DREAM

I had a dream last night. Almost everyone I know was in. Well, not that many people, but still a lot.

In the dream, Dwane and I decided to take the boys to see his sister again. Dawn actually lives in Lynchburg, VA, but in my dream, she lived in the Reed Home in Mamoroneck, NY. Bad Grove Amy went with us, as did Alice's father-in-law. (Keep in mind that I have never met Amy, so I don't know what she looks like, but in my dream I definitely knew it was Amy.) I don't remember any more of the dream. Just thought it was an usual mix of people.

LIES WOMEN BELIEVE

This weekend, I finished the Bible study, Lies Women Believe, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. I thought I would share a couple of thoughts that I found were most thought-provoking:

THE LIE: "I need to learn to love myself." Nancy teaches: "According to God's Word, the Truth is that we were created in the image of God, that He loves us, and that we are precious to Him. However, we do not bestow that worth on ourselves. Nor do we experience the fullness of God's love by telling ourselves how lovable we are. To the contrary, Jesus taught that it is in losing our lives that we find our lives. The message of self-love puts people on a lonely, one-way path to misery...We are constantly looking out for ourselves, deeply sensitive to our own feelings and needs, always conscious of how things and people affect us. The reason some of us get hurt so easily is not because we hate ourselves but because we love ourselves! We want to be accepted, cherished, and treated well. If we did not care so much about ourselves, we would not be so concerned about being rejected, neglected, or mistreated. The fact is, we do not hate ourselves, nor do we need to learn to love ourselves. We need to learn how to deny ourselves, so we can do that which does not come naturally--to truly love God and others."

THE LIE: "I don't have time to do everything I'm supposed to do." Nancy teaches: The Truth is that all I have to do is the work God assigns to me. What a freedom it has been for me to accept that there is time for me to do everything that is on God's "to do" list for my day, for my week, and for my life! (emphasis original). The frustration comes when I attempt to take on responsibilities that are not on His agenda for me. When I establish my own agenda or let others determine the priorities for my lief, rather than taking time to discern what it is that God wants me to do, I end up buried under piles of half-finished, poorly done, or never-attempted projects and tasks. I live with guilt, frustration, and haste, rather than enjoying the peaceful, well-ordered life that He intends."

THE LIE: "My husband is supposed to serve me." Nancy teaches: "The Truth is that God did not make the man to be a "helper" to the woman. He made the woman to be a "helper" to the man. Of couse, this does not mean that men are not to serve their wives and children. If men are to love their wives as Christ loved the church, there must be the willingness to lay down their lives and become servants, even as Christ did for His bride. But if we as women focus on what we "deserve", on our "rights", or on what men "ought" to do for us, we will become vulnerable to hurt and resentment when our expectations are not fulfilled. Blessing and joy are the fruit of seeking for ways to bless, serve, and minister to the needs of our families...One of the things that strikes me most about the "virtuous woman" of Proverbs 31 is the fact that she is so utterly selfless. She is not seeking "self-fulfillment"; she isn't interested in advancing "her career," having her own bank account, or being known for her personal accomplishments. To the contrary, she seems virtually unconcerned about her own interests and needs, choosing instead to focus on how she can meet the practical needs of her husband and children, as well as others in her community. On first reading this passage, one might be tempted to agree with Ann Oakley's conclusion that homemakers are an oppressed breed. But take a fresh look at this woman: She is well dressed (v.22); She and her family have food to eat and enough to share with others (vv. 15, 20); She lives a well-ordered life; she is emotionally stable and free from fear about the future (vv. 21, 25); Her husband is crazy about her--he is faithful to her, he feels she is "one in a million" and tells her so, and he brags about her to his friends (vv. 11, 28-29, 31); and Her children honor and praise her (v.28). Doesn't sound like an oppressed woman to me!"

THE LIE ABOUT SUBMISSION: "The wife is not to provide input or express her opinions to her husband." Nancy teaches: "God created the woman to be a "helper suitable" to her husband. That means he needs her help. He needs the input and insight she is able to bring to various situations. It also means that once a wife has graciously and humbly expressed her heart on the matter, if her husband chooses to act contrary to her counsel, she must be willing to back off and trust God with the consequences of her husband's decision."

