Caleb's Weekend Visit

Barbara and I were so fortunate to have our son, Blain and three wonderful grandchildren visit and spend the night with us on Friday, April 2nd. We were overjoyed that Caleb opted to stay over two additional nights.

He is such a joy to be with. On Saturday afternoon Caleb and I went to see the movie, "Train Your Dragon" which was shown in 3-D and was very enjoyable.

On Sunday, he accompanied Barbara and I to Church. He was a perfect little gentleman. We took him to the 3rd grade Sunday School class and I picked him up when it was over. Since I was scheduled to usher, I had him sit at our usual section where he was joined by Barbara. After ushering, I joined them and he was a very well behaved boy the entire service. At one point during the singing, he whispered to Barbara that "they sing that song at my Church".

After Church, we had all sorts of plans, however, the fact that Target's was closed for Easter sort of through us off. We decided to formulate an alternate plan which included visiting Winnie's house where all her family was gathering for an Easter Meal. Although we had planned on eating at the Golden Corral, everyone there insisted that we eat with them. We did and it was a superb meal.

After eating, we took Caleb to Walmart's where Barbara purchased a pair of shoes for him as well as a Lego toy that he had longed for a long time. We then came home where he proceeded to put that thing together. He is simply amazing in working with those things. It would probably take me a week to put it together while he did it in a little over an hour.

It was amazing to me that Caleb would insist on taking a bath each night before going to bed. Most kids would not do that.

I have a major regret though. We were so excited to have Caleb, I failed to take even one picture. As many pictures that exist in our family, the omission of pictures for this visit is inexcusable and I will forever regret it.

Christmas 2009

Well, another Christmas season is now behind us. Although this one went as usual, in that everyone received too many gifts. There was sadness about. My childhood friend, Larry Watlington passed away in Florida. He had been ill for some time so his passing was not unexpected. It just seems sad that it happened during Christmas. Barbara and I attended the funeral and I was listed as a pall bearer, however, I was in so much pain, I could not participate.

On Christmas day, Barbara, Beverly and I joined Blain and family along with Lori's parents in Cary, N. C. This has been the routine for the past several years and as is customary, everyone had plenty of gifts food and family fellowship. Seth, Caleb and Luke seemed to really enjoy the gifts from Santa as well as the many others they received. It was unfortunate that it rained all day that day and made it a little difficult driving. Beverly is an excellent driver, however, so we had no problems arriving back in Danville around 6:00 P. M. Beverly departed for Richmond to visit her friend on Saturday, the 26th.

On Saturday night it seemed as if everything that could go wrong did. I became very ill with a virus of some kind and was unable to get out of bed all day on Sunday. On Monday, I seemed to be getting a little better but Barbara came down with the same type of virus. She was sick all day Monday and Tuesday and is still not over it. I am somewhat better but have remained very weak since it started.
I have sent word to my Myasthenia Gravis Doctor in Chapel Hill hoping he can see me prior to my scheduled appointment on January 8. I suspect my weakness now may be related the the Myasthenia.

Christmas is such a special time of year. It would be wonderful if more time, money and effort could be funneled into the real spirit of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ.

To anyone reading this blog, I wish the very best New Year.

Henry

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