We had a fun time with the two oldest grandsons and they spent almost a whole week with us. It’s a sweet way of getting to know them and to slow down and have fun. I also wanted to give Jen and Dave a break. My parent instinct was telling me to demand strict obedience to our rules but the grandparent instinct told me to keep it light and indulge them in ways mom and dad don’t, by staying up later, more tv and wii, and doing things outside with the dogs and horse.

We had a great time at the bowling alley on Fort Hood.

James is an exceptionally good bowler on the Nintendo Wii–I’m serious!! He can pick up spares like a pro! I think he found that real bowling is a lot harder. I’ll tell you one thing for sure, for what this bowling adventure cost us, we could have bought a brand-new Nintendo game. I can’t remember the last time I was at a bowling alley and I didn’t know it was so expensive. It must cost a fortune to bowl in a league!  But I’m off the subject here. We had a great time and will most likely do it again!!

Looks like James will pick up this spare!

Even Sammie was getting sleepy!

Lowell mastered the big squirt gun!

We look forward to having the boys again, they are lots of fun!

Thanks Jen for inviting us to this year’s Summerfest at Hill Country Bible Church! It was so much fun, especially being with the boys. The band was so AWESOME!

Fantastic band at Summerfest!

The the boys loved seeing the fire truck and “life flight” helicopter. They also played some miniature golf and bounced in the bouncey things.

James loved this bouncey thing!

We are looking forward to Summerfest next year. The band was super-great and the food was good and cheap, feeding all of us for under $10. Thanks again Jen for asking us to come!!

Deb

“TOO HOT TO HOOT”  What an understatement! Yesterday, our little outdoor thermometer on the north (shady) side of the house registered a record high of 111.9!!!  OMG! I was speechless when Frank told me how hot it got. I have to water the potted plants every single morning now. And speaking of mornings, that is the best time for being outside. I love to sit on the back patio and enjoy the cool breeze and watch the birds and dogs.

Frank’s got me going to the gym again. I’m glad. It’s a new facility and very nice. Most of the equipment is new and the treadmills have televisions built in so I can watch “Food Network” while I burn fat!

Janice did something monumental today, SHE TOOK THE DAY OFF!  She’s worked at RABC for almost 8 years and I believe this is the first time she’s taken a day off to enjoy being with her family. Heidi came in from NC with grandson Ben and they are going to Cameron Park Zoo today! Way to go Janice!

Grandson James will be turning 4 on Sunday and he’s growing so fast that it won’t been too long and he’ll be 14!! (just kidding, Jen). I hope James and his brothers (and parents too) have a fun-filled time at Great Wolf Lodge.  I know David has been working hard at Cedar Park Middle School and we thought this mini-vacation would be a good thing for James and the whole family! Take lots of photos Jen!

Rhapsody in Juneau

Radiance of the Seas in Hoonah, AK, July 2008

I’m so excited for Michele & Jay and Grant, going to Seattle on Thursday to embark on their first Alaska Cruise onboard Rhapsody of the Seas! I know you will love it!!!  I pray your packing and travels are smooth. Frank and I loved Alaska and yes, WE HAVE CRUISE ENVY!!

That’s all the ramblings for today.  Debbie

What a wonderful OES Chapter meeting we had Thursday night!  We arrived about 45 minutes before the meeting was to start, and almost immediately, guests started arriving, including one of the Past Grand Matrons of Texas, Betty Friend.

Then one by one, three more Deputy Grand Matrons showed up (Judy Lunsford, Section 5; Gelene Johnson, Section 6; Helen Thornton, Section 8),plus the Worthy Matrons and Worthy Patrons and friends of our section!  The place was fairly well packed!  During “For the Good of the Order”, Ann Kelly got up and brought Debbie up to the podium. She proceeded to review Debbie’s year as Deputy Grand Matron, and her co-workers each had wonderful things to say about her.

Unfortunately, no one had told me – it was a complete secret – so I did not have the camera with me that night. We thought it would be a normal business meeting.  I did know this was her last chapter meeting as Deputy Grand Matron, so I presented her with a bouquet of 6 red roses.

Debbie was honored and speechless – well she thanked everyone for their help, saying she could not have done any of it without all the rest of them…. but it was a very lovely gesture by our Chapter, and all her friends in Eastern Star.

Thanks to our computer wizard son, Jerry, we have a new blog page! I have moved my blog from EasyJournal dotcom due to unresolved problems with their RSS feed. This is much more personalized and flexible….

Thanks, again, Jerry!

Sammie and Me after loading up some hay on the Buena Vista Ranch, Lampasas, TX.