It was a wild party...here are some of the guests..
After Dinner the boys watched the basketball game and the girls cleaned up.
After Dinner the boys watched the basketball game and the girls cleaned up.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Easter Dinner 2008
Easter Dinner...2008 at Gma's house. There were nine people around the table. Good Time!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Mt. Juliet
Welcome to our home.....
Let's have a party
Maury and her Grannie 
Maury and her Mother
Time to go to work...
Here's Todd taking us back to Knoxville.
Time to go to work...
Here's Todd taking us back to Knoxville.Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Gpa's Birthday....
The Birthday Party just never stopped. Gpa got cards and calls and many "Happy Birthday" songs.
Butch and Joquita surprised us last Friday night . They took us to the Chop House for birthday Steak and Shrimp.
On Thursday we took a big birthday cake to the O'Connor Center and we had 30 people singing Happy Birthday" and eating chocolate cake with us. 
Rose took us to the mountains on Wednesday and we drove all over looking for a Christmas house for next year. We took Rose to our favorite Italian restaurant in Gatlinburg.
We had three grandsons celebrating with us at Littons last night...Then we came home and ate some more birthday cake.
The party went on and on.
Monday, January 07, 2008
I say...Thankyou God Again.....
Christmas 2007....Well, we had a reindeer after all. Butch and family showed up with a head-nodding, lit-up reindeer. It was perfect for our Christmas Tree. We put our gifts under it and on Christmas Day we opened the gifts one at a time. We found what Santa had left in our red stockings. The cousins all found blue T-shirts with COUSINS printed on the front. Zach and Stacy had fun posing with their Cousins shirts.
The house was directly on the beach and although the weather was cool, it was sunny and everybody enjoyed walks or runs on the beach. David and Zach and Stacy ran down to Fort Morgan every day.
Scott took a dip in the ocean just because...
There was a birthday party for Gpa complete with Happy Birthday played on the kazoos.
Gma had a white chocolate, cranberry birthday cake made by Laura.
For Gpa's birthday there was a photo shoot on the beach. We had to take off our shoes and pose in the cold sand at sunset. It was great fun and everybody enjoyed it.
The cousins fixed a delicious Christmas dinner..
It was a wonderful family time...
and I say Thankyou God Again...
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Christmas 2007
Gpa's Christmas present arrived in the mail. It's a 17 volume set of William Barclay's Commentaries....
Gpa will sit and read them from Matthew to Revelations...He won't miss a word.
Fortunately the print is large enough to read without a magnifying glass.
We have been emailing back and forth about taking the plywood reindeer to the beach. I thought it would be a good idea to carry it on the hood of the car like real hunters do. Some people thought that wasn't a good idea, so we are now looking at carrying it in Paul's van in the back seat. The grandchildren really love that reindeer and it wouldn't be Christmas without it. Does anyone have suggestions about how to take it to the beach?
Gpa will sit and read them from Matthew to Revelations...He won't miss a word.
Fortunately the print is large enough to read without a magnifying glass.
We have been emailing back and forth about taking the plywood reindeer to the beach. I thought it would be a good idea to carry it on the hood of the car like real hunters do. Some people thought that wasn't a good idea, so we are now looking at carrying it in Paul's van in the back seat. The grandchildren really love that reindeer and it wouldn't be Christmas without it. Does anyone have suggestions about how to take it to the beach?
Friday, November 30, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
We hiked around the lake ..
It was a nice warm fall day, so we drove to Big Ridge and walked around the lake. We were the only people on the trail, but we had lots of memories with us. Garvey used to love that trail. When he was a puppy, Paul carried him around the trail. Later when he was on his own, he ran ahead of us and came around a curve where a woman was sitting on a rock. He jumped in her lap!! Fortunately she liked dogs. We took Andy on the trail with us when we were dog sitting. He loved it.
When the children were little, we camped at Big Ridge so that they could take swimming lessons in the cold lake. We camped in a tent and I cooked our meals over the fire in a big iron skillet. We would walk down to the swimming pool to get an ice cream sandwich.
We rode around the lake on horses once. I was on the lead horse with the children behind . JMB stayed on the dam to take our picture...
We stayed in two cabins for one of our family vacations. The ranger had to come quiet us down one night because we were doing the electric slide to loud music.
It's a three mile hike around, and we're glad that we can still walk it...
When the children were little, we camped at Big Ridge so that they could take swimming lessons in the cold lake. We camped in a tent and I cooked our meals over the fire in a big iron skillet. We would walk down to the swimming pool to get an ice cream sandwich.
We rode around the lake on horses once. I was on the lead horse with the children behind . JMB stayed on the dam to take our picture...
We stayed in two cabins for one of our family vacations. The ranger had to come quiet us down one night because we were doing the electric slide to loud music.
It's a three mile hike around, and we're glad that we can still walk it...
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Trip to the Mountains
It was cold , but the leaves were still on the trees in our neighborhood, so we decided to go check out the mountain leaves. We went to Elkmont by way of our secret route down Chapman Highway...White School Rd. ..River Divide...New Era West Rd.... Goose Creek...Walden Creek...Wears Valley Road....Metcalf Bottoms..
The leaves were beautiful up to Elkmont...red oaks covered the mountain side all the way to the top...We drove through patches of all yellow beech leaves, and then we'd pass orange and red maples and black gums and hickories to name a few.
