Dropping Off The Books

Saturday, George called. He had been plowing snow all night and wondered if we wanted to go to lunch at Libby's. Lunch at Libby's sounded great, so we called The Ziters with Sandy...alias the great Sandini. George, Jack and I met at Libby's Diner along with Jason, Michelle, Adam and Nick, and Sandy who just arrived Friday night from Maryland.(not Sandy,she didn't go to Maryland, just the Ziters) I had been planning a trip to Chelsea, Vermont for saturday to drop off the SGNA books to the incoming President, Linda. As it turns out, Linda lives a bit over 10 miles from George in Brookfield. My plan was to drop the books, then swing by George and Laurels for a visit. Now that we were meeting for lunch, I gave the books to George and he dropped them at the hospital where Linda works in Central Vermont. The security guard let him into the office and there he left the books. George called me from CVMC to let me know the task had been completed. Another chapter over. In 2 days I will officially be the past president of the Vermont Region #63 SGNA. It was a great year. Lots of travel. Met some very wonderful and dedicated nurses. It was an honor to be elected to that position, to serve the Vermont nurses, who are the best in my mind, was truly inspiring and again a very unique honor. I know Linda will do a great job as president. Conrad, our president elect will follow her. So the gavel...er rather ....books are passed. It has been a great year.

Welcome Home Ziters

Ok, so, I added these three pictures after I wrote the blog, hoping they would come in at the end....but Ohhhhh Noooooo, even when the cursor is at the end of the blog..nope, these have got to go first, but, what the heck as they say, they are great family pictures and they made it to the blog! Hooray for that!

The Ziter family spent much of their Christmas holiday in Maryland with the Ziter family there. They had a great time visitng with Alan,Winnie and the rest of the family. They got cultured in Washington DC, had great rides on the metro, and excellent weather for both trips to and from Maryland. Church there was awesome for them as well. Our God is so good.
Now that they are home, we had a dinner and gift exchange here. In a couple weeks, they will be off for another holiday celebration in Brookfield. What a fun time. Tonight we ate, laughed, Meghan showed us her missing tooth! Peter brought two yummy pies, but had to leave early because he is feeling a bit under the weather with a cough and a cold. Just as I got the grandkids settled into their games, and was ready to sit and relax, Peter was pretty wiped out and excused himself for the rest of the evening. It is good he is taking care of himself. We saved him some pie.

Elana sitting in the antique chair

The travelling Ziters


As you can tell, I still haven't perfected the pictures thing. But you can be sure I am working on it! Here a little there a little.

Big smiles from Stacy
Elana eating lasagna all by herself!

We all had a good time. We missed George and Laurel not being able to be with us. George's work schedule uncertain, and if he had to work tonight it would have been a lot of travelling and a lot of money for gas. I really missed them.
All in all we had a wonderful time. Ben worked on a slide presentation for tomorrow night's Watch Night Service at church. Talk about time crunch. So here it is, very late. I am filled to the brim with lasagna, salad, pie and good visiting. Oh, and did I tell you about the garlic bread? Well, after opening all the doors and windows and fanning the smoke detector we finally got the alarm to go off. Fortunately Jack had bought rolls for those who didn't like garlic bread, so there was plenty of bread to go around.
Happy New Year! May the grace and peace of God fill your hearts and minds and souls. And may you know for yourself this wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ, whose birth we have been celebrating this past week. Just get alone in a quiet place, and ask Him..."Jesus, if you are real, please show yourself to me." He will, He wants you to know Him and He wants to be your most trusted and best friend. He wants to be your personal Savior. Love (aunt)grammie Bea - times

A Visit With Rhoby

Hello to everyone from Rhoby! "Tell everybody I am 90 years old and still kicking!" Rhoby is my mother's twin brother and this was my third visit with him since I learned that he had moved so close by! It has been such a pleasure visiting with him. I must admit his hearing difficulties can make communication a challenge, never-the-less it is great spending time with him. He is very happy to be back in Vermont and likes living at the Retirement community. He has difficulty walking, and uses a walker to get around. Stays pretty much in his apartment, reading books, doing crossword puzzles and watching TV. I brought him some left over roast beef, potato, green beans and pie from our Christmas dinner. He will eat it later since he had already eaten by the time I got there. He was very appreciative. We visited for quite a while today. He told me about how he and his wife Cele met, how he taught his son's wife, Ellie, how to drive. His eyes twinkled when he told me he was the Best Man in Glenn and Ellie's wedding. Rhoby likes Ellie alot and speaks very fondly of her. He talks of his grandchildren Jennifer and Stephanie with the pride of a grandfather. Well, it was time to watch some TV and he started surfing the channels. I was wondering how many channels he would go through before he found something he liked...but he knew exactly where he was going! JEOPARDY!! So he and I watched Jeopardy together, and had a good time. He said he likes Wheel of Fortune as well and usually retires around 9pm, unless a good program comes on TV. Glenn and Ellie visit Rhoby regularly, bring him all his groceries and food and he tells me that about once a month they all go out to dinner. He likes that! As a matter of fact, that is how he met his wife, going out to eat! Rhoby went to accounting school then got a job at the Vetrans Retirement Home in Bennington. He liked the job because the pay was good and his meals were provided. One day he walked into the cafeteria to have his meal and he heard someone say "Hello, Rhoby!" It was Cele. And from that moment on they were destined to be together. Two months after they were married Rhoby was shipped to the Phillipieans for WWII. He was in the army for 5 years and earned the rank of Master Sargent. I had, in an earlier visit, brought him a picture of him in his army uniform. Quite the dashing young man! We chuckled about that. Rhoby has been a widower for many years and seems to have adjusted well to single life. He speaks postively of his current situation, is content and he does seem to like my visits. He is happy to be 90! Said he would not mind living to 100 to get a letter from whom ever the President of the United States is at that time! Such a goal! "I like being 90!" "I am the oldest one to make it this far!"

