Nothing short of a miracle...

My daughter and 8-month old grandson were among the many battered by Hurricane Irene in North Carolina (New Bern). Having lived in South Texas most of our lives, our immediate family is familiar with Hurricanes. This knowledge we came to realize was both a blessing and a curse. If you've ever experienced the inability to help a friend or loved one, whether due to distance or circumstance, you know the horrible feeling of helplessness we experienced. My son-in-law is currently deployed...I know the feeling of helplessness must have been amplified for him. Let me tell you, there were lots of prayers!!! Hunkered down in her home, my daughter, grandson and her sister-in-law rode out the "Wrath of Irene". They lost electricity in the early AM hours on Saturday (08-27). Communication was limited both due to the storm and loss of power. We were relieved to hear from our daughter around 4:30 PM. Though the storm continued to rage, it appeared the worst was over, but they remained without power. Today (08-29) was like Christmas for my daughter...around 3:30 PM, EST, electricity was restored to her home. Our family has breathed a collective sigh of relieve...life is returning to normal. Amazingly, her home suffered no damage! We thank God for protecting and sustaining them through the storm, and continue to pray for those affected by Hurricane Irene.

 

Wednesday wisdom...

Fall...come quickly!

I don't know about where you live, but man is it HOT in South Texas! In addition to a break from the heat, we desperately need rain. The heat has me longing for cooler, fall weather (South Texas doesn't have a true fall, but we take what we can get!). Although life's been hectic of late, I managed to pick up several little Halloween decorations a few weeks ago...can't wait for the weather to "nicen" up a bit so the fall decorating can begin!

Until next time...take care, Along the way!

Wednesday feature...

One of my many collection addictions includes quotes. Thought I'd take advantage of the blog forum to regularly share some of my favorites. To officially kick off my "Wednesday Wisdom" segment, I've selected a quote from Albert Einstein...how can you go wrong with a man that knows all too well what it's like to have a bad hair day! ;)

"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."   
                 ~ Albert Einstein     

Happy Wednesday...make it count!

Thankful, tired, & soon-to-be Retired!

Whew, the past month has been a blur! My daughter and grandson spent the last 3-weeks with us. My husband flew to a SC destination where our daughter met him and they proceeded to make the long drive to Texas. We enjoyed their visit SO much! I quickly remembered how much energy a 7-month old requires...I must get in shape to be a Nana! Coincidently, I'll soon have more time to focus on fitness and domestic projects because....I'm retiring!!! My employer offered eligible employees the opportunity to retire as a way to help address projected budget constraints (the caveat being retirement must occur by August 31st). Needless to say, retirement came a bit earlier than anticipated, but all the pieces just fell into place. So amid the joy of family festivities, I hustled to submit retirement paperwork. August 4th, I joined my daughter and grandson for the drive back to their home. I kick myself for not taking photos of her vehicle...it just may have set a new Guiness Book of World Records for the most stuff CRAMMED into a mid-sized SUV :))). Day 1 ended in Texarkana; Day 2 in Memphis, TN where my grandson was introduced to more family; Day 3...Memphis, TN to New Bern, NC. Let me tell you, that was a LOT of hours in a car, but  fun nonetheless! I was able to spend a few days at my daughters' then flew home August 9th. Life in the fast lane...gotta love it!

Until next time, take care...Along the way!

A week in photos...

My daughter and grandson arrived at our house exactly one week ago today. The week has been a blur...a six and a half month old will do that! Here's a few photo highlights from our week...

Knotty Nana...

It's true...I've been a knotty Nana! My grandson and lovely daughter will be coming home for a visit  next week. I wanted to have a new blanket or two on hand for our little guy's "tummy time". Thought I'd try my hand at a no sew fleece throw. I know, I know, this project's been around a while...I just jumped on board. I knocked out this little blankie this morning. Let me tell ya, I was a knotting fool! Don't think I've ever tied that many consecutive knots in my life!

Although we're eagerly anticipating the arrival of our babies, the timing is bittersweet as our son-in-law will deploy shortly after his wife and little son leave for Texas. We'll miss him, and ask for your continued thoughts and prayers not only for our son-in-law, but for all those serving in our military and their families...they sacrifice SO much for us all!

Thanks for stopping by, Along the Way!

Happy Birthday America...

Red, white and blue decorations are in place, barbecue pits are waiting to be fired up. Whatever traditions you enjoy in celebration of July 4th, I hope you find the time to reflect on the many freedoms we as Americans enjoy. We know all too well, freedom IS NOT free. And while you're reflecting, say a prayer for those who have honorably served our country, past, present and future. 

Our military and their families sacrifice so much for us all.

God Bless America!