Wed. Morn.

Could you use a hug today? If so

this is for YOU!!!!

Today is a good day. I am thankful for strength for the day and for God's blessings. I am thankful I have work to do and that I am able to do it. I am thankful for my family, for my home and, yes, even for my country with all it's flaws. God is good!!! I am thankful for the love from my family. I am thankful that Kristen and Andrew are visiting this week. I will be picking them up from Vacation Bible School a little later this morning. I am thankful the earthquake in California was no worse and that my # 2 son and his family are all safe. I am thankful that # 1 son, Ron, is feeling a little better today although he is spending another day in bed. He is able to move around a little easier than yesterday. Perhaps he will know results from yesterday's x-rays today. As of now, all he knows is that the pain is from a pulled muscle.

Talking about my being able to work, I better get to work!!!!

Love to all,

Dortha

Tues. Morn.

Two of my Favorite People!!

A special "good morning" to all you good people. This is a busy week on Holland Hill. There is a lot to do between now and August 23rd and not so many days to get it done. We are looking forward to seeing ALL of our family at that time.

Jan survived her 2 plus hours in the dentist chair yesterday but wasn't feeling very well last night. I haven't checked on her yet this morning.

Andrew and Kristen are visiting this week. They have grown up much too fast. Seems such a short time ago when Jan and I shuffled them back and forth across the street and "baby sat" them while their mother worked. Kristen will turn 14 next month and Andrew will become a young man of 16 in September. He mowed part of Jan's lawn last evening. With all the rains we have received recently, the grass is growing like Spring-time. Merrel can't keep up with the mowing all by himself.

Devin and Juneau drove up from South AR yesterday. Devin said Juneau is not a very good traveler. She gets tired of the 5 hour ride. She enjoys her freedom on this hill.

I am so sorry Darla, for tempting you with the fresh peach cobbler. If you can come over this weekend, I will try to make it up to you by fixing a special meal for you. It will be good to see you.

I better get my day started.

Love you,

Dortha

That is SOOOO not fair!!!!

Grandmother, that is so not fair- having to see that scrumcious peach cobbler. You are the greatest cook- I can smell it all the way back in Okla!!! Some of my best memories are sitting around that dinner table- not having to leave too soon- eating up the good food and good conversation.
Well I hope you guys enjoy Andrew & Kristen this week. They will be there to help with VBS at church, then help granddad in the garden. They agreed that if they got to eat Grandmother food, then they should help in the garden or by mowing the lawn. I'm so blessed to have two children that I can be so proud of. They are growing up much too fast. I'm officially the shortest person in my family now. I want these next few years to slow down- but I bet they will be going in the other direction. Well, maybe next weekend I can pick up the kids and get a chance to sit down around that Family Dinner Table.
A & K - I already miss you guys. Be good and have a lot of fun!! Love ya -Darla

Sunday Afternoon!

Fresh Peach Cobbler!!

Today has been a great day~~~~~~sunny and too HOT but we had a nice rain Fri. night and yesterday morning so we won't complain about the heat. We are thankful for a cool house, a cool car and a cool church so what more do we need?

You will remember, yesterday my desire was to be a blessing to someone in some way. Well, I don't know how much of a blessing to someone I was but I guess you could say I did a good deed-----if you call cooking a fried chicken dinner a good deed. Jaron and Emily drove down from Rolla and HOPED Grandmother Holland would fix a chicken dinner. Well, that I did and even though Courtney and Stephen had other plans, they were able to change them and join us along with Jan. Today Courtney, Stephen and Jan again joined us for noon meal. The fresh peach cobbler was our dessert treat. It tasted pretty good with ice cream topper!!!!!

This week is Bible School week for Jan's church. I will be doing whatever needs to be done. Tomorrow I will drive Jan to the dentist where she will suffer through a root canal. Not a pleasant thought ------ for the body nor the bank account but will be great if the tooth can be saved.

Merrel always has yard and garden work to do. He needs to cut back some on the hours he stays out in the heat. We don't want him to get a heat stroke.

So sad about the fires near Yosemite National Park. I remember spending a couple days there several years ago. It is a beautiful place, another of God's Wonders.

Time for me to get ready for evening church service. Hope everyone has had a great day and ..................

I love you,

Dortha

OK, Ok I give up!!!!

Ok, after threats of violence (no fried chicken!) and two kids agreeing to terms; I would like to see what we can do to get my kids to MO. They are really wanting to spend some time on Holland Hill. I've been informed that they haven't got to spend any time there yet this summer, and that they could be very helpful at VBS and in the garden with Granddad. I think they are ganging up on me with a well thought out strategy!!! I'm actually thrilled that they enjoy spending time with family. I'll make some calls and hopefully we can figure something out!
-Darla

Hazy, Hot and Humid!!!!