More Christmas Photos

Hello again from Northern Vermont - tis the day after Christmas and all through the house. Not a paper is stirring, just the computer mouse. Julie has tried and tried to fit 5 photos, in this blog for some fun, but 5 just won't go. So she gave up on trying, before starting crying and shrugged with a sigh , this techno stuff too high. She'll send what she can, enjoy them - hey, there's Sam. And in a few weeks, with some learning and tweeks, perhaps there will be photos galore. Enjoy with a laugh, smile, grin and a chuckle. So, good bye for now, Happy New Year to you with Blessings, Good Wishes & Many Kisses for one and for all.
Grace and Peace
Grammie Betimes.

Christmas 2007

Merry Christmas to all! It has been a wonderful day. Jack and I slept in... 7am is 2 hours later than our usual rolling out of bed time. It is still dark out when we leave for work in the morning at this time of year in Vermont. The first picture is one I took before sunrise this week, to get a glimpse of our lovely Christmas lights and decorated tree in the window. Jack and I enjoyed our early morning together today, coffee and Christmas devotions with Oswald Chambers, Charles Spurgeon, The Word and a time of prayer. Then, we opened our gifts here at home. Books to help us identify the birds that visit our feeders and a camping book will give us lots of fun reading and study. I have some very talented sisters who each made beautiful items to decorate our home. Jack, my Honey, got me a much needed and very welcomed new flannel nightgown, and, hooray, a new desk chair for when I am blogging, I am now in shear comfort!
A new coffee mug for the bus, flannel shirt and flannel lounge pants were Jack's gifts. Gee, flannel is IN in this household!
We headed to my brother Peter's in Burlington for a yummy breakfast of egg sausage bake, egg/ apple souffle with cinnamon walnut crunch topping and lime zest scones...and of course more coffee. I am on call, and as things turned out, got called in while driving to Burlington. Nothing too serious and the nurse on with me stayed to do the "clean up" after the procedure so I could join everyone for breakfast. Thank you Dawn, very much. It worked out well. I got to Clymer St. just as the egg sausage bake was coming out of the oven! George and Laurel joined us for the day. Ben and Stacy and their kids came, along with our good friend "the great Sandini" (Sandy). What a hoot! We had such a good time! Much fun and laughter. Once everyone arrived, we had a wonderful gifting extravaganza! The youngest shrilling and thrilling with their packages of toys and colored pencils, puppets and trains and socks and games. The older generation feeling the warmth and love of thoughtful gifts were well appreciated. Crystallized ginger, yum yum, from my brother will be savored for weeks to come! The kids (Ben, Stacy, George, Laurel, Sandy) went for a walk to the quarry - a tradition now - and afternoon movies on TV for the young ones(the videos are packed away since Peter had planned on selling the house way before now).
Roast beef and roast duck dinner with all the fixins, and pies galore was our late afternoon feast.
It was a special time. Family, friends memories and remembrances.
Sam stopped by and that was real special.
I hope this blog turns out OK, since I am a real novice and unfamiliar with how all these pictures are going to work. But I'll give it a try, hope you enjoy them. ...OK, so, I just checked out the pictures on the"edit" page, and only 4 of 9 came through. But they are good ones. I will do another blog with the others....H E L P Michelle!
Merry Merry Christmas- grace and peace
Aunt Bea....times

Nearly Christmas

Well would you just look at the dates! Yikes. Yikes yikes! (that is a double yikes). The entire month has nearly flown by and I haven't visited with you, my blog friends. So sorry. Right now it is very windy and raining outside.The rain drops are so big that they sound like heavy balls hitting the pavement, ground and building...OOOooooo...wierd. We have had 2 major snow storms already this month with snow falls totalling nearly 24 inches! It has been awesome. I have a real strong desire to get some new cross country ski equipment and just hit the trails...I had to think better of the idea, since something is amiss with my right foot...much pain much of the time. So, one of my son's has offered me his "gazelle" exercise thing to use...I can't wait to get it. I will work out regularly and if I can tolerate that - then I will get the skis. I need to regain control of my buldging waist hip and thigh circumferences...arms, chest, neck, face, fingers, and toes are in there as well. In the buldging category. It is just an all over thing, no discrimination with this body! WOW, the wind outside really howling. Amtrak just raced by. Did I tell you I live right next to the RR crossing. I like the trains, so does my husband. We get as much a kick out of watching them go by as our grandchildren do. OK, so it is nearly Christmas. All my wrapping is done. Food and necessary items have been delivered to their rightful places in preparation for the upcoming family gathering and celebrations. I am looking forward to Jack and I having a quiet Christmas morning together here at home. Just he and I sharing some gifts and a time of prayer and scripture. It is very special. Then off to my brother's home for breakfast, family arriving, gifts and a major feast! Thankfully that is the extent of the travelling this year.
God bless you all. I will try to have pictures to share.

