Thanks Jan for your kind remarks

Part of the Party!!!

Couldn't get everyone in one picture!!! You will see the people at the other end of the table next time. Looks as if the apple crisp, in the middle of the table, is all the food we had. There was a bit more on the bar---serve-your-self style. You probably have assumed that that is Carley sitting next to Devin. She told Devin she "really liked his family"----and we liked her. She was very friendly and seemed comfortable. It would be interesting to know how she described this family to her parents!!!! There was never a quiet moment. If you click on the picture, you will see the picture full screen. You will need to scroll side to side to see everyone but they look really good!!!

Thank you, Jan, for your kind remarks. I consider it a privilege to prepare meals for people who appreciate--and hopefully enjoy---them, especially for my family. The bread Kristen made and the aroma that filled the entire house, reminded me of my long ago and far away days. My Mother made a lot of yeast bread in those days as we were 18 miles from the nearest grocery store, therefore it was impossible to buy bread often since we had no wheels for transportation. When I got near my house as I walked home from school, I could smell that bread!!! Talk about a treat when I walked in the door of that little farm house!!! Such precious memories. I hope my family will have memories that live on and on and on!!

I will be out of pocket for a few days this week so you can rest from MY blogs. Perhaps someone will fill the gap. Our Fenley friends are spending the week at a condo in Branson----compliments from their son and family because Hugh and Mary dog-sat their dog a few weeks ago. They invited us to join them so we will drive down today and back Friday. We are promised nice weather the rest of the week so that will be good.

I wish a great week for everyone.

My love and prayers to all,

Dortha

First Lady

Just a note to say that Mother is right.....we all had a great time....wish everyone could have been here!! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family. Though some times are rough, there's still good times. And remember that laughter is good medicine, so we should all be feeling really good by now!!
Of course, it wouldn't have been as good a time as it was without Mother's endless work in the kitchen, preparing some of her best meals. Hats off to the First Lady of the Holland House!!!! I don't know of anyone who can ever fill her shoes, but Kristen is well on her way for only being 13 year old. She and her great-grandmother made homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, etc on Saturday evening. They ground the wheat, and made it all from scratch. Of course, they needed people to test the results and about 9 of us did just that. Oh, that wonderful taste of bread just out of the oven!! Yummy!
Hope everyone has a God-blessed day!
Jan

Party's Over!!!

Yes, the party is over but the memories linger. You should have been here!!!

Guests began arriving on Friday. G.J. and Meagan were here all day. Jaron and Devin arrived late afternoon----so the party began!!! We had an evening meal with these 4 plus Sherlyn, Courtney, Jan, Merrel and me (Dortha). On Saturday, Bill, "
Darla, Andrew and Kristen arrived. We felt sad when Ron called Sat. evening to say he would not be able to attend on Sunday. He had a job that wouldn't wait. We were glad, however, that Vicky could be with us.

Sooooo Sunday, by 1:00, the chicken was fried, potaotes were cooked and mashed, gravy was made, green beans and corn were ready, carrots were cooked, apple crisp was ready to come out of the oven and the rolls went in. Jan made a nice green/red salad and the "march" began. I asked Devin to show Carley how we do it here!!! So they lead the pack. We wound up with 14 around the dining room table----expected 15 but Ryan didn't make it. Imagine, if you can, the continuous conversations and lots of memories and happy thoughts were shared. I don't have the pictures downloaded so you will see them later. Just thought you shouldn't have to wait to hear about the happy occasion.

I have to stop now as it is time for me to fix lunch for my granddaughter, Courtney. Jan thinks I might be spoiling her but I think she deserves all the attention I give her. She is a very special young lady and it is a pleasure to have her eat lunch with us each day.

To be continued!!!!

Thanks to all who had a part in making our day so wonderful. I am so thankful for our family and how everyone seems to enjoy being together.

Dortha

Happy Birthday, Roger!

Happy Birthday, Roger!

