Our beautiful vacation is now over. We arrived home this afternoon after boarding the plane at 7:45 am, of course we had to be at the airport to check in at 5:45' which meant we had to get up at 4:30 to get there. Arrived at LAX at about 11:00 and picked up our car at the motel then arrived home about 3:30pm.m got most things unpacked before church time and will finish up tomorrow.

Thank you Cheryl for dog setting for us. I can tell that Jazz and Jackson love you. Thank you also for the nice clean house that we came home to. Cheryl and I have been friends in the church for 30 some years. God has blessed,us both in so many ways over the years. Again Cheryl, Thank You.

Mervin shot over 700 pictures. Wish we could share all of them with you, but space will not permit. Hope you did enjoy the ones I posted on Face book. Since I'm feeling my day and it is 9:45 here and last night at this time it was 11:45, I think I'll call it quits for the night. Good night.

Last full day before boarding plane at 7:45 in the morning. Today I did some laundry (gonna go home with clean clothes instead of suitcases full of dirty ones). Fixed dinner here at home tonight, packed suitcases. Did some shopping and a little more sight seeing. We have truly had a wonderful time. Mervin has taken over 750 pictures. Sure glad we don't have to pay for film anymore. Now we're eating yogurt before going to bed. Nothing like going to bed on a full stomach.

I have seen so many sights I have never seen before, laughed, teased, joked, but most of all have enjoyed being with God's people seeing the vastness of His creation. He have enjoyed outstanding services here and in Gravel Ridge. We are so blessed to be able to be here. My God continue to bless these beautiful people. Until later.

Today was great from the very beginning. Had two wonderful services.
Got a few things done in preparation for our return home. The fellowship after service tonight again was wonderful.
Looking forward to another great day tomorrow.

Today we stayed in Arkansas. We left out about 10:00 and drove for about an hour then down a little country road to this old store building that the back sits over the river on stilts. Please look on face book at the pictures. The greatest food ever tasted. I had chicken fried steak split with Jayla and Mervin had fried catfish. I tried his cat fish, it was delicious. Wonderful food, but a very interesting place. From there we drove for a while into Englland, Ar. Visited several pawn shops and second hand stores. Sis. Emerson and I found this exclusive ladies dress shop in this dinky town that had some of the most beautiful clothes. We then traveled to this Indian Reserve. Took a tour, heard all about the Indians of that time. Later we traveled on to see the beautiful plantations. Evening finally forced us home to a wonderful dinner that Sis. Emerson had going in a crock pot. Will write more tomorrow.

Another great day. Today we visited Graceland. Very, very interesting place. Mervin literally took oodles of pictures. I posted a few on Facebook. We took the Platinium Tour. Got us into everything including his car display, Graceland, the airplane tours and all the grounds Quite an interesting place and to see how he lived always searching for something more. Even saw his grave site. I guess I had forgotten he had a twin brother that died at birth.

During our tour we stopped and ate at one of the sandwich shoppe's. It had tables and benches made like his cars.

We left there and travelers back to the Peabody Hotel, which I will post pictures of our tea. I had raspberry and quince, Mervin had blackberry-sage. Then they brought little sandwiches from cucumber on croissant to crab or salmon sandwiches. Next we were brought scones. Ha, almost to die for, awesome. Last we were brought dessert. Fancy German cookies to very rich chocolate tortes and all in between including banana nut bread.. After this we watched the ducks return to their pent house. What a busy awesome time we have.

Tomorrow we all 5 have an appointment for Pedicures. At this point I think we all deserve one. Will post more later. Please see the pictures on Facebook

First off today, Happy Birthday Michael. Hope it was a great one.

Left Little Rock today about 10:00am and drove to Memphis. Saw and crossed the Mississippi River for the first time. Took a cruIse down the Mississippi River. Would have loved to have done a night Dinner Cruise, but they on,ly do them right now on Saturday nights. We then took a trolley ride around the city, and went to the Peabody Hotel. Missed seeing the ducts, but we are having tea there tomorrow.

We then had dinner at the Charlie Vergo's Rendoveous Rib House. Wow, what BBQ'd ribs. Never tasted any like them. Bought their sauce and seasonings to bring home. Wonderful food. We then took a horse and carriage ride around the city. Wonderful time and our driver was full of information about the city. Also saw Beale street. Will visit it again tomorrow. I am so tired tonight. Will post more tomorrow.

Yesterday, Tuesday, we went to Hot Springs. Went on a great mid day cruise as they were not sure there would be a night dinner cruise because a rain was due in, so we took the noon one. Had a great cruise. Saw a lot of interesting things till the rain finally chased us home yesterday evening. I will post some pictures, probably on Facebook this evening as I didn't down load the pictures from the camera before Mervin left with Bro. Emerson this morning.

