Time to Hit the Road Again!

Bright and early tomorrow morning, I'll be driving to Penticton, British Columbia, for a family gathering and the wedding of my niece. Larry is unable to get away from work, but my son is going with me, and we're picking up his girlfriend at the airport on our way. Both of my sisters, one of my brothers, and my dad will also be there.

I'm looking forward to this little reunion of sorts, and lots of fun together as a family. (That usually means lots of laughter and a few pranks.)
I'll be returning on July 4th, hopefully in time to enjoy watching the "Fourth of July" fireworks with my husband.

Now, it's time to get back to the laundry, ironing, packing, and...uh-oh...
I also have to go to the bank to get some Canadian money. I hope nobody remembers me there as the mental-pausal lady who mistakenly claimed she lost her keys in their bank, and had the manager take apart the trash receptacle to look for them. (Maybe I could put a bag over my head with two eye holes. As long as I'm not holding a gun in my hand, it should be okay, shouldn't it?)

Phooey! If only we could just hit the "delete" key and erase some of the things we do!

Off Again

Tomorrow morning (bright and early)I'm off to Penticton, British Columbia, for a family gathering and wedding of my niece. Hubby is unable to get away from work this time, but my son is going with me, and we're picking up his girlfriend at the airport on our way north. Both of sisters and one of my brothers, plus my dad will be there also. I'm looking forward to a great visit with my family, and lots of fun. I'll be home again on the July 4th, hopefully in time to enjoy watching the "Fourth of July" fireworks with my husband.

The Bathing Suit Tip

On the day of Summer Solstice, I mentioned bathing suits in my post called "Wednesday Weekly". One blogger commented that she still gets a chuckle out of a bathing suit tip I gave her while we were vacationing together in Hawaii. Another blogger commented, "Do tell!" I responded that I would have to send it to her in an email (which I did). Her emailed response to me: "That is hilarious...your tip is great and I think you should blog it, I really do! Makes you real to the rest of the world!!!"

Hmmmm...not so sure about that! So, I checked with my husband, showing him the letter I had written to give my "tip". He smiled, but shook his head and said, "...not so sure about that...no, I don't think so." I replied, "But, she seems to think so!" He reminded me that "we live in two different parts of the world, with two very different cultures; and in this culture, it would be inappropriate to put that on your blog." So, (trying to be the submissive wife that I'm supposed to be), I've chosen not to put it on my blog.

That does not mean that I am not being real! I AM REAL! (My husband assured me that I'm as real as they get!) What you read on my blog definitely depicts the real me! However, I also try to exercise discretion with my reading audience.

So, if you are interested in knowing my bathing suit tip, feel free to request it by comment here, or send me an email, and I will gladly send it to you, in "brown wrapper", to be enjoyed in the privacy of your own home. (I think my readers already have my email address, but if you are an unknown reader, you're probably out of luck unless you want to leave your email address as a comment here.

Mental-Pausal Moments

What an interesting book I'm reading! I've just discovered the cause for some of the strange things I've been experiencing lately. According to this book, hot flashes are related to being mental-pausal. That explains everything!

Tonight while I was fixing supper, I suffered a moment of mental-pause. I looked high and low throughout the kitchen, including every drawer, the refrigerator and freezer, the dishwasher, and the waste basket. Then I went throughout the house, checking every room that I might have gone into during the time period that I was working on supper.

I had hoped to keep this problem to myself, but finally, in total exasperation, I bemoaned the truth to Larry: "Honey--I lost the pot holders!" He had already surmised, by my strange behavior, that something was very wrong, but he was kind enough not to ask. (He has seen this happen before.) When he heard the defeat in my voice, admitting yet another one of my mental-pausal moments, he quickly got up from the couch and headed for the kitchen. I was thankful for his willingness to help me out, but when he headed straight for the kitchen drawer where they are usually kept, I thought, "How silly to look there--I've already looked there several times!" However, I was careful to hold my tongue rather than belittle him for trying to help. He pulled out the green pot holders and said, "Is this what you're looking for?" ! ! !
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One day last week I went to the bank. As I headed back to my car, after finishing my business inside the bank, I reached into my purse to pull out my car keys. They weren't there! I slowed my walk as I continued digging deeper, checking every little pocket of my purse. Nope--not there. I checked my pants pockets (several times), and again checked my purse pockets (several times). Nope--still not there!

