...after not using them for nine years.  You know the ones I mean, the roller blades.  Of course the appeal now is that we do have paved everything around here.  So it was a bit scary at first, but just like riding a bike it comes back to you.  We skated around quite a bit even going down to the mailboxes at the corner which is about 675' away.  Here is a little clip of us.

   The last thing that happened was when we were all finished, except I wanted to go around one more time.  I was on the block walk in front and somehow my feet went up in the air.  Tom hollered, "OH.... KATH!!!" and then time seemed to slow down for a few seconds and I thought I better throw myself backwards so I don't land on my be-hind on these blocks... well, I succeeded and it hurt when I hit the walkway, and still hurts to move, but it doesn't hurt to sit!!!! Yeah!!!  And the good news is I am anxious to go again... but those skates are majorally uncomfortable.  I wonder if they have improved the fit any in the last ten years???   

   The purpose for this grand adventure was to help build up Uncle Tom's butt.  Unlike me, he is lacking in the be-hind department.  He has a condition formerly called "Weaver's Butt".  You can look it up on the internet, it is real.  Anyway it comes from sitting in a chair with wheels and scooching around day after day, year after year.  If he had been endowed with lots of "junk in his trunk" like some of us girls, this probably wouldn't have happened. 

   Maybe I should let him skate while I watch.   It might make more sense and be safer. 

   I am glad and sad at the same time.  Working has been very difficult.   The office has 1.33 girls to do 2 girls jobs.  Things keep changing like phone service with static so bad one cannot hear or loud irritating static that actually hurts ones ears when the phone is answered... or the phones won't release when someone hangs up.... and now the name has changed so we must say these sentences as we answer the phone.... And the printer won't print certain necessary items, but will print others, etc. etc.....  It goes on. 

  But I love the people contact and I love helping. 

Here is a little video from a babysitting session a while back. 

It is Isaiah trying to hit a volleyball with a baseball bat.

...a fun video from a couple weeks ago.  The first one is of the kids playing school outside.  Claire was the teacher.   Ellie was in rare form that day.  I love watching them play. 

   This second one, you might have seen.  It is very inspiring and amazing.  It is about a pianist that only has four fingers total.

   Today we are doing some clean-up outside.   Sort of preparing to sell the house and build again.   The house, which is lovely, and the yard has become very nice, but when we built it we had in mind our kids visiting, being able to all be here at the same time.  They really liked all being together at the same time.  And for our elderly Aunt & Uncle, who never had children of their own, to have a place to live because they said they wanted to live with us someday.  HOWEVER, things have changed.  Our kids, have lots of kids , and everyone is so busy with life that we seldom get together like we did when the grand kids were younger and there were fewer of them.  Also, my brother has lived with us for many years but wanted his own "space" so we added an apartment for him.  Anyway... we have 5600 square feet and there are only four of us living here now on 2.5 acres.  We are thinking of downsizing, but still having a place for my brother without stairs and a place for Auntie & Uncle should the day come where they need a place and someone to care for them... or anyone else but we will just cut out all of the excess room and land.  Then we can play around with the Vette more! 

   Just this morning I was asking the Lord, on the way to work, how we could use the Vette for His purposes.  I thought, we could sell it and give the money to the poor!    Then, smiled and said to the Lord, "no somehow I think You are going to use this Vette for Your Purposes without selling it."

   After work, due to the doctor's shoulder dis-location, she hasn't been driving.  So when she was dialing for a ride, I said, "I could take you home."  She replied, "oh, I live so far out of the way for you.".. and then I said, "well. I could go home and get the Vette and take you home in it with the top down!"  She immediately threw up her hands and said "Yes, lets do it!  I want to do it, if you are sure it is alright."  I said, "I am sure!"  She told the family member on the phone never mind, she was riding home in a corvette.  She said she has always wanted to ride in one of those with the top down. 

   I took only a dab of video while we were driving on the freeway.  Hair flying..........  at least my hair was flying.  Hope you enjoy the clip. 

   Went to work early yesterday.  Door was locked.  That is weird.  The doctor is always there very early.  I waited 20 minutes then called the nurse practicianer to see if she knew anything.  She didn't but was ready to walk out the door any minute and she has keys.  Then the other nurse showed up, but she hasn't keys either so we waited just about another 5 minutes and the doctor's daughter drove her in.  As it turned out she had been at a doctor's getting a 2nd opinion on her out of place shoulder.  At least it wasn't anything serious like I imagined.

   I heard Xanga was down yesterday and it was last night.  I felt so cut off from everyone.  I was thinking, "I sure wish I at least had these new friends e-mail addresses or something cause I would hate to loose touch permanently.   So maybe if you all don't mind, we should trade e-mail addresses.  What do you think? 

   Well once again, gotta run paint my face and iron my hair.   "Bless the Lord oh my soul and forget not all His benefits!"  reference later   

   Dr. has dislocated her shoulder.  This is making her life very difficult.  She is such a hard worker.  She really needs the Lord.  I want to witness to her and have said little things and prayed for her etc.... but not the key of the whole matter.  I gotta go now, but thanks......... 

Bless you, my son, Jeff!  

AND last but certainly not least.... Bless my dear sis and her husband of, I think it is, "26" years of  blissful marriage now. 

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BlogMom & BlogDad!!!!!!!   CELEBRATING with you all! 

Now I really gotta get to leaving.

Beautiful Claire

Claire's Cake, Decorated by Ellie & Claire

It is back to work this week & a little of next.  I feel so out of practice since only working a couple of weeks at that job in March.  I am just filling in for the real gal who is going on a cruise this week.  I am trying to read your wonderful entries and comment a little bit.  Some days I might do grand.... and others not so good!  Sure do appreciate all the neat stuff everyone shares.  I will try to get more specific at a later date... right now, my face really needs some color!!!!!!!  Love you.....  

Somewhere, I heard this quote when I was young.  Now I think it just may be true!!!!!!    

"When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years."  Mark Twain

Fathers are very important!  I only wish I had known when I was young.  I love you Dad!!!  And GrandDad, I love remembering you!!!

PS  All three of my sons have turned out to be excellent fathers.  I really think this is mainly because of my husband being an excellent role model for them.  Thank you Honey!!!! 

PPS  And, of course there is our heavenly Father, who does all things well!  I love you Father!!!!!!!   You are AWESOME!!!

   After dinner the other night, Uncle Tom and I went for a little walk.  I filmed a couple of the creatures we encountered.  Here are those short clips.