Even I remember the day you were born, and I was only 3 yrs & 4 months old! I remember Grandmother Worthington pushing Ron in the "Taylor-Tot" (stroller) while I had to walk to the hospital to see you and Mother. But the hardest thing for me to comprehend was this........the song "On the Jerico Road" said "there's room for just 2, no more and no less".....so I couldn't figure out how we would all get to heaven....there was just room for Ron & me.......so why did we get a baby brother?? Well, after all these years packed full of wonderful memories, I know we couldn't do without you!! (And my theology is a little more enlightened now!)

Just wanted you to know that I think of you often, pray for your life to be abundantly blessed by God, and love you always.

Your favorite sister,
Jan

Today is Roger's Day!!!

Happy Birthday, Roger!!!!

I could write a few books about Roger, but for my sake, I best leave some thoughts unsaid. It will suffice to say, I love you Roger and it has been a blessing to have spent these 56 years being your Mom. Remember, I was your first "room-mate". If I could roll back the years, there are some things I would like to do differently. I would spend more time spoiling you and listening to the things you wanted to say and do. I would want to slow down the years a bit so I could spend more time with you. I would wish those first 17 years would not have passed so quickly. So well I remember the day when you were only 17 years old and I had to say "good-by" and watch you walk out of our door----but certainly not out of our lives----and you went many miles away to work and then to college. I felt sad that I could not be with you to do your laundry, fix your meals and help you over the rough places. Perhaps independence was what you needed and whether you were ready for it or not, you learned quickly and did a great job of taking care of yourself.

As I said, I could write a few books but for the present, I will say I am so thankful for the person you are today and I wish you many, many more great years. God is so good to have placed you in our family.

I love you so much,

Your Mom

I can't wait

Hello Everyone,
Grandmother you know that the family is my priority, ...well that along with the amazing Sunday lunch. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and take a break from work. I love the new job but as in real-a-state, its all about the location. Oh well, you win some you lose some. It sure is nice to log on here and see what everyone writs. It gives me a taste of all the love that our family has. What a blessing from God to be in a family like this. I will see you all soon.

P.S. Grandmother, get that stove hot! :)

-Devin

Summer Has Ended!!

Summer Has Ended

Yes, whether we like it or not, we have to accept the fact that Summer has ended. That became a definite reality when, this morning, there was frost on the windshield. At present, however, the sun is shining brightly. That is nice.

This has been a typical week with one exception. I remember days when I did not have a microwave but feel it is one of today's necessities so when the handle broke completely off my 13 year old microwave, I treked off to the appliance store and purchased a new one. My dream was that dear 'ole dad and I could simply pull the old one from it's perch and set the new one in it's place. I didn't realize that that thing weighed 75 pounds and that the old one was bolted very rigidly to the wall. Well, try as we did, we soon agreed that we needed help. Sooo we called for reinforcement, someone who knew what to do and how to do it. It still was not an easy endeavor but now I have a brand new microwave that will probably outlive me!!! I do hope I am still around 13 years from now, however.

Well, things are winding down for our party Sunday. We expect Devin tomorrow. He was not sure how much time he would be spending with us as he will NEED to see Carley!!! Imagine that!!! We have known him for 23 years and she has known him only a few months but she gets priority.

Blessings for each of you today.

Love you,

Dortha

Life is a Gift

We could never list all the gifts and blessings we receive and we know every good gift comes from above. God is soooo good.

And wonder of wonders!!!! Surprise, Surprise!!! After only 4 months, my # 2 son has made a comment!!!! And my # 1 daughter also made a comment. That was not a first for Jan but a nice surprise anyway. Imagine this if you can, in less that 4 months, we have had 8---or is it 9, comments!!!!

Roger, I feel so honored that you did log on. I have no idea if you read ALL the postings or only the recent ones. I hope you can find time to log on often. It only takes about 30 seconds to log on and perhaps 60 seconds to read most postings so maybe, just maybe you can manage a minute and a half ever day or so. I would be the first to admit some are not so interesting but others give you some family news. We would also welcome a posting from you now and then. Just tell us where you are for the week and especially about your growing family. I haven't heard from Andrea for ages and it would be good to have some news about her family. We all enjoy the family pictures---thanks to Anne.

