My Little Snow Bunny

Well, she's still my "little" snow bunny, even though she's looking at 14 in April.

How she loves the snow~just like her mom. Our little town has been beautiful with this pre-Christmas 'snow storm'. It would be so wonderful to have a white Christmas!

The Holidays

I just posted a 'comment' on a friend's blog and then I thought I need to do it here. She was talking about her grandmother's Christmas visit and how she would make 'from scratch' all this wonderful food providing them with wonderful meals, times, and memories.

I thought: 1. Blessed are those who have memories of holidays past.
2. Even more blessed are those of us who can still remember those loved ones who made our holidays (and every other day) so special by their talents of cooking, baking, laughter, kindness and just being who they were.

I do feel the pang of sadness and aloneness this time of year. Mom died 10 years ago and Dad 1 year ago. I think this melancholy begins just prior to Thanksgiving, Mom's favorite holiday~yes, she loved Christmas, too, but Thanksgiving didn't have 'all the extra stuff' tacked to it. Then my birthday falls on Dec. 3 and I don't ever remember a birthday when I didn't receive a birthday card with "a little piece of money" in it. Yes, it was a little piece of money. It was always a one dollar bill. It might be a crisp one or worn. It didn't matter...it was the tradition. I don't have that anymore. I admit, my heart aches for that kind of 'foolishness' we played with each other.

Not only was I blessed with awesome parents but wonderful grandparents on 'both' sides. Each one so individual, unique, and fun in their own special way. Christmas was always celebrated in Kingsport with the McConnell family members before Christmas and then Christmas Day was at Mamaw and Papaw Russell's, where we now live.

I have 'vintage' family ornaments and decorations that spawn good thoughts each time they are put on display.

With Mom and Dad, our stillborn (@20 weeks) son, my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins gone...there is a lack. The lack is not in presents, but in presence. (Oh my, how my mom would have loved our Maggie-even more than she did. They would be so proud of her and the young lady she is becoming.)

To quote a blogger I read in "Good Housekeeping", Kyran Pittman: "Old sorrow is a thief. It picks your pocket. Or slips steel to your gut; your knees hit the ground and you're breathless."

Breathless, indeed. Once again, on Christmas Eve, I will light 2 candles, in my parents' memory and gaze into the flames feeling blessed and knowing that in the midst of joy ~ sorrow and loss are allowed.

Good grief, I haven't posted anything in almost a month! It's not that nothing has happened, it's just a matter of not taking time to sit down and write! Shame on me.

Here I am and I don't have the urge to really 'say' anything other than, "I'll get back here later with possibly something 'good'."

I am looking forward to the weekend....

Home Coming

My great white hunter is returning from the woods of Ohio today. It's time he's coming home.

He called last night but we had a bad connection and we didn't get to talk. I hope he wasn't calling to say he was staying longer. I just wonder if he is bringing home fresh meat and big antlers....

It really doesn't matter, just as long as he comes home.
I've started to miss you, Rose Bud!

Two More Months

I can't believe it...only two more months in 2009. Good grief! My dearest friend, Georgeanne, called me yesterday from Goody's informing me that they were playing Christmas music in the store.....Give me a break. Can we not celebrate and savor "THANKSGIVING" and THEN move on to Christmas. Just seems to me that the days are passing quickly enough without us helping it along.

Ok, off my soapbox. Let's just live life to the fullest--each day--without looking too far ahead.

Fall Break...yeah, right

1. Get flu shot on Friday.
2. Go to Heritage Days Friday night and Saturday and have fun.
3. Get a tickle of a cough on Sunday.
4. Call doctor and get an expensive, super duper cough medicine to clear up cough on Monday. (It usually does the job for me.)
5. Call for an antibiotic for this sinus infection that is creeping on me on Tuesday.
6. Dr. doesn't call in antibiotics. I go in for an appointment at 3:30 on same day.
7. At 4:00 on Tuesday, I swab my nose for 'flu' that I knew I didn't have. In record time, the results from the swab come back POSITIVE for Type A Flu.....

All I can say is that whatever kind of flu this is...it's not as bad as the "old timey" flu I had several years ago when even my hair, eyelashes and fingernails hurt....NO JOKE! I suppose we have to look for good in all circumstances. Now, if I can keep my little family healthy.

Aaaaaaautumn!

I love the change of seasons and now my favorite one of the year has arrived. Even though it is raining today, I still enjoy these kind of days. It's been good to be able to be home (Fall Break this week!) The true color of the leaves are gradually showing themselves, promising to dot these hills and hollers with golds, reds, burgundies, and browns. The orange pumpkins in stores are just waiting to be taken to someone's home to add color to front porches and stoops and to be carved into jack-o-lanterns.

The chill of the morning and evening is absolute divine to me. I love the feel of my old, green, ugly, fuzzy sweater as I put it on to guard against the temp and keep me cozy in my front porch rocker. I'm looking forward to firing-up the outdoor firepit and roasting marshmallows and weiners or just watching the flames leap and smell that wonderful aroma of 'wood smoke' which always evokes wonderful 'warm fuzzy' feelings in me.

I've done a wee bit of 'fall' decorating, which adds to my delight. Several of the silk flower arrangements came as tokens of love and care from friends last year when Dad died...they are extra special. I have a few more things to put out when I find them...I thought I had put everything in the same place when I packed up last year, but apparently I didn't. I KNOW of a couple of things I haven't found yet!

