FINAL THOUGHTS

We have placed Dr. Dale's earthly body in his final resting place. His physical presence will no longer be with us, but as with so many others, he will forever remain in our hearts and minds.

My first encounter with Dale was in my mid-twenties. I knew who he was from the bank that I had worked in. I had at long last conquered my fear of needles and girded myself to withstand Momma's wrath and disapproval and decided to have my ears pierced. It made good sense to me to have a doctor to do the deed since I wanted no infection and I wanted it done correctly. I was quite nervous that day when I sat in his exam room waiting for the good doctor to enter. When he finally came through that door, he looked at me and said, "What can I do for you today." I bravely told him that I wanted him to pierce my ears. Without so much as a blink, he shot back, "Why don't we do your nose too while we are at it." My first introduction to the infamous Boersma humor! One ear is pierced higher than the other. I wouldn't change it for the world for you see every time I look in the mirror I am reminded of Dale and that first meeting.

My next encounter came when he contracted with me to do his accounting and tax work. I didn't see anything of Dale during the year. His efficient and capable office manager and I did all the ground work. Then came the final touch of tax preparation every year. IMAGINE MY CHAGRIN when I determined that he considered doctoring more important than the preparation of his taxes. He would INVARIABLY stroll into my office on the AFTERNOON of April 15th with his little pile and give me that little slight grin as I glared across the desk. By April 15th of every year, I was out of steam and short of temper, but he never acknowledged my shortness nor did anything but treat me with the utmost respect and kindness. He reminded me MANY years later at a small group meeting one night when I announced that I never got angry that he had definitely seen me angry. He was correct, as always.

God in his perfect timing placed us together one more time after all of our other relationships had ended. We were in Church Small Group together-first as members, then as co-leaders and finally as his leader. What a joy and privilege it was to serve the Body, grow in Christ, and fellowship with he and Helen. Dale had the marvelous ability of putting my teeth on edge when he would challenge my theology. I spent many an hour pouring over scripture to prove him wrong. The right or wrong never really mattered, Dale had accomplished what he wanted all along-he had me studying. No matter what the circumstances or what the need, we could count on Dale and Helen to be right in the middle of any ministry opportunity-even mowing the church yard. One important point that Dale & I would often voice in agreement, that none of us could ever really fathom the greatness and complexity of Our God.

And so Dale has left us, but he lives on in our minds and our hearts. He has touched many many lives and we will be reminded of him in countless ways in the days to come. I am blessed and thankful beyond words that God drew our lives together and I had the privilege of laboring alongside of a Great Man of God.

He is now "Resting in the Bosom of Jesus." AMEN!

A TIMELY REMINDER

In the midst of grave illness, loss of dear friends, and turmoil boiling all around, God sent me a beautiful reminder today. As I sat thinking about the day before me this morning, I looked out the window and there was "The First Hummingbird of Spring". God was reminding me of the resurrection from Winter and birth of Spring. A beautiful bird from His creation-which today stopped by for a minute to assure me of "The True Resurrection" and His infinite love for each and everyone of us. Truly a "Timely Reminder"!

LISTEN TO ONE OF MY FAVORITES

HE IS RESTING!

Today was the day that we all knew was coming-and yet it still surprised us. Our sweet friend, Doctor Dale Boersma, slipped away and is at long last finally "Resting In The Bosom Of Jesus. In honor of Doctor Dale and because I am busy ministering to his sweet family, I leave you with one of my favorites. All you need to do is substitute names-but it pretty much covers my emotions today as I watched that dear man take his leave and finally enter into a well deserved rest. Truly, "Well done, Good and Faithful Servant."

Go Down, Death

by James Weldon Johnson
(A Funeral Sermon)

