Dinner Bell

Chris took me to the Dinner Bell in Sweetwater for supper.  Yum!

I cleaned my plate.

Chris loves their chili.

Had some home made cake for dessert.

We Going?

Can't leave a hooked up hay trailer sitting.  The kids think they are going somewhere.   They've been on there for two hours.  

She's my......

friend...........

Eating at Planet Hollywood in Seattle. 2000.

The two photos of Darlene and I were taken in Seattle, WA in 2000.  I have cork boards in my closet and hang a few photos of family and close friends on them.  Yes, I know, that is kinda teenager'ish.  But I like it.  The photos are of happy times and put a smile on my face at the times I pause to look at a few before starting my day.  

Darlene and I grew up in Corntassel/Hopewell, and are somehow cousins.  Not sure 4th or 5th or ???  But I love to tell people she is my friend AND cousin.

Darlene went to Vonore to school and I to Madisonville.  But we attended Hopewell Springs Missionary Baptist Church together.  We were friends in childhood.  Not the tightest but friends.  

Grown up and out of college for a few years I was blessed.  Blessed to have Darlene become a co-worker.  She sat at a desk directly across from me.  We weren't in the office much.  Mostly late afternoons.  One thing we did was travel.  Once a year our job had national training conferences.  At many of those we were presenters of programs we created.  

Darlene and I traveled to San Diego (what a story we have there), Orlando, Seattle, and I'm not sure where else.  That may be it.  

We know how to hit a town.  Geez.  She would wear me flat out!  During our conferences, in between teaching and attending class, there wasn't much time to visit/see the surrounding sites.  I remember in Orlando.  Wow, I've NEVER been so tired at the end of a day.  Darlene and I went to DisneyWorld, Epcot and MGM in ONE DAY!  One day was all we had and we used it.

In San Diego we went to Sea World, Disneyland (where some girls she had went on a mission trip with worked), California Dreaming,  and San Diego Zoo in one day.  Or maybe it was one and a half.  I don't remember.  Whirlwind trip!  Tired that day too.  But not as tired as Orlando.  

Seattle was great.  Darlene had more friends in Seattle she had gone with on mission trips.  The husband worked for Microsoft.  Her friends visited with us for dinner.  The biggest things in Seattle were eating at Planet Hollywood. visiting the Farmer's Market-wow, a dinner train, walking to the pier to eat at Red Robin twice (better than the now-a-days chain), a ferry ride with Darlene's friend to an island (late in the day so all the shops were closed.  That was a little disappointing.) and the Space Needle.  Not much time in Seattle either and we crammed all the sites in a day and a half.  I would have LOVED to see the outdoors around Seattle.

Darlene and I have came into and out of each other's lives all of our lives at different times - as far as times we get to spend actually time together.  There may be a year or so go by and we don't really get together to do anything.  Just talk in passing or get together for a trip to her favorite place to eat-The OG.  It was easier when we worked together, as far as time.    

The most important thing about Darlene?  I've never had or known of a friend like her.  And probably don't have a friend I neglect more but most depend on when I am in need.  I feel I use her.  But Darlene says that's what real friends are for.  I believe Darlene sees friendship as forever and never changing.  That maybe we don't have to see or speak to each other every day or every week or every month or so on in order to pick up where we left off and to continue to love one another.

I remember at one of tough situations i was dealing with calling Darlene about twelve at night or so.  I hadn't talked to Darlene in a long time.  I can't even remember how long it had been.  Maybe a year?  I called her and she came to me.  No hesitation.  "Where are you? I'll be there in about 30 minutes."  And she was.  And without her that night and the next few would have been so hard.

Coming to my aid isn't what makes her so special.  I'm really so blessed with many friends who will drop things to come talk when I call. Darlene is different.  Darlene is a devout Christian.  We have many or similar views on life, love, family, achieving happiness, the purpose of life, religion, God, Grace, Salvation, and on and on.  She is much more than a friend who'll come over and listen and give their two cents in.  Always two cents that are one sided-siding with you.  (Sometimes you need that too.) Darlene is truthful.  Faith truthful.  She is a rock of faith.  Darlene is the type of friend who is there for you at any, any hour, any, any day, any, any situation.  And not only is she there for you she is able to help you see how things are.  How things are supposed to be in God's plan.  Darlene's council is priceless.  What she pours out is council.  Wise council.  Not opinions, not theories, not words to calm, not words to provoke, not words to stroke an ego.  