Winter friends return

Our male cardinal returned today for a long visit. It is very cold, only 10 degrees above zero, and windy as well. This beautiful friend sat perched on that branch watching me through the window for the longest time. He would nonchalantly look over his shoulder at passing traffic, then look around a bit, then back at the window. We have his favorite suet and seed out for him to enjoy. He ate his fill and stayed and looked and even chirped at the other birds at the feeder. How peaceful it is watching the birds, enjoying their beauty and their freedom. Our bird feeders were heavily visited today by several different varieties. The cardinals, a blue jay, a black capped chickadee and another yet unidentified little brown visitor. Jack and I each have a bird book, try to find what each bird is, share the information provided and feel a special something when we are successful. It is neat. And we both really enjoy it. Gods creation, and much to be thankful for. Winter returned in full force today, and with it some special winter friends. Grace and Peace.

Thanksgiving

Give Thanks. I know without a doubt that I am very blessed. I grew up in a home with my parents, siblings, grandmother and 2 cousins. My mother had 4 living siblings and it was important that we had special family times together. Thanksgiving and Christmas were some of those times. Music has always been an important part of each gathering. Summer gatherings around the campfire. Feasts around the table. The doxology is sung to bless our food before we eat, acknowledging and praising God as the giver of all things. This year we have so much to be thankful for. One of our cousins who grew up with us is recovering from surgery that happened in the late summer. He is with us because of a miracle from God. A cancer was found early enough to be cured. Prayer for him and surgery and God has delivered him from the jaws of a horrible disease. His brother is now recuperating in a Boston hospital from his own surgery for cancer. Again, found in its early stage and we are continuing to pray and believe for his cure as well.
At our family gathering we shared our love, our food, our strengths. We laughed and reminisced and made plans for the future. In all things and for all things .... Give Thanks. It was a beautifully wonderful day...and for the pictures!!! Go to www.northernapostolicmom.blogspot.com and you will see Michelle's wonderful blog complete with pictures.
Grace and Peace
aunt Bea

Veterans Day

My mother was a WWII veteran. She served in the Women's Army Corps in Italy and Africa. My dad also was a veteran. He served in the Army Secret Services, the United States Army, though at the time he was still a Canadian citizen. He later became a naturalized US citizen. Dad was in Germany and Poland and Holland and saw first hand the horrors of concentration camps. He never shared those experiences with his children, he didn't need to, they were etched indelibly into his life. Kindness and generosity his trade mark. I am proud of my heritage and of my parents. All my uncles served in the armed forces and one was a Navy pilot who died in a plane crash at the start of WWII. Two of my nephews served in the armed forces, one is still active in the Navy today. Today we honor those who have served this country by their selfless courage and sacrifice. Some have fallen in battle, some have died in old age, and some through life's tragic events. Parades and special services, wreaths placed in places dedicated to the honoring of their memory, these brave veterans.
Today, also, the Hospice of the Champlain Valley held their annual Memorial Service for those who died over the past year and years who were connected somehow to the Hospice program. The service is to help the grieving process. Acknowledging each others loss and pain eases somehow the emptiness and orphaned sense of having both parents gone. I miss them both, my mother and my dad. I still want to tell them news of their grandchildren and great grandchildren. I think of our celebrations and gatherings and how they would so enjoy being a part of it all. I cherish their memories and the very special family I grew up in. At the memorial service lives were spoken of as lights of love that will never go out, never dim. We cannot forget them, their impact on our lives and who we are now, too great. We cannot ignore the pain in our hearts that still time has not healed. Time won't heal it. "It" as the Rev. said, is the horrible overwhelming pain and loss only we know, yet others experience as well in their personal loss experiences. I am proud to honor their memories, proud and thankful they were my parents.

I PASSED THE TEST !

I passed! I passed the GI Nursing Certification test! The other nurse from my Endoscopy Unit passed the test as well! What great relief! I even did well on the test, not to brag, but I feel so fulfilled and have a wonderful sense of accomplishment and as I said great relief. I learned about the score the day before the Gut Club meeting. The Gut Club is a group of Vermont GI doctors who gather to have educational dinner meetings and raise money to help Md's and nurses go to national and international meetings. G.I. Nurses from around the state are invited to join the physicians for this dinner meeting.I find it interesting, this recent Gut Club meeting was very invigorating to me. I devoured the information related to us by the very knowledgable internationally known and highly esteemed research physician. Some of the information was way over my head...biochemistry stuff ... yet I was challenged to reason out what I was hearing with the knowledge I posses, and it was actually fun. Now, I wonder, should I pass a spirituality test, or step up higher in my spirituality rating, would the excitement and wonder and fulfilment be the same? Or more? Something to ponder...but for now... I passed the GI test and am very very happy! Grace and Peace.

