How I Met the Love of My Life-Part 2

2 Sep

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

The way I remember it, over time I kinda lost some of my interest in Rita, and found Divoran to be a lot more interesting and easier to talk to.  Soon, we were talking to each other, on the phone, almost every evening.  I believe she was losing interest in Bud at the same time.  One day I told DiVoran I had something I wanted to ask her, and could I come over to her house.

When I got there, DiVoran remembers, I seemed a little nervous, so her mother offered me a basket of potatoe chips.  I set the basket of chips on the footstool in front of the chair I was sitting in.  As we talked and I munched away, I dropped some crumbs on my pants.  In a nervous jester to brush the crumbs off my pants, I inadvertently knocked the basket of chips over, and the chips spilled all over the living room rug.  Divoran burst out laughing.  Boy was I embarrassed!  But then we were both laughing, and she assured me that it wasn’t a problem and helped me pick up the chips.  The reason I had gone to see DiVoran was to ask her if she would go out with me.  When I asked her, she said, “What?  I thought we’re just good friends!”  “We are.” I said.  Then she said, “But I’ve never flirted with you!  You are the only boy I haven’t flirted with.”  She was surprised, and didn’t know what to say.  But then, after she got over the shock, she said, “Yes, I’ll go out with you, but what about Rita?”  I told her that I didn’t think Rita was really very interested in me anymore, and that she had all but told me so.

The next thing I remember, we were enjoying running around together all over town, on my motorcycle or in my 1940 Chevy; going to movies, roller skating, playing miniature golf and going to the local A&W Drive-in for hamburgers and malts.  One night we were parked, in the Chevy, on a high ridge overlooking the city lights, and one of the local radio stations was signing-off (midnight).  Their theme song was the beautiful “Canadian Sunset” instrumental softly playing in the background.  The announcer said, “At this time we are closing out our day’s activities with the beautiful “Canadian Substitute.  Join us tomorrow at 6:00 AM…” by then we were both laughing our heads off.  To this day, we still laugh every time we hear that song played.  I asked DiVoran to go steady with me that night.  I gave her my class ring to wear around her neck on a gold chain.  She said it was too big and too expensive, and gave it back to me.  I was so upset by her rejection that I threw the ring out the car window.  She was shocked!  Then we both got serious and got out to look for it.  She finally realized how serious I was about her having my ring, that she took it and wore it.  We finished out the school year having a great time going places, talking and laughing our way together.  

–—-To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 63 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

Bill

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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The Storms of Life

31 Aug

A Prayer

My Take

DiVoran Lites

The Storms of Life

Dear Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

We are your beloved children from now and through eternity

Your loving care is an umbrella to keep our spirits up.

You empower us to follow your lead.

You are Divine Encourager,

Comforter,

Spirit of God. 

Thank you for the delightful times you give us.

Thank you for always listening and always answering.

You hydrate our souls

While you protect us through the storms of life.

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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Random Memories of Germany-Our Favorite Castles

30 Aug

Neuschwanstein- Part 3

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

Due to its secluded location, the palace survived the destruction of two World Wars. Until 1944, it served as a depot for Nazi plunder that was taken from France by the Reichsleiter Rosenberg Institute for the Occupied Territories, a suborganization of the Nazi Party.  The castle was used to catalogue the works of arts. (After World War II 39 photo albums were found in the palace documenting the scale of the art seizures. The albums are now stored in the United States National Archives.)

In April 1945, the SS considered blowing up the palace to prevent the building itself and the artwork it contained from falling to the enemy. The plan was not realized by the SS-Gruppenführer who had been assigned the task, however, and at the end of the war the palace was surrendered undamaged to representatives of the Allied forces. Thereafter the Bavarian archives used some of the rooms as a provisional store for salvaged archivalia, as the premises in Munich had been bombed.

Personally, I am so thankful that this wonderful castle was not destroyed.

While Neuschwanstein’s look is that of a medieval castle, it was equipped inside with state of the art technology at that time.  For example on every floor of the castle there were toilets with an automatic flushing system, as well as others – heating, etc.

The king used an electric bell system to summon his servants and adjutants. On the third and fourth floors there were even telephones. Meals did not have to be laboriously carried upstairs:  for this purpose there was a lift.

