"Life is lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road and we stand on the mountain looking back through the valley that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale.” Jill Savage

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Well I am still alive . . .

and I have to admit most of it is still the same!  lol  Guess not much happened in a year. However I am thankful for another year.

The big news in my life is that my grandson is almost 16 and will be driving soon.  He is excited, the rest of us are excited too - but not in the same way.  This is him getting ready for Homecoming.  He had a great time - which is usually true for him.  I have to admit the teenage years are a little tough   I miss that happy little tyke that used to enjoy the little things and was soooooooooooooooooo happy.  This guy is a bit different. I hope the happy one comes back.


I have gotten active in the church going to bible studies - Faithful Followers (a retirement group)- doing some volunteer work and then I got a call.  They asked if I would be VP over the Northwest District in our area of Methodist Churches.  Now I said yes, but I am wondering what in the world or why in the world did I say yes!    I have no idea what I am doing , but I am a hard worker and as soon as I figure out what I am supposed to do - I imagine I can do it. Must have been A GOD thing.  I start in January.


I am still doing well physically which I thank God for - I am blessed.  I do lurk/hang around looking at blogs and I do kind of keep up with some of you behind the scenes.  Part of me wants to start back blogging, but a bigger part is still wanting a break.  I don't know what the matter with me is.  Maybe sometime.

Still have Disco - we sure do love that guy.  lol  He is about 8 years old now.  Such a sweetie to us and such a naughty dog to anyone and everyone else.


Can't say a whole lot more, but it was a year ago I wrote last and just wanted to say hello to everyone.  Sorry I am not blogging right now, but I may try it again some day.

We had a very grueling hot summer here in Atlanta.  It is finally fall and I am actually a bit cold.  The leaves are turning, but here we don't get the colors they do up north.

I want to thank all veterans for their service to the country and to me.  I appreciate being able to live in the USA!  I hope we all can rally together and do this nation proud.

I still am writing down things I am grateful for.  I have to admit some days are easier than others.  Life gets tough for me as I am sure it does for you.



I do believe for me - getting a group of women as support has been a real blessing.


Okay something I have found out about myself.  In  my heart I want to be different.  I want to have fun.  Live on the edge.  Be wild.  Adventurous.  There is a strong part of me that feels that way.

However, I don't really live that way - I live a pretty boring and stable life.

Do you know what I am talking about?  Any of you feel that way?


Looks like fun right?


I wish you all a nice Thanksgiving - my son and his family are coming down and I am excited - we are going to go to Stone Mt.    I am very excited.



And last, but not leasat MERRY CHRISTMAS friends.  God is so good to us  . . .        

          . . .

So write me and tell me about your year and what has happened!  I'd love to know.



Love, Chatty.
 photo ATT00002-1.gif

54 comments:

Theresa said...

So happy to hear from you. Sounds like it has been a good and busy year. For me too:). Don't stay gone so long, ok? Have a blessed day dear friend. Hugs

R's Rue said...

Great.

LL Cool Joe said...

Great to see you again. I do understand what you mean about wanting to live a wild and exciting life but then living a quiet boring one. :D

NanaDiana said...

How nice to see a post from you here..but you and I do keep up a bit. Your grandson is a handsome kid. Guess what! They get over all that teenage crap and come back to the loving kids they used to be. It just takes a while-some longer than others...lol

You will do fine on your new job. Wonder what we were thinking? You and I both said yes to a job at this age. lol

I am happy you have a nice support group of women around you. I need to reconnect to some friends, too. When an illness happens in the family you sometimes close ranks and don't do the outreach. That is what happened to me, I think.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas and I hope you do decide to blog again at some point....you never know....you might.....xoDiana

Terri D said...

Hello, dear friend!! I was SO excited to see a blog from you! Andy has really grown into a handsome young man and Disco looks as ornery as ever. Congratulations on the VP job! You will be amazing and they were smart to hire you. God bless and please check in now and then!! I've missed you here! God bless.

Jackie said...