The Challenge

I challenged Pastor. During Wednesday evening Bible Study he spoke of the early church. He spoke of spirituality. He handed out a paper with a list of "check your spirituality rating" for everyone to look at. We are encouraged to examine our lives in relation to what we think to be spiritual is, and do we make the grade. Some have lost a certain amount of spirituality over the years, some have deepened their walk with the Lord. Life will throw us curves once in a while and our choices in life determine some of our outcomes. How much do I pray and is it meaningful? A good question. How much do I fast, how often and is that meaningful? Another good question. How much do I read the word of God and study it, then apply it to my everyday life. Another good question. I have lots of reasons to excuse myself from needful spiritual behavior. As a new convert, I didn't know how to act as a Christian, it is learned behavior. It is being in love with Jesus Christ and wanting to please Him above all else. Selfishness is not learned and I was quite selfish. As a new convert I would frequently look into God's Word for direction. He would tell me, to cast down arguments and every high thing(pride) that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.(for a real clear look at what all THAT means, check out 2 Corinthians 10:5 in the Message Bible) What is love? He told me in 1 Corinthians 13. If I want to be treated that way, I need to treat others that way. Am I still so in love with Jesus that nothing else in this world matters as much as being with Him in times of intimacy (prayer), of banqueting with Him (fasting) and in one on one devotional time learning of Him (Bible reading). So, the CHALLENGE! Are we ready to hear how we are doing. Over and over I hear from different pulpits that "the American church is soft, thin skinned and cannot take admonishment and grow with it". Is that true? Or are our leaders fearful of the results reprimand and admonition will bring? Are we, the church ready to be transparent? Or is that even necessary. Do we want revival or are we so comfortable in our own 4 and no more world that lost souls can just go to hell without ever hearing of a Saviour who loves them so much He died for them, just like He died for me. What happened to the joy and the zeal of serving the Lord. Is it still there, yet, matured?
Challenge.

Healer in The House

ONLY BELIEVE!!! That's it! Only Believe. We believe Jesus can save. We believe he has already done the work necessary for our salvation. It is finished. Only Believe!
The Blood of Jesus Christ was shed for our healing and our salvation. The same Blood. That crimson flow of Blood that comes from Calvary will sweep over our souls and set us free from the bondage and guilty verdict of sin, releasing us to life eternal with Jesus Christ... freedom. The Healer is in the house. Do you believe it? Has He healed your headache? Has He healed your heart? Nothing is too complicated for our Healer, nothing. ONLY BELIEVE! Speak as though it has already happened, Speak faith and in speaking faith, confession with the mouth makes faith and belief grow. Speak out loud. The preacher solicits the congregation to amen the preached word. Not because he wants accolades for himself. The preacher knows that when we proclaim or confess with our mouth the truth, when we confess with our mouths Jesus Christ is Lord, when we confess with ours mouths faith is built up with in us and as that happens we believe! Speak it! Believe It! Healing will come to pass. The evangelist preached ONLY BELIEVE! I BELIEVE!!!

Unveiling the Masks

Our pastor is going to college right now. Actually the entire congregation is in college with him. He is so loving his courses and shares some of his newly acquired knowledge and facts with us on a regular basis. Neuropsychology is what we are all learning about now. Applying the actual physical workings of our body to the way our minds and thoughts work. Our senses and our sensabilities. Our perceptions of our world and how our brain processes those perceptions. He very skillfully shows how all is in the Bible...how our physical bodies work and the spiritual application of physical to spiritual lives. HUH? you say. Ok. Though our eyes we see. Stuff comes in and goes to the brain. The brain interprets what the eyes send it. Because of the way our eyes are made, we all have a blind spot for each eye. So here comes the signal from the eyes to the brain...with some gaps. Now, our brains are pretty smart, and clever, and fills in the gaps and will also make adjustments in the interpretation of the whole thing so the gaps make sense in our own understanding. OK. Next. We also have our outward showing self, our inward hidden inner self, our masks and our little deceptions. All this is clearly laid out in scripture. What does it all come to. God knows every thing about us. Every minute detail. We try to act one way for people to see so they believe we are that way, when we really know we are not. Then we act certain ways because of unseen and unknown stuff hidden in our depths (gaps) we are not even aware of. Then there is the real us...or me. And what God wants is for us to be honest with Him, honest with ourselves and transparent to others so nothing can hide. He is willing to heal our inner most depths, our hidden pains and hurts and brokeness. We need to be willing and open and honest for the Holy Ghost to reveal to us where the areas of our lives need work, and be willing to do the work to fix the problem. Prayer is where this happens. The message was excellent. I am hoping it will make the web site of our church so I can listen again.

