"Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot and auld lang syne?...."
I googled it this morning and found out that it is a song that millions try to sing, but most folks sing it incorrectly. There are as many variations to the lyrics as there are singers of this classic.It was thought to have been written by Robert Burns in the 1700's as a poem, but sung to the tune of a traditional Scottish folk song. Auld Lang Syne literally means, "for old times sake", "as long since", "long, long ago", "days gone by", or "old times". It is traditionally used at funerals, graduations, or as a farewell for ending other occasions. In English speaking countries, it is traditionally the New Year's Eve - stroke of midnight- song. It signals letting go of the past and embracing the future - out with the old year and in with the new.
Let's all take time to cherish our past. Let go! Then we can embrace our future with renewed spirits and hopeful thoughts.
May 2011 be as special as you would want it to be!
Don't make those silly resolutions that you have no hopes of keeping. KISS - those resolutions that are attainable and make you happy!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!!!!!!
Love and peace from 2010 and projected in 2011,
Cathy
Friday, December 31, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas Sunday! This weekend has been a whirlwind of activity. Beginning with the Ladies Progressive dinner on Thursday; candlelight service at church on Christmas Eve; on to Carolyn's Christmas Eve party; Christmas morning activities with the Gravenmiers (Beth, Cathy, and Trent Odle), with the Smiths, with the Westbrooks, and back to the Gravenmiers; Christmas afternoon/evening festivities at the Campers for all Drake and Drake offsprings, plus a few extras; church/Sunday School on Sunday; and ending with dinner and UNO Flash game night at the Westbrooks on Sunday night had me so busy that I forgot how tiring Christmas could be.
However, what is it about those "idle hands"? The devil didn't stand a chance this Christmas.
It is probably a good thing. Maybe that was the plan! This was our "first Christmas and holiday season" without the "Big Man" (as Beth called him). There were many rough spots and some so tough that I couldn't get my breath. I couldn't control the panicky feeling. Sometimes the tears were so plentiful. Sometimes the memories were so vivid. Sometimes the thoughts were so tender and sweet. However with each bad bout there was that loving nudge, gentle reminder of protection, and comforting, whispered voice in my head and heart telling me to "BREATHE!"
"... I am with you to the ends of time."
We definitely remembered holiday seasons from our past, but we were also able to "make many new memories" from our present.
We are truly blessed with a loving family and wonderful friends.
Thank you, Lord for being so steadfast and providing your guiding light.
Love and peace,
Cathy
However, what is it about those "idle hands"? The devil didn't stand a chance this Christmas.
It is probably a good thing. Maybe that was the plan! This was our "first Christmas and holiday season" without the "Big Man" (as Beth called him). There were many rough spots and some so tough that I couldn't get my breath. I couldn't control the panicky feeling. Sometimes the tears were so plentiful. Sometimes the memories were so vivid. Sometimes the thoughts were so tender and sweet. However with each bad bout there was that loving nudge, gentle reminder of protection, and comforting, whispered voice in my head and heart telling me to "BREATHE!"
"... I am with you to the ends of time."
We definitely remembered holiday seasons from our past, but we were also able to "make many new memories" from our present.
We are truly blessed with a loving family and wonderful friends.
Thank you, Lord for being so steadfast and providing your guiding light.
Love and peace,
Cathy
Friday, December 24, 2010
December 23, 2010
Have you ever been to a progressive dinner? Have you ever been to only a women's progressive dinner? Have you ever been to anything progressive involving Drake women and all off shoots?
Let it be recorded in history that Thursday, December 23, 2010 the first Davis, Drake, Gravenmier, Jackson, Shearin, Smith, Vandiver, and Westbrooks progressive dinner was held and was quite successful - if I do say so myself! Appetitizers and beverages began at Beth's and Cathy's (Gravenmier). Hot and spicy, healthy, but appealing, and dripping with chocolate were adjectives for the hors d'oeuvres. YUM! YUM!
After a short walk across the side yard at the Gravenmiers, Round 2 was at Amy's and Kendall's (Westbrooks - next door to the Gravenmiers). A scrumptious, well-balanced meal with all food groups represented (pork tenderloin, baked potato, salad with all toppings, and rolls) was quietly eaten by all present. Apparently all were quite hungry and talking could definitely wait until hunger was sated.(This probably should have been recorded on tape, since most family gatherings are anything but, quiet-at any time.) Sufficiently full, leisurely conversation included talk of moving to the next house for desserts and coffee/beverages.
