139 Days to go...

Well, Kiddies and Kiddettes,

It's now Friday, and yet again, I see no sign of being able to spend the weekend with my beloved. Not because I can't travel, but because there's so freakin' much going on this weekend!

Saturday, there's the seminar at church, which is to be dedicated to my dad. It's an all-day thing which I'm really excited about, since I didn't get to attend the first two, and the whole family's going...well, as many as aren't working or pregnant, anyway.

Sunday, I have a great lunch planned with my two favorite sister-in-laws, which has taken FOREVER to plan, simply because we can't ever seem to get our schedules coordinated. So I see lots of gossip and good times in our future for that afternoon. Then, Sunday night, my niece will be going into the hospital to prep for having the baby on Monday (unless she goes before then!). Also, I just got a call from my real estate agent that he's showing my house to a VERY interested buyer on Sunday, so please PRAY everybody! This house has GOT to sell, and I'm believing it WILL!!!

Here's hoping everyone has a great weekend!

Day 140...

Well, I still haven't gotten another letter from my youngest, but I guess right now she doesn't get to write except on Sundays. Oh, well... I've gotten being patient down to a science by now, but that doesn't make it any easier!

My oldest is moving back home with her family in the next couple of weeks, I'm really excited about that! Now, I'll get to spend some quality time with them...at least for the next year, until I move to TN. I thought I'd be closer, now I'll be just as far away. Well, it's better...MUCH better...for them. So many more opportunities, and more time to spend with the family. And church, which they're looking so forward to getting back into. So things are definately looking up that way!

I'm really excited about the future right now....immediate as well as long term. I just kinda wish it would all hurry up and get here, you know? But then, life is not about the destination, it's about the journey, and I have a lot to learn just by being able to accept and enjoy what's happening right now!

142 Days to go...

I finally got it!! My youngest's long-awaited address is now available, for anyone who reads this and doesn't already have it. If you want it, call me. If you should have it, you know my number!

She is doing well, just really busy, and seems to be adjusting well, although she is lonely and missing us. She can't write much, because they're not allowing a lot of free time yet, but she can get as many letters as Uncle Sam can deliver, so everybody write to her as often as you can, please!

Also, my mom is doing well, and so is Tex. I'm good, too. Still adjusting, but I guess that's to be expected.

Day 147...

Today is my parents' 33rd anniversary, and my mom is holding up pretty well, considering the circumstances. Keep her in your prayers.

I still haven't heard from my youngest since last week, and NO I still don't have a return address for those who are chomping at the bit like I am. Rest assured that the moment I do, it will be sprawled across the family grapevine faster than you can say WALLACE. I miss her terribly, and even though I know its routine, it just seems to be taking forever to get that address. And I know she could really use some encouragement right now from everyone that loves her. Keep her in your prayers, too.

And then, there's Tex. Poor man hasn't seen me in...how many weeks? I've lost track. And I miss him so much it hurts. Keep us both in your prayers. One good thing, the time left isn't near as much as the time already spent! For that, we're more grateful every day!

Day 150....

I have a SPECIAL treat for you today, boys and girls! To honor my father for Father's Day, I am posting one of my favorite poems of his. I know he wouldn't mind me sharing it with the world.

Most of you probably already know that my dad served in the 2nd Armored Division of the US Army and was under the command of General George S. Patton during WWII. He wrote this poem about a training mission they were on down in southern Louisiana around the beginning of the war. He included a couple of notes regarding the poem to help better understand it, which are as follows:

NOTE: For the purpose of discipline, those under Patton's command were required to wear a necktie, while those of other military units and the National Guard were not. Shelter halves were 1/2 of a regulation pup-tent; two were buttoned together to erect.

THE BALLAD OF GENERAL GEORGE

By Birl R. Brown, Sr. (c) 2006

T'was in the southern parishes in Louisiana's heat

That General Georgie Patton's boys learned about "compete".

Chiggers, ticks and okra fields, and skeeters big as tanks,

And a plentitude of gnats abound to aggravate the ranks,

For Louisiana's hot as hell, and only God knows why,

But I am one of Patton's boys, and I must wear my tie!

Generals George and Ed Rommel were classmates years ago,

For both attended V.M.I. to warfare better know,

But time had sharpened up the sword that cut the cord between.

It's like a guess in Russian chess, before a move's foreseen.

Louisiana's hot as hell, which none at all deny,

But I'm a Georgie Patton boy and I have to wear my tie!

Always, the tie must tuck between two buttons of the shirt,

The third and second only, please, or suffer Georgie's hurt.

The tanks develop clouds of dust and resporators clog.

The heavy tanks can lose a track, or stick in oily bog,

Where Louisiana's hot as hell, and I'm about to fry,

But I am still a Patton boy, and I always wear my tie!

There was a time the General went to check the river's brink

Where a million huntry skeeters live, but he was there to think

And plan just how the units, in a crossing there, could fight.

So concentrated was his thought, he never felt a bite,

And I was wrapped in shelter halves, and just about to cry,

But yet, since I'm a Patton boy, I still had on my tie!

On a night run into Texas, we were weary through and through.

The General reached into his brief and a little flask withdrew.

He offered it to his Driver, who didn't drink, alas! It passed

Around from each to each: he took his swallow last.

I'll remember that 'Old Taylor' when I lay me down to die,

Just close the little coffin, please, but don't forget the tie!

We didn't.

153 Days to go...

OK, today was a LOT better than yesterday. It's always the firsts that get you...first birthday, first anniversary, first Christmas, that kind of stuff. After the first year, it tends to fade. I know this from personal experience. And I know, thank GOD, that time heals all wounds.

So, on with life!

I heard from my youngest yesterday, she still can't receive mail, apparently, because I still don't have a return address, but she seems to be doing well, apart from the feeling of being alone that she can't seem to shake. I think it's being away...truly away...from everyone and everything you know for the first time. I remember feeling like that when I went to Boston a few years back, my first trip to a strange place totally by myself. I'm sure she'll work herself out of it, after all...she is her father's child!

Speaking of which, Sunday is Father's day....a first for me on three levels. First, it will be one of those firsts I was talking about earlier. Second, it will be the first year I've had my present father-in-law, so I still get to honor a father. And last, but certainly not least, it will be the first time in many, many years, my husband gets to celebrate...as a father. And celebrate, we will!!!

Day 154....Happy Birthday, Daddy!

My daddy's 87th birthday. I don't know if I can stand it. And Father's day is Sunday. I can't even go south this weekend to spend it with Tex.

Whatever. I won't apologize for my foul mood, not today. Maybe tomorrow I can. Maybe it will be better tomorrow.

Maybe.

157 Days...

Well, it's been one hell of a week. And I won't go into it here, except to remind all my potential readers that my youngest is currently in basic training, and out of the loop of all that has occurred this week. Due to the distraction factor, I'd like to keep it that way for a while for her sake, so I'll ask you all NOT to speak or write to her about it so she can keep on with her training undisturbed. When the time is right, I'll share.

I love you all, and I thank you for your loving prayers and support this week. Please continue, we need all we can get right now.