Can't believe it's come and gone...

Haven't written in a while. My sister Katherine, along with Mother, picked up the Chrystler van and came to get me. We left about 9:30 AM on Tuesday morning, July 27, to pick up my brother Richard and then headed to Columbia. Arrived there about 11:30 AM. Loaded suitcases for Sonny and Sarah into the van and headed to MS. First we drove through Rush's for lunch. We didn't stop for supper until we were in AL. We ate at a Cracker Barrel and it was yummy. Traveling wasn't too bad; we all could have used more leg room, but that's the way it goes. We stopped every couple of hours at Welcome Centers and rest stops; that helped. We got to Vera's about 9:30 PM their time and about 10:30 our time.

Our Dad was one of six children born to our Grandmother and Granddaddy. There was Uncle Leo and Aunt Helen; Aunt Louise and Uncle Tony; Uncle Lewis and Aunt Louise; my Dad; Uncle Grady Lawrence, who was killed in WW2 before I ever met him; and Uncle Laroy and Aunt Clarese(Recy). The only one still living is my Aunt Recy who is in an assisted living facility. Uncle Leo had two children, Kitty in CA, and Charles, is Cocomo, MS. We got to see him. He and his wife had 6 girls and have a good many grandchildren. Aunt Louise had twins, Vera and Vernon, and another daughter Linda. These are the cousins we are the closest to. We stay with Vera and Charles who have been married 51 years. Uncle Lewis had 6 children, one of whom (Larry) has died. We got to see two of the cousins that we have been closer to: Carol (who makes the best pralines in the world) and Johnnie. He lives in New Orleans and has a son and daughter. He and his wife Brenda seem really nice and it's too bad we don't know them better. Uncle Laroy had a son who died at birth, James Steven, and another son, Buddy. Buddy lives in TN and is not a son one would brag about, in my opinion.

Then of course, in our family there are five of us: Cassie, Richard, Sonny, Sarah, and Katherine. We all had such a wonderful time on our trip. Vera was 72 this year but you would never know it. She cooked 3 meals a day for us for a week! They were awesome. We did eat at Linda's house Friday night. On Wednesday, we drove thru Glendale and saw our grandparents' home, the old Gandy's store we used to walk to (wasn't it farther away than that???). The house looked so sad and nothing like it did when we would visit. Then we went around the corner to the street Aunt Louise used to live off of and whoa! there was the interstate. We couldnt' believe it. We drove on down and would you believe it - her driveway wasn't as long as we remembered it either. We also went to the site where Linda's first husband had been born and reared. It was torn down the week before we came down. Vera and Charles have bought it and will build there soon.

They want to build another house just like the one they have but with changes to make it the way they want it, i.e. larger area around kitchen island and wider dining room. The area seems to strange without the old house where we visited and stayed with Linda. But the property is very pretty and a new house will look wonderful there.

Truthfully a lot of the time I felt rather out of place. When the kitchen needed to be cleaned up, I felt in the way and would escape to the living room with a book. I just can't work with a crowd in the room; either let me clean it up and get out of my way, or leave me out of it. But I still had a good time.

On Thursday of that week, we went to New Orleans. It was really a trip down memory lane for Mother, so we didn't get to see some of the places that we would have enjoyed, like the French Quarters. We drove around and around and saw cable cars, beads hanging in trees from this year's Mardigras, where Mother lived as a child (we didn't know anything about), where my Mama' used to live, etc. New Orleans is such a crowded town, lots of new buildings, but also buildings left that were affected by Hurricane Katrina. The shotgun house my grandmother used to live in was vacant and gutted, and looked NOTHING like it did when Mama' lived there, but it brought back memories.

On Friday we did a little shopping and went to Linda's for supper. It was only a 13 mile drive but it felt like 50. The roads were curvy and in the country. My cousins are wonderful cooks and I have lots of new recipes to prove it. Ha.

Saturday we had a cookut and 45 cousins gathered for the fun. Sunday we went to church with Vera and Charles. And Monday, sadly, we headed for home. We were all missing out spouses and pets and it was good to get home. I arrived about 9:30 PM on Monday, August 2, Ken's birthday.