Since the third destination was Kate's and was only one street behind the Westbrooks' and Gravenmiers' abodes, many chose to carpool while many chose to drive single vehicles. Upon arrival at Kate's for Round 3, it was duly noted that Cathy was not in attendance. Having taken a moment to go in the house for her coat, all vehicles left her. Apparently all felt that she was capable of finding her own transportation. Being a lovely, frigid night I (Cathy) chose to hoof it over to Kate's. Beth did poke her head out the front door of Kate's, call "MOM?!?!", and I answered her. She proceeded to go back in and wait until I made it-all by myself.
* "I suppose this was her attempt at keeping in contact with her elders!"
A good time was had by all that came! We missed Carolyn who was getting ready for the Christmas Eve shindig at her house tomorrow, Tracy who was still in Memphis, and Ruthie who was making sure that Santa was coming to her house. There was even much talk about the progressive dinner for "2011".
It was a great break from our traditions, and it sure was a lot of fun! Christmas and the holiday season are all about great family and friends and tradition. I am surely proud to say that my family are great enough to be included in my friends category as well.
Merry day before Christmas Eve!
Count your blessings. God gave us all our ultimate gift. Remember that as you hit your knees!
Love and peace,
Cathy
Let it be recorded in history that Thursday, December 23, 2010 the first Davis, Drake, Gravenmier, Jackson, Shearin, Smith, Vandiver, and Westbrooks progressive dinner was held and was quite successful - if I do say so myself! Appetitizers and beverages began at Beth's and Cathy's (Gravenmier). Hot and spicy, healthy, but appealing, and dripping with chocolate were adjectives for the hors d'oeuvres. YUM! YUM!
After a short walk across the side yard at the Gravenmiers, Round 2 was at Amy's and Kendall's (Westbrooks - next door to the Gravenmiers). A scrumptious, well-balanced meal with all food groups represented (pork tenderloin, baked potato, salad with all toppings, and rolls) was quietly eaten by all present. Apparently all were quite hungry and talking could definitely wait until hunger was sated.(This probably should have been recorded on tape, since most family gatherings are anything but, quiet-at any time.) Sufficiently full, leisurely conversation included talk of moving to the next house for desserts and coffee/beverages.
Since the third destination was Kate's and was only one street behind the Westbrooks' and Gravenmiers' abodes, many chose to carpool while many chose to drive single vehicles. Upon arrival at Kate's for Round 3, it was duly noted that Cathy was not in attendance. Having taken a moment to go in the house for her coat, all vehicles left her. Apparently all felt that she was capable of finding her own transportation. Being a lovely, frigid night I (Cathy) chose to hoof it over to Kate's. Beth did poke her head out the front door of Kate's, call "MOM?!?!", and I answered her. She proceeded to go back in and wait until I made it-all by myself.
* "I suppose this was her attempt at keeping in contact with her elders!"
A good time was had by all that came! We missed Carolyn who was getting ready for the Christmas Eve shindig at her house tomorrow, Tracy who was still in Memphis, and Ruthie who was making sure that Santa was coming to her house. There was even much talk about the progressive dinner for "2011".
It was a great break from our traditions, and it sure was a lot of fun! Christmas and the holiday season are all about great family and friends and tradition. I am surely proud to say that my family are great enough to be included in my friends category as well.
Merry day before Christmas Eve!
Count your blessings. God gave us all our ultimate gift. Remember that as you hit your knees!
Love and peace,
Cathy
Sunday, December 19, 2010
School's Out for Christmas
It is a school teacher's special time of year. The ten days during Christmas time are officially a teacher's paid vacation and we try to make the most of this time. It is a time for teachers to reconnect with family and friends who have gotten lost or pushed to the background in the mass of lesson plans, meetings, grading papers, standards, etc, etc. It is a time of rejuvenation. Even Energizer bunnies need a charge every once in a while. Teaching is still a rewarding profession, but requires so much more than it did in the past. The breaks are as necessary for the students as they are for teachers.
Carolyn, Kate, Beth, and I are in Pigeon Forge as I type. I just felt that a break from tradition was in order this year. We have a great chalet that sleeps eight- if you don't mind sleeping on an oversized chair, couch or the dining room table. It is a three story log house that is inaptly named "Dare to Bear", aka "MKI". The decor on floor three and one are decorated in bear accessories, while floor two (the main floor) has moose decor. It is warm and cozy complete with fireplace, Christmas tree and decorations. There are two bedrooms, a media room with 4 cozy recliners, a game room overlooking the family area, two complete decks, and a hot tub. Beth, our tour director, did quite a good job finding this abode! -----I would like to have a version of this "cabin in the woods" in woodsy area of Milan, Tennessee. YEAH, RIGHT!