Messages In Reverse

So,OK, you know that I was in Boston on Sunday morning taking a test. When I was done with that...and happily so I will add...I drove to George's place in the country, a 2 1/2 hour journey. George and Laurel were expecting the arrival of George's dad. He was coming to help set up the "shop" for all the work planned to spiff up the house. A nice visit, some snacks and real good coffee, and I hit the road again, heading for church and the evening service. I arrived an hour and a half ahead of schedule...wonderful. Time for a quick nap. I had been talking with the Lord while driving. Airing my mind, trying to make sense of some things and just plain ole communing with Him, best I could while driving. God is a good listener. The service....W H A M !! God surely was listening to me and to Pastor and to many of us I suppose. WHAM WHAM WHAM!! Some times we just need to be rocked to our socks and have things put in perspective. Repentance. Clean honest vital repentance. God spoke clearly to the congregation and in so doing to individuals as well. It amazes me how the words that are spoken so profoundly impact lives in very different ways. The same words. People get from God what He knows they need if they are open and honest and willing to receive with open hands and open hearts what God has for them. Conversions from sinful lifestyles and choices to righteousness, peace and joy happen in a moment of time, things get real clear and a sense of cleaness fills the depths of the soul. And it was the peace that really got me. Oh, what glorious peace. Knowing ..rock solid knowing God is in control ( of course we know this intellectually, but there come times when it is rock solid knowledge) and when I hold my piece...He will make peace. God is the Peace Maker. Then, on the suggestion of our head sound man, I got the morning service CD. The one pastor preached when I was taking my test. What did pastor teach/preach on?!?! PEACE. How Jesus Christ is the ultimate PEACE MAKER and how we need to put on Christ in our lives...and often times that means holding our piece so He can do what He does best, better than anyone on this ole earth can...MAKE PEACE. There was much more to the lesson...perhaps you already realize I was blown away...though not really, how so like God to use messages in reverse to help me in my right now moment. Grace and Peace to you.

The Test Is Done

Life brings to us many tests. Some tests happen just by living, tests of faith, tests of patience, tests of commitment, confidence, character...knowledge. Most tests provide us an opportunity for growth and the chance for a deepening of character, faith, commitment, confidence, patience. Tests. Today I took a test to evaluate the knowledge I have gained through study and work. Study, study, read, study, read, review and study some more. I choose to take this test. Months ago the decision was made, the money paid (a tidy sum, I might add) and today the test. I drove to just outside Boston, Winchester, Mass, to take the test. There were 35 of us taking the test. From Philadelphia to Maine nurses gathered to be tested, and we all choose to do it. WHY??? A sense of accomplishment, of pride and commitment to the work we do. Not one of us will receive any monetary compensation at our places of work for taking and passing this test. On purpose testing. This is a good type of test. Some aren't so good, aren't chosen on purpose, but fall our way. At times our steps and choices lead us to tests we would rather not encounter. Never the less we are tested. And today. This test in done. 175 questions covering GI nursing. Critical thinking. Nursing practice and research. This test is done! In 5 weeks I will hear the result. Oh that the results of all our tests could be thus known. Pass. Fail. Grow. Learn. Develop. Mature. Patience. Strength. Compassion.

Beautiful moon

I was driving home from prayer. The route took me "over the mountain" - our "back way" to church. Dark already, clouds moving with the wind and every once in a while a glimpse of the moon. It was beautiful! Orange semi-circle crescent shaped, reflecting the sun back onto the clouds as they swept in front and over its glow. I stopped and tried to take a picture, but I don't know my camera well enough for the proper exposure. So I just sat and marvelled at the sight. Mountains and the lake in the distance were the deep purple of night in the moons glow. The clouds were silvery, then reflected the golden hue of the moon. I was able to sit and watch quietly for a long time before another vehicle came up from behind. Time to move on, I did enjoy the peace of the moment.
I still am having trouble getting pictures on the blog. The right place doesn't come up when I click on pictures and I don't know how to fix it. I really need to invite Michelle and her family over for dinner, then steal her away to my computer for a moment of instruction.
Grace and Peace to you.

An Idea Gone Web!

Have you ever had an idea that seemed like a good one? Good, partly because it made sense to you and you had an interest in seeing it come to fruition...or come to pass so you yourself could benefit. I enjoy reading my daughter-in-law's blog. I keep up with their family happenings, get to see up to date pictures of everyone, she provides interesting and fun links, it is rather a good time. Writers of blogs are uninhibited by an editor or review board. There is a special freedom in blogging, as well as an awareness that someone who doesn't know you could be reading your thoughts. Blogging is sharing wholly and randomly and kind of anonymously, kind of. So I shared my blogging idea with my Pastor. Wouldn't it be so neat to have church members blog on our web page, so visitors could read how exciting and fun and common place the life of an Apostolic Christian is?!!? To see for themselves (the web page visitors) our walk with God, our daily steps ordered by Him and how following Biblical principles and relying on Jesus Christ for strength is soooo helpful. I am glad to be a Christian, cannot imagine any other way to live that could bring such joy and peace and grace, even in troubled times. To see how God is good all the time. I was initially told, it would be too complicated to have a blog site on our church's web page. OK, I understand that, being particularly handicapped in the IT department and technically challeneged, after all I am Grammie Betimes. SO, today I am surfing my favorite web places and find that sure enough, there is a link on our church web page to "Member Blogs". I didn't know that had been done! Yikes! There is my blog! And my lovely daughter-in-laws. OK, what a good idea! Now lets get more members blogging. I can think of at least three women that have much wisdom and fun to share. And our Pastor is a great blogger. Yes, we will have to get some of the men blogging too! Oh, what a good idea! Yikes! Off to study now. Until next time, Grace and Peace to you and yours.

