I think I could have stayed in bed all morning! I just felt – – – out of sorts. I think it was evident in my little SS class. The kids were distracted with everything and anything, and I apparently was too! But we made it through. Possibly the fact that I took them the leftover brownies from the weekend helped my case! We did a really cute craft (thanks Mary!!) and they really liked it. I will try to remember to take a photo next week.
Todd was having issues with his portable mic, but he soldiered through. His message was about saying I love you and that the greatest commandment is to LOVE. It’s not just something you say, it’s something you DO – and it’s very pro-active. Most laws are about things NOT to do; love is something you DO. LOVE is all we need when we get to heaven: Faith and Hope will already be realized, and what we have left is love. DO LIFE; rejoice and mourn. Show up; Just say it; it changes relationships.
I finally got to actually talk to Kathy. She’s moved from ICU into a regular room. She’s feeling better but will still be monitored and treated. Since there was infection she will have antibiotics. The kidney stone will have to be disolved or passed. I will keep you posted as I hear. She’s not a fan of posting details on facebook so I’ll post here. Just check in and I’ll post what I learn. She is feeling very blessed and thankful, as the infection may have spread quicker and stronger had she waited any longer. Thanking God for taking care of her even before she knew what she needed.
(PS – Nate is feeling a little better but still very sore and swollen, and somewhat anxious. I’ll keep you posted there, as well.)
OK – Beef Day. Kelly, Peyton and I left about 7:30am, and stopped briefly in Blairsville to get breakfast for Peyton (special request!). We pulled into UC’s driveway at about 10 ’til 9 and he was watching for us out the door. Greg, Lynn and Sarah were right behind us. Jason and Trent arrived next with a quarter of the cow and we got started. Thankfully they could step in for Nate who couldn’t make the trip because of his surgery. He was very distressed and sad about missing Beef Day, but needed to be home resting and healing. Thanks, Jason & Trent!
Uncle Clifford in the back, middle
Autmn and Noah (on their own) arrived a little after 9:30am. They walked in the door, we handed Noah (who knew no one else!) a knife and got him started. He did well and worked where he was needed. He helped wrap for a while, and he and Autmn did most of the ground beef by themselves. It was a much smalled cow than last year, which was good time-wise (and money wise) but we’ll go through it a lot faster!
Kelly was in charge of wrapping – we took turns helping.
Our main cutters – missing Nate’s expertise!
Lynn trimming
Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford kept watch. He was our knife-sharpener and kept the cutters efficient.
I took a few minutes when we had a lull in the wrapping department and went to Donna’s store for cheese. Lynn and Sarah already had their lists made out in anticipation. It’s ALWAYS worth the trip over to get cheese and chocolate covered peanuts!
It’s always a blessing to spend the day with family and friends, sharing stories and food and laughter as well as hard work and a job well done. This year was a bit stressful coming together, but the day could not have gone smoother. Thanks to Lynn for the delicious chicken noodle soup and to Greg and Peyton for the natural wit and entertainment! My life is richer today because of yesterday! Thanks to all who pitched in and gave it their all.
We got home about 6pm (after a quick food stop at Chick-fil-A and stopping to put Kathy’s meat in their freezer). Peyton and Kelly helped unload the car and get the beef in the freezer (Sweet Autmn and Noah having transported and delivered Nate’s meat to him). Within fifteen minutes Kelly and Peyton were back in the car for their hour’s drive home. A special thanks to them for making the extra leg of the trip to help. Peyton is a cattle guy (farm guy at heart!) and he really was glad to be there. I was tired, but again felt so thankful and blessed.
Fun things to do in Florida: Wildlife tours –
Quote about cows:
PEANUTS POST:
Top song in 1978: YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE – Debbie Boone
TOMORROW February 6th is:
National Chopsticks Day; National Frozen Yogurt Day; National Lame Duck Day.
No chopsticks for me – I like yogurt OK. No lame ducks. Tomorrow Kelly and boys are coming for a few days. No beef will be involved unless we eat the spoils of war from Saturday (which we will!). God bless your new week…
I didn’t know Kathy was so sick! Thank you for the update. Please let her know I’m thinking of her, and hope she progresses smoothly to 💯%.
So very interesting about the family getting together to butcher the meat! As ever, you just amaze me!
It’s been quite a week for sure – but thankful everyone is improving. In addition, my son had surgery on Wednesday that was more intense than expected. Beef Day is one of our highlights and we love spending time with family and friends! We are blessed beyond measure!!!
Happy to hear that Kathy and Nate are on the mend. Will keep them in prayer.
Thanks — better every day! Still a ways to go…