Life's Like That

Its been a while since I've blogged here.  Life has been, well ... life.  After all the traveling it was time to catch up on work and then, you know, stuff just seems to happen. 

As I sit here and write this I am listening to the news of more sad happenings in our world, more mass murder in a place of worship, more hate, more violence ... and the song of a bird outside of my window who is completely oblivious to the turmoil.   A pot of chicken is simmering on the stove that will eventually become a pot of chicken and noodles that I will drop off to a friend. 

And we are waiting.

We are waiting for a birth, and a death.  Our pastor is at death's door this morning and our daughter-in-law is expecting to give birth to our granddaughter any day now.  

Its a typical day.  While grocery shopping early this morning I got a call from Brian saying that his day just got more complicated.   He is due to have the stitches taken out of his hand, he has two people at the hospitals to check on, and of course, to get back to our pastor's family and be there with them as much as possible .... and now his car is full of smoke.  It broke down this morning so he will have to get it to a shop, get a rental car, and pick up where he left off. 

Life is like that. 

We all take time to address those unpredictable and uncontrollable things that pop up, and then we pick up where we left off and keep moving forward.  And hopefully we try to find some good in the journey.

Tell Me the Story

Have you ever seen the show of the FOX News channel called OBJECTIFIED?   Its pretty interesting.  Its based on the idea that the objects we choose to keep in our homes have not only have some meaning to us but they explain the experiences that have shaped who we are. Of course on the show, celebrities are interviewed, but I’m thinking we all have such objects in our homes.  I know for a fact that I do. 

 Since I’ve recently moved my home office to a different room, I’ve handled each of these objects and thought it would be fun to share them with you.  

Lets start with the objects on my desk (besides the obvious stack of "stuff" that I need to go through and file away. 

"Blue B" is no longer blue, but a well-worn gray, teddy b ear that I had as an infant.  His fabric is worn thin, his eyes have long since fallen out, and he is almost unrecognizable as a "bear" at all.  I've literally had him my whole life.  I'm told that when I was a baby I was really sick and throughout that illness I held tight to that bear.  He has seen me through some bad times and he's still here to see me through whatever the future holds.  

Next to Blue B sits my dad's wallet.  I'm not sure how I ended up with it, but some time after he passed, I acquired it.  Maybe its fitting that a daughter ends up with her dad's wallet since I'm sure he reached into it many, many times to take care of my needs and most of my wants.  Inside the wallet were the things he held most dear - pictures of his great grand-kids.  

Next to that is a piece of wood.  Its not just any piece of wood though.  Its a piece of a swing that used to sit on our patio.  When my husband and I married, we were poor.  Really poor. I mean we lived in an old trailer in a run down trailer park that was inhabited by Gypsies.  Just before our wedding I took Brian to the farm store to show him a beautiful swing that I thought was the coolest swing I had ever seen.  I knew we couldn't afford it, and I wasn't asking for it, but I did want him to see how cool it was.   The night of our rehearsal dinner he surprised me and gave me the swing for a wedding gift.  It lasted almost 26 years and when we had to get rid of it, we kept a portion of it.  There are various teeth prints from several of the dogs we have had over the years.  

Next to that is a small, plastic piggy bank.  That came from a little girl on the Reservation.  For years I led mission teams to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.  Pine Ridge is the poorest place in the U.S.   The median income there is just $3500 a year ... in America.  One year we took up an offering.  I had debated  that and wasn't sure if we should but decided that even the poorest among us can be a blessing to those who are living in even worse circumstances.  One little girl put her entire piggy bank, all of the money she had, into the offering.  I kept the little bank as a reminder to be a good giver and as a testament to the little girl who taught us all about generosity.  

Next to that is a small figurine that an old friend gave to me.  On it is inscribed the passage from Calvin Coolidge "Press On".   "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

On the top of my desk sits several other items.  A sign that read's Be Brave and the scripture Jeremiah 29:11.  Unlike the other items, I have not had this one for long.  I bought it last year to remind myself to be brave and not quit.  After being offered a position with an elite training organization and working alongside some of the most skilled trainers in the country, I struggled.  Oh I was happy. I was thrilled.  I was honored.  And I was terrified!   One of the hardest things I've ever done was to stay there, feeling like an impostor but trying my best to do well and not reflect badly upon them.  

