Thursday, November 1-Friday, November 30
Barbara: November came in rather as an eye-opener for me. After having the stent put in my heart, everything seemed to remind me of the beauty of life. It seems to me that sometimes we tend to take everything for granted and don’t take time to tell God just how much we appreciate all we have. What better month to talk about thankfulness than November. Jim and I continue to miss our home at the lake, however he lovingly continues to find time to make it a beautiful place.
Saturday, November 3
Today we took time to go to the Mineola Civic Center and walk. This remains a special place to us as it was our first “home” in Mineola. The RV park at the CC introduced us to the leisurely way of life here in East Texas, it’s where we met our first friends, Gene & Carolyn, and it’s where we first found the beauty of Wood County.
Tuesday, November 6
We returned to the Civic Center on the 6th to meet Ronnie, the Wood Memorial transportation driver, and Edith. We had arranged for him to bring Edith over to vote. Though Edith can’t see well enough to read the ballot the voting officials did a wonderful job of helping her do her civic duty.
Edith has voted in every general election since 1940 and was thrilled that this year would be no exception.
Thursday, November 8
Cat sent us a staged picture of Jaycie behind the wheel. It’s hard to believe that she’s ready to take that big step!
Friday, November 9
Since we’re on our way to Artesia again as Jim is going to play Taps at the dedication of the Baish Veterans Park on Monday, the 12 for Veterans’ Day, we called Dandy and asked if she wanted to meet us for a homemade chicken salad sandwich when we came through Abilene.
Dandy’s quite a sport, because by the time we got to Abilene the wind was absolutely howling. However, at the truck stop we could stand/sit in a sheltered area and eat and visit at the same time. Now that is a friend!
Saturday, November 10
Today First Methodist Artesia was having a craft sale and turkey meal. As Jim visited with Ron Davis, a former high school friend, I found myself visiting with a former member of my father’s first church, Clark Memorial Methodist, in Artesia.
Eventually, we sat down to a wonderful meal and visit with Nancy, Jerry, and Becky.
Though we always enjoy being in Artesia, at times, such as today, we are reminded of something we don’t like about it…the Artesia “rainstorms.” And, yet, even then, we are able to see the majesty in New Mexico where the open skies and rugged beauty touch our hearts.
Speaking of touching our hearts…we received this picture of granddaughter, Ava, today. Obviously, another favorite beauty of ours!
Sunday, November 11
We attended church with everyone this AM, but spent the evening playing games and watching facebook just waiting for Cathey to post pictures of Jaycie attending the Monterey Volleyball banquet which was held today.
Monday, November 12
There is absolutely no way I can describe this day which began with me going to Burger King and meeting with my childhood friend Patsy for another visit. It has been so fun to connect the dots of the past with her. We agreed that next time we’ll drag Jim and Marion along so they can meet each other.
Too soon it was time for me to get Jim and head to Baish Park for the dedication service. My sister Carol was coming over from Roswell so it was quickly becoming a family affair.
There are no words to describe the moving ceremony witnessed today in Artesia. We were so impressed with every aspect of it and with the number of people who chose to share in this event.
Eventually, after eating lunch with Carol, we headed to the car and drove over to Hobbs where we planned to spend the night as our day wasn't even close to over!
Our first stop was the McDonald’s right by Wal-Mart in Hobbs. No, we weren't particularly thirsty or hungry, this is where I had made arrangements to meet another childhood friend of mine, Margie. I had already visited with Patsy and Ann; so was excited to add Margie and her husband Buddy to my reunion list.
Once our visit was over, Jim dropped me off at the motel and while I got us settled in the motel, Jim drove over to Lovington to see Marie, his former mother-in-law.
Before our trip, I had visited with a former student, Brendan, and let him know that we’d be in Hobbs and that I would love to see him once again if he had time. Brendan, an officer with the sheriff’s department, agreed, and we made all the arrangements. So, once Jim let me know he was on the way back from Lovington, I called Brendan and he said he’d be over shortly.
Our final plans for this busy day was to go to dinner with Susie and her friend Rhonda. However, before we left, Susie called to let me know that Karen and her husband Conner were joining us. Jim and I were pretty excited about this because we don’t often get to visit with Karen and Conner. Also, it meant we would get to see their lovely new home.
Jim and I decided that this marathon day was one of the longest we had had in quite a while; however, it was definitely a fun one!
Friday, November 16
A quick morning trip to Dallas enabled Jim and me to join Marilyn and Len Dondis at Abby and Alexander’s school for Grandparents’ Day where we got to watch each child perform with their classmates. Once the program was over, all of us went out to eat at The Blue Mesa Grill.
Then it was back to Mineola for us where we would share the pictures with Edith.
Happy Birthday to son-in-law Ryan in Cleburne!!!
Saturday, November 17
Happy 18th birthday, granddaughter Randi!
Wednesday, November 21st
It’s time to celebrate Thanksgiving with Edith at her home. We are so blessed that Ronnie (the transportation driver) and Wood Memorial are so willing to make certain Edith can come home to celebrate special occasions!
Notice that the turkey in the box says, “Goggle till you wobble.” And…the Mayflower bread ship filled with stuffing.
Behind the scenes pics of Leah helping us get ready.
Family groups with Edith…
Leah, me, Jim, Edith
Pastor David, Beth, granddaughter Jasmyne, Edith
Angela, Ladd, TJ, Madaline, Edith
Sunday, November 25
Happy birthday to daughter-in-law Carol!
I just can’t ignore the fact that my younger son, Jimmy Clint’s birthday was today, too. He would have been 41 if he had lived.
Fall foliage in East Texas…
Monday, November 26
Happy birthday to son, Mike.
Mike's pride and joy, Ava, in pink.
Today was the first day of heart rehab for Barbara. We will have to drive to Quitman each time as there is no heart rehab in Mineola. At least Quitman is closer than Tyler!
This first visit was just evaluation and paperwork. Barbara will officially start on Wednesday. Then it will be every MWF.
We finally get to “see” Phoebe our great grand-pig! Granddaughter Randi has had quite an adventure learning to be responsible for the care and feeding of this young one.
Wednesday, November 28
Barbara’s 68th Birthday
To celebrate the occasion, we decided to drive over to Bossier City and do our Christmas shopping. We learned last year that by going to the Riverwalk we are able to get 95% of our shopping completed and have a good time, too.
This was the first time that the trolley has been operating while we were there; so, of course, we had to bum a ride and take photos.
The trip was definitely a success!
"Every day should be passed as if it were to be our last." — Publilius Syrus (a Latin writer of maxims, flourished in the 1st century BC. He was a Syrian who was brought as a slave to Italy, but by his wit and talent he won the favor of his master, who freed and educated him.)
Thankful and happy in Mineola,
Jim/Dad/Gramps and Barbara/Mom/Grams
