Mark Houser's Pinning Ceremony & Banquet--Lovely!

The twilight welcome to all those attending the fabulous Pinning Ceremony and Banquet
at Gardner-Webb University was an outstanding occasion to say the least! When we
arrived at the Dover Building, red tents with colorful red & black-speckled balloons, and
beautiful music, as well as a delightful assortment of hors'doeuvres were available for
the large group, as well as white grape-spirited punch in chef's choice crystal cups. The
name tags were given out, as we were welcomed to the evening's festivities. Also, a
spirited visitor was there to greet everyone, along with her escort, "Joan Rivers"--impersonated by Sharon Webb-- with her beautiful blonde wig, heavy makeup, snazzy dress, & fur, and loaded with tons of jewelry and oversize sunglasses! They were doing a video of Joan & her contacts, & she took an interest in my wedding rings, & wanted to see them "up close"for scrutiny!
Then we were escorted inside to the Lindsay Courtyard, which was just beautiful with
all the green trees, asssorted mums and variety of other flowers & ferns, interspersed among the black lamp-posts throughout the garden. A large black & white canopy was overhead
(the parachutes spread out in billowing rolls was quite elegant) The loaded colorful buffet tables were covered in white linens & held large colorful flower arrangements to complement the
exotic food which was displayed eloquently. The round tables were also covered in white linens and centered with mirrored displays of silver- stars, and silver star garland, interspersed with white candles in crystal vases. We were so happy and proud of Mark, as this is his Senior year, and the happy seniors were being honored at this special event, filled with excitement, music,
and exceptional speakers, including Dr. Paula Qualls, who delivered an inspiring address to the
attendees. Outstanding choral tributes were also rendered by talented students, and the
video of the seniors was just fantastic and very enjoyable. When the dinner was served, we
enjoyed a delightful meal of chicken parmasean, tossed salad, creamed potatoes, French green beans, veggie medley, yeast roll, iced tea or coffee, and strawberry cheese cake for dessert.
What a true "feast for the palate"---such a delightful evening! We loved the part where we were able to do the "pinning" for Mark---such an honor to reach Senior status and think about
His Graduation from the University, and his future plans for his career as well. Sure hope our photos turn out great, as the evening was a totally delightful adventure!
Best wishes to Mark---an outstanding, intellectual, talented senior!!

Exciting Birthday Fun at "The Red Robin",Charlotte

Wow--it was BIG FUN celebrating our son, Bruce's special birthday, with the family that could
be there, and see the "Red Robin in Costume" at the very popular restaurant----dancing, struttin' around the restaurant, singing the famous & updated
"Happy Birthday" Song with the wait-staff--a delightful party indeed! They even give out tons
of balloons to add to the festive occasion, and bring you a delicious, tasty Ice Cream Sunday with
whipped cream galore, and a big-red cherry on top for dessert!! Lots of folks were in the "rocking place" with their friends having a glorious time as well, celebrating their "special day of birth"--You know, "Your Own Triumphant Entry into our glorious world"!!! The snazzy & cute
"Red Robin" can dance like you see on Broadway--and also gives out "hi-fives", and hugs too!
If we were giving out trophy's for the top dancer--The "Rockin'Red Robin" would surely win the coveted and glorious
top prize! So--if you want delicious food, heart-warming BBQ, southern style, or gourmet hamburgers on a huge bed of greens, among other delights for the palate--just guide your
shiny Mercedes, or BMW, or Hummer, or whatever (Harley--the big one) on over to the
fun place called "The Red Robin"---You will be glad you did,-- and your taste buds will thank-you
over & over!! Actually, my plate was "so filled to the brim"--(I brought the rest home for another fun meal!!) "You truly haven't lived"-- until you have experienced the "Rockin' Red Robin"!!
So go ahead---put it on your "To Do" list for a future fun time!

My Published Poetry ---- "THE SUNSET"

Some of you 70+ folks out there reading my exciting blogs(chuckle)-- may not know that I am an
actual published poet--- in the book called "Twilight Musings" published by International Library of Poetry, 2005 Edition (compilation of poetry)--so here's a copy of my poem:

THE SUNSET

How lovely are the last rays of the beautiful sun,

Sinking slowly in the evening haze,

Thanking God so much for the great fun,

and friends going with me through the maze!

