WOW...WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?

WOW I knew I hadn't posted in a while but had no idea it had been a month since I've posted anything new. I'm so sorry. Any of you who are still reading this...thanks for hanging in there.

Life just seems to have slipped into fast forward. The first weekend in October was our church's big Harvest Festival...the big fund raiser for the year. I fixed some of my photography in magnetic photo holders and was excited that quite a few of them sold.

The College Crazies program that I do at church which keeps up with the kids for the first 5 years after they graduate from high school is up and running. Andrea designed a special card for our first mailing, and that was exciting!!!

Andrea now has a job. It isn't full time, but it's the job she wanted...pays well...and has health and dental insurance. She is the new graphic designer for Bethany Community Church. She is loving it so far. She's also working with the high school group and is enjoying that.

Roy has had dental surgery to plant the anchor for a new front tooth. It was so funny. He seemed so coherent when we left the oral surgeon's office...and for the rest of the day. Next day I mentioned something to him about his follow-up appointment, and he had no clue what I was talking about. The day of the surgery was pretty much blank in his memory. Andrea and I had a good chuckle about it because she and Alyson both did strange things without any memory of them the next day when they had their wisdom teeth extracted.

Alyson is doing well. She's been working lots of double shifts trying to save up some money. I don't know where she gets her energy.

I have a new toy!!! I finally broke down and ordered the camera I was wanting. It took beautiful pictures of the water lilies on Saturday, but I apparently still have lots to learn about taking pictures in the sanctuary at our church. The ones I took Sunday were too dark (and they shouldn't have been!!!!).

Would you please put my cousin Judy on your prayer lists. She fell last week and broke her hip and is having complications.

After having below average temps all summer, we are now having way above average temps. It's still in the mid to upper 80s here. It is, however, supposed to cool down next week. We did have an unexpected shower last night which was wonderful!

I'd better hush before I wear out your eyes.
Much love to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE MOON CREW IS ALIVE AND KICKING

One of the drawbacks of aging is the fact that you (at least ME) no longer multi-task as well as you once did. I've been getting the College Crazies program at church (my baby) up and running, and I've created a blog for the kids this year which has gotten most of my attention lately. Let's see if I can catch you up on the happenings at the Moon zoo.

Most current excitement is the phone call I got from Alyson this afternoon. She had gotten a call from her landlord while she was at work telling her that someone had kicked in her front door. (He was in the building showing one of the apartments to prospective tenants and discovered it.) They broke into the main door to the building and then kicked in her front door. So far the only thing she's positive is missing is her laptop and the backpack it goes in. Worrisome thing is that now they have all of her personal info. She's going to change bank account numbers, etc., but is still a bit concerned about identity theft. Also, she (and her mother) no longer feel that she is safe coming home at 3 a.m. like she does when she works the late shift and closes. Prayers for her safety would be greatly appreciated.

The weekend of September 8 & 9 was Roy's Cousins' Reunion in Decatur, Texas. These are the cousins on his Mom's side. They hadn't been together in many, many years, so it was great for all of them to get to catch up. I loved hearing stories of their "younger days." Roy's Granddad was a Baptist Preacher in Decatur for 40 years or so, so we went to see the old church building on Saturday, and on Sunday morning we visited the congregation that has evolved from his original church. They're in a new building, but they have a painting of his Grandfather in the Narthex, as well as his Granddad's actual pulpit. Roy's sister is an ordained minister, so it was fun to be able to take her picture standing at his pulpit.

One of the wonderful college girls from church stayed with our critters. I know she took great care of them because the critters weren't any more excited to see us than if we had only been gone for an hour or so. It is wonderful to know that we are not glued to the house anymore.

This past weekend was a very enjoyable concert...part of the Folk Series at Ft. Concho. One of the young men from our church is a song writer, and he started this about a year and a half ago. Once each quarter there is a concert with him and a "top name" song writer. It's a lot of fun and a wonderful cultural event for San Angelo.

Weather is hovering in the upper 80's and lower 90's during the daytime. We haven't had any rain lately, but things are still green from all the rain we had earlier. I have my fall decorations out, so I'm looking forward to cooler weather.

Will hush now before your eyes give out from all the reading.
Lovies and huggies to all!!!

DOESN'T SEEM POSSIBLE

The last day of August...just doesn't seem possible!!! It once again seems as if I have blinked twice and a big chunk of time has disappeared while my eyes were closed. I was told once that that is a sign of getting older. I surely do hate to admit advancing age, but it's hard to ignore the disappearance of time.

