Deadlines

I received our applications for Camp Good News in the mail this week. I always coordinate with my friend, Heather Pendleton to attend the same week. We have been at camp together for over 25 years and I hate to break tradition. This year we've established that we're going Week 1. An added bonus will be my friend, Sue, going the same week as well. I've already started the paperwork. This will definitely be a record if I manage to get everything in by the end of March. I think Donna, in the office, nearly had a heart attack when she realized I was organizing things already. There have been years when no paperwork has reached the office before I show up to work my week. Oops! (I guess it helps to have connections.)

The other deadline which looms much closer is the departure of Jim, Jubal and Nolan for Australia.......3 days and counting!

Hilarious Irony

~6 days until the boys leave for Australia~
I'm testing the send via email feature of the blog...


I've been miserably sick for the past few days and really just wanted to stay at home this morning. However, my registration on the car was (unknowingly) due 6 months ago so out I went. The low fuel light has been on for a few days so I deemed it best to stop at the New Meadow Market first. I'm so glad I did. The Lord knew that a great dose of humor was exactly what I needed to start the day. As I placed myself back behind the steering wheel after filling up I saw a hilariously ironic sight. About 20 yards across the parking lot a man clad in sweatpants was leaning into the bed of his pickup truck with his entire backside exposed. This was not just the typical working man crack problem, but a full moon. I observed this scene in quiet puzzlement. How does one not know that his pants are half down in February? Then the laughter came full force. As he hopped back into the cab of the truck I noticed the signing on the door: FIRST CLASS CONSTRUCTION No joke.

Skunks

I judge the arrival of spring to be official when I get my first whiff of a roadkill skunk. With all this snow, that won't be anytime soon. However, according to Atira, some of those smelly critters have been residing in my home, right under my nose. Jubal and Nolan had three friends sleep over last night. This morning, as Atira and I were getting breakfast, we heard a lot of commotion coming from the boys' room. I heard Atira say, "Oh man. Those boys, skunks." Puzzled, I asked, "Skunks?" "Yes." she replied. "I call boys skunks."

If only they could hurry up spring......
~11 days until the boys leave for Australia~

Dip, Drive, and Dine

We began our full weekend on Friday night in Bowdoinham at Mike and Heidi's. The Morrill, Fisher and Gilbert offspring (under the skillful guidance of Heidi) had spent half the day preparing a feast for all of us....... homemade rolls, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and stuffed mushrooms, not to mention a few desserts to choose from. A job well done! It would have been a perfect evening if I had not had my perfect record sullied with a ticket on the way home. No, I was not speeding.

After all that eating, some physical activity was called for. Saturday morning we all packed in our van and headed up to Rockland to meet Bill, Sue and gang for some sledding. Nolan had his camera with him. We thought he was snapping photos but he also took video......sneaky little rascal. Then it was back to the Batty's for Italians and hanging out. Bill and Sue got married the month after us and I recall we used to have much calmer, more quiet visits in those first couple years.

Sunday marked two weeks until the boys and Jim leave for Oz. We took this last opportunity to relax and spent the afternoon at the Fisher's. I recommend having friends with hot tubs. Jim and Don decided NOT to throw me into the snow bank. (they offered each other money to get the job done, but neither one wanted Rachelle's Repercussions.) They chose wisely. Without the Patriots in, it was even a relaxing Superbowl to end the weekend.

Now I'm thinking of all that needs to be done in two weeks......

Progress

I know I'm progressing well with my exercise routine when the guy at the front desk of the gym recognizes me. It took about a month, but now I actually look forward to the weights. (I can still easily skip the elliptical.) The boys, Nolan in particular, expressed their "concern" today that I will lose too much weight and be no good for hugging. With that kind of attitude, I think they will have very content wives. I assured them that was highly unlikely. :) I've included a "fabulous" photo of me sticking my tongue out at Jim while ellipticating.

~17 days until the boys leave for Australia.~

Random

I have enjoyed the flurry of notes from Facebook friends devulging 25 random things about them. The smallest, seemingly insignificant details of a person's life or actions can sometimes be very illuminating and humorous. It would have taken endless conversation to have brought out some of these facts, others I might never have known. The longer I live, the more I realize how much I don't know.......even about my closest friends.

Here are my 25 random facts:

1. The most important decision I ever made, one of eternal consequences, was to accept Jesus Christ as my Saviour in 1978. My desire is that my life will reflect Him to those around me.

2. I had hair to my waist until I was 32. I did not regret chopping it off.

3. After watching "The Man From Snowy River" as a child I decided that someday I would go to Australia, and I did. As an aside, this was back when you rented the movie AND the machine. How many of you remember that?

4. I am a fan of Sci-Fi and Westerns.

5. My husband is Australian. We met while I was attending Word of Life Bible College for a year in Wiseman's Ferry, Australia. Jim and I were engaged in Australia and the first time my parents met him was when he arrived in the states a few months before our wedding in "94.

6. On a Sunday afternoon during football season, you will find Jim doing the dishes after lunch while I sit on the couch and watch the Patriots. Don't interrupt me.

7. My favorite author is Louis L'Amour and my three sons, Jubal, Nolan, and Tell are all named for characters in his western novels.

8. I would occasionally clean the disgusting crud from Anthony's belly button when we were teenagers. Yes, that's how much I love my brother.

9. I lived in Alaska for 6 months as a toddler and have always thought it was a shame that I don't remember experiencing such a remarkable place.

10. I am still good friends with all 4 of my old boyfriends, and, minus one, all their wives.

11. I discovered my first gray hair recently, nothing some good highlights can't hide.

12. I am probably the most unorganized homeschooler you will ever meet.

13. If I iron, it's only for Christmas and Easter. Actually, I am not even sure if I still have an iron in the house anymore. My daughter, Atira, got a mini one for Christmas with a craft set and asked, "What's that?"

14. I like dark chocolate.

15. I like red hair.

16. My wedding took place 5 hours from where I lived, so that I could be married in my childhood church, in the town I love, Eastport, Maine. My dad performed the ceremony.

17. I started attending Camp Good News as a camper when I was 7. I have only missed one year since...the year I spent in Australia.

18. I love my grandmother's homemade slipper socks.

19. Though I am Maine bred, and come from Maine stock, I had the great misfortune to be born in Massa"puke"etts, where my dad was stationed in the Air Force. There are more accurate and descriptive terms for the state. However, for me to use them, would violate my #1 on this list.

20. My family has ziti and meatballs with their turkey and stuffing for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's the best! Why would anyone want mashed potatoes and veggies?

21. I'm on the worhip team at my church and LOVE to sing!

22. I'm pretty sure I won't have empty nest syndrome. I've been priming Jubal for the event since he was five. When my kids leave the house, the first thing I'm going to do is take art classes. I miss it! I love art!

23. My dad was a pastor when I was young and therefore, I got used to being the subject of a sermon illustration. I always saw lived out at home what was spoken in the pulpit. I still love to listen to him speak. I have great parents who gave me both love and time.

24. I love camping....tent camping, not sissy trailer camping. I'm not opposed to a water faucet on the nearest tree, however.

25. Genealogy interests me and I have traced most sides of my family quite far back. On my paternal grandmother's side, I am from Mayflower stock, though not the most reputable portion of the crew. My ancestor was apparently involved in the first duel to take place in the New World.

Inspiration

Thanks to my friend, Deb Fisher, I had inspiration for starting a blog. Unfortunately, I have no inspiration for writing in it. It brings to mind the endless 15 minutes of journaling at the beginning of English class in 8th grade.