Is It Over Yet?

We had a simply wonderful Christmas 2009. A quiet Christmas Eve as Ann and Jonathan and the girls trucked up to Hickory to visit his grand-parents...what I would give to have a Christmas Eve with my grand-parents...all of us crammed in that little Holly Hill house...presents to the ceiling...relatives to the walls and a house full of laughter...that ugh green punch...that fruitcake...the cousins all there...we were the luckiest kids in the world and had not a clue....years later Tim would say to me..that he really thought everyone had celebrations like that...NOT!..just last week my sister and I were talking (as usual)about the fun times at the holidays and also just hanging around with our Ding Dong Daddy (with a hooting Nanny)lol..I can almost taste the sugarcane and how he would sit out in the yard and peel it for hours for us...how about also the hours we "usted" to spend on the porch with Nanny and shelling black eyed peas in pots..she would glean our shelled results..we could never seem to quite do it right..how about her trying to teach us girls to crochet...that tiny tiny little crochet hook..the even smaller thread and the sweat dripping off us...never accomplished that goal until MUCH later...never can get that cornbread dressing to taste the same either.
Yes, we were the lucky ones...what will my grands remember about me?...they will have some of the same funny remembrances (I hope)...time spent running around in the VW Bug?,swimming,home-made gifts...lets hope they remember some of it with laughter.
Christmas Day dinner was a BIG change this year...lasagna made by HoHo...the best I had ever had...not even a pumpkin pie...traditional? No..but fun anyway.
What will 2010 bring? Who can predict? BUT THRU LAUGHTER AND TEARS...we look forward to 2010!

Christmas Day 2009

OH WHAT FUN IT IS:::::::

SNOW SNOW SNOW!
The big snow of 2009
It started off simply enough...grands wishing..."maybe 1/2 day"..."maybe two hour delay"....well...a delay alright! This was thursday afternoon at the bus-stop.
Snow is everyone's dream...especially this Floridiot who has been known to beg to drive for hours just to play in a light dusting...remember the cemetery/Ga trip years ago?
We were looking forward to friends from Arkansas to head our way for a short stop on their way east to the NC coast...house was as dusted as it could be with a quick going over planned for friday...best laid plans of mice and bears, eh? Friday was an early start to Christmas vacation... Snow started in the early morning hours of friday..school called...Gene drove five miles an hour (he claimed) to get to his store at 6am...he is a strange one..wonder what it would get to get him to call in for weather?..drove his Wrangler and not the hybrid that was provided for NC mountain area...who is so smart?..customers beating the doors down to shop...employees--not so much...Ann started out later..drove the Bus and took the main roads and made to her way to work also...Jonathan out working in it all day...the girls played so hard...had fun with snowmen and snowballs...the dogs loved it...Charlie so much more than Maggie..my wonderful neighbor checked on us...we were great...no loss of power thru out the whole storm..so many people in our area were without power...as night came...Ann came home...Gene and Jonathan still out...Gene rescued Jonathan on the interstate and they both made it home to a BIG pot of homemade chili and bear bread...fire in the stove and a warm house sure contributed to our well being. Gene went in to work for a few hours on sat.am...our friends made in here with no trouble....my wonderful neighbor had plowed the driveway... and provided me with some libations...Ann and Jonathan had the day off...girls enjoyed the snow...all plans for going out to eat with our friends were cancelled when most stores and restaurants were closed...made a BIG pot of spaghetti ..(thanks to Phil) and four pounds of noodles....we were stuffed...thanks Rosie for the sourdough..Rach for the home-made jelly...so kool!
Everyone bunked down around 2am sunday...Old Friends...except for family...is there
anything better in life???
Sunday morning Gene rolled out of his warm water bed and took Jonathan to work at 7am....Jonathan worked all day...what a trooper! Gene cooked a BIG breakfast...see those bagels were needed but it sure helps to have Gene around!..eggs and sausage, homemade jelly and biscuits, and shortbread...this years cider...we were in high cotton for sure! Our friends left after a few sled rides (by the kids)down towards the creek...they are on their way to see their Marine son and brand-new baby...
lazy sunday...naps..naps...pizza and salad for supper...watched our favorite Emmett Otter and went to bed...
All this fun put in mind of many many years ago when all four of us were snowed in-in
Gainesville Ga....what a wonderful memory....life made so many twists and turns after that (honestly) and some-day we will look back on all this with fun and crazy memories also....I am confident that we only remember the things in life that DONOT go as smoothly as we planned with fond memories...lol...
Will post pictures...thank you to everyone that help especially to Gene-Ann-Jonathan...what a weekend 12-20-2009....

Its Beginning To LooK Alot Like Christmas!

The girls are ready...the weather is ready...it will be here soon.