Nonetheless, I'll enjoy what I have displayed and will reflect that Fall was my mom's favorite season, too. Ten years ago today, she died in her sleep. In one way, it's been a very l-o-n-g time and then again, it seems like yesterday. I do recall her telling me a few days before she died, "You know, October is going to be gone before I have enough time to enjoy it like I'd like to." I'm sure she is enjoying this October in heaven as she has for the last nine years. You can bet it's better there than in East Tennessee.

The Signs

I don't even pretend to be a weather prognosticator.

I can predict a change in weather by the children's behavior at school and the pain in my knees. I do, however, find it very interesting how our 'old-timers' would predict the weather by observing nature around them and so many times, had great accuracy. Growing up in a 'country' family of storytellers, I remember hearing about the colors and rings of the wooly worms, fogs in August, rings around the moon, the thickness of tree bark, and the positioning of hornets' nests to predict the upcoming winter weather.


The Winter of '09-'10 will be here before we turn around. I always wish for snow and lots of it. The last really big snow we had here was the Blizzard of '93. Maggie has seen a few moderate snows that only last a day or two. The children I've had in school in the last several years have never seen a 'good' snow. (I wish a 'good snow' for them!)

I have always looked for wooly worms and just by chance, my first "weather sign" observation this year was of this hornets' nest a couple of weeks ago out in the McCloud community (out past the TVA Steam plant). (Maggie got a picture of it this past Saturday.) She took the pic with my cell phone from the highway. Yes, the nest is attached to the power lines and there is a very deep ditch below it. Never have I seen a hornets' nest this high. Folklore has it that if they build close to the ground, it will be a very cold winter. If they build high, that is a sign of the amount and depth of snow we will have.

Also, on Saturday, Maggie and I visited our dear friends, The Price family and Kyle went and retrieved an unripe persimmon for me to see what shape was in the seed. I learned this tidbit only about 3 years ago. Persimmon seeds are also an indicator of the winter weather. When you cut open the persimmon seed, there can be one of three shapes inside: a knife, a spoon, or a fork. If the knife is seen, the winter will be bitter cold...so cold, it will 'cut' right through you.
The fork predicts a mild winter. The spoon represents a shovel meaning there will be lots of snow. Guess what....the shape was a SPOON!

As of this writing, I have not seen any wooly worms and I started my tally of fogs in August and forgot to continue the tally after the first fog. I haven't checked the bark on the trees or the crop of acorns, nor the size of spider webs, but according to my observations of the hornets' nest and the persimmon seed, we'd better get out the boots, shovels and sleds, cut the fire wood, have a good supply of books, yarn, toilet paper, peanut butter, and soup. (Miniature Reese's cups would be an excellent staple, too!) Looks to me like we might just have some wonderful snow days and nights!

Wonder what the wooly worms will show?!

UPDATE: (9-11-09) Our Kindergarten Assistant, Miss Beth, said she had HUGE spider webs at her house out Sulphur Springs way....meaning a 'bad winter'! (I still haven't seen a wooly worm.)

YET ANOTHER UPDATE: (10-4-09) The 'wooly worms' are sending mixed messages regarding our winter...Over a period of a couple of weeks, I've seen them colored as: all rust color, all black, but the majority are black at both ends and rust in the middle/meaning: "bad" at the beginning and end with a milder weather in between. (as usual, we'll just have to wait and see...but I'm still hoping for lots of snow!!!!! )

AND YET ANOTHER UPDATE: (10-5-09) I now have pictures (see top of entry-couldn't get the pic down here!) of the "spoons" in the persimmon seeds. I cut open 4 seeds and as you can see, a 'spoon' in each one. So my friends and family, dust off those shovels and grease up those sleds! Yipppppeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My 8th Grader

We now have an 8th grader living under our roof. I have been warned about those teenage years, especially with girls.

I actually remember my own years as a teenager ~ Bless my dear mom! I was really a pretty good girl. REALLY! Since school was a very large part of my social life, I never missed school. (I was only absent one day in all 4 years of high school and that was when Dad took me to Louisville, KY for a Medicine Show gig.) I was never guilty of sneaking out at night ~ I needed my sleep. I didn't have the chance to run with wild boys...because they never asked me! I wouldn't have gone, I don't think. I had a great respect for my parents and a desire "to please" not only them, but my grandparents and teachers. Please know that I truly was NOT perfect by no means. The last spanking I received was when I was in high school (probably 16 or so). Because of my smart mouth, Mom had me lie across my bed and she spanked me with a belt. Believe you me, I was a more cautious with my words and tone at which they were spoken!

Mom's sage words that were drilled into my head whenever I left the house were, "Have fun. Be good. Hurry home and remember who you are representing....your family and your Lord." Another thing she 'used' on me was, "If you are in doubt about whether or not you should 'do' something....would you 'do it' if I was sitting there with you or even more so, if Jesus was sitting right there?" I must confess, just plain old 'fear' kept me from getting in trouble many times.

The older I get and the older Maggie gets, I find that those very same words that Mom told me are now coming out of my mouth. Hopefully, Maggie will heed that same advice and will appreciate the 'disciplined heritage' she has inherited. I hope I live long enough to hear her pass on the same ideals that I am trying to etch into her head and heart to her own children.

BTW ~ I often wonder how come I didn't look like her at 13? Or 23? Or 33........

A year has passed...

Today marks the first anniversary of the death of Ernest Randolph "Doc" McConnell...my Dad. I have experienced all of the "firsts" without him...his first birthday, Thanksgiving, my birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, etc.