The colors blend in such a lively glow,

I feel the blessing of life's special magic taper,

and forever I will always know

God's plans are definitely outlined with his divine papers.

I think that I will never cease to cherish and adore

the sunset colors, so divine and galore,

for all to behold and keep in our hearts forevermore!




--------------------------------------------

P.S. I did receive "Honorable Mention" for my poetry contribution, & was invited to read it
at the last "gathering" in Las Vegas for The International Society of Poets, but had to decline
the invitation due to a previous commitment. It was really nice to be asked,-- and perhaps
later in the future, as I continue to write poetry, (when I feel the true inspiration-)-perhaps
there will be a future invitation to share! I truly enjoy my membership in The International Society of Poets---lots of opportunity there to express your thoughts. So if you desire to pursue
"your expression of deep thoughts through poetry"---just go ahead and write it down, and others will be delighted to read! Inspiration is truly the "spice of life"!!

Painting a Mural in Atlanta,GA. & other exciting events...

Some of you may not realize that I, among other talents, am also a "painter of murals",etc.;that is--- when I was asked to do some "volunteer artist work with my daughter's group of friends" in that exciting city of Atlanta, Georgia! Suffice it to say that we were definitely working on a beautiful "Treasures & Fish of the Tropical Ocean" mural--each person was given paints & brushes with which to work their colorful magic for the eye of the beholder in future viewing of this "magnificient work of artistry"---& the excitement & display of exotic colors began in earnest early this past Saturday morning! We donned the "artist cover-up" to save our clothes during the painting exhibition, --and worked very steadily and keenly--trying to convey our portion of beauty in the fabulous ocean--mural with exotic fish, flowers, reef,etc.--actually I painted two artistic "sea horses" dancing in the magical ocean, along with two beautiful
gold & black striped salt-water beauties--flirting with the big fish swimming around in
the exotic scenes--all around me were other "artists" adding their colorful fish and flowers,coral, & BIG Fish to the wonders of nature! So, if you are ever inclined to visit the "Atlantic Shelter
(downtown mission)--you may just be able to view this fantastic mural (chuckle); as it was a thrill to be asked to help out in this way!
Next---off to the grand "soccer game", and Eli was the star player--(among the 6 & 7 year old young boys) and our grand-son too! He was so fast on the field, running to do his part to help his team win--"a streak of lightning" is the best portrayal--bouncing the ball off his head, etc. and using his feet in the nick of time to pound the ball toward the goal! Wow, what a fun time!
Those little guys were very aggressive, and wasted no time in "doing their best" to bring a win for their great team! Congrats to Eli, and his brave, fast team in Atlanta!!
After the big game--we were off to the Swim Meet Competition, where our beautiful grand-daughter, Hannah was the STAR SWIMMER for her Y-team, in competition with other
Y-teams from surrounding areas! What a thrill to see her in top form, diving in the
lovely blue water, streaking down her lane--making the fastest time possible! Her team members were doing their best as well, speeding along with fast & deep strokes to shorten the swim time in their lanes--such an exciting sport event! All the leaders were running along the pool--cheering on their swimmers--lots of excited fans screaming for their favorites--a lot of cheering going on! I just loved seeing those little tykes (5 yrs. & up) doing their swims,
and it was amazing how they could glide along so quickly! Our grand-daughter was so lovely, and had really practiced the swimming for this big event--she looked fabulous in her black bathing suit with "Buckhead Barracuda's" imprinted on the side!! Her team came out just
grand, & the girls were just bubbling over with excitement--a BIG TIME at the Y.M.C.A. & what fabulous exercise for those "up & coming swimmers"! Here's a big "Hoo-Ray" for the best
of the team--"Beautiful Hannah"---keep on swimming!! We were just delighted to be a
part of that exciting event!! Wow--what a fun weekend in Atlanta--& we also got to see
Hannah & Eli in a beautiful performance at The Buckhead Church, where they sang and danced as part of the beautiful program for Sunday Services! Then off to "The Grand Panini" Restaurant, for our delicious treats before returning to "home sweet home"! If you need
a beautiful side-trip--"Why not try Atlanta--such an exciting, fun and great city!!"

Week-end Beach Fun--Florida Style!!