Our party will be NEXT Sunday. Ron and Vicky have accepted our invitation. Keith and Jessica have previous plans so will not be here. Darla's family and Jaron will be here. I still need to reach out to a few more locals. Roger, you and Anne still have time to get here!!!! We wish you could!!!

The California fires are so devastating. So sad for so many.

Love and blessings to all,
Dortha

Need Your Coffee?

Is this typical of how you feel each morning? I hope not but if you are not a "morning" person, it could be---until you get your coffee, that is, then you should Rise and Shine!!!! I am glad that I am always anxious to get up, meet the day and see what the new day offers. Somedays I have more anticipation than others but I can always think of something positive that I am anxious to do. I have never been able to understand how and why anyone would want to stay in bed for hours when they obviously do not need that much rest and sleep and just think of what they are missing. Time doesn't stop when we do. I think of life as a coin. I can spend it any way I want to but I can only spend it once!!!! There is so much in life to enjoy, I intend to enjoy as much of it as I can. I will even try to enjoy the 43º temp we have today. That is much better than the terrible, destructive fires in California.

Nothing interesting to post. Just want to wish everyone a great day.

Love you,

Dortha

Ice Sculpture!!!

Ice Sculpture

Very interesting and humbling picture. A reminder to pray for out troups and for our country.

Our weather isn't quite as cold as the picture indicates, however, it seems almost that cold compared to the near 80 degrees we had only yesterday. We have had drizzling rain all day and I doubt we have reached the 50's. That's OK. Our house is warm.

Devin, we are looking forward to your visit this week-end. I have launched some invitations---and will do more---some have accepted and some have declined because of previous plans. Looks as if we will have a fairly good "attendance". I have ask for a count as I need to know how many chickens to butcher!!!! Jaron told your Mom HE WILL BE HERE because Devin is coming. See how important you get when you move away!!!

This is all for today.

Love to all,

Dortha

A Proud Granddad!!

Roger and 9 month old Mavrik

This looks like a proud granddad to me. Again I am taking advantage of Anne's photography. She took this picture at Suzie and Chris' wedding.

I hope everyone had a great week end and are looking forward to a new and wonderful week. Sounds as if our weather will be changing but we cannot complain since we are due some colder temps. We have been blessed with Summer like days so far this month.

Thank you, Darla, for your posting. Your "campsite" with your family sounds interesting. Make a lot of family memories now because the next few years will pass even faster than the past 15 have passed and all too soon you will be empty nesters. We look forward to your visit this week end.

Love you,

Dortha

Enchanted Evening

Grandmother is right- the weather has been wonderful! Our family spent a relaxing evening in our backyard, sitting around the fire pit. We worked hard earlier this year and put in a rock patio and fire pit. Last night we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. I think the kids had more fun watching the marshmallows grow and burn, than we had eating them. I never knew that marshmallows could be so entertaining. But it's nice to spend time with the family, with no TV or cell phones! (I'm having a problem attaching any pics- so I'll let Kris do that later!)
Thanks for the rooms for rent. When I know our schedule better I'll call the reservation desk. Thanks Grandmother!
I hope each of you are enjoying your family. -Darla

Happy Fall !!!

I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful Fall time. The days have been just about perfect, however our forcast promises much cooler temps next week so we will enjoy these 70's while we can. We are beginning to wonder if we are going to have any pretty leaves this year. So far they seem to be turning brown or turning loose!!! Only a little color here and there.

Darla, I heard that you might come over for a visit next week end and that you might need reservations for a night or two. We have two rooms available with private baths and you are welcome to use them. It will be good to have you here. You may check in at any time. Let me know what time you will be arriving, how many will be in your party and how many nights you need the rooms.

Devin, we are looking forward to your coming next week end. We will throw a party and plan to have fried chicken Sunday noon. Hope this meets with your approval.

Have a great week end, everyone.

Love you,

Dortha

Sunshine After the Storms

This is certainly a time to express our thanks for God's protection over us last evening and night. We were definitely in harm's way for several hours while our trees bent low from the strong winds and the rains fell. We were so blessed that we were safe and had no damage while many, only a few miles away, were less fortunate. Some lost their homes, some their businesses but none lost their lives. God is still in control and we are so grateful for His blessings.