The Dining Room – Ludwig ate alone

All in all, and unfortunately, the King lived only a short time in this castle – much less than one year.

The Throne Room

My husband, Fred, tells me that in 1949, when he was just a boy, he and his family were living in Italy.  They made a trip to Germany and visited Neuschwanstein castle.  At that time, they were able to drive up the hill, right up to the “front door” of the castle.  (That isn’t allowed now – one must either walk up the hill, or be taken by a horse-drawn carriage)   Fred said that they were able to roam through the castle and investigate everywhere they wanted to go, with a guide to only point out the highlights.  That would have been a wonderful experience!  We were just thrilled, all those years later, just to have the opportunity to look through the castle with a guide and in a group.  Times have changed.

~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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Life During Covid-19 Part 20- Road Trip West

27 Aug

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I decided to journal our journey. I know we will make many special memories and I don’t want to forget a single one, even the not perfect ones because sometimes those memories become the most dear.

We spent months planning our 49 1 /2 years anniversary road trip west.  Many days I awoke to doubts that we should take the trip due to Covid concerns, but each day after my morning quiet time and meditation, my worries would banish.

Our biggest challenge was packing the truck!  Our daughter and a friend would be flying to join us in Montana so we were carrying their luggage as well.  Then there were the folding chairs for impromptu picnics and a large tote for the various jackets we would need in the Rocky Mountains. After two attempts to fit everything we resorted to Facetime with our daughter, a master packer!

Day 1

When our children were young we began our annual vacation with a quick video, usually accompanied by the song, On the Road Again. One year, my son held the cat up and gave her a slight squeeze so that she would screech, imitating the movie studio that used a roaring lion as its signature.

My husband and I decided to revive the tradition but 2020 style.  He rummaged through his “stuff” (ladies, you know what I mean) and found two purple full face respirator masks from his working life. We put them on and took a selfie. I posted it on Facebook with the caption Road Trip. I had no idea anyone would think the masks were serious. But several did.

Our first stop would be Georgetown, Kentucky, a little over a 5 hour drive. Most of our drive was through mountainous areas and so beautiful. We wanted to avoid interstate as much as possible but in some areas, the interstate was the better choice.

In Kentucky we stopped at Cumberland Gap, of Davey Crockett fame. We enjoyed our first on the road picnic lunch in the parking lot before driving up to the Pinnacle Overlook.

The road getting to the top was extremely curvy!

Overlook from the Pinnacle

When we arrived at our stop for the night, I was delighted to see that one of our favorite burger and salad restaurants , Culvers, was directly across the street and there was a traffic light to make crossing easy. Perfect!

A nice finish to a good first day…but trouble was on our horizon. The best laid plans.

I'm a winnerAfter 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  where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.

My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.

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How I Met the Love of My Life Part 1

26 Aug

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

I bought my first car during my senior year of high school.  A 1940 Chevrolet Coupe that cost me $50.  It wasn’t much of a car when I bought it, but I spent a lot of time and elbow-grease restoring it.  As it turned out, all that work was well worth the effort, because I managed to finish fixing it up just in time to use it when I happened to meet, DiVoran, “The Love of My Life” (of course I didn’t know it at the time).

I knew DiVoran’s brother, David, from working with him at Furr’s Super Market.  When he told her he knew this guy named Bill Lites at work who had a car and a motorcycle, she said, “I know a Bill Lites from school.  He’s in my English class.  He seems like a nice guy, except that he’s a clown, and drives our teacher, Miss Miller, to distraction.  One day, he came to English class wearing a pair of bright red corduroy pants and a matching red corduroy “Ike” Jacket.  Boy did that disrupt the class.  Miss Miller was beside herself.  She was walking sideways, back and forth across the room (like a crab), rubbing her hands together.  He is also in the typing class before me, and uses the same desk and typewriter I do.”

Until then I didn’t know DiVoran was David’s sister, and she didn’t know that I knew her brother.  She also didn’t know my best friend, Bud, who I also worked with at Furr’s.  Somehow I discovered she knew this girl, Rita, I was interested in.  So one day, after English class, I asked her if I could walk her to her locker.  I took her books, and we talked about surface things until we got to her locker.  She exchanged her books, and when we were ready to head to our next class, I said, “Can I ask you a question?”  She said, “Yes.” And I asked her if she thought Rita would go out with me.  She hesitated for a second, and with a startled look said, “I guess so, but you’ll have to ask her.”  She told me later (many years later) that she was impressed that I asked to carry her books, as no one had ever carried her books before.  She also told me she thought, at the time, that I was interested in her, and was going to ask her out.  I guess that was the reason for the slight hesitation and startled look, after I asked her about Rita.  

