For the Joy of the Journey

The month of February is almost gone. After a very difficult winter, it seems that we are beginning to experience a warming trend. I have been able to get the leaves in the yard picked up and will do some seeding and fertilizing before long. I also have some yard wok to do at the guest house. Last week I power washed our picket fence and on Friday I began painting. It appears I will not be able to paint for the next 7-10 days, but it is a good start.

We have volunteered to be foster parents to a rabbit that belongs to our friends who recently moved from across the street to a new place where they cannot have pets. I had a hutch and Shuki is staying in the rear area of our carriage house. It is working out fine so far. Our friends will reclaim Shuki when they are able.

As noted earlier February is a big birthday month in our family. Scott and Allison’s twin boys, Neyland and Turner, celebrated their 1st birthday and we were able to be there with them. They are really precious kids and are getting really busy.

While we were at Scott’s, he and I walked down to the lake in his development and fished for some bass.  Not long after we got there Scott hooked a nice bass which turned out to be a 6# 9oz lunker, the biggest bass he has ever caught. I caught 5 fish but nothing even close to his.

The grandkids winter sports are winding down. The Crockett boys are playing basketball and are having very good seasons. Two more games and then baseball starts. The Gabehart boys are finished with wrestling. Ryan’s year was cut short because of a broken leg. Kyle had a good year and made it to regionals. Tyler had a great year. He made it to the state tournament and finished 2nd in  his age/weight group.

Grayson was recently selected to be on the jump rope team at his school. It was quite an honor because he is only one of three 3rd graders picked for the team. The team had their first presentation last week. Here is a short video of Grayson.

Grayson Jump Rope

It looks like it is going to be a busy spring. I have a lot of projects on my list and that does not always include what is on Ann’s list for me. That is a good thing.

Happy Birthday to the love of my life. I am thankful for all our years together. May today be special for you. I love you.

I haven’t posted in a while and thought I would share some mostly random, rambling thoughts.

My journal for the past 3+ years is full. In looking for a new journal, I came across a  previous journal which is only half full. I plan to use it. Those entries span nearly 4 years. It was during that time we made a lot of decisions that dramatically changed our lives. As I read through those entries, it was helpful to be reminded of some of the circumstances and thinking that led us to where we are. I hope to post some reflections in the next few months.

I have been reminded again that live is not static. In the past three years we have enjoyed being neighbors and friends with Mark and Leslie and their two children born during that time. Mark is finishing up his class work at the seminary. They have been a joyful part of our days. Last weekend they moved to new seminary housing. Despite the fact that they are just a short distance away, there is a  a void and I miss them a lot. Unfortunately two other neighbor families that we have gotten to know and love are also moving to the new housing. I am praying for God to fill that void with kingdom opportunities.

I have been taking a pottery class the past several weeks. My artistic inner self has been tweaked and my first creations are pictured below. (Birthday gift??? There’s nothing like a beautiful hand crafted piece of pottery!!! Don’t tell Ann.)