John . . .

It’s been 4 years since that dreadful day
When you were unfairly taken away
So  many dreams and plans that included all eight
Were crushed in a split second on this date
We slowly remembered that they were your dreams too
And to toss them away would be unthinkable because we knew
You would want  . . . no expect . . . that we continue the dream
Because after all, we all are still a strong family team
And though here on earth it may only be seven
We know you are smiling down at us from above in heaven
xoxoxo to you John  . . .

A Bit of Rambling . . .

Some random thoughts . . . I just couldn’t wrap my brain around just one today . . . so here are my jumbled up thoughts . . .

 
How is it when you are young you aren’t old enough
Then you get old and you can’t do it anymore?

How is it that certain people can push our buttons . . . yet others don’t get to us at all?

How is it that there is more news coverage on who is going to play in the World’s Series than what’s happening with our government?

And speaking of our government . . . how is it that "smart" people can be such dumb as!?!?!?

How is it that in the 70's people stood up to our government . . . and made sure their voices were heard?

How is it that Christmas is less than 100 days away? . . .78 to be exact!

How is it that a simple text or picture from certain someones can bring a smile to my face?

How is it that I’m so lucky to have friends that are beyond awesome?  . . . thank goodness!

How is it that I’m even luckier to have the family I am so fortunate enough to have? . . . thank you . . . thank you . . .  thank you!

A Chapter Closes

The first of many goodbyes . . .
Last weekend we went up to our camper with friends . . . it was going to be our last time there because we sold it since we won’t be taking it with us when we move to New Mexico.  It didn’t really hit me until Sunday when I began clearing out the things we would take and organizing the items I would be leaving for the next owner.  Everything I touched seemed to have a memory . . . I just kept thinking if only these walls could talk.  So many memories . . . such great times . . .times spent with family and friends . . . It was always such a special get away . . .
As I locked the door for the last time, my dear friend looked at me and said “ are you sad” . . . are you ok?  I  hugged her and said “it just hit me that this is just the first of many goodbyes . . .

Next stop Rhodes . . .

Rhodes one of our favorite islands . . . with its crystal clear sea . . . we decided to have an R&R day to enjoy it!  When you approach Rhodes you see the Medieval City towering over the harbor . . . an amazing site!

Medieval City with its towers, bastions and battlements . . . very impressive.

 

The view as you disembark the ship!

The perfect place to reflect on the natural beauty of this wonderful island!

Memories From Turkey

Kusadasi Turkey . . .

We visited the ancient city of Ephesus . . . considered the greatest city in Asia Minor during the Roman Empire. Absolutely amazing!

The Library of Celsus

 

Great Theatre . . . still noted for its remarkable acoustics

We learned that the government of Turkey was worried that the art of rug making was becoming a dying craft.  They decided to offer young girls the opportunity to learn the craft for free as well as offering them free medical insurance!  They took us the journey of a rug from start to finish . . . and what a journey it was!

The silk worms shell "bathed" to soften the strands of silk.

 

Just a small sample of the gorgeous rugs!