Late Thurday we headed out for Ponce Inlet, Florida--where our daughter lives in the Penthouse right on the beach! Our Grand-daughter, Mary was scheduled for a running "meet"
competition this weekend, & we wanted to share in that excitement!! We decided to stop by the
jewel of Georgia, "Jecklle Island" for a little scrumptious seafood, & after paying our $3 bucks to
enter the beautiful island, decided to try the famous "Rah Bar" (best of island seafood there! )It
was an outdoor type restaurant right on the water, and had such a grand arrangement of tables & chairs filled with hungry customers, including us! We finally decided on the grand "island sampler" which included crab-legs, shrimp, crab cake,craw-daddies, corn-on-cob, kabalsa sausage, red boiled
potatoes with fantastic seasonings--Wow-we were thrilled with that choice--the handsome waiter brought the food out on this huge tray with 6 sauces to accompany the treats! We indulged ourselves to say the least! Seated at tables all around us were some "interesting characters, like "Indiana Jones(with the hat) plus tatooes",(chuckle) with his girl-friend, who
giggled her way thru the dinner; & to our left 6 fishermen who had been roasted a deep red, while catching their marlin, or whitefish--(could see where their sun-glasses had been perched
on their faces;) and to the side of us, an elderly couple dressed all in white to match their hair,
& a young couple that must have been there on their "honey-moon", as they were more interested in hugging & kissing, than eating their dinner! Ahh-hh the joys of outdoor dining,
seeing the pelicans swoop down to the water for their special dinners, and other fish just
"jumping up" out of the water for pure joy! Watching the boats plying the waters, going to
their special cottages on the island--such relaxing atmosphere, watching the sun sink slowly
in the west, as the romantic lights around the deck began to blink on--ah-h-h, just lovely!
Then on down I-95 to the famous Ponce Inlet, and our daughter surprised us with a lovely
arrangement of roses & mixed summer flowers, in a beautiful crystal vase with real coins in
the bottom(50 golden to honor our Anniversary)!! Pam and her husband had planned a big
surprise celebration at a restaurant in downtown Daytona Beach--but wouldn't tell us where
the dinner was, until we drove up in the parking lot at THE CHART HOUSE, there at the waterfront, with yachts all around--Wow,(this was our actual anniversary date; & there were golden Anniversary balloons at our
table, & the menu had imprinted at top "Happy Golden Wedding Anniversary to Peggy and
Wayne Houser"--talk about surprised--we really were!! Such delectable treats there at the
famous restaurant, and our waiter was absolute "tops",-- we ordered the Chart House famous "mixed grill"
which was totally mouth-watering, included shrimp, crab-cake, & salmon steak with trimmings,
and accompanied with champagne--Wow, & dessert was chocolate cake with ice cream & candles burning brightly on top!! --What a fun night on the town!! Seated around us were those beautiful rich & famous folks--(pulled up in their yachts, showing off their tans with their fancy duds on, & smiling at us,) realizing we were the "anniversary couple"! The restaurant was really "posh", & the beautiful chandelier in the center must have weighed a ton, as it glowed & shimmered with all the facets shining brightly, & cast a magical glow all around the beautiful dining area! As we were finally leaving the lovely restaurant with appetites satisfied to the hilt--
the waiter presented us with beautiful roses! What a grand night to remember, as our daughter
Pam was snapping our photos rapidly, for keepsakes!
On Saturday A.M. Pam had planned an excursion with us on the new water-taxi service, going from Inlet Harbour,( near the Ponce light-house,) over to New Smyrna Beach--for a shopping trip there,
and see the sights over there! Such a special treat, seeing the beautiful shops on Main, sampling the fudge at the candy shoppe, trying on jewelry,etc. at the famous shoppes, and rocking in the
big white rockers at the Riverside Hotel beside The "Grille"--waiting to catch our water-taxi to
cross back over to Ponce Inlet--a beautiful boat ride, enjoying the scenic views of all those
waterfront mansions and fancy hotels along the way--not to mention all the different characters getting on & off the water-taxi in different stops along the way(many bringin their bikes on board). We enjoyed walking on the beautiful beach at Ponce Inlet, (the sea turtles do their nesting there to lay their eggs, & make their way back to the ocean)& swimming in the pool at
the Condo(penthouse)! We also were able to attend church at First Baptist of Daytona Beach,
& hear The Rev. Timm Mann speak (he's friends with our Pastor as well); so it was a treat
to be there in that beautiful sanctuary, and hear the evangelistic sermon! On Sunday P.M.
we headed north to see our son at Jacksonville Beach, and we took them out to the famous
Moe's Kitchen for dinner (their BBQ is grand, & their Brunswick Stew with corn-bread is so
tasty, you ask for more!!) It is well-known for good Southern Treats (soul food), and comforts
your very soul!! Our waitress was "in the family way", but never missed a beat in waiting on us
--excellent service with a great big smile!! We also loved our walk on Jacksonville Beach, so
many folks out sunning, swimming, picking up shells, & all that jazzy beach stuff--ah-h-h-h the
treats of Florida seem never-ending!!

