Labor Day Weekend!!

Well, we are all packed and ready to go...Ron and I & Lilly are going camping this weekend. It's going to be chilly and rainy but we have a comfortable travel trailer so we'll hunker down and watch movies and do our 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle and leave the bedroom window open just enough to get the cool night air. Of course I have to work tomorrow but at 4:30 I am out of there and on my way. Ron will drive out earlier in the day with Lilly and the trailer and I will drive from work out to the campground. I should get there by 6. We will stay until Tuesday - I'll commute from there on Tuesday morning...will have to leave by 0630 to get to work on time but that's ok.
This being Labor Day weekend, it's a time to stop and thank all those who work so hard to keep this country running...white collar, blue collar, medical professionals, pizza makers. There are people who stock the shelves in the grocery stores, and the people who keep the local Wal-Mart going, those who make lives better with nursing, or fixing appliances so that we can cook our dinner or wash our clothes; and there are still others who teach our children and grandchildren and college students; those people who are sometimes called grease monkeys...but are the best when it comes to keeping us on the road, and therefore should be called what they are - mechanics who are in tune to all the changes in today's cars. Or the tow truck driver who rescues you on a busy thoroughfare or a country road. Or the stay at home mom or dad who make sure that their children are safe and happy, with lunches that include homemade cookies in their back packs each day as they go to school. How I admire them for being able to resist the temptation of making more money for the joys and rewards of being home with their family. And I admire too, the staff at daycare centers or the babysitters who make it possible for children to receive loving care while their parents are at work or school.
So many occupations - and yet I have only touched on a few. When you are doing that commute every day, do you (do I?) ever wonder who is in the car next to you (me) and what they do? Or are we too intent on getting to work (or home) ourselves?
There are those who keep us safe...policemen, firemen, EMTs... and those who keep us free.
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coasties. Without them, where would we be? Would we be free to do what we do now? And where would the people of so many nations around the world be if it weren't for our military? People like Jay and Nathan and Vinny; Erik and Jim and Dan; Laurie and Stephen and Billy...what would we do with out these people?
Who else but Americans understand that it is our duty - our right - our privilege - to make life better for other people? To pray for them, and with them.
Among those I admire (and thank) the most - aside from our military, are those who teach and preach the Word of God - our Pastors or Priests or Rabbis who teach us so that we can take that Word to others - so they may have hope.
So you see, whatever our jobs, this is a weekend to celebrate the work we do for one another...for our families...and if we find our job satisfying or rewarding, we celebrate in thanksgiving for our own jobs as well.
It's also a time to remember Jesus' words..."Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden...and I will give you rest."
I'll be back on Tuesday - God bless your weekend with safety and good times. Maybe a hot dog or two - a cold beer, or a glass of iced tea.
Thanks for stopping by.
God bless our troops and those who love them.
Sue

Hi PAPA!!

The phone rang tonight as I was working at my computer. I answered it and heard nothing for a moment, and then a familiar and tiny little voice said, "Hi Papa!"
It was Veronica calling for Papa (well, she pronounces it Bapa). And so I started talking to her and I could hear Tina whispering in the background, "say hi Nana." Ten seconds later I hear..."Hi Nana." At that moment, it didn't matter that I had gotten about 40 calls from the customer service office today - all of them about student loans. I had to wait all day and most of the evening to hear that little voice, but the wait was worth it. Then I hear Tina whisper again, "say bye bye Nana." ("bye bye Nana" says the little echo). So I am trying to get Tina's attention to let her know that "Papa" was in the shower, and Nana would talk to Veronica instead. No, this was a phone call for Bapa and that was all there was to it. I suggested they call back in about 10 minutes, but Tina said she had to pick Scott up from work. Of course on the way home, Veronica fell asleep and Bapa never got his phone call. Tomorrow is another day and I expect that quite early in the day that sweet little voice will be talking to her Bapa.
I love to hear the babies on the phone...when we talk to Laurie and Stephen we can hear Kasey babbling away in the background. When Laurie puts him on the phone the only thing I can understand is "hi" and "I you" (I love you). Why is it that a baby's voice can turn my heart into a bowl of jello? I remember when Laurie and Scott were that age...the countless questions...those eyes searching ours seriously for an answer which we knew would only prompt another "why?" And always in that sweet little voice. The questions were a pleasure because of that sweet little voice.
A funny thing happened while we were on vacation. We were gone for 10 days and when we got home there were absolutely NO messages on our answering machine. Not one. Zilch. Nada. Our kids used to say that we have no life (well sometimes I think they may be right especially with no phone calls in 10 days). But they are so good about calling...about putting the babies on the phone to say hello...and really, that is music to our ears. Veronica is a Bapa and Nana kid, Luke calls us Grandma S. and Buddy; Kasey - well he's a good old fashioned grandma and grandpa boy. I don't care what they call me...as long as they know that I love them and that I can tell them that anytime I want to...anytime I need to.
"Hi Papa...." "I you." "Hey, Buddy, can we go to McDonald's?"
What a blessing!
God bless our troops and may your Tuesday bring many blessings.
Sue