How absolutely wonderful to see you here on the blog today!
Hi, my friend.
To know that you will be with your family on Thanksgiving makes my heart smile.
And....seeing that sweet Disco makes me smile, too.
Know that I think of you, and I am so happy to read that you are doing well.
Enjoy each and every moment. I miss your blogging, but I have been doing much the same as you. I take breaks.
Happy Thanksgiving....
Love you,
Jackie

jack69 said...

Ah, what a joy to see this. That Dude has grown, I cannot believe he is 16. WOW. YOu will do a good job at the volunteer job.
Proud to hear from you!

And of course we remember Disco!!
Love from Florida

Ginny Hartzler said...

Oh my GOSH!! I am so happy to see you! At first I didn't believe my eyes! And your grandson! I would not have recognized him! He is so handsome! Don't worry, it it the rule that all teenagers must be moody, unsatisfied, and hard to get along with. They are finding themselves and their independence. And little Disco, I am so glad he is still his feisty self!! I am glad to hear about your involvement with the church. You know, God has a calling for each of us. Some people just need to stabilize the wild ones. Each person has a gift. And if you don't know yours yet, you may just be in for the time of your life!

Paula said...

So good to see a post from you. Don't know if you remember me, I'm Paula from south Texas who is crazy about cows. Much has changed but we're plugging along.

Linda said...

It was wonderful catching up with you!!
I admire you for stepping up to the plate with taking that position at church!
Wishing you all the best!!

betty said...

I had to go back and see what you posted a year ago. Can it actually be a year? But of course it is a year! I love how active you have been in other non blog activities. It is always good to be part of a small group with Bible study etc and to volunteer. I bet you will be great at your new position as VP come January! How can GS be that old to be almost getting his driver's license? The turbulent teens; how do we survive them? How fun too for your son and his family to join you at Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to you and yours.

(you kind of know how our year is going; it is worse that ever, but we are trusting God; would appreciate a prayer or two :)

betty

Lynn said...

I was reviewing my blog roll the other day and wondered about you - so glad to hear that you and yours are doing well.

Nothing much happening here - same old, same old. :)

Ann said...

I can relate to the wanting to let loose and have fun. I've always been a pretty boring person and a bit of a loner. My dreamer side wants to go out and kick up my heels while my introvert side says no just stay home and read a book....lol
Nice to see a post from you today

Granny Annie said...

I was thrilled to see a post from you after all this time. Glad for a report on your health and happy to see you grandson all grown up and so handsome. I remember all the pictures of him playing with Disco. Happy too that Disco is still with us. Keep us posted.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sandie - looks like many of us are still around. Congratulations to your grandson - he's got lots going on in his life ... but he will become a fabulous man ...

Good luck with the new position .. that's wonderful and will suit you down to the ground. Good to know you're healthy ... and seeing Disco still going strong -

Cheers and yes thank you for all the good and happy days we've had and for those that helped us get here ... Hilary

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

It was great to read your update and see that everything is ok at your house. Sounds like quite a good year for you. Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving too!

Susan said...

Awwwww, Chatty, so good to see your post! You HAVE had quite year. Guess the challenges of life are what we can all expect. There are good days and bad----same with years. I think having a purpose in life is of utmost importance as we get older. The problem is, in my own life, that I have to MANY purposes. ha ha ha Not enough time in each day but I'm grateful to be alive and still kicking. Hope your holidays ahead are terrific, just like Y-O-U. Hugs. Susan

MadSnapper said...

glad you are still 'alive' and able to blog. I can't beleinve he is 16 or that Disco is 8. time is on fast forward. really can't believe it has been a year since you posted. wow. have fun and enjoy your new position.

Marie said...

love the pic of you and grandson. :) I can relate to remembering the "tyke" days. there's no going back and some days it makes me sad. But, I'm so grateful that Kyle has a Big kind heart and it pulls me through those moody moments. lol
the pic of Disco is perfect for his personality. lol so cute!!
I can so relate to how you want to live, but can't or just don't for whatever reason. my hubby tells me I'm a people person because everywhere we go people talk to me and I so enjoy hearing what people have to say. that being said then why do I feel so lonely most days and such an introvert?? lol
your new position sounds like a perfect new adventure for you! so happy for you! we're finally getting a small business started that in return we will be donating $ to local rescue groups that save animals from shelters, etc..
it would be wonderful if you posted just monthly?? love seeing you on my side bar! :)
btw...because of you I remember to ask for my thyroid to be covered at the dentist. :)
much love,
Marie

Nonnie said...