Next to that is a basket.  The basket was hand made for me by a lady in our church in Louisiana.  It has special meaning because of the lady who made it, and because it is beautiful as she was.  

There is also a framed certificate from when I completed the NRA Instructor training.  I had never, ever set out to be a firearms instructor, but God leads in some pretty interesting ways and I've learned to just follow as best as I can.  Its been quite a trip. 

In the corner of my office is a curio cabinet.  A long time ago it was for sale in my aunt and uncle's hardware store in my hometown.  My aunt gave it to me early when I was married for just a short time.  Inside are my wedding bouquet, the pillow the ring bearer carried in our wedding, and the topper that sat on our wedding cake.  There is a pewter cup engraved with our oldest son's name that was given to us when he was born.  There are tea pots too. Some that were given to me by a sweet older lady who

attended our church and has since passed on.  One that I purchased in Romania when I was there on a mission trip, two pieces from a small tea set I had as a child, and one tea pot made by my youngest son when he was in elementary school.  That one may just be my favorite. 

You may see a nativity set in there too. Its there simply because I don't know where else to put it. 

And finally there is my chair and side table. 

The chair we have had for years.  It used to be blue but several years ago I asked my mom and dad to reupholster it.  They did.  I"m pretty sure it was a labor of love because it was not an easy task.  Its held up well ... and both Cooper and Gunner like to think its their chair. 

On the side table (which is really a stool) sits an old phone.  When I was a child my dad owned a men's clothing store in our hometown and we lived in the apartment above it.  The backroom was filled with antiques, among which was this old phone.  

Above the chair are old photos of my dad when he was a little boy and his father.  These are people who survived some tough times yet they never complained.  I like to think they helped to make me who I am.  I like to think that maybe I can learn from their example.

As I write this it strikes me that I have a lot of "stuff" in this small room.  I guess that means I've been around for a while.  I wonder what will happen to all this stuff when I'm gone?  Maybe one of my kids will read this and realize the value of the old stuff in mom's office. 

Love is All You Need

Greater love has no one than this:
 to lay down one’s life for one’s friends

Sometimes people don't get me.  I bet they don't get you either, huh?  

And you know what?  That's okay.  Not everyone will.  In fact, if everyone did understand us, I'd be worried about us. 

It can be a little sad though, when we feel we have something of value to offer and some just do not and will not hear us.

I feel that way a lot.  I think some people see me as different than they are because I am a firearms instructor, when in fact, I'm not all that different.  

And because of my job I've met hundreds of people who just don't fit the image some have in their mind of a 'gun owner". 

The people I have met are people who go to church.  They are involved in non-profit organizations that assist those in need.  
They go out of their way to do kind things for others.   They support charity. They foster unwanted animals. They go on mission trips to impoverished nations.   They foster homeless children.  They do a thousand caring  things for others that no one ever hears about.  They are good people. 

Because what people do not "get" is that we do the "gun thing" because we love others.  We simply could not live with ourselves if the unthinkable occured and we were in a position to do nothing.  You "get" that, right?

" Let all that you do be done with love."

1 Corinthians 16:14 New King James Version (NKJV)

Fear Not

I am sad and troubled today. I am sad because so many seems shocked by the murder of the young lady just a few short miles from where I live. Why would you be shocked? Evil does exist in our world. We know that, right?

I know its easy to ignore the fact that evil really does exist and walks among us, because (thankfully) we encounter it so rarely.

Almost every time something like this occurs we are reminded... and we are alarmed. I begin to see posts advocating the use of pepper spray, or worse, wasp spray. I see post about putting your keys beside your bed so you can hit the panic button and scare away the bad guy. And that makes me sad too beause those folks have no clue what violence looks like or how ill prepared they are to meet it.

I'm sad too because I've had people accuse me of promoting fear because I want people to be truly able to defend themseleves against a violent attacker. They tell me that such things are far to "negative" to dwell on.

What they fail to see is that it is quite the opposite. The more prepared you are to confront a violent attacker, the less afraid you are. You have a confidence that you have a fighting chance because you invested some time and money into doing what you can to prepare yourself to protect those you love.