Since we are promised a hazy, hot, and humid day today, we may wish we could join Charlie Brown and Snoopy. We are thankful for the nice rain we had Tues. night and Wed. morn. We received in excess of 3". We continue to have a very green world. Some years by the end of July, our yards are brown from the heat and lack of rain. Not so this year. Our lawns need mowing more often than one person can get them done. We expect soooo much from Merrel. He has to do all the yard work plus all the garden work. Courtney said she might be able to mow on Saturday. That would help. We are so thankful that Merrel is able to do all he can do. The pace-maker is what he needed. He has so much more energy now than before. Without it he would not be able to do all the yard and garden work.

Thought for the day:

The foolish speak before they think,

The wise think before they speak,

The Godly let their lives speak for them!!!

I would like to be a blessing to some one today. How about YOU????

Love you,

Dortha

You Can Count on Me!!!!

Kristen, what an artistic post you did. I am sorry about your poison ivy but glad it is getting better. What kind of help do you need? Should we "flatter" your mom in some way and butter up to her or would "violence" work better--- like tell her no fried chicken for her even when everyone else gets to eat it? I will stand by for any suggestion you have and I will even help get you here if you need me to. I can meet you half way or what ever would help. Did you know I have been having to can beans all by myself except a little help from Granddad when he didn't have something else to do? Do you remember how you used to help and put the salt in the jars for me---also grind the zucchini for the freezer.

I hope you can come.

I love you,
Grandmother Holland

You Can Count on Me

HEY!!

HEY YOU GUYS!!!!
SORRY I HAVEN'T POSTED IN A WHILE.
BUT AT LEAST I KNOW FOR SURE THAT I'M A HOLLAND BECAUSE THE LAST TWO WEEKS I HAVE HAD POISON IVY TOO. AND IT WAS REALLY BAD, WE COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHERE I GOT IT FROM BUT I GUESS NOW FROM WHAT GRANDMOTHER HAS SAID I 'M PROBABLY REALLY ALLERGIC TO IT TOO. THANKFULLY ITS FINALLY GOING AWAY . EXCEPT ME AND MY MOM ARE WORRIED THAT IT'S GOING TO LEAVE SCARS, SO RIGHT NOW I HAVE TO KEEP PUTTING THIS SCAR STUFF ON.

YOU GUYS UP ON HOLLAND HILL NEED TO HELP ME, BECAUSE ME AND MY BROTHER WOULD LIKE TO COME UP THERE AROUND JULY 27-AUGUST 3. (I THINK. I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT DATES BUT SOMEWHERE AROUND THERE.) TO HELP WITH VBS AT NANA'S CHURCH .SO WE NEED YOUR HELP CONVINCING MY MOM TO LET US COME UP THERE.

:)~~KRISTEN~~:)

Stormy Wednesday

Rain, Wind, Lightening and Thunder!!!

We have had all of the above. Torrential downpours that seemingly would not stop. We probably have received 3" of rain since late yesterday. So far we have not lost power. Much of Springfield has no power. I understand the storms have moved on South of us now, although I still hear thunder in the distance. Courtney had to take an out-of-the-way drive to work this morning as a tree is down across the road at the top of our hill.

Merrel announced last evening that his prayers were being answered. I asked what he had prayed for. He said, "Rain." My response, "Well, I prayed for rain also so how do you know it was an answer to your prayer and not mine!!!" We are very, very thankful for a nice, much needed rain.

Kim, I am very sorry and sympathetic concerning your poison ivy/hives. I can only imagine how miserable you are and I do hope the medication is helping. I suffer from it sometimes when I haven't even been close to any vines. The wind can blow it in my direction and I know it is NO fun. Your dad knows all about that also. I think he got his on the golf course. I hope you are enjoying your leisurely week--no husband and no children. The house must be very quiet.

I must get busy.

Love you,

Dortha

Sunny Tuesday!!1

Heather Helping Merrel Pick Beans

This is not the picture I was searching for but since it is the one I got and since I am going to talk about "beans" it will be OK. Yesterday was bean picking day once again and, yes, I did can beans. (not to worry, Vicky, today is YOUR day!!) I feel like the little red hen. I had to do all the snaping alone except for the last few. Merrel usually helps me but he was busy picking and mowing. Anyway, I will share this Winter even though I don't have much help canning and as I remember, the little red hen did not share!!! Our total is now 70 quarts. Not bad and we will get more if we can get a shower soon. We keep getting promises but the showers by-pass us.

