Hurricane Ike update

The area in which my sister and her family lives in was spared from Hurricane Ike. The many prayers that were offered up for them was answered. Even though there is major devastation for parts of Texas and Louisiana where she lives was virtually left untouched- they didn't even receive winds and rain. Those areas which are devastated need continued prayers. Please remember them.

Hurricane Ike

Right now evacuations are beginning for many Texas residents. We need to keep those people in our prayers. We need to also pray for those who have already weathered this hurricane. As it's traveling across the Gulf it is gaining momentum and landfall is expected late Friday/ early Saturday. If you live in this area follow procedures as they are posted- your life is worth more than possessions.
Take care and God Bless!

Old King Coal Festival

If you grew up in southern Illinois, and in particular West Frankfort, then the Old King Coal Festival is something that you would've looked forward to every September. Even though it was always a bummer to go back to school the festival was the summer's last shout before autumn settled in. Autumns in southern Illinois were always breath-taking with its changing foliage and wood smoke in the air. The festival itself dates back many years and since southern Illinois is full of coal why not have a festival? The last time I went was 1990 but as a child I would never miss it. If my parents didn't take me my eldest sister did when she was at home. Once I hit Jr. High I would go by myself. It was always fun to walk around the Midway, toss the hoops to win a prize or eat some cotton candy. The rides were always spectacular too. I died a thousand deaths on the Hurricane, Super Tempest and Round-Up. Now, when I smell funnel cakes, I instantly think of the Old King Coal Festival. I truly believe that our memory is in our noses. If you're ever near West Frankfort and it's mid September stop in for some Old King Coal fun.



http://www.oldkingcoal.com/

5 Sundays are better than 5 Mondays

Last month was a five Sunday month. This month, unfortunately, is a five Monday month. I know that all you M-F workers will agree that five Sundays are better than five Mondays. When the whistle sounds and you're driving home from work tomorrow think of how that two are down and there's only three more to go. Once next week rolls around you're on the down hill slide.

Have a great weekend everyone! :)

Autumn is almost here!!

The exciting thing about that is that October is next month and with October comes Halloween and that is my favorite holiday. I hope and pray that it cools down some so it can feel a little bit like autumn. The leaves don't turn around here till January but if we could get some of that cool autumn weather that would be enough for me. For those of you who live in a northern state get out there and enjoy the changing season. And when you do, think of me! ;)

Back to School

It's hard to believe that August is almost over. The good thing in that is Autumn is almost here. If you live where I do though that doesn't mean too much unfortunately. I miss the changing colors, crispness in the air and the smell of wood smoke.

With August comes a return to school. Some people may or may not be happy about that but the summer is long enough. It is time for those who are students to return to school and clear the cobwebs from their minds. I hope and pray that their brains are responsive to what's being taught to them and I also pray that educators everywhere have the strength and fortitude to tackle a new school year.

How about the Olympics? I'm not a fan of the Summer Olympics but I am a huge fan of the Winter Olympics. It is awesome that Michael Phelps won all the medals that he did. He beat Mark Spitz's record and that stood for 36 years! All the Olympians are winners though because it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to qualify so hats off to them all!

Julius is doing well- he's beginning to fill out so I'm going to cut some of his food back. Since Cali was stolen he's been at home every day. I spend more time with him because I know he's lonely without her. He's very sweet and I always know when he doesn't want me to go in; he'll stand by the door not letting me go inside. If that doesn't work then he'll hiss and start biting my toes. It's so cute but a little worrisome sometimes.

Well, keep cool y'all!!

Happy August!

It's hard to believe that it's August 1st already. Autumn will be here soon and even though that doesn't mean a whole lot in central Texas it is still a great time of year. Honestly I do not like summer and the months of July August have never been my favorite.

I did my monthly weigh in and as of today I have lost 100 pounds since August 2007. I still have more to lose but 100 pounds is nothing to sneeze at. That is an amazing weight loss victory and I'm very happy about it.

I am looking for a job right now. It's not been easy but the Lord knows what I need and I have faith that something wonderful will come my way. The hard part is is having a degree but no experience.

On a sadder note Cali is gone. As far as we know she's not dead and we believe her former owners took her away. They live behind us and being that they're not the most pleasant of people there's nothing we can do about it. I miss her terribly and Julius is very lonesome for her. After process of elimination the only explanation is that her former owners took her and gave her to someone they know. I have scoured the neighborhood and I put up a flyer in the local post office I have walked around the neighborhood asking if anyone has seen her and no one can tell me anything. It's almost as if she disappeared off the face of the earth. I hope she's happy wherever she is and that she's being treated right. She's a very sweet cat so she deserves the best. I'll have to say that she was the best cat I ever had the pleasure of owning. Or should I say had the pleasure of being owned by.

Keep Cali and me in your prayers. Have a great day. Good Bless!