REST BEFORE THE REST

The flooring is finished and things are moved back into them. When one of the dogs went
running into the master bedroom, she slid across the floor. She must of wondered where
the soft carpet had gone. It does take time getting use to walking on the hardwood and
not carpet. The rooms look so much better now.
I think we will wait awhile before starting to paint two of the rooms. We need time to
catch our breath before tearing into another project. As much as we want to finish all
this stuff, we can hold on a litttle longer. Besides, we still have to decide on what color
to use in the smaller bedroom. I think we should rest before doing the rest.

TWO DOWN-ONE TO GO

Two down, one to go. The bedroom flooring should be done by Tuesday
afternoon if all goes well. They largest room was finished today, leaving only our
daughter's to get done tomorrow. It sure looks and feels different! Even the dogs
like it.
The next big job is cleaning up and then starting all over with painting two of the
bedrooms. We were going to have it done but we feel we can do this job all by
ourselves. We've done most everything else up till now. The best thing is that
there is no more room-to-room carpet to clean. It will be better since there are
two dogs in the house most of the time, not to mention the one who is doing this
blogg.
I'm ready for the games on tv tonight and finishing a 500 plus page book I started
weeks ago, It has been a good book, The Swan Thieves. I hope all this house work
will soon have a great finish!

NO SNORING ALLOWED

Since it is Saturday, I went to Barnes & Noble to have coffee and read from a new mystery.
This one is The Bricklayer by Noah Boyd. So far, so good. I also read a small book about a
former pastor in New York City, Dr. James L. Forbes. Good stuff!
After being away for three days, it's good to be back home again. It might being back in
the same routine of things but that is fine with me. Sunday: 8:15 worship, 9:30 worship,
out to eat, home to watch tv (sports) and/or Barnes & Noble.
I washed my car today along with about everyone else in Bowling Green. I was ashamed
to drive it in Nashville but didn't make time to wash it. It blended in with most cars that
I saw on the streets there, dirty. Very dirty! Now it's going to rain Monday after all that
hard work washing it. Well, let it rain, let it rain, let it rain. Just don't let it snow!
I spoke with my youngest brother who celebrated a birthday yesterday and asked if
he would be able to get out of bed today. Still haven't heard from my younger older
brother today. Sleep well, Brother Wayne. Sleep well. It's part of getting older. I know
from personal exerience.
I'm giving up snoring for Lent. Somebody has to do it, why not me?

TRIP

My wife and I had a nice three day's in Nashville this week. My MS Doctor gave me a
good yearly check-up reort Wednesday morning. Then it was off to get something to
eat, Wendy's! Then we were off to a couple of stores before going to the Hamton Inn
in Greenhills. We stayed there because it is so close to the mall for maw. You know
the rest of the story.....shop till ya drop.
I bought two books at Cokesbury that I'd been wanting to get. She shopped while I
watched people passing by. It was a hoot! It was nice just relazing rather than doing
work back in Bowling Green. Trouble is, I need a vacation from my vacation. I'm
worn out! Maybe a short trip to Barnes & Noble today will revive this old man.

"I've Got You Covered!"

One floor was put down today by one worker. It was a start. Since we're going to Nashville
in the morning, at our request, they will wait till next week to do the other two rooms. The
room looks so much better without the dirty, old carpet. I may put down a sleeping bag and
sleep on the new floor tonight! It will be like camping out.
I see my MS Doctor Wednesday for my yearly check-up and don't anticipate any changes.
After we get that behind us, we will stay in the area to chill in the Ville. I want bookstores
while my wife wants to shop, shop, shop. I want to relax & read while she wants to be on
the go. Doubtless, she will work it out.
It looks like the weather will not be a problem for us since snow has been the problem
of late. So, let the get lost get going.