We had a awesome time at the Tanger Outlet Mall trying to begin and end shopping for Christmas. We blew through there yesterday and completed most of our tasks in only two shifts - afternoon and 2nd shift (night). We marched through the outlet (a million stores in all) like Sherman marching through Georgia. We tried in pairs, but realized quickly we could not enter ALL stores unless we split up. After receiving our shopping assignments, we split up and charged the stores. SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!! We even had time to regroup and check our progress over Peppermint White Chocolate Mochas. The only casulties we had were sore stomachs and sides from laughing!Today we will venture to Asheville to see The Biltmore at Christmas. We have late afternoon and evening tickets so that we can fully experience Christmas with the "rich and famous".
Shopping with four women causes some "testiness". When this occurs, our new expression to bring things into perspective is "We are making memories, here!!!!!"
This is a bittersweet time of the year, but family,faith, fun, love, tears, and laughter help me to survive!
'Tis the Season! Merry Christmas to all. Our rewards and blessings abound.
Love and peace,
Cathy
Carolyn, Kate, Beth, and I are in Pigeon Forge as I type. I just felt that a break from tradition was in order this year. We have a great chalet that sleeps eight- if you don't mind sleeping on an oversized chair, couch or the dining room table. It is a three story log house that is inaptly named "Dare to Bear", aka "MKI". The decor on floor three and one are decorated in bear accessories, while floor two (the main floor) has moose decor. It is warm and cozy complete with fireplace, Christmas tree and decorations. There are two bedrooms, a media room with 4 cozy recliners, a game room overlooking the family area, two complete decks, and a hot tub. Beth, our tour director, did quite a good job finding this abode! -----I would like to have a version of this "cabin in the woods" in woodsy area of Milan, Tennessee. YEAH, RIGHT!
We had a awesome time at the Tanger Outlet Mall trying to begin and end shopping for Christmas. We blew through there yesterday and completed most of our tasks in only two shifts - afternoon and 2nd shift (night). We marched through the outlet (a million stores in all) like Sherman marching through Georgia. We tried in pairs, but realized quickly we could not enter ALL stores unless we split up. After receiving our shopping assignments, we split up and charged the stores. SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!! We even had time to regroup and check our progress over Peppermint White Chocolate Mochas. The only casulties we had were sore stomachs and sides from laughing!Today we will venture to Asheville to see The Biltmore at Christmas. We have late afternoon and evening tickets so that we can fully experience Christmas with the "rich and famous".
Shopping with four women causes some "testiness". When this occurs, our new expression to bring things into perspective is "We are making memories, here!!!!!"
This is a bittersweet time of the year, but family,faith, fun, love, tears, and laughter help me to survive!
'Tis the Season! Merry Christmas to all. Our rewards and blessings abound.
Love and peace,
Cathy
Sunday, December 12, 2010
When it rains......
Just when I thought that I was getting a handle on life, it throws another curve ball. Tuesday, my brother was at the lake with my nephew (his son-in-law). They were meeting the satellite man in an effort to try to get better tv reception. After adjusting the satellite signal we were at 70% reception. It was suggested that 90% reception was possible if a few limbs were removed from above the satellite. Brother Brooks and Chris decide to tackle this task by leaning a ladder on the roof of the cabin and against the tree. Chris takes chainsaw in hand, climbs ladder, and cuts first limb successfully. They should stop while they are ahead! OHHHHH No! They decide to go for the second limb. Brooks decides that Chris is not doing it right, and takes Chris's place on the ladder. The chainsaw gets wedged in the rather large limb (which Chris has tied on to so that he can control the drop of the limb). Brooks pulls/tugs on the saw: Chris pulls on the limb; the chainsaw and Brooks release at the same time. Brooks falls 13 feet off the ladder, hits his head and becomes unconscious. As he is rolling off the roof, Chris manages to save Brooks from a nasty fall to the ground and probably his death.
After Brooks is unresponsive for 5 minutes, Chris puts in a call to 911. Brooks sits up, stands up, sits back down, and climbs down the ladder. The EMT arrive and haul him to the Paris ER. This is when the infamous Drake Clan (Vandiver, Shearin, Gravenmier, Camper, Davis, Drake, Whitby, and Jackson) phone tree begins. Everyone that is able is mobilized to Paris, TN.