I cooked a big supper and joining us were: Guerry, Dad's wife, and Cecelia ~ my first cousin/Dad's brother Tom's daughter. While Rosy washed the dishes, Guerry, Cecelia and I finally read the numerous notes that were written in remembrance of him at the National Storytelling Festival last October in Jonesborough. Guerry and I have made two or three attempts at starting to read them, but never could bring ourselves to do so. I suppose the timing just wasn't right. It was refreshing to read what others wrote.

Rosy and Maggie joined us to watch a video clip of Dad performing his medicine show. We all laughed at his antics and expertise as he charmed the audience with his humor and foolishness.

I can't believe that it has been a whole year since his death. I feel certain he's still telling his tall tales, lies and yarns in that heavenly venue with his biggest fan on the front row listening....Mom.

I also like to think that God gives him two 'thumbs-up' for telling "whoppers" in the land of eternal truth! Yep, I think it's perfectly fine, don't you?!

NOTE: The above picture was taken during Jonesborough Days circa 1975. Dad, his brother ~ Cecil/aka "Steamer" and me.

# 31

Tomorrow is the first day of my 31st year in education. Goodness gracious, where have the years gone? In the last several years, I have had the pleasure of having kids of former students in my classroom and as of late, I'm having grandchildren of my former elementary and high school classmates. Could I really be this old? Will I look "old" to the new charges that come my way this year? Will they tell the people who ask them, "Who is your teacher?" that she is Mrs. Gillenwater and she has white hair and has trouble with her old knees?

Today at Target, I saw a student that I had last year in class. He was/is one of my favorite kids. He came running over to me and gave me a great big hug. I talked with him and his parents about him going to first grade and they said how he has already talked about leaving Mrs. Gillenwater and how much he is going to miss me. I told him that he had better not love his first grade teacher more than he loves me. He assured me that wouldn't happen. Before we parted, he said, "I smell Kindergarten." We all looked at each other and inquired what Kindergarten smelled like. He replied, "I don't know, but it smells good."

Maybe, just maybe, these new recruits will be my last as I hope to retire after this year--the good Lord willing and our board negotiating team will agree to proposed articles such as assistance with health insurance after retirement. Two teachers that started teaching the same day I did, decided that this past year would be their last and were able to retire due to the good benefits of early retirement offered by the county system. I have to admit, I'm jealous! They don't have to get up and head out in the morning for a week long in-service and the first day of school next Monday.

In the morning, as I dust off the box labeled "Beginning of School", it may be my last time I do so. There is a twinge of sadness. I've hugged, loved, disciplined, comforted, instructed, patted, encouraged, laughed with, cried over, hundreds of Kindergarten and middle school-aged students. Some have gone to be productive members of society such as getting doctorate degrees in physics, becoming nurses, teachers, moms, dads, etc. when on the other hand, some made some not-so-wise choices and have had to spend time in prison. No matter their outcome, at one time they were precious children who were in my care and on my roll. Hopefully, they will remember something positive about our time together in the classroom and maybe they, too, will remember that it not only smelled good, but it was all good.

Home Improvement-Part II

I think the dining room and foyer improvements are complete with Rosy hanging the chandelier just a few minutes ago. The "before" shots are posted on an earlier post. Here's the "new" dining room at Gillenwater Manor. It feels REAL good in there. Come join me...

Only East Tennessee

Yesterday, Maggie and I had a little roadtrip to Kyle's Ford and Sneedville, TN. (How's that for a vacation?!?!)

We planned to dine at the River Place Market and Cafe in downtown Kyle's Ford. After we placed our order at the counter and paid, we then took the ticket to the kitchen and placed it in the designated bowl for the orders. We settled in to wait for our lunch on the back deck, complete with comfy chairs and ceiling fans. The table beside us was being used by three men who had decided on the special of the day--steaks, baked potato, salad and butterscotch pie.

When we got to our table the men were gone and the cooks were looking for them. They went ahead and brought out their food and asked me to tell the man that ordered his steak cooked 'well-done' that his was the one on the right. At the same time one of the cooks brought our order, the men came around the corner of the deck and headed to their meal. The lady directed the man to the well-done steak and they settled in. The steaks did smell very delicious. I teasingly told them that we almost took their steaks. We chatted back and forth during our lunch. I could tell that they were enjoying those steaks and a little part of me wished I had ordered the special ($7.95). (BTW-The one who was chatting with me was probably in his 30's and cute as a bug! ) I asked them if the steaks were good and they all agreed that they were delicious. My 'new friend' looked at me and as sincere as he could be, he said, "Would you like to have some of mine? I've got some cut up here that I haven't even touched! You're welcome to have some..." It was as if he and I had been friends forever sitting at my dining room table breaking bread together as we had done many times before. I graciously declined his generous offer. A few minutes later, the older man with the well-done steak, looked over and us said, "Would ya'll like to have my butterscotch pie? It's homemade and delicious. I'm too full and can't eat it." I told him, "No thank you", and suggested that he could put it in his pocket for later in the day.

Maggie and I finished our lunch before our new friends finished. We said our farewells and went to the car for the last leg of our roadtrip. When we got in, started the car and put it in reverse, out of the kitchen came the man who prepared the steaks to help me get out of the parking space because big trucks had parked on both sides of me obstructing my vision as I had to back right onto the main highway. He directed us safely on our way.

As we headed on to Sneedville, I looked over at Maggie and said, "Only in our part of the world would that have happened." She grinned and agreed with me. We both feel blessed to live in these here parts!

Home Improvement

Home Improvement is in full swing @ Gillenwater Manor. You know how the cobbler's wife and children are without shoes and the mechanic's wife drives a lemon? Well, the carpenter's wife is in the same category.