Today we called a home day for the ladies. I needed to wash my hair and do some wash and, Sis. Emerson needed to catch up on some College work and it's still raining. Kinda glad we took this day off as I am also resting my knee. The knee doesn't hurt, but it really swells when riding. I don't even know where Mervin and Bro. Emerson are at at this time. They left early to attend a Ministers breakfast. It's almost one and they haven't returned yet. I'm sure they are having a great time. Tonight is church and Mervin will be teaching. Looking forward to a great time. Will write more later.

Will try to catch up today on my blog. The Ladies Conference held in Gravel Ridge was outstanding. Sis. Linville was outstanding as usual. An outstanding move of God during the banquet Friday night. It was amazing to see the ladies push back their plates of delicious food and begin to worship God as His sweet presence swept over the room. Saturday's breakfast and service was again outstanding as we saw God move again through the service. Saw some slain in the spirit, others dancing in the spirit while others just stood and wept in the sweet presence of God.
Sunday service with the Emerson's was wonderful. Mervin taught an outstanding lesson on Repentance and then God again moved in and took over. Sunday night Bro. Dave Prterson was there and sang and ministered. Another good service.

Monday we visited the Clinton Library and and rode a trolley all over Little Rock. Got a very good insight to the city. Later we met up with Elder and Sis Emerson and the seven of us had a wonderful Mexican dinner and time of fellowship. Then the two Sis. Emerson's and I went shopping. Ah, my kind of vacation. Oops got some things to do. Will post more later.

Vacation March 2012

I know it's been a long time since I blogged, but I thought that this vacation I would try to blog it.
We left home Wednesday morning and drove to LA and spent the night at a Best Western, very nice motel. A place where we could leave our car secured while we were gone a a very minimal price. First 7 days free. We had arranged for a shuttle to arrive at 4:00am to take us to LAX. We also arranged for a 3:00am wake up call.

I woke up about 2:30 and seemed restless, anxious to get going. I got up and began to get around, combed my hair (thank God). I had just finishe combing my hair and walked out of the bathroom and suddenly the lights went out. Looked outside the window and the whole half block was out. Of course, we didn't get a wake up call cause the phone wouldn't work and management was running around checking things out. We finished getting dressed and packing in the dark, NO, we used the light from our lap top and iPad. Technology is wonderful in MANY ways. Now we had no elevators and everything had to be carried down 3 (of course we were on the third floor) flights of stairs.
Guess what. Just as the shuttle drove up to get us the lights all came on.

I was already a little anxious about this trip as 3 years ago when we were here I had to have emergency surgery for a strangulated hernia. Was so glad we were with the Emerson's at that time and not out on the road somewhere alone, as we drove that trip. Last year when we started back here in the Motorhome, we got as far as Lake Havasu and I broke my foot.

Today I am resting my knee from the flight. Sis. Emerson and Jayla had school today, but are out for Spring Break all next week. Mervin and Bro. Emerson left early this morning and I haven't seen them. This evening and tomorrow Sis. Emerson and I will be attending a Ladies Conference in Little Rock. Sis. Donna Linville will be speaking. Looking forward to it. UNTIL LATER"......."...........w

Susie and Mike

Tonight we are going to dinner to celebrate the engagement of a very dear friend.
Susie and I were working together at Lindsay Hospital when she married Sergio. Over the years our friendship grew. I was there when Sergio, Jesse and Fernando each were born to ooh and aah over each one. Over the years we enjoyed many laughs and tears together. I cried with her when her brother passed away and again when her father passed away. We shared our joys and our disappointments of or families together.
A few years ago, Susie lost Sergio to cancer. Again we cried together.
Tonight there may be some tears, but we will rejoice as we celebrate her and Mike's engagement.
Susie, we are thankful that you have found Mike to share the rest of your life with. Mervin and I want to wish you the very best in all the years to come.
Michael, it has been so good getting to know you. We appreciate the way you treat Susie. We like the love we see in your eyes when you look at her. Keep it there. Take good care of her. She deserves it.

Mervin and Virginia

Where does time go. I t seems when I was a child, the three weeks or so between Thanksgiving and Christmas was a whole year. The school year seemed to last the whole 12 months.
During my formative years and through the rest of my life I have been taught to daily look for the return of Jesus. To live as though He was coming today.
As I have gotten older, it seems that time passes by so quickly. It seems we have just celebrated Christmas and now we're almost ready to usher in March. The stores are gearing up for Easter so people will spend more money to rush through another holiday not stopping to realize why we celebrate Easter. I am so thankful that I know that He died and then arose and ascended into heaven, but is soon to return for his church.
Today, though time is swiftly passing and we're closer to his coming than we were yesterday, I'm glad that I'm still looking for His return.

Time

Revival Fires Burn

I'm aware that I have not posted in some time. It seems like the days slip by so fast. I'm so thankful for the blessings of God.
We have been in revival with Bro. Doug Wright for several weeks now. God has moved in every service. Several have received the Holy Ghost. We have seen many renewed in the Lord, and there have been many healings.
Three separate times, Mervin has had to have cysts the size of footballs (per the Doctor) removed from his right kidney. Because of bleeding and the same pain, we were returning to San Francisco.
The Sunday night before Mervin had to return to San Francisco he went forward for prayer. I saw a miraculous move of God on him and Bro. McDaniel as they prayed for him. The pain and bleeding stopped. In San Francisco, the doctor said his lab and kidney panel numbers were better than he had ever seen them and he didn't need to ever see him again. Dr. said, "Of course, if you ever have any problems again, you have my number." Thank you Jesus as the Doctor had already told us the kidney would have to be removed this time.
We have seen many healing's of the body, mind and soul. One of the men that has been here for a long time was diagnosed some time ago with Alzheimer's disease, stilled loved to come to church, but couldn't call anyone by name or communicate, is now visiting with the saints and calling them by their name. Wow, isn't God good?
We sold our 5th wheel and bought a Motorhome about 2 weeks before the revival started. because of the heavy storms we put it in storage till the storm passed over. It's still setting there untried. Just can't leave a good revival. Might miss something great.
There's nothing in this heart of mine, but praise for the Lord
I'll sing His praises every day.

Julie

I have been thinking much about the word friends. We never live to ourselves or die to ourselves. We are always having an effect on others. Today I want to talk about a very special friend.
JULIE
In 1967 I began work at Lindsay District Hospital, a nice small town hospital. There I had some nice managers and several very poor managers and supervisors with little leadership skills. These kind of people make working together very hard. I had some there that tried to challenge my beliefs, but I just smiled and continued to stand for my convictions. When Lindsay hospital closed I transferred (1995) to Sierra View District Hospital.
This is when I met Julie.
Julie was my Supervisor/Manager. Julie carries a enormous load. She manages several departments, is on many administrative committee's, yet she always has a smile and a time to talk to you. I always felt I had her undivided attention whenever I talked to her. She wanted to know about my family, my husband, grandchildren. She always greeted my husband or family if they were around. She made a point of knowing my intrests and inquiring about them often. She often sent a card in the mail expressing her appreciation for my work well done. She believes in hard work, but also believes it's important to take out time for some fun in the office. She knows how to put on some great parties for the office crews. Parties clean and fun.
Julie never challenged my beliefs, but she did respect them.
If I ask Julie about something, I could be assured that she would follow through. She knew how to challenge you to want to accomplish things and it was always in a very upbeat way.

Julie, you were and are the best.
Whenever I think of a FRIEND I always think of YOU.

BLESSINGS 2009

I realize Christmas is a few days away, but I sat down for a while today and began to reminisce about this past year. God has been so good, I can't complain.
January 2009, Mervin had another kidney surgery in San Francisco, and all went well, God has been good.
February 2.009, kind of a quiet month. Spent most of the month home with Mervin while he recouped from his kidney surgery. God is still good all the time
March 2009, Mervin spent 3 days in hospital, the next week he had an echo cardiogram and stress test. God has been so good.
April 2009, Mom passed away. She never suffered any pain, God was so good.
May 2009, I retired after 45 years in the medical field. God blessed me with a wonderful job in the 60's. I had applied for the job and came home and was on my knees praying about it when the phone rang asking me to come in immediately for an interview. I got the job that day. It was a great job, but after 45 years, I felt it was time to retire. I'm thoroughly enjoying retirement. God was so good.
June 2009, I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance with a severe GI bleed, had to be given blood, but God was good to me. Later that month we left on vacation to Kansas, down through Little Rock, etc.
July 2009
While in Little Rock, at Bro. and Sis. Jay Emerson's, I was again rushed to the hospital with an strangulated hernia. Again, God was so good. Spent an extra 10 days there and then went to Branson and then on to the Grand Canyon.
August 2009, we spent a wonderful week in our 5th wheel at Camp Meeting and then another week parked at the beach. Visited friends and had a wonderful time of fellowship.
September 2009, Mervin got me a Pup for my birthday. JassLynn is half Maltese and half Llapso Apso. We have enjoyed her so much. She travels well which is a blessing.
We also had a wonderful revival with Bro. Doug Wright, God is so good.
October 2009, Mervin and I flew to Indianapolis, IN where Mervin attended a Seminar. We had a wonderful time, met lots of new people including Sis. Lynda Allison Doty.
We got the kitchen pantry put in and the kitchen and living room repainted. God is so good.
November 2009, has not been an easy month. Miss Mom during the Thanksgiving season. Had Thanksgiving for two days. With our kids from Bakersfield and also with my niece and nephew in Bakersfield. It was a wonderful time, but there was still Mom missing, but God was still so good to bring peace.
December 2009, where has this year gone. We found out we are adding a new great granddaughter to the family next month. EXCITING. This will make 3 great grand children.
We spent the first week of December in the 5th wheel at the coast. Did much of our Christmas shopping there. Have already had Christmas Drama at church, church Christmas Banquet, Caroling Party, and family Christmas Dinner at Jim and Peggy's house. I hosted a Christmas party for the girls that I had worked with. Had a great time. Now it's time to start baking for Christmas with the kids .
My mother would have been 80 years old the 19th of this month, again I do miss her and probably always will, but she has left me such a heritage. I am so thankful for the years I had with her. I would never trade those precious moments of time. God is so good, I can't complain.
During this year, God has continued to bless the church and new souls have been added. We have felt His spirit in a wonderful way in each and every service. God has blessed each family during these hard times and everyone still has their jobs and homes. God is so good.
On a last thought. This week God blessed us with a motor home. I was having trouble with my left knee each time I tried to get to the bedroom in the 5th wheel so we started looking around and found this beautiful motor home. Now we just need to sell the 5th wheel and truck.
Isn't God good? How could I ever live without him. Don't wanna try.

Wishing all of you and your families a wonderful Christmas and a blessed 2010.

New Paint

Well since I got the Pismo pictures on, I'll try again. The kitchen at the top and the living room were an off white previously. We really like the change.

Pictures, I Hope

I don't seem to be the best at adding pictures, but I will try again.

Pismo is where we go to do what we want when we want. Kinda obvious huh!

Pismo Beach

Today we are in Pismo Beach. Have been here since Sunday. We arrived at Oceano State Park about 5:15pm. We dropped the 5th wheel and Mervin got it set up then we headed for service at Arroyo Grande. Had a wonderful service there. After service we went out to eat with the Dominguez's had a wonderful visit and fellowship.
Yesterday we took Jazz to the beach. She did quite well. She looked so cute in her Christmas sweater. We had a great evening together reading and relaxing.
Today I hope to do some Christmas shopping. Would like to do all my Christmas shopping before I come home. We'll see.

MY LIVING ROOM

You'll never believe this. I guess I'm on a roll. This week I took everything off the walls in my living room. I cleaned the walls, polished furniture, washed all the silk flowers, votive, shined the plants leaves, put everything back on the walls and rearranged some things and finally vacuumed today. I also went to Visalia today and ordered new blinds for the patio door.
We came home and I stood looking at the clean living room and said, "I think it needs a new paint job." Mervin said, "Call Jeff and go pick out the paint." (Ooh, I love him) So tomorrow I go pick out the paint and take everything back off the walls clear the living room as the painter, Jeff, is going to paint Saturday. Well at least everything will be nice and clean to put back up.

Time

Where does time go? This week I have completely redone my kitchen. My new pantry is in, new paint, I've cleaned tile, cleaned cabinets, cleaned and polished the stove and refrigator and granite. I'm now ready to bake for the Holidays.
I love to cook and bake. I guess I get that trait from my mom. She could always make a meal out of almost nothing and then set and watch God stretch it. My mother also enjoyed baking. I remember when I was just preteen she had me in the kitchen teaching me. I learned to love it. Just give me a damp cold day and I can bake all day and love every minute of it.
When I start baking for Christmas, I even get Mervin involved helping me. We love those times together. Do a lot of serious talking and then a lot of fun and laughter.
Such a secure feeling to have a husband I can share my feelings, hopes and disappointments with.
Well now that I cleaned the rest of the house today, I think I'll loaf tomorrow. Maybe we will go to Bakersfield to see the kids and grandkids and greatgrandkids.
How about retirement...I love it. I was telling someone yesterday that I was pratically living on Nitro pills and patches because of the chest pain. Since I have retired, I have not worn a patch or taken a Nitro. Stress anyone????
I'll quit rambeling and wish everyone a great weekend and pray each of your services will be blessed.