What's Happening

Right now we're being a bit thankful for the clear skies. Then, very thankful for the rain that has been a bit absent with any regularity for many months. Of course, everything is green and growing, so that means more work outdoors.

We had our friends Jon, Paula, and Norma over for dinner this past weekend and had a good dinner and fun conversation.

At my job, just after I left work last Thursday, a guy came in and stole a computer at gun point. It was a pretty bad time for everyone there, but they are recovering well.

Paul and Autumn returned from their cruise so here's a couple pics from that.




A couple weeks ago, Keith, Audrey and Kim came over for the weekend. Keith was "cashing in" his Christmas present of a ride along in a NASCAR car for three laps.
We had a great time watching him have a great time. It's pretty amazing how many activities are going on at the speedway any given day.




Here's Keith during the photo op at Lowe's Motor Speedway getting ready for his ride-along.

Some Thoughts

Alice is still in WA helping my mom. As mom said tonight, "she's really been a blessing." Something I would echo over and over again!

Looks like the ladies have been shopping, cleaning and hauling carloads of items from one place to another. But they have managed to get everything over there except a couple misc. items. In the bargain, mom got a new wide screen TV and a new recliner. Guess she really has "retired!"

Paul and Autumn took off for FL today and they leave on their cruise tomorrow evening. It should be a great time for them. They really never had a "honeymoon" so I reckon this counts as one. I'm certain they'll have a great time. Even though Paul is still dealing with effects of his knee surgery, I'm sure they'll find ways to enjoy the sights of the Caribbean.

It's been raining here for almost three days straight. Poor Eli can hardly catch a break. He's not much of a rain dog, so doing his outside duty (or is that dooty) has been difficult. And of course, he misses his walks. So we're pushing for clear skies and warmer temps this coming week.

I've got a devotion that will be published the 23rd on Mustard Seed Ministries. Plus, the one I wrote for LIVE magazine has been published in their March issue. So that's good. Hoping to get work on some more soon.

We're praying for home sales to pick up and job prospects to increase in this area. I know everyone is dealing with issues, one way or the other, related to the economy, so we're praying the best for everyone.

Blessings to all.

Norm & Alice

Oh My!!!

Well, yesterday we picked up our CPU from Best Buy. It was the second time we had to send it in for motherboard problems. Oh mother! Well, it's back and I'm not sure how long it will last. It managed two weeks form the last time we had it fixed, so we're keeping our fingers crossed. We have had some minor glitches since setting it up but I've managed to figure out many of them. At least up til now.

It's been a wonderful weekend her in NC. Temps in the high 70s to low 80s. Alice got some spring planting done. Things that will survive the next frost, which could be just around the corner. I had a great birthday with several greetings from friends and family, plus a special birthday phone greeting from the grand kids in Texas. It was quite fun! I hear there's a little something on the way from the UK so I'm looking forward to that.

Alice is getting ready to go visit my mom in WA. Mom has sold her house and planning to move in a couple of weeks. It's hard to imagine that she's moving. She has been almost 55 years in that house. But it will be good. She can't do all the upkeep necessary, so eliminating that worry will be best for her. She's really excited about her new apartment and the fact that Alice will be there to help her decorate the place.

Eli and I have nothing special planned. I work mostly days this week so that's good. But it should still give us time to get some walks in. I'm off Mon & Tues so I hope to get some chores done, some writing in, and perhaps a trip to the range.

Well, that's mostly it for us. I'm going to try and get some updated pictures downloaded and posted, so perhaps you'll look forward to that.

Blessings to all,

Norm & Alice

Winter is back in NC

Well, we received another round of snow last night! It sure looks pretty but it sure is not what we "deserve". It needs to be sixty degrees year round in my opinion!

I posted this on Facebook, but will do it here also. Our daughter in-law, Autumn, who sells advertising for Yellow Book, won second place in the Presidents Regional awards this year. What a tremendous achievement. Part of the recognition with that award is a cruise for her and Paul to the Caribbean. It will be a "first" for each of them. CONGRATULATIONS AUTUMN! We are proud of you and your hard work.

Paul has recently had some surgery on his knee, that's following surgery again on his elbow. Thinks are looking good for his recovery. However, it does look like there may need to be additional "tests" done regarding some bone issues. It's been tough on him, especially since he is a stay-at-home dad with five boys. However, if you know Paul, he's taking it all with a grain of salt. However, it does look like he may be in some sort of brace on his knee during their cruise. That could be a good thing, since it will almost "force" some genuine relaxation!

Our UK family is well. They just returned from trip to Scotland and seemed to have a great time. Lot's of pictures on their blog so be sure to check that out.

Alice has been doing some additional interior painting. Finished the hall and the hall bath last week. Now she has her eyes set on my study area and the master bedroom and bath. It all looks great. She does such a wonderful job picking colors and coordinating everything.

Since it's tax time, Alice has been working on going through files and sorting out keep and throw away materials. Ugh....I hate that stuff. But it is always better to have things organized - truly organized instead of my organized chaos!

Well...time to get to work and be productive! :)

Hope all is well with family and friends. Blessings to all!

Norm & Alice