SNOW SHOW

The morning snow stopped two men from showing up to work with flooring in our
bedrooms this morning. Slick streets and roads are too blamed. One man lives out
of town and couldn't get here at all. So, it was a snow show after we were ready for
them today. They say they will be here Tueday. We sure do hope so.
I went out to the church and Barnes & Noble without any driving problems at all.
I started reading a new mystery and looked through two or three magazines before
heading home. I hope to get back to reading this afternoon on another book I bought
a few weeks ago. It is so good that I'm taking my good old time reading it. The Swan
Thieves is a very good book thus far. It has almost 600 ages and I'm just past half
way in it.
We still plan to go to Nashville Wednesday and stay a day or two. Maybe I can get
my dear wife to let me go to a good bookstore or two. She will shop at a couple of
her favorite stores, I'm sure. We have been trying to have a mini-trip for months
and if we don't do it now, it just might not get done. I hope it doesn't become a
snow show!

"WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?"

After leaving a Valentine note for my wife, I went to the 8:15 service at Broadway.
I consecrated Communion and gave the benediction before going to the 9:30 service.
What always amazes me is why so many people ask me if I'm behaving. Why would
they ask that of a sweet guy such as myself? I think six people asked me that and
the rest offered sympathy to my wife of forty years. Again, I ask why?
I took my wife to Logan's Steakhouse and the sat down to watch tv for the most of
the day. I watched the winter games, basketball, golf, etc. I even snuck in a short
nap before watching more tonight after fixing popcorn for the family.
We may get snow tonight and Monday. I hope the two fellows putting down new
flooring show up after we've moved things in three rooms to be ready for them to
work. Since I'm "on call" for church visitation this week, I have to see what I need
to accomlish before Wednesday when we're going to Nashville for a few days. I
have a sub ready to take over while I'm gone.
Take time this week to keep on sharing love with others because Valentine's Day
is only one day. A smile, kind word, hug or handshake goes a long way in the lives
of others. I know it sure does in mine.

SELECT TV

There are so many things to watch on tv tonight that it's hard to watch them all at the
same time. Having three tv's going at the same time helps though. While I'm watching
UK-TN play basketball at 8:00. my wife will be watching the winter games. I'm sure
our daughter will be watching something in her room too. I just hope the three of us
don't make a dash for the bathrooms at the same time!
We're getting the three bedrooms ready for flooring Monday & Tuesday by moving
things out of the rooms that we don't think we will be needing. The only problem that
I see is the snow they say will start Sunday afternoon. We will go with flow though.
I have to be at the 8:15 service tomorrow and then I'm taking my wife out to eat for
Valentine Day while our daughter dines with someone else. Then I have an idea the
three of us will right back watching three tv's all afternoon & evening.
I see my Doctor in Nashville Wednesday and hope to stay in the area for some "get lost"
time with my wife. We've been "on hold" long enough. After being gone we will return
to put things back where they belong and start painting two of the bedrooms. I'm
already tired just thinking about all of it. I slect tv over work.

"Let the games begin!"

"When I was a child" I loved going out on a Friday night. But, "now that I'm a (66 year old)
man" I rather order Poppa John Pizza and stay home and watch the Winter Olympics on
tv. Besides, it's cold oustide! I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid!! It's nice having a pizza
named after me, Poppa John's. Maybe I can save some money if I tell them I have the
same name.
I went to breakfast with a friend this morning and then to Barnes & Noble. I finished a
James Patterson book and started searching for a new one to read whenever I'm there
again. I may have to back Saturday since I didn't find anything I wanted to get into just
yet.
Well, "let the games begin", it's show time! I'm out of here. Out of my chair, Derby!! (dog)

WHAT A DAY!

The woman who leads the singing at the retirement home called early this morning to
tell me was'nt going to get out in the snow. I told her we would miss her and to stay in.
When we started the service, seven people had showed up, all elderly women. We sang
two hymns and then I shared thoughts about the silence of the snow.
The woman who played the piano turned 100 last week. I taled her into playing Happy
Birthday while we sang Happy Birthday to her. I shared about a lady who turned 110
yesterday and asked if she wanted to get to that age. She shook her head no! I'll be 66
tomorrow and I wouldn't want to even get to 100. Time will tell.
Late this afternoon I saw our son drive into the drive way. He has come home to celebrate
my birthday. I didn't know he was coming, What a great gift to give his old man! My wife
told me she is taking me out for breakfast in the morning but won't tell me where we're
going. I just hope it's not White Castle!
Well, when I wake up in the morning I'll be another year older. That's fine with me since
I love living. God's been so good to this old man, you know.