Weep not, weep not,
She is not dead;
She's resting in the bosom of Jesus.
Heart-broken husband--weep no more;
Grief-stricken son--weep no more;
Left-lonesome daughter --weep no more;
She only just gone home.
Day before yesterday morning,
God was looking down from his great, high heaven,
Looking down on all his children,
And his eye fell on Sister Caroline,
Tossing on her bed of pain.
And God's big heart was touched with pity,
With the everlasting pity.
And God sat back on his throne,
And he commanded that tall, bright angel standing at his right hand:
Call me Death!
And that tall, bright angel cried in a voice
That broke like a clap of thunder:
Call Death!--Call Death!
And the echo sounded down the streets of heaven
Till it reached away back to that shadowy place,
Where Death waits with his pale, white horses.
And Death heard the summons,
And he leaped on his fastest horse,
Pale as a sheet in the moonlight.
Up the golden street Death galloped,
And the hooves of his horses struck fire from the gold,
But they didn't make no sound.
Up Death rode to the Great White Throne,
And waited for God's command.
And God said: Go down, Death, go down,
Go down to Savannah, Georgia,
Down in Yamacraw,
And find Sister Caroline.
She's borne the burden and heat of the day,
She's labored long in my vineyard,
And she's tired--
She's weary--
Go down, Death, and bring her to me.
And Death didn't say a word,
But he loosed the reins on his pale, white horse,
And he clamped the spurs to his bloodless sides,
And out and down he rode,
Through heaven's pearly gates,
Past suns and moons and stars;
on Death rode,
Leaving the lightning's flash behind;
Straight down he came.
While we were watching round her bed,
She turned her eyes and looked away,
She saw what we couldn't see;
She saw Old Death. She saw Old Death
Coming like a falling star.
But Death didn't frighten Sister Caroline;
He looked to her like a welcome friend.
And she whispered to us: I'm going home,
And she smiled and closed her eyes.
And Death took her up like a baby,
And she lay in his icy arms,
But she didn't feel no chill.
And death began to ride again--
Up beyond the evening star,
Into the glittering light of glory,
On to the Great White Throne.
And there he laid Sister Caroline
On the loving breast of Jesus.
And Jesus took his own hand and wiped away her tears,
And he smoothed the furrows from her face,
And the angels sang a little song,
And Jesus rocked her in his arms,
And kept a-saying: Take your rest,
Take your rest.
Weep not--weep not,
She is not dead;
She's resting in the bosom of Jesus.

COUNTDOWN!

REMINDER-BLOG CONTEST WILL END NEXT WEEK-MAKE YOUR GUESS ON HENRY J'S ARRIVAL TO WIN GIFT CERTIFICATE TO AMAZON!


My life is in a series of countdowns. Time is wasting and lots has to be done! Final 1040 input and filing with Mr. IRS needs to be done for us and several family members. My six weeks is up and I hit the road again Monday (OK-ONE day short of the six weeks and without Doctor's final check). The THOUGHT of trying to run 5 miles after the time off is daunting! Spring flower bed cleaning is over half done-but not finished (When you live in the middle of 5 acres of trees-this is NO small task). MR. HENRY J. will be coming SOON-Hopefully not too soon! One more visit with Grands on the Ground before heading to Erie.

I had lunch today with some of my "Running Buds". I cannot tell you how much I have missed the "Girls & Larry"! I have been GREATLY BLESSED with a wonderful group to run and cross train with and most important-share life with. I am anxious to "Hit the Road" again with "The Group". Even though I have only a short period before I head "North", I look forward to being with them again!

I leave you with this verse that Sweet Friend Barbara brought to my attention:

"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at the work in you." II Cor 4: 6-12

I take GREAT comfort in these words from The Father. HE LOVES ME BEYOND REASON!

1040

Today brought my annual "1040 Day". After years and years of public accounting, I still think one of the most complicated income tax returns I prepared was ours. I have spent the day with forms, statements, lists, etc etc. spread out in neat piles with summary sheets attached. The most tedious part of preparing our taxes is accumulating and assimilating the information.

Today I hit a snag with one of the statements. The same information flowed from a capital transaction summary to a gain/loss statement. The totals should agree-THEY DIDN'T. This was 45 PAGES of entries with MANY MANY entries on each page. I spent the first half of the day tracking down the discrepancy. It was a good feeling when I finally discovered the problem. Then came the real work-explaining it to the agent of record. The "Agent" just happened to also be the taxpayer-if you follow my drift. I got NO sympathy from the "Taxpayer". It seems once he has handled these types of problems at work he does not want to discuss it when he gets home. THAT IS OK-I have already called "The Nice Lady" at his office where I got a very sympathetic ear.

Since the transaction in question actually helps my tax bottom line, you would think I would just take what they say and go. Unfortunately the OCD-CPA in me will not let that happen. It would be sort of like not balancing my check book to the last cent EVERY month. IT'S JUST NOT GONNA HAPPEN!

There are days that I miss my profession. I actually enjoyed preparing income tax returns. It was like putting the pieces of a puzzle together and seeing the finished product when finished. It is just like playing a game! I don't miss it so much that I have any desire to go back and work all of those long hours and prepare several hundred returns. I LOVE RETIREMENT!