Working with the beans takes me back to another time and another place and I picture a mother, a sister and myself trudging along the hot, dusty roads to a neighbor's home to spend the day helping her can her beans. My mother was one of 3 ladies in the community who had pressure canners. I am not sure how my mother was able to pay $12.00 for the canner. I remember her ordering it from Sears Roebuck. We would load the canner and about a dozen jars into our little red wagon (the only vehicle we had that had wheels!!) and the 3 of us would leave home before sun up, take turns pulling the wagon over the rocky roads,up and down the hills, sometimes walking 2 or 3 miles before we got to the home where we would work that day. We would then help pick the beans, snap them and get them ready for the jars. My mother would heat them (remember everyone had only a wood burning cook stove), put them in jars and then into the canner. We had to watch it closely as it was impossible to keep the heat at a regular degree--the more wood we put into the stove, the hotter the surface got and, yes, sometimes a canner did blow up!!! Ours never did but some folks got burned really badly when that happened. Can you only imagine how HOT the small kitchens would get and there was usually only one small window in the kitchen and no fans. Most of the homes did not even have electricity. We had none until I was 11 years old. My poor mother would get so, so hot standing watch over the stove. While that cooker was processing, the rest of us would be getting more beans ready for the next cooker. That went on ALL day. At the end of the day, our pay would be 1/4 of the number of jars we had canned that day. Usually we would go home with 10 or 12 jars of beans. It was the same distance back home as it was getting to the home that morning and usually it would be dark when we got back home. We still had the evening chores to do---milk the cow, feed the chickens, gather the eggs and fix some food for ourselves.

Now did I begin this post complaining that I had to can the beans all alone yesterday? Also did I mention that NO homes, in those long ago days, had running water. We had to draw it from the deep well and carry it in buckets to the house. Today I have a cool, very comfortable home, running water---hot and cold---, electric stove that gives off no heat except what the canner needs, I have ample cabinet space on which to work so why would I complain? I shouldn't!!! I am SOOOO blessed and I cherish those memories of days gone by.

I wish a good day to all,

Dortha

Ryan the Recruit!

GJ, Mom and Ryan.jpg
Hello family! I hope everyone is enjoying our beautiful weather! I know I am. Well, I just wanted to give you an update on Ryan the Recruit (not Ryan the Marine!). He told me before he left that I couldn't tell people that my son is a Marine. I was shocked and didn't understand why. He explained to me that while he is in Basic, he is just a recruit. But once he graduates on September 12th he will be a Marine for the rest of his life! I like that thinking. I'm so very proud of him! He seems to be doing quite well right now. He's fitting in with the Marine life and says he can make a bed like nobody's business! He had been very sick with pneumonia, but he is doing much better now. He just didn't want his graduation to get pushed back a week, but I think he is fine on that point now as well. I believe this Tuesday is when he goes to Camp Pendelton. He will be there for about 3 weeks doing some intensive training and testing. Then he comes back to MCRD, where he was first stationed. It's so nice to be able to keep in touch with him through letters even if they take awhile to receive. Every day I get one, I just can't stop smiling! Here's another thing that really got a smile on my face! When he returns on his 10 day break, he wants to be baptized!! This is something I've prayed about for so long, but I knew it had to come from is heart!! I'm so happy for him! I believe he has such a bright future ahead of him now and I know he's getting excited about it as well. I believe he will do so good in his training to get to where he needs to be! I'm very proud of him and pray for him daily. Thank you to everyone in our amazing family who has taken the time to write to him. I know that means so much to him as do the prayers. Keep them coming!
Love to All,
Sherlyn

A New Week!!

Talk about a week-end!!!! If you were not here, you missed some excitement and enjoyment. It could not have been more perfect if we had spent 6 weeks planning. It think it is called "impromptu"!!!! Roger's very close friend, Terry, lost his father last week to lung cancer. Memorial service for him was Sat. at 10:00 a.m. in Muskogee. Roger sent message that he would be attending the service. I responded by asking if he would like to motor on over to Holland Hill. If so, I could feed him squash and green beans. His reply was that he probably could not as he would need to leave Tulsa on Sunday. My rebuttal was, "If I had included fried chicken on the menu, could you come?" My phone rang at 1:15 Sat. afternoon and the voice on the other end said, "I am on my way!!!" See what you can accomplish with fried chicken???? I rounded up a few VIP's and we succeeded in devouring a platter of fried chicken plus a few other choice foods. I guess we were all too full---or too lazy--- to move away from the table so we enjoyed a "round (rectangular) table" discussion of varried topics until near mid-night. Roger went to church with us yesterday morning and since he has known many of our church friends for many years, he is always royally received. We got there several minutes before the service began so we were able to move around from pew to pew to say "Hello". I knew Wilma and Jimmye would want to see him and they were already on the platform so we marched ourselves up there to see them. There are 4 steps to get onto the platform. We began our "climb" and my right foot sorta "stuck" to the carpet (I blame it onto the soles of the slippers I had on) and I began a descent. Roger saved my life by catching me before I hit the floor!!! I did get a lot of attention, however. Roger had to leave after the morning worship service so he didn't get to go with us to our Sunday School Class. He drove back to Tulsa for his 2:00 flight to Chicago.

It was soooo good to have the fellowship we had with Roger, Ron & Vicky, Jan and Courtney & Stephen. It was just a wonderful week-end. Thank you, Roger, for driving 7 hours (and spending $40.00 for gas) to spend 18 hours with us. I forgot to say, "Happy Anniversary" to Ron and Vicky on the 17th so tried to appease them by saying Saturday's dinner was in their honor. Sorry Ron & Vicky. You are greatly commended for your 37 years together and the example you have been to other couples. We love you so very much.