Painting has needed to be done for quite a while now. I threatened to do it myself but I inherited my painted skills from my dad. Mom said that he was a "three-coater": a coat on what he was painting, a coat on himself, and a coat on whatever else was around him. No matter how hard I try, I always end up making a mess. Enough said.

I also have a friend who is a whiz-bang painter. Jan and Rosy have worked together on several new and remodel jobs. He knows what an expert she is with the brush, roller and paint and she gets the quality job done in less time than it would take me to get on my painting clothes, pour the paint in the tray and dip the roller. I told him that I was going to get her on couple different occasions to come and paint, but NO, he said he would do it. I bought the paint 3 or so months ago. It's been in the garage.

Summer is quickly passing and I wanted to get some stuff done before school started. Soooo, I contacted Jan. We had a verbal agreement as to when she would come-last Thursday. I was not going to tell him of the plan, but later decided it would be best if I did. Well, he vetoed the idea once again and I called her and we laughed again wondering what year he would get to it. Bless his heart, he started in the foyer Friday evening, filling nail holes cracks in plaster, etc. Second coat on foyer yesterday and filling nail holes, cracked plaster, etc. in dining room. As of this writing, we have a very naked, ugly 'canvas' in the dining room. I didn't realize how badly in need of painting it was. Everything is out except the table and rug.

Good heavens, it looks so bad. But hopefully, after the master of the house has completed his work, I can get started on my part and it will once again feel like home.

Blessings in all shapes and sizes

The older I get, I realize that blessings can come in all forms. Almost 2 years ago, I was blessed by finding the exact kind of dining room chairs (5 of them) I had been wanting (but couldn't afford my own taste and quality) for a little more than one would have cost. Also, while waiting to close the deal on the chairs, I noticed a very pretty love seat that had a price tag of $150 on it. After questioning the salespeople, I discovered that not only was the love seat $150 but the price included the huge overstuffed matching couch with a gazillon accent pillows. The final bill was less than $350!

Today, I'm heading to the dining room to clean out my clutter so that my dear husband, Rosy, can paint tomorrow.

The blessings in dining room:
1. I am now the proud owner of my mom and dad's round oak 'kitchen' table (found in a junk store and was painted with black lacquer) which was the anchor in our home for as long as I can remember. Many delicious meals were served and shared at that table along with holidays celebrated, homework prepared, vacations mapped, checks written for bills, laundry folded, coffee and tea sipped, and important family decisions made around that very table. It has seen spills, tears and heard laughter.

2.I'll be moving the tea cart from the front porch to the dining room after the painting is completed. The tea cart is a rescue job from Colonel Smith's garbage (circa 1960's). We were on a Sunday afternoon ride and as we passed his house, Dad spotted some things of interest poking out of his garbage can. He pulled the car over, gathered the pitched out pieces, took them home, expertly put them together and surprise.....a lovely tea cart that had wheels that actually rolled!

3. I will be adding several other 'things' that I have inherited from my mom and dad's home before the dining room is 'finished'.

Some folks may call it trash, junk and wouldn't have it near their fancy homes. Only the new- smelling-fresh- from -the- factory furniture is right for them. But for me, the patina, scratches and memories of these pieces of plunder are the perfect items for our humble abode. I just hope that Maggie will one day understand and realize the beauty that lies within them and pass them on to her children so they will be blessed in a small way.

Happy 4th of July!

Here are some fireworks from our celebration.
How fortunate we are to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave...
Thank you, Lord!

Bees and Spiders

It seems if we leave well enough alone, nature will take care of us. Just yesterday I noticed two "dirt dobber" nests on the carport. They were not there the day before..."busy bees", I must say. I was at the sink last night and even heard them buzzing/working. This morning I went out to look and Spider had taken one of the dirt dobbers captive and was going to have him for breakfast, lunch and supper. (I did help out and spray up in one of the nests to take care of the inhabitants...I don't want anybody to get stung.)

Yard Sale!

Happy Shoppers at Gillenwater Manor

It's that time of the year...YARD SALES in abundance. Yes, today was the day of the "Neighborhood Yard Sale" of which I have been busy sorting through and purging the utility room of inventory for this sale. (Note: the attic and closets will provide the goods for the "Fall Sale" the last Saturday in September. Mark your calendar now.)

Today, I was joined by two friends, Beth and Carol. Georgeanne was going to join us but her sister is visiting from out of state and she wanted to spend extra time with her before she heads back to her home on Sunday. (George, you'd better be here in Sept. It just wasn't the same without you!) They, too, brought their wares and settled in for the long, hot haul. We found ourselves trading 'stuff' with each other! I think the best part of the day was getting to visit with friends on the porch with the ceiling fans cooling us and sharing stories on a variety of subjects.

Now I ask...

Host a Yard Sale...Why? Bottom line for me, (1) make a little bit of money for my belongings which I at one time purchased because I thought I 'needed' them and (2)getting rid of said needed items. I did have a rather disturbing thought today....if a person was of a very sensitive nature, he/she might have their feelings hurt because strangers, and possibly friends, shop at your sale and then walk away empty-handed! Do they not like your stuff....stuff that you paid 'good money' for and now feel the need to pass on?

