Life is getting Better!

I guess that I have whined enough about my lack of energy and desire to do anything. I have complained about it all, I am 71, I have had open heart surgery, and I have bad knees and back. You name it I have said it or thought it. My doctor told me to get off my butt and join a gym. I laughed and told him I did not need any exercise beyond getting up and going to work. I have really felt like crap for some time and I guess I am tired of it.
I have joined a gym and have been working out for several weeks. I started out very slow and have worked up to a pretty good work out. This morning I worked out for 1hr and 12 mins which may not seem a lot to many. I go to the gym about 4 times a week and love it. It is a good start for me and I am starting to feel pretty good. I still realize that I cannot do much outside in that summer heat. I am a lucky man; I have a wife who enjoys working in the yard. When it is time to mow I now do one half and she does one half. It does make it a lot easier for me and I appreciate it very much. We will be married 48 years this Monday the 2nd; I guess I should buy her a riding lawnmower…ha.
Take care and have a Blessed week and be a Blessing to someone.
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.” (John 1:12-13)

Vacation Time!

Pat and I had an opportunity to take a short vacation this past week. It all started with us going to Jacksonville for a memorial service for the Fire Chiefs who have passed recently. I went to represent the Horne family of Bradenton and Georgia. Nancy Horne a dear friend and classmate was married to Vernon Horne. Vernon was my Assistant Chief when I was Chief of the Bradenton FD and then became Chief on my retirement. Vernon passed away and was honored at the conference this year. Nancy asked me if I would represent her and the family and I did, it was an honor to do so.

On Sunday after the memorial service we headed to North Carolina to spend some time with our dear friends Gary and Harriet Gregory. We arrived about 6:30 PM unpacked and went to supper with the Gregory’s. The next morning we woke up to a nice cool rain as you can see by the pictures. Just about every day it was hot for about 6 hours and cool in the AM and PM. The cool part was ok with me as I have had all the heat I want for the summer. I was able to catch a turkey in the field but he was a long ways from me. I hope you can make it out somewhat because you are going to see many photos. I took pictures of Humming birds and rabbits in NC. I have really enjoyed taking pictures as it may be my new love.

On Tuesday the girls went shopping (what else) and Gary and I met with some friends. Gary had run into a classmate at a flea market and had set up a lunch date. Look at the picture be for you read the names at the bottom. We enjoyed our lunch and visited for several hours and told many lies I’m sure. It was really a lot of fun to see these guys. It made me realize that I am not the only one getting old. On the right side is Donald Underwood and Raymond Shaw.
Wednesday was a lazy day for me, in fact every day was a lazy day for me. But that day I did a lot of reading and hanging around taking some pictures. In the evening Doug Tippett another friend of ours came by and we all set outside a visited till dark.

Thursday we went to Blairsville Georgia to visit the Lawson’s (Jim & Joyce). The Kennedy’s were also supposed to meet up with us (Rupert & Norma). They had their family come in so they were not able to come over. We took the Grande tour of the Lawson’s cabin (beautiful) and I forgot to take a picture of it .As you can see we went out to lunch and had a great time. It was the Lawson’s 54th wedding anniversary so it was extra special. After lunch we all went shopping at this really big store. They had it all, the girls went to their section and the guys went to the guns and knives. Of course my dear wife Pat (Elvis nut) was really excited to see Elvis. So as you can see we had to make it a special moment for her.

Saturday morning Pat and I headed to Newnan Georgia. My daughter and her husband James live there. We stopped by for a short visit with them and had a great time. We went out for lunch at a local restaurant named The Redneck Grille. The food is excellent and we all ate too much, but it was worth it. That night my son-in law James grilled steaks and chicken and was it ever good. (My favorite) That evening we played cards and visited and had a great time. As you can see they are animal lovers, they feed flocks of birds, squirrels, deer, bunnies and the next door dog, they also have many cats. I could not resist taking photo of one of them, they are all so cute. Then of course the beautiful Georgia sunset. Sunday morning we left in the morning and got home about 2:46 PM. It was too short of a visit but we will see them in the fall again.

Have a Blessed day and be Blessed!

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)