December 10 - tomorrow.

It was four years ago tomorrow that God literally dropped a present into my life. I had been single for 9 years, and was very happy and content. I had a lot of wonderful single friends and didn't feel a need for a new man. Well, God had other plans. Two people were working behind the scenes to try to get Bill and I to meet. Those two people were Ron Scruggs and Bill's brother Howard. Bill and I had both been through a lot of hurt in our short lives and we both had some baggage. Finally after months of hearing about each other, I got to work and there was a short email from Bill Russell. He wanted to call me on the phone that evening. Well, sure enough, he did and we talked for hours. We continued to talk for a couple of weeks and he mentioned that he had 2 weeks off for Christmas and was trying to decide what to do. I already had plans to go to Ohio to see my parents. Mom had been sick with cancer and I felt like I had to go. However, he mentioned that he might come to Ohio also (to visit his brother) and maybe we could meet for lunch or something. Well, as time went on, the girls really wanted me to come back for Christmas so, I decided to go to Ohio before Christmas and I invited Bill to come to Salisbury. After I invited him, I decided I was crazy. I was very upfront on the phone. What if we couldn't stand each other and I didn't want him around? I was having all kinds of thoughts. He flew in on Christmas day and was to leave on New Years day. Of course, I was a nervous wreck. Janelle helped me pick out "just the right outfit" etc. The girls made sure my hair was ok and I looked fine. Off I went to the Greensboro airport to pick up a man I had never laid eyes on before. He told me what he was wearing and I told him what I was wearing. After wearing a path in the floor, I finally called his cell phone and he informed me that he was coming down the escalator. I looked up and there was a man on a cell phone and I knew it had to be him. Well, after spending a wonderful week together we felt that it was a "match made in heaven." After having a long distance relationship for 1 year and 4 months, we were married on March 12, 2006. Our marriage is one of the most wonderful joys in my life. He is a wonderful husband, a wonderful provider, so considerate of me, a great listener and he makes me laugh all of time. I could say so many things.... we just have a wonderful relationship and I am so glad that 4 years ago, I answered a three line email from Bill Russell.

Mom turns 76.

Well, yesterday was mom's 76 birthday. We had a little celebration at my house with cake and ice cream. Everyone that lived in the area was able to attend.

Mom hasn't been feeling well, and we weren't sure we could have a celebration. But, she felt a little better by the end of the day. She is going back to the doctor today to see what is going on.

This woman has been my mom for 52 years. She has always been a wonderful example of godliness and has always had such a giving heart. She would always give of her time to help people in need. I remember many times when she gave of her time to help others. When her sister was left single at a young age, she babysat her two kids so that Evelyn could work. We became very close cousins and still to this day, remain close. She was always giving. She volunteered for years at our Christian School where we attended. She would drive us there everyday and then stay there and work in the office. She did this for years with no pay. She gave to the bus ministry at her church for years and years. She still at 76 years old, plays the piano at her church and gives endless hours to the Gideon ministry. She continues to give to her children daily. She has the whole family for dinner every Sunday without fail. She loves having the family together. She babysits the baby grandson when she has the energy to do so. He does take a lot of energy, I'll vouch for that. He is non-stop all the time. But we love him dearly.

I hope you had a wonderful birthday and hope you have many more!! We all love you!!

Family...

I love having family around. I think the older you get the more you cherish your times together. This past week, my father-in-law went to be with Jesus and we traveled to Pennsylvania for the funeral. We stayed a couple of extra days and just had a good time with Bill's family. I am just getting to know them all, as I am one of the newest members but I love them all dearly. There are 5 boys and 1 girl in Bill's family. Then there are 15 grandchildren and I think 38 grandchildren. EVERYONE was there except two grandsons and their children. It was a crowd. It was just a wonderful week-end. We laughed and cried at all the stories. When the wives are together, it is amazing how much the boys are alike. They hate the same foods and have a lot of the same traits. It is just so funny. The last evening we were there, one of the nephews built a bonfire. We sat around, sang, roasted marshmellows and laughed some more. It was just a wonderful time together even though were sad to say good-bye to Bill's dad. He is so much better off and we would never wish to have him back. He is running around on the streets of gold - something he has looked forward to all of his life.

Tropical Storm Fay

Well, thanks to Tropical Storm Fay, we have had some pretty heavy rains here in Salisbury. We heard we got between 8-10 inches and there was a lot of flooding. This was a picture of I-85 and the underpass. Traffic was stalled literally all day yesterday. Our pond behind our house overflowed and there was water everywhere. It has been interesting to say the least. I have lived in Salisbury for 25 years and have never seen it flood like this. They were actually taking people out in boats. Well, it is better today but who knows - they are calling for more rain.

Cell Phones

Have you ever had someone get very upset with you because you didn't answer your cell phone? Well, I must admit that I am pretty bad about it too. I leave it in my car, my purse, on the counter and miss a lot of calls by not wearing it on my side.

With all this talk about cell phones causing cancer...maybe I should just get rid of it.

A cell phone is for my convenience, not everyone elses. I have had the same cell phone number for years, so a lot of people have it. Unfortunately!! For example, I am right in the middle of my Sunday nap last Sunday and my cell phone continues to ring. The person kept leaving messages, so betwee the rings, it was beeping with messages. It really was trying to get my attention. It was very annoying, to say the least. Finally, very distrubed, I got off my easy chair to attend to my cell phone that is beeping and ringing and calling for my attention. I know that if it is one of the kids, they know the home number and Bill's number. If they really need to get us, they will try the other numbers. Who is needing my attention?

Well, it was a business call. Not only did I have to stop my napping, I had to get in the car and come to the work place. Two dumbies had parked Uhaul trucks in front of the gate at work and a semi was here to deliver the "Auto Trader" magazine into a storage unit and he couldn't get through. He was not a happy camper. I actually had to move 3 trucks so he could get through. The u-haul truck drivers were all men. Now I could see a woman parking in front of the gate ...but a man? Come on now. Oh, well, so much for the Sunday Afternoon nap.

These are Bill's two friends who sneaked across the fence with him.

Another picture

This is Bill standing in the bucket of Big Brutus.