We have a beautiful clear, cool, sunny day today. It would be just about perfect to do what ever needs to be done. I wish EVERYONE a great and blessed day.

Love you,

Dortha

At The End of The Day!!!!

A Beautiful Rose

The text isn't exactly appropriate, but the rose is so beautiful, I wanted to share. Of course, I have no idea who reads these postings, except for a very few, so perhaps we do have some "OLD FRIENDS" we don't know about. Family or friends, all are treasures!!!

We received word today from Devin that he plans to come home the week-end of the 28th. He would like to bring his girl friend for Sunday dinner and it seems that somehow I am involved!!!! He mentioned something about Grandmother doing the cooking. Imagine that!!! I will check with the local families to see if some of them might like to join us. Darla, would you and your family like to come over? I will need a count. Perhaps Jaron can come again.

Love you,

Dortha

Hello Kristen!!

Kristen, you do a super good job of posting. I am so thankful your Mom showed you how. I like your picture of the clouds. God is the Master painter. I will be glad when He gets the leaves on our trees all painted the pretty Fall colors. They are beginning to turn just a wee bit.

I do hope you can come see us soon. You can bring your Mom if you want to!!!

Love you,
Grandmother

Look at this b-e-a-utiful Picture!!!!!!

Hey whats up look at this beautiful picture, God has pleased us with the beautiful sky's like this ever so often it's just so peaceful! Even though this picture is not of today it's still really beautiful and I love it.

Today in vocal we started watching the movie"Oklahoma", the great part about it is that my teacher lets us sing along to the parts we know it's a ton of fun.But the reason that we are watching it is because it's Oklahoma's centennial year, and she though we should learn a little bit about Oklahoma. I really enjoy the movie, it's very interesting. I hope I get to see all of you real soon because I really want to come to Missouri(hopefully if I'm really really good my mom will let me come down and see you sometime soon)!

~Love You All~

Kristen

Granddaughter's Fear!!!

Dortha

This is a picture of my grandmother and I need your help, please!!!!

The computer swallowed grandma

Yes, it is true!!!

She pressed 'control' and 'enter'

And disappeared from view.

It devoured her completely,

The thought just makes me squirm,

She must have caught a virus

Or been eaten by a worm.

I've searched through the recycle bin

And files of every kind,

I've even used the internet,

But nothing did I find.

In desperation, I asked Google

MY searches to refine.

The reply from him was negative,

Not a thing was found 'online'.

So, if inside your 'inbox',

My grandma you should see,

Please 'Copy', 'Scan' and 'Paste' her

And send her back to me!!!

Thanks,

Her Granddaughter

"Come Unto Me"

Such comforting words!!! "COME UNTO ME". God is so good to us. This morning He is giving us a nice, slow rain and a brand new week. I hope each of you will have a great week.

Thank you, Kristen, for your new post and picture. Maggie looks like a good friend and I like your hair style. Sounds as if you are really doing well with your music. That is good. We are anxious to hear you play and sing. The alto saxaphone is probably my favorite brass instrument. I hope you can learn to play it too.

Love to all,

Dortha

Hey Whats Up?

Hey whats up? Sorry I haven't posted for a while. But I will start again. Yesterday I got to go to my friend Maggie's house, we had so much fun!!!!I got to try to play her saxophone its fun I learned how to play "Mary Had a Little Lamb". It sounded so cool!!!

That's me and Maggie in the picture, we were at my vocal concert. I had a tons of fun at my vocal concert, we sang three different songs, the first one was"Like a Trumpet Resounding", the second one was "Joshua Fit the Battle", and the third one was"OKLAHOMA". I loved singing "OKLAHOMA",even though I didn't get a solo it was still a ton of fun! Well I guess I'll talk to you guys later.

~Kristen~

Jaron just left for college!!

Jaron & Courtney

See for yourself, I told you Jaron looks good!!! So does his sister, Courtney. It was good to have Jaron home from college for the week-end and he DID get the fried chicken dinner last evening. He seems very happy in college this year and is even pleased with his room mate. They seem very well matched and are studying the same subjects.

