Random Good Stuff: Sue/Brian

It's Friday. Let's have some fun!

Here are three good things on three different topics brought to you by two good friends.

Three good names for real-life bands

Sue

1. Death Cab for Cutie
2. My Morning Jacket
3. Plain White T's

Brian

2) Barenaked Ladies
3) The Power Station
1) Jump 'N The Saddle Band

Three good foods for kids that I sometimes eat as an adult

Sue

1. Kraft Mac and Cheese
2. Spaghetti O's
3. Goldfish Crackers

Brian

2) Peanut Butter Cap'n Crunch
3) Quick
1) Chicken fingers

Three words that are fun to say out loud

Sue

1. Hootenanny
2. Honkin'
3. Anemone

Brian

2) Shenanigans
3) Crikey
1) Persnickety

Thanks to Sue for coming up with the lists!
What are some of yours?

Making lemonade

Good or interesting, is that the question?

Truth be told, I commend Brian for his last post – tackling the good or interesting conundrum.

But I think there is another question to ponder.

That is, good vs. bad. How do we take the bad things that happen to us, and make them good? How do we make lemonade out of lemons?

I’m not sure I know the answer to those questions. It depends on many factors: the circumstances, the course of events, the actions and reactions of yourself and others, how bad is the bad, and so on.

For me, the diagnosis of a rare, chronic, life-threatening disease without a cure was indeed a very bad thing to happen to me at the age of 38. It continues to be a not-so-good thing to this day.

How can I look at this very bad thing, and find the good in it? It’s not easy, in fact, it’s very, very hard.

But I can try. Here are three good life lessons from my journey so far:

1. Perspective. It’s taken me some time, but I think my perspective on life has changed quite a bit since my diagnosis. Like the book, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff,” I try to let go of the little things in life that used to bother me in the past. Part of my motivation for writing this blog is to embrace the little everyday things that are good, and to release the little annoying things that are not.

2. Compassion. I believe I’m becoming a more compassionate person because of my own very bad thing. Perhaps that man walking very slowly in front of me has a heart condition, or perhaps that poorly-dressed family cannot afford new clothes because the father has been out of work for quite some time. We may not know the burdens faced by others. Their journey is very different from our own.

2. Perseverance. Some days I just would like to crawl under the covers and stay there forever. But I can’t. I have a husband, two kids, and family and friends who need and love me. I have to take my medications, visit my doctors, endure medical tests, exercise, rest, and take care of myself despite my limitations. I have to keep on keeping on.

I need to take the lemons and make lemonade.

Good or Interesting

I realize that when writing a 3 Good things story, it's generally considered "good" to write about "good' things, and that those "good" things are in fact "good". Today, I must confess a brief departure from format and discuss the difference between "good" and "interesting".

If you are ever in a spot where you need to open up a conversation, perhaps one that results in stories or philosophical debate, I can recommend the "Good or Interesting" conundrum. It goes like this...

Would you rather that good things happen to you, or interesting things? Most people will answer "good".


Example of "good thing"
I did a good job paralel parking last night. It was so good, on the left-side, not the right, squeaked in-between cars, and I even stuck the ending just 3 inches from the curb. I had a witness. I took a picture. This was a good thing.

Let's be honest. It's not very interesting and once I showed you the picture, you thought to yourself - "why did he take a picture of his parking job?"

Example of "interesting thing"
The text on his sign reads: "Ninjas killed my family - need money for kung-fu lessons! Good? Hardly, but interesting definitely. My life has been more interesting than good, when it comes to things that happen. That is not to say that those things have not become good over time. I am a firm believer in the Word of God and this particular scripture comes to mind:

Romans 8:28 (GNT)
28 We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.

You can follow that link to see it in a variety of versions - but the point here is that - just because you don't like the interesting thing that just happened, God works to turn those into good things. I have stories that start out... kinda rotten. Most every one winds up on the good side eventually.

With that in mind, here are three interesting things that happened, and God turned them into good.

2) I moved from one state to another and changed high schools between my sophomore and junior years. Man, at the time, that was rotten. Now, I'm fortunate to have friends all over the country because of that move. I became more compassionate about people in new places.

