Fall Visit To Beverly's, 10/17/2009

Yesterday, October 19, 2009, Barbara and I took a rare trip to see our wonderful daughter, Beverly. It is so beautiful in the mountains this time of year. We would probably have enjoyed it more, had we waited another week or two when the leaves would have been completely turned to beautiful colors.

During this phase of our lives, however, we have to jump up and go when we are able. With Barbara's arthritis pains and my breathing problems, the occasions are rare. We really enjoyed the visit and are very fortunate to have such a "caring" daughter.

She has 3 dogs on the premises that she cares for although they do not belong to her. they are very lovable and she enjoys them very much, not to mention their value in scaring off any intruders that might trespass on the property.

She served us a delicious lunch that included apple pie and ice cream and boy, was it ever good. I must have gained at least a couple of pounds on the dessert alone.

I suppose our next visit will be to visit Blain and Lori along with out beautiful grandchildren. I hope and pray, we will be able to do that trip soon.

82nd Birthday 7/14/2009

I never dreamed I would make it this far but with the grace of God and TLC by my wonderful wife, I had the privilege of celebrating 82 years of living on July 14.

Beverly came, spent the night and then treated Barbara and I to dinner at Lone Star Steakhouse. She also was generous to a fault by presenting me with a new set of scales.[Wonder if she is trying to tell me something?] In addition, she brought a beautiful delicious red velvet cake with 3 pictures of me baked on the top. One was when I was about 10 years old and sitting on a pony with a cowboy hat and chaps. Another was a Navy picture of me and the last was a current photo. Boy, how looks change over the years?

It was unfortunate that Blain could not be here, however, he was in New York on business, two of his children were in camp and Lori, his wife was in Richmond caring for her Mother who had undergone surgery. They have really been busy!

I am so thankful for my wonderful wife, my two children and 3 grandchildren. I am also thankful for my daughter-in-law, Lori and her presenting me with those beautiful boys.

God is Truly good!!!!!

Father's Day, 2009

What a wonderful day we had with Blain and his family. the boys were great and seemed to have a good time. Of course there is a very limited number of things for them to do here since we have gotten rid of the toys that they had out grown. they are now into video games and computers.

It gives one a great sense of pride when an 8 year old can approach and describe some game and/or toy that he just discovered on the internet. He is ready with the cost and where it can be purchased and is ready to go. Of course, it is impractical to get them everything they desire. Even Obama couldn't provide enough bail out money for that. Besides, they already have at least one of everything.

They sure are a joy to be around and make both Barbara and I very happy. We are so proud of Blain and Lori for the time they spend with them. While Blain was growing up, I was usually travelling or busy trying to make a living. He did turn out great though as did Beverly.

Beverly was absent on Father's Day this year due to a prior committment invlolving a vacation to the Grand Turk Islands. We are so happy she is able to travel and enjoy life to the fullest. She E-Mails daily to keep us up on her activities.

It is truly great being a "Father", especially when there are such fine children and grandchildren to be proud of.

Luke's Last Soccer Game Of The Season

This is a little late being posted but I did not want to wait longer to express the joy Barbara and I experienced Saturday, June 6. We attended our youngest grandson's [Luke] last soccer game of the season. His team won by a score of 5 to 4. Imagine our joy and pride when Luke was credited with 4 out of the 5 goals his team achieved. I feel we have a future soccer star here. I have never seen anyone so dedicated to any game as Luke is to soccer.

His older brother Seth [age 10] is just as interested in basketball and seems to have the same determination as Luke. I must say, however, that Luke, at the age of 6 is one of the most determined young athletes I have ever seen.

These two young boys contrast with their middle brother Caleb, [age 8] who is more interested in assembling toys and games. It would appear to me that he is destined to be a very successful engineer. In any event, Barbara and I love them dearly as well as their parents, Blain and Lori. Of course, we also love dearly our daughter Beverly.

Our 60th Anniversary

On June 9, Barbara and I celebrated our 60th Anniversary. It was done with little fanfare but lots of joy. Beverly and Blain had put our picture along with the announcement in the Danville Register and Bee on Sunday, June 7. This was a total surprise to us and we were taken aback while scanning the paper and happened to see it.

This announcement resulted in many cards of congratulations which, of course, was sincerely appreciated by both Barbara and me. Several of our very good friends visited with gifts including candy, fruits and most appreciated by us, good wishes.

The next day we cut the cake Beverly had brought. It was a large Red Velvet cake with our picture imposed on it. I have no idea how they do that but it was truly something to behold.

To further our celebration, Beverly took us to the Outback Steak House for dinner where they were gracious in presenting us with a dessert that was out of this world called "Thunder from Down Under". We probably added a few pounds by consuming that.

I find it simply amazing that a wonderful person such as Barbara would spend 60 years with me. I am so thankful that God sent her my way since I have no idea what I would do or where I would be without her. She has been a wonderful wife and Mother all these years and for that, I am forever grateful.

We took several pictures during this time and I will be posting them later. They include a picture of the Red Velvet Cake.

Henry

Christmas 2008

What a wonderful Christmas this has been. At my age [81], I could not have enjoyed it more. Received more gifts than I was worthy of but just enjoyed them any way. Beverly bestowed a new Sony Camera on me Christmas Eve which was used to make some excellent pictures for the rest of the Holiday. In addition, she gave me a lot of things I do not need such as pounds and pounds of chocolate candies. [Love them but do not need them] She was also over generous to Barbara who is much more deserving than I.

Blain continues his efforts in trying to train me to be computer literate which is probably a lost cause but I just keep on trying. He purchased a DVD/CD recorder for my Desk Top computer along with a camera for it so that we can see and talk to each other at the same time.

He also spent about two hours correcting my "stock activities" over the past year and bringing my "Quicken Program" into balance. He usually has to do this a couple of times each year and I am truly grateful for him doing so.

Barbara and I are so thankful for our children and grand children. They mean all the world to us.

We are also thankful for the "Spirit of Christmas" and that Jesus died on the cross for all of us.

This is to wish anyone that happens to view this blog, "A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!"