Jan had hoped Courtney would assist her with some chores around their house on Saturday but, guess what!!! Courtney had other plans with some of her church friends. They were planning to go to a movie I believe. After I told Jan that Roger was coming, she called Courtney and Courtney said WHEN???? Can you believe she immediately cancelled her previous plans and made her way here to see Roger with Stephen in tow. We were glad they joined us and, Roger, you should feel very blessed and honored that they chose to spend their evening with you.

Well, as I said, this is a new week and I need to get busy. Merrel is picking more beans this morning so that will mean more canning. So far we have canned 56 quarts. Early on we were fearful that we might not have very many to can this year but so far they are still producing and we are promised a shower this week. That will be good as the plants need lots of moisture since we are having much higher temps than we had for so long earlier.

Thanks for your comment, Sherlyn, on last week's blog. I am glad you enjoyed reading it. Now I have proof that 3 people have read it.

Love to all,

Dortha

Baylea the Gymnast!!

Baylea, the Gymnast!!

Thank you, Kim for sharing pictures of your special little family. We have had to watch them grow from afar but the pictures help so much and we like sharing their accomplishments, their likes and dislikes. I wonder if you ever got Cole to bed after his birthday party. I am sure he couldn't sleep with all the toys (in his bed) and probably didn't want to leave them for fear they might be gone when he awoke. The day must have seemed like a dream to him. The car looks awesome and he has a good place to drive it without getting into the street.

I cannot find adequate words for Miss Baylea!!!! She surely will be a great gymnast. Perhaps we will see her in the Olympics. As I remember her Mother was quite active as a cheer leader so I am thinking she is taking after you. One advantage I see, if you are traveling and have limited space, you can simply fold up Baylea and slide her under the seat. I will be anxious to see what she tries next. I am glad you had your camera at the right time and at the right place. Thanks again for sharing.

I wish for EVERYONE a great week-end. Remember, tomorrow is church day!!!

Dortha

Conclusion of "Neighbor Helping Neighbor"

If you haven't read chapters 1 & 2, please scroll down and read them before reading the conclusion.


Each evening Fred appeared with yet another load of lumber and the two men worked until it was too dark to see. Sometimes Maggie came along and the two women sat in the house listening to the radio or talking about babies or Jenny's ailing mother, their sentences punctuated by the sound of the hammers outside.

Over the next few weeks the new room took shape and was finished and roofed. "Where did you get the shingles?" asked Luther. "Same fella," answered Fred. "He's got all kinds of stuff." Luther didn't push. Lots of older folks liked to help out the young veterans anonymously. It was common.

It was done!! The women fixed the room up inside and moved Jenny's mother in. The men went back about their business. At supper one evening, Luther told Jenny he would like to do something nice for Fred and Maggie since they had been so helpful with the new room. "I know," said Jenny brightly. "Maggie likes those big wooden lawn chairs like Aunt Birdie has on her lawn. Why not get them a couple of those?"

"Good idea," agreed Luther so the next Saturday he bought a couple at Callison's Hardware and loaded them into his pickup. When he got to Fred's farm, there was no one home. Fred and Maggie had gone into Springfield to do some shopping. "That's ok," Luther thought. "I'll just put them in the garage in case it rains. He drove around the house and onto the driveway that led to Fred's new garage. The garage was gone!! Only the foundation remained to show where it had been. Luther put the chairs on the front porch and drove home, tears in his eyes.

The two men are now in their mid-seventies and still the best of friends. They never spoke of the incident. How could they? Nothing needed to be said!!!

The end!!!

P.S. Did you know all along where Fred was getting the lumber and supplies? I had not a clue. I would not make a very good witness would I? Guess I wasn't meant to be a detective------well er, I can tell you a few things but may not be able to tell you the color of the get-away car nor the age of the driver!!!!

Now you know all about Fred and Luther. Hope you enjoyed reading about them. They each received blessings and I feel Fred received the greater one. Remember the Scripture that says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive!!"

Dortha

Thanks Darla and Kim!!!

Thanks, Darla, for your post, your compliments and your nice picture. Yes, the picture is very good and well done. Kristen got quite a bit of experience taking pictures on our trip. When she ran out of reading material, she kept her camera pointed out the car window. I am so sorry I forgot to say "Happy Anniversary" to you. For me, one day seems to melt into the next and I even forget what the date is. I hope you had a good day and please forgive me for forgetting.

Kim, the pictures of your little "tribe" are nice. Looks as if Mr. Cole had an OK birthday. He is a busy little guy. Wish we could see him more often.

Darla, I promise to conclude the article tomorrow. You are the first and only person to comment but if YOU are enjoying it, then it will have been worth my effort. It really touched my heart when I first read it and, of course, it took my mind back to a time and place that are engraved very deeply in my memory.

My bed time,

Dortha

Cole's 3rd Birthday

This kid was all smiles after opening presents and having cake.