"CRIES OF THE HEART"

I am reading a book by Ravi Zacharias, "Cries of The Heart". If you have never read any of Zacharias teachings, you have missed a treat. You can occasionally hear him on AFR, but be warned-IT IS DEEP-BUT OH SO PROFOUND! His writings are such that I read a section or two at a time and then pause and reflect and absorb. A Christian apologist, his Harvard series expertly and convincingly defends the faith against the "Nay Sayers". Believe me when I say, you will come away Blessed when you invest the time to listen or read any of his works. God is using him mightily.

The section I just read in my current reading told of an essay by the noted English writer, F.W. Boreham. It is titled "The Candle and the Bird." Boreham compares God's presence to a bird rather than a candle. "When a candle is extinguished, the light goes out. But when a bird is driven away, it only leaves to sing its song on another bough."

"With that metaphor Boreham traced the mighty moving of God throughout history." Boreham traces the "Mighty Movement" of God from the extinguishing light of a country which has turned from God with apathy and denial to new movements of huge importance, but in other countries. It is fascinating to read the journey God has made when His people chose to turn from Him. "No, the light is never extinguished. As a bird, it has sung its song from different boughs."

"The bird is singing its song. But the melody must first be sung in each of our hearts. The Word of God abides forever, and that Word has shone upon the face of our Lord Jesus Christ." I take particular comfort in this last statement, "He hears us in our need and is in control of history. We can rest in the confidence that the battle is not ours but belongs to God, our Holy Father, who was, who is and who will be."

I pray my heart will sing that all those around me might hear "The Song."

HELP-----I'M TRAPPED IN HERE!!!!!!

HELP ME-I'M TRAPPED AND THE WALLS ARE CLOSING IN ON ME! MY FACE IS SMASHED UP AGAINST THIS WALL AND I CAN'T GET OUT!

HELLO HELLO----IS ANYONE OUT THERE????IT'S DARK IN HERE AND I AM TRAPPED!

POOR POOR HENRY J!!!!!!HE'S SQUISHED IN THERE! HE WANTS OUT!

HENRY-----SWEET HENRY- HOLD ON! MOMMA LULU NEEDS TO FINISH HER INCOME TAXES AND GETTING HER SPRING CLEANING DONE! I KNOW YOU ARE SQUISHED UP IN THERE-BUT WAIT-JUST WAIT------AT LEAST UNTIL
APRIL 15TH WHEN I WILL FLY YOUR WAY!

Post Script- SO SORRY CAMILLE----we all have BIG babies! Don't Blame ME- BLAME MAMMAW!!!!!!!

SPRING HAS COME

Spring has officially arrived. We spent a little time late this afternoon driving around and looking at the beautiful "Dogwood Trees" and the other blooming plants and trees around town. Although the grass has not turned green yet, it is not long away. We drove to Zachary in South Louisiana Friday night and returned yesterday. The grass is green as near as 100 miles away and I am sure it will slowly creep North in the coming days. The weeds are already green which is a precursor to the grass turning, so in the days to come it will be time to get out the lawn mower and begin the long summer task of mowing.

One Of Our Local Artist's Home-with COUNTLESS Dogwoods

FULL OF BLOOMS
Wisteria Vine Growing In The Wild

Neighbor's Yard That Greets Us Coming & Going

Front Azalea Bed With Bluebird House (birds are nesting)

Japanese Maple Has Budded

DO NOT FORGET TO SUBMIT YOUR GUESS ON HENRY J.'S ARRIVAL DATE. SEE DETAILS ON YESTERDAY'S BLOG.

HENRY J. BLOG CONTEST!

ONE MONTH FROM TODAY- MR. HENRY JAMES JENNINGS

IS SCHEDULED TO MAKE HIS DEBUT! WOW!

TIME FOR A LITTLE FUN!!!!!!!

HOW ABOUT A BLOG CONTEST!!!!!!!!!!

GUESS THE DAY AND TIME OF HENRY'S ARRIVAL!!!!!!

RULES:

1. ONE GUESS PER PERSON -YOU MUST PUT YOUR GUESS AS A COMMENT ON THE BLOG. (BY THE WAY- MUST HAVE NAME OR NICKNAME- NO ANONYMOUS)

2. CLOSEST TO THE ARRIVAL- WITHOUT GOING PAST THE DAY AND TIME!

3. A DATE AND A TIME-INCLUDING HOUR AND MINUTES AS WELL AS AM OR PM.

4. CONTEST STARTS NOW AND ENDS AT MIDNIGHT APRIL 2 (CST)

5. IN THE EVENT THAT MORE THAN ONE GUESS A DAY AND TIME-THE ONE THAT GUESSED FIRST-PER BLOG COMMENT TIME AND DAY IS THE WINNER

6. BLOG CONTEST ADMINISTRATOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE RULES-IF I SO SEE THE NEED!

AND NOW YOU ASK- THE PRIZE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (TRUMPET BLAST!)

