Unsolved Mysteries

I've always loved a good mystery.

And within the past 24 hours, two invigorating mental challenges have come to the forefront ~ the possiblity that Thomas Jefferson fathered children via his servant, Sally Hemings; and the debate and discovery of artifacts leading to the possiblitiy of finding Amelia Earhart's remains.

I remember reading with great interest as a youngster about the numerous unsolved mysteries of our day. The intrigue still captures me, some accounts more than others, but mysteries bring out the sleuth in me!

Take for instance the current ongoing news story of Steven Haataja, newly hired college professor at Chadron State College, Chadron, NE. Seems in early December of 2006, Mr. Haataja disappeared without trace, or evidence of foul play.

Now, the silence of the agencies in charge of conducting the investigation is deafening. They are being very tight-lipped about the discovery of the body, and notably are calling it a homocide, leaving the rest of the frontier town to wonder.

This stunning information is heightened by the fact that this small, but vibrant and alive college town sees violence such as a stolen bike or a broken window as it's normal fare. Truly ~ I cannot recall any murder in that region since that of the Buettner stabbing in the 1980's.

So, why bother reading and following the headlines, the debates, the controversy?

I suppose it's a means to an end, when my personal hypothesis is proven right ~ or wrong, as the case may sometimes be.

Sigh.

I wish I had the same drive to discover the origin of the Mystery Meat in the fridge.

Back to you, Jane . . .

Jumpin' Beans!

OH.


MY.


GOSH!


Unmistakable!

The baby is jumpin' around this morning! WOW! :)

Gil and I just had a conversation about felt movement last night . . .amidst renewed interest in names:

McKenzie?

nah?

Mufasa?

nope.

Murgatroid?

eeewwww!

sigh.

Plently of time to figure all that out, I guess . . .

*dreamy sigh*

Early Morning Hush

The sun was nowhere near rising when my eyes opened and my senses began taking in the early morning sounds of neighbors cajolling thier engines to life.

I was wide awake.

Slipping out of the warmth of my bed, I padded down the hallway to discover that I might as well stay up. It was close enough to daylight.

With coffee brewing, I took DellDog out for a morning relief and brought him back in to snuggle with me on the couch.

My Bible nearby, my heart already engaged, I lifted up my thoughts to the Majestic One.

Oh, what bliss, to commune with Him in the silence.

No one else.

Only He and I.

Pleasure.

She's IN!!

Oh my gosh!

I can hardly contain my excitement!

Tiffany is officially IN! She completed final approval for her DE-lux apartment accomodations, submitted her deposit and pro-rated rent, and voila'!

This morning early we completed the walk-through. My heart simply sings in adoration of a Faithful God who perfects all things that concern me.

It has been three weeks since our church fellowship agreed in prayer for the supply of a home for Tiffany and her wee one on the way. A place that fit her budget, and was a clean, well-taken care of place to live in. Oh. Add desire for washer and dryer.

Check!

Yes, Lord, You are faithful, and You care about the smallest detail. You care about Tiffany, and I can hear You singing and rejoicing over her even now . . .

Window Of Opportunity

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. Acts 20: 7-12

What a unique day of fellowship we experienced yesterday.

Glimpses of the Father's heart expressed through a family of six, reunited, thanks to a body of believers who count not their belongings as thier own.

Sharing and praying; laughing and crying; munching and chatting the hours away until nightfall and beyond.

The revelation of the Word of God being discussed and poured over, and identified as good.

Rest, a deep abiding rest settled over everyone, amidst the movement and life that abounded.

How good it is, for bretheren to dwell together in unity.

Concerning Angi's Existance . . .

Ok, Ok! Alright already!

I've just picked up email, and taken a phone call (10:00 pm!) from Tiffany. Seems I've been AWOL from a few peoples' radar screen.

Well, for the record, and for a particular person who will heretofore remain nameless, albeit she knows who she is, I submit for the record,

I'm STAYIN' ALIVE!

Time Warp(ed)

Ok, so imagine if you will, a vehicle goin' ninety-to-nothin', wheelin' around the corner, kickin' up dust, and screeching to a halt in your driveway.

That's pretty much what life has felt like these past few days. WAY busy . . .and WHEN exactly should I plan on sleeping?

Oh, wait. I did that already! LOL

So, I finally arrive home to the peace and relative quiet of my humble abode. Where has all my time gone? How has so much time been sucked up by this 'n that, and who made my schedule anyway? Huh?!?

As my body finally eases into a state of relaxation, I chuckle to myself. "Now there's a misnomer!" I state under my breath, and then I pull up ole faithful YouTube.

ah. moments of escapism wrap around me. And I'm free to embark on a journey to the long, long ago of my once upon a time exsistance: High School.