THE LIE: "If my husband is passive, I've got to take the initiative, or nothing will get done." Referring to the Fall in the Garden of Eden, Nancy teaches: "This passage evokes a troubling picture in my mind. The couple is together in the Garden. The Serpent approaches them, ignores the man, and strikes up a conversation with the woman, fully aware that God has placed her under the authority of her husband and that both of them are under God's authority. (Notice Satan's strategy to subver God's authority structure by going directly to the woman.) Satan starts the exchange by asking her a question: 'Did God really say, "You must not eat from any tree in the garden"?' At this point, notice what the woman does not do. She does not acknowledge her husband, who is standing by her side. She does not say to the Serpent, "I'd like you to meet my husband.' She does not turn to her husband and ask, 'Honey, how do you think we should respond?' or 'Adam, why don't you tell him what God said to you.' She carries on the entire conversation with the Serpent as if her husband were not there. Further, when it comes time to make a choice, she takes matters into her her own hands. She does not consult with her husband on the matter; she does not ask his input or direction; she simply acts: 'She took some and ate it'. And what is Adam doing this whole time? He is doing what a lot of women tell me their husbands do so much of the time: Nothing. He doesn't interfere; he doesn't get involved--except to eat some fruit himself when his wife gives it to him. All of a sudden, we have the first role reversal...I can't help but wonder to what extent we women have demotivated and emasculated the men around us by our quickness to take the reins rather than waiting on the Lord to move men to action. We can so easily strip men of the motiviation to rise to the challenge and provide the necessary leadership. To make matters worse, when they do take action, the women they look to for encouragement and affirmation correct them or tell them how they could have done it better."

This book challenged my thinking tremendously. I'm not saying that I agree or disagree with everything she said (although her teachings are all very much backed up by Scripture--and how do you argue with that), but boy, this study made me THINK. I would encourage every woman to read it.

CARS & COFFEE

I HATE CARS!!

Sometimes I think they create more problems than they are worth. Dwane's Mom gave us her 1990ish Ford Escort Wagon. It had been sitting for a while, but only had 79,000 miles on it. Since she was moving back to Virginia, she thought Dwane would like it to "tinker" with. Well, after countless hours and hundreds of dollars, Dwane was able to register it on Thursday. Yesterday, we took the car to Brunswick so Dwane could pick up a piece of equipment for work. On the way home, we made it to Bath, and Dwane pulls quickly into VIP. Apparently, the coolant light had come on, and it needed antifreeze. He picked up the antifreeze, put it in, and started the car. No go. The car would make that "err, err, err" sound, but that's it. Dwane said that it was not getting any gas. Fuel pump? Vapor lock? Corroded fuel sensors? Who knows. We called AAA for a ride home, but they didn't have a tow truck with cab. So all 5 of us (the 4 of us plus the driver) crammed onto a bench seat to make the hour long drive home from Bath. Yuck. Caleb was on Dwane's lap, and Eben was on mine. Fifteen minutes into the trip, Caleb decided to go to sleep, so he leans over on me. So I'm now cradling Caleb in my arms, and Eben is on my knees. (Caleb is between my chest and Eben's back.) What a trip. Actually, the boys were much better behaved during that trip than they had been all day. Praise God!

I LOVE COFFEE!!

Well, not exactly. I don't love just any coffee--it has to be mine. It's almost like a ritual for me--the process of making my coffee. 2 1/2 heaping teaspoons of decaf coffee with a chocolate twist (Chocolate Velvet, Chocolate Truffle, etc.), with water just past the 4-cup mark. Two heaping teaspoons of Splenda in the bottom of the empty coffee cup. A pretty good splash of Coffeemate on top of the Splenda. (Still no coffee in the cup.) Now I swirl the Splenda and the Coffeemate together. Then comes the coffee. No stirring. (If you put the spoon in the coffee to stir it, it gets wet. Now you have to get a new spoon to measure out the Splenda for the next cup. Call me crazy.) Anyway, by not stirring, you get this extra sweet little "skim" on the top that its absolutely delicious. And I don't even let Dwane make my coffee. No way. It has to be me. It's like making my coffee is a time of deep reflection or something. Just something I have to do. Anyway--my favorite Coffeemate is Chocolate Raspberry. Right now, I am alternating that with White Chocolate Macadamia Nut. That one is ok, but I probably won't by it again. The last Coffeemate I bought was actually the General Foods one (I think) called Chocolate Mint something. That one was DELICIOUS. Haven't found it since. Figures! Now---for all of you Starbucks fans out there (I have never been to a Starbucks), if you were me, knowing what I have just told you about my coffee preferences, what would you order for me? Let me know so that I know what to order the first time I go to Starbucks.

