tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23878202768286177172024-02-18T22:57:48.354-08:00Too Two Late BloomersAn inspirational blog about discarding the stereotypes of the senior adult years.Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.comBlogger204125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-48218687039885771562023-02-13T13:55:00.000-08:002023-02-13T13:55:07.975-08:00Final Blog Post<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnuzYBlX7h3UPu-7jldWU8E1OuIcijD7Mh2cqeG-nuf_dEFnUJk6miDMe104NsId88K5yDt1pCcA6ynJodYUy0TCDSWFQoA1sZnQgdWpP-t3eMMEfLTEeMToH828W4hvb59hhF7D2SRyNNCYuAaxGTqBhfAFrywz8qHY3XjmVmuqsu7A3sh4Bv9RIHA/s1351/Thank%20you..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="1351" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnuzYBlX7h3UPu-7jldWU8E1OuIcijD7Mh2cqeG-nuf_dEFnUJk6miDMe104NsId88K5yDt1pCcA6ynJodYUy0TCDSWFQoA1sZnQgdWpP-t3eMMEfLTEeMToH828W4hvb59hhF7D2SRyNNCYuAaxGTqBhfAFrywz8qHY3XjmVmuqsu7A3sh4Bv9RIHA/s320/Thank%20you..png" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Over Christmas 2022, I
made the decision to stop posting new content on my blog.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">218 posts were written
over a ten-year period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started in May
2012 anticipating the publication of my memoir<i>, Born Three Times</i>.
Everybody said I needed a platform to promote my book.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My goal was two posts
each month and I succeeded for the first six years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I dropped down to one each month. When the
Covid Pandemic hit, my readership began to fall off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure why.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s been a roller
coaster ride trying to generate new ideas each month. The best ideas came while
I showered. Then I did some research and formulated a blog post. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Several other projects
that I have put off way too long are calling for attention in 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Organize a massive mess of unruly
pictures—phone and printed photos.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Downsize contents of closets and house.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Shred paperwork and organize important
papers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Support Charles in promoting his book.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Cook better to control my carb and sugar
content.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Devote more time preparing good Bible
lessons for our Life Group<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thank you for reading my
posts all these years, commenting, and sharing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have been so encouraging and I am thankful
for every one of you. God Bless!<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-74478542645211745482022-12-12T08:59:00.000-08:002022-12-12T08:59:40.482-08:00Almost Christmas<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpIoQ3PMDHlEE2tEmx6prum9Jq0KZof_6Pz0fO8R2dBgHbIKTniP1BH0xti_hU7U5TITDyXDAtrbSFegwO-v8WQVneBlJLvGwWZ_eFaCmujWcMKmty23je35hvSdD7zztqHgWGr-NI19EnEXBD0AtXM6ZlQyl0g4FWIrbiUeItB9clDiN7avJ_vHgog/s2145/Bells.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="2145" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpIoQ3PMDHlEE2tEmx6prum9Jq0KZof_6Pz0fO8R2dBgHbIKTniP1BH0xti_hU7U5TITDyXDAtrbSFegwO-v8WQVneBlJLvGwWZ_eFaCmujWcMKmty23je35hvSdD7zztqHgWGr-NI19EnEXBD0AtXM6ZlQyl0g4FWIrbiUeItB9clDiN7avJ_vHgog/s320/Bells.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify;">2022 will soon be in our rear-view
mirror.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify;">What a busy, chaotic year it has
been. And now two weeks until Christmas.</span></div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We’ve been saddened by
numerous funerals of people close to us and excited by engagements and weddings
of grandchildren. Every time the phone rings, we wonder what new thing has
happened.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The first Christmas was
filled with good and bad news too. Jesus and Mary heard “no room at the inn” more
than once. Exhausted from the long trip to Bethlehem, they settled in an animal
stall where Mary gave birth to Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Who brought the fried
chicken and casseroles? Where was the decorated nursery and crib for the baby
boy? Nobody took pictures and posted them on Facebook. Joseph’s family just did
their best to stay warm and comfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God was full of surprises
on that first Christmas. He showed out in a big way—the heavenly host of angels
illuminated the sky where shepherds tended their flock of sheep. Their
mission—go find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. What
joy they felt upon seeing and worshipping the newborn king.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When Jesus was around
two, God showed up again by sending three Magi from Eastern countries to deliver
gifts. After worshipping Jesus, they returned home a different way to escape
the hand of King Herod. The gifts provided the means for Jesus’ family to flee
to Egypt to escape the murderous rage of King Herod against all toddler boys.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With many obstacles to
overcome, Jesus arrived in human form to experience all the joys and sadness that
we experience in this life. How very thankful I am that He was born filled with
grace and truth. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The Word became flesh
and dwelt among us. We have seen his gory, the glory of the one and only Son,
who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt;">Merry Christmas</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6hEjja0u69LtYGum1IXoQkjjvhqHHqDGRBI8jOmvcHV4sKNFE9rjZnv2TA81n19SNNIXhfnrmBG5DP4Emp81J7PeupGgN3bM0CPNVru3D-O0v66Ss6dgW8fbanz94gNPtZtTASvzqze1YCOW_c19MGQZZFYFbKKA61oy1W3OEqhlIvl57-XoxroS-w/s2145/A%20Child%20is%20Born.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.3333px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1490" data-original-width="2145" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6hEjja0u69LtYGum1IXoQkjjvhqHHqDGRBI8jOmvcHV4sKNFE9rjZnv2TA81n19SNNIXhfnrmBG5DP4Emp81J7PeupGgN3bM0CPNVru3D-O0v66Ss6dgW8fbanz94gNPtZtTASvzqze1YCOW_c19MGQZZFYFbKKA61oy1W3OEqhlIvl57-XoxroS-w/s320/A%20Child%20is%20Born.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-12313516072108971492022-10-23T14:48:00.000-07:002022-10-23T14:48:15.084-07:00Slow Like a Sloth<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmgEB4u_kCdxZ1dgsyZUA-6nR1ZHJBb2PD_juet2ESoAjI1ijgQPnDyN8Ta3iZuxU7gWx9iN5z7inusxKbQwzeLhgEx0JTvZOFRQZZbKJLc3NUeLSZjSjewImOBRMEdZe6AhzvAw9uNFeSNYldZEuAxExcAYItN467X_-dyDadABW2KwVAJtsbNCTDg/s624/sloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="624" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmgEB4u_kCdxZ1dgsyZUA-6nR1ZHJBb2PD_juet2ESoAjI1ijgQPnDyN8Ta3iZuxU7gWx9iN5z7inusxKbQwzeLhgEx0JTvZOFRQZZbKJLc3NUeLSZjSjewImOBRMEdZe6AhzvAw9uNFeSNYldZEuAxExcAYItN467X_-dyDadABW2KwVAJtsbNCTDg/s320/sloth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">October is the month where pumpkins reign as king. Everything
from coffee to cereal is flavored with pumpkin spice. Colorful leaves on trees
and crisp evenings and mornings are a welcome relief after a hot summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fall festivals and trick or treating are
other fun events for October. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">October is also the month when we gear up for
Christmas. Hallmark Christmas movies start this coming week. The stores are
already filled with Holiday décor, and families begin to plan their
celebrations. Other festivals celebrated during the month of October suit me
better.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">International Sloth Day is celebrated on October 20,
2022.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sloths mostly inhabit Central and
South America, but they are being celebrated worldwide during October. Their
appearance and characteristics make them very loveable. People enjoy seeing
them in zoos in their natural habitat. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Bible talks about the sin of slothfulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s easy to fall into slothfulness after
retirement and when you’re closing in on 80 years old. The temptation to stay
in bed longer in the mornings and stay up later at night is real. Those comfy
pajamas are harder to shed. The lure of interesting posts on Facebook and on my
computer grab my attention and before I know it, an hour has sprinted by. I
should’ve spent that hour in prayer or getting some exercise. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Procrastination is a first cousin of slothfulness.
Putting things off until tomorrow is a deadly habit that I need to avoid. “Hanging
around” like a sloth doesn’t get much done. There are some days when tackling
the to do list is not an option. Aches and pains and brain fog puts me in my
chair where I stay except to get something to eat. Thankfully, those slothful
days are followed by several days of productive activity. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The sloth is very slow moving and it takes a month to
digest a meal. God made that creature to remind us that He loves us on our
slothful days as well as our productive days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xitz7GvKTNF1LrKMbmOEFQ7fONSRNGyns3_UwaAdn1Ijw6RFWvuljB3mu-bSi2BSzvx9wdzO-dnm28KaTXWcCj0ok17W971vI7f0DKULtEUSG_em19gmTBXmEBDNVa1WHccsYV8QMoI_h95rzqxDnKtkO_QQqrbxvRm6itfMxnBTFMR9cdVxijPCFw/s960/Sloth%20quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xitz7GvKTNF1LrKMbmOEFQ7fONSRNGyns3_UwaAdn1Ijw6RFWvuljB3mu-bSi2BSzvx9wdzO-dnm28KaTXWcCj0ok17W971vI7f0DKULtEUSG_em19gmTBXmEBDNVa1WHccsYV8QMoI_h95rzqxDnKtkO_QQqrbxvRm6itfMxnBTFMR9cdVxijPCFw/s320/Sloth%20quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-71520005217094491662022-09-20T10:59:00.000-07:002022-09-20T10:59:28.223-07:00Long Lived the Queen<p> <br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidcxZRLZMg6KfOK3RrllbJPp5bqkaiNGVuvsayaq3DD--Yqf94HEoe8SH__DPQIwqGcZVYlv1rn9VpziaiGZ_qQrdjMrKn76ayI5tXm1e3_BxkCvozKIFmOgS1e_2WIvyKQqnM0cBjcORq0j3S3GR3CNb8LSkE5PO4ldMmSGsbe76IPoYgFpDE2kEJw/s3094/Queen%20Elizabeth.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3094" data-original-width="2129" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidcxZRLZMg6KfOK3RrllbJPp5bqkaiNGVuvsayaq3DD--Yqf94HEoe8SH__DPQIwqGcZVYlv1rn9VpziaiGZ_qQrdjMrKn76ayI5tXm1e3_BxkCvozKIFmOgS1e_2WIvyKQqnM0cBjcORq0j3S3GR3CNb8LSkE5PO4ldMmSGsbe76IPoYgFpDE2kEJw/w138-h200/Queen%20Elizabeth.png" width="138" /></a></div><br />From her marriage to
Prince Philip to her coronation as Queen in 1953, I watched the first woman
since Queen Victoria ascend the royal throne in Britain.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt;">Paper dolls were popular when I was eight
years old, and with a set of her bridal party and coronation service paper
dolls, I was a witness to history. It’s a shame they didn’t survive my
childhood.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The grainy television and
movie photos of both ceremonies were state of the art at the time and quite
exciting to watch. I observed the colorful and beautiful live production of the
whole funeral service—what a difference 70 years makes in the world of
technology.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With King Charles III,
Price William, and Prince George in line for the throne, Elizabeth II will be
the last female monarch for years to come. Her incredible lifetime of service
to God and her country was celebrated on Monday. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yes, there have been
scandals and troubles for the royal family along the way, but the Queen somehow
seemed to rise above it all and restored dignity to the throne. Her Christian
example will be a challenge to replicate by future monarchs. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yesterday’s funeral was
filled with pomp and circumstance, carried out with precision. The numbers of
military officers who marched long distances and hoisted the very heavy coffin
up the stairs to Westminster Abbey were amazing.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 17.3333px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7bF9PSg9wkuhnK-vBhllLW16cPY9D-t6Z2HyDLdemWgR56u1FmNbISuhpyvOXIyDY8s1GNRaOTjTSNOwidVZc6V5CaqeNFOerYVB4KJBjCNH2qvb7CeiKlCB1LS4V0G-i4baSn1wAMubsPT9h5QQYOq0Y01xPdCzrY2UXNhOhSdRYW8nhK0Fo_nnFQ/s825/funeral%20procession.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="825" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7bF9PSg9wkuhnK-vBhllLW16cPY9D-t6Z2HyDLdemWgR56u1FmNbISuhpyvOXIyDY8s1GNRaOTjTSNOwidVZc6V5CaqeNFOerYVB4KJBjCNH2qvb7CeiKlCB1LS4V0G-i4baSn1wAMubsPT9h5QQYOq0Y01xPdCzrY2UXNhOhSdRYW8nhK0Fo_nnFQ/w200-h193/funeral%20procession.png" width="200" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The poignant lowering of
the casket after the graveside service at Windsor Castle chapel signaled the
end of a life well lived. What a special moment indeed. It was a funeral for
the ages planned many years in advance. Goodbye Queen Elizabeth—you were one
special lady.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-1469691575900657702022-08-20T13:58:00.000-07:002022-08-20T13:58:14.078-07:00Goodbye Summer<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qEe1UZCPFsofncyZyijwBXSaYB3MIA66t9nq5BL5IMDm9w9L9f8mYL1vI452_5DjRLd9HED5mTB_8au1aqGan-HtrzuS2bKQA4rfHSj9wkNFSZt2nWlQfn_rAgLNKwGZPe93XvwFTsgn3WhnCa-9-xSl8ZvT7aqzTI9kRzQi40Kg21PUvimleBOEwA/s4608/front%20of%20house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qEe1UZCPFsofncyZyijwBXSaYB3MIA66t9nq5BL5IMDm9w9L9f8mYL1vI452_5DjRLd9HED5mTB_8au1aqGan-HtrzuS2bKQA4rfHSj9wkNFSZt2nWlQfn_rAgLNKwGZPe93XvwFTsgn3WhnCa-9-xSl8ZvT7aqzTI9kRzQi40Kg21PUvimleBOEwA/s320/front%20of%20house.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stuart & Ruth's House</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Summer is on its way out.
