Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year!

Tomorrow I will be traveling with Bill, Noel and Mom to Big Spring, Texas to visit David. It's a 6 hour drive from here, so we will stay at the La Quinta Hotel tomorrow evening, and then see David on Saturday morning, Jan. 2nd. He is very pleased because January 6th is his birthday.

Galen and Sondra arrived yesterday. They moved Patti into her MidWest City home in spite of going through a blizzard in El Paso, Texas. Galen had taken the southern route from California in hopes of missing bad weather. God never promised to take away our storms, but He sure is good about going through them with us!

Tonight, Galen and Sondra and Noel with join us for an early dinner. Jason's family will come over for awhile just to say, "hi". This morning I made chili in the crock pot, and made a lemon pie. The following are my new easy recipes:

Easy Chili

Saute onions and green pepper. Add a pound of hamburger and brown. Open 3 cans of Ranch Style beans and 1 can of Hunts diced tomatoes. Add salt, pepper and chili powder as desired. Toss into a crock pot and heat.

Holiday Punch (My guests ignored the iced tea, and kept coming back to this punch. That is really something in Oklahoma!!)

Mix together: 1 liter of raspberry/lemonade Crystal Light; 1/2 liter 100% cranberry juice; 1/2 liter diet Sprite ---For more fun, add raspberry sherbet to the punch bowl.

Please have a wonderful New Year without fear and worry. The only peace that God ever promised is the peace that only He can give to each of us individually. My goal this year is to remember that happiness comes from within and it is mine to pass on to those I love.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Home Today

Yesterday, I noticed that I was coughing more. But I was surprised when I started to run a temperature. It is session's end, and I was suppose to test a group of students this morning. Instead, I'm home. I had the usual flu shot, but my doctor didn't think it was necessary to get the H1N1 shot. I think I will be fine if I just take it easy today.

Last night, I was reminded of the brevity of life. My mother's best friend, Shirley, is only 66 years old. She was to have her gall bladder removed yesterday. After a few minutes into the surgery, the doctors found a mass connected to her pancreas. Mom said Shirley took it extremely well. She was her usual vivacious self and is ready to meet God at any time. Shirley's husband died last year from heart failure, and I know that she looks forward to seeing him again.

Last night, Galen called and said he was in Texas. He is moving Jim Murcray's wife to Okla. City. Sondra is driving one of the cars. I prayed for their protection. They should have arrived around midnight. I'm glad they will be here to have dinner with us on New Year's Eve.

Sofia and Selah called to thank us for their Christmas gifts. Sofia got a carousel music box that plays, "Jingle Bells". I love carousels and thought the horses were carved so delicately. I remembered how much Kirk loved music boxes when he was little, so we gave him a large snow globe that plays, "Silent Night". Inside the globe there is a lion and a lamb lying together. When Kirk called on Christmas, he and Tamra had been snowboarding in Big Bear.

Kelli has left for New York City. She will be with her friends at Fox Studios who are covering the dropping of the ball on New Year's Eve. Keri and I wish we could be there with her, and advised her what to wear. We both told her to buy a furry white jacket to wear with her red scarf! We hope that Kelli has a wonderful time because her little dog, Elfie, died on Christmas morning.

In some ways it seems that 2010 has been here for awhile. My 2010 Camry has 7,000 miles on it. I don't know what the new year will hold, but I know who holds my tomorrows, and I'm not afraid or worried at all. I will ask my God to take care of those I love and to put faith and trust in their hearts as well.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Angels Watching Over Christmas Traveling

On December 23rd, Mom came over for dinner and opening gifts. We gave her a subscription to the Shawnee Newstar because she enjoys the crossword puzzles and the obituaries. Bill gave me a gold necklace, a gift certificate for BonWorths and the book, "A Simple Christmas". It was autographed by Mike Huckabee and has a certificate of authenticity. He also gave me the one thing I asked for ----mascara by Lancome. It's my favorite and it's too expensive for me to buy for myself without feeling guilty. I gave Bill some Polo, a gift certificate for Borders and a black onyx tie tack.

On Christmas Eve, Bill woke me up at 5:30 AM and told me that we should leave soon if we were going to make it to Springfield. We picked Mom up an hour later in the pouring rain and drove ahead of the storm. We stopped once in Tulsa at the QT on I-44 for breakfast and made it to Springfield by noon. Steve's family joined us at Noel's for more gifts in the afternoon. Later, Bill and I went in search of the Taco Bell on Republic Rd. and brought food back to the house. It was still raining.