GINA'S NO RHYME OR REASON MI-5

Gina says: I tried to come up with a "theme" but nothing came to me. The following are just some random thoughts/questions.

1. Hectic and crazy are often how we describe our daily lives. If you had to pick the moment of each day that you felt the most serene, when would that be?

This is an easy one for me to answer. It is definitely when I get up in the morning, before anyone else, feed the cats, feed the guinea pig, start the coffee, light a candle, and sit down to read my devotions for the day. The other time that is somewhat serene for me is putting the kids to bed and then going to bed myself to read magazines and watch HGTV.

2. What “habit” has been the most difficult for you to give up? Why do you think it’s been so difficult for you?

Probably overeating. I think I eat a lot from habit. I almost always have seconds for lunch and dinner, mostly because that is what I have always done. And at about 3:00 every afternoon, I have my Tab, in a glass, over ice, together with a snack--usually popcorn.

3. If you could relieve your spouse (friend, family member, significant other) of one burden in life, what you take away?

I would love to relieve my mother from her grieving. I know that there is nothing that I can do to ease that, but I'd still like to. And I'm not saying that I want her to remarry or anything---I just wish she didn't feel such sorrow. (And she does try to hide it well, but those closest to her know it anyway.) My second choice would be to relieve my husband from his need to work so many hours.

4. If a psychic offered to tell you anything you wanted to know about your life, what is the thing you would least like to know?

Oh, this is tough. There are certain conversations I'd love to be a fly on the wall for, but not necessarily to find out something about me... Goodness. I just don't know. Ok---how 'bout this---I wouldn't want to know the details of how I was conceived. Sorry. I just can't think of anything.

5. What has been the hardest transition you have had to make in life? And how did you do it – what helped?

I think the hardest was losing my Dad. I still don't think I have transitioned successfully, and it is only by the grace of God and the love of my family that I have transitioned at all. Another transition was sending Eben to kindergarten. How I hated putting him on that scoolbus. Because I was pregnant with Caleb at the time, that helped me transition. I will not be pregnant will Caleb goes to school, so I'm not sure how I'll transition then.

Bonus Question – How about those Red Sox! Are you a true blue fan, loyal through the ups and downs? Or do you follow them only if they are in the World Series?

The Red Sox are certainly my favorite baseball team, and at one time, I knew of most of the players. (My boss at the time was an obsessed fan.) I haven't watched a baseball game in years, although I have fallen asleep to the sounds of the World Series Game the last two nights. (Mostly because there was nothing else on TV.)

FOREVER

Forever, by Judy Blume. This is a book that my cousin Lisa got in trouble for reading...and I got in trouble because it was I who loaned her my copy of the book.

Over the last several years, I've thought about re-reading this book, just to see exactly how "bad" it really is. I had never had any luck in finding it (used copies at Amazon were at least $45 for a paperback version). This past Friday, however, Breakwater Bookland had a table marked "Teen Reading Month", and on the table, was Forever. I figured that since Bookland was labeling it a "teen" book, that it really couldn't be that bad, so I bought myself a copy.

It was BAD. I should have had my butt slapped hard for that reading that book, and especially for loaning it to my younger cousin. I absolutely could not believe that anyone would call that book appropriate for teenagers. I told Dwane that I thought Bookland should require an ID, and that people should be at least 18 years old before they could buy it. And, I think it should be wrapped in plastic like a nudie magazine. I thought it was just horrifying. Maybe I'm just a prude.

And the interesting thing is, I didn't remember the storyline of the book AT ALL. I remembered Ralph (after seeing it in print), but I didn't remember other character names, the plot line, NOTHING. The other thing that kind of tickled me is that there were phrases in the book that I never even would have understood as a teenager. In fact, I probably didn't understand them until I was married.

I am a HUGE Judy Blume fan. I think that Are You There God? It's Me Margaret is an absolutely beautiful book for pre-teen girls, and Eben and I have thoroughly enjoyed the Superfudge series. But Forever? I think it should be banned.

