The Limit Farm

New School Year

2011-09-02T10:44:00.002-04:00

Off with a bang for sure...
Hope went off to Belmont College....so proud of her. Saw picture of her dorm room. It is fixed up so nice. She has a job in the candy store..they will wonder why the BIG increase in candy sales on campus.
Emma is home schooling again this year...she seems like this is just the way for her. Sure am glad that she and Lauren are working on it together. Excel girls...know you will!
Jenn is busy with flag corp and ROTC...(yes I did type that). Her band program for the parents sure made this old band loving granny smile. Go Rams!
Tori is busy with her friends and looking for an extracurriculum activity.Good luck kiddo...you will find one just for you. She loves the time spent on facebook with her friends.
Sam has moved right into the middle school life. She enjoys her string class best I think and is continuing with her clogging. She clogs today at the Apple Festival.
We are looking for a wonderful Labor Day weekend...Gene to ride his bike and work in the yard.
Have a great weekend everyone.

7 months later

2011-08-15T10:36:00.002-04:00

Have not been blogging. Want to start up again...
This is the week summer vacation ends and those blessed words are uttered...
Back to school.
Hard to believe it has been such a long time since I wrote...thoughts of doing it just did not make me sit down and write...and motivated again.
Jenna and Tori start high school this week. Jenna has been working out with the band as a color guard. I was so proud of her trying out and then to make it was another blessing. Tori wants to work with the yearbook staff or the newspaper. I wish her luck...upper classmen usually have that advantage. I remember those long ago high school years...such fun and such sorrow..all wrapped up in four years. Sam will be in middle school in 6th grade. I hope she sails thru middle school as easily as her sisters did..and if we know Sam she will. She has played ball during the summer months...and is now clogging. Think my Dad and Lewis and Greta will be smiling down on her as she learns her steps. Jenna and Tori volunteered at the Nature Center all summer. Jenna and Sam volunteered at Carl Sandburg working with the goats all summer. VBS is over...what a wonderful job Ann, Jonathan, Tiffany and the girls and others at ACUM church did.
It does my heart good to see the work/fun they have. The twins took driving classes and Emma is learning also to drive her new blue VW bug.
Emma and Hope have had a busy summer as well. Hope graduating from Providence and Emma completing her home school work. Hope will be attending Belmont..leaving next weekend...and Emma and Lauren will begin their school year also. Best of luck and love sending off Hope...you will do well for sure.
We have had many visitors over the summer. My sister Jan and her friend Joey came...played with the girls...hiked and helped Gene and I celebrate our birthdays and 45th annniversary. This time of year is filled with excuses to party. Michael came up for a few days. He was such fun to show him our crazy city. Joe and Mick came to help Ann kick off the VBS week.
I am ready for a slowdown...think that will ever happen?

2011-01-09T19:26:00.001-05:00

Pearl and her boots Bear and her pups...and more snow..more snow...

2011,,sorta like 2010

2011-01-09T19:21:00.001-05:00

2010-12-23T19:06:00.000-05:00

PEACE!! Merry Christmas 2010

2010-11-09T11:44:00.000-05:00

winter alleady?

2010-11-09T11:42:00.002-05:00

We drove over to Madison County last sunday...snow on the Tenn. border was all we needed to hear...took the windy snow covered road up to Max Patch...beautiful part of the country...took loads of barn pictures...thanks to my chauffer for always driving Ms Bear where she wants to go!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-09T11:40:00.002-05:00

We had a fun time downtown.."normal" or "costume"...our Trunk and Treat at ACUM Church, costumes around Biltmore and just overall good time in Brevard at their Festival...what a great sport Gene the Court Jester was to put up with Sammy and The Bear...you deserve an award and may someday get one!...125

2010-11-09T11:35:00.001-05:00

AND WHEN ALL MY LIFE IS DONE...

