Today is Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day, the holiday set aside to remember those who have given their lives for our freedom.  In reality, there is a whole lot of 'first day of summer' kind of celebrating going on,and this year, people are flocking to the lakes by the thousands. 
I never was much for going to cemeteries or for putting flowers on graves.  I drive by and see flowers everywhere -- but our loved ones are not really there.   I just never developed an appreciation for that custom.   The past is over and I hope I've learned the lessons in life I should  learn, but life is all about living today to the fullness of God's blessing.  It is about making myself line up with God's Word and being more and more Christ-like each day.  Living a Christ-like. life  would be MEMORABLE.     

Today, I am working a six-hour shift at the Sorenson Call Center.  I've noticed the calls are a tiny bit slower -- people  are out and about.  But the major topic of the day is either no awareness that this is a holiday, or plans for cooking out.   So we have another holiday that has turned into a food fest -- this one concentration on BBQ or grilling.  The reason why I opted to work today is for the money....strictly about worldly cash ..... time and a half.    Ha-ha.



Perky Pimento Cheese



 Now I have done a bit of activity in the kitchen

In preparation for a cook out at the Scharph's home, I did potato salad, watermelon slices and Perky Pimento Cheese made with pepper jack cheese and sharp cheddar.  It was a hit. 

 The Scharpf Family went berry picking along with Bonita and her kids.  They picked Raspberries, Blueberries and Blackberries.  April is showing me the size of the berries.

Thanksgiving 2011 At Pa and Ma's House



The Scrivner Thanksgiving Clan



A new weird bird



And a very demanding puppy while we are working

Messy hands result in tasty Thanksgiving Feast







Now, was it really fair for Sommer to send me a beautiful photo of their Thanksgiving dessert?  Isn't this not beautiful beyond words.

Not on our table -- The Collier Dessert

 

Kevin, Devin, Bonita and Hailey

Krispie Turkeys

Elijah raked leaves so they could run and jump.

All My Sisters Visit

I love family.   I love MY Family!   And I love my sisters!
This was a most rare occassion, when all three of my sisters visited at the same time--and in HOT Oklahoma!  The occassion that brought them was my brother, Bud and his wife, Barbie's 50th Wedding Anniversary party.   Only Bill was unable to attend.  It would have been perfect with our eldest brother, evenso, it was a 'mini' reunion. 

Sarah and Paula both arrived on Thursday evening.   So on Friday, they made appointments at the beauty shop where my neighbor, Jeannie K works.  Sarah had not had a hair cut since she last visited 18 months before.

It looked so pretty, that Paula asked me to take a photo of the back of her hair. 

Sarah looked very beautiful when Jeannie was done.

Paula had already had her hair cut and she just wanted it washed and set.  Oh my, did everyone make over Paula's "PERFECT HAIR."    All natural, all healthy and beautiful and at the age of 79, they would say.

Then Paula asked about a waxing job.  What an experience.  I have never had this done to myself. 

So here are my beautiful sisters.  Below is Sarah, who is 85 years old and very little gray hair.  She is a sweetheart.

And here we are having fun at the beauty shop.

This is Sarah at the party.

And Paula at the Party.

And Barbie, who everyone thinks is my sister instead of sister-in-law.

And here is Bonnie with her granddaughter, Allison.  In this photo, they are getting ready to leave town.

And here is Bonnie with Jim at the Party.

Thank God for creating family and thank God for MY family!  My sisters are WONDERFUL!

Bud and Barbie had a Big Party Given By Their Children

Invitations were sent out to all the syblings.  All four of Bud's sisters attended ad there were a total of around 60 guest for the big event.  It was a wonderful time.  I will share photos.

Allison and Carson Hale, Bonnie and Jim's grandchildren were among the specia guests.

Bonnie and Jim drove all the way from South Carolina. 

Jean, (me) Bonnie, Paula and Sarah attended the part. 

Barbara's brother, Jim and his wife were there. 

Of course, Megan and Allie were an important part. 

Bud and Barbie Party After 50 Years, continued

I Never Learned Football

I remember when Ken and I were  young, I would go to the TU games with him.  I would ask questions about what was happening.  He would talk to me loud enough explaining the game that people turned around and stared at the 'nut' who did not understand the simplest moves on the field.  So I quit asking and soon I quit going.....    So I never learned to appreciate football.  But when it comes to Superbowl, I like the food and the party.      Last year it was Kevin's family.   This year it was April's family.   I worked at the Call Center today and when I got home, they had brought over Chili and all the fixens.  It was great.  I actually sat and watched the game......     ssshhhhh -- don't tell anyone that toward the end, I almost fell asleep.  And Dave's team -- he is from Wisconsin actually -- WON!   Yeah for the Green Cheese.   (I learned that term from a Deaf person talking to her mother.  I was the interpreter.   She signed green cheese and the mother said, Oh, you are supporting the Green Bay Packers.  "Yes, yes, the green cheese my support.")

Christmas Eve after "Christmas With Family"

Somewhere along the long I posted adult photos on the grandkid blog.  I'll just offer the link.
http://grandkidsonly.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-eve-after-christmas-with.html

It Has Been Almost A Full Year

Yes, we have not seen our North Carolina children since last November.  So that long awaited day arrived when we packed up the car and took off to visit Dan, Sommer, Ava, Carson and Kona.  The drive is long - but we did it again ... leaving Saturday and arriving Sunday late afternoon.   The most beautiful part of the drive begins around Knoxville.  But the best part is once we see that long awaited Welcome to North Carolina sign among the rolling hills and sweet smells.

No matter that the windshield is bug infested and dirty, the camera finally comes with total excitement that we will soon be there.

The tunnels are the signature icon of being very close to Asheville.

After following Sommer's Food Blog for the past nine months, we have the pleasure of sampling her fine creations.   Anything she prepares is a treat.   Flank Steak Salad!

Welcome to Kenilworth Road.

The kids have school in the morning, so bed time comes real soon.    Ava is beyond excited and proudly displays her pj's for us.

We do have to play Monopoly before going up to bed.....well, the shortened version.

Plenty of time for play in the days to come.  Since I have a separate ScrivTravels Blog simply for traveling documentation, I will reserve most of the trip report to that site.  http://scrivtravels.blogspot.com/search/label/2010%20Fall%20Triphttp://scrivtravels.blogspot.com/search/label/2010%20Fall%20Trip