HOW MANLY AM I?

My brother put up a list of things that, according to Popular Mechanics, studly men should be able to do. He boldfaced those items that he could not do, and then encouraged us women to "play along". So, here is the list. However, I have bold-faced the items that I CAN do (which obviously is not many).

1. Patch a radiator hose
2. Protect your computer
3. Rescue a boater who has capsized
4. Frame a wall
5. Retouch digital photos
6. Back up a trailer
7. Build a campfire
8. Fix a dead outlet
9. Navigate with a map and compass (Map, easy. Compass, no clue.)
10. Use a torque wrench
11. Sharpen a knife
12. Perform CPR (I've never done this, so I don't know that I'd be entirely successful, but I was CPR certified at one time.)
13. Fillet a fish
14. Maneuver a car out of a skid
15. Get a car unstuck
16. Back up data
17. Paint a room (I have never done it, but I have watched HGTV enough to be confident that I could do it.)
18. Mix concrete
19. Clean a bolt-action rifle
20. Change oil and filter
21. Hook up an HDTV
22. Bleed brakes (I have participated in this process many times, although I have not done it by myself.)
23. Paddle a canoe (not necessarily in a particular direction, though)
24. Fix a bike flat
25. Extend your wireless network

As you can probably imagine, my husband has done all of these successfully. Guess I'm married to a studly man.

MORNING THOUGHTS

Please say a quick prayer for me today. Satan is trying very hard to throw me in a pit. I could spend hours commisserating and complaining about my lot in life, but what good would that do? For the most part my so-called "complaints" are only self-serving. But sometimes it amazes me just powerful Satan can be in our lives if we give him the opportunity. How he will try to take words from a loving spouse, and twist them, and instead of seeing encouragement, we see only despair. How he will take the blessing of a wonderful earthly father, and make me think only about how short his life was and about how miserable I am that he's gone, instead of how blessed my life was because he was in it. How he will take a job that is such a blessing because I am able to stay home with my kids, and instead make me feel like I hate my job. How he will take the blessing of my husband having two jobs that he loves, and instead, make me only think about how little time I have with him.

I went for a walk this morning. I haven't exercised lately, and I think that has contributed to my feeling like I'm "in a pit". I need to exercise because I need to lose weight. I need to lose weight because I have high blood pressure. I need to get rid of the high blood pressure so that I can be here to fulfill my purpose in life: to glorify God, to love support my Husband in everything he chooses to do (regardless of what or not I like it), and to raise children that truly love and want to serve God. Everything beyond that is extra. A trip to Ohio is extra. A weekend at a women's conference is extra. Attendance at fellowship meetings is extra. I should only be thankful for the blessings that God has given to me, not moping around because I am not getting the "extras". If I stopped worrying and fussing about the "extras", perhaps my blood pressure would go down on its own.

While I walked this morning, I listened to Christian music on my mp3 player. Two songs brought me to tears this morning. Had I not been with Caleb, and pushing him in a stroller, they would have brought me to my knees. Both songs are by Point of Grace. Here are the words:

FAITH, HOPE & LOVE
Artist(Band):Point Of Grace
Words & Music by Ty Lacy & Kevin Stokes
(Chorus)
Faith, Hope and love
Is more than enough when times get tough
Faith, hope and love
Will tunnel through what's in front of you
If you just trust in faith, hope and love

There's a lot of things we face
That seem to pull us down
There's a lot of tears and pain
That turn our world around
Seems the hammer always falls against us
At our weakest times
But I know a power that can heal
The wounds it leaves behind
It's a stone's throw away
From anything we may face

(Repeat Chorus)

There's a lot of hurt and sorrow
That can cloud the bluest skies
Still there's hope in tomorrow
If we just close our eyes
To every fear we must face
As wE learn to embrace...