3) I've messed up personally and even professionally over the last 20 years or so. No... I'm not going to be specific... but I'm not proud of many things I've said or done over the years. You know what? I've made amends where I can, I've tried to make changes and be a better person. And guess what? That actually works. I am a better guy than I used to be.

1) My own adoption story kinda trumps all my other stories. If you want to read about it, please feel free. Adoption

There are plenty of things that I'm still waiting on the "good" to come out of them. It's possible I'll never know, and possible the good will come to someone else - not to me. That's good too.

Good Cartoon Classics!

It's been quite hot around these parts lately, and we've been stuck in the house to keep cool. To pass the time, the kids have been playing video games or watching cartoons.

Miss O and little bro A enjoy watching cartoons like most kids do. Sometimes they watch new stuff like Phineas and Ferb, Sponge Bob Square Pants, or some other weird shows that I don't even know the names of, but once in a while they will watch the classics like Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, or the Flintstones. Cartoons are a good thing, especially classic ones.

Like these three favorites from my childhood:

1. Scooby Doo:

There is a new version of this show out these days that the kids watch from time to time. I myself prefer the episodes from back in the day.



2. The Jetsons:

Oh how I wish we could do things like the Jetsons: Fly over traffic, push a button to make dinner, or have Rosie the Robot for a maid. I do know that Brian has a Roomba, but I don't think it's quite like Rosie!



3. The Flintstones:

The kids received a DVD set of classic Flintstone cartoons for Christmas, and they just love watching them. Me too!



Scooby and the crew, George and the gang, Fred and friends ~ my three good cartoon classics! What are your favs?

Good Eggs!

I know what you're thinking - Oh, no! Grrrrrrn. It's another post about food.

But it's not.

It's about people. Good people. People who are friendly, helpful, and supportive. People who help me keep my health stable. People who lift my spirits each and every week.

They are good eggs! Which if you're not familiar with this old-fashioned saying means people of great standards, who have done something well, or pleased someone. Back in the day, when I would do a favor for a friend, her mom would say, "You're a good egg, Sue." At the time, I thought her compliment was kind of quirky, but somewhat endearing, too.

So my three good things for today are not things at all, but three groups of very good people!

They are the people at the hospital where I take part in an excellent pulmonary rehab program. What is pulmonary rehab? It's a place where people with lung disease like me can exercise, be educated, and find much needed support and acceptance. To me, the people of pulmonary rehab are like one big, caring extended family.

1. Top-notch medical professionals including awesome respiratory therapists (D, M, & K - you ladies rock!), nurses, and exercise physiologists. They all work together to provide a welcoming environment to all who enter the rehab department. They not only care for, they care about, all of their patients. That's a very good thing indeed!

2. My comrades-in-arms, or fellow rehab patients. We are different in many ways, but we share a common bond - lung disease. I could easily exercise on my own at home, but then I would miss out on the caring friendship and support of my fellow rehabbers. Like the RT's, they ask about you if you're not there. They listen to your latest medical woes, recommend doctors, and share coping strategies. They pray for you if you are facing a difficult situation. They make you laugh, and they are there for you if you cry.

3. The valet parking guys. Yes, these guys are good eggs, too. Since I have some limitations in my ability to walk long distances, these guys are a godsend. I don't need to worry about the weather when I can drop off my car at the entrance of the hospital, and pick it up when I'm ready to leave. They are hard-working guys who are friendly and welcoming. They greet me with a smile, and ask me how I'm doing. T says they're just so nice to me because they want a bigger tip, but I say they're well-worth it.

Three very good groups of people ~ all good eggs!

Diners

I've lived in the Eastern part of the USA for a couple years now, and have found one of the best things this area has going for it is diners. A good diner can make a bad day good, any time of day - especially if it's breakfast all day!

2) Limerick Diner, Limerick, PA

It's in Limerick - near the nuclear power plant there, but that doesn't stop friends of mine from mocking me/it in prose:
There once was a man at a diner
whose coffee was put through a grinder
He said, with a grin, as he wiped off his chin,
"What's my next pending one-liner?"


3) Chef's Diner, Downingtown, PA

The diner in "The Blob" - seemed to be across the street from the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, where I live, is about 18 miles away from the theater. When the crowd came running out of the theater and they were right in front of Chef's, they must have been really really fast runners!

