So Thankful!

So, this is a thing. 

Fridge's pump leaked, ruining the kitchen floor, the hall floor, and down into John's office in the basement.

The biggest thing is that the leak leaked down onto my Tabriz rug. The man assured me that they would take good care of it and cold-clean it and bring it back "as good as new." I told them it was just about as old as I am, and John said, "Sixty!" nuh-huh. I'm not sixty yet! ;)

We may end up having to have the entire floor in the house replaced if the affected boards can't be dried properly. The. Entire. House.

Starting our month of Thankfulness, we are thankful for insurance.

And--I am SO THANKFUL that this is not as bad as the last time this company helped us out! That was in 2002, at our old house, when our septic tank backed up into the basement. I told the men that story, and he said we're legendary! We're still talked about. :)

Mama, her name is "Friend."

This is our Hurricane Irma story, and how making one Friend can help others years later.


Seven years ago we took the kids on vacation to Vero Beach, Florida. Luci met a little girl she called "Friend," because she could never remember the girl's name.

Luci and Friend, otherwise known as Isabella

 Friend's mother and I exchanged Facebook friendships because we had pictures of each other's daughter to share. We left Vero Beach for Alabama, and they went home to Kentucky.

Fast forward to Monday, as Hurricane Irma chased people out of Florida to points north. On my Facebook feed I saw a post about a family who was stuck in Kentucky, on their way to Ohio, but their truck broke down and the mom was about to give birth. Their household goods were on an open trailer in the parking lot of a hospital they found for the mother, who had begun labor. I shared the message, hoping to find someone in my friends list who was close by.

Within fifteen minutes, Friend's mother commented, and said that her husband is a minister in a church just a few blocks from the hospital.

Within two hours from my first request, the family had food for mom, dad and siblings, their trailer was stored in a safe place, lodging for after the hospital stay was found, and a loaner vehicle was in the works until their truck could be fixed. Friend's family and others were helping this family in need.

beautiful Olivia!

It was so lovely seeing the hands and feet of Jesus being worked out through Facebook. We could not be there to help but Friend and her family certainly could.

This story keeps getting better--not only does Olivia have a great "How I Got Here" story, but the family's house is fine, ready for them to return home when the truck gets fixed. Dad says that they've been "absolutely overwhelmed by all the love." Here's his whole message:

Olivia ___ ___ was born at 3:16 yesterday [Monday] afternoon weighing 7 lb 11 oz. Mom is doing well with the exception of a cold or something of that nature. Olivia is happy and healthy and we are so happy she's finally here!

Words cannot possibly express to everyone how overwhelmingly grateful we are. Never in our lives have we seen such an outpouring of kindness from strangers. I've been trying for about 5 hours to post an update for everyone here but every time I've begun there's been a visitor at the door or a phone call. My apologies.

Oh my. I am in tears as I write this.

We are so thankful for Friend (known as "Isabella" to most people) and her family! You never know what a friendship between five year old little girls will amount to.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Updated: Amy, mother of "Friend," has let me know that the family has had all needs taken care of, and they found their own housing, and most was figured out without Amy's family's aid. But still shows how small a world we live in, and how wonderful people are when you need them!

Another Lovely Update: Kelsey Malicote has helped raise money for a new minivan for the family! Malicote reached out to Dan Cummins Chevrolet & Buick; the dealership offered to help the family get a new vehicle.

On Wednesday afternoon, the family left the hospital and traveled to Dan Cummins in Paris. The dealership agreed to sell the family a 2009 Saturn Outlook for the $5,000 the community raised for them. The vehicle retails for $12,000.

The family will be staying with a family here in Lexington. They plan to head back home to Florida in about two weeks. Here is Kelsey's website: The Malicotes. 

The ARK Encounter

Luci and I went on an adventure yesterday.

722 miles.
16 hours.
1 ARK.

Luci did not want to leave home. I told her that there would be a gift shop at the end of the Ark, which elicited a raised eyebrow and a "hmmmm." For Luci, that's as good as a "Yippee!" from any other kid.

Luci's way of viewing grand things, like the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, the Eclipse, is to glance at it and get in the car ("that's a big hole," "Hmmm," and "I'm going back inside to watch a video."), so I didn't plan on a whole day at the Ark. We got up at 5 and headed to Williamstown, KY. Once we got there, Luci enjoyed it! She read more than I did, and pulled me to see exhibits I hadn't noticed.

And, it was HUGE. Totally could see how Noah and his family were able to fit everything in. Luci and I wondered about waste (poop and such) and that was addressed, too.

We recommend you GO!

My Favorite

Our town has the WC Handy Festival each year in honor of ... WC Handy! He's the Father of the Blues, and was born here in Florence. It's wonderful! Musicians from all over come to the Shoals area to sing and entertain, all in honor of WC Handy and his legacy. Much of the music centers on "The Blues."

One year, when Bryan was two and still dancing in public, he and I went to a "Handy on the Plaza" event. Denise Thimes was the singer, along with a band (I'm sorry I cannot recall the name of the band).

You need a little of the backstory at this point: John has sung, "Summertime and the livin' is easy..." to the children when they were tiny. It's his song, his lullaby. So special.

The plaza was hot. People gathered to enjoy Ms. Thimes. There was a big piece of linoleum rolled out for a dance floor. Bryan (aged two, remember) and several senior citizens were dancing along to the lovely songs that Denise was singing.

Denise started up with, "Summertime, and the livin' is easy," and took Bryan's hand and danced with him as she sang. Oh my! This mama was so happy.

Every year I've looked for Denise Thimes on the WC Handy event list. Every year that she's here, I've gone to listen to her.

Today she was scheduled to sing at 306 BBQ , so guess where I was for lunch? I took Luci and called John to see if he could join us (he could). 