--The funny thing is that I left Milan after Jennifer/Anne and Kay/Butch did, but still arrived at the ER long before they did. I had to have passed them, but none of us remember the exchange of driving order. I heard the news, got in my car, and the next recollection that I had was the "Big Fish" welcoming me to Paris, Tn. WEIRD!!!!!!!
After many tests, xrays, and CT scan it was found that he had a brain bleed and they would be airlifting him to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. (He was quite excited to think about riding in the helicopter until it actually came time to do it. It was a rather tight squeeze and none of us could go with him).
The second wave of Drake Clan are mobilized. Diane, Carolyn, and Ruthie are now dispatched to Nashville to meet Brooks at Vandy. Sarah (Diane's daughter and student at Vandy) is notified so that she might meet Brooks and wait while the rest of us are enroute. Jennifer decides to go from Paris to Nashville. Chris has to return to Milan to get clothes for he and Jennifer. (He has a conference in Murfreesboro for the next few days.) Anne and I decide to travel back to Milan to await the news from Vandy. Kay and Butch go to the lake to finish securing the place since Brooks and Chris had to leave so abruptly.
The next morning wave number 3 (Kate, Amy, Beth, Kay, and Cathy) leave for Vandy. The four of us were going that day since Amy had an appointment with a rheumatologist to determine the source for many of her joint issues. Kay decided to go along as well. Wave 4 occurred with Anne and Josh (after having a minor procedure) arriving Wednesday afternoon. "The family reunion began at that point!"
Thanks to the Lord's protective arm around all of us, we all had very safe, uneventful trips to Nashville. After many hours of testing, it was determined that Brooks had 9 broken ribs, a diabetes spike, elevated blood pressure, a brain bleed, a hole in his lung, a contusion on his hip, and broken spine (burrs).
After 3 days at Vandy, he was able to leave, return to Milan, and go to my house to recover. As I told him, it serves him right for doing such a dumb thing (as lean a ladder on a roof against a tree) that I should be assigned as his at home nurse. "A ladder, roof, and chainsaw should never be used in the same context." We have so many wonderful, qualified nurses (5 in all) in our family, but he gets a household without one.
However, he is so much better. It will be a slow, painful process of healing, but we will push on.
The time in Vanderbilt was bittersweet. I had some time to go to the oncology department, but was unable to see his doctor and her nurse. I was able to travel those same halls that I had haunted for almost a year. Brooks was in the ER where we had spent the night on one occasion. It was a tough time awaiting Brooks' fate in those familiar surroundings. But, we made it and are now back at home.
God will continue to hold our lives in his hands, protect us, provide comfort where needed, and help our wounds to heal. Of this, I am most certain. Thank you, Lord for your faithfulness in this another of those trying speed bumps of life.
Love and peace,
Cathy
After Brooks is unresponsive for 5 minutes, Chris puts in a call to 911. Brooks sits up, stands up, sits back down, and climbs down the ladder. The EMT arrive and haul him to the Paris ER. This is when the infamous Drake Clan (Vandiver, Shearin, Gravenmier, Camper, Davis, Drake, Whitby, and Jackson) phone tree begins. Everyone that is able is mobilized to Paris, TN.
--The funny thing is that I left Milan after Jennifer/Anne and Kay/Butch did, but still arrived at the ER long before they did. I had to have passed them, but none of us remember the exchange of driving order. I heard the news, got in my car, and the next recollection that I had was the "Big Fish" welcoming me to Paris, Tn. WEIRD!!!!!!!
After many tests, xrays, and CT scan it was found that he had a brain bleed and they would be airlifting him to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. (He was quite excited to think about riding in the helicopter until it actually came time to do it. It was a rather tight squeeze and none of us could go with him).
The second wave of Drake Clan are mobilized. Diane, Carolyn, and Ruthie are now dispatched to Nashville to meet Brooks at Vandy. Sarah (Diane's daughter and student at Vandy) is notified so that she might meet Brooks and wait while the rest of us are enroute. Jennifer decides to go from Paris to Nashville. Chris has to return to Milan to get clothes for he and Jennifer. (He has a conference in Murfreesboro for the next few days.) Anne and I decide to travel back to Milan to await the news from Vandy. Kay and Butch go to the lake to finish securing the place since Brooks and Chris had to leave so abruptly.
The next morning wave number 3 (Kate, Amy, Beth, Kay, and Cathy) leave for Vandy. The four of us were going that day since Amy had an appointment with a rheumatologist to determine the source for many of her joint issues. Kay decided to go along as well. Wave 4 occurred with Anne and Josh (after having a minor procedure) arriving Wednesday afternoon. "The family reunion began at that point!"