Fortunately, I had my spare set of keys with me, so I was able to get in the car. I sat there thinking, Should I go back into the bank, carefully retracing my steps, hoping to find them somewhere? Should I go ask the teller if a set of car keys has been found? But, then I thought, Well, maybe I actually left them at home, and used my spare set of keys to drive the car. (Although, I NEVER do that.) But, since strange things have been happening to me more and more frequently, I figured it could always be a possibility.

So, rather than embarrassing myself by going back into the bank, I decided to drive back home and see if I left them at home. I went into the house and looked around everywhere I thought they might possibly be, but they weren't there.

So, I drove back to the bank and went inside, carefully retracing my steps to look everywhere I had been, plus asking the teller. Nope--no car keys. On the way out, I stopped one more time at the counter where I had stood to write out my withdrawal slip, thinking, They must be here somewhere.

That's when I spotted the trash disposal slot built into the counter, and thought, Yup, that must be it -- how embarrassing to realize I must have stuck my keys into the trash disposal slot when I actually intended to put them back into my purse! I poked my fingers into the slot and tried to figured out how to see into the little trash receptacle. Then the manager noticed my strange activity and came over to see if I needed some help. After I briefly explained my predicament, he took the trash receptacle apart and looked through the contents. Nope -- no keys!

By then, everyone in the bank was looking in my direction. I shook my head and said out loud (to no one in particular), "All I know is that I came into the bank with keys in my hand, and when I walked out the door, I didn't have them." But, no one had any solution to the mystery, so I finally got back in my car and drove back home again (using my spare set of keys again).

When I got home, and went into the bedroom to set my purse down in its usual spot, I noticed the bag sitting near where my purse is usually sitting. I had placed that bag there to remind me to take it with me when I went to the bank, because I also needed to go to a store to return something. Not only had I forgotten to pick up the bag when I picked up my purse to leave the house -- that's where I found my car keys (in that bag)! Go figure!

Now, it also occurs to me that it was exactly one week ago today that I was writing out my experience of finding myself stuck outside on the deck--fully believing I had locked myself out of the house-- when actually, I had simply forgotten which door I used to go outside! Goof-ball!
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Oh, I also learned in this book tonight that hot flashes are actually power surges which may or may not be helpful during mental-pausal moments.

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Warning: I refuse to accept any responsibilty for unplanned, unpredictable, unexplainable, totally bizaare behavior which may occur during mental-pausal moments.
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Wednesday Weekly

Well, I guess I never did get around to starting my "Wednesday Weekly" routine, did I? Isn't it funny how we get ideas that we think are actually worth something, only to realize later that they were silly! I guess this "Wednesday Weekly" idea was one of those that turned out to be just "Jeannie looking for something new to do with her blog!"

Or, was it? Well, here it is Wednesday again, and I haven't posted since Father's Day. I feel like it's time to post something new, but I have absolutely no idea what to post, since there really is nothing exciting going on in my life right now.

If I was in Montana, I could probably go hiking today with Cary's Wednesday weekly hiking group--the "Hallelujah Hikers". Or, I could go over to Camp Utmost where my daughter is teaching this week, and spend some time with my grandkids. (Dontcha think someone oughta be keeping on eye on them as they enjoy the run of the camp, while Mom is busy with the ninth graders?). Both of those ideas sound like fun, but alas, I am not in Montana.

If I was in Heaven today, I'd be visiting with my mom, my husband's mom and dad, and my grandparents, plus getting to know a whole bunch of "brothers and sisters" in Christ that I've never met before! Although, the One I mostly can't wait to see is Jesus! Now, that's the One I really want to visit with face-to-face! Sometimes I try to imagine what that's going to be like, but very honestly, I have absolutely no idea! I just know I so long for that day to come!