1) Phoenix Diner, Phoenixville, PA

No great stories about this one, it's just the closest one to my house. It has generous portions, low prices, and great staff.

MMMMMM good!

Ice Cream! Ice Cream! Ice Cream!

Because we ate a late lunch or what we call "linner" on Sunday afternoon, we decided to have ice cream for dinner. Actually, we had frozen custard, which is just as good if not better than ice cream! In fact, Sunday was National Ice Cream Day, therefore we had another excuse to eat a frozen dairy treat for dinner. That, and it was really, really hot outside, too!

Which reminds me of a bit from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory which for some reason the kids think is really funny:

"Hot Ice Cream for Cold Days, it said on the next door."

"Extremely useful in the winter," said Mr. Wonka, rushing on. "Hot ice cream warms you up no end in freezing weather. I also make hot ice cubes for putting in hot drinks. Hot ice cubes make hot drinks hotter."

I think cold ice cream, or frozen custard, is a good thing on a hot day, a cold day, a just-right day, or any ol' day. Here's why:

1. Everyone screams for ice cream. I'm not sure about screaming per say, but in my 40-something years of life, I've never met anyone who doesn't enjoy eating ice cream! Maybe lactose-intolerant people or non-believers would beg to differ, but ice cream is a good thing! Just ask any kid who hears the ding ding ding of the ice cream truck, or the words, "Let's go for ice cream!"

2. Ice cream is versatile. It comes in many different flavors. It can be smooth and creamy or full of chunky goodness like nuts, fudge, fruit, or candy. You can eat it in a bowl, a cone, a sandwich, a shake, a sundae, a cake, and even PIE! You also can top it with other yummy good things like, caramel, whipped cream, cookie crumbs, chocolate sauce, or SPRINKLES . . . or you can be a purist and order a scoop of plain vanilla which happens to be the most popular flavor in the US by the way.

*In the photo, the kids are eating Chocolate Chip Mint frozen custard at Ozzie's in New Buffalo, MI. I had some, too - simply scrumptious!

3. Ice cream is entertaining! I know first hand that a dozen or so eight-year-old boys are easily entertained by a make-your-own sundae birthday activity even though squirting whipped cream on top steals the show. Ice cream can be found at almost any entertainment venue - Baseball Game, check. Carnival, check. Company Picnic, check. Walt Disney World, check. Nearly every day at Disney my son ate a Mickey Mouse Ice Cream pop thanks to papa's magic wallet. Even making ice cream can be entertaining with a little time, effort, and patience.

In the words of Eddie Murphy in a very funny but not so family-friendly skit about ice cream, "I've got some iiiiice cream, I've got some iiiiice cream!"

and that's a good thing!

when it's difficult

Some days, coming up with three good things is difficult. We all have down days sometimes and when I do, I have some strategies to help. These are good things for me to do, when I'm feeling blue.

(not me)

2) First, I'm an extrovert. So I really need to be with people. I need to go find a party or have one. If there's a special someone, that can be good too, but mostly I need to go do something nuts. Anyone know where I can find a Karaoke bar around here?

3) Do something productive. I clean, or fix, or make, or build. Those things help me feel like I've got something going on.

1) Recently, my best friend in the whole wide world gave me a jar full of affirmations for my birthday. Best present ever. This is a new one. I dip into the jar and read what they wrote. There are quotes, bible verses, and their own thoughts.

All good!

3 oldies, but goodies

It's Flashback Friday! During the past week or so I've been working on a slideshow for my parents' 50th wedding anniversary - a monumental task indeed. Sorting, scanning, saving. Repeat.

Anyhoo, I came across some fun family photos from vacations past (the 1970s), and since it's summer travel season right now, I thought I would share a few with you. HA - it's your lucky day.

1.

Door County, Wisconsin ~ I'm the blondie in the middle with my two older sisters, and a cute baby goat.


2.

Walt Disney World ~ this is one of my favorites! We always tease my older sister about this pic because she is wearing a striped top with polka-dot shorts. My mom says this is because she let my sister pick out her own outfit, but perhaps she just didn't want to match me and my other sis. ALOHA! I did look quite cute with my orange and green Mickey ears - a non-traditionalist for sure.


3.