(Repeat Chorus)

You can trust
You can really, really trust
In faith, hope and love
Just a little faith will pave the road before you
To see you through

(Repeat Chorus) 3x

I'LL BE BELIEVING
Words & music by Geoff Thurman & Becky Thurman

When I'm walking the straight and narrow
Sometimes life throws a little curve
If I slip on the stones beneath me
Will I loose my nerve?
Looking up when Ive hit the bottom
Giving thanks that the motions stopped
I still have a rock to hold to
If the bottom drops
Out here on my own I wont be alone
I'll keep believing you

I'll be believing
I will be believing
I'll be believing
Oh, I'll be believing you
I'll be believing
I will be believing
Oh, I'll be believing you

If I find all my hopes are hollow
Even if all my wells run dry
If Im left here with next to nothing
And I dont know why
I'm here on my own
I won't be alone
I'll keep believing you
Out here on my own
I won't be alone
I'll keep believing you

MELANIE'S MI-5

1. What story are you writing with your life right now?

The story of a girl, trying to be a woman, trying to do what God wants her to do--to be a supportive, submissive, loving wife, and a patient, caring, loving mother.

2. If you could ask God for one thing, what would it be?

That the Rapture would take place immediately.

3. What does your heart long to be involved in?

Apart from completing the story set forth in #1, I long to learn to ballroom dance. I also long to be a fantastic housekeeper who has every facet of her life in tip-top shape. I'd also love to travel some more: Hawaii, Grand Canyon, Branson, Caribbean, etc.

4. It is said you learn something new everyday. What are some things you’d like to learn to enrich your life?

I guess this goes with #3---to learn to ballroom dance, and to learn to enjoy housecleaning.

5. Everyone has a mantra even if they don't outwardly express it - time to make yours public.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

WHAT'S NEW? NOTHING MUCH.

I am disastrously close to making Aunt Ginny's Bad Blogger List, so I thought I'd better post something...and quick. So, I thought I would give you a Weekend Wrap-up ala Billy Rhythm.

Let's start with Friday. I went to Mom's house to have a rotisserie chicken sandwich. It was sooo good. Mom had spent most of the morning mopping up after "Ebbie's Room" leaked yet again---even after all of the work she had done on it this spring. Apparently, the gutters had not been cleaned out on the back side of the house, so the heavy rain we had Friday morning decided to come inside. What a mess. Mom's a trouper, though, and spent 45 minutes in that pouring rain cleaning out her gutters. Dwane came home a little early so that we could eat the pot roast that I had cooking in the crockpot. (I love to make it with a mixture of cream of mushroom soup and dry onion soup mix. Just dumpt it on top on the roast, and add your veggies. Very yummy.) Dwane left to drive a taxi, and I think I just stuck myself in front of the computer again, playing TriJong. I think I was in bed by 9:00 PM.

Dwane had to work at the Samoset early Saturday morning. He got in from taxi at 2:20 AM, and had to be at the Samoset by 7:00 AM. The kids and I went into town to have lunch with him at Burger King, and then we headed home to get ready for the Cub Scout Raingutter Regatta at 3:00 in T. Harbor. We got home to have some Tony's Pizza (to which I added hamburger and onion), and Dwane was out the door again. That night, I spent time scrapbooking and then watching the Nascar Race. Bobby Labonte did well throughout most of the race, but then an ill-timed pit stop created at 12th or 14th place finish.

On Sunday morning I got a call from Ma that she wasn't feeling well. Since she was scheduled to teach Mom's Sunday School Class (because Mom is on her bustrip to Ohio), I filled in. I also had to fill in playing the piano for Sunday School, which is not a favorite thing for me to do. I killed one song, but my brother was very forgiving, and we all got through it just fine. I did love teaching Sunday School again, though. I didn't realize how much I missed it. Maybe I'll be able to teach again sometime soon. Sunday lunch was at home. We took the leftover pot roast, heated it up, and ate it on a hoagie roll with provolone cheese. That was really yummy, too. I had a nap in the afternoon, and then it was off to church again. After church, we drove around trying to find something for supper. I had planned to make Caramel French Toast, but I hadn't read the entire recipe first, and it was a dish that needed to be chilled for 7 hours. That wasn't going to work. We ended up getting take and bake pizzas from Pik Qwik in Thomaston. I think that pizza is my very favorite (or tied with Papa John's). I added hamburger, onion, and bacon to a cheese pizza, and it was amazing. Pizza two nights in a row, but no one complained.

Yesterday, I met my Aunt Jo, her sister Tina, and friend Ronnie (who were all visiting from Concord, NH) at China Coast. I really enjoyed chatting with them, and it was good to see Ma up and eating. It reassured me that she was indeed feeling better. (You're not the only one who worries, Ma!) I had a scrapbooking class last night, and they are always fun. Alice's cheeseball was devoured in no time. There wasn't even any left for me to take home!

