It’s hard to believe that 2017 is just 2 days short of being completed. It’s been a year of many happenings…some were good and some not so good. We spent the first two months of 2017 here in Florida and had an absolutely great two months…met several new friends, reacquainted with some old friends, and enjoyed many days on the beach.
We returned back to our home to enjoy the coldest month that Kentucky had experienced all winter. There was just something wrong with that but we survived. Then on the eve of Good Friday, George had his second stroke and, thank God, there was no lasting results from this one, too. George had the best birthday this year…along with it being Mother’s Day…when all the kids, and many of the grandchildren, surprised us by showing up at our house. SURPRISE, SURPRISE!!! And boy were we ever surprised! It had been almost five years since we were all together and we were so happy…best day EVER.
By now the activity at the “blue house” was picking up and it stayed at full motion through October…thank you, Lord. That was about all we did all summer was stay busy at our house and at the “blue house”. We did enjoy celebrating our 55th anniversary in June with a little time in Cincinnati and going to a Reds game…which is always fun.
Once October rolled around, we were able to enjoy a week back in Florida, thanks to the generosity of Carter and Lori. This has been a special treat for the last few years and always lots of fun and so very appreciated.
Thanksgiving was spent with the Crockett’s along with their Syrian friends experiencing their first real Thanksgiving meal since coming to the USA. They are not fans of pumpkin…a new and different taste for them…so no pie was enjoyed by them but they sure enjoyed most everything else…especially the mac and cheese.
The 3rd of December George had a total knee replacement and he did exceptional well in his recovery…virtually NO PAIN. PT was his most painful times and he’s back to walking better now. On the 13th of December we greeted our second great-grandson, Jackson…Carter’s grandson & Chance’s son (Emily’s too). He is a real cutie and a very good sleeper. On the 17th of December we received our 3rd great-grandson, Sonny. He, too, is a real cutie and had to work really hard to get out and he looks just like his Mama. He is Carter’s 2nd grandson, Chase’s first son (Tara’s first, too) and will be a joy to all. These two additions actually mean that Carter and Lori have four precious grandsons between them with three being born in 2017. Going for more in 2018? With these new additions, we get to sing “Happy Birthday” nine times every December so that’s another busy month for this family.
Now we are back in Florida and looking forward to many warm days, time on the beach, and reacquainting with friends. It’s beyond bitter cold back home and I feel for all the family/friends…people in general…that are having to endure it. Winter is such a dreary season and the lack of sunshine really is depressing. Therefore, I’m happy as a lark in this Florida sunshine.
Have a very Happy New Year and may God continue to bless each of you as you go about serving Him each day. Love to you all.
Blessings…..