Warm Fall Weather

Usually by this time of year the leaves all over Vermont have gone through their brilliant changes. Reds and golds, yellows and orange blanket the hills and mountains with a spectacular array of a natures quilt. Not yet this year. It has been unseasonably warm and the leaves turning has slowed. Here and there are hints and little pockets of color. No cool mornings recently either. Temperatures in the 60's, 70's and 80's keep it warm and comfortable. I wonder when the cooler weather does arrive what we will see. I am glad that it has been warm for all the moving and rearranging households that has gone on recently. Ben and Stacy are in their new place. It has lots of windows and is bright and airy...if you can say that about the appearance of an apartment. The daunting task of unpacking and arranging is at hand and some dear friends are there to lend a hand...I will stop by for a time on Saturday to help.
Grace and Peace to you

George's New Old House - This Old House?

Sunday we are going to visit George and Laurel in their new house. I am so excited! It is one hour away in the country. I keep hearing descriptions of an old, not fully modernized farm house on an old dirt road with a long driveway and a barn and outhouse...and a pond and some wonderful meadows. It sounds very rural Vermont and I cannot wait to see it. Laurel describes dragonflies in the bathroom and Gary (the cat) jumping up, swooping in on the dragonfly, catching and eating the whole thing! Cats are like that. So for the adventure of a life time awaiting us with our visit to George's new old house...and I truly am excited to go. Will let you know how it goes...and maybe some pictures! Until then, enjoy the beautiful fall weather.

Florida and General Conference

Hello,
Arrived home, in Vermont, from our trip to Florida...Tampa that is. Some time to enjoy Florida and then General Conference for the UPCI. Now for some wonderful blogging about conference, go to www.ninetyandnine.com ... ok ok, another lesson from Michelle needed, for now try to cut and paste the address. Florida was hot, humid and rainy. Though most of the days did have sun and were pleasant. We did encounter one heavy downpour while traveling, bringing the traffic to a crawl, I was thankful. I have to admit, I do enjoy the hot.We went to church in Tampa on Sunday - met many nice people and a wonderful family that blessed us with hospitality and friendship. The Smoots. They are all special people. Henry, Kathy and Dorothy...thank you for your kindness and help. Church was anointed and set the stage for General conference. Monday Wanda and I did some traveling. Tuesday we drove into Tampa, which gave me chest pain. Yikes it is a big city with big city traffic. Lorraine joined us Tuesday evening and we got ready to go to Conference. Wednesday morning we did the tourist thing in Madeira Beach - shops and restaurants. Then off to the PMA music fest. Wonderful. Thursday was Ladies Day in the morning, and opening session in the evening. We were at the conference all day and late into the evening...and were tired puppies by the end of the day. Friday an all day session again at the conference with Youth Service and the Foreign Mission Service. The anointing wonderful. The messages powerful. God is God everywhere, and the burdens of the hearts of the ministry were shared. Comical moments were interlaced with anointing and serious considerations. It was a time of renewal and commitment, and splendid confirmation that Jesus Christ in Vermont is the same as He is in Tampa and India and Africa and Australia and Chicago and California. We all gathered to worship our Lord from all corners of this nation and the world. It was wonderful seeing so many believers of like precious faith.
Home now, and a renewed effort to reach out to people who do not know Jesus Christ for themselves. Oh, how He loves everyone and wants to take us up into His arms to heal, to help to strengthen and to set free from bondage's that hold us back from being all that we can be. So, enjoy your life, but most of all, get to know Jesus Christ, let Him into your heart and soul...if you're not sure how, send me a comment, and I will be happy to introduce you to the most wonderful of all.