Hey, I just noticed on my calendar that today is the first day of summer!
I guess that's a good reason to celebrate today! Happy Summer Solstice to y'all! Yippee!!
Time to get yer bathin' suits on! Now, if only I had a beach nearby, and some friends who aren't afraid to put on a bathing suit and do some sunning with me.
Anyone . . . anyone?
(we three sisters at Lake Michigan last year)

Happy Father's Day To My Dad

My dad has always been and will always be my hero.

Happy Father's Day, Dad! I love you!
Thanks for being such a wonderful dad to your kids!

This is my dad, in whom I am well-pleased!

These are Dad's wonderful friends who are always there for him, and have become an extension of his family. They have taken him into their hearts and homes, surrounding him with loving care at all times.

Thank you, Louis & Cary and Larry & June for taking good care of my dad when I can't be there. I appreciate you more than I can ever tell you!

Happy Father's Day To My Husband

You know how much I love you, but do you know how proud I am of you, too?

I'm proud of your successes -- your skills and talents, your hard work and accomplishments . . .
But, even more important than these, I'm proud of the man you are inside--the goodness and generosity which are so much a part of your daily life, the warmth and caring which are so wonderful a part of the joy you bring to our family . .
You are truly a special person, and I feel fortunate beyond all measure to have been given the gift of a husband like you.

Happy Father's Day, Honey!
I love you!
Jeannie

Goof-ball !

A couple of days ago, while I was sitting in the office, my cell phone rang--it was a friend calling. As per usual, our conversation was interrupted by a lost connection. (That happens a lot here--living on top of a "mountain". Now, I would hardly consider this a mountain, but, locally, that's what it's called--how silly!) When she called back, I stepped outside onto the deck, thinking my cell phone might get better reception outside. After our somewhat lengthy conversation, I started to come back inside, but was shocked to find the door locked! Tugging hard at the handle on the sliding glass door, I broke a fingernail, far down past the quick, but still had no luck getting the door open. What on earth??? How could that door latch lock behind me? (This door handle can only be locked by moving a side lever into the lock position, which can only happen when you're on the inside of the door.)

For just an instant I felt the tiniest bit of panic, which quickly brought on a hot flash, as I realized, Oh great--I'm stuck outside on this deck until Larry gets home. (Since our house is built on the side of a hill, the main-floor deck is actually at second-story level from the ground behind our house, and there is no staircase down to the ground.) As the hot flash subsided, I quickly realized I was starting to feel a bit chilly, being outside in a sleeveless shirt on a cool, gray, rainy day. I also began to feel a bit embarrassed as I imagined myself having to holler "Help!" to anyone who might happen to hear me and come running to find out what was wrong. Trying to regain my calm and collected sense of control in a tough situation, I sat down in a chair, looked at my watch, and thought, Well, maybe Larry is getting close to time to leave work. (It was 5:15.) Fortunately, I had my cell phone, so I called him to ask, "Where are you, and when are you coming home?" I was happy to hear that he was already on his way home.

When I explained to him the predicament I was in, he said, "Oh, you went outside from the office, forgetting that door stays locked when you open and close it." (There are two doors out to our deck--one in the family room and one in the office. However, the door in the office also has a storm door, so I never close the inside door when I step outside from the office.) Instantly, the light bulb went on in my head! I had been trying to get back inside through the sliding glass door in the family room, forgetting that I went outside from the office! The office door (which I didn't close behind me) is the open door!! I quickly said goodbye, and went back inside to the warmth of my home, scolding myself...
Oh, Jeannie! How can you be such a goof-ball?

Now I know why Glynna is interesting in having me help with Women's Ministries. Every fun ministry team needs at least one goof-ball to keep us from taking ourselves too seriously! Sometimes ya just gotta laugh at yourself! (But, I still can't believe I did that!)

