The Latest

About time that I do some updating!!

The new baby is doing fine. Stephen and Tanya named her Sydney.

Mom is back home in Tennessee after a month in Kentucky. Her pups were very happy to see her!

I had a surgical procedure and ended up with an infection from it. I think I'm back in the saddle now!

I went back to school this fall, taking a class at Hiwassee College in Madisonville, Tennessee. I LOVED IT!! I should have been a perpetual student!

Koalby the dog had to visit the doggie dentist!! I didn't know they had dentists for dogs!! He's fine now.

Nell is out of the hospital and is doing much better. She sure misses the Arizona sunshine tho!! lol

The family shrub has a blossom!

Mildred is holding little Sydney Lynn Slater, born October 26, 2009, in Lexington, Kentucky. Stephen is the proud papa and Gregg is the doting grandpappy!!

In other news, my aunt Nell (Mildred's sister) has moved to Tennessee from Arizona. While she normally resides just down the street, she is currently in the hospital!! Keep her in your prayers.

Stained Glass Window Box Dedication

Today we had the dedication of the stained glass window box in Sandra's memory. The box is at the front of the church behind the altar. During the service we sang Sandra's two favorite hymns, "Amazing Grace" and "I'll Fly Away." The pastor had Mom and me come up to unveil it and say a few words. Mom's response to him was, "What, you want me to preach?!!" We were then entertained by a group pickin' and singin' old-time gospel favorites! A wonderful time was had by all!

The following is the text of the dedication:

This morning we dedicate a beautiful new addition to the sanctuary: a stained glass window depicting the Transfiguration of Jesus. Many scholars believe the place where Jesus was transfigured before the disciples Peter, James, and John, and in the presence of Moses and Elijah, was atop Mount Hermon.

We dedicate this stained glass window in memory of a special member of Mt. Hermon UMC. It was a vision of Sandra Slater that put into motion this project. It is with deep gratitude of both her life and legacy that this piece of art now adorns our sanctuary.

Without the commitment of our Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, and Administrative Board, what was initially a vision could not have become a reality. Without the generosity of our members and friends who donate both their time and money, the vision would not be visible for generations to come. Thank you to everyone who believed in Sandra's vision and supported this project.

As we enjoy the scene of the Transfiguration through the coming years, let our prayer be that the lives of people continue to be changed here, on top of this hill, at this place called Mount Hermon.

To God be the Glory! Great things He has done!

Travels

Mom and I went to Arizona last week to visit Aunt Nell. It was 107 to 114 degrees the whole time we were there! Now I know how bread feels in a toaster!!!!

Nell is contemplating a move to Tennessee, so she will be flying into Nashville this Saturday on her way here to begin investigating housing options. Wish us luck!!

Glad to hear my Aunt Ann Booten is recovering well from her shoulder surgery. She gets to go home on Saturday but has to wait 10 weeks before she can really start moving the shoulder. Keep her in your prayers.

Another view from the Ridge

Mom is in Kentucky and I'm on the mountain!!

Stained Glass Window Project

This wonderful woman in West Knoxville has transformed this famous rendering of the Transfiguration of Christ by Carl Bloch into a stained glass window for Mt. Hermon United Methodist Church in Sandra's memory. This was one of Sandra's "pet projects" that the church members decided to follow up on. The hope is that we can fully fund it in time to complete installation by the church's homecoming celebration the 3rd Sunday in September.

Mom and I got a preview yesterday of the work - Sandra would be pleased! I think the Tennessee stained glass version of the Transfiguration may well top the famous work at St. Peter's in Nottingham!!

If you would like to contribute -- the spare change from your sofa would be greatly appreciated-- the mailing address for Mount Hermon is P.O. Box 1769, Powell, Tennessee 37849. Mark your gift with the words: "Stained Glass"

The Movie and Montana

Mom and I went to the movie "My Sister's Keeper" today. It wasn't a smart move on my part - I cried from the moment it started. The scenes of chemo, bone marrow aspirations -- just re-experiencing someone dying of leukemia -- was hard to experience.

Of course, Mom sat there like an immovable rock. I'm sobbing as hard as the family in the movie!! Mom did feel some sympathy for me and pulled a tissue from her purse!