It's good to hear from you, Sandi. I missed you and the emails we used to send back and forth. I'm glad you found a Bible study group. I have seen your FB posts and saw how your grandson is growing up. He loves you. It's a different time when we are teens. Blessings to you. Boring is ok, but I do understand your feelings inside. I long to get out of the routine myself, but right now life just isn't going to allow for that. Stay in touch. Happy Thanksgiving.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi There, Just at the time you come back to say hello----I have decided to take an extended blog break. BUT---I still get blog posts via email --so am THRILLED to get yours... Obviously a lot of your friends are still blogging since you are getting/have gotten so many comments... That's awesome..

We are fine --other than the fact that we seem to stay SO busy these days --busier than ever before....I still FB --but even that is hard at times....

Your grandson is so handsome... Can't believe he is growing up SO fast... And YOU look AWESOME.

Please stay in touch.

Hugs,
Betsy

Bev said...

Good to hear from you!!I had quite blogging...started again about 6 months ago!!... We had a big moved....We moved west to BC...and litte town in the valley...are loving it!!...Glad all is going well with you!1... Your grandson has grown up!! Time flies.

Merlesworld said...

I had wondered what happened to you.
Merle.............

Stella said...

So nice to see a post from you. Glad all is well. Same oh same oh is good!! Stella

Saimi said...

You have had a busy year thanks for sharing it and your wonderful pictures.
Saimi

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I was happy to see your post, Sandie! Your handsome grandson is almost 16? Wow!! Time is flying by. I sometimes think I must have slept through a few years...and woke up old. lol!
I do hope you stay in touch here in blogland. I take lots of blog breaks and just blog when I have time.
Congrats on your new job...have fun! Happy Thanksgiving!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I'm so happy to see you! I've been kind of behind on blogging myself so no worries. GS is so tall and handsome. He's really grown up. And happy to see Disco as well. Sounds like you are keeping plenty busy. Wishing you a happy THanksgiving next week too! :-)

Debby@Just Breathe said...

He is so handsome. When I am driving in my car I pray to God to keep evil out of my way and I also name all my family members who drive. I will add him to my list! Glad to hear that you are active in Bible Study, I always loved going. Happy to see you here :)

Saleslady371 said...

Congratulations on your new church assignment for next January. I got excited for you when I read that...for sure a God thing. You will be a great leader with your compassionate heart and sense of humor!

Betty said...

Did you really post? I was quickly checking Blogger and saw this...I haven't checked blogger in a while. I was going to try and get a post up today myself. I just haven't been online much. I've been trying to go through old photos and mark on the back who the people are and it's taking forever. I made my kids promise not to throw out old photos or genealogy. I'm also trying to do a little genealogy too. I joined a group and I need to do more of that and now the holidays are right around the corner. I went to the storage place and brought the Christmas tree over here and set it up. I leave it undecorated for a few weeks so the cats can get all the climbing out of their systems before we decorate. I need to get busy and go walk. I promised myself I'd do that on a regular basis!! Is Andy really that much taller than you? I can't get over how much he's grown. Congratulations on your new position. If you're like me you'll quickly regret taking on another task. :)

BECKY said...

Hello dear Chatty! I've missed not seeing you on blogger, but I've been a lot like you. I try to "get that old feeling back" about blogging, but it just ain't happening. I guess our lives have changed in ways that take us in different directions. I know you've been on FB a lot, which is kind of handy to stay in touch, but you know how it's been lately with all the political junk. Ick! I'm staying away from it as much as I can, and just try to see what my family is doing. I sure wish I could make another trip to ATL sometime soon, and visit with you again...and maybe for more than a couple of hours! Would you believe I still have, and use, a pen I got from Ted's Montana Grill ??? It's one of the best pens I've ever had! haha!! Love and hugs to you...

Karen Lange said...