The leaves were gone up the Elkmont road where we hiked; there was snow on the ground and it felt like a winter hike. We walked two miles and then came back to walk through Elkmont campground to get a drink of the good mountain water and to eat our peanut butter sandwiches and apples at a picnic table. People were camping on the first loop...there were motor homes and tents.
We drove back to Cades Cove Loop Road and saw some magnificent views of the orange and red and yellow covered mountains. It was a clear day . The mountains looked like the view you get from the top of Leconte...just beautiful We had to stop to let a deer run across the road in front of us.
The drive back to Townsend was beautiful with yellow leaves hanging over the road. There is still water in Little River, but it was down. We stopped at the visitor center in Townsend . They are showing a display of mountain paintings....
When we got home, our beautiful trees were waiting for us. Oh it was a nice fall day!!
May you have one like it ....
The leaves were beautiful up to Elkmont...red oaks covered the mountain side all the way to the top...We drove through patches of all yellow beech leaves, and then we'd pass orange and red maples and black gums and hickories to name a few.
The leaves were gone up the Elkmont road where we hiked; there was snow on the ground and it felt like a winter hike. We walked two miles and then came back to walk through Elkmont campground to get a drink of the good mountain water and to eat our peanut butter sandwiches and apples at a picnic table. People were camping on the first loop...there were motor homes and tents.
We drove back to Cades Cove Loop Road and saw some magnificent views of the orange and red and yellow covered mountains. It was a clear day . The mountains looked like the view you get from the top of Leconte...just beautiful We had to stop to let a deer run across the road in front of us.
The drive back to Townsend was beautiful with yellow leaves hanging over the road. There is still water in Little River, but it was down. We stopped at the visitor center in Townsend . They are showing a display of mountain paintings....
When we got home, our beautiful trees were waiting for us. Oh it was a nice fall day!!
May you have one like it ....
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Beautiful Fountain City Park
We walked down to the park today. The walk back was tough but we made it. There was a bazaar going on at the Methodist Church so we looked but didn't buy. We talked to some square dance friends and some pool friends. We came home to sit in the sun and read our books on the front porch. We listened to the UT game while we watched another one on TV. I knitted another triangular scarf. This one is red. We had crockpot split pea soup and cornbread for supper. Just another day in Paradise.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Fontana
JMB and GMA used to hike in Fontana every fall with a group of friends. Well, for years we haven't tried to hike for one reason or another...(hip, knee, pelvis, back)...We went this year and our old friends from Indiana and Kentucky were still there. They were glad to see us and we all enjoyed a nice hike up Twenty Mile Creek. We went as far as the "flat-landers" used to go and were proud of it. Tina Wesson (of Survivor fame) was our leader and she talked that night about her Survivor TV show. She lives in Fontana now.
The highway to Fontana from Maryville is called Dragon's Tail for good reason. It was loaded with motorcycles on Sunday afternoon. We just pulled over and let them go by . There were hundreds of motorcycles at Deal's Gap which is right before you get to the Fontana village.
We stayed in the lodge and went to meetings at the recreation hall.
We drove to Steocah Gap to have dinner at Toodies place. ... fried catfish, fried okra, fried squash, and hushpuppies.
A funny thing happened when we were getting ready to leave. A car with a young family drove up and the mother got out of the car and asked"Where is the closest interstate?" We told her it was a long way to I26, and she said "It doesn't matter." I think they would have done anything to miss that curvy road .
The highway to Fontana from Maryville is called Dragon's Tail for good reason. It was loaded with motorcycles on Sunday afternoon. We just pulled over and let them go by . There were hundreds of motorcycles at Deal's Gap which is right before you get to the Fontana village.
We stayed in the lodge and went to meetings at the recreation hall.
We drove to Steocah Gap to have dinner at Toodies place. ... fried catfish, fried okra, fried squash, and hushpuppies.
A funny thing happened when we were getting ready to leave. A car with a young family drove up and the mother got out of the car and asked"Where is the closest interstate?" We told her it was a long way to I26, and she said "It doesn't matter." I think they would have done anything to miss that curvy road .
What Pappy memorized...
JMB's grandfather liked to entertain the family with this sentence. He had learned it when he walked from work every day. It was written on the side of a building in town. It was advertising something..................................................................................................................... .When promulgating your esoteric cogitations or articulating your superficinal sentimentalities and amicable philosophical and psychological observations, beware of platitudinous ponderosity. Let your verbal evaporations have lucidity, intelligibility and veracious vivacity without rudomontade or thespian bombast.
Sedulously avoid all polysyllabic profundity, pompous propensity and sophomoric vaculty.
After he ate he would say..."My suffiency has been quite saronsified, paragorically speaking. "
Sedulously avoid all polysyllabic profundity, pompous propensity and sophomoric vaculty.
After he ate he would say..."My suffiency has been quite saronsified, paragorically speaking. "
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Fair
Rose and me at the jewelry booth at the Fair. Rose sold lots of orange earrings until after the ballgame...I crocheted the tops of flip-flops...
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Tennessee A&I Fair
We have been in the Kerr building for a week now...NOT AIR CONDITIONED...It gets to you around 6:00 p.m. You are ready to go home and you have 4 more hours to sit there ...We sit and guard the pottery and ceramics. No one has tried to steal them yet, so I guess we are doing our job. The The"girls" sang "Happy Anniversary" to us yesterday and gave us a card signed by everybody. Betty let us out for lunch and Puleos and she let us leave early. We got calls from David and Melissa and Todd..
Today we will be at the fair from 10 to 10...Rose is coming over this afternoon to sit with us and sell her jewelry.