Tuesday I was very happy to return to Ladies Bible Class and see everyone. Friday night we ate with the kids and grandchildren to celebrate boy birthdays: Josh on 7/27; Ken's on 8/2; and David's on 8/10. We went to Wasabi's, a Japanese steakhouse the kids love. Saturday I went to Wal-Mart to get school supplies for the three grandchildren, then to the Children's Orchard to get school clothes for Elizabeth, a pair of PJs and shorts for Josh, and then fast drive-thru at Arby's and drive across town to get to the theater for "Ramona and Beezus". Such a sweet movie.

This week's been kind of a drag, only because I can't let go of the high from planning and going on the trip to MS. My brother Richard has been very sick this week from acid reflux that has upset his COPD and emphyszema.

My friend Terry who lives in Jasper, GA, was at services last night and we went to the Waffle House afterwards to "catch up". Her friend Melinda from TX was here, too.

Today feels better. Ken and I are going to the base for meds after lunch and then to the movie to see "Despicable Me". We can use a good laugh. Renea has called us and her Granny about leaving Allie and coming home. It's so hard to say no but she continues to cling to her troublesome ways and then wants to be rescued. We are OUT of the rescue business.

Time to close. At least I have cleared my mind.

Cassie

Tomorrow Is In Sight

My house is clean; my clothes are washed, folded and packed. Ken's list is made. I'm finally going to be able to sleep tonight. Ken and I have worked three puzzles in a week. I've been so antsy that I couldn't sit still. But tomorrow we leave for Mississippi. We are all excited and can hardly wait. I pray that God gives us a safe trip there and back and helps us to have a wonderful time. I also pray that my husband, my pets, and my home and everyone we leave behind are well while we are gone.

Katherine is getting the van about 8:30 in the morning and then coming to pick me up. I will call Richard and let him know we are on the way and we will pick him up. Then we are headed to Columbia to pick up Sarah and Sonny. I hope our timing is good so that we can have lunch at Rush's. Yum.

Kinsey has slept on top of my suitcase most of the day. It's not going to stop me, sweet kitty. I am going and I will miss you and Tina and Patches and Duchess and Lucy and Danny. Mostly I hate to leave my husband. He is so good to me.

Cassie

What a good day!

Another hot day in Summervile; thank Goodness for A/C. The day started with breakfast at the Waffle House with my awesome husband Ken. After we ate, we went to Publix for a few things; he dropped me off at Wal-Mart and went home to put the other stuff away. By the time he called looking for me in the store, I was almost finished shopping. I hurried - a list and limited funds helped. Ha.

We were home and had the groceries put away by about 10:30 a.m. We worked together on our latest jizsaw puzzle for a couple of hours, then I went to the office to write letters to Renea and my friend Sarah. I left just after 1:30 and drove through Chick-Fil-A, then to a mailbox to drop off the letters, then by Goodwill to drop off some items and then to Cindy's house to let Jesse and Jake out. They didn't waste time; it was too hot.

I got home by 2:30 and started again on the puzzle. About 3 PM Marilyn and Bill got home. They came for Tinker who loves us until they show up. Ha. I guess that's the way it should be.

It was a 14-hour drive for them over two days; they were glad to be home, too. But I was so happy to visit with them for about an hour. They left and we went back to the puzzle. A little after 5 PM, Cindy called on her way home from work.

We got to talking about jobs and she asked me if I had checked out the websites for the city of Goose Creek. I hadn't, so I did. Nothing there. Then I went to the Summerville city website and BINGO! It led me to a job for a part-time nanny.

It's for two little girls, ages 5 and 7, Monday thru Thursday, 2:30-5 PM. I joined the All-Care company and applied for the job. It doesn't start until Aug. 16 which is great, since I am leaving for MS in 4 days. We'll see.

We each found our own supper tonight; Ken is so good about this. Sometimes you just don't feel like cooking a big meal.

We had a really big rainstorm last night but I don't think that will happen today. It rained before we left for church, while we were in class, and a little on the way home. We needed the rain though.

Got some cleaning done yesterday and will do some more tomorrow - bird cages, mopping the dining room and hallway. Saturday I will think about packing. I also need to make Ken a list to help him with his additional chores while I am gone.

He thinks he doesn't need one. Uh-huh...

Cassie

A Fast Tuesday

This day seems to have flown by. When we stay busy, time does seem to go by faster. Today was Ladies' Bible Class. Marilyn didn't come home last night; I called and learned they will leave from Indiana tomorrow. I told Bill that I guess I would go ahead and turn off the porch light. Ha. I was so disappointed not because keeping their dog Tinker - she's no problem - I just miss my friend and feel like we have so much to catch up on.