Ah-h-h "The Wonders of the Land Down Under-Australia!

Just thinking about the wonderful vacation we experienced a few years ago to that fabulous
land "down under"--exciting Australia--& wanted to share some of the top adventures there! We had saved our frequent flyer miles until we had enough to receive 2 round-trip free tickets to
the Queensland Area, (& we exchanged our "Resort Condo Int." for a 5-Star Hotel there in Brisbane, Australia. ) Such an exciting time of our lives--they treated us like royalty, and the
land & the "Aussies" are just so interesting & beautiful!! We flew on Delta Airlines to Los Angeles, then boarded Air New Zealand (they moved us free up to First Class-what a thrill!!), I
think the clerk just "liked our looks"(chuckle) & did that out of the goodness of her heart!! It was a very long flight, & we were up in the air for eons it seemed--showed movies, served meals
3 times, gave us all the "royalty treatment"! We stopped first in Auckland, New Zealand--such
an outstanding, truly beautiful land--so clean & green--nature at it's best!! We took a cruise
for a day out of Auckland Harbor--was fabulous, & they served us dinner on the cruise--met a
lady that makes "jewelry" & sells it to shops in Auckland,& other very interesting folks! The
Captain let us steer the ship for a bit--a big thrill too! Then the next day we flew on over to
Brisbane, Australia--such a busy, modern city, & our hotel was right on the beach, 80 stories
high, & had all the amenities you can imagine--a luxury hotel in every way--Wow--we just
wanted to "pinch ourselves to make sure it was real"--& was so exciting to finally be in the
great land "down under"! We did a great amount of sight-seeing, sunning on their fabulous
beaches, riding bikes. We even saw a" Wedding right on the beach" at sunset one evening, as we
were having dinner in this beautiful restaurant--The couple, 2 witnesses & the Minister, who
had just pronounced the pair as "Just Married"(Groom-very elderly,Bride-very young)--she
surely married him for his $$(chuckle, was not his looks-(chuckle). He was able to carry her a couple feet, (almost dropped her) & then she said let's run down to the ocean, so off she ran--pulled
off her shoes, jumped a small fence to the water, & he was barely making his way slowly down
to the water after her--they were both laughing & she was in the water,& he came to meet her,
kissing & hugging her, as their photographer snapped away for the Wedding photos!! It was delightful to see all this & we got a few photos for keepsakes too! Then, after the first week
in Aussie-land, we wanted to make our way up to the famous "Whit-Sunday Islands" to take a
boat(Catamaran) out to the best part of The Exciting Great Barrier Reef, and the hotel manager advised us to take an overnight bus up to the Whit-Sundays(much more reasonable
than flying there)--so we did, my husband was able to sleep, but I was wide awake, as they
showed a fabulous movie on the bus on the way up there! The bus did make an unscheduled
stop on the way,(said someone had reported him for "crossing over the white-line 3 times, &
he was being re-placed by another driver,which irritated him to no end,& he said,"I'm not drunk"!) So, with the new driver, we finally arrived at the Whit-Sunday Island's port(this is
where most of the "celebrities" go out to their private island retreats,etc, & was highly recommended for our tour there. We boarded the large catamaran (boat), & the Captain welcomed us on board, saying it was about a 2 hr. ride out to the best part of the reef, & we
could snorkle up to our heart's content--taking in all the beauty while swimming along with
all the beautiful fish, & taking in the wonders of the famous Great Barrier Reef--so off we
were, "sailing in the breeze, taking in the beauty of those famous islands--even saw some movie
star's in all their "finery" getting off their large yachts for vacationing in the Whit-Sundays!!
It was a grand and glorious time of our lives. My husband & I had been enjoying sunning on the top deck of the Catamaran for most of the trip, when I became thirsty & hungry, & decided to
go down below for refreshments (when I entered the lower deck, & opened the door--I couldn't
believe my eyes(about 150 folks were there with their baggies being "sea-sick")--I closed the
door quickly,& ran to the stalls for the snacks, & then so thankful we had taken our "dramamine" to avoid such an ordeal! The Captain on the speaker said, "All you folks down there that are not feeling well just now--rest assured that will stop as soon as the boat docks
in about 30 minutes or so, so take heart"!! The Captain gave instructions about the free
snorkling gear, how to use it,etc. & we were finally docked, & ready for the "real fun time at
The Reef!! We jumped into the water with gleeful yells, & the fish were absolutely beautiful,
and swimming right there with us, the reef was so beautiful & colorful--it would be impossible
to put into words the absolute variety of colors & plants, & live organisims surrounding us in
that fabulous place. All of a sudden--my legs,feet & arms, & chest begin stinging badly--like
I had been stung with fire-ants or something; so I asked the guide about it--He said that I
was allergic to all the tremendous "algae in the water, & suggested that I take the glass submarine next to us, that could go up very close to the reef in many different places, & I
would quit "stinging" as soon as I sponged off--That was very true, so off I went to ride the
beautiful "glass sub"--so fabulous, & the beauty is just beyond description! Each time the
sub would return to the small port, I would run around & get in line again to see more of the
reef (did that for 4 trips--magnificient)!! I do declare that this was one of the thrilling times
of our lives--to actually be right there at "The Reef"--experience it up close & personal! In
the meantime, my husband was playing with the "big fish", feeding them, and having the
"snorkling time of his life"!! He said, he was almost "scared at the size of one huge fish" that
bumped him, as he was swimming slowly along the great reef! Such a fabulous place, so if you
ever get the chance to go "down-under"--do not miss it! It is most rewarding, and worth the
long-long ride on the plane from the States! Finally, it was time to leave that beautiful spot at
The Reef, & return to the port in Whit-Sundays Islands--such grand sights, such beautiful
memories! We had dinner before leaving that beautiful area--such delicious seafood, such
beautiful people, such a grand experience. One regret about Aussie-land, we did not have enough
time to go to the "out-back", just saw a great film about it, as well as the huge, mysterious
Ayer's Rock--so beautiful at sunset as it changes colors rapidly! (We did take a tour to their
mountainous areas, & visited a "Kangaroo Farm"--but the kangaroos were in "mating time",
and the Manager would not let us go in--said we might be attacked by one of the "Roos"--so
we were content to watch them through the fencing(chuckle). Sure hope we can return someday, & see more of that fabulous, beautiful land down under! We never met a stranger
there--Aussies are very friendly, laid back, & smile all the time it seems! If you ever get a
chance to visit there--You will have the "time of your life"!!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame--OH YES--FUN-FUN!!