Today we will be at the fair from 10 to 10...Rose is coming over this afternoon to sit with us and sell her jewelry.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
ROSEISM
Rose Garden
Sometimes life seems the best when you are walking in your garden. Or walking in someone else's garden.. or just walking...anywhere. Rose....
Sometimes life seems the best when you are walking in your garden. Or walking in someone else's garden.. or just walking...anywhere. Rose....
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Fair
We have survived three days at the fair . Yesterday we sat in an UN-airconditioned room for 8 hours . .Our booth was pretty dull ..We had about 6 people come in with pottery and ceramics. People kept coming to us saying "When Laverne was here , she did this and that." I would get up every now and then to talk to people in the other booths. I have learned the life-history of everyone in the place. The needlework person was very busy..She had three long tables piled high with entries. People walked by our booth all day with entries for the photography exhibit. That table was stacked high. It will be a hard one to judge.
Our pieces may all get a blue ribbon because of so few entries.
Rose and Paul came by when we were getting ready to leave...Rose could tell that we were very tired and hot . She volunteered her and Paul to give us a break Saturday. I told her.."You can't ask Paul to sit at the Fair on his day off. We are going to work out something with them..Rose is still on crutches, so she can't go far...
The fair hasn't officially opened yet, so we have 10 more days of 10 hour days. Then we will have our heads examined.
Our pieces may all get a blue ribbon because of so few entries.
Rose and Paul came by when we were getting ready to leave...Rose could tell that we were very tired and hot . She volunteered her and Paul to give us a break Saturday. I told her.."You can't ask Paul to sit at the Fair on his day off. We are going to work out something with them..Rose is still on crutches, so she can't go far...
The fair hasn't officially opened yet, so we have 10 more days of 10 hour days. Then we will have our heads examined.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
blogs
Those Burka Boys sure can keep us informed about what's going on in their lives. They must have inherited some of Hugh Allen's writing genes...Oh yes, Laura is also good at writing details about her life. It makes happy reading for a grandmother..
We go today to get our pictures made for the Fair Badges...We will be sitting at a table like Todd described in his blog. He prepared us for dealing with the public. We won't be giving out pens; we will be asking people to vote on pots and ceramics...very exciting stuff.
Our boss, Bettie says that we will be sitting across from the White Lily flour booth, and every day we will get to eat biscuits hot out of the oven..Oh Boy...We will get to hear the entertainment at the outdoor theater...It will be right across the way from our booth. Since our building won't be air conditioned, the doors will be open to everything that's going on outside.
We are driving a bright blue Chrysler Sebring...For explanation, look at previous blog.
We go to a birthday party today for a friend who is 96 years old. He is in our water class...
We go today to get our pictures made for the Fair Badges...We will be sitting at a table like Todd described in his blog. He prepared us for dealing with the public. We won't be giving out pens; we will be asking people to vote on pots and ceramics...very exciting stuff.
Our boss, Bettie says that we will be sitting across from the White Lily flour booth, and every day we will get to eat biscuits hot out of the oven..Oh Boy...We will get to hear the entertainment at the outdoor theater...It will be right across the way from our booth. Since our building won't be air conditioned, the doors will be open to everything that's going on outside.
We are driving a bright blue Chrysler Sebring...For explanation, look at previous blog.
We go to a birthday party today for a friend who is 96 years old. He is in our water class...
Monday, August 13, 2007
this and that
Yesterday was the hottest day of the year here so far...97 degrees. We have been reading a lot because we can't go outside much. I am rereading NORTH WITH SPRING by Edwin Teale...my favorite book. It's just as good the second time. Next I'll read his summer, fall, winter books. I have them all. The only other book I reread was TRAVELS WITH CHARLIE. ...LOVE that book.
We went to church last night before supper and I started thinking about a hamburger and a piece of strawberry pie at Shoneys. We never go there, but it just had to be last night. We went after church and the hamburger and onion rings were so good, and the strawberry pie was as good as it used to be.
Edith brought some just-picked okra to church and told me how to cook it. She said to cut it into small pieces and soak them in buttermilk...Then roll the pieces in a mixture of half self-rising flour and half self-rising meal. She deep fries, but I'm going to just fry in oil...We'll try that for lunch today along with some corn on the cob...I put corn in the husk in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes each...then take it out and pull the husks off...soo good...
My Michigan friends from the campground taught me that.
We are going to Chilhowee park tonight to a picnic for Fair workers. We start working at the Fair in September. We will be in charge of the pottery and ceramics booth...We checked out all the books the library had about pottery so we will know what we are doing. Rose and Paul will be the judges for our booth.
The bad news is that we have to stay there every day until the fair closes at 10:00 p.m. And the building is not air-conditioned. Wow!
We went to church last night before supper and I started thinking about a hamburger and a piece of strawberry pie at Shoneys. We never go there, but it just had to be last night. We went after church and the hamburger and onion rings were so good, and the strawberry pie was as good as it used to be.
Edith brought some just-picked okra to church and told me how to cook it. She said to cut it into small pieces and soak them in buttermilk...Then roll the pieces in a mixture of half self-rising flour and half self-rising meal. She deep fries, but I'm going to just fry in oil...We'll try that for lunch today along with some corn on the cob...I put corn in the husk in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes each...then take it out and pull the husks off...soo good...
My Michigan friends from the campground taught me that.