This Season

Thank you Family for a wonderful Thanksgiving...we had a wonderful time together...laughter, joy and good food...BUT I would like to mention two things that really made the days special for this ole' Bear...first was an example of love and dedication that Robyn showed thru her staying with her Mom while Mrs.O was at the MD...it was what a daughter was "of course" "supposed to do" BUT it was done with love and grace well beyond that...it showed how important her Mom is to her but also how important Mrs. O is to Tim and the girls...they arrived here safely and well in time to have an enjoyable supper and evening with us all and with the good news that all was well with Mrs. O. I truly believe Robyn was living by example and that really is the true way to teach others what we believe. Thanks for being YOU Ra!
The next thing that was special to me..may have not been my first response but is truly one I feel deep in my heart...I saw my daughter being torn between leaving us to spend time with Jonathan's family on Thanksgiving..Thanksgiving is meant to be spent with family..I love that families STILL have the tradition of getting together on the one day to celebrate...BUT the real joy of the Season is to remember your family that day and the rest of the year also...My children know this I believe and I hope they will always remember that Thanksgiving is ALL about family and that means ALL the people you love...every day...This ole' Bear is so unwise in so many factors but knows her heart for sure...and I am proud of my family and that they have chosen to have people in their lives that reflect the love of family and friends..NOT just of their selves....Carry On Gang...you all have a BIG head start on a long and PEACEFUL life.... 125!

This Season

Veterans Day 2009

In Memory this Veterans Day 2009


I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.


I heard the sound of taps one night,
When everything was still
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That taps had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.


-Kelly Strong

People/Things I Am Thankful For Part III

As I add to this list of the people and things I am thankful for..I add my wonderful daughter Ann..she was a late delivery to wrap up our core family but a MUCH wanted and needed addition. Savanna Anna for sure...lol...Tim was 6..was in school..and she arrived..."What had we done???"..let me answer that question with a most simple answer...The RIGHT Thing!
We were complete (or so we thought..until these kids grew up and added their own to our family) Yeah! More on that later.
We were a (we thought?) regular family..the house, the pets, the many trips to the mountains and beach...and then we became gypsies and started to roam. Ann had not finished school..Tim had already graduated..she did not have a choice...she went along with us willingly (at times) as we lived in Fl. Ga. Calif. Va...what an exciting life...she went to all those different high schools and somewhere along the way became (sometimes in spite of us).. the kind, wonderful daughter,sister,mother, and friend that she is today.
I believe she could be the poster child for adaptability,energy and always having her girls best interests at heart. Some days just listening to what she accomplishes and does for her family tires this old Bear out. She moved here to the farm...loves the life...works so unselfishly for her church and community...enjoys her work, and is my best friend in so many ways. I hope she knows I appreciate her. Her Dad and I love having her and her girls here. Continue to grow and thrive my little girl..you make me proud.
125

People/Things I Am Thankful For Part II

I am so fortunate to have two wonderful children...one of each...each different and each special..so very special to my heart. I will write first of the firstborn and for 6 years the only one... and for a long time I thought the ONLY one...He was the first grandchild..the first great grandchild...and such a neat kid...some of my most proudest moments in life have been when people told me how much they love him..and respect him...I truly believe that ALL we as parents really want to make our life as we want it to be...is to have our children happy and loved and for them to be happy with their life...lifes road is filled with so many twists and turns BUT just to hear your children say their LIFE IS GOOD....what more could we want for?
I could list so many times he has made me laugh but one comes to mind right now..his Dad telling him.."Follow your Bear and don't let her out of your sight..whatever she does..you do"...right down to traveling up the wrong way on the exit on the interstate as we moved to Ga..that old stationwagon...a/c on high, radio on MAX..shades on at night..he did what he was told!
Thanks son for all the fun...you made it fun! You have made some really good decisions in life...marrying the right girl..being a wonderful Christian father and
providing a good example for others to follow...
Just remember to always DO YOUR BEST AND FORGET THE REST...you are one of a kind and the best son anyone could ask for...thanks for the long phone calls and for always being close to my heart- TIMOTHY -
125 BEAR

Amazing Grace

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1785324681?bclid=1338935106&bctid=1913313052

Please copy and paste the link above for the most amazing rendition of AMAZING GRACE ever! Enjoy

IT'S ABOUT LOVE
IT'S ABOUT COMPASSION
IT'S ABOUT KINDNESS
AND FAITH
IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH LUCK
YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE
SO GIVE GOOD!