GREAT DAY IN THE MORNING

Snow is still falling as I look out our office window. It is so pretty, so soft, so quite. I
stepped outside to take the garbage and recycle containers for pick up today. I wore
my cleats on my shoes so I wouldn't fall down in the snow/ice. I fell a couple of years
ago and broke some ribs and I don't need or want a repeat of that again.
Today is a great day to read by the window with coffee to drink. Today would be a
great day to sleep in. Today would be a great day to fill holes in the masterbedroom
so we can paint the walls soon. Today would be a great day to live life with a heart of
thanks for all the day's of our lives. Great day in the morning.

"AT YOUR SERVICE"

I served Communion at the 8:15 service and then joined my wife as we served
Communion at the 9:30 service today. Our daughter sang with the praise team at the
9:30 service as well. It's great serving our Lord Jesus Christ. The services were both
a blessing for those there.
I'm too tired to go see my two best friends, Barnes & Noble, this afternoon. I'm ready
for some football and food. Why wait till tonight! Get going! Until then, I think I'll
take a nap. Maybe a nap will help me make it through the rest of the day.
Have a great day and a great game.

Don't sweat the Small Stuff

I went outside this morning to build a snowman but there wasn't much snow to work
with. Being the creative person that I am, I built three mini-snowmen. I named them
small stuff, smaller stuff and small enough stuff. I gave each one a small mouth, nose,
eyes, a pipe and a hat.
The three mini-small snow people are still standing by the street as people pass by.
Small Stuff waved at one car. Smaller Stuff got a honk from car and Small Enough
Stuff got hit by a big snow ball that knocked his mini-ha-ha hat off. Then I saw the
three get in a small snow huddle to talk things over right before Small Stuff stood
still while Smaller Stuff got up on his shoulders and the Small Enough stuff got way
up on his. Before they knew what hit them, a gush of wind blew them down on the
hard ground and they crumpled apart never to be seen again. The funeral for the
three will be held at 11:00 after the cremation. The mini-mini remains will then
be placed in a vase and put on the mantle in the family room with a mini-flower
and note which will read, "a small reminder" By the way, watch out for small drips.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

There was a full house at the CELEBRATION OF LIFE service for Lonnie Stauffer
last night at Broadway Church. It was wonderfull to see so many friends of his at
the service. The music was wonderfull, the message was just right. But the best was
when people went up and briefly shared something about Lonnie.
There was humor mixed with the sadness. There was a feeling that we've all lost a
very dear friend. And we have. What a witness of the lives Lonnie touched in so
many ways.
While I listened to what was being said, I wondered what people will say about me.
I'm not trying to say what they should say, I just wonder what they will say. With
that in mind, I better be on guard to make sure it's all good.
As I was leaving, a man whispered in my ear, "I appreciate you." I almost fell over.
What a nice thing for Mark to say to me. He didn't have to say that at all but he
did. It came from his heart and it touched my heart. I told him that I appreciate
him too. And, I do. and so many others. Maybe Mark's words sparked more words
from my lips to tell others I appreciate them. With that in mind, I appeciate those
who take time to read my words from time to time.
Go out today and CELEBRATE LIFE. The last time I saw Lonnie was when I saw
him in the hospital. I had hoped to see him again soon. Now I hope to see him again
one of these days where CELEBRATION OF LIFE takes place all the time in the
Name of the One who gives eternal life.

AND I THOUGHT I WAS OLD!

I was reading the newsletter from my last church and read where a dear lady there
will turn a mere 110 this month. I knew she would bet "getting on up there" is she
were still living. She is. I loved going to see her at her house. She always gave me
something to take home with me. I wonder if she still does that for people. Knowing
her, she does if she can. And I thought I was old! My twin is, but I'm not, even if I'm
older than he is. microwave - crockpot or fast - slow - very fast - very slow.
Keep living - laughing - loving.