If you know Cole at all, you know that he loves swords, and carries one with him about everywhere. He got a new sword and some pirate stuff that he and Connor can "fight" with.

Here is the latest picture of all four.

His "dream" car, Lightning McQueen. He couldn't believe 'Queen was out in his yard.

Good things...

This is a picture was taken by Kristen on Mother's Day. Pretty good photographer, I would say! We received a letter from Ryan yesterday! It was so good to hear from him. I have been sending him copies of the blog, every week or so- that way he can keep up on the family. He says he is really enjoying reading it. He is counting down the days, but seems to like most of those in his platoon. He says that about 90% of his platoon will end up in Afghanistan or Iraq- so pray that he will get to go somewhere interesting- but SAFE!!!! Ryan has mentioned Japan- I'm sure that would be fun. He said the mail is very slow, but he loves getting letters from everyone. Ron, he received yours- and was thrilled. Ryan also wrote to Andrew and Kristen- Andrew carried his around with him all day- it was cute! In talking with Sherlyn, there are two addresses that will get letters to Ryan- one is more exact and will reach him faster. I'll list the fastest one first.
Recruit Angelo Soriano
1st BN Alpha Co. Plt. 1016
40004 Midway Ave (make sure you have 3-0's)
San Diego, CA 92140
or
Recruit Angelo Soriano
1st BN Alpha Co. Plt. 1016
36001 Midway Ave
San Diego, CA 92140
We are so proud and honored that Ryan is making the commitment to our country. And I think he has made some good life changing decisions, that will serve him well through-out his life.
Devin, I think Juneau needs to come visit us for a couple of weeks!!! She/He is a beautiful dog. And I've had quite a bit of experience with a strong willed daughter... I mean puppy!!!! Andrew thinks you, Carley, and Juneau should come visit us in Tulsa!! And I agree!
And for you Grandmother, you have me very interested in this story. You can be assured that I will tune in tomorrow- but probably not at 6:59am!!!!! Much love- thanks for keeping us entertained! -Darla

Chapter # Two

Chapter # Two: (You will need to scroll to and read Chapter # 1 for the story to make sense.)

"Jenny's mother is in bad shape," said Luther, "We're going to have to take her in and with the baby coming, we don't have the room."

"Can't build a room on?" asked Fred.

"No lumber available," said Luther. "I've tried here in Miller, Mt. Vernon, Springfield, Joplin and there won't be any more shipments for the duration of the war. Who knows how long that will be?"

"Tried Will's sawmill?"

"Yeah, but he only saws oak and it is green. The baby will be here in August and we can't wait for the lumber to dry. Besides you can't build a whole room out of oak anyway."

The two young men left the cafe--Luther went to work in Mt. Vernon and Fred went back to the farm.

That evening Fred finished the milking and sat on the front porch with Maggie. "Days are getting longer," he said. "Man could get half a day's work done after five o'clock." "Better put your Pa's car up." said Maggie, "Radio says rain tonight." Fred's father had bought a new 1941 Ford just before his first heart attack and the car was now Fred's. He had built a new garage for it just before Christmas and tonight he congratulated himself on getting it built before the lumber ran out. He didn't even know it had, until Luther told him this morning.

Fred drove the car into the garage and latched the door. He walked back around the house to the front porch. Something was nagging at his mind but he couldn't define it. He shook it off and sat on the porch with Maggie until darkness fell. They could see the heat-lightening in the West and the wind began to blow. They went into the house to listen to the news of the war on the radio and shortly went to bed.

The next morning, Fred again drove his pickup into Miller to pick up the mail. The air was fresh and clear now, the rain having washed it clean. The sun was shining and he felt good. When he reached the cafe, Luther was there ahead of him. "Still haven't found any lumber, I guess", Fred asked. "No, I asked everybody at work and nobody knows of any. I don't know what we'll do." Now the nagging in Fred's mind defined itself. "I found the lumber for you" he said. "You did? Where?" Luther asked.

"A fellow I know. He will let you have it for free, you being a veteran and all. He doesn't want you to know who he is so I'll have to haul it in for you. It's good lumber, fir and pine, cut into different lengths and got nails in it but that is no problem. Tell you what, you get your foundation poured and I will bring you a pickup load everyday and help you build the room. We'll have it finished before the baby gets here." That's a friend for you, thought Luther as he drove to Mt. Vernon. That evening he came home with sacks of cement in his pickup. He dug and poured the foundation and when it was ready for the footings, he told Fred. "Fine, said Fred, "I'll bring the first load over and be there when you get home from work."

More later. Please stay tuned for chapter # 3!!!