Things/People I am Thankful for Part I

I am planning on publishing to this blog..things and people I am thankful for:
My first and foremost person is my husband of these 43 years...he is patient and kind and I am thankful that he is in my life. He drives me crazy(ier) at times but lives his life to his own beat of his own drummer...he has gotten up from our bed every morning..except for those that we can convince him to take time off...and goes to work..never complaining..me on the other hand complained every day...even when I had the most fun job ever (FECR) lol..he taught that work ethic to Tim and Ann..(thank the Lord for that guidance..I sure did not provide it)...he continues to work these days..says he will never retire..he does a good job and I am sure that he will continue doing it..hope Wallyworld continues to appreciate him. I hope to write to the people in my life---my love of them--and to their contribution to all our lives.
So many people are suffering these days and I want to take time to appreciate those in my life who have made it so very rich and rewarding...maybe not in the ways some people judge life to be a success but nevertheless a true life lived to the fullest.
125 to you all... Bear

Godspeed NIn

Godspeed my fair cousin..you left this earth early yesterday.. early in the morning and WAY to early for us to understand... you will never read these words but my heart wants to write them anyway...we are so sad..but as I sit here today finally able to see thru my tears I write these words to say I loved you as so many people here on earth did but you are finally in no pain..no sorrow..you are with your parents and mine and with Ding and Nanny and with so many gone before you..tell them we still love them and will always..the song again comes to my mind..."If Tomorrow Never Comes"..we were the lucky ones Nin..we knew their heats and they knew ours..my brothers and sister as have yout brothers I am sure have been revising State Street in our minds the last few weeks...it was such a simpler time even if we had our doubts at the time living side by side..wonder how many familys could do that in todays time..if someone was going somewhere we wanted to go--we went along, if someone was cooking something we wanted to eat--we ate along,sorrows were shared and joys were tripled...four houses in a row..I remember the fish frys, the beach trips, church twice a day on sunday,dates when we were older, times with Ding and the sugarcane, Christmas Eves at Nanny and Dings, the Thanksgiving dinners and that dressing I can nver seem to replicate, the haircuts and braids, the weddings and the sadly the funerals. We will all gather tuesday to say our earthly final goodbyes BUT I know without a shadow of a doubt that we will all meet again to remember these things together. We are also the fortunate ones to have loved first our mothers and dads and grandparents and siblings and then two wonderful men that loved us to no limit.I remember our "advice sessions"..we lived with loving examples of husbands that would go the ends of the earth for us (and did)..they know our love.
I say again...Godspeed..you will always be in my prayers.

Today

It is only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up, that we will begin to live each day to the fullest; as if it were the only one we had.
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

The sign below was found in a local cemetery...too funny, eh?

Where Have The Years Gone

Hard to believe...I usted to think 60 year old people were OLD...where did those years go? From a small street in Holly Hill, Florida surrounded by relatives, history and alot of love to The Farm in North Carolina...this has been a fun filled 63 years. From what was (I later..much later..learned was a BIG surprise to everyone except my parents)a premature birth (premature parents) to this old Bear sitting here typing my story..thru laughter and tears...a very FULL life.I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attempt this "growing up" process and sometimes think this "growing up" is still in session...maybe just growing older not up.

I May Be Getting Older BUT

Summertime

CC Charlie Bad Boy Roberts in all his glory....what a boy!

Think these girls are kin? lolol...Remembering our cousin Malinda...sending loads of well wishes, best karma available and all the prayers we know....across the miles girl..you are on our mind!

First day of summer vacation...lets see how these farm chicks grow over the summer..Charlie is smiling because he loves having them around! We have been busy so far this last week, Nature Center orientation, swimming, ball games (yeah Sammy), Carl Sandburg Goat Orientation, beading and UP the movieand softball camp...and it has only been 4days..this old Granny Bear needs vitamins...

The VW has put on several miles and looking forward to more this summer.

A Memorial Day for sure!

The pictures posted below were taken during our Memorial Day weekend trip to Cherokee. Tim, Robyn and Emma came up for a fun filled weekend. We went to the White Squirrel Festival, played with all the kittens and farm animals, Sam's ball game (victory again), caught the tail end of the Corvette show in Maggie, ate Greek and played dominoes...all squeezed into two days and nights...We know how to have fun.

Well...its that time again..spring in the mountains...wonderful time of year..the time of year when we enjoy the cool mornings, the spring showers, and the beautiful flowers..it is the time of the year when we almost fool ourselves into believing we can keep up with the weeds in the garden this year..will have time to mow every weekend (and enjoy it), and have all the home grown tomatoes that we want this year...yeah right..time will tell.

Nothin' Could Be Finer...than to be in Carolina

Flowers for Ken

Goodbye

Goodbye Mr. Corn... just heard the news..said a prayer every time I passed your earthly home for the last many months...a Southern Gentleman will be escorted from this earth.. there are not that many left here...no more battles..a home not so close to the road..prayers for the family.
No one should die in spring.
Godspeed.