Not Just Another Day

I'm meeting with a few men at Cracker Barrel for breakfast this morning. I look forward
to the fellowship and the food. We will have a great time sharing stories and laughing while
we're together.
My wife dropped me off at Barnes & Noble yesterday for three hours while she shopped.
I started reading a new James Patterson book while having a cup of coffee, I looked at a
few things that might show up at Valentine's Day if I can afford to do it. They have so
much to choose from.
My wife and I will attend a memorial service today for a dear friend who died last Monday.
Lonnie worked at Fruit of the Loom and was very active at Broadway Church. I think his
death reminds all of us to take the time to be with family and friends and be prepared for
dying whenever and however it happens. I know my wife and I both feel that we.
Well, I best be going since traffic can be so slow this time of day.I don't won't to miss my
breakfast!

REMEMBERING

This morning, I remember that I wanted to remember something this morning after
I got up. I got up at 5:30 but I can't remember what I wanted to remember. Maybe
whatver it was will come to me again. I should keep pencil & paper by the bed so I
can make a note when I need to remember things. But I forget to do it!
Today is Senior Day at Kroger so the wife & I will wander off into the swell of souls
seeking to fill their carts and get back home before dark. I enjoy watching what is
going on as these dear souls act as if it's an Easter egg hunt. My problem is that my
wife does most of the hunting for eggs while I'm drinking coffee in the drugstore
area and watiting for her. But even that can be entertaining. There are always some
who get mad because they can't get a prescription filled for some reason. They act
like little children when they stomp their feet and mouth words that they shouldn't
say. The workers just stare back at them and say, "next."
I want to go to Barnes & Noble today if I can. I need to look for a birthday present
for someone special, me! My twin has a birthday February 11th and I should get
him a card, but I hate spending money on him. He will be 66 this year. Poor guy
looks older than dirt. I may email him since it's faster and doesn't cost me money.
He might read the card before he turns 67.
No one else is up yet. It's quite. I love it. Coffee is on. Better be moving on. Where
was I going? I can't remember. Hey, Kenneth....

See the Snow Go

I'm enjoying seeing the snow through our living room window while working at my desk.
Most likely, most of the snow will be gone before the day is over today. I started to get
outside and make a snowman but decided not to do it after all. Seeing the snow is more
than enough for me, thank you.
There are some things to get done inside today if I can get going. I want to put fresh
paint in the hallway and get going on the wall in a small bedroom so our daughter can
move into that room. Afterwards, we plan to make her room our office so we can get
it out of our living room. got all that? Talk about an insight job!
A good friend passed away yesterday at the age of 57. Lonnie loved life, the Lord and
his precious family. We will miss his smile and wit at Broadway every time we think of
him.
I see where we will have six more weeks of winter if that groundhog is right. All I know
is that I'm ready to look out the living room window and see Spring flowers in bloom
and hear the birds singing their songs in the trees.

Yesterday & Today

Our family got out in the cold snow Sunday to go to church at 9:30. After having lunch
at Pepper's, my wife and I went to Barnes & Noble. I started reading and she looked
at several books. I drank my coffee and watched some of the same people show up
right on time again. One older couple comes every Sunday afternoon. He reads the
newspaper while she talks with friends at another table in the Starbuck's Cafe. One
other woman sips her drink while reading alone at a table in the corner. A younger
couple hold hands while he scans the internet on his laptop. They laugh as she seems
to cheer him on with a warm smile.
After coming home, I cleared some snow around back while the two dogs played in
the snow. Derby loves picking up a chunk of ice to chew on and try to take it into our
house when I go back inside. Then nap time arrives and I get in a brief nap before
reading from a couple of books I bought a few weeks ago. I'm taking my time reading
these two so they soak into my soul. While my wife and daughter watch the Grammy
show, I read again before calling it a day. A good day.
While my wife and I were at Barnes & Noble, we laid out some plans for the new week.
It looks like work to me. Again. I want to paint the hallway a new color and she wants
to get the master bedroom ready to paint. We both want to get all thsi stuff over with
asp but we know it's really never all done.
I'm reading the first chapter of the Book of Acts after I'm through with this in response
to what the Preacher said in his sermon Sunday. So I better be getting to it.