2010-10-18T10:38:00.005-04:00

Thanks for the call last night OLD FRIEND....you said you sometimes keep touch with us by way of my blog...well this post is for you OLD FRIEND...so very VERY wonderful to hear how happy you are...finding love is one of life's greatest joys...6 years..congratulations to you both....please play the OLD FRIENDS video in the last post and KNOW that without a doubt you are a couple of my oldest and dearest friends...
STAY WELL
STAY HAPPY
Love ya...

Old Friends - Willie Nelson, Roger Miller, Ray Price

2010-10-18T10:38:00.000-04:00

Elvis Presley - Amazing Grace

2010-10-11T13:57:00.000-04:00

Some days are stones....continued..

2010-09-16T13:04:00.003-04:00

Talked for a long time today with one of my best friends..she has recently gone thru surgery on her back...I pray each day for her recovery..and for her well-being. I do not believe that we are asked to do in life more than we can really accomplish.
With out pain we can never really see the sunshine. Some days are diamonds...some days are stones...sometimes the hard times..won't leave us alone!
This is my mantra on days when I stumble..so many people have health problems as they age..this ole' lady is one of these people..but I have so many things to be thankful for.I appreciate my family always being there for me...no one ever asks..what did you do today?...never been a contest for House Beautiful around here and these days for sure...may we always remember to thank the ones we love..and thanks to the Lord who watches out for us always...He is always there...lest we forget!

Some days are diamonds....

2010-09-16T13:00:00.000-04:00

2010-09-07T11:17:00.002-04:00

7 months...where has the time gone???

2010-09-07T11:06:00.002-04:00

Well...the time has sure rolled on...summer now into fall...we had a very busy summer...short as the time was for the girls to be out. The twins volunteered at the WNC Nature Center and Jen spent each sunday at the Carl Sandburg Home.We swam...played in the fountains downtown...played with the pups...took alot of naps...did crafts and over-all had a wonderful time with all these activities.
Gene and I spent our 44th anniversary at the Pisgah Room at the Pisgah Inn. Bear, Ho, Emmma, Hope, Gene and Ann all had birthdays.Will attach some pictures.
Hope to be back on track to blog our lives...will make a committment to do this...stay tuned...

Purple Pinky Post

2010-02-20T17:55:00.001-05:00

Love

2010-02-14T10:08:00.002-05:00

Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.
Love does not demand its own way.
Love is not irritable and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.
It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
Love never gives up, never loses faith,is always hopeful and endures every
circumstance.

I Corinthians 13:4-7

If Tomorrow Never Comes

2010-02-05T16:01:00.002-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95ZWS1ty2-g

click on the above link:
Will they know how much I loved them?
Say each day how much you love them!!
Is the love I gave them in the past gonna be enough to last... if tomorrow does not come?
125...you know who you are!

Hold Tight

2010-02-01T17:30:00.002-05:00

Have had two messages from dear friends this weekend... One's husband was Dx with cancer and the other one's husband had a severe stroke and died today...
PLEASE go tell the one you love what they mean to you TODAY..."we are not in charge"..we are not guaranteed tomorrow...The song..If Tomorrow Never Comes..is close to my heart today....I know for a fact that I sometimes take my husband for granted...he has always been there for me and the family...one friend's words spoken last night on the phone, haunt me today she said.."not my Jack"...we NEVER want to lose someone we love...
Take a few minutes today and tell the ones you love that you love them and appreciate them!