I picked Linda up this morning for class. This was her first time to get to go and also gave her a chance to thank everyone for all their cards and prayers, etc. She had to leave Eddie a list of things to take care of - meds and times; this was their first time apart. Linda was very excited to go out to eat with everyone today. We really had a great class (18 were there) and a fun time eating lunch together at Ruby Tuesday's.

When I came out of the building to leave for lunch, I noticed I had a flat tire (left front). So I had to call Ken and get him to come rescue the car. Linda and I rode with two other ladies to the restaurant and back. I got Linda home about 2 PM and I arrived shortly after that. After checking email, the mail, and hugging my husband and critters, I was ready for a nap.

When I got up Ken and I were ready to work on our latest 1000-pc puzzle. Now it's already nearly 6:30 PM. Ken ate lunch late so we will find something to eat later when our stomachs growl. Now we are listening to the rest of the news. Yea! The unemployment extension has been approved. I am so thankful. I AM trying to find a job, but it is sure nice to know we get to eat while I'm hunting. God will hope the door to the right job; I just know it.

This time next week I will be headed to MS with my Mother and brothers and sisters. I wonder where we will be.....

Cassie

One More Week

Last week went by quickly. Today my friend Marilyn comes home from visiting Bill's mother in Indiana. I hope they had a good visit and found her doing well, but I know they will be happy to be home. We have been keeping Tinker, their little dog with Jack Russell in her. She's such a good little thing and full of energy, especially compared to poor old Duchess, our little Scottie.

We've been watering tomato plants and enjoying the fruits of our efforts. Well, we couldn't leave the little tomatoes there on the vine to rot; of course we had to eat them. Well, I did; Ken's not a raw tomato eater.

Ladies Bible Class is going well. Last week we had 16 there. Helen was at camp; Ruth D. fell; Grace still had company; and Marilyn was out of town. I will teach again this week and then Marie is going to do July 28. Helen will teach on August 3, even though I will be back. I just don't know when we will get home. I'm so glad we decided to continue class through the summer. We have had so many attend that would normally have to work, i.e. Marilyn, Dorris, Wanda. I just pray that I do my best so that God will have the glory. I find that when I am "in the Word" more, I think before I act and I make better decisions.

Ken and I put two puzzles together last week - actually he finished the last ten pieces on the second one this morning. He's going to the AFB for meds, by Mom's and also the church building to work - I'm going to wash clothes and mop floors. I will also work on tomorrow's lesson today.

I can't wait to see Marilyn. There is so much to tell her. I finished the book The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It was so good. It's fiction, but I believe a lot of it was based on fact, about the way black women were treated and viewed before segregation. I'm so glad I wasn't brought up to view someone with black skin as less important in God's eyes than anyone else. Sometimes I do get tired of hearing about their rights and treatment, but in looking at it through their eyes, it is probably hard to put the past behind you and not look today with suspicions. We all need to learn to live one day at a time. We can't change yesterday and we may not even have tomorrow. We just need to do our best each day and treat everyone the way we want to be treated. The book is not due back at the library for another week so I will give it to Marilyn to read.

I used anticipated yard sale money from the clothes I bought for Elizabeth when she was two to buy more JA Jance books, including her newest. It won't be delivered until I get back from MS, but three others will arrive before the trip. I am starting on the Ali Reynolds collection now. It is special to me that she responds to my emails to her.

Saturday I ate lunch with Cindy at Gilligan's. She had a buy one, get one coupon and we really had a good time. We both got the combo meal; we just picked different items. We just might do that again next Saturday, although she mentioned the BBQ place on College Park. It's good, too. It's really hard to lose weight and shape up when you like to eat. Ha. I guess I need to develop a way to balance things, like WALKING more. I'll think on that for awhile and maybe it will become a "want to". We'll see.

We heard two really awesome sermons from Don yesterday. Oh how I love Jesus! I am so thankful He died and rose again for me. I can't imagine living life without Him.

Cassie

God is so good.....

Tuesday morning I went to the Unemployment Office early to apply for extended benefites on my unemployment. I was so nervous. Why is it that we ask God for what we need and trust that He will provide and then worry about it? Because we are human. Anyhow, it was approved - I got the official notice from the Columbia office today - and I will continue to get $140/week (which buys our groceries) for another 3 months at least. Now I must have faith that Congress will sign the bill SOON.