To quote Richard Rubin in his article in the July/August '09 AARP magazine: "For as long as people have owned things, they've also found cause, from time to time, to get rid of them. Someone somewhere near you, seeking simplicity and following the spirit of karma or cosmic oneness or casting one's bread upon the waters, will decide, for a mere pittance, to pass some of his or her most treasured possessions on to total strangers, one of whom may be you. At the same time, someone somewhere near you, looking to clean out their hovel and make some quick bucks, will sucker total strangers, one of whom may be you, into paying for the privilege of caring off their trash. These two disparate events may actually be happening at the same house, on the same lawn, or in the same garage,. Which one you attend may become clear to you only the following morning, or week , or month, or perhaps only when you show someone else what you bought and tell them how much you paid for it. If it was the former, congratulations and welcome to the club: but if it was the latter please accept my condolences. And welcome to the club."

Yep, I've been on both sides of the fence, errr, yard.

I'm proud to say that I "made" $80 today. I could have made more, but I had the pleasure of giving some things away. As you well know, money isn't everything--even at a yard sale.

A Moment in Time

Yep, I had another one of 'those moments' a little while ago. It seems like only yesterday that I was helping dress my little cherub to take her to Vacation Bible School at our church. She has been every year since she was old enough.

Only this year, she is now an "assistant" to the teachers~ something she has always wanted to do. I can't wait to hear what age group she was assigned to and what all happened with the 'little ones' that my Maggie used to be.

Time marches on.

HELP, I'M DROWNING-but not in water...

Junque. Junk. Clothes. Treasures. Trash. Garbage.

Where did it all come from?!?!
The "Neighborhood Yard Sale" next Friday has prompted the cleaning/purging of the house, starting (and possibly ending, due to the multitude of the job and time) with the utility/laundry room.*

During my continued efforts, I have found a 1990 Rand McNally Road Atlas, numerous gift bags and tissue paper, and several former attempts at becoming "organized". Yes, once again, I will strive for organization of art supplies, paper plates, plastic utensils, Tupperware, Pampered Chef show tools and items of business, vintage childrens books, sewing notions, seasonal decorations, yard/garden hand tools and various other items that have landed there. I hope I will find some kind of buried treasure...who knows, it just might be in there!

*Rosy has threatened several times to strike a match to it. He didn't because he said it was attached to the house. lol

Potty Post

Gillenwater Manor is nearing the end of "Bathroom Remodeling". (Pictures of the completed version will be posted upon completion.)

As of yesterday evening, we have two 'used' toilets on the carport. The one on the right has been here since the house was built in 1956. The other (which is way too low) was a hand-me-down from a bathroom job Rosy did a few years ago. We opted to "GO GREEN" and purchase a water saver toilet this go around.

I hope our neighbors and anybody else driving by are not envious of our wealth of commodes. In fact, they are probably saying to themselves...."You might be a REDNECK if you have one or more toilets on your carport!" Well, our true lineage is shining forth...now, you really know us!

Early Summer Bounty

Today, I got a little carried away at our local produce market near our house. My purpose for stopping in was to get grapes to put in my chicken salad. When I walked in, I lost control and proceeded to SHOP for the fresh bounty that lay before me. A friend had already given me fresh turnips so I passed those at the market and went for the 'fresh' 1/2 runner green beans, okra, 'new' potatoes to go in my beans, yellow crook-neck squash, zucchini, Georgia peaches and Grainger County tomatoes, Peaches and Cream corn on the cob, along with a half gallon of buttermilk for my cornbread that will HAVE to be baked with this good ole country grub.

I honestly feel sorry for those folks who never have the blessed opportunity to feast on such. The only thing better is getting the same fresh fare at our "Farmers Market" fresh from the East Tennessee soil. Oh my, this is something to look forward to. Better yet, sharing it with family and friends around our table.

BTW-Guess who forgot the grapes!?!?! I had to go back and get them after I loaded the car and got ready to pull out of the parking lot.

Lightning Bugs

Today has been a scrub the carport and front porch day. I was fortunate to be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor this evening and tonight by getting some 'porch time' in.
While sitting there, I saw my first lightning bug! Yes, I got excited! (OK-It doesn't take much...)

I was immediately taken back to the later part of May, 1978 when I was in a mini-term class at Carson Newman College. The two week class consisted of botony, ornithology, geology, and survival. The first week we stayed on campus doing 'class' work, taking short hikes, awakening early to see the birds, etc.

The second week was the most fun. We literally were dropped off somewhere (I honestly still don't know where) in the Smoky Mountains. For three days and nights we backpacked, hiked and camped on the trail eating sea rations and communing with nature. Our destination was the parking lot at Abrams Falls where we were picked up and taken to our base camp at Elkmont for the remainder of the week.

The first day of our trip was highlighted by Major Reed, our ROTC survival instructor, killing a rattlesnake that appeared near his foot as he was pitching his tent. Some of us snacked on the serpent-I knew that would probably be the only time I would ever have the chance to taste it, and it has been, so far.

On the second night of our expedition, Professor Dickenson took us to one of the most brilliant, awesome light shows I have ever seen. He had been to this particular grass-carpeted area right smack dab in the center of the forest several times before. When we arrived at this clearing, he instructed us to turn off our flashlights. Lo and behold, right before our very eyes, we were witness to one of the greatest sightings of bioluminescense! It was a gazillion lightning bugs and glow worms, flashing and lighting up in hopes of courtship and mating! The female glow worms would light up in the grass and the male lightning bugs would swarm to them like a flash of lightning. It was a well-synchronized dance. We all marveled at this creation and I knew then that I had become a member of an elite group who had this opportunity that very few people even knew about.

I think of my childhood summer nights carrying a glass mayo jar with a metal lid that had holes poked in it with a knife to allow the lightning bugs oxygen. Dan, my BFF from across the street, and other neighborhood kids would have wonderful times catching the bugs with a glow-in-the-dark rear end!