Some Days Are Diamonds

Some days are diamonds..some days are stones..sunday was surely a diamond day!
We roamed around IDN country all afternoon...up Big Cove Road and right into heaven...
To steal Mick's words.."little bit of heaven rolling thru the mountains"..I am so fortunate to finally be able to live in my dream place...and to (Still) have a husband to asks..."where do you want to go?''..never IF I want to go...He knows the answer to that one!
The fog was laying so very low over the mountains...in spots we were above it and could almost reach down to touch it...
After a in-Jeep picnic of Indian tacos..yummy for sure...we roamed until late..
The Smokies celebrate 75 years this year...I am so happy and proud to live in a country that values its wilderness. What if 75 years ago..our forefathers (and mothers) had not had the foresight to set this land and all the National Parks aside...we would have bumper to bumper housing developments and no place to view this wonderful country from except from someones driveway...Thanks to them all so we and our kids kids can enjoy it forever.

The girls and Aunt Jan 4-2009

Aunt Jan came to visit for a few days...Sam, Jenna and Tori had their picture made with her Easter morning before went home...thanks for coming to visit...see April has already started off better!

Re-do?

Has been awhile...would never ask for a re-do but maybe a re-take would be a better way of putting it...March 2008 was not a very good month over all..it started off well..we headed as noted in my last post to Fl. for Bike Week and for a meeting that Gene had to attend.
We stopped at a motel that we have stayed at many times..only to have Gene's trailer containing his motorcycle stolen...it was very traumatic to say the least... Gene loved that bike..it was his "getaway" from all us girls and work responsibilities...the bike, the trailer, all the clothes can be replaced and some have already been...BUT trusting people..feeling safe...and many other "becauses" have been shaken. We had/have wonderful insurance but as good as we were treated..it will still take awhile to recoup the trust issues. It was all just "things"..we will recover.
After some adjustments..we did head back to Fl..I spent the week with my sister at her wonderful home...had lunch with my siblings and favorite cousin...Gene went on to Orlando to his meeting.
Gene has since bought another motorcycle..we have replaced some items...he will be back on the Parkway before long...he deserves this!
Jenna finished out her basketball team games and Sam finished her cheerleading this month.
We all went to Atlanta to see Emma's dance show. Everyone really enjoying seeing her dance...she is so very dedicated to ballet... she told us that she has been dancing 10 years...we all ate at Ra's favorite (ours too) Mexican restaurant. Wonderful spending the day with the whole family.
We had winter return with snow on 3-23...beautiful but another day lost for school.
Gene and I went to see John Prine in concert. He is such a wonderful storyteller. We enjoy hearing him each concert we attend..he loves his music and it shows!
Another litter of kittens, lambs, chickens and ducks..The Funny Farm is growing in leaps and bounds. Ann is to dedicated to the care of her animals..and to have her girls experience all aspects of farm life...Bless Her Heart!
Sam started softball practice.She got on the team she had wanted..she is a happy player.
Let's hope April brings its own surprises BUT hopefully GOOD ones!

Contrasts

My Life Story would start...my life is full of contrasts..like the pictures below...from Beech to Beach...all in one week...we started this week at Beech Mountain to see some real snow.When the forecast says snow in our area..it really means that light dusting of confectionery sugar. There have been times in my life when we would drive from Fl. to the mountains just to see that light dusting and be very happy to have found some snow...Now..we want SNOW!
One trip my Mom, Gene and siblings and I drove after church way into Georgia just to play in it in a church cemetery....come on..fess up...you remember that ill-fated trip....(hint) as always we were seated by the kitchen at supper time and you know who was NOT happy with her food...we are so lucky to have had those memories! We had parents who took us places...even if by the time you younger ones came along it "was only to the farm".. I believe my wanderlust was fostered by parents who would drive those LONG 12 hours to NC. Or maybe it is the gypsy blood, eh sista?
We head to Bike Week in our hometown this weekend..so it is back to the Beach. I am so looking forward to hugs from those same brothers and sister. I most look forward to meeting a "new" grand-nephew that I have yet to meet...I am bringing Graham his rocker caned with loving hands. I have only seen pictures of this baby but know when I finally get to hold him..the other Graham will be smiling down on us. Families..how fortunate we who have been close to ours..
I refer now sometimes to "from the four to the eight"..you all know what I mean...two each to carry on. I wish that our parents had lived longer to see how much we love each other and these so far..eight more of the newest generation to carry on the third tier. Today, my heart is filled with joy to write this all down.
Today is a gift..That is what is why it called the present!

New Hats

Tori, Sam and Jenna with their new hats....

The Birthday Girl

Sam is 9 years old...Yeah Sam.... Happy Birthday, Baby Bear

After

Before

Charlie Brown before...