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We Don’t Fly-Part 2

19 Oct

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I’ve been looking back on our July Cruise vacation. We flew from Florida to Alaska. We had a lot of anxiety but didn’t feel we could turn down our daughter’s gift of an Alaska cruise, The flight to Vancouver was not ideal, but it wasn’t as nerve wracking as we feared. We were both able to relax For the return flight, our daughter downloaded movies to her iPad Pro for her dad to watch during the flight and he was a happy man.

Our hotel in Vancouver was in the same shopping strip as the famous Tim Horton Donut shop. Now I am a die-hard Krispy Kreme fan. People from up north swear by Tim Horton donuts, so we had to give them a try as they were practically next door. Plus my husband hasn’t found a donut he didn’t like.

This picture was taken the morning after our late and traumatic arrival in Vancouver, so he wasn’t looking too perky. The donuts did lift his spirits.

We made several visits to Tim Horton’s and after multiple “tastings” we gave them a rating, comparing them to Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts.

Overall taste and texture Krispy Kreme was the winner, with Tim Horton a strong second and Dunkin Donuts in last place. Tim Horton did win first place in the apple fritter category, my husband’s favorite treat. Eating one is like enjoying a fried apple pie with a nice amount of apple bits. Dunkin Donuts came in last place.

Moving along back to our flying experience…Going through airport security was exasperating. Seeing our stuff going through a scanner ahead of us made me crazy. ANYONE could pick up our stuff. My husband was in a wheelchair and I was always ahead of him while they detained him.

Our daughter became so stressed trying to make sure my husband and I were ok that on the flights home, I agreed to being wheeled through the airport too. It kind of hurt my pride, but truth be told, the wheelchair escorts walked so fast I couldn’t keep up with them.

By the time our trip was over, we had overcame our fear of airplane travel. We would definitely be willing to fly again if anyone offers us a free vacation! Well, except for the scam caller who claimed to be from Expedia and offered me a too good to be true deal.

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Flight Day and Airport INsecurity

8 Sep

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

July 22, 2023 flight day.

Our suitcases had been packed and ready for two days. Our daughter had spent her day off work getting us organized and she had done an outstanding job of it. We didn’t want to mess it up but of course there was some stealthy tucking here and there in our carryons. We felt a bit like children hiding something from their mom.

We had chosen an evening flight in the hope that my husband would have less anxiety and even sleep part of the way. A friend offered to give us a ride to the Orlando airport but I suspect she may have been rethinking her offer when she saw how much luggage we had. Her car was a midsize SUV and we weren’t sure our luggage would fit but our daughter once again came to the rescue with her excellent luggage placement.

We arrived at the airport feeling relaxed and not the least nervous about the flight. There was a bit of confusion checking our luggage and getting the wheelchair for my husband, but soon we moved on to security. That’s when the chaos began.

Since we were basically first time fliers, my husband watched a lot of You Tube videos about processing through security. He was carrying a CPAP machine and a nebulizer and felt anxious about them being confiscated. ( I had assured them they wouldn’t be allowed to do that)

Photo Credit: Michael Gray, Flickr

Our daughter went through the scanning process first, then an airport attendant pushed my husband forward. I followed behind. But somehow, my husband was pulled out of the line and abandoned by the attendant. The line was chaos. Our daughter was frantically gathering our things from the scanner and we were both looking for my husband. She went back into the line and found him sitting alone and stressed. No one in security had any idea why he was left. it was upsetting.

We got the attention of the airport staff who was supposed to bring him through security and finally we were all processed. As if to make up for the delay at security, the attendant pushing my husband’s wheelchair sped through the terminal so that I could barely keep up. We arrived at our gate with no further incidents and settled down to wait for our flight.

About an hour before the flight an announcement was made stating the flight was overbooked and asking for volunteers to not board. Our response was no way!.

We were flying into Vancouver, Canada and I was hoping that would be a better experience….

I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I’m a general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  

My 2023 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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We Don’t Fly

31 Aug

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

What do you say when someone offers you a free cruise to Alaska? Thank you, yes would have been the expected response. In our case our first response was, “but we don’t fly.” And the cruise terminal in Vancouver Canada is a L O N G road trip from Florida!