It was snowing on Christmas morning and everything was white. Mark had gotten a new waffle maker for Christmas. It flips over like the ones at the hotels. So...I made Mark some waffles for breakfast. We learned how to use it together!! Steve and Hunter came back over at noon for Christmas dinner. Forest was sick, so Regina stayed home with him. Janice had a wonderful ham dinner. I was asked to make my Key Lime pie, so I did. Of course, there was pumpkin as well. After dinner, Bill and I left for Branson. Bill wasn't feeling well, so I drove. The roads were quite good in spite of the snow. We stayed at the Radisson, but the rooms were so so. That night nothing was open, so we ate at the hotel's Noble's Pizza. Then, it was off to find the Patsy Cline and Hank Williams Show. It was in old downtown Branson. It was the funniest experience. There were only 8 of us who came to the show! The singers were great and we got to know the other people quite well during the intermission. One couple was from Pennslyvania, another from Mississippi and another from Ohio. The theater looked like a small gaudy wedding chapel in Las Vegas! It was surreal.

On Saturday, December 26th, we went to Shoney's for the breakfast buffet. It reminded me of Japan. They had salad and chicken as well as eggs and ham etc. It was freezing cold, but we decided to go to Silver Dollar City in the afternoon to use our season's pass. Again, we saw "Dickens Christmas Carol". It is so good every time!!! I love the music! We saw a show at the Silver Dollar Saloon, bought some gifts and then left. I learned that I don't take cold weather very well. From there, we went to Bandana's Bar-B-Que to warm up, but it wasn't very warm either. After we ate, we went to Denny's for hot chocolate. The waitress was so friendly and refilled our cups.

On Sunday morning, we went to First Baptist Church, Branson. It's a modern building with about 400 in attendance. There was lots of music, and the message was very technical about the star that the magi followed. I learned lots of about the star of Bethlehem and Jupitor. After church we drove to the MacDonald's on Kansas Expressway and met Noel's family and Mom. We ate quickly so that we could get on the road and back to Tecumseh before too late. The worst part of the journey was through Tulsa. We saw 7 accidents, and most of the highway was not clear until we reached junction 97. At Mom's, the snow was deep in spite of some attempt to clear her parking lot. We got stuck and Bill had to push our car out while I drove. Fortunately, our street was passable, we had power and half of our driveway was clear. I said a prayer of thanks and am glad to be home! I taught my classes this morning, and am now multi-tasking to get caught up. I'm glad my family and friends had a wonderful Christmas and all are well.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Merry Christmas Eve Eve

It's almost Christmas Eve! I finished my classes and will make stir fry for Mom in a few minutes. She thinks that is the greatest dish in the world for me to cook for her! She called me earlier today (during a staff meeting) and she is feeling so much better!

The mail was wonderful again! Keri and Kevin sent us a world map that is framed in cherry wood for our entry. It has pins to show where we have traveled. They have one in their entry also. It's very beautiful! We also received more Christmas cards. When Christmas is over I will miss the colored envelopes. Many of them are yellow and light up the box.

We are watching the weather carefully. I hope we can go to Springfield tomorrow morning.

Again, Have a Wonderful and Blessed Christmas with Much Love from me!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Christmas Week

I thought I was going to have the afternoons off this week, but I was wrong. I am teaching grammar after lunch for a teacher who is ill. I have the same students in the morning for verbal skills, and they seem to be happy to have me. Today, I taught the difference between "I think about..." and "I think that....." I also taught the difference between "see" "look" and "watch".

David called me on Monday evening. I was told that he can teach at SEI when he is paroled. He taught English as a foreign language for 16 years and was head of the English Dept. at a university in Mexico. Being bi-lingual will be very helpful!

After school yesterday, I took Mom grocery shopping. When we finished, she asked me to take her to pick up some diabetic test strips. The nurse on duty offered to take her blood pressure. He took the reading twice and then called her doctor immediately. Her doctor wasn't in but another doctor consented to see her. Dr. Walsh was extremely concerned that Mom was having a stroke and sent her to the lab. I asked if the doctor was going to call when the report came back. I was told not to take her home, but to wait for the lab report. The doctor thought about sending Mom to the hospital and then decided against it. Of course, Mom is very stubborn and has no intention of going to the hospital. She's resting today and taking her meds very seriously. Why? She plans to go to Springfield with us for Christmas. I think she wouldn't mind dying at Silver Dollar City during Christmas!! She loves the lights!