Wow, on last Friday night, we watched the tough Crest Chargers beat their rival, Shelby Golden
Lions--Final Score was Crest- 14, Shelby- 07--Was a high ole' time out at that game!! There
were about 7,000 fans screaming, shouting, waving banners, & there we were right in the midst--what a lively crowd, and the cheer-leaders were in top form, doing their cute dances, cheers, & being tossed high in the air for the thrill of it!! The Crest Horse(in uniform) almost
stole the show from the cheer-leaders, as he could do every step of their fancy dance routines,
& was fantastic--he deserved a medal of some kind! Oh yes, & Coach Kirby was really on the
move--up & down the sidelines, giving those magical calls to keep his team on top! The very
last few minutes of the game was so tense, as Shelby was almost right at the goal line, but the
Charger defense was on top of their every move--thus Crest Won--Wow--great fun! Sorry you
missed the exciting game--everyone was into celebrating already in the parking lot, as we
made our way back to the Buick--Hip-Hip-Hooray--Let's hear it for those special Chargers!
(I was a cheerleader in High School for 4 years (Head Cheerleader for 2 yrs.) & loved every minute of that wonderful spirit and fun--just so fantastic--cheering on your team, & getting
the exciting crowd involved!! Hope the next game is just as exciting---until then--
peggy-at-the-lake