I love this time of year. I have never outgrown my love of school supplies. Now that the girls are totally out of school and not living at home, I have no excuse to buy them. HOWEVER, I just couldn't resist the sale on folders with pockets and prongs...only 10 cents each!!!!!!!!!!! I have a nice supply now if anyone needs one in the wee hours of the morning and can't find a store open. (Yes, that used to happen when the girls were here...not just them but the neighbors, too...most needing poster board for some "forgotten" project that was due the next day.)

Andrea is going camping over the weekend. I don't know what Alyson has planned. Roy and I have no special plans.

If you travel...BE SAFE!
hugzzzzzzz

IN GOOD HANDS

The youth groups at our church always go on "mission trips" during the summer. In years past they have helped build houses, have held "Bible schools" in Mexico, have learned what it is like to live in a poverty situation in a "third world country," have worked with the homeless, have helped in "soup kitchens and food banks" and probably some other things I'm forgetting.

This year 20 of our senior high youth went as "buddies" to a week-long camp for "blind/visually impaired" youth. Some were "buddies" with their young person for 24 hours a day...others just during the waking hours. This morning they presented a program during which they told about their experiences and presented a slideshow of the pictures. They are amazing young people!!!!! Our future is in good hands.

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Well, actually, this entry is just about "sights." I decided to venture out this morning in search of new photography subjects, and I ended up at Sunken Gardens park. It was awash with color. Unfortunately, it was also awash with weeds. I did get a few pics I liked, tough.

The other sight, one that made me chuckle but also worried me, was an older lady toodling down Knickerbocker Rd. in her scooter chair. It made me chuckle because Roy's (my hubby) mom used to get out in her motorized wheel chair and travel through the neighborhood. She got brave one day and decided she'd just keep going to the grocery store...and a policeman stopped and gave her a ticket. We laughed about that for years.

The worry was for the lady's safety. This was definitely one of those situations that called for a quick prayer. Knickerbocker Rd. can be a dangerous place.

THURSDAY LOVEZZZZ AND HUGZZZZZZZZZZ TO ALL!

This has been a good day. I met a friend at the mall for our daily walk (which we usually get around to a couple of days a week), ran some errands and have puttered around the house a bit.

I am still... pondering which camera would be the best buy -- pondering which mattress would be the best buy -- THINKING ABOUT rearranging the bookshelves in the den -- and CONTEMPLATING cleaning out my closet. The "spirit is willing," but the old body seems to have other ideas.

I am getting a bit of physical therapy on my shoulder to convince it not to be cranky, and my "astute observation" for today was that I am super-easily entertained. Today I was just as happy as a clam watching how the "floaters" in my eyes reacted when I moved my eyes in different directions. (In my defense I must add that there was a heat pack on my shoulder and there wasn't a lot else I could do). Anyone else easily entertained????

Wednesday hugzzzzzzzzzzz
cathye

I think these are lots of fun...thought someone else might enjoy them!

Can you fill in the missing word/words in these Advertising Slogans?

1. You're in good hands with _______ .
2. Are you a _________ Fruit and Nut case?
3. ______, take me away.
4. I'd walk a mile for a _____.
5. Please don't squeeze the _______.
6. _________, a little dab'll do ya.
7. ___ is the place for the helpful hardware
man.
8. _______________ makes hamburgers taste like
steakburgers.
9. Aren't you glad you use ____? (_____ ___
____ _________ ___?)
10. ___________, the San Francisco treat.
11. Bring out the _________ and bring out the
best.
12. Fly the friendly skies of ______.
13. Oh I wish I was an _____ _____ ______.
14. In the valley of the Jolly,"Ho, ho, ho" _____ _____.
15. Double your pleasure,Double your funwith __________ ___.
16. I'd like to buy the world a ____.
17. Like a good neighbor, _____ ____ is there.
18. Nobody doesn't like ____ ___.
19. Snap! Crackle! Pop! ____ ________.
20. See the U.S.A....in your _________ .
21. The best part of waking up is ________ in
your cup.

DELIGHTFUL VISIT

We had a delightful visit with Andrea this week. Roy took her back to Austin today where she met up with a group of friends. She will be a bridesmaid in the wedding of one of her A&M roommates on Saturday.

She acutally made her bridesmaids dress!!! I was so proud of that kid. Her mother was no help whatsoever. I never did learn to sew. I know she will have a wonderful time this weekend.

I'd appreciate prayers for their safety as they run around to all the festivities in the rain and also as she flies back to Seattle on Sunday.

hugzzzzzzz

DELIGHTFUL TUESDAY

Had a delightful day with Andrea yesterday. I spent the morning running errands (because I knew she'd be getting up at the "crack of noon.") We went to the matinee showing of "Hairspray" and then had supper at Texas Roadhouse. YUMMMMM!! Last night we just vegged out.