A $30 GIFT CARD TO AMAZON DAH DAH!!!!!!!

IN HONOR OF THE FACT THAT WE ALL AGREE THAT HENRY JAMES WILL BE THE NEXT LITERARY GENIUS IN AMERICA!

BY THE WAY - CONTEST WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED- WHEN HENRY GETS HERE- DUH!

IN NEED

Now I remember why I exercise! Although the camaraderie is wonderful-what started my on this "Road of Exercise" was those "Good Endorphins". I am in SERIOUS short supply! Four weeks now with only a few days of walking. Between a swollen head and then a head cold, I have not been hitting the road. THANK GOODNESS the sun is shining and I have had a round of yard work while soaking up those rays, BUT I NEED EXERCISE!

Do you remember the song, "Blue-Call Me Mr. Blue"? He obviously was not exercising!

BEEP BEEP!!!!!!

Here in Louisiana we have these fellows:
We actually had one to run across the road in front of us one day when out for a bike ride. THEY CAN RUN FAST!!!!!

We also have these little fellows. I have seen one when out walking in my neighborhood, but they move SO FAST that I have never gotten a picture. The Chrome Cowgirl caught this fellow in the act right by her house and sent me the picture-----AND WHAT A GREAT PICTURE IT IS!

If you have EVER seen both in action, I don't think there is ANYWAY that
THIS-

WILL EVER HAPPEN. NOT IN A BLUE MOON-NO WAY!

Happy St. Patty's Day to all my Irish ancestry claiming friends. Since Momma had done extensive family tree research, I knew my roots on her side were Scot-Irish. BC was convinced he had Irish roots. When we went to Ireland, our guide stuck his nose in the air when BC told him his family name and informed him he too was Scot-Irish. The Irish can make it sound like such an insult! Here's lifting a mug of Guinness to all you Green Blooded Purist!

FOR MY SWEET MOMMY TO BE!

NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!

Just in case you have not been fore-warned-------growing old is NOT for the faint of heart! Pappaw Conville has had another set back and is back in the hospital. It seems someone in their "Inspirations Group" has infected several, including Pappaw, with a Gastrointestinal Virus. He had to be hospitalized since he became severally dehydrated. To further complicate matters, Nannie Conville also had a touch of the same virus. They had the ambulance on a Yo-Yo string yesterday going back and forth to the hospital. Nannie was released, but this means that someone has to be with her at the apartment since she does not do well alone. Call in the faithful "Angel Care Sitters". Meanwhile, Pappaw is 20 miles away in the hospital in quarantine. The last time Bobby talked with the nurse, Pappaw was obviously feeling better since he had taken the IV out and was wondering up and down the hall-MUCH to the Nurse's chagrin. HOPEFULLY they have him in a double hospital gown!

Even with 3 siblings, this can become quite a problem trying to coordinate the care of the aging and ill parents-especially since all 3 have careers and work full time. Unfortunately, I am no help since I still have the highly contagious cold that Mr. C shared with me last week. I am not sure how many trips back and forth to Arcadia were made yesterday, but the last trip involved "Cleaning" and as BC laughed and said, calling in the HAZ-MAT force.

When Momma was still here with us, I went through these times while still raising a child at home. They call me "The Sandwich Generation". The only thing different with Bobby and his sisters is their children are all grown, but they still are charged with the care of their parents. It is NOT easy! Making decisions and caring for those that "Brought Us Into The World" is a strange and often difficult role reversal that life throws at us. As Momma told my brother, Robbie- "I never knew dying would be such hard work."

In my personal opinion, we have improved medical science to the point that they can sometimes keep our bodies going LONG after God intended for us to be around. Old age can be a wonderful and beautiful thing-but as with the storms that Nature can often spring on us,-it can also turn on a dime and become ugly. My Grandmother James had a stroke raking her yard and died. She never had a sick day before that day. OH HOW I PRAY that God would be so gracious to me! Unfortunately, the choice is not ours and we must play the hand we are dealt. My next prayer is that if God does not take me quickly, that He will give me the grace to handle what the storms may bring.