We plan to have Mom for dinner on Wednesday evening and then open our gifts. Then, we will drive to Springfield on Thursday morning. Hopefully, we will will arrive at Noel's for Christmas Eve. After dinner on Christmas day, Bill and I will drive to Branson and spend two nights at the Radisson Hotel. We will go to the Red Lobster tonight to celebrate our 28th anniversary. We are just learning to celebrate because we have spent so many anniversaries on a plane or in an airport during our Christmas vacations from teaching. In the past we have traveled to Singapore, Australia, Hawaii and California ON our anniversary!

More than traveling, I love my friends and family. I wish that I could be with you for Christmas! I'm so glad that we will be together in Heaven. That makes me smile!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Graduation/Faith vs. Fear/Golden Anniversary


Friday afternoon, Bill and I attended Sun's graduation in Raley Chapel at Oklahoma Baptist University. It was the most dignified graduation I have ever attended. (Having played for many high school graduations, that is saying something!) Raley Chapel is impressive with its imposing stained glass window, pipe organ and Christmas lights. Family and friends were asked to stand in honor as their graduate walked across the stage, and to hold their applause until all of the grads from that particular school had been announced. There were about 50 graduates in the Winter class. Dr. Falls, President of the Oklahoma Bapt. Conv., was the speaker. He is the first Native American to hold that position, and he is a graduate of Golden Gate Seminary. While chatting with him after the ceremony, we realized that we know a lot of the same people.

The reception was beautiful! Fifty people were invited to Sun's reception in the Geiger Center. St. Benedict's Marketplace Restaurant catered the sit-down dinner. It was my first time to see a cake with a colored photograph of Raley Chapel in the center that was edible. One half of the cake was strawberry, and the other half was chocolate. To compliment the brisket sandwiches and vegetable and fruit platters, we were offered pumpkin spice coffee or blackberry iced tea. I usually never drink coffee, but the wind was so cold that day, I tried the coffee. It was okay with sugar and cream.

Saturday, my babies called from Chicago. When they are not outside in the snow, they are enjoying Christmas music. Selah (2 yrs.) sang her latest song to me on the phone - "The sheep in the field sing, "Baaa Baaa Baby Jesus". So cute! Sofia (5 yrs.) has memorized, "Canon in D". Sofia loves the TranSiberean Orchestra! She sang the melody to me. Keri also reported that everyone thought it was cute that Sofia hummed her song while playing in her first piano recital. There is a picture of her at the piano on Keri's blog ----Shecklers.blogspot.com

After visiting with Mom, we listened to Max Lucado on Hour of Power on Saturday evening. His message was so on target. He pointed out that people who do not have faith have fear. Those people are so worried about what Might happen that they become bossy and controlling. They can't trust anyone else (not even God) to do it their way, and always have to be right. Of course, there is a huge difference between being concerned, and being overbearing out of fear. Max also spoke about the unprecidented numbers of people who are using mind altering drugs to mask their fear and control their behavior. It all stems from lack of faith and ultimate lack of peace.

This morning, my Bible Study Class was back together again. There were 13 members present, and 6 more came in for worship with their families. I gave everyone an oven mitt with a Christmas motif. Even the men were excited to choose one. Bill and I played a trumpet/piano duet during the offering. We played, "Angels We Have Heard on High". After the service, James and Josie Cravens celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. They both became Christians ten years ago and were among the first to be baptized in our church.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Late Mail

Today, I received another sweet Christmas card. It was mailed on December 10th. It took a week to travel interstate! Yesterday, after Bill took the trash bin to the curb for pick-up, he decided to look in our mailbox. (We generally don't look in there because all of our mail is delivered to the post office for security reasons.) He found an invitation addressed to me from our neighbor across the street. She had a Mary Kay party in November! When the neighbors moved in, I baked some cookies and tried to be friendly. They had not recipricated, so I stayed to myself. I felt so bad when I realized that she had reached out and I didn't respond! I called her yesterday and apologized profusely. She brought me a catalogue today. I don't need a thing, but I will buy something to encourage her friendship.