At some point after that my friend, Bud, said he saw me talking to DiVoran, and wanted to know if I thought she would go out with him.  I told him to ask her, and see what she said.  By this time I had gotten up the courage to ask Rita out.  So, when Bud asked DiVoran out, and to make her feel more at ease, he suggested that since she knew Rita, maybe he and DiVoran could go on a double-date with Rita and me.  Everyone agreed to that arrangement, and things seemed to work out, and the four of us started running around together.  After a while, for some reason, DiVoran and I got to the point where we felt more comfortable around each other than we did with our partners.  I began calling her to find out how Rita felt about me.  When I did, she would ask me about Bud’s feelings for her.  This turned into a regular thing, and over time the two of us became good friends.

——To Be Continued—–

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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My Boxes

24 Aug

My Take

DiVoran Lites

My Boxes by Thea

Scribe DiVoran

When I first came to live with mama ad papa, my kittens and I had been at a foster home. I loved my kittens, but as they grew and played harder and harder, I got more and more tired. One day me and my kittens were put in carriers and took to SPCA. That’s where people go to find beautiful cats and dogs to take home and love. 

I don’t remember how many kittens I have or what colors they are.  Mama likes to tell me stories about them. One day she counted the little pink bumps on my tummy, and because I had six of them under my white fur, she says I had six kittens. It’s just make-believe. She tells me I had six different colors of babies, too. Three were girls, and three were boys. I had two calicos, three tigers, and one tuxedo that looked like me. I wish I could see them again, but I am happy where I am, so it would have to be just a visit. I wouldn’t want to go back to the foster home because the people there are so busy they don’t have time to pay attention to one cat. When the place I lived didn’t want me anymore because I was going to have kittens, the people at the SPCA did so many things for me. They fixed me so I wouldn’t have any more kittens. And they put a chip about the size of a grain of rice under my skin so if I got lost they could find me. Also they gave me shots to keep me healthy. It all hurt for just a minute, but mama said they were good things. For some reason, she only paid five dollars instead of $85 for me, I wonder why.

Now I live in a house with three litter boxes all to myself. One thing about me is that I am a long cat. I don’t look like it curled up in mama’s chair.  When I laid on the floor mama measured me. She said that from the tip of one paw stretched out in front and one stretched out in back, I measured three feet long. She thinks that is the reason my waste falls out of the litterboxes. Scratching on the wall or the door or any other place doesn’t hide it. I am embarrassed and sorry.  

One place that is good and big is mama’s bathtub. It’s easy to clean too, but she decided I couldn’t use it. First, she put orange peels in the bottom. No cat I know likes the smell of orange peels. Later, she put a layer of water at the bottom of the tub. Every day I put my paws on the rim and look in to see if the water is still there. 

The other three boxes are on the porch, and in the studio. But I still liked mama’s pretty bathroom best, so I used the bathroom floor. Mama stepped in my water in her stocking feet. She didn’t like that. 

Once she got that book about Decoding Your Cat and read that cats already had a lot of anxiety and that it didn’t help at all to punish and be mean, and decided not to be harsh with me. Some people are very harsh if their cats go outside the little boxes, sometime they get sent away somewhere because their owner can’t figure out how to make them use the sanitation that is here for them. Mama read that big enough and clean enough boxes can help a lot. Litter boxes must be completely emptied and washed with unscented soap. For one cat once a month is enough, unless it is a very messy cat. The more cats you have the more cleaning you have to do. 

So now, mama is trying harder to keep my boxes as clean as can be, and I am happy. She’s going to get a big enough plastic box, so I don’t have to drop my litter onto the floor.  

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

Random Memories of Germany- Our Favorite Castles Part 2

23 Aug

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

As I mentioned in a previous post about Linderhof, Ludwig was a great friend of Richard Wagner, composer.  Many, many of the paintings in Newschwanstein deal with different scenes in Wagner’s operas.  