I love her.  I wish we saw each other more than those times I call her when I'm in need.  Darlene is one of the very, very few people I'll not say "I'm fine" too.  Maybe the only one I'll say that too and then follow with the whole truth of the situation.  I trust her.  She is a great confident. And once again wise council.  Never one to tell you what you should do.  Never one to judge anything about the situation.  At all.  Just one to help talk through what is going on and discuss how God fits into the equation.  Not one to build you up personally about how you are going to fix your own issues.  Darlene builds up the fact that I need God to get through any situation I may find myself in.

 Ferry ride in Seattle. 2000.

Everyone needs a "Darlene" in their lives.  The world would be a better place........I hope you have at least one like her.  Truthfully God has blessed me with so many great friends and family.  I'm very lucky

I love you Darlene.
Thank you for being my friend.

I'm fine....

"I'm fine." My response when someone asks how I am during tough periods in my life.  Emotionally or physically.

I'm fine.  And usually I am.  I've had periods of darkness, as all of us do, of feeling almost to the point of hopelessness.  But those times are few and far between.  I can remember crying, maybe, oh, five times during the breast cancer treatments.  This trial I'm in now with my health.  I think I've cried twice.  I don't believe my "I'm fine" is a "I'm in denial".  I've used "I'm fine" my whole life.  I am.  I can do this.  This thing called life.  I don't like to be a burden and the words "I'm fine" assure that I won't be to those I love.

The only person that ignores the "I'm fine" is God.  I don't think he likes "I'm fine".  I can look back over my 42 years.  During the emotionally hard times I've really grown closer to God.  But it seems now that I'm older and during the physically hard times have appeared I grow further away.  I throw the "I'm fine" at God.  And like I said, I don't think He likes that.

I'm always looking for lessons in life.  Lessons from God.  I believe as a Christian that is part of the point.  I'm not sure how to say all this and it's getting kinda jumbled.....I'm no theologian.  God is the Father.  Father's teach their children.  What are my lessons He is teaching?  During the good times and the bad.  Perhaps the physical problems I continually seem to come up against the past four years are God saying to me, "Those words you throw at me, the 'I'm Fine', you're not fine.  You'll never be fine without Me.  Reach for Me".  I don't know.   Like I said, I'm far from a theologian.

I don't mean to sound as if I'm asking "why God".  Why has never really been in my vocabulary toward Him.  I believe asking why and looking for lessons are two entirely different things.  At least in my thinking.  To me asking why puts some blame toward God about the situation.  Whereas looking for lessons in hardship, and even good things, is more of a searching for God and His will.

Yeah, I'm thankful during the good times.  Very.  I'm thankful and call out during the emotional lows.  And I'm close to God in both.  But the physical lows?  Why am I always, "I'm fine" toward God?  Why toward me, not Him.

How to end a very stress filled day....

Supper with my niece and her two little ones.  

Great nephew Jack and great niece Mallie Belle.  

Jack wasn't tired when we went to the lobby and he rode the horsie.

Hello Dolly!!

Dolly. Parton. May. Thompson Bowling Arena.
Must go.

My sister took me to the concert couple years back.  Dolly was amazing.   No opening act.  She performed for probably three hours.  Hope I can be that in shape at her age.  Shoot.  I wish I were now!

Tanner and Candy Crush

Please send me lives for Candy Crush so Tanner won't be so bored riding along to Nashville.

He is playing on my phone.

Big Day

Well. I have a big day tomorrow.  Appointment in Nashville to see my doctor about my infections.   I'm ready to get done whatever has to be done.  This situation is tiring and trying at the same time.

Limiting

I've been limiting my intake cheeseburgers, fries and cokes.  But I'm having serious cravings for a Lamppost burger, or a burger from Bradley's BBQ or a one from Davis' in Sweetwater.

Mustard Dog

Wanna lil mustard with that there hot dawg?  This is what you call a mustard dog.  The alternative to a chili dog when there is no chili. Course with me there'd still be a ton of mustard. Even on a chili dog.