Bill was looking through his Christmas music for trumpet when he came across a song that I wrote while living in St. Vincent. The island was created by erupting volcanos, thus the green mountains, black beaches, and aqua water. The music has a calypso beat and was sung with guitars and drums. I can still see the children smiling and swaying to the music while they sang!

"Because It's Christmas Morn"

Sing it out in the islands, dance and clap your hands,
The time is here to celebrate, there's joy in all the land!

Because it's Christmas morn, because it's Christmas morn, because it's Christmas morn,
The day Christ Jesus was born.

Shout it out from the mountains, smile and light the tree,
The time is here to share the love God sent to you and me!

Because it's Christmas morn, because it's Christmas morn, because it's Christmas morn,
The day Christ Jesus was born.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Midweek Activities

I just returned from the post office. I enjoy this season because I get mail from people I love. However, there was one envelope that raised my blood pressure. It was an overdue phone bill for $170.00. I knew that David had called me collect from Texas, but we didn't talk that long! Then I remembered that we have our bills paid automatically, and that shouldn't have happened. Before I called to complain, I looked over the bill and realized that it wasn't our bill. It was for our nextdoor neighbor. Yikes! I took it back to the post office and apologized for opening the envelope.

Classes continue to get more interesting everyday. I mentioned earlier that I have a new student from the Ivory Coast. She's smart and very beautiful! In one of the grammar lessons, pets were mentioned. I asked her if she had any pets in her home country. She answered that her family has several German Shepherds to guard them. In response, I said that our compound was heavily guarded when we lived in Kenya, and wondered if her country was any safer. She said, "no", and added that since her father is in charge of the President's media communications, they have even more security!

I went shopping this afternoon. I bought a "Footprints" plaque for Sun's graduation from OBU this Friday. I also bought a Thomas Kinkade puzzle that shimmers for Ian's birthday on Sunday.

Mom called last night. Roger had called and said that his daughter, Jennifer, has been assigned to Japan next summer by the IMB for 10 weeks. She will be spoiled! Japan is clean, safe, high-tech, and culturally refined. It is still difficult for me to go into Wal-Mart and see all of the "junk" Americans buy. What ever happened to class and quality? Last week, I went to Hartoon's Jeweler to have one of my chains repaired. It needed a new clasp. Before they could fix it, they had to look through a magnifying glass to find the gold marking. After it was found, they told me that it has to be 14 ct. before it can stand the heat of the soldering. If it is not the real thing, they have to use other methods. (Doesn't the Bible say something about faith standing the test of fire?) My chain was fixed, and then I paid $7 for a new tiny clasp.

I have been asked to post more of my poetry. I will do that in my next blog!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

More Christmas Stuff

Wow, Galen! I didn't know you could write prose either. Thank you! Maybe it's time to write the music.

Speaking of music, the New Beginnings Church Choir sang, "There's Joy in this Place" this morning. It was written by O.D. Hall (Keri's minister of music at Magnolia Ave. Baptist Church in Riverside). Mom came with her friend, Shirley, and they agreed that it is one of the most beautiful ever written. Everyone was told to wear Christmas colors, but you would have thought we were in uniform because men and women alike wore red tops and black pants. I have never been more nervous about a musical. I usually play the piano and have my back to the audience, but since we have a new sound system and used a CD orchestra, I sang with the choir. I can't say how much I prayed and was extremely careful about what I ate and drank for breakfast! Fortunately, my solo was near the beginning, so once that was finished I could relax and just enjoy singing. After the musical, the church showed their appreciation with gift certificates. I think that Bill and I will be eating at Chili's Restaurant a lot!

After the musical, we talked with several of our students who had come to listen to the concert. David, our kid from Beijing had just returned from Dallas where he bought a new BMW over the weekend. Then, we took some of the boys to Braum's where Mom and Shirley were waiting for us.

Friday was a very long day! I taught my classes in the morning, and then subbed for another teacher in the afternoon. Six students from OCU in Okla. City came to observe all us teaching. All of them are TEFL teachers who plan to go back to their countries and teach English. The best part was that lunch was catered by Chicago Deli. After classes, Bill and I went to MacDonald's and drank a Mocha for an hour. We had a faculty/student Christmas party at 6 PM in Meeker and didn't want to drive all the way home first. Anne opened her home to the 35 of us who attended. Her home is always absolutely gorgeous!!! We all brought dishes to compliment the chicken/noodle cassaroles and sat at three tables. After dinner, we gathered around the tree in the livingroom and played "dirty santa". For many students, it was their first Christmas ever, and I loved watching their faces! We Americans didn't mind stealing each others gifts and our international friends soon caught on. I came away with a Braum's card, and Bill got a box of chocolates and a Christmas stocking.