We had good church services this morning. We begin a Mission's Conference today with 5 missionary families. We will go at 5:00 tonight and spend some time hearing about their works, their plans and their needs. Next Sunday we will be pledging for our Faith Promise Program. This past year, our church gave almost $300,000.00 for missions. Our class alone has given $47,000.00----not bad for retired people.

I hope everyone is having a great Lord's Day. It is so good to have family to share the day and Sunday dinner with us. We are BLESSED big time!!!!!!!

Love you,

Dortha

Remember Church tomorrow!!

Since today is Saturday that means tomorrow will be Sunday. The Bible is to remind EVERYONE to go to church tomorrow. Jaron is home this week end and he has already told his Mom that he will go with her in the morning. She is pleased.

Thank you, Darla and Jan, for your postings yesterday and for your kind words. I feel very undeserving but appreciate the faith you have in me. I am so blessed that both of you are a very great part of my life as well. I cannot imagine life without you and I am so thankful we get to spend time together. (Darla, you are welcome to move back to Nixa anytime!!)

The only documented info I have at this time concerning "guests" visiting is this: Roger and Anne will be here on Dec. 13. I expect Andrea and family but do not know their schedule. Ryon, Jessica and Mavrik will be here during that time. I rather suppose all of them will be here on the week-end following the 13th, which is on a Thursday. Ryon told me they would be here for 10 days. I am not sure how long Roger and Anne will be here. I will let you know more as I know more.

I sympatize with Ron, Vicky, Keith and Jessica today as they will be suffering through the OU/MO football game this afternoon in Norman, OK. The rest of us can sit in our comfortable living rooms and won't have to sit on those 'ole bleachers for 4 or 5 hours!!!!

I promised Jaron fried chicken dinner tonight so I better get busy and get it ready. It is good to have him here. He looks good and seems so happy with college life in Rolla.

I wish for everyone a wonderful week-end.

Love you,

Dortha

part Holland

Hi Hollands. Yep, you're part Holland or related somehow if you can read this!

Except for Sundays, this is the first day I've had off in a month!! But I had to really "slip in" a day off. The key word here is "Slip"..........yep, I slipped! Yesterday, I mopped the kitchen and immediately walked across it........at least for awhile I walked.......then I tried a body slam on the floor! Today I am very sore, so I refused to work. I went to the therapist who officially told me to take a couple of days off. Soooo, now I have a chance to write a blog.

I agree with Darla that it is interesting to read Grandmother's writings. And the pictures are interesting. I just saw the one of my FAVORITE granddaughter!!! I'm proud of her musical accomplishments. Keep it up, Kristen!

Darla, I'm sure you feel left out by not getting an invitation to the Holland get-to-gether, but sometimes I don't get one either. I just drop in when I see company across the street!!! Now, really you are invited and the dates are whenever Roger & Anne are here in December, also Andrea & family. I think it is around the 13th, but I'll keep you posted. Or maybe Grandmother should since she keeps up with dates much better than I do. I'll be glad when I get to be her age, so I can remember things, figure out things better, get up earlier, do all the things she is so good at! It would be hard to walk in her shoes!! But I'm so thankful God gave her to us and has let us keep her in our family for so many years. I don't know what I'd do without her.

Love & prayers for all of you,
Jan

Sunshine

Well, it is a beautiful day here also- couldn't ask for anything better. Kris had her vocal concert this week. Her group did a great job- especially on the song "Oklahoma" (which is how I learned to spell Oklahoma, when I was young!) She has several friends in her group, the one in the picture is either Catherine or Carolyn- they're twins so I never know!

Grandmother keeps speaking about a Holland get together in a few weeks- I'm just wondering if we have certain dates for that- I would like to mark my calendar. Much love to all-Darla

Beautiful Hawaii

This is another of Anne's Hawaiian pictures!!

Well, just as I predicted, I did have a great day yesterday---and I plan to have another today!!!!. We enjoyed our luncheon at church and the day was beautiful, sunny, with crisp, cool air and an over-night low of 44º. We are promised more of the same today. GREATTTTT!!!!!