Cooler nights and mornings are in. Our recent trip to Western New York State to
visit my son Stuart and his family was a reminder that Fall is on its way. My
daughter-in-law’s beautiful summer garden will only last another month. Ruth
has worked to create a masterpiece in the front and back yard of their house in
Lewiston. Her showpiece will be a part of the Garden Tour next spring.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our granddaughter, Belle,
starts Grade 11 in Toronto after Labor Day. She is now learning to drive and is
quite the young lady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The climate is
about to change to the beautiful Fall days of colorful trees and leaves. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The remaining 15 days
until Labor Day will fly by and fall will soon begin. Soon, I will drag out my
fall wreath and table decorations to welcome the harvest season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soups and casseroles are right around the
corner. YUM!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the next few weeks, I
will be preparing a presentation for the Christian Author’s Guild Coffee &
Quill Conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My talk will be about
how to write two memoirs and not get a divorce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although challenging at times, writing our two life stories was a pleasant
experience, and we are still together. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Enjoy the last fleeting days
of summer and prepare for real climate change.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQylmnLhaXCbJAEydmwL9POz_icMecWQ5IzYahNpI7KL1Er8xF4YE29VxbbdVXOYNbIqx4wuJkLt-hoBakoCZQ2Qdh9LBE7-Efj6l6esO3d4PjBDvjC6QrQGQz5pvZqbyrG7V_VuNUESNZ0ynu4pS9p5AxyxLAZDuKcIm_njsix4VC5N5usO5fkCwNg/s2560/house%20front.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1211" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQylmnLhaXCbJAEydmwL9POz_icMecWQ5IzYahNpI7KL1Er8xF4YE29VxbbdVXOYNbIqx4wuJkLt-hoBakoCZQ2Qdh9LBE7-Efj6l6esO3d4PjBDvjC6QrQGQz5pvZqbyrG7V_VuNUESNZ0ynu4pS9p5AxyxLAZDuKcIm_njsix4VC5N5usO5fkCwNg/s320/house%20front.jpeg" width="151" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0iS7BAV0XNJOfVWdliZgqug4Cffwwe5jAc9LT4UCi0yGhJikRDE73H4j3Q4WbZd1-a3MsPqru-uiCxjmrwx-9sGv3FQ6wF8BuYApd-qXuQ5pLCO2UYy3KAiSxoVMwzJTZ1BcRk_CTCHw98q0uhdaZ9CX5tIiYIQ56kfNELpnxboO8NCCV7AhpfIrug/s4032/sweet%20potatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0iS7BAV0XNJOfVWdliZgqug4Cffwwe5jAc9LT4UCi0yGhJikRDE73H4j3Q4WbZd1-a3MsPqru-uiCxjmrwx-9sGv3FQ6wF8BuYApd-qXuQ5pLCO2UYy3KAiSxoVMwzJTZ1BcRk_CTCHw98q0uhdaZ9CX5tIiYIQ56kfNELpnxboO8NCCV7AhpfIrug/s320/sweet%20potatoes.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>AUGUST IS THE SUNDAY OF SUMMER (Unknown)</span></p><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-4828143187951843282022-07-20T11:22:00.001-07:002022-07-20T11:22:35.079-07:0093 Days of Summer<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIk9Z1hCz1qTB3HYZh8KB79_8Dy_yI1cJamT_9cyB8gynoQycem3lTbomsDn5FCdAiORc46odz2QNbtiX8fv1jsLTkoSdrr4DKpZlihwno-H01KKi7SdFaHh59TEZ1Vo2kC-KCe8uOM3LWHR9hhygIyfWX2IRTSrtnEghNt_Vy30DpdMAHi2yIhMmmWQ/s468/Awesome%20Summer.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="468" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIk9Z1hCz1qTB3HYZh8KB79_8Dy_yI1cJamT_9cyB8gynoQycem3lTbomsDn5FCdAiORc46odz2QNbtiX8fv1jsLTkoSdrr4DKpZlihwno-H01KKi7SdFaHh59TEZ1Vo2kC-KCe8uOM3LWHR9hhygIyfWX2IRTSrtnEghNt_Vy30DpdMAHi2yIhMmmWQ/w200-h150/Awesome%20Summer.png" width="200" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Summer
is my favorite time of year—usually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
sunny summer days, warm nights, and the sound of tree frogs and crickets in the
back yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several days away from home
for a vacation to the beach or a favorite mountain retreat. Well, maybe next
year!!!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">During
the first few weeks of summer, we dealt with the death of Charles’ sister, Marion,
traveling to Louisiana for her funeral. We spent a few days in Florida on the
way visiting with my sister, Audrey, in hospice care.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">After
coming home, we rested for a few days and decided to head to the north Georgia
mountains to celebrate our anniversary.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">We didn’t make it far before we both got sick and had to head home. Our
Covid diagnosis left us coughing and sneezing and isolated for a week. When our
16-year-old air conditioner quit, we suffered with the heat and humidity for
ten days until a new HVAC system was installed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Trying
to conserve our funds, we stayed home, and I cooked until our oven and stove
decided to take a vacation. Now we are in the process of looking for a new gas
range.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">It
hasn’t been a relaxing or inexpensive summer so far, and we don’t know what the
next few weeks will bring. We’re very thankful we had the funds to cover our
major expenses.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Last
Sunday in our Life Group we taught about the prophet Elijah on Mt. Carmel and
how he experienced tremendous victory against the prophets of the false god
Baal. On hearing of threats on his life from Jezebel, he ran away and hid from
his pursuers, and from God. But God found him and ministered to his depression
and gave him a new purpose in life.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I
can relate to the story because I’ve had times I wanted to run away and hide.
You probably have too. As we hear of the craziness in our world and in our
streets, we shake our heads and fear for our future and our succeeding
generations. God wants to give us a new purpose in life to be a willing witness
for him and to do our part to spread his Word.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">When we press through our trials, we set an example for others to
follow.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br />So,
here’s to summer—warts and all.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i5AqcySQTtlqBVftllYt_OD8yAQ_VwQvnCVlTFROUrZPCl51mK55W-giSOVQ00uz2CRGPsZlroZEnazXwFAWHuYYxOtA87DTNdAOGohk7LNzGLx-T3RZDfvCHVcxtKVy3VV45M_SfXrEYubJixQaRoM8COlPwzgsWa-PB-CPyv8M176ENVKd0wxh7Q/s1798/Summer%20Sun.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1798" data-original-width="1674" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i5AqcySQTtlqBVftllYt_OD8yAQ_VwQvnCVlTFROUrZPCl51mK55W-giSOVQ00uz2CRGPsZlroZEnazXwFAWHuYYxOtA87DTNdAOGohk7LNzGLx-T3RZDfvCHVcxtKVy3VV45M_SfXrEYubJixQaRoM8COlPwzgsWa-PB-CPyv8M176ENVKd0wxh7Q/w186-h200/Summer%20Sun.png" width="186" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Summertime is the best of what might be.” Charles Bowden<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-45618480311448066072022-05-14T14:15:00.001-07:002022-05-14T14:15:49.994-07:00A Messy May<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6dIn5rQsOkSq_X-mo4xxIDS0E1qHPaBXW4Ch5AMcUTPcaxJxOMyfsZCHButpmZZ9PhiGKU0FQL6uGuHTTxVrLv_3DOyLC0TGVh48tzQxVAkgjyuVRgBGmX0_YYrHZgWA_d2d74O6lGXne0bb3BmIqjZJWuxrKc2uY2lIP8c-DP0eohWxZhOT03IcCw/s1719/May.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1423" data-original-width="1719" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6dIn5rQsOkSq_X-mo4xxIDS0E1qHPaBXW4Ch5AMcUTPcaxJxOMyfsZCHButpmZZ9PhiGKU0FQL6uGuHTTxVrLv_3DOyLC0TGVh48tzQxVAkgjyuVRgBGmX0_YYrHZgWA_d2d74O6lGXne0bb3BmIqjZJWuxrKc2uY2lIP8c-DP0eohWxZhOT03IcCw/s320/May.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">May is usually my
favorite month of the year. A coating of yellow pollen is no longer on the deck
or my car. My eyes itch and burn less as spring gives way to summer. Mother’s
Day can be a day of relaxation and reflection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I remember May 12 as the anniversary of my liver
transplant and am so grateful to be in good health most of the time. This year
we were looking forward to a tour to Kentucky to see the Ark Encounter and
Creation Museum.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In early May,
five days before our tour, we received word that Charles’ sister had died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Expecting a quick funeral, we cancelled our
trip. Then we learned that my sister, Audrey, had been placed on Hospice and
Palliative Care. We needed to make plans to go see her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the burial of Charles’ sister involved
the national military cemetery, the funeral was postponed to the end of May.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We will drive to
Pensacola, stay at the Beach, and go to visit with Audrey. It will be hard to
see how much she has declined in the past year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we will head for Louisiana for Marion’s
funeral and burial before we head home.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">All the computer time
involved in cancelling and changing reservations was quite involved. Somehow,
we got it all done. This has turned out to be a messy May, but I am trying not
to dwell on the negative. My daily prayer has one of gratitude for Audrey’s strong
Christian faith. I know that she will be in the presence of Jesus for all eternity.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;">May that be true of each
of us as our time on earth eventually comes to an end.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;"><b><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">“</span></sup></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">For God so
loved</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> the world that he gave</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> his one and only Son,</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> that whoever believes</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> in him shall not perish but have eternal life.</span>”
John 3:16<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcOOmubwW6TqswISIQVwgIoBKOcbho8GqTLTtJUwyoWicQTDuP0SSuvqVYjcm1_I-cwFnwSzz5M_QnmjnXtJ_dta23eHNjCz2oRdcdDYiWwEItQTWryPuqoClfjMH99MTz4VvikJW5XcfJBtHr0iYaUyRdDFC_-5y9izGiKkmQHGtPE-g8scR5bW2AA/s624/sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="624" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcOOmubwW6TqswISIQVwgIoBKOcbho8GqTLTtJUwyoWicQTDuP0SSuvqVYjcm1_I-cwFnwSzz5M_QnmjnXtJ_dta23eHNjCz2oRdcdDYiWwEItQTWryPuqoClfjMH99MTz4VvikJW5XcfJBtHr0iYaUyRdDFC_-5y9izGiKkmQHGtPE-g8scR5bW2AA/s320/sisters.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Representation of Audrey and me growing up in Northern New York</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-42023567829522008222022-04-21T12:04:00.000-07:002022-04-21T12:04:08.134-07:00Seasons of Life<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZ9WFqssyjxl7D5SZO3XIKKQ8Pdk8crrfISuw3HCB5Upx-clb4uhWNW-mnMeUuMd9hyMknrDmwlTFfl8fTcsjKZsltJ8-DJyMAgfrYT4Nc_Lf1cTF2O9MDnHskoGEAbrRJs9cPI7o1ME8Vofkr0S2h55wcOrErOW3Z-157bYdY759CzDVMpc2xB-rUQ/s2145/Four%20Seasons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="2145" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZ9WFqssyjxl7D5SZO3XIKKQ8Pdk8crrfISuw3HCB5Upx-clb4uhWNW-mnMeUuMd9hyMknrDmwlTFfl8fTcsjKZsltJ8-DJyMAgfrYT4Nc_Lf1cTF2O9MDnHskoGEAbrRJs9cPI7o1ME8Vofkr0S2h55wcOrErOW3Z-157bYdY759CzDVMpc2xB-rUQ/w313-h174/Four%20Seasons.png" width="313" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Everyone
talks about the weather. It’s spring and we are all ready for warmer temperatures.