Crazy Week

2010-01-29T10:54:00.002-05:00

Ever think that a week MUST have been longer than 7 days???
This was that week and more.
Long time in writing about the pictures I had posted...Charlie and Maggie..and Ann..
Maggie is a 10 year old Westie...one day in Arkansas..Gene called and said that s girl he worked with had rescued a couple of Westies and they had a litter...who knew how much love he would be bringing home in that little white ball of fluff...it was winter with a big snow on the ground..to this day Maggie refuses to go out in any wet weather...Miss Priss for sure...Maggie was named for Maggie Glenn an old Johnston aunt...little did I know that we would one day bring her to the Johnston farm and she would live right off the street named for that aunt's husband's family...she being a Terrier was a true Terror....only in the last few years has she settled down at all..she is a wonderful mouser...none gets past her!...Her constant companion for 8 of her early years was Mack our wonderful old globe trotting basset...he is still missed and he has been gone two years...sometimes I think I still see him all sprawled out..THEN...in May 2008...I was given Charlie...Told Gene I wanted to go see what the puppies looked like...well..that was a given...he was mine right from the start...Charlie should have been named Bad Boy right from the start...he loves all of us and is MY dog until nighttime..and then he and Gene do the male bonding rituals......I want to raise ShihTzu but can not handle three dogs so hope that will be in the future plans...My Ding did not believe in selling dogs and I agree somewhat so probably will just be raising them to give away..
Now for the final picture...my girl...This was taken Christmas morning...Doesn't she look happy!!! I am so proud of her...she does a wonderful job taking care of her girls...It is about time for some real joy for her...Thanks to Jonathan for helping make that smile...about time for SURE!!!!
Lets raise that glass of Johnston wine to a quiet weekend!

2010-01-23T18:54:00.000-05:00

Still Crazy After All These Years!!!!!!

2010-01-23T18:39:00.001-05:00

125

2010-01-23T18:32:00.000-05:00

Ann's Girls

2010-01-23T18:31:00.001-05:00

Jen, Sam and Tori at home...

2010-01-23T18:29:00.000-05:00

Tim, Ra and the Girls

2010-01-23T18:28:00.002-05:00

Tim, Robyn, Hope and Emma taken on our recent Family Fun Day Christmas Vacation Style.....aren't they wonderful!

2010-01-23T18:27:00.001-05:00

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

2010-01-20T12:54:00.000-05:00

WORTH REMEMBERING

I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

2010-01-08T11:30:00.000-05:00

2010-01-08T11:15:00.000-05:00

Happy 2010

2010-01-08T11:07:00.004-05:00

Can you believe it? Embarking on ten years past 2000...sometimes it seems like 20..lol..
We headed to Atlanta for a day of fun on 1-2-10...blowing snow when we left the Farm....really cold...not much warmer in Hotlanta. We had such a fun day with everyone...(pictures to follow)...the Georgia Aquarium is such wonderful place..bless Gene's heart as he pushed the ole bear around all day..and to Tim for those final uphill pushes back to the car..sure Gene appreciate that. We went to World of Coke..another fun place...loved the holiday blend except for those long lasting gingerbread burps..too much info for sure you say..lol...ate at that wonderful Mexican place and then home to pretty much the same temps as we had left....brrrr...well..it is winter!
Love that we can spend the day..all eleven of us and then still be speaking the next day...comes from having the bestestestest family ever! 125 to all

2009-12-28T16:58:00.000-05:00

Is It Over Yet?

2009-12-28T16:42:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-12-25T18:08:00.000-05:00

Christmas Day 2009

2009-12-25T18:06:00.002-05:00

2009-12-22T17:04:00.000-05:00

2009-12-22T16:53:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-21T11:49:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-12-16T12:05:00.002-05:00

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

2009-12-16T12:00:00.000-05:00

This Season

2009-12-04T11:54:00.002-05:00

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

2009-12-04T11:49:00.001-05:00

Veterans Day 2009

2009-11-10T09:11:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-07T09:32:00.001-05:00

2009-11-04T11:56:00.000-05:00

2009-11-04T11:52:00.002-05:00

People/Things I Am Thankful For Part III

2009-11-04T11:18:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-25T13:00:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-23T17:48:00.001-04:00

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

2009-09-26T18:40:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-26T18:25:00.001-04:00

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

2009-09-26T18:24:00.000-04:00

Godspeed NIn

2009-08-14T12:07:00.002-04:00

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

2009-07-13T11:25:00.001-04:00

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

2009-07-08T09:43:00.000-04:00

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

2009-07-08T09:42:00.000-04:00

Where Have The Years Gone

2009-07-06T08:57:00.003-04:00

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

2009-07-06T08:55:00.001-04:00

Summertime

2009-06-15T21:15:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-05-27T10:26:00.002-04:00

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.

