May 9-16, 2013

ROAD TRIP TO INDIANA!!!

This will be the first time that I take my time and enjoy the travel to Indiana and back. I’m usually trying to make it all in one day and continually stressing over each minute that I stop for meals or gas or bathroom breaks. I’m giving myself permission to take my time and not worry about a thing. The plan is to stop over night on the way up and the way back. And, if I’m paying for a hotel room, I’m stopping early in the afternoon to get my money’s worth! Ha

I didn’t leave Deanna’s until 9:00am. I stop in Monett for a mocha drink. I don’t usually drink coffee, even though I love it, and the caffeine will surely keep me awake on the drive for the day. It’s smooth sailing and beautiful weather across Missouri. I stop for lunch and visit a Walmart store, which happens to have clearance racks of $1, $3, $5, $7. These are MY kind of prices. I spend an hour shopping. Lol I found lots of stuff to bring back to my friends in Nica. The afternoon consisted of a frozen coffee drink and driving around St Louis. I stopped in Fairfield Heights IL for the night and had a nice early dinner and enjoyed my hotel room immensely! Lovely Day!

The drive on Friday was not so great because of weather. It rained so hard at one point that I took the wrong highway and ended up on an hour detour. But that’s okay. I got back on the right road and ended up at my sister’s house by 5pm their time. It’s cold and rainy there and we had spaghetti for dinner, which hit the spot!

On Saturday, I help Sandy a little bit in the kitchen as she prepares food for the family reunion. I run into Mom’s house to pick up some pictures and to say howdy. We had a nice time with cousins from my Dad’s side of the family. Besides a few funerals in the past couple of years, we have not all been together in about 40 years. One cousin is very big into genealogy and she brought tons of books with pictures and info. Everyone brought some old pictures and we all had fun trying to figure out who everyone was. I have one uncle and one aunt (widow of another uncle) left on Dad’s side. I have to say that it was a very fun afternoon and evening. The funniest thing is that with everyone so into family photos and genealogy, no one took any pictures of the get-together. Jaja

Sunday was Mother’s Day and I went to church with Mom and Gary. Then we went out to Sandy’s for dinner. Mom’s birthday is in May, so we celebrated her birthday, too. I fell asleep and entertained everyone with my snoring. Later in the afternoon, Sandy and I hit Kohl’s and a frozen yogurt place to top off the day. It was great.

Monday, I spent with my sister Pam and her husband Rob. We went to our favorite restaurant, Smokey Bones. We shopped at Sam’s Club and Walmart and a couple of Dollar Trees. It was a lot of fun. I also ran to a music store and found some simple song books for guitar. It was a fun day.

Tuesday, Sandy and I, with my 6 month old nephew Bentley, went shopping at the outlet mall nearby. I found some great deals for myself and others. We had a yummy lunch at Max & Ermas. I had a veggie burger and baked potato. It was cold out so that hit the spot!

Wednesday, Sandy and I ran some errands and had lunch with Dad’s girlfriend, Mary Lou. It was so good to see her. We had fun. I then did some laundry and packed the car for my departure the next morning.

Thursday, I went by Mom’s on the way out of town. She had some medical tests scheduled for the day, so our visit was a good distraction for her. I got a mocha and headed south. The weather was pretty good and I made good time driving. I ended up stopping and having a delicious dinner and enjoyed a lot of hours in my hotel room. It was wonderful! I worked on some computer stuff and Bible Study and watched TV. Very relaxing. I had brought a turtle cheesecake back to my room for a snack. I forgot to get a fork at the restaurant and ended up eating it with my fingers, but it was really good! I slept pretty well.

Friday, I had breakfast at the hotel and headed out for Rogers. I realized part of the way home that I would be able to fit in a stop in Pea Ridge to have lunch with my friend Zandra. It was a treat for both of us! I got home to Deanna’s and unpacked and did some laundry. I immediately started packing suitcases for the trip back to Nica. So much stuff! But so many clearance prices! Lol

It was a tiring week, driving 1300 miles and running around, but it was nice and I’m glad that I got to go.

May 3-8, 2013

First day back in the states. Lots on my to-list and loving it! I’m SO BLESSED to be able to borrow a car from my wonderful friends Vickie and Michael Brown. It makes all of the errand-running so much easier! They always bless me in many ways. I’m thankful that God brought them into my life many years ago at a kid’s camp in Smackover AR!

This week before leaving for Indiana, I have doctor appointments, dinner appointments and a long list of shopping items that were requested by my friends in Nica. The first day I hit Target and Walmart, have a doctor’s appointment and dinner plans. Deanna got back from Las Vegas this evening and her friend Amy stopped by the house to pick up a coat for Deanna to wear home from the airport. It’s cold!!!

I tried to balance my errands and appointments with some rest time. Deanna always fusses at me to get rest and not push myself too much. But it’s hard! I love spending time with her, though, so it’s a pleasant experience when I can get myself to do it.

On Sunday, I went to FBC Rogers and spoke to a Ladies class that helps to support me in Nica. I got to meet some new ladies and share what God is doing in Nica. It was sweet. I then went to the 9am service and got to make my pledge for the new building campaign. Then I hotfooted it over to the Olive Street church to worship with Cuerpo Vivo. I loved the Spanish worship and really loved getting to see my friends. I treated myself to lunch at my favorite Chinese place, shopped in a few more stores and then headed back to Deanna’s for a restful afternoon. I enjoyed practicing on my good guitar. My fingers were so happy!

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday were spent going to Dr appointments, having meals with friends, shopping, walking, getting some computer work done and practicing Guitar. The week was over before I knew it! I enjoyed running into friends. God is so good at bringing little surprises into my day! Wednesday, I got some laundry done and packed my suitcase for my trip to Indiana. It’s going to be a whirl-wind trip!

I’m keeping my eyes and heart open for the divine appointment that God will bring into my day. I’m spending some quality time alone with Him, asking Him to take control of ALL of me. He is so precious.