WOW! Where did September GO?

Ok, I know, it's October already. I'm not even sure any one is 'reading' this any more...sorry if you 'gave up on me'! September was a busy month in a lot of ways!

We started a new GriefShare cycle. That's always bitter sweet. I'm so sorry for the reason we gather, but I'm so delighted to hear other's insight and wisdom in to the things of grief. It always amazes me how each handle different events and emotions along this path we have not chosen for ourselves, but found ourselves traveling any way!

We're off to a new start for our fall women's Bible study, as well! We are studying Daniel. It's Beth Moore's video and work book series...so it is full of challenges and different angles...All I can say is: holy vessels being used for unholy things...truly an eye-opening lesson. (more about that later!)

Holly is having a great time working for 'a mouse', as she says. Thinking she might not come home at all...just stay. So, I'm adjusting. And realizing how truly blessed I am to have such bright and talented daughters--All of them are so precious to us!

And, so, because it was the first day of October yesterday, I took a little road trip to So. IL not only to help a friend but to re-visit some of the places of my childhood.

I got to have lunch with my lovely sister...see mom for just a minute. And, then a surprise visit with one of my cousins, Nadine. Her mom, my Aunt Mary, who just turned 85, reminds me so much of my great-grandpa when he was that age! I always looked forward to going to their house when I was growing up, Aunt Mary made the best sweet tea in the county! Nadine is so patient with her, and helps take really good care of her.

Driving around my home town before returning home was enlightening and a little disappointing!--I never in my life remember thinking 'it shrunk, it used to be SO big!'--However, yesterday, I kept having that thought over and over! Every house I thought was 'huge' when I was growing up looked so small! --My great-grandparents house was always small, and it still looks small...their yard somehow shrunk, though! --and her flowers are gone...so sad, she loved those flowers...She would say things like, 'Well, I'll swan'...I have no idea what that meant, but she said it anyway! --I heard Aunt Mary say 'Well, I'll Swan'...more than once yesterday during our little visit...hilarious!--
I hope when I'm 85, if the Lord tarries, and I'm still alive that I'll say things like:

"What was his name, again?"

---and

'Well, I'll Swan'!!!

--and

'It's really cold in here!'

---and

'Oh, the golden years!'

And, I hope, that as soon as I say them, I just laugh and remember some great family members--remaining thankful that I got a chance to know them, and laugh with them.