TO DO LIST

1.
2.
29.
42.

Oh well I will just keep doing all the things I keep coming up with to do and when it gets to be time to leave I'll just have to leave! Then I guess I will be done!

Crazy day, crazy weekend! But, I am excited about heading out to help with the relief efforts that will be needed down in the Gulf Coast. Hopefully the storm won't be as bad as is expected but ... we will be ready to do whatever we can to help out.

Just so you know I won't be looking anything like this while I am working:

Hurricane Gustav

Our relaxed holiday weekend has been a bit harried. We received the proofs for Ken's book "Theology in a Nutshell" just before the weekend so that is on the agenda and now I am heading out for Gustav duty! I was originally headed out Monday morning at 7 a.m. but due to the storms speed we are taking off earlier around 9:30 Sunday evening. We will head toward Shreveport, LA and wait there to see where we are needed to set up relief lines and do the most good. We will have a full convoy of three semi's, our disaster truck, the RV, and work truck.

The vehicle below is our command center, sure not like the old days! Was that just three years ago when we were without satellite, bad communication, a cell phone glued to both Kary's ears! Now we're uptown - in a Hurricane, but uptown!

Might Be Scary!

This is an email I received yesterday from one of the Convoy of Hope Directors I work with:

"I thought you would enjoy seeing yourself on a billboard!! The city
of Hagerstown, MD used a picture of you for billboards around their
city. You will need to sign autographs at outreaches now!!!"

I sure hope there aren't a rash of traffic accidents!

Oregon Ladies Reunion, Rafting & Visits

For a short slideshow click here

I had a wonderful time visiting with all the ladies that showed up to visit. It was like we hadn't been away from each other and actually it's been eleven and a half years! We laughed and talked and ate, just like old times. There was Stacy, Linda, Joyce, Karen, Carol, Mary Ann, Loretta, Fran, Linda, Mom, Pat, Mary, Karen & Donnis. Then of course Joy stopping by made the evening! Of course I missed all the ones that weren't able to make it but maybe next time.

Then I enjoyed two days rafting the river with Carol with dinner at the Mexican restaurant across from where we get out. And the scene from Mike and Sheri's deck was beautiful in the mornings and evenings as I sat and enjoyed their hospitality.

Visiting with my brother and Rita was nice and Mom getting to spend time with them was good. Our time in Oregon was well spent and now that we are home we miss all of you.

Finally - Reunion Pictures Are Here

To see a slideshow of the Samples Family Reunion click here.

The First in a Long Time

I went to my first job interview in a long time today. It was interesting, not depressing since they offered me the job! But I left unemployed since they didn't want to pay what I felt I was worth!!

Actually they didn't have a position open at this time at the rate of pay I was wanting. The only openings were for lower positions. I did realize if people really want to work there are jobs out there for them. People were in the interview room sloppily dressed, slouched in the chairs, hair unkempt looking like they could care less if they were hired or not. I think we have some people out there who don't understand that you have to look like you want to work and have a good attitude about wanting a job and how you are going to perform and represent that job. That low pay might be too high for some of those folks in that waiting room until they get their act together or pull their pants up!!

Happy Belated Birthday

Wanted to wish our niece Debbie a very "Happy Birthday" even though we're a few days late. Thought maybe putting it out on the blog would either get us forgiven or in bigger trouble!!

Hope it was the happiest. Know you enjoyed your Chick-fil-a!!

Happy Birthday,

Aunt Peggy & Uncle Ken

ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

I've needed an attitude adjustment and I finally got one! I've been dealing with a bad attitude. The really bad thing is it's been mine. When my father died I didn't get to take time to grieve. All of a sudden I was the adult, the responsible one. My Mom was with us and I was the one making decisions, paying the bills, finalizing details, canceling things, putting my name on Mom's accounts and taking over things I don't really want to be responsible for! How's that for being honest?!

This past Tuesday I decided to start one of the days I "had" to spend with Mom differently. I called her singing, Good morning, good morning, the best to you this morning, good morning, good morning to you." Then when I picked her up we had a really nice day, we went to her two appointments, had lunch, shopped, and ended the day having sundaes, then buying ice cream for home. When I arrived at my home I got a phone call from her. She called to tell me she really enjoyed our day. I realized it was probably the first one she'd enjoyed in a while since I was in a much better mood than usual.

Thank you Lord for helping me realize that I was really only hurting myself (and my Mother) by having a poor attitude. I too enjoyed the day. We are spending tomorrow together also and I plan on enjoying it also!

Happy Anniversary - Melba & Dick

My cousins had an anniversary and I didn't get to wish them a "Happy Anniversary" because they are traveling and not at home. I figured this was a good way to make it up to them. I will just announce it to all my "blog" friends!

Hope you had a great day (August 14) and wishing you many, many more...

Love from Ken, Peggy and Mom

CRAZY DAY

Today is busy. I need to pick up Ken's book at the designer. Sometime during the day I need to approve his corrections. Mom has a pacemaker appointment at 11. Since it's at her lunchtime I will take her to lunch. I have a dentist appointment at 2 so I will take her back home then I head way out the other direction of town to that.

