29 of 31 Days of Writers' Challenge

Another grand day at Camp Gane.

Winding down on the 31 day writers' challenge.  I have read many bloggers comments about this challenge.  For me, I write from the perspective of ordinary days in an extradionaryly amazing life as Gane to my 3 Grands.

Every day is a new day. Watching life through the eyes of my 3 Grands, brings an element of surprise in the little things. There are far more little things, than big things (both good and bad).  I encourage you not to waste the everyday things waiting for the big things to come along.   Grab each day with the excitement of a child.  It's alot more fun.

Matthew 19: 13-15 .  Then children were brought to him that he may lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven".

My 3 Grands share a little bit of that promise each day.  Every opportunity you have to love those closest to you, do it.  Be kind, and do nice things just because you can.  Love makes the world go round.

The puny Grands are on the mend. I am ready for my Grands to be well.

I love my 3 Grands
# lifeisgrandatcampgane

Grand Day

It was another stellar day at Camp Gane.

Ribbon cutting at the South Alabama Agriculture and Forestry Museum was held today. It was a grand affair.  I managed to slide in from a doctor's appointment as it was wrapping up.  However, my daughters were there and got a video that I can watch over and over.  A very proud day.  Baby Grand was there and had a grand time driving a tractor.  I am pictured with Mrs. Bea Williams, the wife of the late Milton Williams. Milton was remembered today for his passion for the agricultural community. Thank a farmer today .

On another note, today was teacher conference for the other 2 Grands. Kallie's (kindergarten) lowest score was 95 and Kennedy Jane's lowest score was 98. So very proud of these two smart pretty big girls. They celebrated with supper and a large bowl of yummy desert.

I love my 3 Grands.

#lifeisgrandatcapmgane

Ribbon Cutting

Some days are just better than others. Being appreciated feels amazing. I meet most days feeling appreciated by those closest to me, but occasionally I unexpectedly receive words of gratitude. Today was that day. 

I serve as a Board Member for the South Alabama Agriculture and Forestry Museum.  Ribbon cutting for the museum is set for tomorrow morning.  The process for getting these doors opened has been long and laborious over the last 10 years.  

The gentleman who carried the torch for this effort died in 2010.  He served as President of the Foundation from the very beginning.   At the ribbon cutting, his picture will be unveiled and a tribute 
to him will be a part of the opening ceremony.  

Here comes the unexpected appreciation.  His wife will be cutting the ribbon.  He has an adult son and daughter.  Because of distance, work, family, and life, the adult children will be unable to attend the ribbon cutting and the tribute to their dad.  Each of them sent me the most amazing emails today, thanking me for  remembering their dad.  The appreciation for their Dad, and the legacy he left is so heart felt and warm. All of us should strive to leave that legacy with our loved ones. 

It felt so good to receive those messages of appreciation.  

How will you be remembered? 

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Great read by Joan Malone

My friend Joan Malone authored this great book.

Joan will be receiving the proof copy this week, and then first edition  copies will be available. Sensational Living after 60, is a practical guide for living a sensational life from here to eternity, filled with the promises of God for love, peace and joy.  

I am honored to call Joan Malone my friend.  She is an inspiration to me in my everyday life.  I am very excited about receiving my signed copy of Sensational Living after 60.  If you would like a copy of this must have book, please leave me a message.  I will make sure you get a first edition copy. 

#lifeisgrandatcampgane 

Day 20---BFF

There are friends and then there are Bffs.  Betsy and I have been friends since grade school.  That has been more than a few years ago.  We fondly call each other Thick and Thin, or Fatty and Skinny.  I long ago outgrew my nickname, but some good habits never die.  There are a lot of sayings about good friends and lifelong friends.  Add all you have ever heard about Bffs and you get a picture of our friendship.

Thick is an avid supporter of Camp Gane. Love my BFF

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Coming Around the Mountain

We've been coming around the mountain today. Took a stroll back in time today at Cade's Cove, along with the rest of the people in bumper to bumper traffic.   It was quite lovely to see the turkey and deer in the fields. The old churches and buildings are reminders of life as an early settler.  Quite a contrast from today.

I love listening to the white water mountain streams. There has been quite a bit of rain, so the waters are rushing over the rocks. Miles and miles of travel watching and listening to the sounds of the water. 

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Love the Smoky Mountains 

Smoky Mountains

What a day in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Started the day well with a delicious mountain breakfast at the Inn at Christmas Place.