The dying young girl always talked about Montana. After her death, every year, on the anniversary of her passing, the family would gather in Montana to remember her. Ironically, it had always been a goal of Sandra to visit her good friend in Montana. I think I need to go there!

Kid in a Candy Store

I know I sound like a kid in a candy store, but I have so enjoyed this gardening gig this summer!! Very therapeutic!! We have harvested plenty of tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini squash, and peppers. Now we have eggplant and cantaloupes coming in. To put this in perspective, I believe that prior to this summer, I was capable of killing plastic flowers!!!

Mom is finally perking up a bit - was pretty spry today. I really feel like I dodged a bullet with her this time!

Views from my Tennessee Ridge

Sunday blessings

The momma appears to be improving finally!! I'm also currently thankful that it is raining -- now I don't have to water plants and flowers!!!

The little garden is still doing well. We've had different varieties of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and squash from it. Got some eggplant coming in now. Gardening has been an enjoyable experience.

Cat at the water's edge

Mom and the doctor visit

The doctor gave Mom some high powered antibiotics and sent her home for observation. Keep the prayers going that she starts perking up. The "regular" Mom is frenetic, bouncing off the walls! This "sick" Mom is unreal -- lifeless, lethargic, unresponsive. I do not want to deal with this "sick" version until the time comes that I absolutely have to do so!!

The doctor Mom sees just recently relocated from the Alcoa area to Knoxville, so that makes for easier visits for us. The ironic thing is that the doctor moved to a clinic where we formerly took Dad for treatment of his Alzheimer's. So we had not been in the facility since 2001 -- when the VA took over Dad's mental health treatment. Always interesting to experience those moments that cause the memories to flood over you.

Still sick

Mom is still ill . . . I just can't get her to perk up. I'm planning to call her doctor on Monday to set up an appointment, as I've never known her to take to the bed like this.

Back in ole Tennessee!

Back in Tennessee now. Boy! What fabulous weather we have had the last few days!

Upon arriving home, I checked the little garden. There was a zucchini in there as big as my arm!!!!!! I kid you not!!!

The only negative thing is that the Millie is quite ill today. You know there is a problem when she stays in the bed ALL DAY!!!

Early to bed - traveling to Chattanooga bright and early tomorrow morning. . . .

In Lexington

Mom and I are in the Bluegrass, but the grass is wet because it is pouring the rain!!

A "Charity" Basket Case

I was pretty depressed today. My purse "disappeared" over the weekend, so I'm really dreading all that is involved in dealing with this matter!! Fortunately, my small billfold was not in the purse at the time of the disappearance, so I still have my driver's license, voter's card, etc. I lost my checkbooks, some stamps that I had just purchased, my watch, my spare set of car keys, a spare set of house keys, etc. The really bad news is that the thief has my address, my car keys, a key to the house! Comforting thought!!

Despite my misfortune, I couldn't help but laugh when I got my mail today. Apparently, the word has gotten out that I'm in bad shape!!! St. Mary's Health System informed me as follows:

"Our records indicate that you were uninsured at the time of service, and a 49% discount has been provided for you. . . . There are various financial assistance programs available to those like you with low income, including Charity Care programs."

Considering that I am employed full-time and fully insured, I got a really good chuckle out of this notice! However, when I really "study" on this, I get a bit angry. This is the same outfit that wasn't satisfied with the amount Sandra was paying pursuant to a payment plan -- so they harassed her during her final days -- but now they are offering me a "Charity Care program." I relish the thoughts of calling these idiots tomorrow!!!

Satisfying Saturday

I spent the whole morning getting my new tires. Set me back a bit of change, but they ride like a dream. I then hit a market and bought a load of half runners and wonderful peaches!! I spent most of the afternoon stringing all the beans!

Pulled more peppers, tomatoes, and some squash out of the garden. The garden is so much fun - I now have a greater appreciation for the mentality of farmers.

Now I'm catching up on my "non-garden" work!! I definitely can't quit my "day" job!!

Under the weather

After working in Chattanooga on Monday and functioning pretty effectively in Knoxville on Tuesday, I fell under the influence of some bug for the rest of the week! Not "swine-ish," but pretty nasty nonetheless!! I think I'm recovering now - just in time to spend tomorrow morning purchasing new tires!!

