Weekend - Jan 19-20

Not much going on in the park Saturday. We had a "block" dinner in the Cantina at 5:00 pm. Jo Becker made homemade lasagna and each couple brought something to compliment the lasagna. It was soooo good. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the meal and the fellowship after the meal. We sat around the table and talked and laughed for quite awhile. Of course, there are folks around the table from all over and a favorite topic was the different accents. We love Linda & Ray from Boston, Mass. who drop the "r's" in almost every "r" word... you know, car is pronounce "caah," park is pronounced "paak." (Linda graciously cuts Don's hair for free)

As always, the Texas accent got it's share of attention. Out here everywhere you go is "up." Up to Phoenix, up to Tucson, up to Flagstaff... no matter where you're located. Maybe because of the higher elevation of these places. What I remember in Texas growing up was going "over" to Mammaw's, going "over" to the pasture or if we traveled west, we went "out" to Lubbock. If we traveled east, we went "over" to Athens. The local shopping area was 10 miles away and we just said, "we're going to Corsicana" or let's go to Dallas, which was north, but I don't remember saying "up" to Dallas. Now I have been guilty of saying "over yonder." Don says growing up in Oklahoma, they always went "up" to somewhere north, "down" to somewhere south, or "over."

Needless to say, there were lots of fun stories.

Later, almost everyone in the park attended a "survivor" party hosted by Darlene, a cancer survivor. We were quite tired, so did not attend. The girls did a great job decorating the Carnaval room in pink streamers, balloons and mylars.

We had another good service this morning. We are so excited about special music next Sunday. During the singing this morning we noticed a very strong, beautiful male voice in the crowd and we were delighted when he offered to sing and play the guitar next Sunday. We are so encouraged when folks just step forward and volunteer cheerfully. We look forward to a blessing.

This afternoon, The Higginbottoms', Elizabeth & Bob, gave a surprise birthday party for Barbara Howard. Darrell said she has never had a surprise birthday party before and she was surprised. Here she is in the yellow, with hubby Darrell, and friends Rita & Jim in from Amarillo for a visit. Here's Barb with Joyce Cooley and party hostess, Elizabeth Higginbottom from New Hampshire. The afternoon was beautiful... warm in the sun, cool in the shade. We sat around and visited, ate and watched Barbara open her b/d cards. We got her one of those fun musical cards. Of course, she wanted to line dance to it.... "walk-ing on sun-shine" Next, Jeannie Budd and I "let" the Birthday Girl and Rita beat us in a game of Baggo.;-) Now, there's a fun game. On our walk home, we notice that Mel & Vi were home from their fast trip to Texas to see their friends. Before they got there, they got the called that she had gone home to be with the Lord. The husband was also in the hospital, but the doctors sent home to hospice. Pray for him as he does not yet know that his sweet wife is gone and pray for Mel & Vi as they mourn for this dear friend who they loved so much.

Don has now had his pre-bedtime nap and is watching the Packers/Giants f/ball game. A prayer for Don would be appreciated as he's been having quite a few headaches... not migraines, but painful just the same and draining.