To quote an anonymous writer, "God created so much diversity in this world, much more than is needed for mere survival. He made all of this for us, and He wants us to enjoy it. We can get so busy surrounding ourselves with man-made goods that we don't notice the living tapestry that God has laid out all around us. I guess lightning bugs do have a purpose after all. They are a reminder of a creative God who loves us so much, He'd paint the rear end of a bug... just to see us smile."

I'm sure He saw me smile tonight!

Busy Times

I have become very lax in writing here. The days are passing way to quickly. Here we are--the MIDDLE OF MAY!!!! Only 8 more days of school, but who's counting.

Things are very busy this time of year. Friday night I hosted my annual end-of-the-year Class Family Picnic at the city park. All but three of my children and their families came with covered dishes and 2 liter drinks. The children had fun playing after they ate. As I told them that night, I am so grateful to have had such a wonderful year with their children. It seems as though every year is the best and I will hate to give them up to their first grade teacher.

Tomorrow night we will be attending the Academic Awards Ceremony in which our Maggie will receive some type of memento for her efforts this year. Good grief, she is finishing 7th grade. Seems like only yesterday I had her all cleaned and shined for her first day of preschool with Miss April...Mags was 3. Now fast forward----it's 10 years later.

Friday afternoon during the 8th grade students' lunch, I will have those 8th graders that were in my class for their Kindergarten year, to come and have lunch with me in their 'old classroom' and we will celebrate their success in finishing 9 years at our school and reminisce about their days when they were little fellers and gals. Of course, I will take their picture and hang it by their Kindergarten group picture on my wall of fame.

Time is passing way to quickly. I want it to slow down and I don't know how to stop it. Got any suggestions?

Rockin' My World

I just came in from getting some "porch time" in my rocking chair. Our trees now have their leaves and they provide an extra shield from the street lights and give a certain privacy to the front porch of Gillenwater Manor.

The cool spring breeze was very soothing just like a lullaby.

How blessed to have a quiet corner of the world to reflect, remember, and relax.

Yes, "rockin' my world" sure takes on a different meaning than it did 25 years ago. I think I like this kind of "rockin'" better....

Come join me.

A Teen in my house....

YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There's a teenage girl in my house. Where did she come from?

Why it was only yesterday that my birthing skills were put into practice and this little 6 lb. 12 oz. /19 in. long baby girl came into this world wrinkled and red with a perfect shaped cone head! The days and nights have passed so quickly that I make an effort to remember those sweet times of lullabies, the smell of a freshly bathed baby, little fingers and toes, pacifiers, Skinny Scat and blankie.

When did this happen? How did it happen?

All I know, Mom was right (again) when she said to me, "Honey, you're eating your white bread now!" as she referred to the 2 o'clock feedings, the 24 hour watch of the wee one, the dirty diapers, sour tummy, etc.

I sure wish Mom and Dad were here to celebrate our Maggie's 13th birthday with us today. How excited they were 13 years ago today!!!! They loved her so and she loved them...and still does.

Happy 13th birthday, Little Fuzzy! I love you!

April Showers

Our neck of the woods has had a Spring Cleaning....wow, the storms of the day have washed away the pollen, some gardens, etc. I'm so grateful the tornado watch is over. We have friends in Murfreesboro where a tornado touched down and caused much damage....we learned that the tornado was about a mile from their house but they didn't suffer any damage.

How blessed we are to have a good sturdy home --a safe refuge from all kinds of life's storms. My little nest seems to be the place I want to be most. I'm glad that my little corner of the world has a roof, floor, windows, heat and air conditioning and two others to share it with. Indeed, God is good, God is great...

Spring or Winter-Again

The last two days have been absolutely gorgeous! I just checked the weather forecast and there is a very good possibility of the white stuff tomorrow night, Tuesday, and Tuesday night. Clouds are rolling in as I make this entry.

I do remember a BIG snow this time of year in 1987. My cousin, Ann, and I bundled up her daugher, Sarah, whose 1st birthday was April 6th and we put a blanket on the snow and took several pictures to remind her and us of the snow on her first birthday. She turns 23 tomorrow! Happy Birthday, Sarah!

I'm glad I haven't gone to the expense and effort to plant flowers yet. We still have several 'winters' to go through yet. Mom always said that Mamaw Russell said not to plant anything until after Mother's Day....the threat of a freeze was over by then. Once again, Mamaw was right.

Hopefully, Rosy will be coming in here a bit with some fresh wild turkey! Yes, Spring brings the season for the gobblers. He and a friend went hunting this morning and Gary shot a turkey and gave it to Rosy. We had fresh, out of the woods, delicious fowl....YUMMO! You can't get enough of that good stuff and no, it doesn't taste like chicken! LOL

I suppose we'll just have to wait and see what the weather brings----snow cream or wild turkey....

We Made It!

We made it through the week and now the weekend is here and so is Spring Break! I know of folks heading to the beach, NYC, and other points of interest. We are just planning on not planning anything right now. Maggie and I have talked about a shopping day. Also, I need to get the car aligned sometime next week. I think I'll pick a rainy day for that.

I'm headed to bed and I don't have to set the alarm for 9 days!!!

How much longer?

The count is on...how many more school hours until Spring Break? I honestly think the teachers are more excited about our 'child-free week' than the kids ever thought about being. The joy of not having to set the alarm clock, getting to drink a cup or two of morning coffee on the front porch watching the birds or in front of the computer, not having any schedule to keep.....this is just a tease for Summer vacation and then RETIREMENT-I hope.