Peppers and 'Maters!

The little garden is actually producing! Plucked off a pretty green pepper and some ripe tomatoes today. I'm just giddy!!!

A Song for Sandra

I heard a song today that gave me a really good cry. Reminded me of Sandra. Sometimes I wonder whether I am ever going to adjust to her being gone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjespGPhoMw&feature=related

GOODBYE MY FRIEND


Written by Karla Bonoff; 1988 Seagrape Music (BMI)

Oh we never know where life will take us
I know it's just a ride on the wheel
And we never know when death will shake us
And we wonder how it will feel

So goodbye my friend
I know I'll never see you again
But the time together through all the years
Will take away these tears
It's okay now
Goodbye my friend

I've seen a lot things that make me crazy
And I guess I held on to you
We could've run away and left, well maybe
But it wasn't time and we both knew

So goodbye my friend
I know I'll never see you again
But the love you gave me through all the years
Will take away these tears
I'm okay now
Goodbye my friend

Life's so fragile and love's so pure
We can't hold on, but we try
We watch how quickly it disappears
And we never know why . . . .

But I'm okay now
Goodbye my friend
You can go now
Goodbye my friend
Goodbye my friend


Grab a box of tissues before you listen to it!

Mountain Memories

A picture from the recent trip to West Virginia over the Memorial Day weekend. From L to R: Mary (Juanita) Slater, Mildred Slater, and Anna Booten (seated in car). We had a great time -- looking forward to the next trip back!

A friend . . . .

I received a book the other day that contained a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson within its pages:

"The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship."

It is so wonderful to feel that someone believes in you, but it is just as sweet to find someone to whom you can give your trust!!

I'm a big fan of Emerson - Sandra got me hooked on his essays along with those of Thoreau. Some more jewels:

"A great man is always willing to be little."

"It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, ‘Always do what you are afraid to do.’"

"Every hero becomes a bore at last."

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us."

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

The nap

Lately, I've been going like my hair is on fire. Early this evening, when the opportunity presented itself to take a short nap, I decided to seize the moment! I snatched the closest afghan and made a beeline for the sofa! Oh, the bliss!! Yeah, right!! In the next instant, first one, then two dogs strategically jumped onto my chest! A mammogram would have been great fun compared to the experience!! Then the phone started ringing! Then someone was knocking at the door, which incited the dogs to bark! When I ignored the knocking, the door bell rang! Then the phone started ringing again! I just got up -- it is too exhausting to try to take a nap around here!!!!

Shopping and dogs

Today, after church, Mom wanted me to drop her off at Target. As requested, I went back to get her 2 hours later, only to discover that she spent all that time in another store -- she never even made it into Target! Also, she wasn't where I told her to be to pick her up!! But I can't get mad -- all she purchased was a little statue. She was pulling it out of the bag as she climbed into the car, "Here, for your garden." I was touched.

Mom is "teaching" her dogs again. She puts them on an ottoman and reads to them. I call it "school on a stool." The dogs are so special to her - I often think they are what keep her going!

Speaking of dogs, another poem for you:

Reward

With shining eyes and lifted nose,
A million dogs lined up in rows
And stood before the throne of God,
While He, with just a smiling nod,
Bade all the household pets sit down
Upon their haunches on the ground.
Or should I say, upon the sky,
For they were spirits. As for why
God wanted dogs, that seemed to be
Much more than anyone could see.
Each ear upon each spirit head
Was up to hear each word He said.
"You've all led lives untouched by greed,
And love and honor seemed your creed,
So, now, because of that, you've come
To dwell with Me in this, your home.
You'll not have any crowns to wear,
But you'll have bones and meat to spare,
And friendly fires 'round which to sleep,
And, too, some spirit fleas to keep
You busy when you've naught to do
But haunt the homes of masters who
You loved in other happier days
When once you walked in earthly ways."
They all lay down just where they sat,
While God gave each a loving pat.
And as He walked between the rows,
They each rubbed their cold friendly nose
Against His robe as He passed by
And strolled on down the windy sky.