1875 – Richard Wagner

There is only one room in the castle that didn’t have a wooden ceiling – and it was a painting in his dressing room by Eduard Ille.

The Dressing Room – notice the ceiling – not wood

Personally, I am enthralled with the wooden ceilings!  But then, you might remember my post about wood inlay and how much I enjoy the workmanship that goes into that artistry.  So all the woodwork in this castle appealed to me greatly.

Also in the dressing room is a “pottery toilet-set by Mettlach majolica ware (by Villeroy and Boch – some of our favorite).”  There is iron-work on all the doors in the castle, but it is reported that the iron-work on the door between the living room and the dressing room is probably the finest of the whole castle.  The detail in the iron-work is impressive.

If you remember my post from August 9, 2020, you will see the picture of the King’s bedroom in Linderhof.  It is magnificent.  However, the King’s bedroom in Neuschwanstein is not nearly as elaborate as the one in Linderhof.

The Kings Bedroom at Neuschwanstein

However, it is magnificent in it’s own right.  As I said – lots of wood – paneling and ceiling.  Also, the Bavarian blue was Ludwig’s favorite color, and you will see it here in the drapes and bedspread.  Not so sure about that column in the middle of the room – that might be a head-knocker in the middle of the night!

Neuschwanstein was still incomplete when Ludwig II died in 1886. The King never intended to make the palace accessible to the public.  However, no more than six weeks after the King’s death, the Prince-Regent Luitpold ordered the palace opened to paying visitors. 

~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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How to Overcome This Hot Summer of Loneliness

22 Aug

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

August 21, 2020

Reblogged August 22, 2020

In the midst of chaos and even when crowded by unhappy people, the loneliness presses in. And As we pour out what burdens our heart, God listens, He observes and He repeats His promises.

These verses were sent to me years ago from an unknown author. And today they may echo what you feel in your heart. If so, the promises that follow will silence doubt and lift you up.

The Cry…

Lord, sometimes my days seem like an endless echo of distant drums

Tormenting my soul and whispering sounds of sorrow.

My hours pass like homeless beggars, aimlessly shuffling to and from searching for shelter.

I thirst for company, for comfort, for words to quench my parched soul.

Minutes drag and mock me with more sounds of loneliness like sips of bitter poison.

And the tomorrow’s laugh at what my destiny holds.

Will time creep by until I reach the end?

And though people all around crowd in on me still loneliness juts through like weeds in an empty and abandoned field.

But this morning, after a black sleepless night, a stranger visited me—

A glimpse of light from the horizon as if the sun rose within me.

Your Words Lord, the same ones that had been lost in the web of confusion broke free to brush against my soul.

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. 

God’s promises for you:

Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you,for you will answer me. (Psalm 86:3)

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you. (Isaiah 54:14)

Prayer:

Father, I praise You for your attentive listening to my cries. I praise You because You give me the answer, the soothing my heart needs and the comfort my soul longs for. In Jesus’ name.

Has loneliness robbed your joy? Or has His love restored your soul?

Janet

______________________________________

Did you know I wrote a book filled with words of encouragement, uplifting thoughts and illustrations of real-life triumph to empower you? Its title, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life. You can get it HERE.

CLICK HERE for a one-minute inspirational video.

Looking for a speaker for your upcoming event? A great speaker makes the difference between a so-so event and one that shines with impact. I invite you to view one of my two-minute videos HERE.

 Feel free to share Janet’s posts with your friends.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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I Love to Travel Part 2

19 Aug

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

So now, this is an example of how I plan one of my road trips.   I select a specific Aviation museum, from the Guide Book to visit.  I preferably like it to be in an area of the country where I haven’t been before.  Using the guide book, I research the other Aviation museums in the states surrounding the target museum.  Then I use Wikipedia (“Museums in Colorado”) to find all the different types of museums in the states surrounding the target state, that interest me.  I locate the museums, using MapQuest, to establish a route, in those states, and that becomes my itinerary.  I find a major city, nearest my route, with the best airline rate, and my itinerary starts there.  I usually fly Southwest Airlines because I can fly free with my Reward Miles.