WAR!!! What is it good for?

In the last few weeks, two of my close friends have seen their sons join the troops in Iraq. I know how they feel, know where they are, and understand the journey these moms are embarking on involuntarily. And yet...what do I say? It's so hard to know that it doesn't change anything for them. Any amount of friendship or love is a help, but when war touches you personally, there is only one thing that will make it better. It's not making the WELCOME HOME banner, but watching your loved one read it.
I am not a political person, but I am fiercely loyal. Loyal to the troops - and to their commander in chief. To those opposed to the war, that may seem a contradiction because of their belief that President Bush doesn't care about the bloodshed of our troops or that he sent them in without thought or concern of their safety.
I am not FOR war. War frightens me, has touched my children, has changed me. Peace is so much easier to deal with than war - but when in the history of the world has there ever been a lasting peace? This particular war has touched so many of my friends that I could not mention them all without leaving someone out. But, I will mention one - Colleen - whose son Jim was injured severely in Iraq within two weeks after he returned from R&R...and his best friend, David was killed in the same attack. Her Jim is a living testimony to the strength of our troops. Jim has been a constant friend to the family of his buddy who was killed in Iraq - is Godfather to a new baby boy born into that family just a few days ago. His heart may always hold the memories of what he has been through, but he believes that he can do more by going on than in focusing on what he sees when he looks back. And Jim believed in the mission. His friend believed in the mission, though he sacrificed his life for that mission.
So many soldiers are suffering from PTSD. We cannot imagine the unspeakable things that you went through while you were deployed - nor can we understand them. But your countrymen pray for you with out ceasing - pray for your families that they might find the resources for you to lead a normal life...pray that you will find peace in your heart.
One of the greatest things about being an American is that we can speak freely about what is on our mind and in our hearts. To my friends with loved ones deployed - your soldiers are in my prayers daily. I believe that THEY believe in their mission. It doesn't make it easier, but it makes it worthwhile...for them. And somehow, may that help you. - to know that your soldier is believing in something that is worth fighting for.
So many of those who serve are still on our home soil - or on foreign soil other than in the sand, and they have our prayers as well...some of them may be chomping at the bit to be involved in the war...but they are needed right where they are. May they understand that they make up part of the greatest military in the world and that in itself is a braver thing than most of us can even think of doing.
President Bush is a sore subject in many social circles, and even as people gather around the water coolers in offices. But I believe that God chose the right man to be in the white house during these times. I believe that the decisions he has made - good or bad - they are made in prayer and conviction. There are days when I think of him as a Godsend to our nation...and other days when I watch the news and wonder what in heaven's name he was thinking of. He is not a saint, and certainly has his downfalls, but he is our president. I told someone the other day that no one is lovable all the time - even Jesus, though perfect, had enemies. President Bush is definitely not perfect...but surely deserves our prayers.
So far in my blogs I have tried to keep to "safe" subjects. I guess it was time to share other things as well.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians that we go through trials and struggles so that someday we may help others through the same experiences, as God has helped us. It's a never ending circle - there is always someone in need, always someone God asks us to reach out to with understanding.
I hope if that someone in need is reading this right now, you will feel the hand that is extended.
God bless your weekend.
Sue

Happy Birthday Scott!!!