I've even had people respond to me by being a little bit afraid of me. They don't say so, but I do sense it. And t hat is sad too because I'm the least likely perosn to cause them harm. I am simply a reminder to them that evil exists - and they don't want to think about that.

And I have had peope tell me that they are going to rely on me to protect them because they belive that I will. Honestly, I find that sad too ... and incredibly selfish that they would ask me to put my own life at risk to save them becuase they will not take responsibility for their own safety. What if I am killed trying to protect them. Are they ok with that? Really? What if I am not killed but injuired. I'm going to be out medical bills to recover. Have they considered that? Do they realize that even if I do respond and even if I do prevail that I will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in court costs? Do they know their attaker can sue me in civil court for my actions even if those actions were found to be completely justified? I may lose my home and all that I own. Why would I do that for someone who will not do what they need to do for themselves?

I'm reminded of C.S. Lewis when he was told that fairy tales are too scary for children because they induce fear. People want to shield children from the reality of evil in the world. But kids know that evil exists. Lewis responded, “Since it is so likely that they will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. . . Let there be wicked kings and beheadings, battles and dungeons, giants and dragons, and let villains be soundly killed at the end of the book”

If C.S. Lewis thought children should be equipped to deal with the subject of evil, why would we as adults continue to pretend it does not exist? Why would we not prepare to meet it should it ever visit us? And why on earth would we condemn those who try to help us be prepared?

Things You Should Buy: Vertx Guardian Shirt

Oh yes.  I did it.  I was waiting for the women's line to come out but I just couldn't wait any longer and decided that girls  can wear the Vertx Guardian shirts too!  So I bought one.  

And ... I'm in love.  

These shirts are made for concealed carry but I can think of so many other things they could be used for.  They would be great for those traveling on mission trips.  Let me tell you why.

Some of the key features of the Guardian shirts are that they have the Vapor Core 37.5 Active Particle Technology that helps your body maintain its core temperature and manage the moisture so you can perform at your peak by being comfortable throughout the day.  That's a fancy way of saying they  keep you cool and help you stay dry, and help to control odor.  How is that not nice?  

They would be great for travel because they are wrinkle resistant.  The no roll collar helps maintain a clean consistent look.  And the buttons are actually snaps which makes for easy fast access of any gear you may be carrying.  

For those buying for concealed carry, the shirt has a half-shirt undershirt.  That means that the soft, lightweight undershirt tucks into your pants while the outer shirt rides over your waist.  That keeps the firearm from rubbing uncomfortably against your skin.  And yet, there is no tell-tale sign of an  undershirt at the neckline. 

Is it comfortable?  Oh my, is it ever!  The shirt has a soft, almost silky feel to it that glides easily with you as you move.  Its very lightweight and easy to wear. At no point do you feel the bulk you might assume comes with a shirt with these features.  I find it to be more comfortable than my favorite t-shirt. 


So where do you get one of these and how much does it cost?  You can buy directly online from Vertx or if you are in the Cincinnati area, Premier Shooting and Training Center in West Chester carries them in stock.  They do come in other colors, I just prefer the black one.  Expect to pay about $50 - $60 depending on where you get it.  Its one of those things that are made well and will last a really long time so its worth every penny.

I'm not great at selfie body shots, but here is a  poor one. I hope it gives you an idea of what the shirt looks like.  Please kindly disregard the dirty bathtub. 

By the way, I am not employeed by Vertx or asked to recommend them. I just do it because they are a great local company that makes superior products.  Check out their bags too.  They have some backpacks that blow the competition away.  

Small Business Spotlight: Troy's Cafe

This locally owned restaurant is a truly one of my favorites   Located at 4877 Smith Rd. in West Chester, Ohio you will find a welcoming little café offering a variety of fresh food choices at reasonable prices in an easy atmosphere.    That is a fancy way of me telling you that I absolutely love Troy’s Cafe!  The service is always friendly and the food has never disappointed.  And if you are closer to downtonw Mason, OH, they have a location there too that offers the same great food.