Then s stroll through the most amazing Christmas Store. Bought a new Santa to add to Christmas
decorations at the box.

A drive through Smokey Mountains National Park was a display of the most amazing palet of colors, just as far as the eye could see.  Over the mountain and through the woods to Cherokee, North Carolina.  A stroll back in time to when I was a child.  The stores still have the cedar trinket boxes I got on a family trip many years ago.  Such fond childhood memories.

Supper tonight at the Dixie Stampede was absolutely delightful. A few winks and off on another adventure tomorrow.
#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Pigeon Forge

A few hundred miles, 549 to be exact, we have arrived in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  The trip was mostly uneventful, which I consider a good thing. Only a couple of breath taking moments when other cars traveling at high speeds either drift or outright pull over into my lane. Close but no crashing metal. Uneventful.

Conversation with my dear friend Joan was very pleasant. Supper at Calhouns Bar b Q, touting the best ribs in the world. Can't verify that claim, but the food was
delicious.

Checked into The Inn at Christmas Place. Lovely hotel, and beds and pillows are delightful. Tomorrow holds a chance for new adventures as Camp Gane goes on a road trip. 

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Monday....

Kati and Scott returned from their Jamacian vacation in the wee hours of the morning. Kati brought back a very upset stomach. She is feeling better after a day of rest. With a little grace she will be fine.

We got the girls out the door to school and me to get crowned at the dentist all by 7:30 a.m.  A small victory for our not so good morning family,  except for the little girls who have lots to say at 6:15 a.m.

Next stop, shade tree mechanic to make sure my vehicle, now marking 250,000 + miles, is ready for a road trip.  I am very excited about a trip to the Smokey Mountains. I leave tomorrow. Hooray for me!

Ali called to say she found the baby's pacifier and Guiness (the dog)was headed to surgery to remove said pacifier. That explains why the dog has been sick for weeks now.   In the 16 months of baby grand's life, Guiness has eaten several pacifiers, bottle nipples, sippy cup tops, etc., however this time the pacifier got stuck. There will be a hefty veterinarian bill.  Yikes.

I stopped by my old office to help get the fair exhibits registered. A short 4 hours later, I was ready to head home. Makes retirement shine like a new penny, when I stop by the office.

Got my clothes packed and ready to head toward cooler weather. Today I think the high was around 84  or something like that in mid October.  Welcome to south Alabama.

Going to miss my 3 grands, but I am looking forward to a brief road trip.  I will post pictures and updates as Camp Gane hits the road.

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Happy Halloween

Rearranged a corner of the box so I could easily see the witch bubble light. I love bubble lights.

The big girls did a grand job decorating the windows with Halloween decor.

 Pumpkin and witches are the table setting. Looks like ghosts, witches and gobblins are taking up roost in the box. I love fall and Halloween decorations. Reminds me of harvest time, although I get harvest only in the grocery store these days.  Thank you farmers for feeding me and clothing me. Cotton is the fabric of my life for sure.
#lifeisgrandatcampgane

War Eagle

I spent a good portion of the day with my baby grand. Sanders says War Eagle and the arms go up!

I love that sweet baby girl. It was a tough loss to Mississippi State today, but they sure out played us. 

What a good day it was to  bring out the Halloween decorations. The pumpkin was a gift from my sweet Mama, many years ago.  She always enjoyed fall decorations. I miss her everyday. 

#lifeisgrandatcampgane 

War Eagle. It's good to be an Auburn tiger....always!

Now I Lay me down to sleep

It's kind of quiet now at the box. I miss my big girls.  However, I am a bit weary. Getting 2 sweet girls off to school is a bit challenging. The girls are so sweet, but they are not exactly focused on getting dressed and out the door. There are more important things to do, like redecorating the windows with Halloween stickers.  But off to school they went, and my racing day got started.

After dropping the girls off at school,  I ran by the grocery store to get refreshments for bible study.  It was my turn to provide the refreshments.  It's a good thing the grocery store has a bakery, and deli cheese.  The refreshments were well received.

Next was lunch and a bit of shopping with baby grand (Sanders), and her mom.  Then off to a doctor appointment for my arthritic knee.  Ouch!

A swift trip through 5:00 p.m. traffic home to feed Winston, and change clothes and off to the ball game to watch Kennedy Jane cheer. Whew!


We are studying the book of Judges, and remembering that God provides us with all we need and then some.  So as I end this day, it is clear that God provided the strength for me to make it through my day.  And looking back over this day, I have much to be thankful for.  I love my 3 grands and my daughters, and treasure each minute I share with them.  Though the day seems a bit overwhelming, God provides.