I know we can make it through the rest of today and tomorrow and then...... ahhhh, 9 days of R and R. Wanna come and join me for coffee on the porch one morning? You can bring the Pal's biscuits.

Spring

IT'S FRIDAY AND THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING! YIPEEEEEEEEEE

Lambs' Names

The twin lambs are named after a set of Andrew's maternal great-grandparents....
Maude and Wayman! Mighty fine names!!

Twin Lambs

Maggie and I were fortunate tonight to see twin lambs less than an hour old. I have never been witness to seeing lambs so new.

How amazing to watch the mother, Shy, let them stand on their own four feet, stumble, fall and get up again with their little tails swishing back and forth. The male seemed to be tired and he piled up on the hay while the little feisty girl wanted to eat. Believe you me, it was well worth crossing the electric fence in the rain and trudging through the mud and muck to the 'sheep shed' to see a Spring miracle.

Thanks to Andrew Price for letting us come and see the newest of his livestock. Now, I'm wondering just what he will name them. There were several name suggestions from his mom-Georgeanne, his dad-Jack, Maggie, and of course, me. I'm sure Andrew will do just fine naming them and tending to his growing flock.

Hmmmm, I wonder if he'll name one after me?

Spring Tease

This morning, Maggie and I were headed to Kingsport for her 8:30 orthodontist appointment. We were talking about how the past two days were so sunny and warm. This morning is cool and cloudy with a forecast that is saying a possibility of s-n-o-w on Friday. I told her that was the way it is here in these parts. We both agreed that we would not want to live where it is Winter or Summer 'all the time'. We love the changing of the seasons even if they do tease us.
Maggie said, "You know, you can even smell the changes..."

Uncovered Story

I was just on Facebook chatting with Leigh Ann Waller Templeman, a dear next door neighbor/ childhood friend who now lives in Athens, GA. Wow, it still blows me away about the ease of communication with others.

As I was getting ready to log off, I noticed that a college friend had written on my wall. What he said, dusted off a long ago story that I thought nobody knew/remembered...His comment was, "Every time I go into a nice restaurant, I think of you shaking steak sauce all over that poor man!" Yes, I'm going to share it.

My birthday (Dec. 3) happened to fall on the day/night of the Morristown Christmas parade in which the Rogersville High School Marching Band was performing. I was in the flag corps. In celebration of my special day, Mom and Dad were going to come to the parade, pick me up afterwards and treat me to a special birthday supper @ Shoney's Restaurant-my pick.
(Remember--Shoney's was pretty close to 'upscale' dining at that time.) The plan worked.

We were seated and placed our order with the waitress. I had ordered a hamburger steak (yeh, boys--out on the town/no price limit that night!) and baked potato. I loved Heinz 57 sauce and there was none on our table when our food arrived. I proceeded to find a bottle on a table a few booths behind us. I went to retrieve it and commenced to shake the bottle to mix it well. Even though the lid was ON the bottle, it was NOT screwed on securely. While shaking the bottle, the lid came off unknown to me--of course, I was talking and not paying attention-- and when I got back to the table, Mom said, "Hannah, what is that...." at the same time I noticed I had drenched my LONG blond hair and my uniform with steak sauce. We summoned the waitress for napkins or towels to clean me up. When she brought them back to us, we heard the man across the way from us ask her, "Ma'am, could I please have a rag, too?" My heavens, I had marinated him! Needless to say, I was humiliated. Thank heavens, he was very nice man. I apologized over and over. He was so kind and knew it was totally accidental. He even refused to take money for the cleaning bill for his clothes or a reimbursement for his clothes. I think he even felt sorry for me. That was a birthday supper I'll always remember.

I have remembered to check the lids of all bottles before I shake them since that night @ Shoney's.

At Home-Again

Maggie and I just got back from the doctor and getting her antibiotic filled. Yep, she's got the CRUD--that's what he called it, too. He was glad we came when we did. He said many folks are waiting until they are very sick to come to the dr. I'm glad we've caught it in time.

What a beautiful day! She wanted to stay out and drive. I would have loved to also, but I told her that all we needed was for somebody important to see us and 'tell on us'....so, we came on home. She's piled up on the couch. I'm ready to pile up in the recliner for my afternoon beauty nap. Now, you know one of my beauty secrets! LOL LOL

Till next time....

At Home

My girl is puny again today...what's up with this?! I was fortunate to find a sub and someone to do my breakfast duty this morning. Hopefully, Maggie's ailment will be short lived.

Last night I fiddled with my printer/scanner (Canon PIXMA MP130--how's that for knowing what I've got!) that I've had for 3 years and never used. Of course the software and instruction book are nowhere to be found. (Of course, eventually in this millennium they will resurface.) With the help of my computer doctor, Mark, I was able to download the software but I've still got glitches. I'll call the 'real' Canon Help today. While talking with Mark last night, I told him how nice it was to have someone well versed in the English language that I could understand and he could understand me. LOL

I look forward to getting it set up so that I can scan more pics. I used Guerry's computer last time...This blog stuff is so much fun. I guess I have to 'blame' Mary Ann, Pam and Angie for leading me down Blog Boulevard!!!! Stay with me girls and hang tight....I feel blessed to be in such good company.

From the archives

Guerry, Dad's wife and I, have been packing up things from the McConnell-Russell (Dad-Mom) era. While doing so, I came upon some pictures I thought I would post. Here they are..More can been seen on my Facebook site. I just don't have time to put more on here tonight. Hope you enjoy.