It's nice to hear your news. Can't believe your grandson is 16 already! Didn't he just turn 10 the other day? Where does the time go? Oh my. Sending love and hugs your way. Happy Thanksgiving! :)

nancygrayce said...

Good for you for taking the church position! I have been on those committees and it's not easy!
I'm back on my blog after a year too! I hope I keep it up but I've been in a year long funk!

Betty Manousos said...

happy thanksgiving! xoxo

Cranberry Morning said...

It's so good to see you blogging again, Sandie! Your grandson has grown into such a nice young man! Love the photo of you two. And Disco is still Disco. I would want to be his friend, but I know he wouldn't like that. LOL Bridger was the same way to strangers. I'm sure you'll do a super job as VP. I hope you and your have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving, Sandie! xo

TexWisGirl said...

my dear chatty, thank you for dropping by to say goodbye as i exit blogland. it is harder than i thought it would be, but it feels like time. it was good to see disco again. :) i hope you and yours are blessed beyond measure.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

It is good to see an update from you. Disco is so cute and I remember him from your earlier posts. Your grandson is grown! WOW! I just blinked. Don't you feel that way sometimes? That life is flying by so quickly?

Have a great weekend!

Lee said...

Hey there Sandie...I'm running late to the party...but I now have arrived! Good to hear from you...take good care. :)

Terra said...

Glad to hear from you again, I like the "grandmas gone wild" idea. My Christmas will be hard I know, as my beloved husband died in November. Thank goodness for family and friends and their support.

Donna said...

Well hell! I thought you'd done run away with the butcher or something!!Hahaaa
Glad to see you back even if it's only briefly...
Miss your "funnies" and you...
(((HUG)))
hughugs

Aloha Acres said...

Aloha!

So nice to catch up with you. I also took a little blogging break.

Those teenagers! I'm in the same situation. My "baby" is 17 now and I miss the good 'ole corny joke days. Now he just rolls his eyes at me and doesn't laugh as freely as he once did. I pray they get over this phase soon.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sandie -

I missed you! Your life isn't boring at all. You're active, enjoying your family, and serving God.

Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!

Susan :)

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I just saw this. You must have written on a day that I did not log on. It is good to hear you are doing well and finding new things to get involved with. I am sure you will do a very good job.

I remember that you wanted to walk down that road of adventure that you never traveled. I believe that the road we dream of comes to us all even though we may not notice it at the time. It may not be physical and may be just a short walk, but it fulfills us and gives us the joy. My oldest granddaughter is graduating from high school this year and I have been fortunate enough to be around her since the day she was born. I sit here tonight looking at a picture she painted just for me (she is a very good artist) and think this journey that I took with her was life-changing and more than I could ever had hoped for.

However, I still want to take a long ride in a balloon. I did once, but only got across the street. It was still fun.

Cheryl said...

I too have been feeling like I want to do more-- have more fun etc. I think it has something to do with my age. Mid 50's... and my "life" clock is ticking rather loudly lol I try to say YES to every invitation to everything. Every single soccer game, every single "wanna go for a walk?"... yes!.... mind you, It isn't easy to say yes, when your wanting to take a nap!
big hugs,
Cheryl

mail4rosey said...

I'm so happy to see a blog post. I love hearing about what you're doing. Hurrah for the new position. I bet you'll ace it. I agree, if you're in there and not knowing how/why, it's probably a God thing. You'll find out soon enough :) Good luck with it! I have joined a women's group too at my church and I love it! My son goes to a kids' one on the same night, in the same place so it works out perfect.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. I hope your new year is full of wonderful people, places and things! xoxo

Tanzir Rahman said...

Love your writing very much. Congratulation for your church assignment.
clipping path service | photo retouching service |
neck joint service | photoscissor

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

I saw your post well I am still alive and wanted to see how you were doing. So glad your doing ok, I get why blogging can be a chore. I have nothing to say I feel like lol

Unknown said...

It was sure good to hear from you again. I hope your book is doing well.

Unknown said...

Hi there, it's been a while and it's amazing how your GS is growing. I remember him as a much younger boy. Glad to see that you are doing well. Hope 2017 has started out well. Me I am pretty much the same, only busy being out in the mountains with the local mountain rescue team, and I love it!