Memories!!! (Chapter # 1)

Chapter # 1:

I read an article recently that was very interesting to me. It brought to memory many of the hardships we lived through during and after World War II. Life was not easy for a lot of reasons. EVERYONE was issued a book of ration stamps. We could not buy certain items without a stamp. We were allowed only 2 pairs of shoes each year. We had stamps for sugar, coffee and other food items. Because all the raw materials and metals were needed for supplies for the war, no automobiles were manufactured from 1942 until 1946. No appliances were available for purchase. Gasoline was rationed allowing each family only a few gallons a month. As the following article relates, lumber was also in limited supply or not available at all. There were many sacrifices but all was not bad. Families relied on each other and physical help was available when needed. I remember how many farmers would come together to help harvest crops when the land owner was unable to do the work alone since many of the older sons-----including my own dear husband as well as 2 of his brothers-----were serving in the armed forces. We leaned on each other and worked together where we were needed.

I think this true story is interesting for more than one reason. One of the reasons for me is that it happened in our very own little corner of the world. Another reason is to realize how blessed we are when we can do something for someone who needs help. This has been a desire of mine for my entire life. I seem to learn very slowly and perhaps do some things for all the wrong reasons, at least many of my efforts seem to "back-fire", however, I will not stop trying to help when I see a need.

And now the article: It is called "Luther's Lumber".

Luther had been home from the war for almost four months now and worked at the Carnation Milk Plant in Mt. Vernon where his wife, Jenny worked. This morning he was in the little Miller Cafe next door to the post office waiting for the mail to be "put up". Sitting across from him in the booth was his old friend, Fred Hill. They were discussing the war which was still going on in the Pacific theatre. Recruitment posters still lined the walls of the little cafe.

Fred had not been in the service because when the war started in 1941, his parents had been in very poor health, his father with a bad heart and his mother with cancer. He was needed at home to care for them and operate the farm. His parents had since died and the farm was now his---his and Maggies's.

When Luther, Fred's best friend since childhood, had flown over Miller in the B-17 and when the bodies of the Hobbs boys and Billie Martin had been shipped home, and when Perry came home with hooks where his hands should have been, Fred felt guilty. He felt he had not done his part for the war effort and in his own eyes, he was diminished. But today, it was Luther who seemed depressed. Fred asked him what was bothering him. "You seem down in the dumps today, Luther," he said. "I can't see what could be bothering you. You came through the war without a scratch, you got a beautiful wife and a baby on the way, you got a good job, what is the problem?"

To be continued---please tune in tomorrow!!!

Dortha

Sunny & Warm Thurs.

This is a picture we took on our way home from CA last month. We saw snow covered mountains all along the way until we passed Denver. That snow would feel pretty good this week since we have had no rain and full sunshine each day. Perhaps we will get a shower this week end.

We enjoyed our Oklahoma company on Tuesday. Yesterday I spent the day canning green beans. Canned a total of 19 quarts yesterday. That brings the 'grand' total to 39 so far for this year. Not too bad since the plants had difficulty surviving during our too cool temps and our too much rain. We should continue picking and canning for a few more weeks. I will be thankful if they will still be producing when our company comes in August. Today I am working on some window treatments for Blinds Plus and speaking of Blinds Plus, I better get busy since Vicky checks this blog occasionly!!!!

Hope all are well and will have a good day.

Dortha

Happy Birthday to Cole!

Happy 3rd birthday to Cole. Can't imagine our family and life without you. It was good to talk to you today and if you were here we would watch "Piderman" together. You are a special little guy and we love you very much. Have a great birthday- can't wait to see you again!!

Lots of love to you,
Gramma and Granddad

Happy Birthday, Mr. Cole!!!

Happy Birthday, Mr. Cole!!!!

I realize I am one day early wishing Cole a happy 3rd birthday. Perhaps he can begin celebrating a day early!!!

I hope you have a wonderful birthday, Cole, and get all the birthday gifts you want. You are a special little boy and it has been a joy to see you grow from a tiny baby to a very "mature" 3 year old. It was good to have you visit us last month and we look forward to seeing you again in August.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,

Great-grandmother Holland

Juneau Parham!!!!

I am wondering how Devin and Juneau are getting along this week. When Devin was here two and 1/2 weeks ago, he left Juneau here for some 'hands-on' training. (She's going to need a little bit more!!!) He left here with her 2 days ago to drive 5 hours to his "Batchelor's Pad". Juneau was so glad to see him, when they drove away, she was standing on the back seat with her head resting on his shoulder. Where is my camera when I need it??? I am afraid she may get spoiled!!! (Click on Juneau's picture to make it full screen and look at those blue eyes!!!)

I like today. Temperature is just about perfect, I watched a breath-taking sunrise, there are a few scattered clouds which make the sky interesting. I was out on our back deck for awhile and the slight breeze was so nice I would have been happy to spend the day there.......... BUT, guess what, I have more beans to can today. Merrel picked more than a bushel yesterday of near perfect beans. It will take most of the day to get them snapped, put in jars and processed in the pressure canner. I don't mind. I just think about how great they will taste this Winter.

Things are pretty quiet on the Hill. Courtney comes for lunch each day, Jan goes to her varied jobs each day. Some days I see her at noon and some days not until evening. Merrel is still pulling grass in his garden. It is a very difficult task but needs to be done so the veggie plants can survive. The frequent rains have made the job easier by softening the soil but still it is very tiring. Some days I am afraid he gets too tired but he has no one to help him. My back won't let me do all the things I used to do but I can work with the beans after they are picked so that helps.