We both took some deep breathes and decided we can do this, well as long as our daughter flew with us. She is the one who invited us on the cruise. My husband was so excited. Visiting Alaska was a life long dream.

My husband and I have both had an unfortunate incident on our one and only flights, his for work and mine to visit family. Since then we have been avid road trippers. I am a pro at planning a road trip. I love collecting information, planning the route and choosing our nightly stops. Easy peasy. Planning a vacation that didn’t involve car transportation was a whole different adventure.

The hardest aspect of the trip for me mentally, was how do we arrange transportation from the airport to hotel after a red eye flight? Would there be any Uber or Lyft rides? Vancouver is proud of its public transportation system and I explored that option. You Tube videos extolled the ease of taking the Sky Train directly from the airport.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Of course since I didn’t choose a hotel downtown, we would then have to transfer to a bus. Somehow I couldn’t picture us corralling three suitcases and 6 carry on items on public transportation at midnight. I had to look for other options and I was able to book a car pick up fhrough Viatour. We had a free day in Vancouver before the cruise and we did use the public transportation. I was extremely thankful we didn’t choose to use it from the airport.

In Florida we live less than an hour from the cruise terminal. When we have gone on a cruise in the past, we could carry as many pieces of luggage we felt was needed. For this trip we had to pack most everything in a single suitcase a piece plus two carry on bags.

We were in North Carolina at our mountain home for the summer and my husband began packing a month in advance. He nearly drove me crazy with questions I couldn’t answer. What kind of clothes to take, will our suitcases be an acceptable size, should we buy new jackets? Meanwhile I was silently stressing over getting a mental grip on how to get around Vancouver without a car. Renting a car was not pracitcal.

Since we would be flying together from Florida, we finally, we came to an agreement that we would put into our suitcases everything we even thought we might want to take and let our daughter, an experienced traveler, straighten us out when we arrived at her house. She was ruthlessly kind straightening out our chaotic suitcases. Once she was finished, everything was neatly packed and we even had some small spaces should we purchase souvenirs.

Photo by SHVETS production on Pexels.com

Before leaving North Carolina we had a check up with our doctor. We explained that we were offered a fabulous vacation opportunity but were anxious about flying and would like a short term anti-anxiety medication to take before the flight. Because, after all, we don’t fly!

Hopefully, more next week.

I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I’m a general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  

My 2023 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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Not a Fun Trend

6 Jul

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I’m noticing a trend within myself of late. I’m not sure what I would call it. I seem to be feeling unengaged with special days. First it was Mother’s Day, then Father’s Day and this week the 4th of July, which was my mom’s birthday.

In the past I have enjoyed posting pretty pictures on social media both my personal accounts and for church. This year, it’s been very last minute and for July 4th not at all. I did manage to share an old post for my mom’s birthday. Yesterday was a dear friend’s anniversary and I only sent a congratulatory text.

We have a special vacation coming up soon. I’m excited but I don’t feel excited about planing and packing. I am normally an obsessive and happy planner.

So what is up with me? I am happy, stay busy and enjoy being with friends. Maybe I am spending too much time reading and listening to books.

Photo by Pramod Tiwari on Pexels.com

That could be the problem. Not enough engagement in the real world. But at least spending time in fictional worlds, I know all of it is fiction.

I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  

My 2023 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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Oh My! AI

29 Jun

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I noticed the AI option as I was uploading Bill’s blog for Wednesday. Technology fascinates me and I had to play with it by using the contents of an email I sent to a friend this week. There are a good many options under the AI tab, and I chose change the tone. I chose humorous. It was fun but I think AI has a way to go.

Hello my precious friend!

Well, well, well…look who finally decided to make an appearance! I mean, I’ve been planning to write you a letter for days and days, but who’s counting, right? Time flies when you’re having fun and apparently it just keeps on slipping away.

Alright, let me dust off my comedian hat and give it a shot: “So, life’s been pretty slow lately, huh? Other than our thrilling adventures to Anderson to see the doc, and catch up with our buds, we haven’t really been living on the edge. Although, come to think of it, I did try out my inner Picasso at the VBS craft corner – let me tell ya, that was wild! Don’t mess with me and my pipe cleaners, folks.”