We are going to Chilhowee park tonight to a picnic for Fair workers. We start working at the Fair in September. We will be in charge of the pottery and ceramics booth...We checked out all the books the library had about pottery so we will know what we are doing. Rose and Paul will be the judges for our booth.
The bad news is that we have to stay there every day until the fair closes at 10:00 p.m. And the building is not air-conditioned. Wow!
Thursday, August 02, 2007
new bumper and right fender and headlight
compliments of State Farm Insurance. Well it was HER fault so her insurance is paying.
I was merging onto the interstate in a construction area with concrete barrier on my right. She was merging on the other side of barrier. She didn't yield and I hit her..She was driving a new Saturn and it didn't even dent it...
I realize that this puts another brick into the nursing home...Butch already has us looking.
Rose wants us to take
safe driving course at the senior center..
I was merging onto the interstate in a construction area with concrete barrier on my right. She was merging on the other side of barrier. She didn't yield and I hit her..She was driving a new Saturn and it didn't even dent it...
I realize that this puts another brick into the nursing home...Butch already has us looking.
Rose wants us to take
safe driving course at the senior center..
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Rose has a new knee. Dr. Parsons went in to look at her partial and he said the bone was too soft to repair it, so he did a total knee replacement. Rose went into surgery at 3:00 p.m. and arrived back in her room at 7:30 p.m. She was wide awake and very thirsty. They did a spinal but the doctor said she slept through the surgery. They will get her up this morning! Amazing! She's in a lot of pain, but she's glad to have it over with. Now for therapy and recovery. She's looking forward to walking again.
She had the partial in 2004 and then the repair work done in 2005. She's going to be careful not to fall on that knee this time.
The doctor said this knee should last for 25 plus years. Its made of titanium..
Watch out world...Rose Goes.....
She had the partial in 2004 and then the repair work done in 2005. She's going to be careful not to fall on that knee this time.
The doctor said this knee should last for 25 plus years. Its made of titanium..
Watch out world...Rose Goes.....
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
4th of July 2007
We usually have a family party at Roses on the fourth, but Rose and Paul have been invited to Dudley's farm today. Butch is working in Pensacola this week, and David and his family are in Pennsylvania. The boys are hiking the AT . They started at Harpers Ferry and they are going as far as Boiling Springs, PA. It has been a five day hike for them with Melissa meeting them at the halfway point with lunch. They are staying in motels at night. What a way to hike.!! David doesn't have to carry a pack...just some water and a candy bar. He has his cell phone with him.
We talked to him on the trail this morning...he had passed the halfway point of the AT...Way to go David!!!
JMB and I went to Fountain City Park for our fourth of July celebration. The Lions Club was selling hot dogs, drinks, ice cream, and watermelon...50 cents each...We ate with our neighbors from down the street, and we talked to two old round-dance friends. The Lions Club was doing a rummage sale too, and we bought a hot water pot for $1.00.
And the highlight of the outing..we got to pet SMOKY....He is number nine and he has been the Tennessee mascot for four years. His owner says he is a good Smoky. He was very calm ..just sitting in the shade.
It was hot at the park so we came home after walking two rounds. We are in a drought here...JMB was sitting outside yesterday afternoon and he heard a loud cracking noise..a big limb off of our oak tree just decided to fall on the driveway. JMB got to use his new electric chainsaw to cut it up.
Speaking of firewood...Tim from church and Colby arrived yesterday afternoon with a load of firewood for us. They had it cut 18 inches to fit in our fireplace. They stacked it at the end of the new driveway. It will be easier to roll in the little cart on level ground to the back door .
Well I guess we'll go to church tonight and then come home to watch the Capitol Fourth. Fireworks are outlawed around here because of the drought.
Happy fourth everybody....
We talked to him on the trail this morning...he had passed the halfway point of the AT...Way to go David!!!
JMB and I went to Fountain City Park for our fourth of July celebration. The Lions Club was selling hot dogs, drinks, ice cream, and watermelon...50 cents each...We ate with our neighbors from down the street, and we talked to two old round-dance friends. The Lions Club was doing a rummage sale too, and we bought a hot water pot for $1.00.
And the highlight of the outing..we got to pet SMOKY....He is number nine and he has been the Tennessee mascot for four years. His owner says he is a good Smoky. He was very calm ..just sitting in the shade.
It was hot at the park so we came home after walking two rounds. We are in a drought here...JMB was sitting outside yesterday afternoon and he heard a loud cracking noise..a big limb off of our oak tree just decided to fall on the driveway. JMB got to use his new electric chainsaw to cut it up.
Speaking of firewood...Tim from church and Colby arrived yesterday afternoon with a load of firewood for us. They had it cut 18 inches to fit in our fireplace. They stacked it at the end of the new driveway. It will be easier to roll in the little cart on level ground to the back door .
Well I guess we'll go to church tonight and then come home to watch the Capitol Fourth. Fireworks are outlawed around here because of the drought.
Happy fourth everybody....
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Things are getting exciting
Well it doesn't take much to excite grandmothers...Let's see.....We have a new Porsche in the family. Our grandson is getting his Masters Degree Saturday. Another grandson is coming to visit us May 14. We are going to the beach with our Greenville family in June after the high school graduation of our granddaughter. Our married grandson and his wife are going to visit us in June after we get back from the beach. Whoooeee!!!!!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Alaska
I've been reading a blog called UP IN ALASKA..about a girl who lives in Anchorage. She has beautiful pictures of Alaska in her blog and she has many adventures. I recommend her blog to anyone thinking of going to Alaska. (like Scott).