Down by the River-Side,Broad River, Lake Houser Meadows

How beneficial to talk a walk down by the Main Broad River, just very near our home! I usually walk around the lake, but this morning I decided to walk on down to the beautiful river--which
I love as well, & holds so many dear & precious memories for me--my boyfriend(now my husband) actually kissed me for the first time in the middle of the Broad River, at a Sunday School Party, (I was just barely 12 yrs. old, & what a kiss that was--even my toes tingled!) Our
teachers at the party were my boyfriend's Aunt Ruby & Uncle Maurice, and they just smiled real
big as they watched us from the river-bank! I wonder now if they thought we were "young lovers" at that time---& as time marched on, we were destined to an exciting courtship & later
on, a beautiful marriage, (& four children as well)---
but it all began in the Broad River!! Also, there at the riverside--several years ago, our youngest daughter, Susie
married the love of her life- Kim Miller, in a beautiful outdoor Wedding at Lake Houser Meadows, on the Main Broad River,--so grand--& the
weather was just beautiful(had prayed for good weather for 3 months prior to the Wedding, along with all our friends praying as well--& the Good Lord was so gracious & kind to grant us
the perfect Wedding Day for Susie & Kim, for which we were so thankful & grateful!
They even rode away in the "carriage pulled by a feisty horse" to the big Reception held at our
son's big victorian home, about 1 1/2 miles from the Broad River--Wow--what a fabulous
Wedding--many of our friends said that was the most beautiful Wedding they had ever seen!
I still think of their Wedding Spot, by the river, as special Holy Ground, as Holy Matrimony
had taken place their, & as I close my eyes, I can just see those lovely scenes unfold--the
music so beautiful by the Harpist, & our son Garry, singing, Ava Maria--ah-h-h--such a
glorious day, such sweet photos & grand memories too! Oh yes, I learned to swim at this
special river, as my uncle told me there was this huge deep whirlpool next to the Bank--& I
had to learn to swim over it, or else someday I might get caught in the whirlpool & never be
able to get out--since it was so deep! Wow--I did learn to swim very quickly,-- as this was the
spot we always came to when I was a child(growin up) to have our family picnics,etc.
While meditating there, and just thanking God for our many blessings, realizing we are not
worthy of the many good things he has sent our way--I just felt so thankful, and just wanting
to praise God -- He is so good and kind and forgiving and forever faithful, true and strong!
Hallelujah--Praise Him forever & ever, as He loves each one of us so very much, and even
made us in His image. Well--I did get carried away just remembering all the blessings! It
is so refreshing to be able to enjoy and treasure some peace & quiet time down by the river,
it just gives me a "great attitude adjustment, renews my spirit, mind and body", and I begin
to feel "energized"!! Sure hope you have a river near you, or lake, or ocean---where you can
go to "meditate" and "re-charge your energy too"! Oh yes, another event happened long ago
down by the riverside--our 2nd son, Bruce, along with the rest of our family was playing
at our family picnic there, my Mom & Dad were there as well, & all of a sudden, we missed
little 3 yr. old Bruce--I screamed out, Daddy--did Bruce fall in the river?? Daddy jumped into the river with all his clothes on to find him, & at that moment, little Bruce came running around
the front of Daddy's ole' green Ford Truck, & said, "Here I am, Mama"!! Wow--such a big
relief as tears streamed down my face, as I was pregnant with my 3rd child at the time, and
my "hormones" were doing double duty plus!! We just hugged him and were so thankful, &
then left earlier than we had planned to get Daddy some dry clothes! Ah-h-h, I love that
Broad River--so beautiful and peaceful, just keeps on rolling along--but today, due to the
big drought we're having--96 deg. for weeks on end--the water was so low, & lots of big rocks
were poking their heads above the rolling river--(reminded me of little elves, all shapes & sizes),
and I never remember seeing the water that low in my entire life--so please pray for rain, as
this drought needs to end soon! It would be difficult to go "tubing down the Broad River with
the water level so low, & finding your way through all those rocks would be a bit difficult--Let's
just keep on praying for "Rain---maybe do the Indian Rain Dance"!! One of my great Aunts--who is deceased now, but in her old age, she had dark black hair & always laughed and said
that she thought we had an Indian in our family--due to her black hair! She was a precious
jewel in our family, & she could tell the most fascinating stories--but I'll get to that in a later
post! In the meantime--please do the "Indian Dance for Rain" if you know how, and just
keep[ "praying for those precious raindrops to begin" -- & in full force. Then some bright,
sunny day, we can just go "tubing down the river on a Sunday afternoon" & have someone
pick us up at the beautiful "Broad River Greenway"!!