Otherwise this week I received my last check. I am trying to find a job and I believe the right one for me will turn up when God is ready for me to get one. I was also afraid that without the extension I wouldn't be able to go on the trip to MS with my brothers and sisters and Mother. But I am going and can hardly wait for the 27th when we leave.

Cassie

It's Raining, it's Pouring

Today was slightly cooler than yesterday and this evening the rains came down. Except for the LOUD thunder and unsettled animals, the rain is awesome. This morning I decided that my hair had to be cut; today! I left about 8:50 AM for Classic Cuts but when I got there four people were already ahead of me. One of the ladies was waiting for a perm, so when another stylist arrived, I decided to let her cut my hair. I'm so glad that I did. I love my haircut. It is exactly what I have been wanting but I kept trying to let it grow some. It's short and it's right and it's me.

By 10 AM I was on the way home. I called Marilyn and asked if I could come by to bring her pictures of our babies. She loved them. By tomorrow morning they should be stuck on paper balloons that will go on our classroom door.

I did strip beds and wash a couple of loads of clothes, but mostly I continued my book when I got home. I finished it just about 30 minutes ago. I was reading Hour of the Hunter by JA Jance. This is one of the Walker Series books with a new one coming out later this month. I have been trying to re-read the series so far, in order.

When I first discovered JA and her books, I read them as I could get them from the library. I really prefer to read a series in order. When I got really attached to Detective Beaumont, I started buying them to read and have them in order.

I was planning to make meatloaf for supper, but I couldn't leave my book so I made tuna salad and we had it on a bed of lettuce. It was really good and lots less work. lol. I'll make the meatloaf for Sunday dinner.

Need to make beds...

Cassie

Hot, Hot, Hot

July 9th was incredibly hot! Ken and I got up about 6:15 AM because our pets are so totally rotten and demanding. We can't imagine how they got that way. Ha. It was 76 degrees on the front porch but once you were out there, it wasn't too bad. We sat out there for an hour and then came in.

I had been reading while I was out there. I fixed us a big breakfast and we ate in the office. I got started playing with this site, wishing I could change a few things but can't figure out how. I'll keep working on it.

Then I stretched out on the sofa and started reading. That is most of what I did yesterday. I needed a "do nothing much" day. Too bad it wasn't a rainy day, but I am good at pretending.

I did download pictures from my camera to the computer late in the afternoon. Then I sent some to Wal-Mart to be printed. About 6 PM (it was still hot outside), I went to Wal-Mart to get the pictures. Marilyn has redecorated our classroom door with a clown. We need pictures of our little ones to go into the balloons the clown will be holding. I'll take the pictures to Marilyn this morning. They are posted on this site.

It's Saturday morning. I will try to be more productive today.

Cassie

Grandma and Elizabeth

Grandma had been looking forward to yesterday for a good while. My friend Cindy has her 7-year-old grandson Alex with her this week and we planned to take her grandson and my granddaughter to see Toy Story 3.

I had to go to the Unemployment Office yesterday for a review. They look at the list of places that you have applied to for work and update any other information. My appointment was for 1:30 PM, the time we needed to be at the theater. So I went on Wednesday morning, but I was told I had to come the DAY of my appointment; I couldn't reschedule.

So I met Dana at the Atlanta Bread Company at 7:30 AM and was hugged by an excited little girl. I had planned to fix Elizabeth grits, which she loves, but getting up at 6 AM to get a shower, feed the pets, and WAKE UP was a little tough. So I took her an individual bottle of Sunny D and two Land o' Lakes cheese square - her favorite. She is not a big breakfast eater, so she was thrilled. We arrived at the unemployment office about 7:50 AM.

When we parked, she asked me what doctor I was going to see. I told her that I wasn't going to see a doctor. This place helped people who didn't have a job to find a job and I was going to see someone for just a few minutes. She said that she would help me find a job, too. I gave her some paper and she proceeded to interview me.

Remember that she is only 5 1/2 years old, but she asked me some really good questions. She wanted to know what kind of job I wanted; what I liked to do; what I did at my last job; why I wasn't there anymore. When I told her that the company ran out of money to pay me, she asked, "You mean no one works there anymore?" I told her that I only worked part-time, about 24 hours a week, and that they had to let me go. She asked me if I liked my boss; if I got along with the other people; what I liked to do. I told her that I liked to be busy and she said that was a good thing and she was going to write that down. She really had some good questions, but Grandma tired of that game long before she did. Ha.