2009-05-27T10:18:00.001-04:00

2009-05-05T18:27:00.002-04:00

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

2009-05-05T18:24:00.001-04:00

Flowers for Ken

2009-04-27T17:39:00.000-04:00

Goodbye

2009-04-27T16:50:00.003-04:00

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

2009-04-21T10:57:00.002-04:00

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.

2009-04-21T10:55:00.000-04:00

The girls and Aunt Jan 4-2009

2009-04-14T17:14:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-04-14T17:13:00.001-04:00

2009-04-14T17:09:00.000-04:00

Re-do?

2009-04-14T16:49:00.002-04:00

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

2009-02-26T10:09:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-02-26T10:08:00.000-05:00

New Hats

2009-02-19T21:30:00.002-05:00

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

The Birthday Girl

2009-02-19T21:28:00.003-05:00

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

2009-02-17T09:41:00.000-05:00

After

Before

Charlie Brown before...

I Want My Charlie Back

2009-02-17T09:14:00.003-05:00

Boy, did I make a mistake...
Charlie is 9 months old..we love him..he is a bad boy for sure but we all...yes, even the gray headed one loves him...
He had a puppy cut but we really loved his shaggy look..he was way over due for a haircut. We had been advised to keep his eyes clear of hair and we had cut his hair around them several times. He was matted and had a patch of glue on his belly from a visit to Ann's work one time. Here is where the trouble starts...I took him and Maggie to the groomer that has groomed Maggie several times. A very friendly nice place but (insert gloomy music) something happened to Charlie last thursday..he was traumatized by the loss of all his hair and is now a sedate, quiet, sad little puppy...we want our Charlie back!
He looked so very different but who knew what the loss of hair would do to him. The girls hardly knew him and we noticed a change in personality right away. He would not run or even jump off the furniture..strange for sure! He hardly looked at things like needlepoint and glasses and TV remotes to chew on...strange!..
We noticed that he would scratch his right ear and would not let us touch it but would cry out in pain. He did this mainly at night..just like babies are worse at night..On saturday Tori and I took him to the vet to be examined. We have a wonderful vet..We have been so very fortunate as we have moved around the US to find great vets for our pets. This one (Fletcher Animal Hospital) if anyone is still reading is an exceptionally professional doctor but also a kind and funny vet...he treated Charlie for his diagnosed ear infection and gave him medicine and a shot for pain and MORE...seems like Charlie had been too closely groomed in certain areas or as Tori put it "he had issues with his privates"...THAT is really it seems what was bothering Charlie the most....
The good news is that Charlie is finally coming around and maybe, please maybe, he will be back to his terrible bad boy Charlie Brown self...if it seems like I am spending undue time and worry about this..well..maybe so but he is so very special to us all..stay tuned and I will update everyone on his recovery...
I have posted pictures that will follow this post of Charlie before and Charlie after...
Have a wonderful day everyone and say a little prayer for Charlie, please.

2009-02-10T20:40:00.000-05:00

2009-02-10T20:33:00.000-05:00

Family Time

2009-02-09T10:32:00.003-05:00

Ann and her girls, Gene and I traveled to Atlanta on saturday for Mclain and Hudson's birthday... accompanied of course by my four legged buddies... Our most wonderful driver NEVER once complained of the van full of girls or animals or the long drive because he NEVER has, NEVER does....Tim and Ra and Emma drove downtown for the party also...we were missing Hope but she had a prior commitment.

There may be finer things in life than being surrounded by your family..BUT I have yet in my life to find anything better...to have your family as your friends are a fabulous blessing...they all know how I feel but I just felt motivated to write this down this morning. We were welcomed in the yard (after that tell-tale call) by Ike and Hudson and it was welcome..welcome..welcome after that....Yes, they live in the "ritzi address" neighborhood but that was far overshadowed by the love, laughter and happiness displayed upon entering their home...Two little boys being loved to the fullest is a life's thanksgiving...in this world of sadness, worry and economic trying times, I want to sit here today and thank the Lord and my family for being my most treasured possessions.Truly these are difficult times for many but maybe we will all learn to be respectful of the blessings we do have. Material possessions are fleeting but seeing little boys playing in the sand with their older cousins will be a memory always in my mind. Our girls were still talking about the boys late yesterday afternoon and about the fun they had with them.

