I used to love the fall. Two healthy pregnancies...long walks...and then both girls were born in the fall...Oct 13th and Nov. 15th. Isn't it really the prettiest time of year in Ohio? I think so. But, not so now. HOnestly, if I had the fast forward button on the calendar...I'd click right past Oct, Nov, and Dec...to Jan. 2nd. From now til then feels like walking down a very long dark tunnel...and I walk...waiting to see the end come when the New Year arrives.

Again, I turn to the words of Elisabeth Elliot for insight and direction. In her book, The Path of Lonelines, her words touch my heart. Of course she understands...widowed twice...this amazing woman that taught me to "do the next thing" writes...

"I lean my forehead against the glass and a great heaving tide pours over me, drowns me-as it has done a hundred times in the past year. But there are so many so much worse of than I. I remember that. How blessed I have been, to have been a wife. Yet, in the most unpremeditated ways, in the oddest places and for the most absurd reasons, as I'm gong about my business, generally calm, even cheerful, that sudden tide sweeps in."

I've underlined so many of her words of wisdom, I wish I could open my heart and my head and just pour them in. She goes on and writes..."a loving Purpose is behind it all, a great tenderness even in the fierceness."

I'll share more as go along. Tonight I'll close with her words...
" I am borne up by those intense prayers, as if on strong wings far above grief."

Thank you for your prayers...please remember A&A&B&DM&B.
Much love, Sue

Thank you for praying...the single moms dinner went great. We set a beautiful table for the Moms...and put the kids in another room. I helped in the room with the kiddies...7 of them!!! One trying to crawl out of her highchair...and little boys x4! (Oh my gosh...they are weird little dudes!) We sang Itsy Bitsy Spider...Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star...told stories...everything I could think of...seemed like they did everything but eat! It was fun...and I am bushed. Then to choir practice.

Work in the morning at 7.
Time to snooze...
Nightie...Love, Sue

A usual day at the market today, followed by a meeting at church. The single moms ministry has grown and I was asked to come to a meeting about future plans for the group. Please keep the gals and the team working on this in your prayers.

Talked with both girls tonight...they are working hard and doing well. DanaMarie is on nights this week. Aaron is still in the
"land of sand"...and is doing OK...as well as OK can be on deployment.

Please keep the kids in your prayers, too.
Thank you so much.
Much love,
Sue

Worked on 401...that's always a good thing...worked out...(moving and lifting helped lift the post visit blues) ...then tackled health insurance... ...most unpleasant! but, I'm learning. I need to convert my coverage from Med Mutual of Ohio to a South Carolina policy. After much to much time on the phone, and my new best friends Stan and Katherine...I think I'm getting things figured out. Then on to flood insurance and updating the home owners for 401. Gosh, this is fun!!!

Will persist...til I get it figured out .

Back to TFM tomorrow. I'm ready to head back. It was a great few days.

Good Night...
Love, Sue

Just couldn't get online last evening. I think it might have been a problem with Verizon.

Yesterday was great! In a nutshell, we celebrated Anita's birthday...shopped...cheered UK to a big win over LSU...and topped off the day with a wonderful b'day dinner for Anita at the Santa Fe Cafe. It was a wonderful time.

Up early this morning and off to Savannah/HHI Airport @ 6:15am. DanaMarie and Brian got off on time and were back home in Louisville by noon. Buckeye is now back on Curran Rd after a nice vacation in Versailles at Grandma and Grandpa Settles. I hear that he was a very good boy!

Sis worked out...and was on the road with Barney by noon and home at 8pm. I rocked babies in the nursery this morning and then home to ...what else...do Laundry! It was a great time and I'm so thankful for wonderful kids that are willing to travel to SC on their time off.

Now it's to quiet...and I miss them.
It'll take a couple days...a small price for a great time.
Til next time...I'll get busy and "do the next thing."
Good night.
Love, Sue