Mamaw and Papaw McConnell

My cousin's, (Cecelia) husband, Martin Ferguson, scanned these pictures from negatives.

I love them!!! These are my paternal grandparents, John and Thelma Valentine McConnell--circa 1940's.

Papaw was a whiz of a car mechanic, working many years in Kingsport at Latimer Looney Chevrolet. Mamaw was a homemaker who loved her cats, dogs, birds and squirrels in her yard. (Don't you love her 'socks' in the picture on the steps?! That must be where I get my fashion savvy!)

God Winks

Around 7:20 yesterday morning when I arrived at my classroom, there was an 8 x 10 brown envelope propped on the door handle.

On the front was written: To-Hannah Mc. Gillenwater From- Kaci.

I could hardly wait to see what was in it. (I love good surprises!) As soon as I got settled at my desk, I opened the envelope to see what I had acquired. When I opened it, I found a nice white mat board with an opening already cut in it. But there was a clean white sheet of paper under the opening. I lifted the top mat to remove the paper and to my surprise there was this awesome picture of my dad. Immediately the flood gates opened, for Kaci Campbell had captured Dad at the 2004 National Storytelling Festival engaged in conversation with someone (I'm sure).

What is so unique about this photo is that it only shows his sturdy, scarred left hand on his knee with his foot propped up on his 'cobby' trunk (which was personalized--DOC MCCONNELL in his handwriting with a black magic marker and stored all the 'goods' from his show). He is wearing his old two-toned, thin soled Medicine Show shoes that he said he could tell if a penny was heads or tails if he stepped on it.

How many times in my life have I witnessed this very same pose? Hundreds of times, I know as we traveled the USA 'healing the people' along the way--maybe not with legit medicine but with laughter and nonsense. Those days are gone and can only be visited through videos, tapes, CD's, memories and of course, photographs.

Thank you, Kaci, for being a blessing vessel. I know that God winked at me to reassure me that He's right here with me, holding me tight, when He prodded you to send me that photo when you did. Thanks for listening.

I will cherish this gift for the rest of my life. (Hopefully, Maggie and her children will, too.)

Note: I took a picture of a reprint of the picture to show here...It does NOT do it justice. You'll just have to visit Gillenwater Manor to see it for yourself.....

My Kids

It's too cold to take the children out to the playground today so we are spending our recess here in our classroom. I love to watch my Kindergarten children. They are playing with Play-Doh, building with blocks, playing with the barn/farm set, two boys are playing in our "Housekeeping" area, some are drawing, some are making Lego creations. It seems their only concerns are "Where can I go next to play?" and "When will it be time to go home?" Oh, I forgot one other..."When is snack?"

My years in the classroom have taught me that time passes quickly and my second generation of children are becoming my charges. Their parents that I had when they were 5 are now grown people with careers, house payments, car payments, and kids of their own. I am fortunate that I actually see many of them and can remember them when I see them out and about. I can still recall their names and sometimes remember some little 'something' that they did when they were 'little' that I can share with them. My heart is thrilled and I become teary when they give me a hug and tell me that I'm their favorite teacher ever or they find something that I gave them and that they still love me. I have even received letters where students have actually written about me because of a class assignment and how I touched their life.

These 29 years have been a test of perseverance and true grit. I hope I can make it 65 more days for this school year plus 1 more school year. I've seen changes in education from the chalkboard and flannel board to the dry erase board and now to the 'smart board'. Changes from chalk, to markers, to the click of the mouse. Is the time drawing near for me to turn in my plan book and file folders full of ideas and plans for another venue of my life? A friend told me yesterday that I will know for sure when the time is right...I do know one thing is for sure....the 5-6 year old innocence, creativity, unbridled enthusiasm, and energy are to be admired by the adult world. I have to agree with George Bernard Shaw (not Calvin Coolidge-for you Andy fans), "Youth is wasted on the young."

For now, I'll just stay here in Room #201 and soak up as much as I can for future use in the retirement realm.

Won't You Be Mine?

Valentine's Day has always been a special day for me.

My Mamaw McConnell was born on Valentine's Day--hence her name---Thelma Valentine Hammond McConnell. She had a granddaughter born on the same day, too---my cousin, Kelly Ann McConnell.

I remember the excitement of elementary school days when we decorated our mail bags or boxes to hold the many valentines that we would receive from our classmates. Sandy Geiger always got me, Melissa Lane Campbell and a couple of other gals a red heart-shaped box of chocolates. I looked forward to his gesture of kindness every year.

The steeple on our church was set on February 14th because I remember watching its installation from my second grade classroom (Mrs. Watterson's class) during our party.

This past week has been filled with excitement of Valentine activities, worksheets, crafts, etc. The children got to have their only party of the school year and open their Valentines.

Rosy and I made reservations at Miss Bea's for her annual Valentine Dinner. It was a nice quiet cozy atmosphere with only 15 people--her capacity. Wow, what a wonderful dinner!

This afternoon he came in with a single rose for each of his girls. Maggie's was white and mine was red. He also gave me a beautiful corsage to wear. When he gave it to me he said, "It wouldn't be right for you to go unadorned tonight!"---to quote Gomer Pyle when he was going to take Thelma Lou's cousin, Mary Grace Gossage, to a dance. You just have to know that Andy Griffith episode to really understand how special this was.

Those two little roses are better than any dozen he could have even sent to me. I'll remember that corsage (make that a long "a" as in the herb sage. That's the way Gomer pronounced it.) for a long time because I was the ONLY one at dinner who was adorned!

Happy Valentine's Day!

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