San Francisco, CA, Easter Sunday ~ pfffft! Maybe I'm sticking out my tongue because we are dressed like two little ol' ladies or maybe I'm just annoyed with my sister!

Happy Friday!

Good reads about interesting people

Besides being a thinker, I am a reader. I love to read. I usually read at night before bed which really bugs T because I keep the light on while he is trying to sleep. The kids also have picked up this trait which I believe runs on my side of the family - remember my post about my dad? He reads really long books in a short period of time.

I like to read many types of books, or genres if you wish to be fancy. However, as of late, I especially like memoirs. Although I have read the memoirs of celebrities or other household names, I also enjoy reading about lesser-known people who have led interesting or extraordinary lives.

Here are three good memoirs I've read over the last year or so:

1.
"Breath - A Lifetime in the Rhythm of an Iron Lung: A Memoir." This is the story of Martha Mason, a woman who lived 61 years of her life in an iron lung after contracting polio when she was 11 years old. With her mother's help and encouragement, she graduates from both high school and college despite her limitations. It's is an incredible story of strength and determination.





2.
"Trafficking in Sheep: A Memoir From Off Broadway, New York to Blue Island, Nova Scotia." In her memoir, Anne Barclay Priest shares the story of how she traded in her life as a New York actress to become a sheep farmer in Nova Scotia. A good read about following your heart, taking chances, and fulfilling your dreams.





3.

"Writing Places - the life journey of a writer and teacher." by William Zinsser. Zinsser, the author of "On Writing Well." a guide for writing non-fiction, a top book on the required reading list for journalism majors, shares his stories about working for the Herald Tribune, then as freelance writer, and finally as a teacher at Yale University. Perhaps he is not well-known outside of the realms of journalism or academia, but his clearly-written memoir is a good read for former journalism majors/aspiring writers like me.


3 people, 3 interesting lives, 3 good reads!

Bubbles!

You just can't go wrong with bubbles. Well . . . you can if you blow a ginormous bubble and it pops all over your face and hair, but other than that, bubbles are a good thing!

1. Bubbles are cleansing. You can get many things squeaky clean with bubbles: your body, a baby, the dishes, some laundry, the bathtub, a car, your hair, a dog, dirty hands. You get the idea.

2. Bubbles are relaxing. I like to take a nice, relaxing bubbly-bubble bath. It washes all your cares away, and makes you and the bathroom smell pretty, too.

3. Bubbles are entertaining. For young and old alike. You can blow them, chase them, pop them. Make your own, or buy them at the dollar store. You can give them out as favors at weddings and birthday parties. You can visit a children's museum where there always seems to be a hands-on display of giant bubbles that can envelop a small child or two. Of course, there is the ultimate in bubble fun - bubble wrap!

On the 4th of July, T entertained the kids a bit by blowing bubbles. Funny, even as they grow older, they still enjoy catching and popping them. Note: If you don't wish to hear our banter about our neighbor across the street blowing off cool fireworky things, then hit your mute button.

Shhh . . . listen to the silence

We live in a world filled with noise - far too much noise in my opinion.
Sometimes it's nice just to be still.

Did you ever try just to stop thinking? To screen out all the noise in your mind and to simply just "be" I try. It's a difficult thing for me to do because I'm a thinker. In fact while ichatting with Brian last week, he actually told me to "turn off the brain." and you know what? He's right. I need to turn off my brain from time to time, and to stop all that chattering.

We all do.

Silence can be good. Here's why . . .

1. Peace
2. Calm
3. Quiet

I don't think these three things need a lengthy explanation. They are good, simply because they are.

With that in mind, I will leave you to ponder the "Sound of Silence" as brought to you be Simon and Garfunkel, but just the lyrics. No video, no music, no noise.

Hello darkness, my old friend
I've come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence

In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone
'Neath the halo of a street lamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence

And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence

"Fools", said I, "You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you"
But my words, like silent raindrops fell
And echoed
In the wells of silence

And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
And the sign said, "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls"
And whispered in the sounds of silence

Music in me

It's Friday evening and it looks like the real fun of Blobfest in beautiful downtown Phoenixville is getting rained out! So I have some other stuff to take care of anyway. I work for a Christian non-profit and from time to time, we get together as a staff and do more church-type things than you'd find in another environment. Personally, I love the opportunity to pray, study God's Word, and worship with my coworkers. I've spent my career flipping back and forth between sacred and secular work situations and both are good for me spiritually. This weekend I will learn some music so I can participate in the praise band on Monday for one of these church-type activities at my company.
With that in mind, here are my three good things - musically.