My reading this morning included this Psalm

"We finish our years with a moan".

It would seem the Psalmist had learned the age old wisdom that growing old is indeed "Not for the Faint of Heart." To me the ironic and amazing fact remains that most CLING tenaciously to the threads of life here-EVEN KNOWING the best is yet to come. Fear of the unknown or better to deal with "The Devil You Know"? I am not sure, but I find it amazing! One fact remains and we can not change-WITH EVERYDAY THAT PASSES-I am headed down the same road and the brake is broken and there is no turning back. I pray for the grace to accept what may come and the wisdom to live in the day and enjoy what is now. I would love to end my days with a shout of joy and not the moan of the Psalmist. GIVE ME GRACE-GIVE ME GRACE-INDEED!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARGARITA!

Our friend, Margarita has a birthday Sunday. It only seemed fitting that we would get the "Small Group" together and celebrate with her. So off we go to her favorite Mexican restaurant and then back to Vienna for cake and coffee. In honor of this auspicious occasion, I baked a Margarita cake. Very similar to a Rum cake, you add the ingredients for a Margarita to flavor it instead of rum. It was interesting!

Margarita has been with us in Small Group since our group was formed over 5 years ago. She is a jewel! Lovely inside and out-we cherish her friendship! Margarita has been give the "Gift of Hospitality" and we have been to her home many times for a delicious gourmet meal in the warmth of her lovely home. A sweet smile and warm personality always greet you when she enters the room. We are blessed and thankful for her friendship.

THE BIRTHDAY GIRL

EXAMINING DEBBIE'S LIBRARY CONVENTION PICTURES
MARGARITA AND YOURS TRULY-SHOCKED AT THE LIBRARIANS!

JIM & NANCY LAUGHING AT THE CARRYING ON

JAMES EXPOUNDING WHILE BC & DEBBIE LISTEN

HELEN ENJOYS A LAUGH WITH US

Happy Birthday, Margarita!

SHARING IT ALL!

One of the "Perks" of married life is sharing. What one has is available for the other. There is no need to purchase "two" of everything as many things can be shared. Now I do not go to the lengths that #1 Daughter does, I DO NOT share a toothbrush. We do only have one shovel, one pitchfork, one hoe, and on and on-of course for SOME STRANGE REASON, I seem to be the one that gets to enjoy using those the most. We do have two mowers and two blowers-but that came from buying new ones after old ones were not broken, but it just seemed time. This means that the two of us can go after those chores at the same time (Doesn't happen very often).

The latest thing that BC has shared with me is "His cold". HOW KIND! It seems that he has clients that are too sick to go anywhere, but thought they would run by his office and visit with some earth shaking need that could not happen over the telephone. He came home with a cold a week ago and has sniffed, blown, snorted, and coughed for the entire week. Although we both took precautions, I still ended up getting the lovely malady-just about the time that I was getting going full steam again. I do not seem to be as sick as he was-NATURALLY! (WHY IS IT THAT THE MAN THINKS HE IS ALWAYS THE SICKEST?) This is REALLY annoying though. I DO NOT EVER HAVE TIME TO BE IN ILL HEALTH! At least I am not missing out on running, since I am still on my "Forced Surgery Down Time"!

My only concern is that my "New Chin" might fly off while letting out a BIG sneeze. As Archie would say, "STIFLE IT!" OK-Edith needs to go soak in a steamy shower and hopefully unclog all the drains! AS ALWAYS, I LOVE SHARING!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAPPAW!

Yesterday was Pappaw Conville's 88th Birthday! Quite the man, Pappaw worked as a barber until the first of January. He and Nannie live in the "Independent Living" apartments in Arcadia. Their children seem to have worked out a good plan for their care and they seem content with where they are. Pappaw had a physical set back the first of January, but seems to have mostly recovered. He asks everyday when he can get his car keys back and when he can go back to barbering. YOU JUST CAN NOT KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN!

To celebrate the occasion, the daughters threw a birthday party at the apartment's parlor with all of the residents and lots of family in attendance. It was a good party and most important Pappaw seemed to really enjoy being the center of attention.

Pappaw with his balloon adorned walker

Nannie Seems To Have A Mischievous Look
A Group of Grands & Grand-In Laws with Uncle Bob

Grandson, Greg & Soon To Be Bride, Christine

Party Goers

Pappaw & Fellow Championship Football Team Member, Mr. Ray

Grandson, Michael Giving Aunt Katy A Dose of His Wisdom

More Party Pics

The Star of The Evening, Great Grand-Case

Case and His "Pa" Bill

Case, His Mom, Jessica & Nannie

Uncle Bob & Case

My ONE GOOD Family Portrait & Look At Mr. Mature, Bobby!