Somehow nature hasn’t gotten the message. During the past week, we enjoyed all
four seasons in metro Atlanta—Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 200%;">We
turned on the gas logs for several nights last week to chase away winter’s
chill and almost freezing temperatures. By mid-week, we experienced the 80’s with
more good days on the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it’s
back to early fall and a late spring chill during the next weekend. Four
seasons in one week gave me whiplash.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt;">My
spring-cleaning chore for the week was to clean out my closet. Darker winter
clothes needed to be sorted, packed up, and moved to a different location.
Brighter, cheerful colors needed to make an entrance. Then the dreaded task of
trying on things to see if they still fit. It was a lesson in humility to put the
ill-fitting stuff in the donation box to make room in the closet for a couple
of new items in a larger size.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I
finally settled on what to wear for a speaking engagement, my granddaughter’s graduation,
and my grandson’s wedding. My plan was to be several pounds smaller by now, but
my daily exercise has been put aside for more pressing activities. So tomorrow
it’s back to lifts and crunches to whip myself back into shape.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt;">During
my morning trip to the grocery store, I saw flowering trees and bushes that
tell me that spring has arrived. All the goodies I bought for Easter will be
eaten and enjoyed by others. I will stick to my low carb, low sugar diet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 200%;">That
will not take away the promise of new life Jesus gives to those who put their
faith and trust in Him. The promise of Easter is “WE WIN.” Jesus was
resurrected and defeated death and the devil.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8h78BSlulKZCjH7iyOWTCICTRunep8s4-N3pr1K-P486WbgImleXQ6JOmqCVphXc70eqJhqRjH9g7CT1rFMz14MX2A3k7LF6RvYkP2OrL7fKHdbtEngVLk67pS8yd4RmdEYOe8NR7eOXjgApplc7sZ02hDSS9JQYYoISNpNddlLzhpJdGeRUnh3CaQ/s1375/Fruit%20of%20Spirit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1375" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8h78BSlulKZCjH7iyOWTCICTRunep8s4-N3pr1K-P486WbgImleXQ6JOmqCVphXc70eqJhqRjH9g7CT1rFMz14MX2A3k7LF6RvYkP2OrL7fKHdbtEngVLk67pS8yd4RmdEYOe8NR7eOXjgApplc7sZ02hDSS9JQYYoISNpNddlLzhpJdGeRUnh3CaQ/w200-h168/Fruit%20of%20Spirit.png" width="200" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 200%;">As
much as I enjoy looking into my clean closet and choosing an outfit for the
day, I need to investigate my heart and mind and determine to live for Jesus
and put on the Christian virtues that I need to wear. Joy, peace, patience, and
love are necessary to really embrace the spring.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-66933640887642207212022-03-22T13:27:00.000-07:002022-03-22T13:27:12.791-07:00The Heartbreak of Ukraine<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokeOOpbyj275h3YV_yCG4UTm9dgmTYSzrM_cywfNnf5JXS6iYzn8KCszAhhTMbZuda6T8Okd-DCtaE0IZ0iJhn4WpHAVUmoFf0E8RN3CscIM9Rj7i7BTsxv2e5JtlvgZO_kBr1S85s4Ck6OFPmqUm5MlSqqOY8jvw4PptF279CegIELItiMWK599WtQ/s624/tulips.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="624" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokeOOpbyj275h3YV_yCG4UTm9dgmTYSzrM_cywfNnf5JXS6iYzn8KCszAhhTMbZuda6T8Okd-DCtaE0IZ0iJhn4WpHAVUmoFf0E8RN3CscIM9Rj7i7BTsxv2e5JtlvgZO_kBr1S85s4Ck6OFPmqUm5MlSqqOY8jvw4PptF279CegIELItiMWK599WtQ/s320/tulips.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Spring
arrives this week with the promise of new life as the world awakes from its
winter slumber. Tulips are popping up in my flower boxes on the deck. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blooming trees, daylight savings time, and
warmer days tells me that my favorite time of year is here. I agree that Christians
can feel joy and sadness at the same time.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It’s
hard to enjoy the beauty all around when the news is filled with death and
destruction. Once again, an evil dictator has decided to go to war to seize
land that doesn’t belong to him.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It’s
heartbreaking to watch millions of refugees leaving everything behind to escape
to another country. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">As
the rockets and missiles destroy high rise residences, hospitals, and
government buildings, the civilian fatalities rise. The good news is that the
Russian military forces are floundering with tanks stuck in disrepair, and the
Ukrainian soldiers are putting up a good fight. Ukrainian President Zelensky is
setting an example of strength and courage in the midst of all the destruction.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y6LcJyuOgHlR7pBzS2lhJZ8tEKFJ9_VJes97dyaxQB5LHwkEp7LN18qmCSu6DxO1YG15v7vgyY8yJej2_14qobRWao7FmAJBmMXOaZ89Pb-rVLX7YEGJuDQcFtf0hrqccz7rkLfZgu2gCjNkoQfhZ8rPgUe5aK2KAOQePuCycYYd-XZr__bNYGL54g/s2145/Ukraine.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1473" data-original-width="2145" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y6LcJyuOgHlR7pBzS2lhJZ8tEKFJ9_VJes97dyaxQB5LHwkEp7LN18qmCSu6DxO1YG15v7vgyY8yJej2_14qobRWao7FmAJBmMXOaZ89Pb-rVLX7YEGJuDQcFtf0hrqccz7rkLfZgu2gCjNkoQfhZ8rPgUe5aK2KAOQePuCycYYd-XZr__bNYGL54g/s320/Ukraine.png" width="320" /></a></div>Christians
in Ukraine gather for prayer meetings, find food and supplies for their
brothers and sisters, and show all of us how to serve under persecution. Under
former Soviet rule, the church met underground and will do so again until they
are free.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It
is so frustrating to watch the United States play catch up in aiding Ukraine.
Climate change is still the most important item on the President Biden’s
agenda. Fixing our energy resources is not under consideration. In the
meantime, we all pay higher prices for groceries, gas, and everything else. The
people who can least afford it are bearing the burden as they live paycheck to
paycheck.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Watching
too much TV news is depressing. I try to remember that God is at work in the
world and in governments. His will and way will overcome darkness and bring
about his kingdom at the right time in human history. We all need to pray that
He will come quickly to set everything right.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-69917505275227143602022-02-15T09:15:00.000-08:002022-02-15T09:15:19.523-08:00Love That's Lost<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVK_P-gCEJ6Jgc-_YkB9SLqT2jrfUXy3A4FbzucDax5ufG94wTQLIHBtU_IdF3J9ymydHgq4Q3GPNNEsioAuZqTMGDHJtYQPei5ALucFKNnL9dH4MMq47H8Bfzpj4Dw5JM8lhdLGdsCHzMffUuh3-JnDEjVD7e4SYdUDIeBntaOarMxLOXmtchWzLJWA=s2145" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1401" data-original-width="2145" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVK_P-gCEJ6Jgc-_YkB9SLqT2jrfUXy3A4FbzucDax5ufG94wTQLIHBtU_IdF3J9ymydHgq4Q3GPNNEsioAuZqTMGDHJtYQPei5ALucFKNnL9dH4MMq47H8Bfzpj4Dw5JM8lhdLGdsCHzMffUuh3-JnDEjVD7e4SYdUDIeBntaOarMxLOXmtchWzLJWA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">When
someone you love predeceases you in death Valentine’s Day is tough to get
through.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Love that’s lost whether it’s a
spouse, special friend, or a grandson leaves a big hole in your heart.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Our
grandson, Jesse Williams, died on February 5 at age 38. He is survived by his
wife, Lacy, and four children. A very strong, healthy, military man, Covid
claimed him in a matter of weeks. It’s still hard to believe he’s gone.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Valentine’s
is the day to celebrate couples and others that we love.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Flowers, balloons, chocolates, and cards
abound.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">If you don’t have a sweetheart, you
can feel alone.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">When
I was single for ten years after my first husband died, I looked for ways to do
something for someone else as Valentine Day approached. Sending cards or taking
someone to lunch helped both of us.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Anticipating
and planning ahead were an important part of my life. I didn’t want to feel
miserable all day on the 14</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: 13pt;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Lost
love is not something we want to experience, but it is a part of our life, and it
will happen at some point. With Jesse’s death, a part of our heart has been
taken away.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">He was a Christian with a faith
in Jesus Christ that guarantees that we will see him again. Thank you, God, for
providing that for us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Tis
better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Alfred
Lord Tennyson</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-88858880748376124122022-01-18T12:30:00.000-08:002022-01-18T12:30:11.752-08:00January Gems<p> </p><br />
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">In ancient Roman
culture, <em><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Jānus</span></em> was
a god of doorways, beginnings, and the rising and setting of the sun. His name
comes from the Latin <em><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">jānus,</span></em> meaning “doorway,
archway, arcade.” (Wikipedia)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">January, the
first month of the year, is a doorway—the beginning of a new year. I actually
like the month even though it can be very cold and blustery. The holidays are
over and once I get the house pulled back together and the Christmas
decorations packed away, I’m ready for a fresh start.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">With the year
stretching before me, what will it bring?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ4gp-jPQ7v7-v10iHgEM37n6HSI-okSRwo8onCeagDTIvJ1zuS2_g9ziLiVBh0jT9z0F2eryq21S0rbGUNlxkJPl6BjNeJI5yh3ci49nSo86vfdlhWeOvGrR7vg6OeqaN1rsYZBRTjlaYd_rFC6KdDpVUYtzum5Lr6vRSkpfUkMCV0mthImAg01yuzA=s1131" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1131" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ4gp-jPQ7v7-v10iHgEM37n6HSI-okSRwo8onCeagDTIvJ1zuS2_g9ziLiVBh0jT9z0F2eryq21S0rbGUNlxkJPl6BjNeJI5yh3ci49nSo86vfdlhWeOvGrR7vg6OeqaN1rsYZBRTjlaYd_rFC6KdDpVUYtzum5Lr6vRSkpfUkMCV0mthImAg01yuzA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;">Longer Days</u><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;">—The shortest day of the year is
behind us, and daylight lengthens every day. Soon spring will arrive, and
regeneration will begin.</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><u style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Birthday</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">—Another one is coming up in February.