Well, well, well… Looks like someone’s been hitting the gym! Mike’s been feeling like a superhero for the past six weeks, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the ride. We’ve been running around trying to make up for all the things we’ve left unfinished, but we’ve also made sure to take some time to just chill on the porch and soak up each other’s awesomeness.

Ahoy there matey! Me thinks that planning an Alaska cruise be quite the adventure! Ye be not alone in yer struggle, many a weary traveler hath struggled with the ins and outs of public transportation and pesky suitcase sizes. But fear not, for I shall help ye navigate these treacherous waters and pack yer sea bags with aplomb! So hoist the anchor and let’s set sail for a jolly good time on ye Alaska cruise, arrr!

Well hello there, my dear green-thumbed friend! I must say, I am thoroughly enjoying our petunias this year- the pops of pink and yellow in our hanging basket are simply divine! Although, I must confess, it seems our yellow petunias aren’t quite the shining stars they were last year. What’s up with that, am I right? And don’t even get me started on our snapdragons, they’ve been struggling just like the rest of us during this pandemic. Although, I do have some good news- one group of our snapdragons has finally started to thrive! I guess all they needed was a little extra love. I suppose the culprit behind our flora woes could simply be the mild temperatures we’ve been experiencing lately. Who knows, maybe we’ll be hit with a heatwave and our precious plants will perk right up!

So, I went a little wild and decided to buy a hot pink plant. It was love at first sight, I must say. But little did I know, this plant was quite high-maintenance and would throw tantrums if it didn’t get just the right amount of sun and water. Despite all the drama it brings, I’m still enamored by its beauty. But let’s just say that next year, I’ll be searching for a plant that’s a little more low-key.\

Oh boy, oh boy! I can barely hear the sound of my own thoughts with all the noise out there. That’s why I do what any sane person would do: I bury my face in books! Lately, I’ve been obsessively reading two gems: Faith’s Checkbook by Charles Spurgeon and My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. It’s my everyday dose of sanity!

Our boy, Matt is getting up there! Today marks the day he officially exits his mid-40s. I gave him a call to congratulate him on surviving another year, and surprisingly, he didn’t sound too depressed about it. It feels good to keep up, especially when they’re getting to the age where they start forgetting things.

I am so excited to see Beck’s Ollie again! I am eagerly counting down the days until we can play together before our upcoming cruise. I am thrilled to share that we will be driving down to Florida and boarding a plane to the cruise port.

Oh, boy! Mike is on cloud nine, heading towards Alaska. Trust me when I say I’ve never seen him this ecstatic before. His suitcase is all smug and satisfied, packed to the brim, while I’m here scratching my head, trying to figure out what to bring along.

The author added a bird feeder and a hummingbird feeder outside their front windows and can now admire the birds from inside. The view is stunning and

Hey you! Yes, you. Are you still stuck in a world without books? Have you ever heard of Miss Julia’s adventures in the lovely North Carolina mountains outside Asheville? Trust me, these stories are pure gold! I’ve got my hands on some of them in audio format, and I’m rationing them like my life depends on it. I already feel sad at the thought of finishing them all. Don’t miss out on the fun, join the Miss Julia fan club now!

Oh dear, it seems like you’re a bit of FOMO( fear of missing out.) sufferer! Don’t worry, I won’t judge. So, spill the tea! Are the church services still as exciting as ever? How are Renie and Billy holding up? And of course, I bet you’re still feeling the absence of dear old Dr. Z.

“Oh darling, our chats were like sweet cinnamon rolls – perfectly delightful and oh so satisfying. But now, my heart aches and my pillow is drenched in tears as I reminisce about the golden times we shared.”

If you would like to share your thoughts on AI and writing, I would enjoy reading your thoughts.

I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  

My 2022 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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I Created New Age Categories.

5 May

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

It’s been a few months now since I became a septuagenarian. I am not really sure how it happened. And don’t get me started on how my children are now the age I was as they began to leave the nest. Except for some aches, pains and less mobile joints, none of my friends feel as old as a septuagenarian must surely feel. 