THREE WEEKS DOWN!

Went back to see Dr. Brown today for a three week check up. He is VERY pleased with his work. I still have swelling and minimal bruising. FINALLY I can sleep on my side again. He told me today that it could be 6-8 weeks before the swelling and bruising completely disappears. The tightness I feel in my neck will also slowly loosen up in that period of time. The numbness in my scalp, forehead, and some of my face will take months to completely reverse. I really don't even think about it unless I touch the area and have no feeling. As the old commercial said, "I'VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY!

Day One

Week One

Week Two

Week Three (Made by me-I could use a longer arm)

PLEASE STOP FOOLING AROUND WITH THE TIME!

The initial changing of the time did not really bother me on Sunday-since church does not start until 10:45. The "Truth" of the change hit home this morning when the clock went off in the dark. Since I am in a forced "hiatus" from running with my buds in the early morning (or late night) hours, I have grown accustomed to sleeping later. I must admit I have enjoyed the extra time in the bed and not having to hit the floor in the early early early hours of the day. I really miss my Buds-but the late sleeping has been a wonderful consolation prize.

This morning when the clock went off I was reminded of how much I DO NOT like this time of the year. The extra hours of daylight in the afternoon are wonderful-but I am a morning person. I prefer the daylight on the other end. Really it doesn't matter a lot to me if we have "Day-light savings" or "Regular" time. The ONLY thing I ask is that it stay the same year round. Since day-light savings time has been extended to 8 months of the year, why not just all year?

It will take me a good week to get accustomed to the new time-and then I will forget all about it. When I go to Erie in April and they have REALLY long daylight hours, I will have a difficult time sleeping. That could be a good thing, since I seem to remember you do not get a lot of sleep with a new baby. I guess that period of time could be called "Henry" time as we will all be on his schedule for sure.

PURIST!

BC put my new "toy" together this afternoon-even while suffering with a Spring cold. He has spent most of the weekend "chilling" and trying to get over this pesky inconvenience. Late this afternoon he began the process of assembling a thousand parts into my newest grill. He started the process with intentions of only doing part of the job, and ended up doing the "whole deal".

I am a grilling purist and always use charcoal when grilling. I like the favor and you just miss out on that wonderful taste when you use butane grills. This grill is the "Cadillac" of charcoal grills with a butane starter for the charcoal, a thermometer, and a huge body. I have used the smallest Weber for years and finally melted through the wire rack after MANY a hot fire. BC ordered me a new grill and I did not realize that he had ordered the "Best". I also am somewhat of a "Weber Snob". When taking cooking classes with "The Chef, Terry,", he introduced me to the wonders of Weber. I immediately bought my first small grill and not only use it year round, but actually grill 3 times a week-minimum during the summer. There is just something about the ambiance of cooking on the deck during our long warm season here in Louisiana.

Hopefully the "learning curve" will be short and I will develop my grilling expertise quickly. My mouth is watering just thinking about getting out there and firing it up. HAPPY GRILLING!

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES

I have long been a believer in alternative medicines and homeopathic remedies. I have a great book on all of these "Off The Wall" therapies that I frequently peruse. Most doctors turn their noses WAY up in the air when you mention some of these alternatives, but then I find the occasional "Believer" One such recent surprise was my Plastic Surgeon. He gave my Sin Ecch which is Homeopathic Arnica Montana that decreases bruising and swelling after surgery or traumatic injury. Based upon my pictures, I would hate to know how bad I would have looked had I not taken this remedy. He also gave me a list of herbs, vitamins, etc to not take two weeks before surgery and recommended a multi-vitamin with minerals following surgery. MY KIND OF MAN! I have an entire handful of "Supplements, etc" that I take everyday. I AM A BELIEVER!


It appears that after all of these years perhaps BC thinks I may be on to something. He has a cold-a bad cold. He went to the Health Food store across the street from his office and they recommended Collidal Silver. Now believe it or not, I had never heard of this before, but they Know their stuff at The Old Wheat Barn, so I am hoping it will help. You know on second thought, I would bet anything that someone else talked him into this-He's not known to really listen to me much!

After all, my standard remedy for ANY respiratory illness is "A Week On The Beach". It never fails to dry up those pesky running noses and nagging coughs. What better remedy could there be?