Speaking of beans, I better get busy!!

Love to all,

Dortha

No Thanks!!!

Please~~~~~Please!!!!!

I'm thinking this doggie probably doesn't want to see his Vet!!! What do you think??

This is for the men:: If at first you don't succeed, why not go ahead and do it like your wife told you to in the first place??? Just a thought!!!

Have a good day!!

Devin's Room Mate!!!

Meet Devin's new room mate. This is Juneau. She is about 8 weeks old and already thinks her purpose here is to control the world. She is a very pretty puppy and likes to outsmart whoever is taking care of her. I predict she will give Devin a run for his money. She has more energy than you can imagine. Thought I would never get her to sit still long enough to get a picture. Perhaps the next time she comes for a visit I can get a better one. Dortha

Tuesday

I am Still Feeling Patriotic!!!

Not much to report these days. Today will be a little different for me. Finally we have enough green beans so I can put some of them in jars-----my first canning this year. We have had more than we could eat so have sharred them with friends and family. I don't expect to reach the number of jars---168--- I canned last year but certainly hope the vines will continue to produce so I can can several jars this year. We enjoy them the year around and they certainly help with our ever rising food costs.

Darla, it just HAS to be the boots. No other explanation. If I can only find the picture with the "Go-go boots, then we will have no doubt. I am glad you had a nice visit with your Parham families. Remember to circle your calendar for the August get-to-gether with the Holland families. Most of them will be here from August 20th to August 27th.

I must get busy with the beans.

Love to all,

Dortha

A Good 4th & Tribute to Ryan

Well I hope everyone had a good 4th. My family and I went down to the Parham's - and had a great time. I actually was lucky enough to have Courtney and Stephen to come visit the day before we all went down to Roland. We had a real nice visit with Court & Stephen- they are a sweet couple; and Patch is in love with Stephen! Andrew thinks he's cool, too! As for the Parham's- it was nice to see everyone again- for the most part it had been 15 years since I had seen everyone. They were very warm and welcoming.
As for the picture, while Court and Stephen were here we started looking at pictures, and my kids and I kept on going today. I found some of the adorable pictures of Ryan- so I wanted to share! But if I remember right- it is easy to get a handsome picture of him! I hope he had a chance to celebrate in a new way this year; and that is will always mean something special to him.
Grandmother- I know it was all about the boots!!! I loved the outfit you made for me so much that I dressed my bear in it for years! The fringe was my favorite part, of course! -Darla

The Fourth Plus One!!

We must not forget our patriotism even though the Fourth is now past. We should remember that each and every day we are "one nation under God" and be thankful and respect our flag. Our beautiful flag flies high and proudly 24/7 in our front yard. I can see it from many windows in our house and I have the same humbling feeling each time I see it. It reminds me of the many blessings I receive each day. I realize our homeland has many flaws and faults but I hear of people by the thousands wanting to come to America and make it their home and I hear of very few wanting to leave America. That should tell us plenty about how blessed we are.

I trust everyone had a great, enjoyable Fourth. My 'neighbors' are all out of town so we are having another quiet day today, HOWEVER, I understand that several have made reservations for a Sunday Dinner tomorrow on Holland Hill. I must make a trip to the grocery store soon.

I wish a great week-end for each of you,
Dortha

Comment for Darla

Darla, I have been thinking about a comment you made after I posted the picture of "The Cute Little Twirler". You wished your legs were still as cute and thought it was probably the boots!! I agree but think what you really need would be the "Go-Go Boots" to really look the part!!! If I can find a picture with them, I will post it then you can compare!!! I hope you are having a great Fourth. I am going to watch the James River Fireworks on TV after while. That will be the extent of my celebrating except I did fix a lunch for Jaron, Emily and Jan today and I feel very blessed to be living in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

Love you,
Dortha

Wish I were right there today!
Happy 4th of July to all
God bless

Happy & Safe Fourth For ALL

I wish for one and all a happy and safe Fourth!!! Remember the reason for the celebration and hold our military up in prayer. They deserve our support.

Love to all,

Dortha

New Address for Ryan!

I hope everyone has plans for a great 4th of July! If you have to be out on the road, beware of all the crazy drivers. They seem to be out in full force! I had to travel yesterday for a planning committee for my 20th High School Reunion.
I received several more letters from Ryan today and it sounds like he is doing great but missing home! One letter even had 2 little seashells and some sand in it. That's Ryan for you! He said he would like to hear from everyone in the 'real' world about what is going on. The only thing that he knows is whether or not the Padres win because the stadium is close to him and he can see their firework display. He also wanted to make sure Granddad Holland knows what an inspiration he has been in his life. He is one of the main reasons that Ryan is where he is today! Thank you Granddad! I think you touch everyone's life in such a special way and you may not always see the impact on a day to day basis, but it's definitely a theme in our family! Please keep Ryan in your prayers. He will be leaving MCRD in San Diego and going to Camp Pendleton for a few weeks, then back to MCRD. His CORRECT ADDRESS IS:

Recruit Angelo Soriano
1st BN Alpha Co Plt 1016
36001 Midway Ave.
San Diego, CA 92140-1016

Ryan's Address

Recuit Angelo Soriano
1st BN Alpha Co. Plt. 1016
4004 Midway Ave.
San Diego, CA 92140

Letters From Ryan!