Image by ❄️♡💛♡❄️ Julita ❄️♡💛♡❄️ from Pixabay

The word elderly is often used to describe septuagenarians. I have to dispute the description. We are not elderly. I am adding new categories, sub-elderly and uber-elderly. I would say this could be applied to those over 85 years of age. Although, I know some who defy the elderly image.

So, if according to my scale, 70 is sub-elderly and 85 is uber-elderly, then somewhere around 77 years of age would be elderly. I am certain I will reassess this conclusion in a few short years.

I have enjoyed keeping up with advances in technology but I am sure that one day I will decide to step off the train and park my brain somewhere. I do hope to hang on until teleportation becomes the mode of transportation.

https://ggwash.org/view/76340/would-you-rather-teleport-to-work-if-you-walk-or-bike-maybe-not

I am in a quandary about AI. It can do fascinating things. I bet if I asked, it could tell me the perfect Father’s Day gift for my husband. Imagine never having to decide on a perfect gift! One could type in the recipients name and it would produce an answer.

I tried it!

Here is an example: I asked Chat GPT: What is the perfect birthday gift for author Rebekah Lyn? Within seconds I had suggestions!

As an AI language model, I cannot know for sure what would be the perfect birthday gift for Rebekah Lyn. However, I can suggest some general ideas that might help inspire you:

  1. Books: As an author, Rebekah Lyn might appreciate receiving books as a gift. You could consider getting her a new release or a classic novel that she hasn’t read yet, or even a signed copy of a book by one of her favorite authors.
  2. Writing tools: If Rebekah Lyn is someone who enjoys writing by hand, you could consider getting her a nice notebook or journal, or a set of high-quality pens or pencils. If she prefers writing on a computer, you could consider a subscription to a writing software or a new keyboard.
  3. Personalized items: Personalized gifts can be a great way to show someone you care. You could consider getting a customized coffee mug or a t-shirt with her favorite quote or saying on it.
  4. Gift card: If you’re not sure what to get Rebekah Lyn, a gift card to a bookstore, writing supply store, or even a local restaurant or spa could be a great option. This way she can choose something that she really wants or needs.
  5. Experience: You could also consider giving her an experience, such as a writing workshop, a trip to a literary festival, or a book signing event with one of her favorite authors.

Ultimately, the best gift will depend on Rebekah Lyn’s personal tastes and interests, so try to think about what she might really enjoy and appreciate.

Not bad suggestions at all! I do think AI must be carefully managed.

I may be classified as a septuagenarian but I am definitely sub-elderly.

In my 70 years of life I have known joy and sorrow, people have disappointed me and I have disappointed people. Cultural values have changed drastically. I remember talking with my daughter during her teen years as she struggled to find her value standard. I told her something like values and morals change with the times but the Word of God is constant. Make it your go to when you are confused.

I have long loved this verse. It puts life into perspective for me;

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
Isaiah 40:8

I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  

My 2022 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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Obsessed with Reading

27 Apr

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I’ve heard that obsessed is the new “word.” Whatever that means. I decided to follow the crowd and use the word in my title. Maybe I will add it as a search key word too. LOL

I tend not to follow the crowd in my reading choices. If everyone is talking about a novel, it’s a good bet, I haven’t read it. I think I harbor suspicions that the latest chart climber might be more hype than substance. Not that I am all that into substance.

Of late I have been binging on cozy mysteries with slightly elderly female heroines. Well, except for a series that features a retired British police officer and his faux assistance German Shepherd. I’ve read through several romance series set around bake shops and flower shops. I especially am enjoying a bake shop series set on a small island in Cornwall. The baker lives in a lighthouse.

Thank heavens for Hoopla and the Libby app, both free through the library system.Usually I am listening to an audio book as well as reading one on the Kindle app. Occasionally I will also add a paperback to the mix. It’s fun living in two or three different worlds at the same time. Way better than the current days in which we are living.

I am years late discovering the depth and wisdom of Charles Spurgeon and Oswald Chambers. I read though Spurgeon’s Morning by Morning last year and absolutely recommend it.

