Harvest Welcome

Oh how I wish you could have been in our after school room today. Before the students arrived, I placed a mini pumpkin on each of their desks. Usually when they arrive they make much noise and declare how hot, thirsty, tired...you know how kids are.

Not today. Each one came in and saw a pumpkin on their desk and almost all of them wanted to take care of it as if it was their personal treasure!

We had pumpkins wrapped in blankets, some placed in the arms of stuffed animals and even one dear girl created a pumpkin carriage ala Cinderella complete with beads and a Lego Coachman.

Goodnight, Sleep Tight....

Our daughter, son-in-law and grandkids have been here in the month of August. We have had many meals, game times, clubhouse building and decorating adventures.
Just look at these little cuties. They have grown so much in the past month!

Just tonight Gracie was playing some random notes on the piano that were soothing notes to say farewell to.

I had the strains of my favorite Lawrence Welk song in my head as they drove away...

Good Night, sleep tight and pleasant dreams to you. Here's a wish and a prayer that every dream comes true. And now, till we meet again:

Adios, Au Revoir, Auf Widersehen...

Goodnight!

New Venture

Eighteen years ago, this date, we moved to Lake County. Al took a position as Caretaker of Lucerne Christian Conference Center. I'm not sure who this iron clad icon is in the picture but you can be sure...he/she was not on the premises when we arrived.

Our family served for almost 3 years in the capacity of housekeeping, food service and maintenance to many special retreat guests and campers. Our youngest child Tyler was born during our tenure there.

As I was filling out forms today for a different job, I realized how many years have passed since we arrived in Lake County. The county has grown leaps and bounds. Most changes have been great. I still miss Sprouse Reitz. We have much to offer as a vacation/vocation destination.

Come join us. We'll keep the porch light on for you :-)

Krummholz

He is jealous for me. Love like a hurricane, I am a tree, bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy. Oh how He Loves Us.

Words by David Crowder picture from the Krummholz Grove in the Jughandle State Reserve. Krummholz comes from the German word meaning "bent wood". These trees usually grow tall and straight. The trees in this grove are sculpted by the north winds that are salt laden and kill the tips of the branches. While the trees look gnarly, twisted and ugly to our eyes they create the perfect environment for birds, insects and mammals that couldn't survive without the protection of the branches on this windswept bluff.

Yes, Oh How He Loves Us.

Brigadoon

We live in a perfect neighborhood. No really, I mean it. It's kind of like the movie Brigadoon. During the day it's very quiet. There is the occasional car passing and the mailman comes faithfully at the same time everyday.

Around dinner time the neighborhood comes alive. The nail families come home and spread blankets on their lawns and eat, laugh and talk like they haven't seen each other in years when actually they own two nail salons and work together all day. Then the pest control family comes out and rides bikes , chases their puppy and generally enjoys being outside. Ellen comes out and waters her pretty garden and I walk across the street to talk and grab an Ellen hug. She has a beautiful accent that sounds like she could read a recipe and it would taste even more delicious.

Part of me longs to grab some beer and start a middle of the street game of football toss. Two problems, I don't drink beer and I throw like a girl. More like a middle aged girl with bifocals and a shoulder that has seen better days.

Then the magic stops as the sun goes down. The nail families pack up and go inside. The pest control family puts away bikes and finds their puppy. Ellen goes inside while her garden drip dries until tomorrow night.

Sleep well everyone.

Depression

I bought a movie from the 5 for $20 display this weekend. One of the gems was "Helen".

This is a very dark yet inspiring movie for anyone who has mental illness in their family line. I'm thinking who doesn't?

Years ago when Lizzie drew our family tree she drew a noose on a branch to show that a member of our family hung himself.

This movie helps to confront the deep despair that haunts many people. It is rated R because of the theme and a couple of F words.

Please view it and use it as a launching pad for discussion if your family is going through a time of trial. Depression and mental illness runs through our family lines. We are wise to arm ourselves with all the information we can.

Blest Be The Tie That Binds

We gathered together at our home tonight to bid farewell to a family that we love dearly. Paul, Diane and Gracie will be moving back to Ohio to be closer to family and seek employment that California just can't provide them.

We had a meal together and tried to put off the inevitable goodbyes. As we gathered in a circle for prayer, our Deacon\Friend encouraged us.

No, that isn't Brent in the picture above but the very same author of the song we sang as we held hands and prayed for our friends. "Blest Be The Tie That Binds".

I encourage you to do a search on this song. The original family unpacked their wagons and stayed with their congregation because they couldn't bear to leave.

I only wish that history could repeat itself.

Farewell friends.