Nothing ~ absolutely nothing compares with the 80's. And the lead singer for Styx. Oh. Wait. The lead guitarist of Def Leppard was pretty hot himself. Hmmm . . .

{spinning, swirling stripes, as the room fades away into the background, and the music begins . . . .)

Wow Wednesday

My husband.

Just for the record ~ he is one of the BEST husband's a gal could want. Or need.

Take tonight for instance.

He called me on his way home from work, offering me dinner out. Since I felt less that kosher, I simply asked for chips and salsa from Los Tres Amigos.(MMMMmmmmm!)

The Fab GilGuy not only arrived at home with the coveted salsa, but my fave Chicken Santa Fe as well.

(Ok. He's R E A L L Y on my good side now!) LOL

We dined in relative peace, and enjoyment of one another's company.

Then he did the coy thing.

Ya know . . .when he invites me outside. (my limbic system informing me that another suprise is on the horizon . . .)

Sure enough ~ there it is! The movie we've planned on getting since seeing Facing The Giants: Flywheel.

I am some impressed with the people who've made both. Focus on relationships. With Christ, with others.

Powerful, poignant, to the point.

Thanks Sherwood Productions. I appreciate you.

(And my husband, of course!) LOL

Worship In Your Own Way

As I sit at the computer this evening, my auditory awareness zooms in on the muffled sounds of worship eminating from the bathtub.

Yes, the bathtub.

My son is scrubbing away layer upon layer of dirt and grime, and lifting up a melody of love to the Lord.

This spawns the reality that at any given moment during the day, I will most likely hear Aubrey singing along to her favorite Jeremy Camp cd in her room.

Add to that Gil's strumming on the guitar every evening one of his favorite NewsBoys tunes.

Ah.

What bliss.

And how amazing.

It makes my heart sing. :)

How In Blue Blaz-ers ?!?!?!?

Wow!

An amazing moment in time ~ a moment of redemption really. Let me explain.

Gil had a major VIP meeting today. His intense work schedule the past three weeks has all been leading up to today. So, what does this very detail-orientated guy do?

He leaves home without his Blue Blazer.

Uh-huh.

At home, on a hanger, in the closet.

So, he calls me. And very gingerly, in a skirting-around-the-issue kinda way, asks me to bring it to him. If it's not too much trouble, of course.

I, being the dutiful wife I am, immediately jumped on the opportunity. (And no, not just because I saw the word L U N C H flash before my eyes like a neon sign!)

I hightailed it to downtown Gulfport with the treasured garment swaying softly on the back hook. It took no time to recognize that there would be only a few precious moments with my Gil Guy . . .so, the transfer complete, I head home, hungry (just kidding) whilst the Sharp Dressed Man wheels around the corner to return to the office.

No sooner did I make it to the light on 30th Street than my phone rings. It's the GilMiester. Seems he's run into the BigWigs, and they are looking for him. They need him to join them for lunch at Vrazel's. A working lunch, requiring a suit jacket.

Just in the nick of time.

Since I saved the day by my heroic servant-hearted actions, and since Gil so nicely apologized to me for suggesting that I had not a servant-heart the other day, I've decided to return the favor, and officially allow him out of the dog-house for the now infamous Vrazel's faux-paux, wherein my wonderful Knight in Shining Armour refused to take me inside.

MMMMmmmm . . .I can taste that steak now . . . .

Sunday Siesta Success

WOO HOO!

Someone congratulate me!
I do believe I've crossed the threshhold of the Daylight Savings Time Sleep Pattern Adjustment Barrier!

Yep! :) It's true! After a week of arising before humanly acceptable thanks to a little clock-work by our ever-famous Ben Franklin, I do believe that I am now completely adjusted to the new timestamp of life in North America! :)

Of course, there were many challenges, notwithstanding the most difficult morning of all, Friday. How can I describe to you EXACTLY how I felt crawling out of the warm, soft covers that chilly morn? Before the birds were singing? Hmmm . . .I suppose the best method is a pictoral rendering of my mood. Ready?

This is me, Friday AM:

{{shudder}} It was pretty tough ~ I very rarely cross that major of a grump-line. But there it was, in full force, warning my family members, the dog, and yes, even the birds of just how unhappy I was . . .

But then, just as magically, it happened. The Transformation. The Adjustment. The Acceptance.

I awoke Saturday morn with nary a difficulty . . .and re-filled my sleep quota Saturday eve well into Sunday morn.

Ahhh . . .

I feel human again.