2) I play electric bass.
I don't play it well, but I can add bottom where I need to. I have an awful lot of fun doing it and I'm completely self-taught.

3) I play harmonica.
I taught myself how to play several years ago while I had a job that involved a lot of driving. There were no cell phones or texting, so I distracted myself playing the harmonica along with the radio. Again, I'm not very good at it, but I have a lot of fun.

1) I sing.
Sometimes I think I sing pretty well. Other times,... not so much. But I love it. I enjoy belting it out at church or in my car, or Karaoke (try to forget the mental picture you just got).

I can also play a bunch of other things, saxophone and most of the other wind instruments along with some of the brass family, percussion and a little piano. Of course, I'm not very good at any of these, but I have a lot of fun playing. And even though I'll never be a professional, or play in a "real" band or something, I really like it.

So those are really good things.

Random Good Tunes on my iPod . . .

now they wouldn't be there in the first place if I didn't like them, right?

So here are 3 good songs that I have on my iPod right now:

1. Mindy Gledhill's "Whole Wide World"

I just recently discovered this artist, and I find this song upbeat and inspirational.



2. Lyle Lovett's "If I Had a Boat"

Sometimes when things seem troubling or too hard to handle in my life, I joke about buying a boat, and I really like Lyle Lovett's music, too.



3. The Romantic's "What I like About You"

It's got a nice beat, and you can dance to it, and it's a song with clapping! This song reminds me of when my good friend Christel made a mix tape for me on my wedding day, and the bridesmaids belted out, "What I like About Sue" in the limo on the way to the church.



Three good songs that make me smile!

It's My Birthday

My three birthday good things:

2) Pie

Blueberry or Cherry
Cake... take a walk!

3) Family, Friends and Facebook
How do I give you a picture of my family and my friends in one shot. I can't. For years and years my friends were my family, and now my family are my friends. It's pretty awesome. Thank you, to each and every one of you! Those of you that I only know because of Facebook... you too!

1) The Beatles - Birthday

Not that I'm some huge Beatle-Maniac or something. I like the song.

You say it's your birthday
It's my birthday too, yeah
They say it's your birthday
We're gonna have a good time
I'm glad it's your birthday
Happy birthday to you.

Yes we're going to a party party
Yes we're going to a party party
Yes we're going to a party party

I would like you to dance (Birthday)
Take a cha-cha-cha-chance (Birthday)
I would like you to dance (Birthday)
Dance

I would like you to dance (Birthday)
Take a cha-cha-cha-chance (Birthday)
I would like you to dance (Birthday)
Dance

You say it's your birthday
Well it's my birthday too, yeah
You say it's your birthday
We're gonna have a good time
I'm glad it's your birthday
Happy birthday to you.

Birthday good things!

Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday, dear Brian.
Happy Birthday to you!

I could have said, "You smell like a monkey and you look like one to!' but that would not have been a very good thing to say to a dear friend on his birthday.

I also cannot make fun of how old Brian is today because I'm seven months and four days older than him.

I can, however, note three good things about having a birthday.

Starting with a quote from the birthday boy himself:

1. "Never forget Sue, birthdays are good for you. The more you have the longer you live." A very good thing indeed.

2. Dessert. Usually a birthday cake, but I do know that Brian prefers pie. If he didn't live in another time zone, I would treat him to a slice of pie in honor of his special day. And maybe a cup of coffee, too. I've served cake, ice cream, pie, giant cookies, and even cream puffs for birthday treats. A birthday dessert is a good thing no matter what your preference, no?

3. Presents. As a kid, a birthday present is a must-have. As an adult, perhaps a present is not as important. However, it's still a good thing especially when it's thoughtful, unique, and something you would not normally buy for yourself.

Very much like this post . . . which, by the way Brian, is your gift. Enjoy!

My Very Good Guy

As I noted last week, the hubby and I just celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary. When we tied the knot in 1995, I presented my soon-to-be spouse with my top ten list for marrying him, one of which was moving up from letter T to letter B in the alphabet.