They come so much faster than they used to.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><u style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Taxes</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">—We always start working on our taxes in
January. We look forward to getting a refund this year.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><u style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">New book</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">—Charles and I co-authored his book, </span><i style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Chasing
a Whirlwind. </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">It’s a good looking and
good reading book. We are pleased with the response so far. You can find it on
Amazon.com and AuthorHouse.com.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><u style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Vacation</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">—We signed up for a bus trip through
Kentucky in May to see the ARK and the creation museum among other sites.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><u style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Graduation</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">—Our local granddaughter gets her diploma
at the end of May. A good reason to celebrate.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><u style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Election Yea</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">r—It can’t come soon enough. It’s
time to bring back some sanity to national and local elections.</span><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Find good candidates to support and work for
their election.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><u style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Eating Right</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">—I’m still struggling to eat a
low-carb and low-calorie diet and find time to exercise. It has to become a
priority.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Refining my to
do list is a necessity in order to appreciate 2022. It’s easy to become bogged
down in daily tasks. I pray for appreciation of each day and the time to do what is
important.</span><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;">“Faith
is Taking the First Step Even When You Don't See the Whole Staircase”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr.<br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-2995811769790197962021-12-18T12:20:00.002-08:002021-12-18T12:20:52.249-08:00Have a Merry Christmas<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJFcY0drtyp5R1-CGUywt37v8zazmsjUV9vdz6TcsAdROn7fowCNIm6tVJP1SO7iSzyo-W631jQuGa20Mc_132dicGZFb6Ux92Jf0nQhMAaNu6UF4Di6fk2_Sza4fAFcpm8tWaexv4ujKechJU2MHFls6sqGPJiHxuEbY1SRgtSyRzmO-gQzauflvFGw=s624" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="624" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJFcY0drtyp5R1-CGUywt37v8zazmsjUV9vdz6TcsAdROn7fowCNIm6tVJP1SO7iSzyo-W631jQuGa20Mc_132dicGZFb6Ux92Jf0nQhMAaNu6UF4Di6fk2_Sza4fAFcpm8tWaexv4ujKechJU2MHFls6sqGPJiHxuEbY1SRgtSyRzmO-gQzauflvFGw=s320" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 17.3333px;">Christmas 2021</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">To
all our family and friends scattered everywhere.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Here is my Christmas card to you and
yours.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">It’s
hard to believe this year is almost over and 2022 is right around the
corner.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Our first year of official
retirement sped by with more to do than we ever imagined.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We
spent late April visiting our sisters in Louisiana and Florida. On the way we
picked up a stomach bug and had to lay low for a few days in a motel until we
were no longer contagious.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">That was
fun!!!</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Both Marion in Louisiana and
Audrey in Florida are doing as well as they can with their advancing age and
health issues.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">In
June we celebrated our 25</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> wedding anniversary in Branson,
Missouri.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We enjoyed the shows and performances
but were glad to get back home and off the interstates.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We
devoted the remainder of the summer and fall to completing Charles’ book. </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><i style="font-size: 13pt;">Chasing a Whirlwind</i><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> is now available on
AuthorHouse.com and Amazon.com in a hardback and softback version. We are impatiently
waiting for our copies to arrive. A book launch is planned for early next year.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Covid
found me in August, but I recovered quickly after receiving an infusion of
Regeneron antibodies. Except for my sense of taste and smell, all is back to
normal—with the exception of Diabetes Type 2. Since my diagnosis early in the
year, I’ve followed a Keto low carb diet. Thanksgiving triggered a return to my
old eating habits.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">It’s time to get
serious again to keep my blood sugar levels under control.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We
pray this Christmas season finds you well and enjoying time with your family.
Let’s remember the family of the first Christmas and the great gift God gave to
all of us with the birth of Jesus.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Take
time to celebrate his birthday by sharing his coming with those around you.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Love from the Dixons</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">aka Two Late Bloomers<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-46576049619409380012021-11-19T12:53:00.014-08:002021-11-19T13:01:05.752-08:00Chasing a Whirlwind<p><br /> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoN-ARcl06jyIUTiYNcI_vdXWqpPDUWn2lY88lY-_o00rkQsSiJmxNMOpvrkD7OwMfgm7j_Mpf5ycloLDTrqZSQUIy_yX0pqfwHYyeSC-rxK6-xW8QUnkQ6nbRNp6HQclKD7Og8yoW8pC/s624/Happy+Thanksgiving.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="624" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoN-ARcl06jyIUTiYNcI_vdXWqpPDUWn2lY88lY-_o00rkQsSiJmxNMOpvrkD7OwMfgm7j_Mpf5ycloLDTrqZSQUIy_yX0pqfwHYyeSC-rxK6-xW8QUnkQ6nbRNp6HQclKD7Og8yoW8pC/s320/Happy+Thanksgiving.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are very thankful. The first mockup
for Charles book has arrived. Yippee! Working with him on this book has been a five-year
labor of love. A love that has been tested, but we have prevailed and are about
to reap the reward. His phenomenal memory has recreated seventy-year-old
stories of adventures and challenges that shaped his life. I promise you will be blessed by his story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Charles (Chuck) Dixon wrote “Chasing a
Whirlwind” to share his adventures during his life and career in aviation. His
life is a story of ambition and determination to reach goals that were often challenging
and adventurous. God, family, country, and aviation were the driving factors in
his life.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Charles, an aerodynamicist, almost lost
his life due to rogue whirlwinds or vortices created by powerful military
aircraft early in his career. Vortices are necessary for an airplane to fly,
and as an aerodynamicist, he was determined to learn how to maximize their
effectiveness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">During his years working at two major
aircraft companies Charles’ revolutionary thinking created patents that
enhanced his work for the rest of his career.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">His sense of adventure gave him many opportunities to explore the great
outdoors and kept him fit during his long life.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">After an early retirement, and the
death of his wife Mary, Charles won two proposals. First to the Air Force to pursue
the creation of a specialty software that could predict stability and control
effects of most types of aircraft. The second proposal was marriage to Frieda
who would be his lifelong partner in his new business and the editor of his
life story.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Sharing his faith in God with
co-workers and others became a cornerstone of Charles’ life. His belief in the
power of God to bring abundant life to everyone he met, inspired him to invite
others to find God’s peace in this world.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXh3JuUtFLvWpqIbhPDnVbOIRqX5l1vX9WilNmvuGZH3boI2NALht1VMDQmx69ERgTe7DzyA-t-fQzHHg5uuxX2P4w_gbTPFhOAWI1RLEE3hFiBS0OhyaEYXPSgh_bOjjl41i2eoE1fjKX/s353/book+stack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="353" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXh3JuUtFLvWpqIbhPDnVbOIRqX5l1vX9WilNmvuGZH3boI2NALht1VMDQmx69ERgTe7DzyA-t-fQzHHg5uuxX2P4w_gbTPFhOAWI1RLEE3hFiBS0OhyaEYXPSgh_bOjjl41i2eoE1fjKX/s320/book+stack.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Much help for this book was provided by
his second wife, Frieda, and by the members of the Christian Authors Guild and
Word Weavers International.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We hope you will plan to purchase the book
when it is released.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 54.75pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 54.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="background-color: transparent;">“I believe that the memoir is the novel of the 21st century;
it’s an amazing form that we haven’t even begun to tap…we’re just getting
started figuring out what the rules are.” ~</i><span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="https://writerswrite.co.za/literary-birthday-31-july-susan-cheever/" target="_blank"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; padding: 0in; text-decoration-line: none;">Susan Cheever</span></i></a></span></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-53834705257813494582021-10-20T13:31:00.004-07:002021-10-20T13:31:57.421-07:00October Has It All<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">The
tenth month of 2021 is packed with festivals, football, and food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take your pick along with tons of other
things to do.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The
cooler temperatures and shorter days of October provide many opportunities for
fun. A big football weekend was celebrated in the Southeast with a surprising
victory of Texas A&M over Alabama.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">University of Georgia took first place in the conference.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Baseball is not about to be sidelined with
the National League East playoffs in Atlanta.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Braves </span><b style="font-size: 13pt;">beat</b><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> those Dodgers for your chance to win the World Series!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUMiHCCYekkFaBjd8CKFx7WOeMYBi2oEagpJTWu06Mv463jxBj14YvyG2U6IyVDYZAVtDdgTR1KVUS87CIGZv6N9FDhx2kv9CwGNf-I-M210wy83s6Eg0RrO9j1l-DE1A6-Pz1BsNT5gp/s1024/seniors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUMiHCCYekkFaBjd8CKFx7WOeMYBi2oEagpJTWu06Mv463jxBj14YvyG2U6IyVDYZAVtDdgTR1KVUS87CIGZv6N9FDhx2kv9CwGNf-I-M210wy83s6Eg0RrO9j1l-DE1A6-Pz1BsNT5gp/s320/seniors.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The
Fall Foliage Prediction Map shows minimal leaf color in Georgia.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">More colorful leaves will show up before
Halloween.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We will enjoy leaf peeping
and blowing them off our deck for the next two months. Drives through the North
Georgia Mountains are a delight when we travel during the week to avoid the
weekend crowds.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Apple
and Pumpkin festivals abound in those mountain communities. The Georgia Apple
Festival held in Ellijay, GA provides access to homemade crafts, great music,
and delicious apples made into fritters, breads, and fried pies. The event can
be a bit crowded, so plan for plenty of time to enjoy it all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnz2jiNqDM9Qzj0GNXYyqPaEnx64RgEkM2zsiabgXY2P1P9yoZAN5T045jSH-bsyVTbIFk3xtEZCdXnpTLSTfUTYb_eyP56UxjFq0eF-3ZD8XmE2fJF0HyJn5ky4MHU0DEGI7WScIpfsr/s1430/apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1430" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnz2jiNqDM9Qzj0GNXYyqPaEnx64RgEkM2zsiabgXY2P1P9yoZAN5T045jSH-bsyVTbIFk3xtEZCdXnpTLSTfUTYb_eyP56UxjFq0eF-3ZD8XmE2fJF0HyJn5ky4MHU0DEGI7WScIpfsr/s320/apples.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Acres
of orange cover the ground at Burt’s Farm in Dawsonville, Ga. There is a
pumpkin of every size to be picked and taken home to carve or prepare for a
pie.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Hayrides are another popular
activity at the farm. The smell of baked goods —pumpkin pie, bread, and rolls—