I am a sandwich person but my husband raves about their salads.  And I have it on good authority that the mac and cheese is to die for.   I have never had anything there that was not fresh, delicious, and made just the way I wanted it.  I was just there today and had this tasty burger (and yes, I ate the whole thing). 

One thing you don’t want to miss out on are the chips with the “secret sauce”.  They are homemade, crisp, just the right amount of seasoning.   I mean does anybody not like chips?? 

Troy’s also offers catering.  I have used them to cater an annual business event and the lunch was fantastic. One attendee asked if we could have the same food at next year’s event because everyone loved it and it fed a large number of people.   In fact, you may be surprised to find that their summertime business meeting special was less expensive than many other places.

As wonderful as your meal will be, leave room for dessert.  Troy’s offers some really special pies.  Have you heard about Troy’s Mom’s Pies?   Troy’s mom, Bonnie launched her own pie business through Troy’s Café.  They are an old family recipe and they are delicious.  But that’s not all there is to say about the pie.   Troy’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and fought a brave battle to beat the disease.  She wanted to do something for all the other women who battle breast cancer so there is a special PINK PIE those who have fought or are fighting the disease.  10% of all sales from that pie are donated to breast cancer research.    And now you know!

So next time you are looking for a great place for lunch or dinner, stop in and visit Troy’s Café and enjoy a great meal.. and don’t forget the pie!

Man, I Feel Like a Woman

One of the ladies I am extremely proud of

It’s been a crazy busy week at work.   For those who wonder what exactly it is that I do at 88 Tactual, welcome to my world. I sometimes wonder too.  

I do a little bit of everything.  I am an instructor and teach most of the handgun classes.  I also help to schedule classes, make sure the other instructors have what they need (not required,  I’m just like that), do the marketing, take care of the social media/email, and keep track of our students training by entering in their information in our database so we have a record of who has taken what class.  I also work with images to create marketing materials.  And I work pretty closely with the boss to make sure things keep running as smoothly as possible.   

I am not quite sure how I ended up doing any of the above. I never applied for a job or even so much as inquired.   And its not like I was bored.   I actually had a very busy life running  my own CCW classes, other handgun classes, leading the local chapter of The Well Armed Woman Shooting Chaptes, running my own non-profit organization,  leading mission teams, and of course keeping up with the housework, cooking, and being a grandparent to some amazing kiddos. 

Women are like that.  We can do a lot.  Sometimes we kid ourselves into thinking we can do everything at the same time.  We can not do everything all at the same times, but close.  Very close. 

This week I think I’ve been in overdrive.  Monday and Tuesday I worked all day organizing all of our files and entering all those names into the database.  Monday and Tuesday evenings I assisted on the range for our Tactical Monday/Tuesday classes.  Wednesday was all day office work at home, then running out of stuff and running errands to get more stuff and then continuing on with the office work.   Fortunately I can do the bulk of this work at home so it’s a bit easier to watch the dogs and make sure Cooper is not eating the house and making sure dinner gets on the table.  

Why yes, I do teach men too

Tonight I will be the lead on the Ladies Only Skill Builder. I’m looking forward to it.  They will be learning the skills of moving and shooting.  I absolutely love to teach, and I especially love to teach women. 

I  love seeing women who have come to value themselves enough to believe that they are worth defending.  

I feel like every time they show up for a class it’s a statement of their self-worth.   And every time they struggle to learn is a testament to their bravery and courage.  These women don’t allow the opinions of others to dissuade them.  They plow on, knowing that they are doing the best thing for themselves and those they love.   It makes me just want to stand and cheer for them.  What a lot of people don’t realize is that its about so much more than guns. 

I think that is why it disturbs me so greatly when I pick up on a vibe, overhear a comment, or see women being treated or talked about with disrespect on a range.  It used to make me really angry, and truth be told, it still does, but I've come to feel sorry for the poor fool who holds those opinions.  He has no idea what he is missing out on. Women are amazing.  And they know, they always know who respects them and who doesn't.  Another reason I feel sorry for those poor fools. A woman who values herself and knows you don't is not a creature to look down upon.  

Things Worth The Money: Lucchese Boots!

Sometimes I'm smart and learn things because somebody tells me something and I actually listen. Other times I have to learn the hard way. 

