pictures, and it wasn't really bad weather, anyway. They loved Yosemite!! Of course, who wouldn't??

On Thursday, we slept in a little since we were all so tired. Then I just drove them around Fresno a bit, showing them Woodward Park, etc. I took them to meet my parents, and they met two of my sons. Then we drove up to Millerton Lake for a little while. Tim has some family here in Fresno, and had not seen them in many years, so they had a little family reunion that evening.

On Friday, I went back to work and they left for home. We had so much fun seeing each other again, and I missed them so much when they left.

Here is a slide show of some of the pictures I took. Of course, this is just a FEW of the pictures, and they have a lot more!!