The Kindle version is free on Amazon

This year I am reading another of Spurgeon’s, Faith’s Check Book, and I’ve added in My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. Although these authors lived in another century, their writings seem to me pertinent, insightful and encouraging in this century’s turmoil.

I was also very late to the party when digital books became the rage. I clung to my hard copy, page turning ways. How could a digital book be as satisfying? I began the shift to digital books due to a problem with my vision. With a digital reader I found I could enlarge the text and change the lighting to accommodate my deficit. I dowloaded Amazon’s Kindle app and Barnes and Noble’s Nook app and have been very pleased with them.

A huge plus for me in the Kindle app is that I can highlight a group of text that I want to save or share and the app creates a “clipping.”

The world seems to be in global chaos. In a morning reading this week, I took great encouragement in the passage above. I often share a clip on Twitter, definitely a platform where much encouragement is needed!

Speaking of encouragement, our fellow blogger, Janet Perez Eckles has just released a new book.

Now I see. How God’s Amazing Grace Turned Betrayal, Blindness and Heartache to Shining Joy.

Janet is the most joyful woman I know and we can all use a stout dose of joy these days.

For the past 891 days I have been learning Spanish using an app. It is set up as a weekly competition. I am enjoying it and dare I say, I am obsessed with learning Spanish? They, the people who know everything about keeping an aging brain sharp recommend doing word puzzles, (Not happening) learning to play a musical instrument. (Setting myself up for failure) or learning a different language. Now that I can do. It has been fun refreshing my high school and college Spanish and remembering how much I dislike verb conjugation. I so believe it has helped me to retain what I read.

We are back in the North Carolina mountains for the summer. It has taken me two weeks to get settled in, but I have most every thing unpacked, I am looking forward to peony blooms and potting baskets of petunias, geraniums, snapdragons, coleus and whatever else strikes my fancy.

We already have several pairs of yellow finch feasting on our bird feeders and several hummingbirds buzzing around us. It’s going to be a good summer. I hope yours is as well.

This song has been singing in my heart the last few days. Even when I am in a store that has background music, my mind and heart hear this one. Weird but nice.

I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  

My 2022 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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Well Hello

17 Feb

On the Porch

Onisha Eills

I haven’t written a blog since January 6. Shortly after writing the post, we began preparing for our return to Florida. We had planned to depart around January 10th, but life happened, bad weather was predicted and then our refrigerator died.

We emptied the refrigerator, moving what we could into an extra one in the garage. Thank goodness for it. We were finally able to leave on Saturday, January 14th. This was cutting it close as my husband had an important doctor appointment on the 16th that would require an out of town trip. He would need a rest day after our 11 hour drive to Florida.

The day after husband’s doctor appointment, I got a much needed hair cut and color. The day after that, I became ill. I decided I had flu. Four days later my husband became ill and since his body is compromised, he had a tough time. He did a home Covid test and it was negative. It has taken us what seems like forever to get our energy back, but we are getting there. It’s crazy that it is taking so long.

I am looking forward to the rest of our time in Florida. We have been making plans to drive out to the beach this week. The beach was closed for several months after last year’s hurricane and we want to see how or if it changed.We haven’t made it yet, but hopefully we will soon.

There hasn’t been much picture taking going on. I do have this one of our daughter’s dog, Ollie snoozing while she watches television. That’s about the sum of our excitement but better days are coming, and hopefully more blog posts.

I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  

My 2023 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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And 2023 is Here

6 Jan

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

We are almost a week into a new year. December is a pleasant blur. We celebrated the holidays in the North Carolina mountains. Our daughter drove up from warm and sunny Florida just in time to experience very unusual cold temperature.

Shortly after she arrived, the temperatures sank as far as 0 degrees Fahrenheit or -17 degrees celsius. She enjoyed the frigid weather, I did too in between praying that our water pipes would not freeze.

In recent years we have adopted a traditional Christmas afternoon drive.This year it was too cold and the roads were still icy so we delayed our drive for a day. We stayed cozy in our PJs, drank homemade eggnog and watched Christmas movies.

We live close to several waterfalls and people on Facebook were sharing pictures of them being frozen. This is not an every year occurrence and I was excited on the 26th to to see them.