Champagne For The Anniversary

September can be chilly in Vermont,even downright cold! It can also rain in September. The sun shines and the stars shine spectacular in the night sky in September. All this and more happened on our recent weekend celebration of our mother. She loved to go places and do things. Most of all she loved being included in family fun. So, we decided to hold a "camporee" of sorts near the Vermont Veterans Cemetary where she is buried. Yes, mom died a little over a year ago. My siblings and I wanted to mark the occasion, a passage of time so to speak, or perhaps a rite of passage, and celebrate the wonderful woman she was to us and still is. My brother Peter and I left Burlington in the late afternoon Friday as soon as I was able to leave work. We drove to Randolph, Vemont towing the cutest little travel trailer you ever did see! Our sisters, Nancy and Holly will be joining us on Saturday with their husbands Roger and Rod. Jack is working this weekend so could not come along...physically that is. Being my first outing on my own with our camper he was a bit nervous and called several times with handy tips and reminders. Of course, Peter was with me, but then he has never set up the camper. I have assisted Jack in getting the camper positioned and hooked up. (Arrrrgh I just tried to add a picture to this post...and I did, but not the one I wanted and not where I wanted a picture to go...I will try again.) Back to the camporee. Peter and I had the camper set up in no time...20 minutes or so after we asked a neighbor camper to back the camper into the spot . He gladly helped us out, telling us wonderful stories of his great "backing up" adventures. I have a hard enough time going forward! Chili for dinner with baked beans made for an interesting evening, if you know the Frechette/Conant gut. A good nights sleep tucked into the cutest little travel trailer you ever did see! We were awakened to pouring down rain and cold air early in the morning Saturday. Peter slept a little longer and I went to town to get some needed items for the camper and a couple of rain ponchos. Back to the camper for hot cereal and the most restful morning I have had in years! Reading quietly, it was heavenly. Nancy arrived followed shortly by Holly and Rod. Roger was driving up from Connecticut to meet Nancy later in the day at Tunbridge. We shared a wonderful lunch, Sandwiches, potato salad, chips, drink,cheese, olive spread and fruit. After lunch Nancy showed us her pictures (CD on the computer she brought)of her hotair balloon ride! Such a wonderful adventure! She and Roger went up up and away with an experienced balloonist/pilot and are already planning next years flight. The pictures she shared were fabulous and one could even gather courage to try it ones self..perhaps. The neatest picture I thought was of the tree tops, looking down on tops of the trees, waaaaaaay cool! Ok, off to visit mom. It was hard, we had not been together to visit her burial site since her funeral last year. I tarried as Nancy and Holly shared some tears together. Peter went to get some flowers. I think he and I were having a really hard time and we didn't want to dampen the rest of the days planned activities. After our visit to mom, we set off to the Tunbridge Worlds Fair. It was packed with people, country folk having a wonderful time. We toured around. Visited the cows and sheep, Oxen and baby chicks, food and flowers and vegetable and baked goods. Watched a bit of the Yankee - Red Socks game and ate wonderful fair food. Scooting out of the Fair grounds before dark we made it back to our campsite to build a roaring camp fire to chase away the chill of the frosty night air. We had wet wood from the rain, and made lots and lots of smoke, and some flame, but the chill won out. It was fun sitting around the fire, looking at the night sky...clouds...stars....clouds....stars....stars! Sleep came quickly once we were all tucked in. Sunday morning we shared a yummie breakfast. Eggs, bacon, scones and muffins and fruit...and of course coffee and diet coke! Then a stroll around the campgrounds...Lake Champagne Campground that is. The "lake" in the name is a bit of a stretch as Peter says, but still very nice. Then off to our respective homes. Peter and I stopped to empty out the holding tanks in the cutest little travel trailer you ever did see, and up to bid mom adeau until our next visit. The drive home was nice and easy. We called Jack when we got into Milton and he was so happy to hear we had done well. Jack nearly ran to greet us as we drove in the driveway...not only did he hug me and Peter , so did the cutest little travel trailer you ever did see get an affirmation of delight from Jack! Lonnie was with Jack keeping him company and he was all smiles as well. We shared another great lunch and then I downloaded Peters pictures as well as my own onto the computer. Peter parked his car at Fanny Allen, so I drove him back to get his car. It was a good weekend, fun and warm companionship even and the campground one we would love to return to...maybe in July or August, when it is a bit warmer. Ok, here is another try at some pictures...and I will be off.

Coming Events

The next few weeks are going to be quite busy. Two of my sons find themselves in need of new housing by the beginning of next month (October). Both are searching. I am praying the Lord provide each with just the right place. In the meantime, they are very very busy packing, searching, working and doing all the other important things in their lives. Next weekend Jack (my dear husband) and I are going camping. We call it a "Camporee". It will be a family time with my brother, two sisters and their husbands. Lake Champagne in Randolph, VT will be the campground where we will gather. Let me tell you, it is not a lake in the least...barely a large pond...but still a nice place! This will be kind of a memorial time for my mother. We will picnic at her gravesite in the Vermont Vetrans Cemetary, then on to the Tunbridge Worlds Fair in Tunbridge, VT. Now lest you think it odd to picnic in a cemetary...it is a long standing family tradition. Mom loved doing it, to celebrate, so to speak, her relatives, and so we will too...celebrate her! The Tunbridge Worlds Fair is a yearly event she loved attending. An old fashioned country fair and always a good time. Then the following weekend two of my lady friends from church and I are flying to Tampa Florida to attend a church conference. We will be staying in a time share that my husband and I booked last winter. Unfortunately he can't come. We leave Saturday, the conference starts Wednesday, so that gives us a couple days of R&R and sightseeing before the conference. We are so excited. Thinking about bringing my computer and blogging our trip. It will be fun! I just need to get with Michelle before we go so she can show me the picture thing! The conference is the General Conference of the UPCI. It is always a time of refreshing, renewal and spiritual growth. So stay tuned.
Grace and Peace fill your hearts and lives... GBT