Here it is already late Wednesday night, just returned from a glorious "church choir practice", and our Director was in high form tonight--we were singing all the "Praise" songs, with a beat!

Hope our program Sunday does sound better than we did tonight--we'll see! Some of our top

sopranos were missing, due to trips,etc.

I was just thinking of our wonderful trip to Hilton Head Island, SC recently--we did have the

absolute "surprise of our lives" there the first week of August, 2007. We had believed we were

going to the island to spend the week with our son from Charlotte, NC & his family--& when we

arrived there,( me & my husband)--our son & his children excitedly wanted us to hurry upstairs & see our big, huge upstairs

bedroom, in the huge beach-house, so we did rush upstairs! Upon entering the "big upstairs bedroom"---there were all the members

of our immediate & extended family--yelling "Happy 50th. Anniversary"--well, our mouths just

fell open & we were absolutely overjoyed & thrilled to see ALL of our children there with their

spouses and ALL of our Grand-children there as well!! They were hugging & kissing us, and

taking photos of our "shocked & surprised faces"--and What a fabulous, glorious time we had

together that entire week! They had been planning this surprise for us since last Christmas, &

no one(not even the little children) had hinted a word--They even had assigned "cooking teams"

to take care of all the big dinners the entire week--& what delicious, tasty, and colorful meals

we all enjoyed too! We did all those fun "beach things" that families do, including a sandcastle

contest, played golf, & minature golf at this fabulous course nearby, went shopping, swam in

the pool endlessly there at the Huge Beach-House, & of course the beautiful Atlantic Ocean was

practically at our doorsteps! What an outstanding way to celebrate our Big Golden Anniversary--much more fun than having a "stuffy reception" for a few hours! We will always

treasure this fantastic Vacation-Anniversary Celebration at historic Hilton Head Island! We

have some great photos capturing all the fun & games with our beautiful, precious and sweet

family! Wow---isn't life just grand!!

peggy-at-the-lake

Here we are in September already--where's the cooler weather? Oh yes, I noticed it was
already 69 deg. in Berlin--(nice for you there Jeff)! We had a nice, lazy and restful Labor Day
here at the Lake---so neat to enjoy the birds singing, wave-runners, swimmers all around, and
the frogs singing in their bass throaty voices later in the evening--& see the fireflies fluttering
all around our lounge chairs--ah-h-h the wonderful comforts of HOME-SWEET HOME!*** Not
long ago, we were cruising around on the "Grand Med Exciting Cruise of the Year"--enjoying
those exotic ports in Greece, Turkey, and Italy! Such grand scenery too all along the way!
It was in celebration of our Wedding Anniversary--and it was filled totally with absolute grand
memories to cherish! Then, a bit later on in the mid-summer, we ventured way out west,
taking in all those amazing sights in The Grand Tetons--what a view from the Grand Lodge on
Jackson Lake! Then on to the grand and glorious Yellowstone National Park--what wonders
of nature to behold--& my favorite was seeing "Old Faithful Geyser" erupt up to the blue-sky!!
After taking in all that beauty of nature up close and personal--we then drove up through beautiful Montana, and entered Glacier National Park---WOW--no-one had ever told me how beautiful
and majestic that glorious place truly is!! We loved the Many Glaciers Inn, and "the Going-to-the-Sun road, that traverses the middle of that heavenly place--so very many grand Glaciers to see! While in the park, we took a relaxing boat ride on St. Mary's lovely lake--(& on the early
morning ride that day)--they let us get off the boat at the upper end & take a hike up into the
beautiful forest to view the waterfalls there--just fantastic! While there, we saw a beautiful eagle soaring overhead in that perfect blue sky--a heavenly experience while feeling the
cool spray from the waterfall on our faces--Glorious memories to cherish!!