Thanks Kari and Shannon for including us in your party! We all had fun. Ann told me that you said.."Would you have ever thought so many years ago that our children would one day play all together?" Neat thought..we sometimes do not think that far ahead but to now have experienced it....wonderful thoughts!

Hope if anyone is still reading...that you take the time today to be thankful for what we have..and give a big (BEAR) hug to the ones closest to you...life is fragile...will post some pictures when my techo-husband can help me.
PEACE, k.

Forever Young

2009-02-02T08:28:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLHRs4GsffI

Copy and Paste the above link...Forever Young..as Dylan NEVER did it...
Sometimes we just need reminding. Bear

2009-01-28T16:19:00.001-05:00

Free Counter

pictures

2009-01-28T12:19:00.001-05:00

click on the square flicker box below for some recent pictures....enjoy..we did!
Bear

2009-01-27T11:52:00.001-05:00

www.flickr.com

Go to gkroberts@aol.com's photostream

2009-01-22T13:13:00.000-05:00

SOMETIMES DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!!

2009-01-19T19:10:00.000-05:00

2009-01-19T19:08:00.000-05:00

Five Grands

Ain't They Sweet

2009-01-19T19:05:00.003-05:00

All five grands...(at World's most fanciest McDonald's) 2008

Inner Peace.. You all know me as the Peace hippie...well....

2009-01-19T18:49:00.000-05:00

CALMNESS IN OUR LIVES

I am passing this on to you because it definitely works, and we could all use a
little more calmness in our lives.

By following simple advice heard on the Dr. Phil show, you too can find inner
peace . Dr Phil proclaimed, 'The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all
the things you have started and have never finished. So, I looked around my
house to see all the things I started and hadn't finished, and before
leaving the house this morning, I finished off a bottle of White Zinfandel, a
bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream, a package of Oreos, the remainder of my old
Prozac prescription, the rest of the cheesecake, some Doritos, and a box of
chocolates. You have no idea how freaking good I feel right now.

Pass this on to those whom you think might be in need of inner peace.

2009-01-19T18:07:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-16T09:17:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to All.... the link listed below is a great reminder of the true meaning of this season.
This is great! It may become the #1 Christmas song this yearThese guys have really got it together.... good song...click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAckfn8yiAQ
We wish you all the Merriest of Christmas seasons..we are so very fortunate to have our family and friends to love. Looking forward to 2009 ...
PEACE

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T15:33:00.000-05:00

Taking this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving..thru out this year we have all been reminded of the "important"things in our lives..our God, our family, our friends, and our country among many others...please take a moment this season to tell the people you love hello and that you love them and that you are thankful for them. I just did! Happy Thanksgiving. Bear

One site has it all. Your email accounts, your social networks, and the things you love. Try the new AOL.com today!

2008-10-24T09:48:00.000-04:00

The girls and Charlie and their new clothes from Hope and Emma...they had a fashion show trying on the clothes....love those older cousins...

Girls with their pumpkins from Malinda and Tom and of course some of the kittens...

View from Parkway...2008 what a wonderful trip roaming around these magnificent mountains....a last hurrah before winter...a true sendoff for the summer!

2008-10-24T09:17:00.000-04:00

10-24-08
Been awhile since I posted...alot has been going on.
Malinda and Tom were up visiting their home in Maggie Valley and came by to see us. They brought the girls each a pumpkin. We went to the Corner Kitchen for a lovely lunch....we had a simply marvelous lunch and of course constant conversation. Malinda looks great and says that she is feeling good. We talked about everyone...including Connor of course...it was wonderful to catch up on everyone. Will keep them both in my thoughts and prayers as they travel down this road...true love...after all these years...wonderful to experience!

The girls are doing well in school. Tori continues with her manager job with the winning VSMS vollyball team...Jenna continues with chess and Sam is doing chess club also. They had a wonderful time on the wagon train. Ann posted some great pictures.