Rewards That are Worth the Risks

It's been awhile since I've been busily involved with the work of "women's ministries" at church. When we first moved to Oregon two years ago, I was glad for a little break, but I didn't expect my "sabbatical" to last this long. There was occasional involvement during our 18 months at Solid Rock Fellowship, but I've deeply missed being right in the middle of leadership in an active women's ministry program. That was my life for several years, and sitting on the sidelines hasn't been much fun for one who loves serving. Well, now it looks like I'm about to get busy again.

Yesterday I enjoyed meeting with the Director of Women's Ministries at our new church. It felt so good to be discussing ministry involvement and strategic planning again--all such familiar territory to me. I've been sitting it out for far too long, and now I'm ready to get back at it.

So, my "helmet" is in place and securely fastened. I know the risks, and I know the downside, but I also know the rewards, and I'm ready to jump right back in with both feet!

Eureka!

We have found it! Our new church home is Harvest Community Church (click on link to see church) in Hillsboro, about a 15-20 minute drive from us. It is part of the Conservative Baptist Association, which is familiar to us because our church in Long Beach, California (Bethany) also belonged to that group of churches. We're happy to be "home" again.

It is by far the most friendly church we have ever experienced! Every Sunday people come up to us and introduce themselves and then spend a little while talking with us, as though they are actually interested in getting to know us. Wow! What a concept--to step out of your comfort zone and go out of your way to meet strangers who visit your church (especially when you haven't been designated as an official "greeter")! What a wonderful idea in the family of God--to put out the effort required to personally get to know the people you worship with! I like it! (Maybe someday it will actually catch on in all churches.)

Last Sunday (June 4th), even though we had already attended four Sundays prior to that day, we were still undecided. As we drove to church I said to Larry, "I wonder what God will do to show us for sure if this is the right church for us? We do like the church, but we're still unsure. How or when will we know for sure?"

About half-way to church, the car began acting up. After stopping a couple of times, we knew for sure--we have car trouble! Should we stop driving and call AAA? Should we turn around and try to make it back home, even if it means stopping every little bit to let the engine cool off? Larry decided we should limp on to church since we were closer there than to go back home. We made it to church (Sunday School), about 10-15 minutes late, but it was okay because the class we had planned to visit hadn't started yet.

When church was over, as I was waiting for Larry to finish talking with a guy he had met the day before (at a men's breakfast), a lady I didn't know came up to me and invited us over to their house for supper--that very night! She said she saw us sitting in church, and remembered us from the Sunday before (May 28th). (They had talked with us for just a few minutes during the "stand-up-and-greet-someone-around-you-time.") She remembered me saying that we were new and would like to get to know some people in the church. So, when she saw us again the next Sunday, she quickly, spur-of-the-moment, decided to invite us and a few other couples over to their house for supper. (Later, that evening, she told me that she had strongly sensed the Holy Spirit telling her, "Invite that couple over to your house tonight.") So she did, and we went! We had a really nice time getting to know them and two other couples. That act of kindness, from total strangers, was God's way of letting us know, "This is your new church home."

Back to the part about us having car trouble on the way to church that morning... Yes, we did, indeed have a mechanical failure--the thermostat was shot, so we couldn't even drive the car back home. (Larry had to replace the thermostat that afternoon.) However, if we had not gone on to church that morning, we would have missed out on a great surprise opportunity to make some new friends, sharing supper together in the home of strangers!

Also, as a result of spending time that evening chatting with three new friends, I am about to be thrust into involvement with Women's Ministries in this new church. One of the women just happened to be meeting with the Director of Women's Ministries (Glynna) last week, and told her about me. Glynna called me, eager to meet with me, because she has been praying for someone to come along side her! (Guess who else has been praying for just such an opportunity as this?) So, we're getting together tomorrow at her office.

God works in amazing ways, answering prayer in many lives all at once, putting His plans in place--all in His perfect time, and His perfect way! (Patience, Jeannie!)

Thanks, Lord, for leading us along Your pathway, guiding us into the plans You have for our lives.

The sun sets on a nice weekend!

It's been a very nice weekend here--two beautiful days in my little world! (Dontcha wish every day ended with such a beautiful sunset?)

