Back in Hightown

Well it's been over a week now and I am back in Hightown Luton enjoying the mild weather and connecting with friends and co-workers. Betsy is expecting any day (my dad says it is today so we will see) and Barb has gone down to Bromley to assist her in any way she can. I've been riding the bike a little and today I had my first jog down to Wardown Park. Somehow I feel a bit of stability creeping back into my soul. I have almost completed the Mac to PC transfer so this is the end of my Mac experiment and I must say I am much happier (and more pocket money) back on a PC.

Titus Prays

It is so much fun to see your children's children enjoying God. Here Titus gets really exited about praying and wants to pray himself!

One More Day to Take Off

I've made another trip to Illinois beating the blizzard on the way up then getting caught in it and driving back to Texas just before another storm came in. Not my favourite thing to do but thank the Lord for safety in all this winter weather. It rained on Friday so I had the chance to test the last patch that I put on the chimney. It was dry, but it was not the torrential rain like we get from time to time. Lastly, I think I've cleared the squirrels from under the house. This will allow me to leave Texas with some peace of mind. Today the sky is blue and the temp is about 70 degrees. This is how January should be! I've packed, cleaned the house, stowed the car, and now have time to enjoy the great weather before flying on to London where it is most likely raining.

Happy New 2014

Well here we are in another year. Barbara is back in London and I am solitary in our home in Texas. I definitely miss the woman's touch and the home cooking. I have made a turkey but it is way too much food for one and I will have to throw a lot away I think. I'm snacking on woven crackers and blue cheese that has turned green. Hmmm maybe I should not have bought it from the clearance basket. Some friends graciously loaned me a few Horatio dvds and I promptly watched them both until the wee hours of the morning. I've noticed it's hard to stay warm at night alone so I have an extra blanket on the bed. Maybe that's why I'm going to bed later. Everything is cluttered on tables and desktops and dressers in preparation for packing next week. I'm watching the weather and dreading one more marathon drive to Illinois to help my dad after mom passed away last month. What I am really thankful for is Christian Community, people we've worked with over the years who really care and are supportive. When the Lord puts you in his family there are abundant relationships to draw from. I've started a prayer journal for 2014 sensing the need to listen to the still small voice more intently. No matter what happens in 2014 I want to be walking through it with my hand in the hand of the Lord.

Winter Wonderland?

We drove all day the beginning of December to reach Bryan's house just as an ice storm descended and trapped us for about four days. Then on our way back to the Midwest we again found ourselves in a blizzard of about 8 inches of ice and snow. My preference is not to be on the roads during these times but thank the Lord we managed to travel without disaster. Along the way we took a few pictures.

My Mom's 81st Birthday is in Heaven

 Mom passed away about 9:30pm Sunday Dec 8th and was buried at 1pm Tuesday Dec 10th, just one day before her 81st birthday which was to be celebrated in heaven this year.
Here are a few pictures of her.

My Aunt Joyce

I took my dad to see his sister and my aunt Joyce for the last time in November. She was a very hospitable lady who loved family and welcomed us into her home. She will be missed by many. During her funeral, the pastor told of reading Psalms and praying with her the week before she died, and how she would agree with the prayers of faith. She suffered a lot at the end and is now at rest but her memory will continue to bring fondness to her family.

One thing I remember, is when talking of obstacles and struggles in life she would often say encouragingly, "That is no hill for a climber",  meaning "we can overcome this struggle".