Today we have another activity at church. We will have an evening meal with some special singing afterwards.

We don't hear much from Devin so guess he is settling into a routine and learning to take care of himself. He did, however, call his Mom at 12:40 one night to ask her how to light his water heater. Perhaps he will still need us now and then.

Jaron informed us that he will be coming home for the week-end. It will be good to see him--first time for several weeks. I must get the chicken fried!!!

Dortha

Beautiful Thursday!!

Oh, what a beautiful morning, oh, what a beautiful day. I have a wonderful feeling, EVERYTHING"S GOING MY WAY!!!! Such a great time of the year---not too hot and not too cold. Just right at 41 degrees this morning with bright sunshine and a promise of temps in the 60's. Our leaves are just beginning to change into their beautiful, brilliant colors. (The attached picture is last year's colors).

We have a luncheon at church today. The "OLD" people meet once each month for food, visiting and entertainment. We will enjoy and are glad we are able to attend.

Have a great day!!
Dortha

Beautiful Wednesday!!

Today the sky is so blue, the temperature is as perfect as perfect can be and all is good on the home front. We owe so much to our men and women who so willingly give their time and sometimes their lives for our protection. The least we can do is to support them and ask God to protect them. My prayers are with them today and each day.

Dortha

Just A Teaser!!!

I just couldn't resist!! This little fellow looks so forlorn and sad. I realize I need to get on with my life and stop tantalizing everyone. You are all free agents and have the freedom to write or not to write. Once before I promised never to mention the blogging again. Promises are made to be broken and I have to admit, I did break that one and I may do it again. In the meantime, I wish you all a great day. Dortha

I Like Rainy Days

Nixa Sky Before Our Rain

This is what our sky looked like yesterday before the rains began. We received a very welcome rain and no storms, thanks.

Yes, I do like rainy days. I like the comforting feeling I have as I listen to the raindrops hitting the roof. I am sure my feelings, in part, stem from my memories of long ago. Rain meant I didn't have to go to the cotton patch that day. It also meant that on many of those rainy days, my Mother, my Sister and I would spend the day sitting in our barn loft picking peanuts off the vines. We would then throw the vines down to the ground for the cows to eat. The job itself was not that pleasant. Remember we had pulled the peanuts out of the ground, (another back-breaking job) hauled them to the barn on a horse drawn wagon, then with a pitch fork they were thrown into the barn loft so they were dirty and we got very dirty and sometimes very HOT while sitting right under---and very close to--- the barn's metal roof.

I have since realized, years after the fact, that the part of the days I really enjoyed was getting to spend the days with my Mother and Sister in a very "controlled" space while Marie and I had our Mother's total attention. We talked, we laughed and it didn't seem so much like work. Many days, during our growing up years, our Mother was so busy and had so much work to do to keep things on the farm running, she didn't have much time for one-on-one with us.

Another thing I remember about rainy days plays a very important part of who I am today. I have always had a desire and a need to do things I wasn't big enough or old enough to do!! Using my Mother's treddle sewing machine was one of those desires. I was too short to sit on a chair and reach the pedal so I stood. On rainy days, if I could find a piece of fabric or a feed sack that I could use, I would spend the day cutting, sewing and making a doll dress. Later years, I would make something I myself, could wear. One day when I was 7 or 8, I had my finger too close to the needle and sewed clear through my finger nail. It was painful but I thought I could NOT show it to my Mother or she would never let me near the machine again. When the blood began to flow however, I had no choice but to show her. She put some medicine on it, wrapped it up and said, "Well, that goes with it!!". She sent me back to the machine and I was the happiest child in "town".

You have probably observed that I didn't really like going to the cotton patch!!!

Darla, you may be sorry you encouraged me to write. Now I may never stop!!!! Thanks for your comments. As for Andrew's question, I know his Granddad has been writing a "log" about his Navy days and early life. Perhaps he will share it sometime. His days now are filled with mowing the lawn, picking garden veggies and any other thing Jan and I can think of for him to do so he doesn't have time to write. He does have time to watch his ball games, however.