YIPPPEEE ME! :)

Singing, Singing . . .A Happy Heart

The world is a happie place today

Tiffany's baby is on it's way ~

the half-way mark is almost here,

and soon I'll hold my GRANDSON dear!

Daylight Savings Time Wierdness

It never fails.

Each year, DST impacts my physical being in a way that resembles the Incredible Hulk wrenching a door jamb off of a metal frame building, and tossing it to the side to enter . . .usually to rescue the frightened, waiting damsel inside.

Well, all I relate to is the twisted hunk of metal tossed to and fro.

The reality of morning arriving an hour earlier than expected, required, or needed ends up causing my REM sleep to escalate to wierdo proportions.

This morning was no exception.

The imagery was so vivid and so wierdo that I've pondered on it numerous times over my coffee elixer, prodding me to the land of wakefulness.

Why not try your hand at it?

See if YOU can figure it out!

Ready?

Nursing Baby

Thanksgiving Turkey

A Bottle of Merlot

A Messy House

Children Spilling Juice

Canned Goods Everywhere

and Jason Hall visiting.

See?

Wierd.

Time: Marked In Jury-assic Proportions

Just who was it that decided to call L'il Ole Me in for jury duty mere hours from the official time change?


Don't they KNOW that my Night-Owl Tenedencies r e a l l y struggle this time every year?



And, am I lacking patriotic zeal, as I request to be dismissed from jury duty, mere hours from my attendance at the ever patriotic Sons of the American Revolution State Convention???



sigh.

Another day. Another moral delimna.

But, since I've successfully been dismissed ~

let's look at PICTURES!!! :)

Here's my GilGuy giving the State Eagle Scout Award . . .the center of attention, not his favorite locale! :)

And here he is, having recceived a Citizenship Award, for rallying the Gulf Coast chpater after Hurricane Katrina.

And here, being sworn in as the new years' Chapter President. (Get a load of those Revolutionary War Hero digs . . .Wow!)


Meet "Meriweather Lewis" of Lewis and Clark fame . . .this gentleman actually travelled the Lewis and Clark Trail for the 200th anniversary, with Clark's Great, Great, Great Grandson.


And finally, a bear claw attached to a rug from the expedition, part of the Lewis and Clark display.

Hmmm.

Nope. I'd say I'm Red, White, and Blue, through and through.

God Bless America! :)

Always Say I Love You . . .

I had been intentioned on leaving a sticky note, letting everyone know that I'd be out of town for a few days.

I have a fresh batch of photos to share from our weekend extravaganza with the Sons Of The American Revolution.

Nothing prepared me, however, for the news that awaited my arrival home. A reminder, fresh again, to always let those you care about know that you do indeed care.

Meet the Hermanots: Bill and Kim:

Bill and Kim are friends of mine from my New Hampshire days. Bill is simply brilliant, and Kim a fresh, tender heart that draws you into friendship. Together, Bill and Kim have seven children, and a baby (now overdue!) on the way.

The last time I saw Kim was at Karen's place, just after my husband Larry had passed away. The irony dares to mock me as I pen this blog. You see, Bill suddenly passed away this weekend.

No warning.

Just gone.

A Mom and a family now on thier own. [See website: NineAlone]

I am stunned, and ever reminded to always say "I Love You".

When Shopping Becomes A Family Affair

It was the only way I could conceive the energy to do it.

Aubrey had cash to burn, and a spending plan for a shopping spree that included the need for Mom to furnish the taxi ride to the mall.

How on earth could I endure it, after a full day already?

Only one answer.

Schlep 'em all to the mall!

My cleverly devised plan worked like a charm! See for yourself:

Bethany has both fashion sense and a keen eye for quality. She made mincemeat of rack after rack of this season's best-kept secrets.

Convincing Aubrey of her prowess was another story, however . . .

It took the able-bodied skill set of the Queen of Bridal Boutiques Tiffany to get the job done! Yet all this girlie stuff never did impress the Boy much. It was all he could do just to endure it!

(Gee. I know how you feel, kid!) :)

Ingestion by Suggestion?

I've just risen from a comfy spot on the couch.

It was there that I found myself browsing through a Better Homes and Gardens mag that had arrived last week, whilst awaiting Gil's arrival home from a late night at work.

The cover was fresh, and pretty, and inviting. Spring was in the air as I plucked it off the coffee table and into my lap.

Page after page I turned . . .

Dismay began to settle over me.

What on earth is up with all the pharmecutical ads?

It didn't used to be so.

I cancelled my Reader's Digest subscription years ago because of it.

The power of suggestion is just too great for the medical field.

Now, here is the same concept, littering my BHG.

Sigh.

I took note of not one, not two, not even three . . .but a multitude of ambien advertisements.