At intermission, Denise walked around and visited with folks. I dragged brought Luci to meet Ms. Thimes. I asked if she were going to sing "Summertime" and she said she could (yay!), and I got John to take a picture. I also embarrassed Luci totally by telling the lady of my memory of her singing "Summertime" and dancing with my little boy.

There I am, grinning like an idiot. I was so excited! Denise asked if I were a singer (no, I just pretend), because I looked familiar to her. She was sure she'd seen me somewhere. John says I just look like other people.  😕

Just for that, John, here's a pic of us on our big date today. 

Here is Denise Thimes singing "Summertime!"

Just when I thought it was over...

...along comes another Luci-ism!

I'm home sick today--the gastrointestinal virus has hit. John and Bryan are out on a job, so it falls to JT to take Luci to the dentist.

JT and Luci left early, to visit the Verizon store before the dentist.

Luci called to ask me a question about the dental visit:

When is my disappointment again?

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today is the birthday of the most famous person to ever graduate from the class of 1948 of Castle Heights Military Academy.

Charles W Bryan, Sr!

What makes him famous?

He married a lovely young lady from Lebanon, TN, who is famous, too!

He was a hot-shot pilot in the US Air Force.

He has five children, all of whom think he's the best.

He was the best math teacher Boise High School has ever had.

He loves God.

He really should be famous.

So, to honor Dad, Luci and I ran off yesterday on an adventure. We headed to Lebanon to take some special photos just for Dad. (I forgot to tell John or anyone else that we were going!)

Luci has on a special jacket, too. I can't believe Papa was ever this small! Look! It almost fits ME!

Castle Heights was established in 1902 and was an exclusive military academy. Boys from all over the world came to Lebanon to be a cadet at Castle Heights. It was a special place. In 1973 the first girls were admitted, and in 1986 the school closed. (I'm not saying it was because of the girls. ;) Rising tuition, prevalence of private schools in the area, and reluctance of children to go away to boarding schools were probably what did it in. But it might have been the girls. Yes, I know I'm not politically correct. I don't care.)

We had a good time taking photos, and then, to Luci's dismay, I wanted to go inside the "castle." Surely you've had enough, hadn't you? No, Luci, we're going in. And my name's not Shirley.

So embarrassed to be put on the stairs and made to pose. That posture would never do at Castle Heights, young lady! (See? It might have been because of girls.)

There were two display cases of CHMA memorabilia in the lobby, which is now City of Lebanon property.

More posing.

Smile, Luci! I am.

Then I had the great idea to speak to the receptionist. Mom, really?? Dad would want me to, Luci. 

So I introduced Luci and myself, telling the oh-so-impressed polite young lady that we were the daughter and granddaughter of a CHMA graduate of 1948, and that tomorrow (today!) is his birthday. And yes, Dad, I mentioned your name. TWICE. Luci was very embarrassed. 

She pointed out that there was a little museum in the basement, and perhaps the library is open today, just across the parking lot. Luci and I headed to the basement.

The museum is a nice little thing. Little. And mostly it was a history of Lebanon. It tells the history of Lebanon very well. I'm sure every school-aged child in Lebanon has been through it.  Here are the displays pertaining to Castle Heights and the town around the time Dad was in school there.

Dad, this picture was from 1948. Was the flooding before you graduated? Do you remember this?

 

This was not part of the Castle Heights display, but I found it interesting. Engineer's tools for surveying.

Luci loved this display

and she found the tiny ring fascinating.

The library. Beautiful building.

The library was locked today. We were hoping to get in to see the ceiling--I hear it's gorgeous.

Afterward, we headed around town to see things that I remember from visits there with my family.

The Sonic Drive In where Janet and I would escape for "Happy Hour," where we could get a huuuge coke for a dollar. We could only handle so much excitement at Papa's house.

Mom! Quit taking selfies!

The town square.

Shoney's. It's an all-new building now. Janet and I remember riding with Granddaddy and Mary while Mom and Dad followed behind. Janet and I were sure we were going to die because, well, Granddaddy was not a very safe driver. Let's just say that the town square did not slow him down.

The big lunch! McDonalds. We had to get food to go so we could get home in time for art class. I was hoping to have time for a diner or something, of course making Luci wear Dad's Castle Heights jacket. Maybe next trip.

Papa's house, where Janet and I would sit on the porch swing and yell at boys passing by. No, we weren't wild children. What did we yell? Take a picture, it lasts longer! to boys staring as they walked down the road.

Sister's house (I think I got the right one!) where Mom and Dad were married. Sister (Dad's sister, that wasn't her given name, silly) had a passle of kids. One visit, at supper, Mom bowed her head for the prayer. She said, "Amen," and looked up, but no one had prayed yet. It was just raucous with all them kids.

I can't get the thingy on blogger to put the text to the left. Sorry about that.

Luci and I saw this in Lawrenceburg on our way to Lebanon. A pic just for Aunt Janet. :)

And, this is the expected weather today, which is why we didn't go on your actual birthday, Dad.

We love you, Dad! Happy Birthday!!

Beautiful Danger

Today, as I watched Luci trying to grasp her spoon to eat cereal, I asked her,

How do you pick your nose with those things?

Her answer? "I don't pick my nose."

Never?

"Never."

Even the Queen of England picks her nose! Even Princess Kate picks her nose!

"Not me."

John chimes in, "Bryan picks his nose. I have a video of it."

No way. I've never seen it! Are you sure it wasn't a video of Heath (because I'm sure I would have been the one taking the video when Bryan was little)?  How old was he?

"Uh, 23."

Oh.

Luci says, "I see these nails as weapons. Claws. Beautiful weapons. Like a .22. I mean, a .22 is beautiful."