I have learned the hard way that you really do get what you pay for.  There is a huge difference between price and value and sometimes value comes with a higher price tag.

I am telling you this because I don't want you to faint and fall down and hurt yourself when you see the price tag on these boots.

I've already told you how much I love boots.  They are one of my very favorite things in life, but it was only recently that I purchased good boots.  

Oh I have boots.  I have a bunch of them.  And I like them.  They are cute.  And they didn't cost me a whole lot.  And... they pretty much kill my feet.

It began with an internet search. I was searching the World Wide Web looking for love.  I was actually searching the World Wide Web looking for some pretty cowgirl boots when I came across a pair that had my name on them. I mean they literally had my name on them.  They are made by Lucchase and called Amberlyn (my middle name is Lynn).  Well that settled it.  It was like a sign or something.  These boots were obviously meant for me!
.  

And then I checked the price!   They were about 5 times what I normally pay for footwear.  Needless to say all of those  hopes were dashed to smitherines..  But my sweet hubby told me that I work hard and that  I needed to do something nice for myself and suggested I go ahead and buy them.  I do love that man.  But not just because he lets me buy boots.  


So off I went to Liberty Western in Lebanon and ordered a pair,  Now, I have to tell you that the moment I slipped my foot inside of one of these babies I knew it was going to be something special.  I knew they were pretty but I had no idea that they would feel soooooo good on my feet.  I'm not kidding when I say they are like wearing house slippers.  They are a little more flashy than what I usually wear but I figure at my age, the more attention I can draw to my boots and away from other things, the better.  

Normaly its suggested that you wear them for short periods of time at first to break them in,but I would have none of that.  I wore them all day the first day I had them and at the end of the day my feet did not hurt for the first time in a long, long time!  


These boots are handcrafted and are of superior quality.  Yes, you do get what you pay for.  I wish I had learned a little earlier in life that buying good quality footwear will pay for itself in the long run. 

If taken care of, these boots will last a lifetime.  To me, that is value.  And my aching feet are no longer aching.  And that makes them worth every.... single ....penny.  

Favorite Places: Young's Jersey Dairy

Have you been to Young's Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs, OH?  You really should go!  Young's is a real working dairy farm with a LOT of attractions for families.  

They also make their own ice cream and cheese, which you can eat at the restaurant that is located there.   Its a great place to take the family for all kinds of fun ... and cuteness.  I mean, how adorable is this girl? 

 And the cheese curds .. .. oh my .... don't leave without getting an order. Don't worry, there will be a line, but it moves pretty fast and they are sooo worth the wait.

There are activities for kids of all ages, such as mini golf, batting cages, a petting zoo where you can feed the animals (bring lots of quarters for the corn).  There is a cute barrel ride around the farm for the little ones as well as a kiddie coral where they can play in the bounce house or ride on farm toys. 

They also have special events scattered throughout the year. You can pick your own pumpkin, work your way through a corn maze, or go on a hayride in the fall.   You might find a vintage truck show, or wool gathering in late summer.   There is a gift shop and lots of places to just sit and take it easy and do some people watching which always proves to be entertaining.

All of that is worth the trip, but lets be honest,. I really just go for the cheese curds.

The Only Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe You Willl Ever Need. Ever!

Ok, I normally don't post recipes here.  I mean, I don't consider  myself a great cook. I do have a page for recipes that I've collected along the way over here, but none of them are my own. I mainly created that page when my kids moved out so that when they called and asked, 'how do I make _______" I had a place to send them.

However, you know I like to tell you about good things that I come across, and boy, did I ever come across something special.

Tonight I was getting ready for a family reunion and was debating whether or not to bake cookies for it.  I decided that no one would hate me if I did, so rather than go to my usual recipe I checked online and came across this recipe.

Oh man .... I'm soooo glad I did!  I went for it.  I shouldn't have.  I mean I'm glad I did.  Really glad,  But I shouldn't have because I really need to lose some weight and even though they are for a family reunion, I will probably eat some. I shouldn't ... but I know I will.  Note: the only thing that would have made them better is using regular chocolate chips.  All I had on  hand were the mini chips and didn't want to make a special trip to the store.  They still taste amazing but would look better.  