Today is Scott's birthday. 31 years ago today, and 3 1/2 weeks late, he finally decided to show up. It was a loooong summer that year and one of the warmest on record. He has been a wonderful son - sometimes gave us a run for our money, but he is a great kid...umm, guy (he'll always be my kid). We'll take them to Applebee's and then they'll come back here for cake and ice cream. Homemade pineapple upside down cake - his favorite.
I must admit, the birthday gifts on his list aren't much different today than they were 10 years ago, except for the sizes of the clothes I buy. He's very much into gaming yet - with Luke - but I don't buy the games anymore very often. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOTT!! WE LOVE YOU and are SOOOO proud of you.
31. Man oh man.
So I've been a little remiss in my posting this week - lots to do at work and at home. First week of classes begin next week, our office manager - Ginny - is retiring next week and it's going to leave a big hole in our hearts.
Our office has learned to deal with being shorthanded - but in Ginny's case, we can fill her position, but it won't be the same. Ginny is one of the most gracious, enthusiastic, generous and faith filled women I have ever met. Add to that her capability to create calm out of chaos and you can understand why she's irreplaceable. We're sure going to miss her.
For my friends who love a soldier, I pray this weekend brings a letter, a phone call, or an email. And if he or she is deployed, then you know that prayers are being spoken and heard and answered according to God's holy and perfect will. And in His time. Especially for my friends Barb, and Wendy, Fran, and Emily. May God bless you with His peace.
Blessings for your Friday, my friends.
Sue

Sunday night already?

Well the weekend sure did fly by for us! Yesterday with Luke's birthday and today I did a little bit of financial aid work so I would be able to concentrate on some problems tomorrow that I know we are going to have at the office.
We watched a few movies (Benchwarmers included...cute and funny ...I needed one of those movies this weekend), and also watched the concluding episodes of the Band of Brothers. It's heavy stuff but it's a series that everyone should see. And I mean everyone. At LEAST once...and also the commentary from the veterans as the story is being told.
One more week before fall classes begin at the university I work at so this week will be one of "those" weeks - the phone will be ringing like crazy and we'll be processing like mad. Sure does make our week go quickly.
Scott's birthday is Friday and if he doesn't send me his wish list pretty soon he's going to get whatever comes to mind.
Lilly is doing better...she is a little more active, but that kennel cough sure does take a lot out of a doggie. She is really enjoying her $30 sleeping pillow so it was well worth it. We have a little problem in that when we take her out she wants BOTH of us to tag along. Well, she will go out for me by ourselves, but when Ron takes her out, she stands in the garage by the door until I join them. This won't last...trust me on that. :)
One of the highlights of my day yesterday (NOT) was when I dropped a bowl of spaghetti sauce and meatballs on the carpet. I sprayed and scrubbed and sprayed and scrubbed...it looks ok, but I think it's going to need steam cleaning. Spot cleaning didn't quite do it. It doesn't help that the carpet is a light tan color. Oh well - worse things could happen, right?

Well, my break is over. Back to work I guess...have about 10 more students to work on. And then tomorrow is another day.

To all my friends with deployed loved ones, God bless you. I hope that you heard from your soldier this weekend. We are about to call ours and hopefully catch Kasey too if he's not in bed or in his time out chair. :)
God bless your Monday my friends and thanks for stopping in.
Blessings,
Sue

TIDBITS!!!

Finally, it's Saturday. The work week always seems so long when we are returning from vacation doesn't it? But it's a dark, rainy morning here and I felt morally obligated to sleep quite a bit later than usual. :)

Today is Luke's birthday...he is 9. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE!! He is such a great kid - and became our first grandchild when Scott married Tina nearly four years ago. LUKE WE LOVE YOU!!
So the kids and a friend of Luke's, and Tina's sister Denise will be over for pizza and wings and birthday cake. I need to go to the local party store and pick up some balloons and to Wally World for a couple more gifts (Dragonball GT stuff) Erik, your Hunter no doubt knows what that is cause I sure didn't), and some wrapping paper.