Winter Olympics 2014 and Sports Moms

Absolutely love Winter Olympics and cannot wait until February 6.  Watched this video today which is a tribute to sports moms.  Love it and wanted to share.  I am having trouble loading the You Tube video but here's the link:

Pick Them Up Mom -Winter Olympics

Falls and Mom-in-Laws

As we were walking across the salt, sand and ice combined pavement on the bridge at Bald River Falls it hit me.....what if Chris's mom fell and broke her hip ?!  Then realty sank in.  The person most likely to slip and fall would be me.

Way too cold to sit outside and eat by the river! But that didn't stop us from a cheeseburger, fries and a hot dog!  Who can drive by The Beach on the way to the mountains without one of those???  I was terribly craving something sweet from Tellico Grains but they were closed.  Oh well.  That just means we'll have to repeat the day when they are.

The Frozen Falls

After work this afternoon I picked my mom-in-law up and we went to see Bald River Falls.   You know it's cold when rushing water and a river are froze!

The falls were still mostly frozen but breaking free.  Wish we could have gone up yesterday.  Chris and I talked about going with friends but I just didn't feel up to it.

The falls were crowded!  I miss the days, twenty years ago, when Chris and I would drive to the mountains.   We went every Sunday and when mom was alive come home and eat supper.

Chris and I mostly went to Citico. But sometimes we'd drive the loop down and around to Tellico.   Those days were wonderful!  No traffic.  No people.  Not even fishermen because all the trout had been caught at 4 am Saturday morning.   (Along with daddy and his friends help.)  We'd see a few camping holdouts in the summer months.  Kayaks?  Never.  Horses.  Rarely.  No horse camp back then in Citico.  Mountain bikes? What were those?  The only place bikes were ridden around here were on gravel back roads. Or where Chris was concerned, in town or on BMX trails.

I miss those days.  I miss late Sunday afternoons with no one around except me, Chris and my ole trusty four wheel drive Toyota with no air conditioner.   Man.  I miss that truck too....

Shoot Out

• I'm one of those who hope the NHL will do away with the shoot out.......please...
• Hybrid icing?  Undecided if I like it. 
• Fighting?  Hate the staged stuff.  Hate the ones that go on too long.  Like the ones built from emotions in front of the net and in scrums.
• Cheerleaders?  No place in hockey....
• The "You Suck" song at the Predator's games?  Absolutely hate.  Sounds like you're telling your team who just scored or win that they suck.  Corny.
• Popcorn?  A staple..............

Thoughtful Gift

I received the most thoughtful gift today from Angela Tallent from the County Clerk's office.  Angela came over and apologized for thinking I was on a cruise and not knowing I'd had surgery a few weeks ago and am still dealing with complications.

Angela had made for me a Nashville Predators bag by hand.  So thoughtful.   Thoughtful in that she gave me a gift.  Even more thoughtful that she took the time to make it special to me.  She remembered I love hockey and the Nashville Predators.   She just didn't pick up a gift or flowers but was thoughtful enough to make something related to a passion of mine.

Thanks Angela.  I will always remember and be reminded of your kindness toward me when I carry the bag.

The Bachelor....again

I'm watching "The Bachelor"?  Another season? I hate this show.  I believe I've watched four seasons. Maybe. Chris? Every.

I'm afraid I have rather grown to enjoy being catty like the girls on the show.  Especially the first episode with the limos.  (Which, by the way, I'd want my own limo.  Not share with others.)  I love the red carpet part and rolling my eyes and using my fashion sense to judge the women's dresses.  (Yeah. Right. I know. Like I know anything about that.)

After the first night the catty'ness is gone and the real Marna appears which says things like this when they go on dates:

"Oh no. I'd never do that", when they bungy jump.

"No. No. No. Not me", when they scuba dive.  When they add sharks to the mix?  "Ummm...no.  I don't have a death wish."

"Never. No way.  Nada.  I would die", while holding my breath as they climb the San Francisco bridge.

Jump from a helicopter into The Great Blue Hole in Belize.  "Never.  No way.  Nope.  That's nuts".