Saturday, we practiced for the musical all morning and then got chores done in the afternoon. I bought lots of groceries in case of snow and ice in the future. In the evening, we watched Huckabee. He always has the neatest guests! Andy Williams sang, "Moon River" and "Christmas Song". He's in his 80's and you can tell that he's not a spring chicken, but still wonderful! Next week, Huckabee's guests will be the couple who inspired the movie, "The Blindside". What great role models they are for all of us!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Christmas Poem by me

I woke up this morning with the words of a poem going around in my head. I have written three verses, and maybe I will be inspired to write another verse soon. This is a Christmas poem for those I love who don't live near. If you have a verse to add, send it to me.

My heart doesn't know inches or miles,
It doesn't know distance,
Only your smile.

My heart doesn't know minutes or hours,
It doesn't know time,
Only love's powers.

My heart doesn't know silver or gold,
It doesn't know wealth,
Only hugs that enfold.

My heart doesn't know lots of stuff,
It doesn't know reason,
Only faith - that's enough. (I just thought of this verse while typing. Smile!)

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

What is "Good"?

I have been on the "same page" as Galen lately. While a senior in high school, I was put in a humanities class with other students bound for college. One of the major concepts that we learned that year was to be aware of semantics - the meaning and use of words. When people do not agree on the meaning of words, there is often misunderstanding and misinformation. I have been thinking about the meaning of the word, "good". If one takes the Biblical meaning out of the word, "good" then it becomes totally man's opinion. I have learned from my encounter with many cultures that people don't agree on what is "good".

During my studies in child developement, I learned that people feel secure when their lives have boundaries. Yes, we test those boundaries and find that many of them were placed there for our protection. Do I always keep The Ten Commandments? No! Why? I am a human who sins. Does God still love me? Yes! Only pride would keep me from admitting that I am often confused and am capable of making a wrong decision. Of course, I want to do right, but I fail miserably. That doesn't make me stupid. It's a great feeling to know that God doesn't expect me to be perfect all of the time, and that He is ready to forgive me. I want my children and grandchildren to know that it's alright to be human. They are loved so very much by God. That we are loved, and not condemned is the single most difficult concept to understand because we don't want to face the fact that we are not perfect. I don't want to be enslaved and captive to my pride. What does it profit a man if he gains the world and loses his soul?

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

A Fun Day

I'm going to get my hair styled in a few minutes, but decided to blog before I go. I taught my classes this morning and, as usual, learned as much as my students! My Brazilian young man told me about his father's ranch. He has 100 sheep, and 400 head of cattle. The older men herd while riding horses, but the younger ones ride their motorcycles. That sounds like fun! During our conversation, I mentioned that we have two sheepskins that we bought in New Zealand, and I would love to buy one of the black sheepskins that he talked about. His family puts them on the floor next to their beds.

I did a little more Christmas shopping. On Sunday, we took names of children who are fed daily at the Shawnee Mission. I bought a big blue ball, some trucks and some Mickey Mouse socks for one little boy. I also bought Bill a few gifts. He's very difficult to buy for because he buys everything he really wants during the year. Then, he says, "Surprise me!" I'm really excited about some of the gifts I bought for the grandkids, but I'll have to mention them later because my girls don't want to know yet, and they read this blog.

I was thinking about some of the gifts that I have received through the years that are cherished memories.....a doll that walks, a clock radio, an overnight case with red satin lining, a jewelry box with drawers and music, a gold chain with pearlsand diamonds alternated. Of course, the most important thing was the love and thought that went into each gift......not the cost!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Weekend Activities

Saturday evening Bill and I attended the Hanging of the Greens at Oklahoma Baptist University. It is their annual Christmas concert and time to honor the outstanding seniors of each department. Raley Chapel holds 1,000 people and was filled. The orchestra, choir and handbells were superb! The theme was Christmas through the years at OBU. My father graduated from OBU and was president of the Minister's Association. Of course, I thought of him while listening to the history. Listening to the 100 voice choir sing, "The Hallelujah Chorus" also flashed me back to Yokohama, Japan. The entire girl's high school where I taught English sang the "Hallelujah Chorus" every year in 3 part harmony. Listening to those 1,000 girls sing at the same time in the school's auditorium sounded like angels.