Love all of you,

Dortha

Run for the Border

Well, if you make a run for the border (Okla border that is) you would find a beautiful day. The mornings are crisp, but it feels like wonderdful football weather to me! We had a nice easy-going weekend. We had a visitation with our puppy, Patch. To catch you'll up, our dog is spending a month with her breeder - to go to her dog shows and be a princess. Because when Patch is home with us- she's just a dog. But we love her. I've included her pictures for all to see.

On another note: I just wanted to let grandmother know how much I love reading what she writes for us. Especially the stories about your childhood. I think this is a wonderful way to pass on the history of our family. My kids even like to read about history- when it involves their grandparents. Although Andrew has asked if Granddad is going to tell us a story about his life?? Please keep the lines of communication open- we love it!! -Darla

Sunny Monday!!

We have a beautiful Monday morning with rain in the forcast. That is OK. We need the rain. This is a perfect day to do whatever needs to be done. I am beginning a new project today. If it turns out well, I will tell you about it later. If it doesn't turn out well, nothing more will be said---at least from me.

I hope 'both' of you readers are having a good day. Also hope God answered my prayers that Kim and her group returned from North Dakota safely and that they had a trouble free, enjoyable trip.

Bless you,
Dortha

A New Week!!

We have had a very good Sunday and I hope each of you have had a good day. Already we are beginning a brand new week and we are now counting the weeks and days until we will be in the Holiday Season. We are looking forward to our out-of-state company during that time. So quickly the year has passed. Over all, it has been a very good year and we have made some priceless memories. We look forward to many more during the new year ahead.

Nothing very note worthy happened last week I guess. We are glad Devin had a safe trip to his new post after a rather stressful day due of the trouble with the U-haul he was driving. He isn't feeling well today and tomorrow he reports to his new position so we hope he will be feeling well by then.

I wish everyone a wonderful week.
Dortha

Update on Devin

We don't have details on Devin's trip yesterday but we do know his truck was repaired and he arrived at his destination late last evening. He will be driving back here today in his car to bring Ryan home. We are grateful for a safe trip for him. More later. Dortha

Mavrik, the 8 mo. old Cutie!!!

Mavrik, the 8 month old Cutie!!!

This is the cute face that greeted me early this morning. He crept into my computer sometime over night. I always look forward to Ryon's photography and his sharing the pictures of this little guy. We are looking forward to seeing him in person in a few weeks. He leaves the impression that he is in charge and knows what he wants out of life.

Thank you, Ryon, for the priceless pictures. Keep them coming.

Sorry, Grandmother, it's been awhile since I have posted. Things have been very busy, (when are they not?), but the last couple of weeks have been tied up with getting ready for a friend's wedding.

Last Saturday, we threw a bridal shower with a "Breakfast at Tiffany's" theme. We wore our little black dresses and pearls, and had a fun time.

Tonight, we are leaving for the long trip to North Dakota. Seven of us are piling into a 15-passenger van and driving the 17 hour trip. The wedding is on Saturday morning, then we are leaving that evening for another overnight drive. Pray for our safety and sanity.

Quick update on the kids: they are doing well and school is in full swing. Baylea does not like homework, Molly is becoming quite an artist, and Connor is adjusting to life as a kindergartener. Last week, he came up with this gem. He said," Mom, I can't wait to be a teeneager because then I could fall in love with a girl . . . .and then I could sit on the couch and kiss her." He's only five - we're going to have a handful in the near future, I'm sure.

Not a Good Day for Devin!!!

Devin needs prayers and sympathy. He left here at 5:30 this morning with his 27' U-haul truck and his Mercedes in tow (on a dolly). He got through the curves and over the mountains okey but before he got to Conway, the truck decided it didn't want to go any farther. He is now awaiting a repair man from who knows where??? He thinks it is possibly the alternator. We will know more as he knows more. Too bad it had to happen.

Darla, it is good to know you and yours are alive and well. Bill looks as if he might be good for at least another 40. Congrats to Kristen for making the first chair. We need to hear her play her instrument. You can brring her over any time.