Of course if Scott goes, we will all visit him.
Of course if Scott goes, we will all visit him.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
Granny Squares
The Christmas bunch put together Granny squares for an afghan , and Rose gave it to me. In January Rose and I started crocheting new Granny squares while I was sitting at home with the broken pelvis, and now after 9 weeks, we have enough squares for another afghan for Rose. She will put them together, and then we can start on a new project.
I got a pattern yesterday from the crochet group at the Senior Center. It is made of small Granny squares that you connect as you make them... Maybe that will be our next project. So much yarn, so little time...
I got a pattern yesterday from the crochet group at the Senior Center. It is made of small Granny squares that you connect as you make them... Maybe that will be our next project. So much yarn, so little time...
Saturday, March 03, 2007
eight weeks today
since the accident...the doctor said that is the time it takes for bones to heal..I am walking with a cane as of yesterday...the wheelchair is going back next week...Gpa wants to take me to Fountain City Park today to walk around on the flat part of the trail. I think I can do it..especially if he will take me across the street to buy me an ice cream cone. You don't realize how wonderful simple things like walking in the park and eating ice cream out are until you are stuck in the house for 8 weeks. Oh yes, I get to go to church tomorrow without the walker, and we have a date with the Pruetts for CiCi's pizza after church.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Life after accident
The cards keep coming in. I didn't know I had that many friends. It has been seven weeks since the accident and I've started pool therapy. I walk in the water and do simple exercises. It's good. I'm scheduled for therapy at the pool three times a week for the next three weeks. I should be feeling great by then... I'm going to church today for the first time in seven weeks. I'll sit on the back row with my walker. The Pruetts came to see us yesterday. He drove his little truck up our new driveway. They brought homemade burritos . Paul and Rose dropped in for supper so I put some more in the pot.
It's almost spring and we will certainly appreciate it this year. We have crocus blooming and daffodil's are blooming in the front planter . The people who built the driveway are going to come back with a truckload of dirt to use around the edges. We have a lot of landscaping to do.
JMB broke his chainsaw yesterday. Rose says that was God telling him something.
The people behind us have a horse now, and Rose is going to call the Humane society about him That's no place for a horse. We'll see what happens.. I told her to complain about the roosters too. Maybe these people will move to the country with all their animals.
Hey this blog has a nice spellcheck. My spellcheck for email is in french.
It's almost spring and we will certainly appreciate it this year. We have crocus blooming and daffodil's are blooming in the front planter . The people who built the driveway are going to come back with a truckload of dirt to use around the edges. We have a lot of landscaping to do.
JMB broke his chainsaw yesterday. Rose says that was God telling him something.
The people behind us have a horse now, and Rose is going to call the Humane society about him That's no place for a horse. We'll see what happens.. I told her to complain about the roosters too. Maybe these people will move to the country with all their animals.
Hey this blog has a nice spellcheck. My spellcheck for email is in french.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
gmaburka
Accident January 6, 2007.
Well I fell off my computer stool and broke my pelvis in two places. We called 911 to get to the hospital and we called Rose. She and Paul showed up and then SURPRISE Butch showed up. It was very painful but I felt better after the morphine..YaHoo! Dr. Ivy said that I would have to keep weight off my right leg for 8 weeks. Rose stayed with me that first night, and Butch brought JMB home. Rose slept in a very uncomfortable chair, but they took pity on her and moved me to another room which had another bed in it on Sunday night. Half the people from church showed up on Sunday and we had a little communion service with the Brackey boys serving. We sang and prayed.
The new room was the one where JMB stayed when he had his hip replacement. JMB spent the night on Tuesday and he was there on Wednesday when I went home. David and Melissa came early Wednesday and we waited around all day for the doctor to dismiss me. We decided to go home by ambulance, and Melissa and David got the bed and the house ready for me. When they left, Rose and Joquita showed up. Joquita brought lots of frozen dinners..She and Rose cleaned the house and bought a DVD player and some movies...
Butch came back and helped us plan how to get into the house without going up steps. We called Colby Higgins and he suggested a concrete driveway. and David and Melissa came back to take me to the doctor on Friday. Laura came on Saturday and Rose came to take pictures of the trees being cut for the driveway and then the excavation . It was quite a show out the window. This Saturday, Butch drove up on the gravel and got me in the car to go to West Knoxville to get my hair cut. Exciting..we even went to the grocery store! Next week I get to go to the dentist..."Oh Boy."
Allie, my therapist, comes three times a week and we do simple exercises. She said today that I will have four more weeks of staying in and gradually putting more and more pressure on the right leg. I started with 10 pounds of pressure. That's not much if you press down on the scales .I am to increase it 10 pounds a week. ..
I have a huge stack of cards. People from church and from Mt. Juliet church have sent cards and prayed and visited and brought food. Nan Scott brought supper one night, and the Phifers sent a wonderful meal. Laura fixed me a big pot of chicken noodle soup and Andrew worked on my computer.
Rose has been here almost every day.What would I do without her? My children and grandchildren have shown so much love to me with visits and calls and letters and emails. I am so blessed. Laura said "Gma , the next time you want some attention , just call us!"
JMB has done everything for me...cooking and cleaning and washing clothes and getting up with me at night. He is a good caretaker.
I am surrounded by love...Oh yes I am spoiled....Thankyou God...
