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| Sunflowers from Internet |
Goodbye August! With the hottest days of summer receding in the rear view mirror, here is a list of the most notable aspects of our recent months:
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| our view from a horse-drawn tour carriage |
* We spent two romantic nights in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina with informative tours via horse carriage, ferry boat and bus, and we gobbled down some good Southern food.
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| Trauma Intensive Care |
* Gary fell from a ladder resulting in 4 broken ribs, a bruised lung, a sprained shoulder, arm, and hand -- which was his "ticket" to spend a couple nights in the downtown hospital's Trauma ICU. He has since then made a lot of progress; but healing does take time.
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| the T-Bird at a car show in July |
* We made the decision to sell the 2002 Ford Thunderbird so we can buy a truck. While we have enjoyed the T-bird, a compact truck would serve us better as a second car. By the way, the 'Bird has not sold yet, so if you are seriously interested, send me an email and I'll direct you to the classic car dealership that has it.
* There was the loss of my long-time blog, Sweet Tea and Sandals, due to my own mistake (and I won't go into THAT again). This led to the initiation of the blog you are reading now, My Journal Memories.
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| concert tribute to Motown |
* We've been able to attend two really good concerts this summer in the retirement community next door to ours: Motown and The Atlantic City Boys. While we don't jump up to dance in the aisles as some do, we still put on the moves and jive in our seats. It's great fun!
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| securing outdoor furniture to the safety of our lanai |
* Hurricane Idalia blew past us just a few days ago. We were spared damage and our power never did go out. We have much for which to be thankful.
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| Internet clip art |
* Listing this last, but certainly not the least of importance, is that I made a change with the church I attend. For much of my adult life I have wanted to be in a really big church in the Bible-belt South. Since coming to Florida over 6 years ago, I've been able to do that. I wanted to "see how the big churches do things." But my need for a smaller congregation and easier methods of connecting with people has become more important to me. Since May I've done a lot of on-line research, sent emails, asked others about their churches, and visited some in person, and praying -- resulting in what seems to be just right.
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| Vector Stock |
All of that is in the past. September is already off to a wonderful start with some (very) gradual cooling of the weather. For our after-breakfast bike rides I've begun to wear short-sleeved T-shirts with bike shorts instead of the sleeveless tank tops.
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| experimenting with blog headers |
I've been able to spend more time with finishing touches on this blog. I no longer have access to some of the programs that enabled me to design my own headers (I am VERY particular about that). I've poked around the Internet and played for hours with what Blogger allows on their free formats. I won't go into the details of that except to say I'm not a computer programer, so I'm learning to be satisfied with what I can do. What you see in the header now is what it will be, and that's that. (I like to keep it simple)
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| MJM blog header as of September 2, 2023 |
Another indication of a good start to September was Gary's idea for us to lunch at Swampy's today on the Rainbow River. He knows I love to eat within view of water, be it ocean, river, lakes, or even a pond fountain will do.
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| Swampy's in Dunellon |
It's a local burger 'n beer type of place. Neither of us drink beer so my beverage is usually Sweet Tea and Gary takes water.
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| Gary at our riverside table |
Probably 90 percent of the dining is outside in the open air under a roof or at riverside tables with umbrellas, the latter being my favorite by far.
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| the view from our table, looking north |
To me, this is like something in a movie; I can hardly believe I get to dine in such a beautiful tropical setting, so close to home, with this wonderful man!
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| the view from our table, looking south |
As you can see, the "floor show" at this place has people gliding by on boats, kayaks, canoes, inner tubes, and the like.
While we have no promises (nor expectations) that the events of this cooler season of autumn will glide by us like a silent canoe, we can choose to trust the Lord to be with us and to give us the wisdom we need to get through whatever comes our way.
... I am with you always,
even to the end of the world.
Matthew 28:20
Until next time, grace and peace.
14 comments:
We love Swampy's, we went last weekend. I sure hope it starts to cool down, I have had enough of this humidity, my friend ((grin)). Although I do like the mini facials it does give, but I just don't like it, grin. I hope you have a beautiful weekend, and did you find a church? smiles
Another lovely post and hoping your somewhat cooler weather, stays around. We've had temps in the high 80's and it has been such relief but I'm sure we'll be back in the high 90's in a few days. Have a great Labor Day!
Y'all have certainly had a packed summer! So glad Gary has healed up and y'all are able to go and enjoy doing things. That restaurant on the water looks like such a great time. I love dining by the water too, and don't get to do it very often. I'm also glad to hear you've found a church you love. I still attend the only church I've ever gone to in my 49 years of life. It's in a very small town, but it's just right and always feels like home. The people are wonderful, and that's what is so important.
I enjoyed your August recap, Barb. I am glad you were spared from any damage by the hurricane. Blessed down here as well. Hope the car sells to someone who will love it like you two do. I love my little church! We have about 100 attending each Sunday and it is just right for me. I hope you and Gary find something you love as much as I love mine. It is so important to be with other believers!! Blessings wishing for you both!!
It certainly was an eventful month for you! I hope the car sells soon. It's probably hard to do and waiting makes it worse.
I feel the same about building relationships with people at church. It's easier in a smaller congregation. Glad you found one that seems to fit.
I would love to eat at that restaurant - looks perfect!
Beautiful blog
Beautiful blog
Beautiful blog
Barbara, I always enjoy reading your thoughts and seeing your pictures and/or graphics. The pretty sunflower graphic at the beginning of this post made me smile. Lovely colors! I am guessing that you found a new church. I hope it brings you peace and joy. Enjoy the day and the rest of the Labor Day weekend!
Looks like September is off to a great start for you both, Barbara! I'm sure Gary doesn't need to be told twice to stay off of ladders, but "Stay Off Ladders!"
Danny and I have also joined a smaller church, and we are truly loving getting to know the people on a more personal level than we ever have before. In fact, we have been asked to sing twice there since joining, and that brings us so much joy to worship so meaningfully with others. I do hope you'll let us know how the church you finally choose turns out for you.
Thanks, too, for the lovely photos and updates, my friend. May September be a month of promise and hope!
Blessings!
Swampys looks like a really neat place to eat. I know I would enjoy that atmosphere too. You've had quite the summer, for sure! Glad all of that is behind you, especially Gary's fall and recovery. Yes, ladders and "old folks" like us don't go together very well. LOL. I am curious about where you have ended up as far as a new church goes. Maybe you can let me know privately. I pray it will be a good place for you and Gary together and that you can enjoy the fellowship of a smaller body of Christ. We love our little church and have to say that is probably the almost #1 reason we moved here to this community. #1 is really because this is where Benton and Rose live, but the church was kind of a part of the package deal. LOL. I've never been a big church kind of person. It's okay when you just want to go and worship and be fed, but when you want fellowship and a more personal experience interacting with others of like faith, a smaller church just seems to work better, at least it always has for us. I hope you will love where God has led you! Have a blessed and wonderful Labor Day holiday and week.
The view for the meal looks wonderful. Simple is usually best and now you can just concentrate on the post. Glad you found a church home. That is important.
That looks like my kind of restaurant. I am all about dining outdoors, and if there's a water view so much the better. That T bird is so pretty but we already have a little car we rarely drive. Hubs enjoys it still when he takes it out so I guess we'll keep it . It's a 1970 so a historic vehicle.
I've missed much while I've been gone. Sorry to read about Gary's fall, but glad that he's healed up (or healing up - I imagine it's a process). You have a beautiful life, Barbara. :)
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