draws you to their store where you can stock up on your favorites.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Many
festivals were canceled last year due to Covid-19.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">There is a pent-up enthusiasm by the planners
and attendees for life to be more normal after a tough eighteen months.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjxKStOHYUFiWQp-S4ILs2lDb1kTkkBYYrk6teI8fkjCsj1XC9AfSBkz4p9LNfsaoAze8Pt3CPoBCsrCm8-ZBTJhdYk5-xetb98uIrdh7YSHGl-6MvDO9l5hHZH2Ur6PgJCgiT7yetC_E/s1430/pumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1430" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjxKStOHYUFiWQp-S4ILs2lDb1kTkkBYYrk6teI8fkjCsj1XC9AfSBkz4p9LNfsaoAze8Pt3CPoBCsrCm8-ZBTJhdYk5-xetb98uIrdh7YSHGl-6MvDO9l5hHZH2Ur6PgJCgiT7yetC_E/s320/pumpkins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The
changing seasons makes me stop and reflect about the uncertainty of life and the
certainty of God’s promises. As summer fades to fall and then into winter, we are
reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: white; color: red; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“For everything there is a season, and a time for every
matter under heaven.”</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 13pt;"><br />Ecclesiastes 3:1</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: red; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 13pt; text-align: center;">“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season
we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-41283469073158837762021-09-21T12:00:00.000-07:002021-09-21T12:00:08.241-07:00Betwixt and Between<p> </p><div style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">September
is betwixt and between the hot days of summer and the cooler days of fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Change is definitely a hallmark of the
month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been painful to recover from
the botched Afghanistan exit and then remember the almost 3,000 people who died
twenty years ago on September 11. We wished for the times when as Americans we
were more united in purpose and politics wasn’t as poisonous as it is today. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlsE4fQt0hdNKZ_XuEQHZpRifv-KIhrGujRDCzuzUwJXvShj_lQKS2UiqczPPYvlXFQ_uLkfCdnzY4LQtMz22COexlEx63UCeiySKBk3Amw-6SAtUGQITbkwqs41kgYcYHDCxHzoZAcJ1/s1980/September.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1980" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlsE4fQt0hdNKZ_XuEQHZpRifv-KIhrGujRDCzuzUwJXvShj_lQKS2UiqczPPYvlXFQ_uLkfCdnzY4LQtMz22COexlEx63UCeiySKBk3Amw-6SAtUGQITbkwqs41kgYcYHDCxHzoZAcJ1/s320/September.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The weather changed after Labor Day
just like it did when I was a girl.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">In upstate
New York, going back to school the day after Labor Day meant fall and winter
clothes.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">It would always warm up for
another week or so, but you knew that the short summer was over. Here is
Georgia, the 90s of August are history and the much cooler nights and mid-80
days call for a lightweight sweater. The days are getting shorter and the
nights longer as we head toward the first day of fall on September 22.</span></p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Charles and I are heading to the
North Georgia mountains.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Both of us need
to recover from sickness as well as the aches and pains of growing old.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Relaxation beside a lake will do both of us
good and prepare us to come home to a busy fall.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">It’s also time to stock up on the blueberry jam,
apple pies, and breads at Panorama Apple Barn. We are headed back into birthday
season for several family members, and the holidays will soon be here.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">On Thursday, we returned from
Hiawassee, GA where we enjoyed the 80-degree weather on beautiful Lake
Chatuge.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We reserved a boat at the Ridges
marina on Tuesday and were surprised to receive a major upgrade. </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The crew gave us a beautiful twelve-person
luxury boat to take out on the lake. Since it was past the busy season, there were
few other renters. We floated and relaxed for two hours surrounded by mountain
vistas and water as smooth as glass. A tinge of orange and red was visible in
the trees and we could only anticipate the lake surrounded by color in another
six weeks.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWYg5_747MMjNrcO3t_XupkNwkBML4RrED1i8EEIKNsRtZfLlbx376fXjiu4uZpZG79_6duOpttZl0vzGnf529iK6s98c5HfFfsYS6xicVm6dcLOIJUdT3bgQjRBry11ciz0zMShkk7Uh/s2048/Fall+by+Lake.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1441" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWYg5_747MMjNrcO3t_XupkNwkBML4RrED1i8EEIKNsRtZfLlbx376fXjiu4uZpZG79_6duOpttZl0vzGnf529iK6s98c5HfFfsYS6xicVm6dcLOIJUdT3bgQjRBry11ciz0zMShkk7Uh/s320/Fall+by+Lake.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Fall used to make me sad with remembrances
of losses and difficult challenges. Instead, I have decided to embrace joy this
year and be thankful for whatever comes my way.<span style="font-size: 13pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">I will do my best to place every day in God’s hands knowing that He is
in charge and control of my life.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-66987047239778097352021-08-21T14:38:00.003-07:002021-08-21T14:38:59.010-07:00Covid/Chaos<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Chaos
is defined in the online dictionary as “complete disorder and confusion.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIx4imdJMlHz_sz7yIBkivQBjkebNSzOpVB_ybFsp7cyACqZ8rFwQVBOgfJ-JAA9rNMXN-yT4IzyaJR_SwEKN8WlRgT7Uut3EUxPFzKss5i6sZvvHkICxGTV4OLiWCYEL1MeyHb2Eus6QF/s2048/Chaos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1233" data-original-width="2048" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIx4imdJMlHz_sz7yIBkivQBjkebNSzOpVB_ybFsp7cyACqZ8rFwQVBOgfJ-JAA9rNMXN-yT4IzyaJR_SwEKN8WlRgT7Uut3EUxPFzKss5i6sZvvHkICxGTV4OLiWCYEL1MeyHb2Eus6QF/s320/Chaos.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 13pt;">That’s
what it felt like when I was diagnosed with Covid.</span><span style="color: #202124; font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 13pt;">I was a walking target. Since I couldn’t take
the vaccine, I knew at some point I would get sick. My prayer was that I would
not get so sick I had to be hospitalized.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 13pt;">On my
fourth day of symptoms, I went to Acworth Health Park Urgent Care.</span><span style="color: #202124; font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 13pt;">The wait time was listed at three hours since
the waiting room was packed. After 3.5 hours, I was called back.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEKJu3XNLixB13lRJw668amrsScz355t8bNn_I_DmFEeWu4QAX2MKjC2tr80hRSIFClq_EHjg1f9g1CX9RsF4IgMbTzNLZjpr7itnkFZ68mOc4h1xOcX55JuRnLu2fF2Ks_0SGpWF5o7A/s963/Covid+antibodies.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 17.3333px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="963" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEKJu3XNLixB13lRJw668amrsScz355t8bNn_I_DmFEeWu4QAX2MKjC2tr80hRSIFClq_EHjg1f9g1CX9RsF4IgMbTzNLZjpr7itnkFZ68mOc4h1xOcX55JuRnLu2fF2Ks_0SGpWF5o7A/s320/Covid+antibodies.png" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 13pt;">The
nurses were very efficient, and the doctor immediately ordered a rapid response
Covid test, a chest Xray, and an EKG.</span><span style="color: #202124; font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 13pt;">With
a positive Covid result, the doctor ordered fluids and talked to me about antibodies.
</span><span style="color: #202124; font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 13pt;">R</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 13pt;">egeneron Monoclonal antibodies were
given via infusion. My fever spiked to 102 degrees, and then started to
decline.</span><span style="color: #202124; font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 13pt;">By mid-afternoon, I was able to
be wheeled out to my car.</span><span style="color: #202124; font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 13pt;">The hospital was
avoided, and I was on my way to improvement. Thank God for therapeutics.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 13pt;">Charles
and I were both placed under quarantine for the next two weeks. </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Charles took over cooking and
dishwashing duty.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Not his area of
expertise, but he has handled it without complaint. Friends and family have
delivered food, and even though I can’t taste anything, it has been much
appreciated.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Since I was stuck in my recliner, I
turned on the TV.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">My chaotic </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">diagnosis paled in comparison to what I
saw on the news.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The turmoil in Afghanistan was hard to
watch as thousands of people surged into the Kabul Airport trying to get on a
flight out of the country.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The situation
erupted overnight as the U.S. abandoned its promise to the Afghani people and
the Taliban took control of the country.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">All I could do was pray for the people
caught up in the mess.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The President was
AWOL and when he finally did speak, he made little sense. What had happened to
the most powerful country in the world in just eight months of the Biden
administration?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">With a broken heart, I watched the tragedy
unfold. America has never left its citizens behind and takes care of those who
stand with us. The military will do its job of rescuing our people, but the
Taliban won’t make it easy. What will be the reputation of the United States at
the conclusion of this exit debacle?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwASj2mpLH3clTxpuzKv9pLPOHbMyeXW12oNRYAJ5KNNAuT8dhAHRc7G65EUXGvv2K__tIg4Qxf2XHOV-j-UkE7K5f2ejPyHGhkokzH_dCl-lUKgkwLVo2onn-SVrNr8Rj-e6AeRVkx4eh/s1280/American+Flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwASj2mpLH3clTxpuzKv9pLPOHbMyeXW12oNRYAJ5KNNAuT8dhAHRc7G65EUXGvv2K__tIg4Qxf2XHOV-j-UkE7K5f2ejPyHGhkokzH_dCl-lUKgkwLVo2onn-SVrNr8Rj-e6AeRVkx4eh/s320/American+Flag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 17.3333px;">I am healing and getting my strength back, but I don’t have that same confidence in the United</span><span style="font-size: 17.3333px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">States of America.</span><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-91567362925644779852021-07-20T14:33:00.000-07:002021-07-20T14:33:21.101-07:00Freedom is not Free<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnfEic3qMadxZgdJNGpZx4sFhBrb2PJX3nvrtjSnXFYeYKpLkDD9ajnLo6L9ldQGUCqC0WrMcLGOw_O_lVlo0YEKnC3BCVurjs8NXQAFAIt78ShCA_oSPyi4ljTiFDCaI9GL-wCOXhxnk/s1375/Island+of+Cuba.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnfEic3qMadxZgdJNGpZx4sFhBrb2PJX3nvrtjSnXFYeYKpLkDD9ajnLo6L9ldQGUCqC0WrMcLGOw_O_lVlo0YEKnC3BCVurjs8NXQAFAIt78ShCA_oSPyi4ljTiFDCaI9GL-wCOXhxnk/s320/Island+of+Cuba.png" width="320" /></a></div>The recent celebration of
Independence Day on July 4<sup>th</sup> in the US was protested and fraught
with emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Members of the far-left
Socialist caucus let their feelings be known about how America isn’t free for
the underprivileged minority. The term racist was hurled too often at our
history and white citizens.<br />How fitting that a socialist
country 90 miles to our south is fighting for its freedom. Protestors have taken to the streets in
numerous cities in Cuba to march against food shortages, inflation, and the
failing medical system. Many are
pictured carrying the American stars and stripes.</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The government forces are
cracking down on the protestors, beating them, and arresting many. Cuban
Communist President Miguel Diaz-Canel hosted an address on television to
request government-supporting revolutionaries to counter the anti-government
protestors. Social media and news websites have been shut down to quell the flow
of information</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Residents of South Florida are demonstrating
in support of their Cuban brothers and sisters. The older Cuban generation who lived
under the Castro regime are leading the way. Many are donating food and weapons
and urging people to take boats to Cuba to show their support. The US State Department and other government
officials have taken a passive approach to the uprising in Cuba after the Cuban
government accused the US of funding the demonstrations.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Second generation Cubans have adapted
to the more liberal culture of America and are less inclined to want to interfere.