So go over to this page and find them.  They have an unusual ingredient in them that you don't normally find in chocolate chip cookies, and I'm tellin' ya, it makes all the difference!  Don't leave it out because it seems strange.  Truly, this is the only chocolate chip cookie recipe you'll ever need!  They are that good!  

Good Morning From the Farm

This week I had a rare few days with nothing pressing on my schedule and decided on a whim to go back to my hometown and see if I could begin to piece together stories of our family history.  

I had already done the research some years ago but felt there were stories that I was missing that would put flesh on bones and make the names in my family history seem more real.  And well, being on the farm is always good for the soul. 

I think these stories are worth preserving for my own generation and for those generations that follow. They are the stories that form us and make us who we are.  Sure, there is more to it than that, but I truly believe that an awful lot gets passed down, intentionally or not.

It was fun sitting and listening to my mom and her sisters talk and reminisce about their childhood.  I heard funny stories about how when my uncle did something he wasn't supposed to and got caught, he lied and said that my aunt (his sister) did it.  When she was in trouble he was outside looking at her through the window and taunting her with "nah, nah, nah, nah".  She was so angry that she grabbed the BB gun and shot him!  Then she was in BIG trouble.  Funny thing is, of all my aunts, she is the one I would least expect that from!   

Mom and two of her sisters at lunch

I heard the familiar stories of how my grandparents were dirt poor but were hard workers and  how that hard work (and a little luck) paid off.  My grandfather started out selling tomatoes to the cannery in town and ended up with over 500 acres of farm land that also contained oil and coal.

The thing that stood out those, is not the luck, sure that is a part of it, but I don't believe for one second that the luck would have happened if not for the hard work.  

I heard stories of my grandmother working out in the fields while pregnant, picking corn and  husking it until her hands bled.  They had a hard life and earned every penny they ever made.  They were the kind of people who were not soft, but were solid, the kind of people that built this country and all that makes it great.  Were they perfect? Not by any stretch of the imagination.  But they were honest, decent, hardworking people.  I'm proud to have those kind of people in my heritage.

In a world that talks about privilege and seeks assistance for everything (yeah, I said that), its a good reminder that we are all far more privileged than we can imagine to live in a such a country where hard work will pay off - no matter who you are. It may not pay off quickly and it may not pay off in the way we think it should, but it will pay off.  

Favorite Places: The Fish Hut!

For this "Favorite Place" I'm going to take you on a trip to my hometown and introduce you to the very best fish sandwich you will ever find anywhere!   

In the small southern Indiana town of Petersburg, Indiana, in a converted gas station on the corner of 9th street, you will find a hidden gem, The Fish Hut.  

Its a place you could easily pass by and miss but that would be a mistake.  A big mistake.  I crave this fish sandwich.  Sometimes I consider driving the 4.5 hour drive just to get one.  They are that good!  

To be honest, I think part of the appeal is that it takes me back to my childhood and the days of the Catfish Festival in my hometown.  I remember getting the best fish sandwiches at that festival and these sandwiches are almost exactly what I remember from back then.  I like mine with ketchup, pickle, and onion but you can get it "loaded" if you want.  

Oh, and while you're in town, they are also known for their pizza!  I'm always torn but every time I end up going for that spectacular fish sandwich.  

Check them out online at The Fish Hut or on their Facebook page. 

*I am not employed by the Fish Hut or compensated in any way by them.  Its just a great place to check out.  

Small Business Spotlight: Liberty Western

For this small business spotlight I will take you to the historic small town of Lebanon, Ohio to the Liberty Western shop.  

Upon entering the store you will find rooms filled to the brim with everything for the western lover.  

Even if you don't have a horse, you will find  browsing the tack room a pleasure. Saddles, bits and spurs, grooming supplies,, and that wonderful smell of leather all fill the space and take me back to my childhood to my uncle's place whee I grew up loving horses


There is a room for kid's stuff too. Toys, clothes, and the most adorable little boots!  

And then there are cowboy hats!   Shelves full of 'em. I really just wanted to try them all on for fun but I'm a grown up and grown ups aren't supposed to do things like that. 