Swim through a dark tunnel on some island to hike over a cliff then repel to a hidden lagoon to swim under a waterfall?  "Yeah. Right. Don't think so."


To which Chris always replies, "Marna. You wouldn't be a very good contestant on The Bachelor."



I always think to myself when he says that: I know how to have fun.  I'd love to....

*Go on an African safari.   (But only if the guide has a gun to put an attacked animal out of it's misery. I'm used to having a remote control at home as I watch NATGeo.)

*Visit Alaska to sneak up on a grizzly.  (Scratch that. Not sneak up on.  Watch with binoculars

about ten miles away when I have bells tied to my shoe strings and bear spray around my neck.)


*Tour the Galapohos to see an albatross sea gull.


*Take a ship to see real whales in the real ocean.

A real ship.  No silly kayak amongst the pod.  Throw some sea turtles in as well.  Would love to see those in the wild.




*Hike Rawanda/Congo on a gorilla safari.
(But only if the guide has a stun gun in case we are charged by a huge silver back.)



*Fly to Ireland and Scotland to tour castles.


*Gaze over the Grand Canyon. Just for a minute and not near a ledge.  I don't like heights, would never ride those donkeys, and really, how long can you look at a crevice in the earth before it got boring saying "wow"?  But I dunno.


*Fly, of course, to New Zealand. It looked gorgeous on "The Lord of the Rings".  ( I think the movie was filmed there.)

*Spend Christmas in Jackson Hole, Wyoming to see the antler arch with snow and Christmas lights around and go dog sledding. (No skiing.  Dog sledding is dangerous enough for me.)

* Go to Seattle. Mountain area.  Been to the city.  Loved the Farmers Market .  It was great but want to see the outdoors.

*Drive all over the Blackfoot Mountains.

*ahhhhh.... "Misty"....
              Chincoteague Island Pony Swim

*Watch the Kentucky Derby in person.  Chris has and loved it.


*Look over Niagara Falls.  Just for a minute.  

How long can you look at a waterfall and say "wow" before it gets boring. But I dunno.

*Tour Washington, DC-Arlington, Holocaust Museum and all other museums.  Been to those but hurriedly.

*Watch Bald eagles on safari (as I call it) at Reel Foot Lake.

*Explore Yellowstone.   Would love to see elk and moose and mountain lion and beaver and bear and so. Except wolves.  I hate wolves.

*Mountain bike in Whistler.  On a one way trail
  With no one ever coming up behind me.

*Ride the Virginia Creeper Trail in the fall.  Beautiful leaves and cool weather.  I hate to sweat.  Ruins fun.

*Relax in Hot Springs, NC.

*go to hockey, hockey, hockey games. Everywhere along the way.




See!!!  That's a pretty long list.  I know how to have fun.  I could produce the greatest season of "The Bachelor".  Ever.

I'm sure I'll think of some more exciting adventures.  Maybe I'll start a bucket list on my blog.....

January 4, 2014 part 2

Continued Chris's birthday.....Jump Jam.  Planned to go at 6 before hockey game but the organized chaos was worse than normal so went after game.

Jump Jam'n wrist bands.

Jump Jam'ers.

Coat keeper.

January 4, 2014

Chris's birthday. Ice Bears hockey game with cousins Jeremiah and Sarah and friend Packy.

Trying to get Jeremiah and Sarah addicted to hockey like we did boating and wake boarding.  Sarah loved "Chuck a Puck".

Cousin Sarah. One of the most beautiful people I know.  Inside and out.  So thankful she met

and married my cousin Jeremiah.

Yum.....what's a night without popcorn........

Ice Bears won!!

Me and Packy. He was Chris's best man.

Me and birthday boy.

Pat and birthday boy.

ky.

Happy 41st Chrissy!!

January 3, 2013

Day started at work celebrating Bridget's birthday then to my great niece Chelsea fixing my hair to the hockey game to end with stopping by Bridget's 50th birthday party at Wild Wings for a quick minute to wish her happy birthday.

Bridget's work birthday in office. 

Love Chelsea's messy buns!

Colton made the cupcakes for him mom.

Me and birthday girl.

Chris and sis 

Dave and Tonya. Chris and Bridget's cousins.