Older Floridians want the US government to intervene in Cuba to stop the
bloodshed and to restore freedom of assembly.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p>I remember well the 1959 uprising
in Cuba that swept aside the dictatorial Batista regime and put Fidel Castro
into power. The failed Bay of Pigs invasion followed by the Cuban Missile
Crisis dominated the news headlines of the early 1960s.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCwC1aU-64egR3HrJ7Ze4ldsueWLTtdF2qDs2AWZyEgkwsGcBlfQqI-H8uq7kuKhDNm0Dq9_V2kOsLLCP_DdIRk1vy-TA5hlbxT7nJ8zJn-6G4uWpFknKN04SxwAgdakWiDGrGDRbX2DQ/s1111/Cuba+jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1111" data-original-width="958" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCwC1aU-64egR3HrJ7Ze4ldsueWLTtdF2qDs2AWZyEgkwsGcBlfQqI-H8uq7kuKhDNm0Dq9_V2kOsLLCP_DdIRk1vy-TA5hlbxT7nJ8zJn-6G4uWpFknKN04SxwAgdakWiDGrGDRbX2DQ/w173-h200/Cuba+jpg.jpg" width="173" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br />The Cuban people deserve their
freedom from the Communist regime. I pray that before many more years go by,
that will be a reality. I also pray that
the citizens of the US will not allow our freedoms to be taken over by
socialism, critical race theory, an out-of-control border, massive debt, and
inflation. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Our founding ancestors had to
fight long and hard to win the right to independence from Great Britain.
Freedom is not free or cheap. May we as Americans continue to symbolize freedom
for the rest of the world, to our children, and grandchildren.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-30336754110870308212021-06-24T09:32:00.003-07:002021-06-24T09:34:08.211-07:00A Silver Lining<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Too
many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">M<cite><span style="background: white; font-style: normal;">aurice Setter<o:p></o:p></span></cite></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><cite><span style="background: white; color: red; font-size: 14.0pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></cite></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><cite><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 13.0pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 200%;">We knew better than to look for gold when it came to our wedding
anniversary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would be 50 years of
marriage in 2046. By then we will be walking on heavenly streets of gold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, we decided to celebrate our silver
25<sup>th</sup> in a big way.</span></cite><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-01MuwZ4R04hyphenhypheni4nIeiDbdVmuU-sJP8WIUF29m1Gl46tpprdAUY3-MtcfiY4rlBWTCRCCPo8eazPQJEL5ueU_aTavO1duObE8JI0pKfcdlyQoYz7XEr9rYCuh8rHtUv8wW9iYxKLydrl/s624/Happy+Anniversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.3333px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="624" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-01MuwZ4R04hyphenhypheni4nIeiDbdVmuU-sJP8WIUF29m1Gl46tpprdAUY3-MtcfiY4rlBWTCRCCPo8eazPQJEL5ueU_aTavO1duObE8JI0pKfcdlyQoYz7XEr9rYCuh8rHtUv8wW9iYxKLydrl/w307-h160/Happy+Anniversary.jpg" width="307" /></a></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><cite><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 13.0pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 200%;">Before Covid 19 hit, we put a deposit down on a river cruise
with American Cruise Lines. We would follow the steps of the Louis & Clark expedition.
The closer it got to paying for the remainder of the trip, the more we
hesitated. Ships were requiring masks and vaccines for passengers and heading
to the Northwest with all the rioting in Portland, Oregon did not sound
appealing.</span></cite><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><cite><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 13.0pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A week in Branson,
Missouri sounded like a good alternative. Lots of shows and other activities
awaited our arrival. One had to be determined to drive over 800 miles to
Branson. We thought Atlanta traffic was bad until we encountered Chattanooga
and Nashville, TN. Road work, closed bridges, and backed up traffic tested our
patience.</span></cite><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><cite><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 13.0pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 200%;">We finally made it to Paducah, KY to spend the night. We
stayed at a Holiday Inn on the bank of the Ohio River—an important stop for
Louis & Clark, too. We were surprised to touch a bit of their famous expedition
in Kentucky. Reaching the last interstate, we drove through beautiful rural
countryside until we got to Branson the next evening. I am incredibly grateful
for a good car navigation system and for a man who knows how to use it.</span></cite><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><cite><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 13.0pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 200%;">Our quaint Branson hotel—built in 1903— provided us with a
small room and bath. The hotel’s big stone front porch was delightful and a
good place to escape. Ordering show tickets ahead of time cost us more than
buying them there, but we had tickets to some sold-out events.</span></cite><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><cite><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 13.0pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 200%;">We enjoyed Dolly Parton’s Stampede with dinner and the
performance on the Branson Showboat during a cruise on the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I absolutely had to see “Back to the Bee
Gees” that featured three 2021 performers singing all their famous songs. It was
a great show all around. The highlight of the week was the multi-faceted
presentation of the life of Jesus at the Sight & Sound Theater. The Gospels
came to life on the 300’ stage and screen. What a beautiful and soul stirring production
to finish out our week.</span></cite><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aHUwcovr5JTiyg9LMLk0mCCrcJ0SlbIfIVUuuSAyxocIzqnmR-m376xYBt8xhnE_R3rwthyphenhyphen2JI0Kt6IH1hkDWGtuhpiWYp2kHX_EFO2Qp_IBJTWnNzPv6oNfIEAr80-dw2vCnLJzwA-y/s1640/Sight+%2526+Sound+Theater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aHUwcovr5JTiyg9LMLk0mCCrcJ0SlbIfIVUuuSAyxocIzqnmR-m376xYBt8xhnE_R3rwthyphenhyphen2JI0Kt6IH1hkDWGtuhpiWYp2kHX_EFO2Qp_IBJTWnNzPv6oNfIEAr80-dw2vCnLJzwA-y/s320/Sight+%2526+Sound+Theater.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><cite><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 13.0pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 200%;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">After a delicious farewell breakfast at Steamy Joe’s Cafe,
we drove round and round through the Ozark Mountains heading for Memphis, TN.
We passed through Hardy, AK where Charles had spent time as a teenager.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">According to him, the town had not aged well,
but our visit brought back many nostalgic memories.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p></span></cite><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;"><cite><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 13.0pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 200%;">We spent one more night on the road in Memphis, before
hitting Interstate 22 into Alabama and I-20 home to Georgia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Silver Anniversary trip left us with lots
of memories. We visited pieces of eight states, but sure were glad to get back
home to our piece of heaven. Even though our trip to the Northwest was put on hold
for another year, we found our silver lining in Branson.<o:p></o:p></span></cite></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><cite><b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-style: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></cite></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><cite><b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-style: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></cite></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-34487952505379391102021-05-20T11:15:00.001-07:002021-05-20T11:15:26.178-07:00Learning a New Language<p> <span style="font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify;">My daily eating routine brings me
comfort. Cereal, fruit, and an egg for breakfast. Sandwich, chips, and an apple
for lunch. Meat, potatoes, vegetables for dinner. Add a bowl of almond ice
cream before bed.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify;">I grab a few chips,
granola bars or crackers, in between or whenever hunger strikes.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify;">Not too bad you say.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">My doctor has an entirely different
opinion. “You have diabetes,” he announces after my annual Medicare checkup.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You’ve got to be kidding. I know I’ve
put on weight and resisted exercise, but Type 2 diabetes? I’m too old to learn how to eat again!</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Since that day two weeks ago, I’ve been
bombarded with Facebook posts.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Drink
this tea, take this supplement, order daily meal plans, and my favorite—eat
every three hours.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">All of cyberspace
knows what I am dealing with, and I’m still trying to figure it out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The medical advice seems plain and
simple—exercise at least five times each week.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Cut back daily carbs to no more than 60 gm per day. Lose at least 25
pounds. Yikes! That will turn my life upside down and backwards.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">My online research led me to discover
there are some good and some bad carbohydrates.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvPDLs237d6CtRePDuGoYDo95ify8QcptFVySq0IB1G4Hnk67Hf8V_2SKWVRjae8No8SXwsICyM0xSvbnQ726YpFa9oSFsf75vpc1VDx_3N59bFm2g4i5kdAvsKSZkj0JtDWRL_QPfXSU/s248/carbohydrates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvPDLs237d6CtRePDuGoYDo95ify8QcptFVySq0IB1G4Hnk67Hf8V_2SKWVRjae8No8SXwsICyM0xSvbnQ726YpFa9oSFsf75vpc1VDx_3N59bFm2g4i5kdAvsKSZkj0JtDWRL_QPfXSU/s0/carbohydrates.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p>Good carbs are found in vegetables,
fruits, grains, and beans. The stuff everyone likes—cakes, bread, pasta, French
fries, and burgers—are loaded with bad carbs. Potatoes, rice, pasta, and
cereals are some of the worst. Walnuts,
almonds, and peanuts are much lower in carbs.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13pt;">Trying to figure out what carbs I can and
cannot eat is overwhelming. I’ve always prided myself on eating a healthy diet,
but pride goes before a fall.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13pt;">My
so-called healthy diet has not served me well. I spent an hour and a half at
the grocery store last week reading labels.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13pt;">I found some whole grain bread with fewer carbs and calories that I can
have from time to time.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13pt;">Fruit and
veggies are good, and I like them, so I loaded up my buggy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13pt;">Next, I ordered a senior exercise video that is
teaching me how to MOVE.</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13pt;">That young
whippersnapper that leads the exercise has no clue about being old, fat, and
lazy. However, he motivates me to get in shape as I try to keep up with his
cardio and core strengthening moves.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFTtfVNYgoQ5p7rVhGywMBfbS0MCuuiT8kPrhQEC2_yG72FKVPl3eGqM3Mz9u4x085eOo1aIJ7VPzIIPEAKMeUJVXCVSDokGFU91uxE87KIJXwyCaJTW4b76FEz9v9m3CKcLyA-nnedT3/s201/fruits+%2526+veggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="134" data-original-width="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFTtfVNYgoQ5p7rVhGywMBfbS0MCuuiT8kPrhQEC2_yG72FKVPl3eGqM3Mz9u4x085eOo1aIJ7VPzIIPEAKMeUJVXCVSDokGFU91uxE87KIJXwyCaJTW4b76FEz9v9m3CKcLyA-nnedT3/s0/fruits+%2526+veggies.jpg" /></a></div><br />My late bloomer husband is an exercise guru
and loves his desserts.<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13pt;">Keeping
something in the house he can eat, that will not tempt me, is a challenge.
Dunkin Donuts is right around the corner and has all the goodies he wants.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The doctor found this early and has a goal for
me to not use needles and take pills.
