A Quiet Escape

Our adopted kids, Tim and Robin, got us a two-night stay at Big Cedar Lodge near Branson and we are headed that way. A quiet two days? I don't think so! In the middle of it we have press passes to Silver Dollar City, which we love, for the Southern Gospel Picnic and Singing on the Grounds. We couldn't pass that up! We have decided not to take our computers though, so you won't be hearing from us on our blogs, thus this one! You have a couple of great days and we'll talk at ya'll when we return. Notice the southern drawl. I'm gettin' geared up and when ya can, ya'll all come and we'll take ya to Silver Dollar City for your own hog jowl and chittlin's.

Alfred William Paul

(September 17, 1916 - April 20, 2007)

Alfred W. Paul of Springfield was born on September 17, 1916 in Veneta, Oregon, the son of Fredrick D. and Nora V. (Morton) Paul. He passed away on Friday, April 20, 2007 at St. John’s Hospital at the age of 90. He drove for Greyhound Bus Lines for 38 years, retiring in 1981. Previously of Concord, California he attended Calvary Temple Church for 54 years before moving to Springfield to be near family.

Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Virginia; son Don Paul and wife Rita of Ashland, Oregon; daughter Peggy Horn and husband Ken of Springfield, MO; granddaughter Heidi Westfall and husband Mike of Yelm, Washington; great grandson Andrew Westfall; brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Celebration of Life services were held on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home, Rivermonte Chapel, 4500 S. Lone Pine, Springfield, MO 65804. A private family interment followed.

We can never be separated from those we love because God leaves us with memories to hold, and love that doesn’t pass away.
And in time, we realize that our loved one lives on—not only in heaven but within our hearts.
“Our days of mourning will come to an end.”
Isaiah 60:20 (NLT)

New Address for Virginia:

Virginia L. Paul
3195 N. Circle Lane #315C
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 833-3310

Mom's New Home

Mother is really enjoying her new apartment at Maranatha Village. She has moved in and is doing very well. Her things look very nice and she has met many new friends. As a matter of fact the other night when I called she had to hang up because she was "playing dominoes right now" and couldn't talk to me!

Last night while Ken and I were there visiting and this morning while I was there the hummingbirds were going wild on the feeder next door. There must have been a dozen of them darting in and out of the feeder and then back into the tree below Mom's balcony.

Mom also watches the turkeys and deer below her deck and has a beautiful view of the trees below her place.

We all seem to be adjusting well but we do still miss "Daddy."

RAIN!

We finally had some rain last night and are hearing thunder even as I write this blog. Hoping to soon feel the rain! It's hot, hot, hot again today but suppose to be slowly cooling—meaning it may hit low nineties early this next week!

I am slowly getting things caught up after returning from General Council and mother returning from Oregon. It seems there's never a day to just relax and slow down. The cars need their safety inspections, then licensing; we still have garage sale items filling the garage, goodwill items to pack, to get picked up or taken; and on and on and on....

Trips coming up:

I am speaking at a women's retreat in Glorietta, New Mexico next month and also working with Convoy of Hope in Concord, California the next weekend. Mom's going with me on that trip to visit her friends and I hope to see many of mine.

Ken has a trip to Sri Lanka and India on hold, probably some time in September or early October.

Ken and I just booked a cruise in October-November with friends Jim and Sherryl Ford and are looking forward to lots of rest and relaxation, picture taking, and just good old plain having a great time.

Well hope to hear from some of you soon and see some of you on my trips. Will this hot summer never end?!

Blazing Heat Continues

A record heatwave continues to pummel the Midwest. Right now, at 9 o'clock at night, it is still 90 degrees outside with a heat index of 92.

Friday at General Council

Well General Council is coming to a close. This will be our last day in the booth but a busy day. We have five book signings today and a heavy schedule. It's been a fun time and we've seen many friends and aquaintances. We always enjoy our time here and hate to see it come to an end. Of course tomorrow it's the Convoy of Hope and that means work, work, work!

We Made It

Well, here we are in Indianapolis and it's hot, hot, hot! We arrived around 11:30 a.m. and rented our car after having to figure out which car rental company I had rented from! Then we arrived at the hotel, unpacked our suitcases and after a quickie nap, headed for the Convoy leaders' meeting followed by the rally. There were about 300 volunteers in attendance tonight and all of them geared up for an exciting day on Saturday.

Headed to General Council in Indianapolis

We are heading out tomorrow and I am giving you a heads up on what is happening.

What do you think? (Click on photo to view larger version.)

I am hoping to be able to add blogs this week and keep you updated as to what I am up to but am unsure of being able to post while away. Keep checking.

Convoy of Hope on YouTube

Hope you enjoy viewing the outreach in Port Arthur, TX. This outreach was May 19, 2007. What a way to spend our 34th wedding anniversary! Except we weren't together; I was in Texas and Ken was in Arizona. But we've had 34 great years and we're still going...