But the real attraction for me were the boots!  

There's just something about walking into a room and seeing dozens of boots lining the walls. 

 You gotta admit, its a thing of beauty. 

Speaking of beauty, I put in an order for these Lucchese boots!  

They name - Amberlyn. When you find a boot with the same name as you, its a sign that you have to buy them, right?  They are also made it El Paso,TX where my dad was stationed in the Army.  Another sign!      

And after you have taken in all that Liberty Western has to offer, I suggest you take a stroll around downtown Lebanon and enjoy all of the unique shops.  If you're looking for a great dinner, the Golden Lamb is right there on the main drag.  The Golden Lamb is Ohio's oldest hotel and has been visited by twelve U.S. Presidents.  Such notable people as Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe,and Daniel Webster have also visited the location.  Just knowing that makes you want to go see it, doesn't it.  

The restaurant is amazing and the perfect setting for a romantic dinner.  

If a burger is more you're style, I highly recommend the Black Horse Tavern just behind the Golden Lamb.  One of the best burgers I've ever had, and I'll be back for more in the future. 

I am not employed by or compensated in any way by Liberty Wester, The Golden Lamb, or the Black Horse Tavern. I just like to let you know when I find something that is worth the time to check out.  

How Did This Happen? How Did Any of This Happen?

Do you ever just step back and wonder where time went and how in the world you got to where you are? 

I did that today.  I logged into Facebook and saw a picture of my two grandsons on their first day of 3rd grade.  THIRD GRADE!  How did that happen?  When did they grow up?  When did I get old enough to have grandchildren in third grade?  I don't feel old enough to have grandkids much less grandkids in 3rd grade!

It seems like yesterday we were struggling to feed them every three hours and keep up with the laundry and diapers.  It was my joy  to be able to help out my son and daughter-in-law in those early days and I often found myself staring at two little bodies in the crib and thinking, 'HOW ARE THEY WINNING??   There are three of us and two of them ... and we're bigger ... and they're winning".  Those were exhausting days.  But  I wouldn't trade one moment of those day for anything .  Not even a second.  Those were some of the best days we get to experience in life.  

And my granddaughter, who is all of six years-old was invited to try out for a gymnastics team and compete against other teams!  I'm telling ya, that girl will make it.  She has NO fear.  She is tenacious.   And she is slightly obsessed with gymnastics.  I fully expect her to rule the world one day.  

Not to get all sappy, but .... oh well, I'm may as well go right ahead and get sappy.  All of this kid growing up stuff reminds me of an old song by Wayne Watson that was popular when my boys were growing up. 

I warn you, if you are a parent, grab a tissue before you read one more word.  And if you're not a parent, grab one anyway. 



There are watercolour ponies

On my refrigerator door

And the shape of something

I don't really recognize

Drawn by careful little fingers

And put proudly on display

A reminder to us all

Of how time flies

And a stairway laced with toys

Gives a blow by blow

Reminder of the war

That we fight for their well-being

For their greater understanding

To impart a holy reverence for the Lord



But baby, what will we do

When it comes back to me and you

They look a little less like little boys every day

Oh the pleasure of watching the children growing is mixed with a bitter cup

Of knowing the watercolor ponies

Will one day

Ride away

Hey, don't say I didn't warn you!   If you are a parent, know that there truly is life beyond kids.  And it can be a good life.  A really, really good life.   I loved every minute of watching my boys grow and I love every minute I get with my grandkids now, and yet, here I am today, getting ready to go teach a class full of women how to be better prepared to defend themselves.  Yes, I am a grandma and I work with Special Operations Military guys and SWAT cops doing firearms training.  Life has a way of pulling crazy tricks on you like that and taking you to places you never dreamed possible and never in a million years planned for. 

Bottom line, you have no idea what the future holds.  Don't sweat it.  Don't grieve it (too much).  Drink it up and enjoy every minute.   You're making memories that you will never ever lose ... and there are things ahead that will simply blow your mind.  