Vee said...

I was visiting a friend and there you were on her sidebar so over I have popped...pretty tardy myself. So glad to find a post and how can it be that your handsome grandson has grown so tall and is ready for driving and the world opening up. You shall pray him through his teen years and he'll come out on the other side and be his true self. Wasn't it Mark Twain who said something awful about teens? Ha! Hope that your holidays were blessed and that you are enjoying 2017. Happy February!

Unknown said...

Hey, we need an update! I hope your book is doing well.

Jill said...

Hi Sandy, I wanted to stop by to tell you how much I appreciate your prayers for my surgery last Monday. Diana posted a prayer request on her blog and I am full of gratitude! I am slowly recovering but wanted you to know how very much I appreciate you thinking of me. :-) You have a lovely blog, I am looking forward to following along and getting to know you better :-)

Blessings,
Jill

Andrea said...

Wish you would post more, Chatty, but I certainly understand why you have not. I am just coming back to blogging as well. I have missed it. It sounds like you are staying busy, active & engaged. "They" say that's the secret to handling our season of life that we both find ourselves in. We'll see if that's true, eh?! *lol* Most sincerely~ Andrea

Unknown said...

Wasir atau biasa dikenal orang dengan sebutan ambeien adalah masalah kesehatan yang sudah umum saat ini. Wasir tersebut dapat terjadi karena adanya pembekakan yang terjadi pada pembuluh darah di dalam ataupun di luar bagian bawah anus. Selain pembengkakan juga terkadang ada yang meradang di sekitar anus tersebut. Obat herbal BAB keluar darah Untuk lebih jelasnya silahkan kunjungi artikel terkait ambeien atau wasir dan cara mengobatinya berikut ini. Cara Mengatasi Wasir Tanpa Operasi
Wasir atau biasa dikenal orang dengan sebutan ambeien adalah masalah kesehatan yang sudah umum saat ini. Wasir tersebut dapat terjadi karena adanya pembekakan yang terjadi pada pembuluh darah di dalam ataupun di luar bagian bawah anus. Selain pembengkakan juga terkadang ada yang meradang di sekitar anus tersebut. Cara mengobati BAB keluar darah Untuk lebih jelasnya silahkan kunjungi artikel terkait ambeien atau wasir dan cara mengobatinya berikut ini. Cara Menghilangkan Ambeien Tanpa Operasi
Wasir atau biasa dikenal orang dengan sebutan ambeien adalah masalah kesehatan yang sudah umum saat ini. Wasir tersebut dapat terjadi karena adanya pembekakan yang terjadi pada pembuluh darah di dalam ataupun di luar bagian bawah anus. Selain pembengkakan juga terkadang ada yang meradang di sekitar anus tersebut. Mengobati BAB keluar darah Untuk lebih jelasnya silahkan kunjungi artikel terkait ambeien atau wasir dan cara mengobatinya berikut ini. Cara Menghilangkan Gatal Ambeien
Wasir atau biasa dikenal orang dengan sebutan ambeien adalah masalah kesehatan yang sudah umum saat ini. Wasir tersebut dapat terjadi karena adanya pembekakan yang terjadi pada pembuluh darah di dalam ataupun di luar bagian bawah anus. Selain pembengkakan juga terkadang ada yang meradang di sekitar anus tersebut. Mengobati ambeien keluar darah Untuk lebih jelasnya silahkan kunjungi artikel terkait ambeien atau wasir dan cara mengobatinya berikut ini. Cara Mengobati Ambeien
Wasir atau biasa dikenal orang dengan sebutan ambeien adalah masalah kesehatan yang sudah umum saat ini. Wasir tersebut dapat terjadi karena adanya pembekakan yang terjadi pada pembuluh darah di dalam ataupun di luar bagian bawah anus. Selain pembengkakan juga terkadang ada yang meradang di sekitar anus tersebut. Mengobati wasir keluar darah Untuk lebih jelasnya silahkan kunjungi artikel terkait ambeien atau wasir dan cara mengobatinya berikut ini. Cara Mengobati Ambeien Agar Sembuh Total