Well I fell off my computer stool and broke my pelvis in two places. We called 911 to get to the hospital and we called Rose. She and Paul showed up and then SURPRISE Butch showed up. It was very painful but I felt better after the morphine..YaHoo! Dr. Ivy said that I would have to keep weight off my right leg for 8 weeks. Rose stayed with me that first night, and Butch brought JMB home. Rose slept in a very uncomfortable chair, but they took pity on her and moved me to another room which had another bed in it on Sunday night. Half the people from church showed up on Sunday and we had a little communion service with the Brackey boys serving. We sang and prayed.
The new room was the one where JMB stayed when he had his hip replacement. JMB spent the night on Tuesday and he was there on Wednesday when I went home. David and Melissa came early Wednesday and we waited around all day for the doctor to dismiss me. We decided to go home by ambulance, and Melissa and David got the bed and the house ready for me. When they left, Rose and Joquita showed up. Joquita brought lots of frozen dinners..She and Rose cleaned the house and bought a DVD player and some movies...
Butch came back and helped us plan how to get into the house without going up steps. We called Colby Higgins and he suggested a concrete driveway. and David and Melissa came back to take me to the doctor on Friday. Laura came on Saturday and Rose came to take pictures of the trees being cut for the driveway and then the excavation . It was quite a show out the window. This Saturday, Butch drove up on the gravel and got me in the car to go to West Knoxville to get my hair cut. Exciting..we even went to the grocery store! Next week I get to go to the dentist..."Oh Boy."
Allie, my therapist, comes three times a week and we do simple exercises. She said today that I will have four more weeks of staying in and gradually putting more and more pressure on the right leg. I started with 10 pounds of pressure. That's not much if you press down on the scales .I am to increase it 10 pounds a week. ..
I have a huge stack of cards. People from church and from Mt. Juliet church have sent cards and prayed and visited and brought food. Nan Scott brought supper one night, and the Phifers sent a wonderful meal. Laura fixed me a big pot of chicken noodle soup and Andrew worked on my computer.
Rose has been here almost every day.What would I do without her? My children and grandchildren have shown so much love to me with visits and calls and letters and emails. I am so blessed. Laura said "Gma , the next time you want some attention , just call us!"
JMB has done everything for me...cooking and cleaning and washing clothes and getting up with me at night. He is a good caretaker.
I am surrounded by love...Oh yes I am spoiled....Thankyou God...
Friday, December 08, 2006
gmaburka
Hi Family!Here's the schedule for meals during our foray to the mountains. Anything wrong or bad, take it up with G-ma. I'm declaring her the boss-lady.Have a great week!Laura Marie24thChristmas Chili (g-ville burkas)25thDinner provided by cousins: Laura Marie: Pies and Cake Sam: Mac & Cheese and probably something else Amy: Rolls and table setting Andrew: Drinks Zach& Stacy: Salad Scott & Todd: drugs and fruit The Kings: Ham and Turkey26thbirthday dinner by Nashville burkas27thdinner by Whalen familyOatmeal daily by Uncle PaulBreakfast by Butcheggs, OJ, Milk by Aunt Rosebring lunches, cereal, and drinks for your own family
Gma will bring her famous green salad of course..I'll also bring two pounds of bacon .
Gma will bring her famous green salad of course..I'll also bring two pounds of bacon .
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Thanksgiving 2006
Gma and Gpa spent Thanksgiving morning trying to get 12 chairs around the big table and WE DID IT!
Butch has a nice beard. The Whalen boys all look handsome and healthy. The Burka girls and Stacy are more beautiful every day. Rose is so funny when she talks about living alone for three months while Paul is in Ireland. She will quit brushing her teeth and let her nails grow long..she pulled her hair down in her face and changed in front of our eyes while she was talking about it...Joquita brought some amazing food...The pound cake was out of this world. Paul fixed flaming sweet potato casserole. It was so spectacular that alarms went off in the house.
People were trapped around the table after they ate and so we had a long talk before dessert was served. We had fun talking about Christmas..Everybody had an opinion so we voted: drawing names for a $10.00 Christmas gift won. Laura took charge and passed the basket of names and mailed the remaining 6 to Nashville. Laura will send a Christmas menu to everybody later. Rose may bring some personalized stockings for cards or very small items ... this is optional.
We had fun with our grand-dogs. They liked each other until the unfortunate incident of Teddy finding Carson eating out of Teddy's bowl. We kept them separated the rest of the day, but we are hoping they will make friends at Christmas. If not, we have four floors so we can keep a pet on each floor. Lizzy is invited to stay in the balcony with Scott. Teddy is afraid of Rose's cats so there should be no problem.
Butch has a nice beard. The Whalen boys all look handsome and healthy. The Burka girls and Stacy are more beautiful every day. Rose is so funny when she talks about living alone for three months while Paul is in Ireland. She will quit brushing her teeth and let her nails grow long..she pulled her hair down in her face and changed in front of our eyes while she was talking about it...Joquita brought some amazing food...The pound cake was out of this world. Paul fixed flaming sweet potato casserole. It was so spectacular that alarms went off in the house.
People were trapped around the table after they ate and so we had a long talk before dessert was served. We had fun talking about Christmas..Everybody had an opinion so we voted: drawing names for a $10.00 Christmas gift won. Laura took charge and passed the basket of names and mailed the remaining 6 to Nashville. Laura will send a Christmas menu to everybody later. Rose may bring some personalized stockings for cards or very small items ... this is optional.