If your last name ends with a letter at the end of the alphabet, you may understand how this can be a good thing especially when you need to line up in alphabetical order, or find your name on a very long list.

My top ten list has changed over the years, but my good guy has not. (OK, he now has a lot of gray hair, and much less money - but I don't hold those things against him.)

Here are three good things about my very good guy:

1. He loves me for me. I'm not perfect. I can be moody, crabby, and emotional. I speak my mind. I like to have everything just so. I'm not tall, blond, or a size 2. I have a a chronic illness. I cry - sometimes a lot. I think too much. I can go on and on, but then you would wonder why T married me in the first place! Recently, I told a good friend that marriage is having another person put up with you despite you being you. That's what T does for me, and it's a good thing.

2. He serves. As the chief caretaker for me, as well as the kids, he has truly honored his vow of "in sickness and in health." He vacuums, he washes dishes, and he cleans the bathrooms. He grocery shops. He drives kids to and fro, and volunteers to help out at their activities. He can cook, and he is especially good at making pancakes or manning the grill. In almost every case, he will honor my requests such as "Will you rub my back?" "Can you get this from upstairs for me?" or "Can you just be quiet?" He makes me laugh.

3. He is a Super Dad. T is an active father. Ever since the kids were babies, he has been a hands-on dad. He plays with them. He helps them out, and teaches them new things. He cleans up their messes. He has coached soccer and floor hockey. He is a gymnastics booster parent. He takes the kids fishing, swimming, sledding, and skating. He tickles them, and tells them to "dream big." He would do anything for his children, and he loves them with all his heart.

Three good things about my very good guy!

Patrick Warburton

There's a guy out there who makes me laugh just about every time he opens his mouth. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr. Patrick Warburton. Patrick is currently performing in Rules of Engagement and is most well-known for his monotone, deep voice, massively-built frame, and nonchalant attitude often displayed in various characters he plays.

2) David Puddy - Seinfeld



3)The Tick


1) Roller Coaster Safety

Fireworks

Today - a spacial edition - just for Independence Day!
3 good things - all fireworks edition!

2) Fireworks with a special someone

When I was almost 15, I was fortunate enough to share an evening of fireworks with a special girl. Ever since then, fireworks mean something, just a little more than 4th of July.

3) First Kiss
Skip ahead to 2 minutes into the video...

Those first kiss fireworks. It's been more than 25 years since I had that the first time, and precious few times since. Don't miss 'em, and don't settle for less.

1) Afternoon Delight - Skyrockets in sight...

Anchorman brought this song back for me. I already had it on my iPod, but I like it more now.

Love and Marriage

The heart of marriage is memories; and if the two of you happen to have the same ones and can savor your reruns, then your marriage is a gift from the gods.

~ Bill Cosby

Sixteen years ago today, I married my best friend. Fifty years ago today, my mom and dad married each other. Yes, we share the same wedding anniversary. Since my parents have 34 years on us, I asked my mom to share three good things about 50 years of marriage for today's post.

So without further adieu, and with just a tiny bit of editing, here's mom:

These are some of my thoughts which are all of what makes 50 years feel like yesterday. (say awwww right here, I did.)

1. Marriage is not 50/50, it's more like 100/100. Or my famous, "It's not like in the movies." It's growing together with love and patience, understanding and misunderstanding, hope and respect, and knowing we can count on each other. It's taking each day at a time, which sometimes is not the easiest thing to do, life gets busy.

2. God is love. When we attended pre-cana so long ago, we were told "Marriage is husband & wife & God"...and dad and I feel God has been with us all the time. Having children is a great blessing....kinda like creation along with God. Of course grandchildren are the greatest....so much easier....because we have more time, and they reflect your children who reflect us.

3. Making memories with family and friends. Fun times on vacations with children, and with good friends. Having lifelong friends is truly a good thing! Together memories are created and shared.

Here's a bonus good thing from mom which makes me chuckle, "And dad is a wealth of information, for things I never bothered to read or study about...so it was good to have him." (By the way, dad is still around and I guess mom is going to keep him after all these years!)

Happy 50th Anniversary Mom and Dad. We love you!



Happy Anniversary to my sweetie, too. I love you, T.