A Few of My Favorite Things

Its raining here in Ohio today, the kind of steady rain that makes you want to stay in bed and take it easy. It has made me think of some of my favorite things.  You know, those things that feel like they wrap around you, warm your soul and just make life ... better.  I thought I would share them with you just in case you need a reminder of the good things in life.    Here are some of the things that just make me happy. I bet you like some of these things too!

Fireplaces  

Its still summer so a fireplace isn't in order today but oh man, don't you just love watching a crackling fire and relaxing at the end of a long day.   That fire can hypnotize you and make it seem like any concern just melts away.  You know what I'm talking about, right.  

Jackets

I love jackets. Dressy jackets.  Sporty jackets, Long jackets.  Hooded jackets. Rain jackets.  It doesn't matter.  I love 'em all.  They are cute and fashionable, and oh don't I just love that they hide a million flaws.  I mean really, have you ever seen anybody that doesn't look better in a jacket?  I rest my case.  I really need to live in a cooler climate so I can wear jackets every single day.   

Boots 

I have come to the conclusion that it is virtually impossible to have too many pairs of boots.  Its a fact.  I don't have nearly as many pairs as I would like to have, and in fact have my eye on a pair of pretty Lucchese cowgirl boots right now.  That reminds me, when I was a little girl I had a pair of black cowgirl boots with red and white inlays.  Man I felt like I had the world in my hands when I wore those boots.  I bet that is where this boot obsession started!  These pretty things here are going to be mine soon.  Very soon.  I mean they are even named Amberlyn so its like a law that I have to get them, right?  

Coffee Mugs

There is nothing like a good cup of coffee in a good, hearty mug.  I really like the earthy, slightly imperfect stoneware mugs.  Something about those are just more comforting than a regular coffee cup.  Oh, don't get me wrong, I like a pretty delicate cup too, but there's just no replacing the feel of a good solid stoneware mug.  On a cold day you can wrap your hands around a hot mug and suddenly life is just ... better.  

Quilts

Is there anything better than wrapping up in a soft, cozy quilt?  Something about that just makes the worst of days seem bearable. 

Did you know that my grandma Fern Davis used to make the most beautiful quilts?  She had a special talent for putting just the right colors and patterns together to make an extraordinarily beautiful quilt.  People would travel from all over the United States and pay big money for one of her quilts.  Speagle catalogue (is that even a thing anymore?) asked her to make quilts for them.  All of her kids and grandkids were lucky enough to be given at least one of her quilts and I've always been torn as to whether or not to use them.  I do.  I figure I am the last in my family that will truly appreciate them so I do use them.  It reminds me of sitting on the porch swing with her and watching her piece together a quilt.  

Front Porches

When we built our house I insisted on two things.  It had to have a fireplace (it has two) and it had to have a front porch (it also has a back porch).  I do try, not always successfully, to make a few minutes each day when the weather is right to sit out there and take a break.  Get a nice cold glass of lemonade, or a cup of coffee, and just ... be.   And if its raining like it is today its even more peaceful.  What a comforting thing to settle back in a wicker rocker and smell the rain and just watch life go by for a bit.  

Really, Really Good Chocolate

Who doesn't love chocolate?  Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate with nuts, chocolate malts, chocolate brownies, chocolate covered bacon, hot chocolate...sorry, I got a little carried away there.  If you read my earlier blog about Mr. Geary, then you know where my chocolate addiction began.  I do love just about any chocolate, but here in Ohio we have some extra special chocolate.  If you've had it, you know what I'm talking about. Esther Price chocolates!  Oh my... where to even begin.  They are a delectable treat.  One of the perks of being a pastor's family is that a local funeral home here in town gives a box of these to all of the area ministers for Christmas each year.  Brian has become good friends with that funeral director and one year the annual box of Esther Price chocolates was forgotten. He has been making it up ever since by brining a box every time he sees Brian.  If you haven't tried them, what on earth are you waiting for???  Get you some!  

And my list just wouldn't be complete without DOGS! 

Dogs are truly a blessing to mankind. I was wondering last night as I snuggled with mine, why they love humans? Its easy to see why we love dogs, they are loyal, quirky, funny, warm, and will always, always love you no matter what.  But why on earth do they love us?  Maybe that's what makes them so special  - they don't need a reason to love us, they just do. Isn't that what every single one of us is looking for?