We had fun with our grand-dogs. They liked each other until the unfortunate incident of Teddy finding Carson eating out of Teddy's bowl. We kept them separated the rest of the day, but we are hoping they will make friends at Christmas. If not, we have four floors so we can keep a pet on each floor. Lizzy is invited to stay in the balcony with Scott. Teddy is afraid of Rose's cats so there should be no problem.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Thinkin bout Thanksgiving
I heard from Zachary yesterday and he says that he and Stacy will definitely be here for Thanksgiving. The last time they were here was Thanksgiving 2005, and they were part of the work crew that widened my path and washed all the windows and power washed the front porch. Wait until you see the path this year Zachary...It has stepping stones on it from the last big party on Yarnell Road.
I was looking for a recipe and I fount the menu from Thanksgiving 1999:
Turkey, dressing, cranberry jelly, gravy, ham, sweet potato casserole, broccoli salad, green jello salad, crockpot spinach, fresh veggies, homemade bread, red velvet cake, pumpkin pie, chocolate brownie pie, seven layer bars, tea, coffee..
We had 17 people here that year.
Do you remember the year that we had a hardship table? It was out on the screen porch and it was cold . We asked for volunteers to sit out there and our boy scouts and Uncle Paul were the tough ones. They ate with their coats on.
This year Rose wants everybody at the same table so she can look at her children. She thinks we can push the small table up against the big one. It will take our engineers to figure it our.
I was looking for a recipe and I fount the menu from Thanksgiving 1999:
Turkey, dressing, cranberry jelly, gravy, ham, sweet potato casserole, broccoli salad, green jello salad, crockpot spinach, fresh veggies, homemade bread, red velvet cake, pumpkin pie, chocolate brownie pie, seven layer bars, tea, coffee..
We had 17 people here that year.
Do you remember the year that we had a hardship table? It was out on the screen porch and it was cold . We asked for volunteers to sit out there and our boy scouts and Uncle Paul were the tough ones. They ate with their coats on.
This year Rose wants everybody at the same table so she can look at her children. She thinks we can push the small table up against the big one. It will take our engineers to figure it our.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Leaves
We went looking for leaves yesterday and we had a beautiful drive. We started at Norris Dam and went across the mountain to Cove Lake. We took a walk through the woods at Cove Lake. The restaurant was closed so we decided to drive through Powell Valley to Cumberland Gap. We were driving beside the mountains all the way and the sun was shining on the leaves...all orange and red and russet and yellow. so beautiful...The only restaurant in the little town of Cumberland Gap was closed so the ate a corndog and a milkshake at the old drugstore. The town was full of high school students who were carrying pumpkins around. They were decorating the town for Halloween. They said it would be pretty at night with all the jack-o-laterns lit.
We came home by way of Clinch mountain. There were beautiful views and no crowds there like the Smokies. The leaves in our yard are still beautiful...When we got home, Mike was mowing our yard and mulching leaves...It don't get no better.
We came home by way of Clinch mountain. There were beautiful views and no crowds there like the Smokies. The leaves in our yard are still beautiful...When we got home, Mike was mowing our yard and mulching leaves...It don't get no better.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Nice October Weekend
David Burka had a birthday on Saturday, Oct. 7 . He and Melissa arrived in Knoxville on Thursday night . On Friday morning, Gpa and Gma took them to the trail for their "spend the night at Mt. Leconte trip". First we stopped at the Apple Barn for a birthday breakfast. We drove to the Mt. Leconte trailhead and left David's car; then we drove them to Newfound Gap where they hit the AT trail. We walked a ways with them, but the trail was too rocky for us. We drove to Clingman's dome and walked up to the tower. It was beautiful and clear with clouds coming and going...very cold and windy on top of the tower. The leaves have changed on Climgman's Dome...all gold and yellow.The hikers got back here in Saturday night in time to eat white beans and cornbread and slaw made by Gpa. They went to church with us Sunday morning and we took David to Austins for the senior meal.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Weekend in Greenville
Gma and Gpa drove over the mountain to Greenville on Friday. We went by way of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah; just a few trees had color, but it was beautiful on the Parkway. It took us all day to get there. When we got to Greenville , Joquita was in the kitchen with her new stove in the middle of the kitchen floor. Butch had gone to Home Depot to get a fitting for the stove. Joquita had a big dinner planned for all of us, but she didn't have a stove to cook on and Butch cut the wire to the microwave while he was working on the stove. Well she had cooked beef in the crockpot, so she moved the microwave to another plug to heat the rest of the dinner. She fed us in shifts while Butch and John worked on the stove. She managed to serve a delicious dinner anyway. When Laura and Julie and Joe came with an apple pie that Laura had made, we had dessert. Butch worked on the stove from 4:00 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. and next day until noon. He and John rested on the couch after that and watched eight football games.
On Saturday morning we girls and Joe went to the Race for the Cure. Joe ran the first race in 23 minutes and he and Laura and Julie ran the second race in 29 minutes. It was a beautiful day in Greenville . We had some of Butch's famous ribs for dinner Saturday night. Joquita and Amy and Gma went to a play in downtown Greenville...INTO THE WOODS.
On Sunday Butch took us to Clemson to church with Laura. Laura gave us a tour of Clemson, a beautiful college town, and we visited her apartment. She's up three flights of stairs so she gets lots of exercise.
On Sunday afternoon we all went to downtown Greenville which is a beautiful park. We walked on the paths by the river and checked out the shops and the ice cream parlors. People were strolling and lots of them had their dogs with them. Flowers were everywhere and outdoor cafes..such a pretty place.