It's a good day ...Lilly is lying on her floor pillow ~ sound asleep of course due to the effects of her "kennel cough" medication. She went to the vet's yesterday - the same vet who took care of Shelby. When Shelby was put to sleep, the Vet and her two assistants were both with us, crying with us because they loved Shelby so much. Yesterday, they all stood in the clinic room with Ron and welcomed Lilly...after some kind words about Shelby and a few more tears, they told Ron we have a wonderful new doggie and that she will help us all heal. She meant themselves as well. They just don't make vets (and veterinarian staff) like that anymore...or so I thought. We are blessed to have them.
So, Lilly is good, but plum tuckered out from her experiences of the last few months and needs plenty of TLC. She will have it and I think she feels that.
We are watching "Band of Brothers" on the History channel. It's one of my absolute favorite movies/series and one more reason why Tom Hanks is in my top ten. He and his co-director put great care into this series and every time we watch it I find something new to be in awe of concerning our military and what they endure. Ron is a WW II buff...a serious WW II buff...and sometimes I get tired of seeing the atrocities of Hitler, yet I know that it is part of not only Germany's history, but ours as well because so many sacrificed so much on and across the oceans. And so we can never forget ~ even when it's painful to remember.
Tomorrow there will be church and a few chores around the house - whatever I don't get finished this morning.
For my friends with deployed soldiers, or with loved ones serving anywhere, I know from personal experience that the weekends are the toughest because they are the two days of the week when we are forced to find things to do apart from the Monday thru Friday work routine...to make the day go by more quickly. I pray that you will have a phone call or email from your soldiers.
You know, I have a habit of calling all service members "soldiers" even when referring to airmen or sailors or marines...can anybody tell me is that ok...or is it incorrect? I never mean to offend anyone by doing that, so correct me if it is not the right thing to do...Laurie, Stephen or Erik, what do you think?
Thanks for stopping by ~ hope you have a good Saturday everyone ~
and be blessed.
Sue

Seasons

One of the reasons I love the month of August is that you get a little sense of two seasons. The days are sunny and warm, and yet at night you begin to feel and sense that fall is in the air. You stand in front of the open window looking out at the darkness, and as the curtains gently move with the breeze, the crisp scent of autumn reaches you. The calendar still says summer, but the cool night air tells you there's not much of it left. And, no matter what, it seems that as I breathe in the crispness of the air, and thank God for His creation, and for the day that is behind me and the sleep that is in front of me, my thoughts always turn to those far away in a strange land...the soldiers who are struggling in the heat of the desert. Do they know that there are so many of us here in their own country thinking of them? And praying for them? And appreciating them? Do their loved ones know that others DO understand...that there are many who are walking or have walked in their shoes? For those of you reading this who are waiting at home, I can promise you that I understand. Truly. All those questions that you want to ask when they call...but can't. Or those that you DO ask that your son or daughter just answer with "ummm, can't tell you that, mom." I've been there, have done that and I'm sorry that you are enduring it now. And please know that in a little while, when it's time to go to sleep, if you drink in the fresh breeze of a late summer night, remember please that the breeze carries thoughts and prayers and love for you. But above all, for those you love who serve...those I love who serve. Blessings and love for your Friday...another week nearly done.
Sue

WELCOME HOME LILLY!!!