When I see him again in October, we will reevaluate the situation. In
the meantime, I’m learning a new eating language and at this point, not sure I
like it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /><!--[endif]--></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-50296862325671988272021-04-27T12:45:00.001-07:002021-04-27T12:47:54.675-07:00On the Road Again<p><span style="font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2v86asro-sTVqExL1dlP9tPg3WC9vyoDfXNazkktlMRCtzM5VIwP2qOQe_psJwgs0jZHACNDPfYPDq3nossTX9pojcMyBApf1Z9hs7lOwky3D5uTBtua7YOAVPOg4tHM2RVsLZXUML_c/s624/Sickness.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="624" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2v86asro-sTVqExL1dlP9tPg3WC9vyoDfXNazkktlMRCtzM5VIwP2qOQe_psJwgs0jZHACNDPfYPDq3nossTX9pojcMyBApf1Z9hs7lOwky3D5uTBtua7YOAVPOg4tHM2RVsLZXUML_c/w200-h183/Sickness.png" width="200" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">After
a long dry spell, we couldn’t wait to get on the road again. We like to travel
and looked forward to seeing new sights along the way. It was our first big
trip in over a year. The mileage on our 2019 car was still below 10,000 miles.
Going to the grocery store, drug store, and church uses little gas and the car
still smelled new.<span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Our
destination was Baton Rouge, Louisiana to see Charles’ sister and then Pensacola,
Florida to see my sister.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Both of these
dear ladies were recently widowed when their husbands died early in 2021.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We didn’t make either funeral but instead opted
for a visit after vaccine shots were more widely distributed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">A
stop in Laurel, Mississippi to see the town made famous by Ben & Erin
Napier on their fixer upper show </span><i style="font-size: 13pt;">Home Town</i><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> was on the agenda.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We checked in at the Holiday Inn Express
ready to see the sights when Charles got sick to his stomach and started
heaving. The next twelve hours were not pretty. We figured he picked up food
poisoning when we stopped for lunch.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">He
managed to drive the next day to the Hampton Inn in Baton Rouge.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">During
the night, I got sick and spent the next twelve hours with decision sickness.
Not food poisoning, but a throw up virus that attacked both of us. Charles
pulled himself together enough to make the appointment the next day at the
nursing home to visit with his sister, Marion.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOKbYanhI6WG_t6v0Gs35gLkLWJUlb-HG8TvfgHFJj8ERVkYTt7q0b_jS0oO-4mR6t8L_x8235eSXcWFTWzwpdm_fJVVlefYxNGPJkdZ88WqR5ZO-DH9cjLWfyYntnykbO8t7jsAYWr7n/s1188/Disease.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1188" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOKbYanhI6WG_t6v0Gs35gLkLWJUlb-HG8TvfgHFJj8ERVkYTt7q0b_jS0oO-4mR6t8L_x8235eSXcWFTWzwpdm_fJVVlefYxNGPJkdZ88WqR5ZO-DH9cjLWfyYntnykbO8t7jsAYWr7n/w200-h193/Disease.png" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 13pt;">After
four nights of no sleep, we checked out of the hotel and headed for
Alabama.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We spent one more night in a
Hampton Inn in Fairhope to make sure we were over the bug.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> We were supposed to see Donnie & Erin and children in Daphne, AL but still felt sick so we took a rain check.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The next morning, we were on our way to
Pensacola.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">It
had been five years since I’d seen my sister, Audrey.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We’d talked on the phone each week, but it
wasn’t the same. Every time we tried to get together, life intervened. We
thought we were going to take care of her, but instead we were the recipient of
her hospitality. My niece and nephew opened up their comfortable downstairs
suite to us and we were able to come and go at will. Some good sleep restored
our bodies and minds so we could enjoy our visit.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt; text-align: left;">Once
we were back home, groceries had to be bought and a ton of wash needed attention.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt; text-align: left;">Life resumed full speed ahead. Call us crazy,
but we are already anticipating another trip for our 25</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: left;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt; text-align: left;">
anniversary in June. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-21710695478906214832021-03-26T13:40:00.004-07:002021-03-26T13:42:13.417-07:00It's Crazy Out There<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_Hlk67583139"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #2b2b2b; font-size: 13pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk67583139;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #2b2b2b; font-size: 13pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1bWlXvTDJtpzvzskhR6gTVU4vL3pJ-Vktytbcf4PTLAXTqlIDUYgRkpDfcDIfnMYy5reboZLVYYNAi-6OvJ1Z5EJHJHpGfU69ey9is5ufH2r04fCAwphAYZx1xIF42kTo6edIyJPCJVF/s624/Confusion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1bWlXvTDJtpzvzskhR6gTVU4vL3pJ-Vktytbcf4PTLAXTqlIDUYgRkpDfcDIfnMYy5reboZLVYYNAi-6OvJ1Z5EJHJHpGfU69ey9is5ufH2r04fCAwphAYZx1xIF42kTo6edIyJPCJVF/s320/Confusion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify;">“Look,
we're living in a crazy time right now. There's a lot of craziness going on in
the world and in the United States in particular.” Mike Jackson</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify;">(retired British officer)</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2b2b; font-size: 13pt;">We are
at the end of one of the craziest years in my lifetime. A business acronym
describes the confusion of the past year.</span><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> <span> </span><span> </span></o:p></span><span style="color: #202122; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #202122; font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">V =
Volatility: the nature and dynamics of change, and the nature and speed of
change <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>forces and change catalysts.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 55.2pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202122; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #202122; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U =
Uncertainty: the lack of </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predictability" title="Predictability"><span style="color: #0645ad; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">predictability</span></a></span><span style="color: #202122; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, the prospects for </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surprise_(emotion)" title="Surprise (emotion)"><span style="color: #0645ad; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">surprise</span></a></span><span style="color: #202122; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, and the sense of awareness and understanding of issues and
events.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 55.2pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202122; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #202122; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">C =
Complexity: the multiplex of forces, the confounding of issues, no
cause-and-effect chain and confusion that surrounds organization.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 55.2pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202122; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #202122; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A =
Ambiguity: the haziness of reality, the potential for misreads, and the mixed
meanings of conditions; cause-and-effect confusion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Volatility</span></u><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> is the hallmark word for the past year. Locked down
and locked up. From losing our business to taking travel off our bucket list for
our 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary, life has changed dramatically. Like many other Senior Adults, we have
struggled with a longing to spend time with grandkids and meet with friends for
lunch.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Uncertainty</span></u><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> has ruled as we have listened to the television
talking heads telling us what we can and cannot do. Should we wear masks, go to
church, avoid the grocery store? These are real concerns that seniors face each
day. We have chosen to be pretty liberal when it comes to getting out and going
places such as the grocery store and church. We have faithfully worn masks to
protect ourselves and others.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Confusion</span></u><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> at times has prevailed. We chose to do a couple of upgrades to the
house and as a result, confusion set in.
Contractors, with few English skills, caused nerve jangling days that
made us long for peace and quiet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Ambiguity</span></u><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> is around every corner. Should I call the doctor or
do a virtual visit? When will I be able to visit that friend in the hospital?
Two of our brothers-in-law died in the past month and we decided not to go to
the funerals because Charles had not received his vaccine. After Easter we will leave our comfort zones
and travel to Louisiana and Florida to spend time with our sisters.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVucHJPIfrvyTTe8xtlEo9bvPAESAPOghp7qbbRb3OHf5PtEjwwhW8gTCS9e_DwtDUgY6NBk4jVodF3HtgUDiUwlDhVf2eH_fCuejyZSpOGL0sHP_qi_5XZF4MxepWzQ-KDXmow0uHfhKk/s2048/Covid+shot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVucHJPIfrvyTTe8xtlEo9bvPAESAPOghp7qbbRb3OHf5PtEjwwhW8gTCS9e_DwtDUgY6NBk4jVodF3HtgUDiUwlDhVf2eH_fCuejyZSpOGL0sHP_qi_5XZF4MxepWzQ-KDXmow0uHfhKk/s320/Covid+shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">As
we move into a new year, free from the constrictions of the past, we will seek
a new acronym.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: 13pt;">V —
Vision</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 13pt;">U —
Understanding</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 13pt;">C
—<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clarity</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 13pt;">A
—<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Agility <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(not so sure about this one)</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We
have signed a self-publishing book contract and will devote much of our time to
getting </span><i style="font-size: 13pt;">Chasing a Whirlwind</i><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> published and promoted. Never a dull moment
around here.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">A
recent edition of USA Today interviewed senior adults about their plans. A
common comment was heard. </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">“I don’t want
to be the one who gives it to people” “I won’t eat out or fly until herd
immunity arrives.” </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Late spring into
early fall seems to be the timeline for the US to develop herd immunity and for
most seniors to resume their previous activities. Maybe we all can have hot
dogs in our yard by July 4</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: 13pt;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">May God bless you as you move into new
ventures and catch up with old activities in the remaining months of 2021.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-41301104424903235112021-02-22T12:17:00.000-08:002021-02-22T12:18:32.085-08:00February News<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEg8xoRIFJbQ6A8tI8lqZYeBJVrtpHKdqVllPQsI7QInfE0S5RLpUYyIdd-S_uy7kO5z7-en15wzhD2T2aAMFnqm6ykuK3xl0EHTx-MW-3o36GPGbPzFuCLDGuA_NBuIe2ttkj_2PqJmd/s2048/February.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1703" data-original-width="2048" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEg8xoRIFJbQ6A8tI8lqZYeBJVrtpHKdqVllPQsI7QInfE0S5RLpUYyIdd-S_uy7kO5z7-en15wzhD2T2aAMFnqm6ykuK3xl0EHTx-MW-3o36GPGbPzFuCLDGuA_NBuIe2ttkj_2PqJmd/w200-h166/February.png" width="200" /></a></div><b><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt;">February</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: .4pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> comes from the Latin word februa, which </span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">means</b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> “to cleanse.” The month was named after the Roman
Februalia, which was a month-long festival of purification and atonement that
took place this time of year. </span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Did</b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> you know: ... Originally, </span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">February</b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> was made the last month of the calendar year.</span>
(quote from Wikipedia)<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">February 2021 has been the coldest month during this winter. The wet,
bleak, and frozen days have made their impact and it is time for them to go.