My direction of travel does not depend on moving clockwise or counterclockwise, as long as the big two-week itinerary circle brings me back to the same airport.  That way I can pick-up and return my rental car at the same location without any addition drop-off charges.  Rental car costs, gas, food, and museum admissions are usually my only our-of-pocket expenses I have (unless there are tour fees or special tickets. etc.) for one of these two-week trips.  I have my own Accident Insurance, but I’m not always sure my Auto Insurance will cover everything on the rental car, so I usually purchase Travel Insurance that covers anything that could happen to me or the rental car on the trip.

I figure a day’s travel miles (as close as possible) where my itinerary will place me at a location where I can get good motel rates (larger cities generally have more motels to choose from, and their rates are usually lower).  I make advanced motel reservations (usually free with credit card points), so I don’t have to do that on the road.  All of this planning can sometimes take me weeks to arrange, but once it’s all arranged, and I have conformations for everything, I’m ready to go.  

I like to print out a copy of all my conformation notices for airline, rental car, and motels.  Then I make a copy of the description of each museum, which includes name, address, and phone number (days & hours of operation).  I arrange the museum sheets in the order I have decided on for my itinerary, so I will have them at hand in the car as I go.  That way, all I have to do is plug-in the address on my Garmin (Greta), and off I go.  This also gives me a record of everything I might need in case Greta or I get lost, or any other type of problem I might run into.  Sometimes Greta, will take me to the wrong address, or not be able to locate the address.  If that happens, I can refer to the information sheet, for the place I’m heading, and call to ask for directions.  Those sorts of things have happened more than once on my trips in the past.

At the end of each day’s travels, while relaxing at the motel, I record the hi-lights of the day’s activities on my cell phone and email it to my computer at home.  When I get home I use the emails and the internet to thoroughly research each museum for any special or historical data I can find.  It’s amazing how much more interesting my blogs can become with that expanded information.  I arrange the museum’s information in sequence, for that day, and that becomes a short blog (500-700 words).  Then I post one blog per week on the “Old Things R New” website.  This allows others to enjoy my trips (vicariously) if they like that sort of thing, and maybe learn a little something new at the same time.  Writing up these blogs also allows me to re-live the fun memories of the trip again.

I hope you have enjoyed this quick look at the reason “I Love to Travel” and how I go about choosing, researching, arranging, and reporting a two-week “Bucket List” road trip.  These trips are so relaxing, enjoyable and freeing for me.  I can really recommend travel.  Just getting away from the every-day mundane things of life, and hitting the road to somewhere.  It doesn’t have to be a BIG trip.  Just get out and go.  We have a big country out there, and there is a large variety of very interesting and beautiful places and things to see.  So enjoy it.  If you are ever interested in some of the places and things I’ve encountered on my past trips, you can find my travel blogs at www.oldthingsrnew.com. Enter the Title & Part # (if any) of the blog you would like to read in the search box, at the top of the opening screen.  Press “Search” and that should take you to the blog you are looking for (by Bill Lites).  I wish each and every one of you Happy Traveling and enjoyable reading.

Bill

—–The End—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 63 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

Bill

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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Treats and Feets

17 Aug

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Treats and Feets

By Thea

Scribe: DiVoran

One thing I do for fun is begging for treats. They are better than my regular food. I must start letting Mama know what time it is. I feel in my bones that it’s time for treats. I grab the side of her computer chair with my claws to remind her. She says, “Just a minute,” and gently brushes me away. “No, it’s not time.” She says. I lie down close to the chair, hoping she won’t roll over my tail when she shoves off. Sometimes I start to meow pleadingly, but she doesn’t like too much of that. She says it breaks her thinking, but I never broke anything in my life.

After a very long time, she gets up and walks to the kitchen. I run ahead, then stop and look back with my round, yellow eyes.  Mama sprinkles the treats on a soft, red throw, and I hunt for each one in its soft folds. Mama tells me that when I first came, she started giving me treats at seven P.M., but now I get them at four-thirty, cause I know that’s when I’m supposed to. 

After I eat my treats, we play with a soft fat string on a wand. The mouse came off, but a knot is elegant.  I run after it once and roll down and catch it. I hold it to my pretty white tummy with all sixteen claws. When I want Mama to wave the wand again, I let go. I play lying down Here’s a picture of my feet, aren’t they beautiful?  

Music for cats.

Mama is reading this book from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. It’s a good book. She got it at the public library. 

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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