Now I sit here anticipating breakfast. I've created a new sort of concoction for my breakfast: two eggs scrambled with a little milk, then topped with shredded pepper jack cheese. I then put it in a heated tortilla shell. Yum! It's a good thing my cholesterol is ok, or I'd be in trouble.

THE TRIP

I really have many more important things to do (unpacking, laundry, cleaning, working, etc.), but I thought that if I didn't blog right away, I might forget something "important" about the trip.

We left Thursday, I think around 10:30 or so. We arrived at the Enterprise Car Rental in Portland at 12:07 PM. (I remember this because I was born at 12:07 AM--what is it about me and the number 7? I was born on the 7th, at 12:07.) Anyway, we rented a Chevy Malibu. It was much smaller than my van, obviously, but a pretty nice little car. We had lunch at Wendy's at South Portland, and then went to Target to pick up some batteries and last-minute snacks before getting on the road again. We stopped for gas in Massachusetts on the Mass Pike, and the kids and I ate a slice of pizza from Sbarro. Dwane got a pretzel with icing from Auntie Anne's, which turned out to be a big no-no an hour or so later. (We had to make a 1/2 hour rest stop.) Let's see. What happened next? There was a car accident in CT--a SUV was on its roof, and rescue crews were just getting there when we went by. That meant a big traffic jam. On the south-side of DC, on I-95, there was tons of road construction. I thing there was three separate occasions when three lanes of traffic had to merge to one, and we were in bumber-to-bumper stop-and-go traffic for 1/2 hour each time. We finally made it to Williamsburg at 3:00 AM, and it was 3:30 before we got into bed. The key to our room did not work on the door. Dwane went downstairs, they re-keyed it, but it still didn't work. Dwane trudged back downstairs while the three of us sat down in the hallway. The front desk guy came back up this time, and he put us in the room across the hall.

The next morning was our tour of the timeshare place--Kings Creek Plantation. We were taken to breakfast (at the Days Inn where we stayed), and I had biscuits and sausage gravy, which was very good. The timeshare was very nice, but we weren't even tempted. Too much money. The presentation took longer than expected (we were told 90 minutes to 2 hours, but we were tied up for 2 1/2 hours). The boys did pretty well, but were really going nuts at the end of it.

After the timeshare thingie, we went to Hardee's for lunch. (No Hardee's up here!) I had a fried chicken breast, mashed potato and gravy, and a biscuit. It was pretty good.

That brings us to Friday afternoon. We finally hit Busch Gardens. The crowds were light, so we really enjoyed it. We went on the Turkish Delight (like a tilt-a-whirl) and the Flying Machine (like the Octopous). Dwane took Eben on the Tradewinds (I think---the big rocking ship), and then he took the boys on DaVinci's Cradle. I went on both of those rides the first time I went to Busch Gardens, and I haven't been on them since. They rearranged my stomach. Dwane's sister, Dawn, and her husband, Dennis, (along with Dennis's daughter Erica & her friend Chelsey) met up with us around supper time. They brought Pizza Hut, so we ate supper in the parking lot instead of having to drop tons of cash in the park for food. I hadn't seen Dawn since Thanksgiving, and a lot of things have happened since then. I was somewhat nervous about seeing her again, but we gave each other a hug and both started to cry. I just can't even tell you how good that hug felt. I love Dawn to pieces, and it was just so good to see her again. We all then went back into the park. Dwane went with them on the Griffon, which is a new huge coaster. (See www.griffoncoaster.com for more details--watch the little movie called "press conference" or something like that.) Halloscream started at 6:00. They turn the park into a kind of "haunted area". Freaks me out a little bit, but Billy Rhythm would have loved it. Creepy music. Creepy lighting. People jumping out at you. Fun, huh? Caleb and I stayed in the "safe areas" while Dwane and Eben joined the others in the haunted area. We left the park around 8:00, I think. We decided we were still somewhat hungry, so we took the kids to McDonald's, and Dwane and I went to Long John Silver's. We ordered an order of Lobster-Stuffed Crabcakes, and an order of Chicken Planks, and then split them. We actually liked both, which is odd for Long John Silver's. I always like to go there, because it's different, but I've never been impressed with the food. When we got back to the hotel, we discovered that housekeeping had not even been to our room. No clean sheets. (The beds weren't even made.) No clean towels. No empty wastebaskets. Nothing. I'm guessing that the front desk clerk forgot to tell housekeeping that we had changed rooms.