We were unable to visit our favorite Dry Falls. The parking lot was full and traffic was backed up into the highway. Even so, it was a fun and memorable day. All too soon, the day arrived for our daughter to return to Florida.

She left at 7:30 am and at 9:00 am were on our way to celebrate Christmas with cousins near Boone, NC. We had reserved an adorable small cottage not far from our cousins house. To our amazement and delight, the modern furnishings were accented with an assortment of antiques. I had never seen a fan like this one.

There was also an assortment of vintage Tonka trucks and a lot of pewter pieces.

2023 arrived with no fanfare or loud fireworks and after a pleasant but tiring day with my cousins, we slept peacefully in the cozy cottage. A nice way to enter a new year. We only spent two nights at the cottage but I hope we can return and stay longer.

On January 3rd we had an unexpected visitor. My husband opened the front door and the visitor flew past my husband and made itself at home.

Not going. No way no how.

It had been a long day and we were tired but my husband tried to be gentle with our visitor. It gave us quite a bit of exercise trying to convince it to depart. After almost an hour, it finally decided to fly through the open door to the garage. We shut it quickly and decided to help it make its way out of the garage the next day. We didn’t see the little bird after that. We think it flew out when we raised the garage door.

Severe thunder storms were predicted for overnight and man, they were not wrong.. Booms, crashing and vivid lightning seemed to go on and on. Thunder in the mountains creates a serous echo! The next morning I checked my new rain gauge.

Soon, we will close up our mountain house to spend winter and part of spring in Florida with our daughter. We are truly blessed to be able to enjoy both the cool temperatures of the mountains and the sunshine and color of a Florida winter. We will catch up with precious friends, worship at our home church and maybe even throw in a trip to Disney World. A big plus…fast internet! Our mountain internet is awful and drives me to distraction

2023 is here and I will rejoice and be glad. In the blink of the eye, 2024 will be here.

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Bookmobile Girl

15 Dec

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I always wanted to be able to read.

Do you remember Saturday morning television cartoons? Each one began with opening credits and the cartoon title.

I remember lying on the floor watching them with my older brothers. And I would get so mad! I knew that when the music began, the title of the cartoon would appear on the screen and I couldn’t read it. And just to be plain mean my brothers would refuse to read it to me. I would whine loudly to our mother, poor mom.

Looking back on this memory, I realize I may have had some issues, like wanting to know everything.

I could definitely read by the time this picture was taken. Just threw it in for a visual.

And I really, really wanted to be able to read. Which is odd since neither of my parents were into reading.

I have two distinct memories of second grade. It was the year I gave my heart to Jesus and I learned to read. Both changed my life forever.

Second grade began badly for me. In my time, on the first day of school we went to the auditorium and we were seated by grade level. Then the teachers of each grade would call the names of their new students. The teacher would gather her new ones together and off they would go to their room. To my horror, my name was called by a teacher I was terrified of. She was really tall, thin and had red hair. She wore very high heels that looked dangerous but worst of all, she had a very loud voice. During first grade when she was the lunch monitor she yelled and looked menacing. Nothing like my sweet first grade teacher.

I would come to love that woman. She taught me to read. And unlike numbers, I had no trouble at all. Once I learned the letter sounds I began reading and never stopped. (Ha! So there big brothers.)

At the school library I checked out as many books as I was allowed, but the selection was limited. Then I discovered the Bookmobile.

“Photo courtesy Orange County Archives.” 

This is very like the one in Florida. I think it made its round to our area every two weeks. It was the highlight of my weeks. The “library ladies” were so kind. They knew what we regulars liked to read and made sure they had a selection. As I remember, the bookmobile came after school and I remember walking home, juggling my treasures.

I do most of my reading now on a tablet. I was a die hard hold out for paper books, but aging eyes nudged me into digital. A few weeks ago, I opened my tablet to bring up one of my devotional books. I was overcome with my bounty of books, good books, that I have yet to read. And I don’t even have to walk to the bookmobile. God truly does delight in giving us the smallest desires of our hearts.

Second grade was a very good year.

I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  

My 2022 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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