Labor Day

Today is Monday, Labor Day and I have it off. How very nice to have an extra day off. Slept in. We have no plans. Peter (my brother) called and we went to Mt Philo in Charlotte for a picnic with Pat(Peters friend). It was a beautiful day. Sunny and warm. We ate..healthy of course..we did bring grapes! (and donuts)...walked around. Stopped at the Shelburne Country Store and bought some ginger hard candy...I just love all forms of ginger., and some candles. Jack will be starting his online Band Instrument Repair Course soon and he needed some items from Sears. After dropping Peter and Pat off we went to Sears and picked up a small bench vise and glue gun. A quick stop to pick up printer paper and we were home . Peter be quick had pictures already downloaded and emailed of our outing. This digital photography is fun. I was pooped. So thought that a quick nap would work before I'd be off to prayer. When I woke it was 7:30pm. Decided to watch preaching from IBC instead. Watched Bro. Mooney at the 2007 Music Fest and Bro. Francis (I think). Powerful preaching and music. Can't go to bed without reading Northern Apostolic Mom, and here I am blogging myself. Tomorrow I hope to stop by and visit Sam. I wanted to do that today, but my nap was longer than I imagined it would be and ate away too much time. Hopefully sleep will come tonight without too much difficulty. Michelle emailed a link to a very powerful song on "Standing in the Gap..and pray" I absolutely love it. Hopefully she will put it on her blog so you can link to it. She and I have yet to get together so she can teach me some basics of blogging...like links and pictures. It will happen, and we will have fun. Perhaps we can invite the family over for dinner. Oh what a novel idea! Well, I will try to sleep now. Work tomorrow. A short week. Friday through Monday I will be oncall. God bless you. Grace and peace in your heart and life.

Date Night

It was a rush to get home. Jack and I were planning a special evening, and we so looked forward to it. As I got home the anticipated joy of the evening made my heart sing. Soon 3 of our grandchildren would be joining us for the night. Their mom and dad would be going on a date and we are the babysitters! Lots of backpacks, and special kid overnight things crowded our living room. Questions and instructions and off Ben and Stacy went on their date. Jack and I were very hungry, we waited to eat, not knowing if Meghan, Michael and Elana had eaten, and by now it was 7:30pm. Everyone was hungry! Quick, warm up the tomato soup, cook up the hotdogs...the sweet potato for Elana. Yum yum. There is something special about sharing simple meals with the grandkids. Then off to the park, but alas it was too dark already. What to do. Get a creemie of course! So off to our favorite local creemie place. Yum again. Home to a story and brushing teeth. Meghan settled her baby sister, Michael climbed into bed. The Lords Prayer and prayers of thanksgiving. Everyone asleep in no time. Praise the Lord! Elana woke up at 2:30, drank her bottle then quickly back off to sleep until 8:30am! Oh glory to God! Her awakening woke her brother and sister. Breakfast, cleaning up and off to the park. Over 2 hours of running and fun and laughter. We met Stacy at Zachary's for lunch, then I came home to see Jack before he left for work. It has been wondeful. We enjoy Ben and Stacy's Date Night as much as they do. Now off to bed.

Hi, I just can not believe this. I have found my way back and am blogging yet again. Not only that but I have discovered a new blogger. He is apparently a resident in the Isles somewhere with a good sense of humor.(sundayclocksarestriking) I love to go to my daughter-in-laws blog...Northern Apostolic Mom. A great way to keep up with my oldest son's family. Tonight his entire family was involved with leading our Wednesday night church service. Jason at the pulpit, Michelle on the piano, Adam on the drums and Nick at the mic singing his heart out to the Lord. Boy, talk about proud grammie moments...proud- you know the humble kind that makes you appreciate God and all He has done..., thankful and a bit amused. The service went well. The Bible lesson good, informative and pertinent. so now that I have had a bit of fun and some lessons and the laundry is done..I will be off to bed. Good night.

How Good Life Is

Hello,
It has been a long time since I have blogged. This electronic thing is hard for me to wrap my brain around some times. Camping trips, wedding receptions, swimming at parks, learning new things and remembering old instructions have filled the recent days with lifes good and wonder - full moments. Stepping out of the comfort zone of the familiear into something new, or never tried alone causes one's heart to dance a bit. Family is so important. It is so crucial for our growth to keep contact with those we love and family not frequently seen. So when I am home I will blog again and try pictures and other fancy stuff, for now I am at work and thrilled to have found this place to once again, try the blogging thing.
Until next time - GBT

SGNA Baltimore 2007

Hi, I am in Baltimore, Maryland at the GI nursing conference...SGNA. There are lots of dedicated and talented nurses here. It is encouraging to see the number of younger nurses entering in the leadership roles. Today was one class on Endoscopic Ultrasound and the rest of the day with the House of Delegates on resolutions. There were 9 resolutions before the House, they were discussed with minimal debate. We were done 1 hour early. Went back to my hotel, which is a short walk and took a nap. Then back for the Reception for Leadership. Tomorrow a 7am meeting of the House of Delegates and I am free until 1pm, at which time I take a tour of Baltimore. Then tomorrow evening another reception. The conference officially starts Sunday at noon. I am hoping to blog everyday, and add pictures as we go. Now remember I am a grammie and this is an IT thing for me, but I will try my best!