Sunday, my Bible study class joined the other adult class in the fellowship hall so that the choir could practice in the sanctuary at 9:30 am. We sang one song from our musical during the worship service. As I stood on the stage practicing, I realized how beautiful our church is! The sanctuary is built in the shape of a fan with the focal point being the pulpit and baptistry. The light blue decor looked especially beautiful with the bounty of red pointsettias across the stage.

Jason brought Chie Hey to church to say, "good-bye". She left today to go to Edmond to study at OCU. She has decided to be an English teacher.

Today, I taught 3 classes in the morning. I have two new students. One blond Brazilian boy who is planning to be an environmental engineer. The other is another Saudi student who plans to teach English. I heard that we have a girl from the Ivory Coast arriving Thursday. After classes, I ate a quick lunch and then headed to the University's piano practice rooms to record Christmas music. The tape will be used when our students sing.

It seems that Bill and I have spent the weekend reserving hotels. We're planning to spend Christmas in Springfield and Branson. Then, we'll go with Noel to Big Springs, Texas for New Years to see our brother, David.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Thanksgiving and Choir Pictures

The first picture was taken on Thanksgiving Day in my kitchen. From left to right is Kyle (Kirk's stepson) Mom (Gramma), me, Kelli and Kirk. The next pictures are choir members and Bill directing. I was taking the pictures.










Christmas Events

Friday was crazy with activity. We arrived at school by 8:30 a.m. to give session-end tests. We scored the listening and reading by machine, but still had to grade the essays. At noon, the teachers rode together in the school van to Red Lobster for our Christmas lunch. We stuffed ourselves on appetizers, salads, lobster, shrimp, and scallops. From there, I drove home to prepare for the next party.

At 6:00 p.m. 15 members of the New Beginnings choir arrived at our house for a potluck and Christmas concert practice. I made beef stroganoff and a cherry pie. Everyone brought enough food to feed the entire church! After tasting everyone's specialties, we began practice. (We sat up extra chairs in the familyroom so that everyone had a seat.) I took lots of pictures and will try to include some in this blog.

Yesterday, the Greenwalt family grew. My younger brother, John, became the proud grandfather of twin boys. The twins father, David, is a sheriff for Riverside County, CA.

This morning, I visited my mother. She had gone to a Christmas dinner given for pastor's and their wives and widows of pastors. While I was there, she received a phone call from a deacon in her church. He was inviting her Bible Study class to go to Gliori's Restaurant for a Christmas dinner paid for by her church this week! So nice! Christmas really is a time of joy!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Midweek Madness

Monday evening, the New Beginnings Choir sang for the Unity Hospital Lighting Ceremony as planned. Bill and I drove our cars there directly from school. I was in awe because I didn't expect so many people. There were at least 200 spectators! The hospital overhang made the perfect shell and many people said that they thought we were a CD until they saw us singing. It was a beautiful night ---a full moon, no rain and no wind. We were also surprised to see a new nativity that had been donated. I'm just waiting for some group to rule against it. Our freedoms seem to be eroding gradually.

Yesterday morning (Tuesday), I was reminded that our best precautions are not enough to keep us safe. As I approached the MacArthur intersection to go to SGU, I saw an accident that had just happened. A flatbed truck had lost one of its haybales. It hit the hood of a compact car and rolled off. The front end of the car completely smashed. Fortunately, the people were unscathed. When Bill arrived at the college he was a little shaken. He said he realized that I had just missed being hit.

Speaking of driving, one of my students is learning to drive. That took me by surprise because women don't drive in her country. I was so proud of her!

I finished teaching, "Cinderella Man" today. The movie was a bit different from the book. My students were so touched by the story that I could hear many of them sniffling. Tomorrow is day test and I have to do grades.

I'm trying to get so much done because Friday will be just a little too much fun! At noon the teachers plan to go to Red Lobster. I love shrimp, scallops and lobster!!! That evening is the choir party and practice at our house. As Ian always says, "Life is beautiful!".