Tim and Robyn and Hope and Emma came to see us last weekend. They attended a session of their church here in Biltmore. I did my "fun job" friday thru sunday at the Biltmore. Thanks to Gene for all his help making my exhibit easy and fun. Tim and family toured the house and barn and came to see Gene and I in the Barn area. They were such good sports when I failed my tour guide job again..failing to notice their parking lot area...lol... appreciate them for sure!!! It was a wonderful fall weekend ... perfect weather for us...cold..very cold by saturday night when we went to visit the Reid/Ross wagon in Mills River. We sat around the bonfire trying to keep warm..drinking Alvin's hot cider..what fun!

This week has gone by fast. Sam fell at school pm the monkey bars and broke one of her front teeth...she was so upset..but it was neat to hear that the teacher and principal were out looking for the tooth in the gravel play area. As always Ms. Cindy was right there to help..she is always looking out for our girls...we are so thankful to them all. Sam's tooth will be able to be fixed good as new.
The girls tye dyed shirts to wear to a Halloween Party tonight...they are going as old hippies...we happen to have some stuff around here for them to wear...imagine that!

A serious note..lets keep America and our leaders...current and those in the election process in our prayers...there is so much turmoil going on...we need to remember... IN GOD WE TRUST~~
Happy Weekend to everyone...hug your loved ones!

Monday memories

2008-10-06T11:33:00.000-04:00

This cider press belonged to my great grandfather Johnston. It was given to wonderful stewards...my cousins the Reids.. they have lovingly keep it and restored it and are now making cider again. My brother Ike and I have great memories of this cider operation when we were kids. We were given some to take home to Fl. one year and it "got old"..lolol on the way home... we really thought we had treasure....Ann and her girls went over a couple a weekends ago and they were gifted some more cider but thankfully only had to drive over one drive-way to get it home...such memories...we sure are fortunate to have them. We had a sad time over this last weekend...Ann had bought a pot belled pig at the Mountain Fair and it was here only one night and one day and then it died. We really do not know what caused its demise but it was so sad for Ann her girls.
Looking out over the mountains to the west last night...even thru the tears for the lost pig..I said a prayer of thanks...to be able to be where you "always wanted to be" is a blessing I am so thankful to have. The sun was setting..the girls were running home and this ole bear just sat in her swing and cried tears of joy to be here....Gene and Ann buried the piglet in the pet cemetery while the dogs and I watched from the porch...Bless Gene's heart..he is always the pet undertaker.

The bottom photo is of one of the kittens ..I can never tell which one...Timmy or Katy and Yonah the tye dye black one. We have had so much fun with these kittens...we believe their mother Brittain is trying to get them to move out...she keeps taking them to the barn...they come back to the porch for the food.
We had a nice weekend except for the bad Dylan piggie story. R.I.P. Dylan...

2008-09-28T10:50:00.000-04:00

R.I.P. Paul... you were a faithful husband and giver of millions to charity..you will be missed. Godspeed on your journey...

Peace Day 2008

2008-09-22T19:22:00.000-04:00

In honor of International Day of Peace 2008....a wonderful sentiment.
Peace To You all! k.

2008-09-17T11:34:00.000-04:00

9-17-08
Been a long time between posts. Everyone here has been preparing for the Fair. They did a fine job preparing their animals. Ann was up before work every day and the girls helped with afternoon feedings. I do so enjoy seeing them growing up here. Read Ann's blog for pictures and a great description of their busy but fun weekend.
Gene was alot of help to them and he enjoyed seeing them...even when it required "cow duties"!
This week we hope to settle down a bit and concentrate on school...yes, school work.
Charlie and Maggie are slowly but surely getting along better. She at least now has someone to play with. The kittens are doing well. Brittain has yet to convince them to leave home for the barn. I have enjoyed watching them grow.
Am getting ready for my chair caning display at the Biltmore this weekend. I hope it all goes smoothly.
Will have some pictures after the event. They have a fun weekend planned at the winery and Barn.

Middle Week Sept.

2008-09-17T11:31:00.001-04:00