We had a wonderful time and we got to see our granddaughters. They are more beautiful than ever . Oh yes, we met Cameron. And he does look like Brad Pit.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Sam's Birthday Party
Sam Whalen was 24 years old on Sept. 14. We went to Yarnell Rd. last night to help him celebrate. Paul cooked steakes and Rose did potatoes and trimmings. We had been missing those cookouts that they do so well. Kiley came to the party . Andrew was invited, but he had to work until 9:30 p.m. Sam got a new laptop, and two tickets to the game, and some money, for his birthday. Sam and Kiley are going to the game today. It will be Kiley's first experience at a UT game. We'll watch Florida and Tennessee play on TV. Sam looks GOOD ...Here's a picture...
Thursday, September 14, 2006
56th anniversary, Sept. 10, 1950
gmaburka
We went to Gatlinburg for our celebration of 56 years together..Imagine that!! We stopped at the Apple Barn for our free breakfast compliments of cousin Bon..We stayed at the River House which is the closest motel to the park. We walked up the river trail to Sugarlands Center and we watched the movie there...(good place to rest.) We ate supper at our favorite Italian Restaurant and sat outside afterwards in the Elks Plaza and watched a free Appalachian Grass concert. Next day after breakfast at the Pancake House, of course , we drove the Roaring Fork road . We couldn't find a parking place at the Rainbow Falls trail so we stopped at the Grotto Falls and walked to the falls. It was a pretty hike and we talked to lots of people along the way. Since we are the locals, people ask us about the mountains...We walked the streets of Gatlinburg later and JMB bought me a new watch at the Acorn...one designed for small wrists...We visited with our Square Dance friends, the Kings, who work at the Candy Shop. That evening we ate ribs at Calhouns and the waitress brought us a huge strawberry shortcake with two spoons...(for our anniversary). Yesterday morning we walked up the airport road , ate breakfast at the Log Cabin then stopped at Laurel Falls to walk that trail with our 5 minute friends. It's like New York City..you talk to people and find out all about them in 5 minutes...then you never see them again. We have friends now in Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, etc..Some of them rode motorcycles to Gburg.. After we left the falls, we drove to Metcalf Bottoms and then across our new shortcut from Wears Valley Rd to New Era Road to Chapman Highway. We avoided the traffic in Sevierville and Townsend. We got home in 45 minutes...!!
Well it was a lot of walking and a lot of eating...We had a good time.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Labor Day Weekend
Gpa and Gma drove to Nashville Saturday morning. We stopped in Harriman to eat breakfast and got on the interstate there. We stopped again in Crossville and shopped at the outlet mall. I bought some pants and a sweater at the Koret outlet store. After visiting every rest stop we arrived in Mt. Juliet at noon. David and Scott and Todd were madly cleaning house...David was rushing around putting things in order and Scott and Todd were making up the guest bed for us. Melissa arrived later. She had been taking Kevin and Summer(Connie's children} for a tour of Nashville. They had eaten lunch at the Wild Horse Saloon, so Melissa fixed us a soy butter sandwich and a piece of Tang pie.
David and Gpa and Gma took a long walk to Charlie Daniels park David said it was at least two miles.
Nancy and Clancy arrived, and we girls started putting together beef and chicken kebobs for supper...Melissa made peach ice cream to go with the Rhubarb Strawberry Pie for supper. Scott was the grill man and he cooked the kebobs . Melissa put together an eggplant dish. OH yes we had crab stuffed mushrooms on the skewers too.
All this happened while the UT California game was going on.We enjoyed watching David watch the game. He played hard!!! Todd and Allison arrived to watch the game. That made 11 people for supper. It was all delicious...
Sunday we all went to church and then back to the house for a wonderful lasagna lunch with Melissa's delicious chopped salad . And some more of those good deserts with added carrot cake that Nancy brought.
We had another walk with David..Their place is in such a nice neighborhood for walking .
Sunday night after church we went to visit Nancy and Clancy in their new house. It is so nice and in a quiet little neighborhood that has the nickname..Mayberry. It's close to a huge new shopping center with a super Krogers and Target , Pennys, and every other shop you can think of.
Nancy and Summer served pizza for supper...
We got to talk to our grandsons and to see them all dressed up at church..What a treat!
Melissa and David went all out to entertain us.. It was wonderful.
David and Gpa and Gma took a long walk to Charlie Daniels park David said it was at least two miles.
Nancy and Clancy arrived, and we girls started putting together beef and chicken kebobs for supper...Melissa made peach ice cream to go with the Rhubarb Strawberry Pie for supper. Scott was the grill man and he cooked the kebobs . Melissa put together an eggplant dish. OH yes we had crab stuffed mushrooms on the skewers too.
All this happened while the UT California game was going on.We enjoyed watching David watch the game. He played hard!!! Todd and Allison arrived to watch the game. That made 11 people for supper. It was all delicious...
Sunday we all went to church and then back to the house for a wonderful lasagna lunch with Melissa's delicious chopped salad . And some more of those good deserts with added carrot cake that Nancy brought.
We had another walk with David..Their place is in such a nice neighborhood for walking .
Sunday night after church we went to visit Nancy and Clancy in their new house. It is so nice and in a quiet little neighborhood that has the nickname..Mayberry. It's close to a huge new shopping center with a super Krogers and Target , Pennys, and every other shop you can think of.
Nancy and Summer served pizza for supper...
We got to talk to our grandsons and to see them all dressed up at church..What a treat!
Melissa and David went all out to entertain us.. It was wonderful.
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