No news of interest at the moment.

Dortha

The Big 40!!!

Just to let everyone know that even after turning 40- Bill is alive and kicking... well at least scooting!!! It is so much fun to bug him- I'm glad he lets me do it. I've attached a picture of him and the kids. If you look real close, you can see that hair is getting a little more gray on the sides!

Devin I hope you check on us often, and even let us know what you are up to in your new town. I wish you many blessings. And honestly- I'm just very proud of you and how you turned out (I was a little scared for a couple of years!) You are a great young man, and from my point of view- a very tall young man! Don't forget about us little people after you go off to the big city. I'm sure we can always entice you back with Grandmother food!

Well Kristen had her try-out in band, and she made first chair with her flute- so she is very proud. Bill had a competition last weekend and got a 2nd place trophy-for all his hard work. And I guess Andrew and I are just hanging out. All is well. -Darla

This is the Day!!

Devin's Moving Van

Not only is this the day the Lord hath made, it is also the day Devin will be loading all his earthly possessions into the U-haul above and driving to "regions beyond" to begin a new life in South Arkansas. He has been in training for several weeks now and has been promoted to assistant manager of a Super Center. We shall miss him very much and just maybe he will miss us a little, perhaps enough so that he will be making the 6 hour drive occasionally to have Sunday dinner with us. At least we hope so. He and Jaron have been my computer Mentors so now I am on my own. I lean on Kim when I need help posting. She may regret ever suggesting this blogging but I am thankful she didn't give up and we keep hoping others will join in. Devin said he may read now since he will be all alone and away from family news.

We wish you success in all you do, Devin and we love you,

Grandmother

Replica of our Kitchen Stove

In my last post, I mentioned that we had to come home from the cotton patch and fix our evening meal each night. The stove in the picture is similar to the one we cooked on. We split the wood, carried it inside and built the fire. It made for a very warm----even hot----kitchen in the Summer time. I have no idea what the temp would have been in that small kitchen during the Summer months when we were canning the veggies we raised in our gardens. I remember my poor Mother standing with a towel around her neck while the perspiration ran down her face as she filled the jars and watched the cooker get up pressure. We had no electricity in those days, therefore, not even a fan. You do what you have to do and that is what we had to do!!!! When the cold, Winter days arrived, we were glad, however, that we had "suffered" though the heat and prepared the vegetables as now we could sit by the fire and enjoy them and we were very thankful for them.

And that's the way it was!!!!

Dortha

Fall-Time Memories.

Today is October 1st. The cool nights we are now enjoying and the warm--sometimes HOT----days bring to mind many memories of my years spent on the farm. There was no end to the chores that must be done before the colder days of Winter set in. There was cotton to pick, corn to gather, peanuts to pull, load onto the wagon and haul to the barn, pasture fences to repair and the last of the garden vegetables were harvested, apples were picked, peeled and cut up into small pieces, spread out on a clean towel and placed on the roof of the chicken house in full sun where they stayed for several days until they were dried. We then placed them in bags and made fried apple pies in the Winter time.

My least favorite of all the chores would have to be picking cotton. Imagine, if you can, spending the long days in a "stooped" position, pulling a sack with a strap that fit over your shoulder. When the 12' long sack became full, we then hoisted it upon our shoulder and carried it to the wagon where it was weighed and empied. No wonder my back needed surgery!!!! We often would leave home before daylight, walk for 2 miles, pick cotton until almost dark, walk the 2 miles back home, milk the cows, feed the chickens, fix some food for ourselves (on a wood-burning stove) and finally fall into bed exhausted. The same routine would be repeated day after day all during September and October. We were paid $1.00 per 100 pounds. Few people could pick 100 pounds a day but the few dollars we did make were necessary to buy new shoes and a new coat for the coming Winter. We had no way to earn more money until the next Spring when we would hoe cotton and pick strawberries.

I am thankful for the memories!!! Dortha

Happy Birthday, G.J.!!!

Happy 19th Birthday, G.J. We miss you since you went away to college. We hope you are enjoying college and we wish you much success and happiness. Grandmother Holland