Then ready a shipment of books for an order, read the transcript and get ready for a dinner tonight following Ken's all day meetings. Did I mention he is in meetings Monday-Thursday with dinners Monday and Tuesday and last nights meeting went until 10 p.m.! Somehow this week became hectic! Here I go...

KEN'S BOOK

Well we should be able to send Ken's book, Theology in a Nutshell to the printer by Wednesday. It needs to be printed and ready to send out by the end of September so we are ahead of things. It's getting pretty exciting.

We are also working on a devotional and Ken is working on 2 other books. I have been getting quotes on some other projects so things are getting busy.

We head out the first part of September for Ken's family reunion at Pit near Burney Falls in California and we are looking forward to that. Both his sisters will be there and Ken's fishing arm is starting to itch!!

KRISTY DYKES - DANCING ON STREETS OF GOLD

Kristy Dykes
August 2, 1951 ~ July 21, 2008

My friend is healed and is dancing on streets of gold. She is with her mother, father, and dear loved ones in heaven.

I hadn't checked my friend's blog while away in Oregon. When I checked it tonight this is what I discovered. I am sad but know her pain and suffering is over. My prayers go out to her husband and family who I know are feeling her loss.

Rafting the Rogue River

OK now this is the life. I have been on the river and I love it! It's just like old times! Except I got very little sleep last night from the pain in my arms. Am I getting old or wimpy, I'm not sure which?! But, we had a GREAT day.

The ladies came for a very nice evening Wednesday. We had dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Phoenix (Oregon). There were 16 of us. We talked, laughed and ate, then laughed some more. It was really nice to see everyone. I will add photos later.

Well it's back out on the river today and then tomorrow we catch the plane home. I think Ken will be happy. We are working on a book project and I have been answering some questions and working on problems long distance!

Well Rogue River here I come...

Headed Down to Ashland Today

The Reunion is over and the final family members who stayed over (us) are leaving! We head back down to Ashland today and start the second part of our trip. I will be visiting with friends in the Ashland area and rafting and Mom will be staying with Don and Rita getting some visiting in with them.

We get one more part day with Melba and Dick today and a special lunch at P.F. Chang one of my favorites. I am looking forward to Honey Chicken and Lettuce Wraps!! Then the goodbyes will be hard. Melba and Dick will head to Sun River/Bend area and we head on down. Ashland here we come...

Reunion Photos - The Pauls Came

Heidi surprised Grandma and brought Andrew to the reunion. This is from left to right: Andrew, Virginia, Toby, Don, Rita, & Heidi. This is Virginia Pauls' family. Virginia is the last living Samples sibling, Don is her son, Heidi is his daughter, and Andrew is Heidi's son. Oh yes, Toby is their puppy!! More pictures to come as I get them.

Birthday Party for Fern

We just celebrated Fern's birthday. It's really not until the 30th but since we were all here we thought we should celebrate! Anything for a party. We wore our tieras and diamond rings from our party bags and ate cake and ice cream as Fern opened cards and presents. I will post some pictures later and update you on the reunion.

Reunion Prep

Today was prep day. We cooked and prepped for the big reunion. Lots of people came in this evening and we got the reunion off to a good start. There were 14 of us for dinner this evening and the troops are headed in in the morning. We've got salads and desserts ready, chili, baked beans, corn casserole and much more. Tomorrow should be a good day.

Oregon is Beautiful

...just like I remember. It feels good to be back in Oregon. The trees and scenery are beautiful. The weather is hot but no humidity, now that's nice! I will try to post as I am here and keep you updated on the family happenings. Don't get too excited it's a family reunion after all!

Heading Out Once Again

Today I am packing for a trip out to Oregon for a family reunion with my Mother. We will be flying into Ashland, OR and then heading up to Springfield to the property my folks once owned for the Samples reunion. Several of the relatives will be headed that way for this weekend. Then the middle of next week we will head back down to Ashland for some visiting with my brother and friends in that area. Oh yeah, did I mention rafting on the Rogue River?!

York, PA Convoy of Hope

For slideshow click here

It was a very long day but a very good day. We started at 5 a.m. Well that’s when the alarm went off! We arrived at the Convoy site and started getting ready for the volunteers and guests. Final fencing had to be readied and instructions had to be given, volunteers had to be assigned and inflatables had to be inflated. Then the guests started arriving. By the end of the day we had seen over 2800 guests come through and 668 volunteers had treated them as “guests of honors.” The Hershey characters were on site all day giving out candy and posing for pictures with the kids and me! Hot dogs, chips and drinks were served, medical exams were done, massages were given, lots of give-a-ways were given, haircuts were done, and the guests left with bags overflowing with groceries.

Over 100 guests gave their hearts to the Lord making all the hard work more than worth it. When good things like that happen you think, Okay, that’s why we do it.

All in all a very good day.


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