On Friday afternoon, this beautiful young doggie became ours. We had to wait until she was spayed this morning, but this afternoon, after a very long 4 days, Lilly finally came home to live with us. With her new collar (pink with rhinestones :) and her very tired little body, she made the 25 minute trip sleeping like a log on the blanket covered seat in Ron's truck. We have been waiting for this day for what seems like forever...I think since the moment Shelby went to sleep in the vet's office...our hearts have had such a hole in them. And yet, they needed time to prepare for a new furry friend...and time to honor the memory of Shelby. But today, we are complete again. She is sleepy and yet each time one of us glances Lilly's way, her tail thump thump thumps on the carpet.
Not everyone is a dog lover, but when I think of the furry friends who have kept Ron and I company in our nearly 37 years of marriage, I remember the devotion of Tiger - our first dog, a buff cocker spaniel - who listened with us to the winds and snow rage during the Blizzard of '77 and who kept "watch" over Scott and Laurie when they were babies. And there was Ginger who stayed by my side on the sofa when I was seriously ill and needed surgery, and during the recouperation period. And finally, Shelby...the dog Laurie chose before she went into the military and who went camping with us, and weathered her fair share of winter storms and summer heat. Shelby who would patiently sit by our closed bedroom door during the summer while the window air conditioner cooled our room off and would pounce on the bed as soon as one of us opened the door. Shelby who licked my face and seemed to say "it's ok, mom" when I shed the tears of Laurie leaving for basic, for the Middle East, and the losses of Ron's mom, and both of my parents, and who was the gentlest dog who ever lived.
But now, Lilly is standing next to the couch, just standing there, while Ron scratches behind her ears. As she gradually gets her "sealegs" and recovers from the effects of the anesthetic, her tail thumps against the side of the couch.
Welcome home Lilly. You will be loved...I promise.
Blessings and love to you my friends.
Sue

Veteran's Day at the County Fair!!

Ron and I went to the County Fair today - here in Western NY, it used to be called the "Hamburg Fair" but is now called "America's Fair" because it is (supposedly) the largest county fair in the country.
We always go on the day designated for Veteran's because there is always a parade of American and Canadian veterans - including bagpipers. As soon as I got home from church I changed into white shorts and my navy blue shirt with the flag on the front and started out for our day at the fair. We got there plenty early and walked around the parade/grandstand area watching the various American/VFW posts getting warmed up and ready to march. As they started to line up, Ron and I took our seats in the grandstand and watched the bleachers slowly fill up with people of all ages. There were proud men and women displaying various military/veteran attire and I was proud to be sitting amongst them...actually I was sitting next to my favorite veteran - Ron. As the parade began, a local high school band played the Star Spangled Banner and as they always do when I hear that anthem, my eyes filled with tears. As each group marched by, it was so moving to see so many veterans of wars long since over...each man and woman older now than when they served, but marching with pride and in step with the music. When a group of active Marines filed past, there was a standing ovation. And when a group of service members filed past, each one carrying a flag representing the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines, I felt the tears falling again - again, in pride. Seeing the flags really struck a chord in my heart.
And I wondered...30 years from now when our own soldiers are as old as Ron and I, will they be the ones who will march in the parade? Or will they be, as Ron, the proud American veterans giving tribute to their comrades from the grandstand?
These veterans - the men and women who marched, and those who stood in the stands cheering (and even some wiping the tears away as I did) - each of them has a story to tell. It might not be a war story, but it is a story they love to tell just the same. Of a time past, but not forgotten. This is our nation's history - the men and women who have served and sacrificed to preserve our freedom.
Today wasn't just about the veteran...it was about those who serve in today's military. Ron and I saw a soldier walking around with his parents - he was dressed in his bdu's and I said to Ron..."That kid's mom probably made him wear his uniform..." and we laughed because that fits me to a tee.
But seriously, to all of my friends who serve or have loved ones who serve, thank you for your sacrifices. For enduring deployments, and hardships, and separation. When I look at the two star banner in my window, I am reminded not only of the two soldiers that I love, but those you love as well. It reminds me of the bridge that I wrote about last week...the one that connects us.
I am proud to be one of you...and thankful to have each one of you as my friend.
Blessings and love.
Sue

Shelby 1996-2006

Lilly!!