In a book I'm reading ("Plant a Geranium in Your Cranium", by Barbara Johnson), I came across something I read a long time ago, but still find it good to remember:

"God didn't promise us days without pain,
laughter without sorrow, or sun without rain;
but He did promise us strength for the day,
comfort for the tears, and light for the way."

37 Years Ago

Today marks thirty-seven years since the night I said, "Oh no!" to my boyfriend, and then he said, "Does this mean you don't want to marry me?"
My strange response was due to being in shock at his totally unexpected proposal. I could hardly believe this was really happening, since there had been no previous hint of it before he handed me a little box with a diamond ring inside (just my size even).

He had acted really strange the night before, and I had thought for sure he had lost interest in me, and was about to break up with me. I cried myself to sleep that night, and was a tearful wreck all day long, at work and even upon my return home. I was simply a basket case with fear that he was no longer in love with me.

Then my mother told me sternly, "You better get yourself back together, just in case Larry calls. Now, go wash your face and calm down."
Well, sure enough . . . the phone rang, and it was Larry, asking if I wanted to go out. "Hmmm.....just what I thought -- he's coming over to break up with me in person, rather than on the phone!"

Looking back on all of that, I wonder why I didn't suspect a different outcome. Why didn't I wonder about my mom suggesting that Larry might call or come over that night? Why didn't that seem strange to me that she seemed to know? I dunno!

On Monday night (the night before), Larry had spent the evening at my house...sort of..., but not really with me. He spent his time with my dad, supposedly taking a look at a a piece of stereo equipment that wasn't working properly. (Larry's current job was working as a salesman in a store that sold pianos, TV's, stereos, etc.) I didn't think anything of Larry spending some time with Dad for that reason. I was glad he was interested in helping my dad with something, and I was waiting patiently for his attention. However, I began to wonder what was taking so long, and went looking for them. When I couldn't find them inside or outside, I asked Mom where they were. She said, "I think they went to get a cup of coffee." Assuming that Larry had really come over to see me, I said rather indignately, "Well, I could have made coffee for them!" I felt really disgusted that he was giving all of his attention to my dad, and spending no time at all with me! By the time Dad and Larry came back home, it was late. Larry sat down with me on the couch for only a very short time before saying, "Well, I better get going -- it's late." ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
I was so disappointed (crushed actually), and cried myself to sleep that night (if I slept at all), thinking for sure it must be over between us!

On Tuesday night, he took me out to supper, at a popular coffee shop--one of our usual hang-outs. (I wonder if he noticed how awful I looked with my red, swollen eyes.) Everything seemed normal between us, but I kept waiting for him to let me know that he had decided to break up with me. We drove around a bit after supper, making small talk, but still no hint of a break-up. Then, as was our usual routine, we parked in my driveway to sit and talk for a bit. That's when he pulled out the little box and handed it to me--without saying a word. I was absolutely shocked! And, that's when I said, "Oh no!" and began to cry, because it was so completely the opposite of my expectations over the last twenty-four hours! And, the rest is history! I've been wearing that ring ever since!

Calling Grandma Jeannie . . .

Yesterday I spent much of my day in Vancouver, soaking up "Grandma" time with my "adopted daughter" and her three young sons.

First on the agenda was story book time with Ky, and, of course, the petting of kitties (3). Then we were off to school to visit music class for a special end-of-the-school-year thing that parents and grandparents were invited to. This is Jen with Kylen, her youngest son (5-1/2 yrs. old).

Quinn (her middle son, 8-1/2 yrs. old) is in the red and white shirt, smack dab in the middle of all the "bongo" drums.

..........

It was also an early-release day, so we took all three of her sons (including Liam, almost 10 yrs. old) out to lunch with us. Next on the agenda was time spent at their favorite park. What a nice day it was!

I Came...I Saw...I Hugged!

This "hug" was sent to me this morning by my friend, Sandy.
Thanks, Sandy! Now, I'm passing the hug on to you...and you...and you...
(wish I could be there to deliver it in person).
Consider yourself hugged by me today!
P.S. Hug someone else today, okay?