"Reaching Out To Fire Victims"

Today, I count my blessings once again for God's Blessings! Over the past few days there have been hundreds of homes lost, injuries to firemen, animals misplaced and soooooooo much destruction and clean up.

We will be giving help to the people who need to rebuild! Our church was cancelled due to the fire coming right into the edge of the parking lot. Our pastors were given notice to evacuate and one family that we know has lost everything. I am waiting to hear how we can help.

In the meantime, I have baked cookies to donate and have offered to give towels, food or any extras people need.

Thank God for today!
judy

Letting Go One Step At A Time!

Today was a good day for me. I finally sold my coins that I had been saved for me over the years from my Dad. Several times I went down to the coin shop but just didn't feel right about it. Perhaps, it was the market value, the nostalgia or the warmth of my Father's memories buried in my heart. He spent lots of time collecting, sorting, sharing and saving these coins for our family. It was one of his many hobbies.

I was able to take pictures while in the local coin shop and chat with the owner's son and sell the bunch that I had. It felt right! It was time to move on and let go. I have been smothered with "stuff" from my past and little by little I am getting rid of it and able to breath a little better.

There is no denying that I would love to have help, especially from someone who would make me feel good while sorting and purging. I have managed to do most by myself. My hubby doesn't seem too interested and gosh knows, he has enough of his own.

Sister Theresa said "The More Stuff You Have, The Less Freedom You Have"! She is right and "freedom" is in the air.
Blessings, jude

Annual Halloween Outing!

This past Saturday afternoon we took our two grand-kids to the Pumpkin Patch at Irvine Park. We had Caitlin overnight while Alex helped Mommy & Daddy with their garage sale. About 3pm Alex was dropped off and we went straight to the Park. The kids had a ball and so did we. They sorted through pumpkins, ate cotton candy, threw straw, ran through the maize, picked out a pumpkin and then ended it with a ride on a horse for Caitlin and a pony for Alex.



What a thrill to see Caitlin bouncing up and down while the big horse galloped. Grandpa watched her and I guided the pony that Alex was riding (or should I say "tried"). The pony was tired and very slow. Alex loved just petting it and telling it to "getty up"!



In a busy world full of "stuff" and things to do and be responsible for we managed to turn the world out and enjoy a Day At The Pumpkin Patch! Try it, you'll like it............



Grateful are we and we are passing it on to our little ones!

jude

"A Random Act of Kindness"

Have you ever been surprised by a little "act of kindness"? Well, I was this morning when I checked my BLOG. My sweet daughter created a new look for me to enjoy with a pretty pink header. It is much easier to read and helped me to stay motivated to create even more. Thank You Sweet Child!

Last night was the monthly meeting of women at the ROCK. It is called "Set In Stone"! Kay, the Pastor's wife gave a great message ending with an even better message. Always look for the "light" that is shining and know that it is God who will always be there for you.

With LOVE you can join the "Operation Nice" Club! Thank you for being nice to my #1 fan - my daughter!!
jude

Turning 65.........Yikes!!

I am officially part of the "Oldies But Goodies" Medicare group now. We are calling ourselves the OCQ'S which we thought would be clever. It stands for the Orange County Queens! I received a bag for my Birthday from my friend Pat with "I am just an Orange County Girl" written all over it! It is one of Gwen Stephanie's Line from No Doubt. It is fun to carry and have people say "love your bag"!

I was fortunate enough to have a surprise Birthday Party with about 85 guests made up of family and friends. It was a real hoot. There were friends from the age of 7 yrs old and a few that I met only 2 yrs. ago. My husband planned it and a few girlfriends helped him do some shopping and did the RSVP list. Some of the guys cooked hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixings. I had two cakes - one with a Princess & a Frog and the other with a floral design. I am still savoring the night. It was like a wedding and I even had a crown! My grand-daughter bowed down to me and called me a "Queen"! Too funny! My grand-son ran and grabbed me when I got off the elevator where the group was screaming "surprise"!

It has been a wonderful week and I am still getting cards and $ for my Make A Wish Foundation Account. It is my dream to be able to sponsor a child who is terminally ill and has a wish to fulfill....................That would truly be a blessing for both of us.


jude

"Just Granduated"!

At 6pm tonight we entered the ROCK where we attend Church to find a lovely setting with fancy table clothes, candles and classmates all dressed up. We were greeted by Linda and Pastor Fred and seated ourselves at a great table which we shared with another couple and a single man. We had a good dinner, presentation, slide show and we all received our Certificates for completing the class called E&E (exemplary husband and excellent wife)..........We were really proud.



Pastor John and Kay spoke and told a few funnies and we all had a fun time. At the end, we had a group shot taken in the sanctuary. Wow, it was about 90 people.



I presented my husband Tom with a new Bible in large print. He was very happy and surprised.



I feel good and blessed and last night I took part in the Harvest Crusade at Angel Stadium. It was quite a message on HOPE! Without hope one can not live!

"A New Experience Today"

Today is the day that my husband's band (Tommy Van & The Bounty Hunters) play at the Calimesa Country Club where they host the Concerts On The Green. It's a first for him and we are hoping to have a great time. We got a phone call last night saying that the paper had the info mixed up about his band so we don't know quite what to expect? I will be taking some of our home-grown tomatoes to share with neighbors and some avocados too!

I took a "break" yesterday from the mundane chores at home and went out and about. I had several of my pictures developed from our last few activities and am enjoying looking at them and getting ready to "share" them with family. I had a hotdog at Costco which is always a treat and just shopped around and it was fun.

Our daughter-in-law's Birthday is on Monday and I am not quite ready with her gifts. She is easy to please but I just don't know what to get yet. Our grand-daughter is doing great in school and our grand-son is still getting his "warnings" for not paying attention. He will do just fine!!

Last night we listened to the Irish Band at Hart Park called the Fenian's. They were wonderful and the park was packed. I saw lots of people I know and had a great time with a few girlfriends.

Life is sweet and remember to always do "something nice"!! Share your gift!!