Date day today but actually, Ron and I had a wonderful date yesterday as well. First a bit of history. On Memorial Day weekend, Shelby, our Shepherd-Rottweiler mix (we had her for 9 years but we adopted her as a 1 year old) passed away unexpectedly. We have been grieving ever since. Before we went to visit the kids, we decided that the day after we got home would be used to find a new doggie to love. We decided that the only way our hearts would heal completely would be if we found a new furry friend. NOT replacing Shelby...she was a dog that could never be replaced...but finding a new friend to love. So, at 11 am yesterday, we were at the door of the local animal shelter when it opened. Our decision was almost painful and I found that a combination of things would prompt tears that I didn't know were there. First, the looks on the dogs faces as we went through the kennel. The wagging tails, their barking (as if to say "pick me"), and their sweet faces. Finally, we decided on two beautiful dogs and the difficult and painstaking process of final choosing began. The first, Cosmo, a 7 month old mix of we're not sure what, was wonderful. She was happy, was pretty well behaved, and seemed to really like us. We could tell by her webbed feet that she had some sort of water dog in her lineage, but we couldn't identify that lineage. We took her for a good walk, sat with her and played and she really was our first choice...until we met Lilly. Lilly is a smaller, and very demure 2-3 year old collie mix. She came to our shelter from an Ohio animal shelter and she had 9 puppies with her. She is submissive, loving, a kind and beautiful face. After an hour of trying to decide, Lilly won our hearts. Not by her eagerness, but by her loving ways and her willingness to just sit by our side. I cried many tears during that hour. Tears of remembrance for Shelby, of sadness because we couldn't choose Lilly and Cosmo, and because it's always so hard to choose one friend from so many others. And I think one of the reasons that endeared her to us (or at least to me as a mom) was her willingness to have given so much of herself to her puppies. To be a dog that small, to have had 9 puppies and fed them to the point where she had nothing left to give them but love...these were the endearing qualities of Lilly. Ron will pick her up on Tuesday after she has been spayed...but today we will go out and walk her and give her a few biscuits, and on Monday Ron will do the same. Today's date will also include a trip to Petsmart for all of Lilly's new gear...
Today's picture is of Shelby - taken during a 2004 camping trip. She was a magnificent animal. Lilly will have tough shoes to fill, but I do believe God has chosen another wonderful new friend for us. He is good.
Blessings on your day my friends.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS and those who love them.
Sue

Time flies when you're having fun...

Hi! It seems like only yesterday I was writing my "awol" post, but indeed, it has been 10 days. Ten WONDERFUL days of being with our soldiers and Kasey. It was one of our best trips ever. And I learned a lot too. For instance, did you know that grandmas like me can spend two hours white water rafting even if they've never done it before? And we (us grandmas) can also spend 3 hrs on a horse and travel up a mountain and back down without falling off. Ok, the trail was muddy and the horse lost her footing and I lost my hat, but I stayed on the horse.
The kids look great - Laurie is happy now that she is a soldier again and is talking about her plans for school. When Stephen and Kasey picked us up at the airport the day we arrived, we were expecting to see Kasey in his stroller...but instead, saw a little boy standing next to his daddy looking up with a look that said "I THINK I know you but let me pucker up my lip a little cause I'm not sure." It took all of about 30 seconds before he was reaching his arms up to me. Ron and I melted...and I mean TOTAL meltdown.
So we had so much fun...and the time went so quickly. The plan for this morning was out of the house by 8, breakfast with the kids and then to the airport for our flight home. So, by 0600 I was showered, dressed and makeup done. Laurie came downstairs with Kasey and said "have you listened to any of the news this morning?" Of course the events in the UK altered our plans and we were, instead, out of the house by 0730 and still had breakfast...but were at the airport much earlier. The good byes went pretty well at the curb, but I was crying buckets by the time we got to the check-in. Will it ever get easier?
It started out as a long and nervous type of day and yet, anxious as we were starting out, it went ok. I just kept thanking God for the fact that there were no passengers taking an ill fated flight today.
One more thing that I wanted to mention in tonight's post.
About two or three weeks ago, Jay ( who is my friend Wendy's son) was deployed to the sandbox...and now...just this week, my friend Fran saw her son Vinny leave as well. I have no sage advice to offer...but I know that the emptiness in your tummy feels like a bottomless well. Deployment is not a private matter...but it is very personal. War touches us all...but for those serving and those who love them, war also changes things. We may find things to do to pass the time or to occupy our minds, but it's always there.
If you are someone who is inclined to pray, do so for our troops and for those who wait at home. Hug someone who is waiting and worrying and help them feel the love of God in that hug.
It's what I pray you will find wherever you turn -
a hug...and the love of God.
It's good to be home....hugs to you my friends.
Sue