Thanks to the Lord's protective arm around all of us, we all had very safe, uneventful trips to Nashville. After many hours of testing, it was determined that Brooks had 9 broken ribs, a diabetes spike, elevated blood pressure, a brain bleed, a hole in his lung, a contusion on his hip, and broken spine (burrs).
After 3 days at Vandy, he was able to leave, return to Milan, and go to my house to recover. As I told him, it serves him right for doing such a dumb thing (as lean a ladder on a roof against a tree) that I should be assigned as his at home nurse. "A ladder, roof, and chainsaw should never be used in the same context." We have so many wonderful, qualified nurses (5 in all) in our family, but he gets a household without one.
However, he is so much better. It will be a slow, painful process of healing, but we will push on.
The time in Vanderbilt was bittersweet. I had some time to go to the oncology department, but was unable to see his doctor and her nurse. I was able to travel those same halls that I had haunted for almost a year. Brooks was in the ER where we had spent the night on one occasion. It was a tough time awaiting Brooks' fate in those familiar surroundings. But, we made it and are now back at home.
God will continue to hold our lives in his hands, protect us, provide comfort where needed, and help our wounds to heal. Of this, I am most certain. Thank you, Lord for your faithfulness in this another of those trying speed bumps of life.
Love and peace,
Cathy
Monday, December 6, 2010
Aunt Liz, "Please close that North Wind Door!"
BRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!If James G. were here, he would have called his aunt in Minnesota and told her to take all of this extremely cold air back north. I just don't do well with the Arctic blasts! I am more of a "southerly breeze lady".
Getting ready for Christmas is always a chore, but a great reward when it is finished. This year it is even more of a chore, since I am not quite in the spirit. The older children (Kate, Josh, Clayton, Amy, Beth, and Trent) put lights on the house. Luckily no one was injured in the pursuit of lights on the house. I must admit that I had hoped that they would clean out my gutters while they were up there. Alas, I have lights illuminating my leaves in my gutter!
I have a tree, Santa and snowman figurines are coming out of the box tonight, and a small village will be visible by the end of this week. Andy and Kendall are so excited! Therefore, I am taking "one for the team" and trying to be in the mood.
I sure miss "Mr. Scrooge, UPS driver!" He really loved it once UPS peak was finished. He loved church on Christmas Eve; family gatherings throughout the season; loved Hallmark 25 days to Christmas movies (Don't tell his macho friends!); all the great food; and loved having his family around any time that they could be here.
Listening to Christmas music and watching Christmas movies is a bittersweet memory. I cry for a while, reminisce, cry for a while, feel happy and blessed for all the wonderful years, cry for a long while, pray for comfort, and survive and live on at this "wonderful time of the year"!!!!
If you know someone that has lost someone that they truly loved to the depths of their soul, please take the time to give them a smile, hug them (if it is not too weird), and wish them "PEACE, LOVE, and the return of JOY!"
Angels watching over me (Currie, Ruth, and James G.)!!!!!!
Love and Peace,
Cathy
Getting ready for Christmas is always a chore, but a great reward when it is finished. This year it is even more of a chore, since I am not quite in the spirit. The older children (Kate, Josh, Clayton, Amy, Beth, and Trent) put lights on the house. Luckily no one was injured in the pursuit of lights on the house. I must admit that I had hoped that they would clean out my gutters while they were up there. Alas, I have lights illuminating my leaves in my gutter!
I have a tree, Santa and snowman figurines are coming out of the box tonight, and a small village will be visible by the end of this week. Andy and Kendall are so excited! Therefore, I am taking "one for the team" and trying to be in the mood.
I sure miss "Mr. Scrooge, UPS driver!" He really loved it once UPS peak was finished. He loved church on Christmas Eve; family gatherings throughout the season; loved Hallmark 25 days to Christmas movies (Don't tell his macho friends!); all the great food; and loved having his family around any time that they could be here.
Listening to Christmas music and watching Christmas movies is a bittersweet memory. I cry for a while, reminisce, cry for a while, feel happy and blessed for all the wonderful years, cry for a long while, pray for comfort, and survive and live on at this "wonderful time of the year"!!!!
If you know someone that has lost someone that they truly loved to the depths of their soul, please take the time to give them a smile, hug them (if it is not too weird), and wish them "PEACE, LOVE, and the return of JOY!"
Angels watching over me (Currie, Ruth, and James G.)!!!!!!
Love and Peace,
Cathy
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