I've supported my friends who've taken it. Those who have worked through life issues in healthy ways, coming out on the other side. I thought of one dear friend as I read a disclaimer on yet another ambien page: the oldest of the hypnotic drugs.

Well now THAT's a statement for ya. I wondered to myself if she'd ever heard it described like that before . . .

and then ~

the next thing you know ~

I'm waking up on the couch, wondering how long I've been asleep.

Gee. Hypnotized by the power of suggestion.

Ingestion by suggestion??

I guess.

:)

Armchairs, Apartments, and Arabia

It has been a full few days ~ I'm catching my breath even now!

But a significant series of events has my attention.

1. Sunday's fellowship was at Doug's place. We had a great time! It was there, in his armchair that a day of intense community took place. Doug prepared a ROCKIN' roast, and our conversation covered hill and dale of topics galore.

2. It was here at Doug's place that I requested prayer for Tiffany. She's in need of an apartment. Doug clued me in to a potential property, and Tiff and I have been working on that lead.

3. And then Doug showed the documentary. It has captivated me. It has moved me. It has impressed me. I've read the accompanying book. I'm convinced.

Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia?

Hmmm . . .the Bible tells me so . . .

I suggest you see and read for yourself.

Enjoy! :)

Parlez Vous Francais?

So, since I'm married to a Cajun, she thought I should teach the French class.

Renee, that is. Our Homeschool Co-op Teacher, who managed to take a much needed getaway cruise with her honey. Have you met Renee yet? Hmmm . . .here she is with Susan. Renee is the brunette:

Yeah, she up and left me in a linguistical quandry.

You see, I can neither verify nor deny that my French is grammatically correct. Or even pronounced right.

But I do REALLY love BabelFish.

So, I taught the kids how to use BabelFish.

Oh, and how to say CROUPION.

Just like Gil does.

I don't know if Renee will ever let me teach French again. She may feel I have corrupted the classroom.

Well, if she doesn't, I'll simply respond, "Ah, Croupion!" and move on.

What?! You don't know what croupion means?

Oh! Well let me instruct you:

Ready?

Croupion means . . .

.

.

.

Chicken Butt! :)

(See what I mean?) LOLOL

Master Blaster

Well, whatever blogging material might have been floating around in my brain to post tonight just got kicked to the curb.


I just got the phone call.


It's official.


Yep. Bonafide Complete. Finished. Done.


"What is?" You might ask . . .


Well, in order to tell you properly, I have to introduce you to another friend of mine!


{Ahem!} Everyone! Please be introduced to:

KAREN! (and her granchildren, of course!)

Now, some of you may remember Karen from an earlier post, when I shared her and Beth's visit to my place. (You know. When the Saints were on a high!)

Well, before I share with you Karen's Big News, I need to let you know that Karen and I go WAAAY back to my New Hampshire days. Karen and I are what you classify as LifeTime Friends.

(You know, the kind that, regardless of how long it's been since you've talked to one another, once you are on the phone it is as if you were sitting at Strafford Farms sharing a Brownie Sundae, or possibly munching a Steak and Cheese from D'Angelo's. Or, maybe sharing one another's pantry during the weekend snowstorm. Or, driving to Houston at 3 am with the Daughters of Jerusalem. That kind.)

With that said, it's obvious why I was on The List of people to call once the deed was done. I'm important. I'm Karen's LifeTime Friend. :)

{ahem} Back to my point.

Tonight has been a monumentous occasion for Karen. Tonight was Karen's FINAL night of classes to complete her MASTERS DEGREE!!!! WOOOHOOOO!!

How exciting! Years upon years upon years of consistent, dedicated, nose-to-the-grindstone effort finally brought to fruition. An educational milestone.

Wow.

Now, lest you consider that somehow this accomplishment be shallow, or, not worthy of merit, please know that Karen is woman full of integrity and uprightness. A woman who knows the power of one. A woman who stands up for the downtrodden. The underdog. The less fortunate. A woman who speaks in the city gates, and makes a difference.

You see, Karen's life has been full of challenges and difficulty. But not without purpose. A reflection of one purpose of her life can be found at Christopher's Legacy. An effort to make a difference in the lives of children born with birth defects or illnesses; an effort to raise awareness as a result of her own path.

Yep. Karen is one fine woman. So, it's time to cheer her on! Applaud her success! Three cheers for Karen!

HIP HIP HORRAY!! HIP HIP HORRAY!! HIP HIP HORRAY!!

Congratulations, Karen! Why not reward yourself with a weekend scrap-fest? And while you're at it, you might as well order in from D'Angelo's . . .go ahead. Live it up a little. You deserve it! :)