Thankfully, we were out of there by about 9:15 AM. I found out that I will receive my last check next week! On Tuesday of next week I have to apply for an extension of benefits. I had thought I was already approved for a year, and I have been looking for a job. In fact, it's depressing when you think a job is just right for you and you don't even get an acknowledgement that you applied. God will provide. I hang on to that promise.

Elizabeth and I went to Books-a-million to meet Cindy and Alex. We got there first. We walked around and looked at books, especially the tables and tables of marked down books. We were hoping the children could play with the train in the children's area but we discovered that it was no longer there. Bummer! They enjoyed looking at some of the books and getting to pick out one to buy. Elizabeth thought it was neat that they had benches you could sit on.

We left there and arrived at the Olive Garden right at 11:30 AM. I was starving; the yogurt I ate at 7 AM was long gone. The children both love salad and breadsticks so we ordered kid-size drinks for them and water for us. Cindy was planning on pasta for supper so she ordered grilled chicken with vegetables and I ordered spaghetti and meatballs - the lunch size. It was so good! Since Ken is gluten intolerant, sometimes I really crave pasta, which he cannot eat.

The children were good, even though Alex was a little testy with Mimi. I need to remind Cindy today that even though she would never have allowed Ashley to behave the way Alex did, that she is not the one from whom he learns all the attitudes he displayed yesterday. Even Elizabeth noted his behavior. We had about 30 minutes to play with before the movie, so we went by Gigi's. Elizabeth loves to go see my Mom.

Then we went to the movie. We all love the previews. Grandma was so tired by the time the movie actually started that she slept through half of it. Disgusting, isn't it? Ha. Too bad; I needed that catnap. The movie ended at 4 PM and we headed home. Elizabeth was excited to see Grandpa. She watched cartoons and I chilled on the sofa in the office; I think I also dozed a little. Dana picked up Elizabeth about 6:40 PM. I had already fixed her some mac and cheese and chocolate milk.

Yes, I was in bed by 9:30 PM. I slept like a rock!

Cassie

Today is the first day of blogging...

Hello everyone,

Today is July 7 and my first day of blogging. My niece Kim has a wonderful blog site and she steered me to this site. However, I need some hands-on training, I'm afraid. Ha.

One of the things I miss the most about being retired is that I am not around people. I love the interaction one can have with coworkers and the clients. Even though I have time now for more things I enjoy, I have less money with which to do them. Ha.

Tomorrow should be a fun day. I am going with my friend Cindy and her 7-year old grandson Alex, with my granddaughter Elizabeth, 5 1/2, to Books-A-Million in Northwoods Mall, then lunch at the Olive Garden (both children love salad and bread- sticks), and then to the movie by 2 PM to see Toy Story 3.

I bought Elizabeth a new outfit to wear - well, it was on sale!

More later; I want to see what this looks like.

Cassie

Today is the First Day of Blogging

Now that's a title. I don't have a clue what I am doing. My niece Kim has such a nice blog; I need to get her to come over and train me. She directed me to this Google website, but she doesn't realize I need some "hands on" instructions. Ha.

I am looking forward to tomorrow. I will meet my daughter-in-law early in the morning at ABC (Atlanta Bread Company) and retrieve my 5 1/2 year old granddaughter. We have one stop to make and then we will head to Books-A-Million in Northwoods Mall. There we will meet my good friend and her grandson, look around the store and perhaps find a bargain or two. Then we will eat lunch at the Olive Garden - both children love salad and breadsticks - and from there will head to the movie by 2 PM to see Toy Story 3. Elizabeth says she has already seen it but is willing to see it again.

Grandma bought her an outfit to wear tomorrow; well, it was on sale at Wal-Mart and I couldn't resist.

Being retired gives me more time for things I enjoy, but less money with which to do them. I have been trying to find a part-time administrative or bookkeeping job, but I believe I am over-qualified when companies see my resume and don't even respond to my contact. It's either that or I'm getting so old no one wants me. I hope it's because I am over-qualified.

I think it's time to start another book. I just read one that is really good. It's called The Heart Mender, by Andy Andrews. It's about finding some German uniform buttons, ribbons, and photos buried along the Gulf coast and how the author sought out answers about how those items got there. When he got his answers he wrote them into a wonderful story. My friend Marilyn and I think the story is true; he just changed names for privacy sake.