This morning I snapped a couple of pics while Burton was on his "take care of business" jaunt. I love taking pictures of butterflies. They are just so beautiful.

Tonight we're looking forward to watching the first half of the finale of "So You Think You Can Dance." Andrea and I watched the whole series last summer, so it will be lots of fun to have her here to watch it again!

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!!!

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it...don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body, and you have body fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good.
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: You're not listening. Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: What's the secret to healthy eating?
A: Thicker gravy.
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO ...... Cocoa beans ... another vegetable!!! It's the best feel good food around!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and iets.
Now go have a cookie...flour is a veggie!
received from Mikey's Funnies

STRESS OVERLOAD

YOU KNOW YOU'RE ON STRESS OVERLOAD WHEN:

1. You start talking to your plants--for advice.
2. You order crushed Tagamet on your frozen yogurt.
3. You've chewed all your own fingernails and now you're eyeing your spouse's.
4. You've developed a twitch . . . to go with your other four.
5. You wake up at 3:00 a.m. and start working on your income taxes . . . in July.
6. You start making simple spelling errors . . . like in your name.
7. You find that the startling noise of your neighbors fluffing a pillow makes you jump.
8. Your dog posts a sign that says, "Beward of Human."
9. You've been watching TV for hours . . . and the set isn't even turned on.
10. You have an attack of road rage . . . and you haven't even left your driveway.

from God Has Never Failed Me, But He's Sure Scared Me To Death A Few Times
by Stan Toler & Martha Bolton

Someone once told me that the older they got, the faster time seemed to pass. I thought that was absolutely absurd!!! Now...years down the road...I see the truth in their statement. I've blinked twice, and June and July are both gone...and I have no idea where they've gone.

It's been a good summer. Weather here in Texas has been amazing. It's been rainy and in the 80's the majority of the summer so far. As far as I'm concerned, that is absolutely heavenly!!! It's headed back to the mid 90's this week, against my wishes!!!

Andrea will be home for a few days week after next. It will be wonderful to see her!!!! Alyson will be going to Seattle in a couple of weeks to find an apartment and hopefully a job. She'll be moving in September.

I've been working on pictures of relatives lately. We had a Cousins' Reunion in June and that got me in the "thinking about family" mode. Even though I'm an only child, my mom was one of 9 kids, so there are quite a few of us cousins.

I've had a wonderful time taking pictures of water lilies this summer. The cooler weather has made it enjoyable to be out taking pictures. Here is my favorite of the latest batch of pictures. I call it "Under A Sheltering Wing." Would love to have comments from anyone still reading the sporadic posts here. If there are still any readers, I'll try to do a better job of posting more frequently.

August hugzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz to all!

ASTUTE OBSERVATIONS of the Morning After

That would be the morning after spending the evening chatting with my laptop about its behavior. After multiple hours, and redoing a big chunk of the slideshow I'm working on, I have come up with a few ASTUTE OBSERVATIONS:

1. Computers converse on their own terms.

2. Software programs do not adopt the mission statement of "I can do anything that is thrown at me."

3. Software programs also do not read their own manuals, nor, aparently, do they have access to a dictionary. Their concept of "delete" is sadly lacking!

4. Shortcuts are NOT always shorter!!!

5. Apparently the "mission" of my Slideshow Program is NOT to "make my user happy."

SUNFLOWER SMILES

Hope these sunflowers will bring a smile to your face and will help make your Saturday sunny and delightful!

FREEDOM

I went to a patriotic concert at church last night, and as I was "singing along," I thought of all the sacrifices that have been made so that I could do that very thing...be where I wanted to be doing what I wanted to do. We all take so very much for granted! A big THANK YOU to any vets who wander through this way!!!!!

HAVE A BLESSED AND SAFE 4th

"God Bless America"...Kate Smith

"God Bless the U.S.A."...Lee Greenwood

MORE LILIES...ENJOY!

WATER LILIES

The water lilies are in full bloom. Today is the first time I've actually seen them in bloom. They are absolutely gorgeous. My camera and I had a wonderful time.

HUGZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ to all!!!

DANCE

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... it's about learning to dance in the rain.
-author unknown

GOOD SATURDAY

Hope everyone is having a good Saturday. I've been playing with our church's website and editing the pictures I took at Vacation Bible School this summer (STILL). I love taking massive amounts of pictures; I don't necessarily love editing massive amounts. Every year I promise myself I will be more sensible in regard to how many pics I take...and every year I go overboard. Oh well, it's just too much fun to try to capture some of the wonderful expressions on the kids' faces. Looking at the pics I've gotten at the end of each day is almost like Christmas!

Anyone else care to share your Saturday activities?

hugzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz