Our trip to Florida was wonderful...we left later than
planned, but that is typical Pam. The weather was pretty good. We always
take egg and tuna salad from Carlson's and eat our lunches on the way down
which saves a lot of time and money and, Carlson's stuff is always
delicious! We found a cheap, decent motel, which is all we need. As long
as it's clean, I'm happy. When you have kids and grandkids, you need space
and pools and all the bells and whistles...but for a couple old people,
clean is good!
We also had a nice visit with Luann and family, brother Kevin and family and
Kacie, Jered and Russ. Being away, however, didn't let us escape the
sorrows others were feeling in Port Allegany. With cell phones and
internet, we sometimes knew what was going on in Port before those who were
here knew.
Our trip home was not as pleasant. We were going along great and had hoped
to meet my brother and his family in NC where they were vacationing. We got
20-30 miles away and our van started acting up. We found more cheap, but
decent, lodging and looked up phone numbers for garages that could possibly
help us in the morning. Mike took the van to a place that put it on the
computer and of course, found nothing. So, we set out, hoping for the
best. We drove the next day - all day - and were within an hour of Luann's
house and the van again started acting up. This time we had it towed to a
dealership a few miles away. Luann made the drive to rescue us and took us
back the next day to check on the van which again was running
perfectly...the dealership could not find anything wrong. Mike had them
change a part that he thought might be causing our troubles, but we didn't
start for home as we didn't want to get stuck along side the road in the
dark.
We made it back to Port just in time to have dinner at the home of my
parents. Sure didn't want to miss that! Dinner was, as it always is,
delicious! I'm not sure how Mom does it..and every year I wonder if she'll
be up to it the next year. She is as amazing just like the wonderful meal
and pies! I have to mention that Dad helps - not exactly sure how...maybe
he just stays out of the way...but in any case, they are excellent hosts and
we all look forward to holidays at their house.
My aunt and uncle from Lockport stayed with us Thursday and Friday nights
and that doesn't happen very often. So, that was pretty special, too. On
Saturday, I was torn as to whether I should go to the football game or stay
with my family. Typically, my family doesn't chime in on what I do - this
day, however, everyone had an opinion and they all urged me to stay home. I
felt bad about it as I missed all the Gator playoff games. On the other
hand, between Pat Crants and Micky Taylor - there have been action shots in
the Reporter Argus...and I thank them very much.
After e-mailing Pat and Micky, I decided that I could attend the surprise
party for my friend, Rene, who had a birthday on the 27th. Mike and I
arrived and I learned that although Rene was at the church and it was,
indeed, her birthday, the party was for me! It was a wonderful Saturday
afternoon spent with family and friends. I appreciate everyone who gave up
their afternoon to spend with us.
I spent more time at the party than I had originally planned...when I
thought it was Rene's party, I figured I would stay an hour or two...however
my time there was quite a bit longer. That left me with not a lot of time
to work on the Adopt-A-Family, Unsung Heroes and December Dates newsletter
for Sunday school. After a few hours working on that stuff, I had to go to
bed. For whatever reason, I was exhausted from my vacation and the
holiday. I got up very early to finish things. On my way to church, I
learned of another tragedy...one that involved a good friend. It set the
pace for the rest of my day. I felt an awkward feeling of not knowing what
to do...being upset...and trying to keep up with the tasks at hand without
giving any thing my full attention. I also couldn't fall asleep Sunday
night. Monday morning, I woke up to learn that we had lost two more young
people in a car accident.
Our thoughts and prayers go to all the families and friends of the people
that have passed.