After I finish the laundry, now I lay me down to sleep.
Go and do great things.
#lifeisgrandatcampgane

CLO

CLO. Chief Life Officer.
Director of Camp Gane
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the highest ranking executive manager in a corporation or organization. The CEO has responsibility for the overall success of an entire organization. The CEO has the ultimate authority to make final decisions for an organization.

The CEO has overall responsibility for creating, planning, implementing, and integrating the strategic direction of an organization. This includes responsibility for all components and departments of a bsuiness. The CEO makes certain that the organization's leadership maintains constant awareness of both the external and internal competitive landscape, opportunities for expansion, customers, markets, new industry developments and standards, and so forth.

So what is CLO...Chief Life Officer?  That would be you and me. We are our very own CLO and it is up to each of us as to how we carry out all the responsibilities of a CEO of our life.

 For me I am CLO of Camp Gane.  I am the highest ranking officer of Camp Gane. My Board of Directors, are  Kennedy Jane (7),  Kallie (5), and Sanders (16 months).  The primary investors are Kati,( Mom of Kennedy Jane and Kallie), and  Ali and Ryan ( Mom and Dad of Sanders).  They have the authority to fire me. They won't do that.  I have a lifetime contract.

This week, my duties include overnight responsibilities for Kennedy Jane and Kallie, while their Mom takes a vacation.  We got up and off to school today without a hitch. I have time to recover while the girls are at school. At 2:30 I will be in carpool line and ready to start my next shift.  These girls are so sweet, and we have such a good time.

Sanders is with her Mama today.

What kind of CLO are you?  Plan and live your life to the fullest. Go and do great things. Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Money...who knew?

It is a very humbling experience to visit with my financial advisor.  I went in for my annual visit today.  It is much like going to the  OBGYN or dentist.  The office staff is very nice and accommodating.  That age old question hangs in the air.  Will my money last?  I am on a fixed income, however often times I would use broke to describe my budget.  But it is what it is...

So I decided to go shopping. Shopping is one of my least favorite pass times, but while I was thinking about money, I decided to buy some fall clothes.

I have spent many years deciding what I can do without, and I must say, I have become very frugal.  While I don't live in the lap of luxury, I live a very good life. I live in a house that is less than 1,000 square feet, that has everything I need.  I lovingly refer to my house as the box. The best part of the box is that it is paid for.

I have a loving family, and spend the majority of my time and my money enjoying life with them. God is good.

#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Kati's birthday

36 years ago today, I met Kati.  It was  a very emotional day, to say the least.  Kati was delivered by C Section, and I thought I would die....But I didn't.  Every step of the way, I have enjoyed Kati.

Each stage has its challenges and rewards (yes that includes now). Too all the young Mom's out there, I know some days and nights seem to last forever.  The crabby baby that seems to take over your very last nerve, is for real.  I had those days too.  Those days do seem to last way too long, but the years fly by.  Enjoy the little things, because one day soon, you will be celebrating your daughter's 36th birthday.  I know that seems impossible, but time has a way of gliding by.

To Kati, I wish you a very happy birthday.  Here's to many more.

Love you Kati.... Ma!

Great Weekend at Camp Gane

It has been a very exciting weekend at Camp Gane.  Baby Grand stayed for the weekend, while her Mom and Dad cheered on the Auburn Tiger Victory over the LSU tigers. War Eagle. A great time to be an Auburn Tiger.

Baby Grand and I had a great time. We stayed very busy. We joined the big girls for the football party yesterday. Baby Grand does her very best to keep up with the big girls, so I am a bit weary.

On Friday, Handsome, the pug, was Blessed at St. Luke's school, during the Blessing of the animals. Lots of children, with various pets, all in the gym because of the rain.  A good time. Love St. Luke's School.

Today is Kati's (mom of the two sister grands), birthday.  We had breakfast together, and she and the big girls have a full day.  Starting with breakfast, followed by toes did, then to the movies, and supper.  Whew!  A fun, busy day.

Sanders' mom and dad are back in town.  We all plan to have birthday supper tonight.

Lots of love.  I love my 3 grands, and their mom's and their guys.
#lifeisgrandatcampgane

Writing Challenge

I joined a writing challenge with write31days.com
The learning curve is quite steep, but I am learning. Check out this website. Lots of good blogs.

#lifeisgrandatcampgane