Maybe that is why there are only 28 days in the month.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZAYVt7FFii0TJ7jQVZ6T0SZHNjbm3KL6m-QjZzv_EVXvbtMwVyA6XOoVsV_Vjsu5X6md_IT4foitYslUXatFiDKb-zldFC0HGw4enqkxSNt9ZjucAY1F5JCGRtdXF39wbmnbFVFQKDsR/s624/Snow+%2526+Ice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="624" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZAYVt7FFii0TJ7jQVZ6T0SZHNjbm3KL6m-QjZzv_EVXvbtMwVyA6XOoVsV_Vjsu5X6md_IT4foitYslUXatFiDKb-zldFC0HGw4enqkxSNt9ZjucAY1F5JCGRtdXF39wbmnbFVFQKDsR/w200-h133/Snow+%2526+Ice.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">Our granddaughter’s weeklong visit to pick up her stuff before her move
to Texas turned into two weeks when the snow and ice made I-20 leading into
Dallas impassable. Rose left yesterday and should be there by tonight.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">The demolition and construction crew demolished our bathroom floors that
were affected by a water leak last October. New flooring was installed along
with new toilets and painting was done.</span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">What a noisy, irritating mess.</span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">Not a very favorable time for purification and atonement. Good news –
insurance covered the cost.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">My February 8</span><sup style="color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"> birthday was celebrated with the help of
family. Charles made it a special event.</span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">Cards and good wishes from friends added to the fun time.</span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">We postponed our Valentine Day celebration to
a more relaxing time.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">I shared my testimony with the Columbus Women’s Connection group via
Zoom on February 11.</span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">It was a new
experience for me and for them since Covid is keeping the group from meeting in
person.</span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">In-house meetings are much more
rewarding even with the travel.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">We led our Sunday Morning Life Group at church in a study of the Gospel
of Luke. We have studied the many miracles of Jesus and his forgiveness of
sins. So, February has been a time of purification and atonement for me as I
have considered the truth of God’s word.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">Spring is around the corner and the promise of warmer and longer days
awaits. Like me I know you are ready to see the daffodils and tulips bloom.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-6845454592345282762021-01-20T13:26:00.000-08:002021-01-20T13:26:15.803-08:00New Beginnings<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">“If
winter comes, can spring be far behind.” <i>Ode to the West Wind</i> by Percy
Bysshe Shelley<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-_uCKfpzDwfQFMssQf2pjDHK5JLSRuoMDqoDDQOd7uDRKxt3D_G08cnSXyW2e0ojt3PMjlH1f7kHfnlUquxb-2LzpQaDeercemZJZLyTqGNP-sRAxmIhfzdK5OCyO7ZL5qNeMOpAEmXd/s2048/Capitol.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1548" data-original-width="2048" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-_uCKfpzDwfQFMssQf2pjDHK5JLSRuoMDqoDDQOd7uDRKxt3D_G08cnSXyW2e0ojt3PMjlH1f7kHfnlUquxb-2LzpQaDeercemZJZLyTqGNP-sRAxmIhfzdK5OCyO7ZL5qNeMOpAEmXd/w259-h195/Capitol.png" width="259" /></a>Today
is a day of new beginnings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A new
President and Vice President have been installed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter how you voted in November, the
United States has successfully transitioned to a new administration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Christians it’s important to pray for the
Biden administration and all government leaders. That should be our
priority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though the atmosphere in
Washington is not what I had anticipated, God’s in charge and control.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">This
week we kicked off a new year of Word Weavers. We are in a new location with
new leadership.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">This critique group has
been immensely helpful to me in editing Charles’ book. </span><i style="font-size: 13pt;">Chasing a Whirlwind. </i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We have written the last chapter and
epilogue and now begins the long editing process before we submit it for
publication. We should have a book in hand this spring.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Charles
took his first Moderna Covid 19 vaccine last week.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The second will come in February. I was not able
to take the vaccine because of past problems with vaccines.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Everyone hopes 2021 will see a real slowdown
to the corona virus.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">That would be a
real new beginning indeed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We
will finally be getting our house repaired from the water damage last October. New
flooring in our laundry room and master bath will fix the problem. Sheetrock
needs replacing in the downstairs bathroom. Leftover insurance money will be
used for a couple of other projects. We will be dealing with contractors for
the next few weeks.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Charles
and I have been asked to become the lead teachers for our Life Group Bible
Study Class.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Our last regular teaching
duty was almost ten years ago, and we are a tad rusty.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">But as we team teach, we will encourage each other
in prayer and with ideas on how to present each lesson.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">For the next few months, we will be studying
the Gospel of Luke.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The
beginning I like best this time of year is the longer days and shorter
nights.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">It’s been almost a month since
the shortest day of the year, and each day has more sunlight.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">I thrive in the late winter and early spring
and anticipate the first blooms on the fruit trees.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The tulips emerging from their cold nap in my
planters on the back deck are also a first sign.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Our pansies out front are happily blooming
and brighten up a cloudy day.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VCmKUJ_aEJXYFQcf5tIjGemhSOeXbezkFVECozGN0_piARqZQcnWnFvQGnEPfsM6WIASU5-Vgu_dE6G33w7tfk9dWd-lcYG4-MMvlSVDe0fKZBVLZZwj0p64f3eQV6Z02Z8NG1YyuPXW/s2048/pansies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VCmKUJ_aEJXYFQcf5tIjGemhSOeXbezkFVECozGN0_piARqZQcnWnFvQGnEPfsM6WIASU5-Vgu_dE6G33w7tfk9dWd-lcYG4-MMvlSVDe0fKZBVLZZwj0p64f3eQV6Z02Z8NG1YyuPXW/w167-h223/pansies.jpg" width="167" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><em><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt;">“Forget the
former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it
springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and
streams in the wasteland”</span></em><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-size: 13pt;">(</span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/passage/?q=isaiah+43:18-19" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Isaiah 43:18-19</span></a></span><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="text-align: start;">). </span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-68622424106453594592020-12-19T11:21:00.002-08:002020-12-19T11:21:57.811-08:00A December to Remember<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieg07qzbsGUfG2VyTpWb0DemCZP_0lZ3pyjtQnnpYGaUKFg0ACMX1zKJ0qQk3mF-vtWW-TXopmNXTMhcLhl-_evONNmqAHvnx37denFdAhOJHG6AmYEI2JuC7CfII0tHwRuDaMznqz2CgF/s1583/Christmas+wreath.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="1485" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieg07qzbsGUfG2VyTpWb0DemCZP_0lZ3pyjtQnnpYGaUKFg0ACMX1zKJ0qQk3mF-vtWW-TXopmNXTMhcLhl-_evONNmqAHvnx37denFdAhOJHG6AmYEI2JuC7CfII0tHwRuDaMznqz2CgF/w194-h200/Christmas+wreath.png" width="194" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">As
I end this difficult year, I want to contact my blog family and friends to wish
them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has been a year filled with challenges, but as of now, we are still
in good health and very thankful for it. It seems everyone is ready for 2020 to
go away and for the promise of 2021. Maybe we are expecting too much, but it
will be interesting to see what happens.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">A
new Christmas star will appear on December 21, 2020 in the southwestern sky in
the hour after sunset.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The alignment of
Jupiter and Saturn will create a very bright star that can be seen by the naked
eye. It has been 800 years since this great conjunction has occurred and
another 60 in 2080 before it happens again.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Perhaps this is God’s gift to us to encourage us after a long, tough
year.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">As
the Covid-19 vaccines begin to arrive in hospitals, labs, and drug stores
across the country, there is hope on the horizon for better days ahead. It has
been nearly a year of lockdowns, masks, and social distancing. Here in Georgia,
we have lived an almost normal life, but we are tired of the masks and other
precautions we have had to take.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Covid
shut down our business and we are still trying to decide what to do next.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">I am enjoying the peace and quiet and not
feeling so rushed to accomplish something.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Charles has days when he is looking for his next adventure.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Christmas
will be relatively quiet at the Dixon house. My Christmas came early when we
had family for Charles’ birthday and Thanksgiving.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Rose Davis, Stuart’s daughter, spent four
weeks with us before returning to Texas.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 17.3333px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4QPzUQ4h4xeBFxxwAlbhomhBbVlIzxHLwSEcCZB8k5FjZwf7x3nyDXiibcKRt0q_QRuzhXEOv6T9QMdbwArBaAk5TLnEXA37RyVrXMAa9_JBGfI0GMd0ByitT0XGDh-TLYuLI3QIBedD/s960/facebook_1608325381943_6745805582787526493+%2528002%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4QPzUQ4h4xeBFxxwAlbhomhBbVlIzxHLwSEcCZB8k5FjZwf7x3nyDXiibcKRt0q_QRuzhXEOv6T9QMdbwArBaAk5TLnEXA37RyVrXMAa9_JBGfI0GMd0ByitT0XGDh-TLYuLI3QIBedD/w200-h150/facebook_1608325381943_6745805582787526493+%2528002%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Last Saturday, we had high tea and other local granddaughter Alexa Davis
joined us for the party.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">A good time was
had by all.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">On
Christmas Day, two sons will join us for lunch and phone calls will be made to
family spread far and wide in Texas, North Carolina, and Toronto, Canada.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">I hope that you will be able to spend some
time—virtual or in person—with those you love and reflect on the reason for the
season of Christmas.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">May
God bless you during this holiday when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13pt;">“The
thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come
that they may have life, and that they may have </span><i style="font-size: 13pt;">it</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13pt;"> more
abundantly.” John 10:10 (KJV)</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Merry Christmas & Happy New Year<br /><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="color: red;"> </span></o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387820276828617717.post-45161446419210143382020-11-23T08:47:00.002-08:002020-11-23T08:50:03.187-08:00A Reason to Give Thanks<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Being thankful should be a daily way of
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But most of the time it is easier
to gripe or complain instead of being thankful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have a lot to be grateful for this week and I will try to show it to
all I meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfAvOBH_m-fFwazu739a3rkz3mgZU0hBw0tSZQLwkC3UE3m1gfh7Mzl0zaJQHag_-OoW0IrieNe1cJxgzxKHxPvYKw9-u6buDthteNF3SWNAKGDJccdfC8R_mqWFf8cJbItwmK4ig7Two/s2048/Charles+hiking.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfAvOBH_m-fFwazu739a3rkz3mgZU0hBw0tSZQLwkC3UE3m1gfh7Mzl0zaJQHag_-OoW0IrieNe1cJxgzxKHxPvYKw9-u6buDthteNF3SWNAKGDJccdfC8R_mqWFf8cJbItwmK4ig7Two/s320/Charles+hiking.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Twenty-four and ½ years ago, when I met
Charles, I never dreamed I’d get to celebrate his 90<sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> birthday with
him.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">This week on Wednesday night,
thirteen of us will celebrate in person and five will join us online for the
big event. </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">He does not look or act his age
but appears to be at least ten years younger.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></span><p></p>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">His last big party occurred when he
turned 70.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">This will be a Covid party—smaller
crowd wearing masks but still with a good reason to celebrate.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> The only problem I have with that date is that it is the day before Thanksgiving.</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Our granddaughter, Rose from Canada is
visiting with us for a few weeks while she looks for a job in the Atlanta
area.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Her help pulling it all off will
be invaluable.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">She will help decorate, help
pick up the cake, and bar-b-que. I will make the sides on Tuesday and the casseroles
for Thanksgiving on Wednesday.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">So much
to do—so little time.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During Charles’ ninety years he has
seen and done a lot. His active military service during the Korean War send him
to California servicing airplanes for the battle. Forty years working for Lockheed
Martin and other aerospace companies and twenty-four years in his own aerospace
company equals 64 years of effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During that time, he earned three college degrees in aerospace
engineering and business administration. He filed and received two important
patents to overcome airplane drag and increase time on mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of Covid, he decided to take
unanticipated retirement to figure out what he wants to do next in life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We are struggling to finish the last of
his biography, </span><i style="font-size: 13pt;">Chasing a Whirlwind</i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Once the rush of the holidays has passed, it looks a little easier to
spend time writing.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Just maybe, 2021 will
not be as hectic and disrupting as 2020.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">We will try to be thankful for each day as it comes.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">I know a lot of you are stuck at home
and not able to travel to be with family or friends for Thanksgiving. We are
glad many of our folks are local. I hope despite it all, you will find many
reasons to be thankful this Thanksgiving.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">I am always reminded of the Bible verse in Philippians.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="color: red;">"Do not be anxious
about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7<br /></span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwolatebloomers.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault&h=yAQF6puCoAQHbyOW9SL3MNDqBP_c0aifIDZJfGRK7YbAA7g
</div>Frieda Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03778043042893201886noreply@blogger.com0