I am not having to hold my breath any longer! I finally received some letters from Ryan yesterday. He is doing well in Basic but says he misses his Grandmother Holland's cooking! Imagine that! He said he does get to eat ham every other morning at breakfast but it is nothing like Grandmother's ham and nothing else compares either. He's a little homesick but he is getting used to military life. He said he does miss his sleep! He had to stay up for watch the other night and missed out on 2 hours of his sleep time. He said he wasn't very happy about that because he and I both know how much he likes his sleep. I told him he might have to learn to nap while doing push-ups! He would really love to hear from everyone, so anyone at all that feels like writing him, please do. I'll put his new address at the end of this post. He said that church and letters are the highlight of his days. He said he loves going to church every day and that the pastor is becoming his best friend. He even sent me a pamphlet from his church where he had underlined things and written notes in it. He likes the music at church as well because it's the same music that we sing at our church. I'm so happy for him and proud of him too! I believe he is exactly where he needs to be right now even though I miss him terribly. I will update everyone as I hear more from him. He said to be sure and tell everyone thank you for keeping him in their prayers. It must be working, he said.
I've got to go mail a few letters to him and try to find some pictures to send him too.
Love to all,
Sherlyn

Good Hint!!

Daughter-in-law, Annie, sent this to me and I thought it worth sharing. I haven't tried it but I will as soon as I can buy some listerine. If you cannot read it as it is, click on it and it will be larger and readable.

Dortha

Good Deed, Darla.

The King and His Court!!!!

Most of you readers will know these people, a few of you may not. They are the Holland Cousins who attended the reunion at Hot Springs a week ago.

Thank you, Darla, for your comments and cute picture of your little sister. See how much more fun is it when you know at least one person read the post for today and took the time to respond. I appreciate you and your loyalty. As I said, you can come over any time. Wish we could share the squash with Kristen. It IS very good right now.

Courtney ate lunch with us today but I did not tell her about the posts. I don't know if she ever reads them or not. She never mentions reading them.

I must get to work.

Love you,

Dortha

Our beautiful Courtney girl

Yes, I must say Courtney and Stephen make an adorable couple, and they seem to smile a lot when they are around each other!!! I couldn't be happier for her. I'm so impressed that she has taken control of her life and turned everything over to God. I pray she is blessed for her humbleness each day. And I still want to be her when I grow up!!!!!
This picture is from her plane trip to France- I think it is so cute. Her smile is so genuine that you just want to hug her. Grandmother, the one you posted of me in my twirler outfit (made by you of course) - my family loved. I just wish my legs still looked that cute. Maybe I just need the boots to wear again! -Love to all, Darla

A New Month!!!

Courtney & Stephen

Do they look happy or what???? This is for those of you who have not yet met Stephen, Courtney's friend. He is a very nice young man and they are a very handsome couple. They had been dating for a few weeks before I met him. I would see him come for her, walk up to her door and walk her out to his car, open the door for her and help her in. My comment, "I haven't even met him and I like him already!!!" Even after their having dated now for several months, he continues to walk her out and help her into his car. My comment now, "She is NEVER going to learn to get in that car by herself!!!" I like the way he treats and respects her. When she came for her "usual" lunch yesterday, I asked her if she wanted to eat with us last evening. She hesitated for a moment then said, "Is it OK if Stephen comes too?" When I said, "Of Course", then her answer was, "Yes!!" They did come and passed their approval on the fried chicken dinner. Jan also joined us after having worked VERY HARD for 10 hours and was much too tired. She has another difficult day today.

Can today really be the first day of a new month? Seems such a short time since it was the first of June. Summer is marching on and we certainly cannot complain about our Summer temps. Today our high will be low 80's, in fact we don't expect to reach 90º until the end of the week. We can complain, however, about too much rain but at least we have sunshine at the moment. Merrel seems to be fighting a losing battle with the weeds in his garden. He worked too long and too hard yesterday and was very tired last night but is up and ready to meet them head on again this morning. Encouraging him to slow down doesn't work!!!

Time for our July birthdays and anniversaries so here goes:

Birthdays:

Mr. Cole...........................12th

Alexa...............................19th

Emelia.............................28th

Anniversaries:

Ron & Vicky.....................17th

Bill & Darla......................14th

I am not 100% sure I have Alexa's date right. If not, will someone please correct me.

I must get my day started. I am off to the grocery store soon.

Love you,

Dortha