-- Galen Drake

Garden

This year, I've been tending a garden. It started out to be Mom's garden, but I've really gotten into it! Something about playing in the dirt is quite relaxing and cathartic!!! Ask me at the end of the growing season whether one can overdose on tomatoes!!!!

Poetry night

Should You Go First

Should you go first and I remain
To walk the road alone,
I'll live in memory's garden, dear,
With happy days we've known.
In Spring I'll watch for roses red
When fades the lilac blue,
In early Fall when brown leaves fall,
I'll catch a glimpse of you.

Should you go first and I remain
For battles to be fought,
Each thing you've touched along the way
Will be a hallowed spot.
I'll hear your voice, I'll see your smile,
Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
Will buoy me on with hope.

Should you go first and I remain
To finish with the scroll,
No length'ning shadows shall creep in
To make this life seem droll.
We've known so much of happiness,
We've had our cup of joy,
And memory is one gift of God
That death cannot destroy.

Should you go first and I remain,
One thing I'd have you do;
Walk slowly down that long, lone path,
For soon I'll follow you.
I'll want to know each step you take,
That I may walk the same,
For someday, down that lonely road,
You'll hear me call your name.

---- Albert Rowswell

Wasting away at Wendy's

This evening, I spent what seemed like eternity in the line at Wendy's. In my "former life" -- only a few short years ago -- I would have stomped out of the restaurant . . . angry and still hungry! I don't know what has happened to me -- maturity or insanity -- but now I can remain calm and entertain myself in such situations! The trick is to observe the facial expressions and mannerisms of the other people in the line! Tonight, this one woman said "WHEW!" incessantly out of exasperation -- I was growing exhausted just listening to her!! A man there seemed to think a cold, evil stare would motivate the employees; unfortunately, he was mistaken in his belief and the workers seemingly moved even slower just to annoy him!!! Another woman there just shook her head throughout the ordeal! Since I was the only person there appearing to enjoy myself, I think the staff thought that there must be someone wrong with me and EXPEDITED my order!! lol.

Rain, rain . . . .

Finally home from working in Chattanooga. So much driving in the rain lately. Quite a change from last year's drought!

A trip down memory lane

Mom and I have been driving around Williamson, West Virginia tonight. She was born here back in 1922 and what interesting stories she has to tell! Tomorrow I'm taking her to her former home church -- she hasn't attended a service there since 2003, so this should be a real treat for her!

I left Williamson in 1980 to attend college and really haven't spent much time here over the years. For some reason, my eyes were opened today. So many memories....

Not enough hours in the day....

There just are not enough hours in my day. Tomorrow is Thursday and all that I've marked off my "To-Do" list for this week should have been completed by Tuesday!! The good thing about getting older is that I don't seem to get as upset about such things as I formerly did!

On a positive note, it is finally warming up some. According to a sage farmer from my church, this past cold snap was something called "Whippoorwill Winter." I had never heard of that one before. Seems like it usually gets warmer right after "Blackberry Winter," so perhaps I just never noticed it for that reason!

It has been a year ....

Sandra G. Slater passed away one year ago today. I miss her -- I strive each day to make her proud.

Happy Birthday, Gregory C. Slater! Have fun in Hawaii!!!

Have You Seen My Mom?

Mom and I are planning a trip this Memorial Day weekend. In preparation, she directed me to drop her off at a local shopping area in order that she might shop for a new dress. I was instructed to "get lost and leave her alone" for 2 hours. I returned at the appointed time to the designated pick up location, but NO MOM!! I searched through every store in the area for over an hour! Just when I have thoroughly convinced myself that, prior to my arrival, she was either whisked away in an ambulance or abducted by aliens in a spaceship, I see her in a storefront waving at me! She's standing behind a shopping cart full of everything but that dress she just had to have!!!

Strawberry time in Tennessee

Over the last 3 weeks, I've picked strawberries 4 times!!! Today, Mildred, my 87-year-old mom, picked half a row!! She later told me that she didn't think she would make it a career!! We had much fun!

First Night Random Thoughts

Hello unsuspecting world! Not yet certain the use I will make of this blog. Time will tell. So, not much of a kick off -- more like a squib kick!