On Saturday, we had breakfast back at Hardee's. I had a chicken biscuit. It was pretty good. We were then back at Busch Gardens until 5:00 PM. Dwane went on some more coasters, and Eben actually went on the Griffon with him. It was Eben's very first coaster. (Now you really need to watch that web movie!) We actually paid $16 for the coaster picture of Eben on the ride. It's priceless! Eben also went on the Apollo's Chariot Coaster (which was Dwane's favorite), and I joined them on the Big Bad Wolf. It figures that the one coaster I went on had an elecrical failure while I was on it. Fortunately, we were stopped just before the "drop off" point, so it wasn't too bad. The worst of it was sitting 15 minutes in the 90 degree sun. (Not good when your blonde & fair skilled.) We ate lunch at the Festhaus, where I actually convinced Dwane to do the polka with me around the stage. I can't believe he actually agreed to do that. He earned "brownie points" for that. I had wanted to go on the Loch Ness Monster coaster before we left, but the lines were too long. Before leaving, I bought myself a Busch Gardens coffee mug.

We then had to drive 3 hours back to Lynchburg. And wouldn't you know it? There was another car accident, and we were tied up in traffic again. We stopped at a rest stop that had a pretty nice picnic area. Dennis had brought on the fixings for subs for our supper. On the way to Lynchburg, we ran over a racoon. Other than a squirrel, that was the other time I had been in a vehicle that actually ran over an animal. I hit a deer once, but I didn't run over it. When we got into Lynchburg, we stopped at Sonic so that I could get my cherry limeade. I also ordered some onion rings, but it was a huge order. They were really good, but I ended up throwing half of them away. Sonic is my all-time favorite fast-food place.

On Sunday, we went to church with Dennis & Dawn at their church, Blue Ridge Community Church. It is a HUGE church. They have two services each Sunday morning, and Sunday School is held at the same time as the Worship Service. Both boys went to their respective Sunday School classes, and both did very well. The service was VERY contemporary. Just a tad too contemporary for me. I felt like the oldest person in the congregation. Lots of young families. No piano and organ. Instead--a band of young people dressed in jeans and t-shirts. Electric guitars, bass guitar, drums, etc. I didn't know one song. The words are projected on big screens so you can follow along, but since I didn't have the actually music in front of me, and didn't already know the melody, it was hard to sing. The preach was also in jeans and a sweatshirt-type of thing, and he sat on a stool to preach. The church is thriving. It is obvious that they are doing something right---they are reaching many, many young families. It's just not I would enjoy week-in and week-out. I think I really prefer a smaller church. They have been going to this church for 18 months now, and when we "signed up" the kids for Sunday School, they lady didn't even know Dawn's name. (By the way, when you "drop off" your child, they put a sticker on your child, and give you a matching sticker. You cannot pick up the child until you "hand in" your own sticker. You are also given a beeper, and if you are needed, they'll just "beep" you during the service.

We had a cookout after church. Dwane's Mom, Grandmother, and Aunt joined us for striper and hamburgers. Dwane did most of the cooking. Yummy. After that, we pretty much rested and watched the Talladega race, which was heart breaking. Our driver, Bobby Labonte, caused the "big one" hear the end of the race. He was running in the top-five at the time of the accident.

For supper, we went to Cracker Barrel so that I could get the mac & cheese. It was wonderful, as always. We went to bed around 10:00 PM.

Monday morning, we were on the road at 3:50 AM. We went home the I-81, I-84 route, with little to no traffic problems. (Just getting on the Mass Pike was a little slow.) Plus, that route only costs about $5 in tolls. We stopped at the Danbury Fair Mall in CT for lunch. This is the same mall that Mom and I stopped at when we went on the bus trip to TN last year. It was so expensive!!! The kids each had a slice of pizza and a soda. Dwane and I each had a soda and a plate from the Panda Express. Caleb and I had cookies from Mrs. Field's for dessert, and Dwane and Eben had ice cream. $38 for lunch! We could've eaten at Applebee's instead! Ugh! Oh, well. At least we had a chance to stretch our legs. I bought the boys each a Webkins, which is a stuffed animal that comes with special website privileges. They are all the rage in Lynchburg according to my nephew Colby. We stopped on the Mass Pike for a bathroom break, and Dwane and I had another pretzel. This time, it wasn't costly for Dwane. :) We got into Portland at 6:00 PM, stopped at McDonald's in Topsham for supper, and got home at 8:15 PM.

Quick vacation. Very busy. Very fun. Now I am faced with "vacation aftermath". Yuck.

MY TRAVEL MI-5

As I am away traveling this week, I thought I would do a little “Travel MI-5”.

1. My sweetie and I are going to Bar Harbor on an overnight. If you were to plan a realistic overnight getaway for your sweetie or a best friend, what would it be? Where would you go? Where would you stay? Where would you eat? Any special activities?

Well, we didn't make it to Bar Harbor. Fifty percent of our child care had illness in the family, so it was a no go. If I was going to plan another trip, I think I might think about Old Orchard Beach. I have never been on the beach. (Went to a Celine Dion/Michael Bolton concert back in 1994 at the ballpark.) Since I really love amusement park places, I think OOB would be a nice place to combine a romantic beach with an amusement park. Since I've never been there, I'm not really sure of the details. Dwane took me to a B&B in June, and I really enjoyed that, so it might be nice to stay at a B&B. I'm sure we would have to find a place to eat fried seafood for supper.

2. My family and I are going to Virginia for a long-weekend. If you were to plan a realistic long-weekend getaway for your immediate family, what would it be? Where would you go? Where would you stay? Where would you eat? Any special activities?

I think the long-weekend in Virginia is perfect for us. It's a great way to see family and combine it with pleasure activities, too. This particular weekend, we are renting a car with great gas mileage, and we'll see whether or not that is a good idea. Economically, I'm sure it will be. For our sanity, I'm not so sure. Normally, we stay at Dwane's sister's house, but since we will actually be in Williamsburg for most of the trip, instead of Lynchburg, we will be staying at the Days Inn, less than one mile from Busch Gardens. And speaking of Busch Gardens, that's where we'll be for two days. It's one of my favorite spots on the whole earth. We'll also be going to church (I love the Southern churches).

3. Have you ever read a novel set in an exotic locale? If so, tell us a little about it. Would you like to visit there?

I tend to not enjoy reading books that take place in other countries. I think it becomes burdensome to me to read through "local color". I like my reading to be easy and relaxing, not something I have to think about it. I did read a book once that was recommended by Kelly Ripa, when Regis & Kelly were actually doing a book club. It was set on a tropical deserted island. Imaginery, I think. The book was quite "raunchy", and was really just dumb. Other than that, the most exotic I have gotten is the Deep South during the Civil War. I did enjoy that.

4. When I go away, I really look forward to eating at restaurants that are not here where I live (Golden Corral, Sonic & Cracker Barrel). Are there similar restaurants that you like to frequent when you are away?

I guess I have pretty much answered my own question, huh? I also LOVE Biscuitville. They have an awesome fried chicken biscuit that is to do for. I also enjoy Chick-fil-a and Long John Silver's. Neither one of them have great food, but I like to go, simply because it's different.

5. I have only been to one Broadway show (“Cats”), and I would like to go to another. However, it would consist of quite a bit of travel to get there. Since I probably won’t be attending anytime soon, tell me something about a Broadway show. Have you ever been to one? Have you heard about one that peaks your interest? Is there a Broadway show that has music of which you are particularly fond? Do you hate even the thought of Broadway? Why?

When I was in 5th grade, Mr. Walton taught us some Broadway tunes for Vocal Music. I remember some songs from Pippen, Grease, and Jesus Christ Superstar (I think). We learned "Beautiful City", "You're the One That I Want", and "Corner of the Sky". I sang all three of those to my boys as lullabies when they were babies. I still plan to watch the movies Chicago, Hairspray, and Dreamgirls when I get a chance. And, after watching so much American Idol, I'm learning what they mean by a "Broadway" voice. I get that. And, just as another note, while I somewhat enjoyed watching the Grease reality show this spring, I think the singers that one were so not worthy of the roles. JMHO.