Seven Minutes #3

 Forty years 

Our fortieth anniversary

Seven minutes starts now!

Forty years. Together forever no matter what. We've had a lot of no matter what since we married in 1986. A lot of no matter what! We've had financial difficulties since day one. We've dealt with a lot of baggage that we both came into the marriage with resulting from less than ideal childhoods. We were relatively new Christians. We were selfish. We had different ideas on a lot of things. We still do. The fights aren't so do or die now. We don't really fight anymore. It's more likely to be a piddle fight here or there. Those are the little tiffs one has about insignificant things... and of course, tone of voice. ~wink~

Why are we still together? Quite simply, we made a vow to each other and to God. We also agreed, during a terrible time during the beginning of our marriage that we would never say the "d" word. If you never use the word, you don't irreparably damage trust and the relationship. We've known that it was the two of us together no matter what. We've known that separation would just make things harder. We've learned to love each other for who we are and not who we want the other to be or even thought the other was when we married. I've learned that to be married to a dreamer i.e. entrepreneur means that I'm here to hold on for the ride. I've learned to trust in God when I didn't trust the plans my husband made. I'm sure he's done the same with me. 

I've learned that in the hardest, most vulnerable times of my life, both God and Lowell are here for me. Pneumonia, childlessness, four c-sections, many hospitalizations, near death pancreatitis, and cancer among other things brought out the protector and provider in my husband. He always rises to the call. May I do so for him if ever he needs it. 

Time's up. 

Happy fortieth anniversary to my high school sweetheart and one and only husband, Lowell. 

Today at the Bentonville, Arkansas square.

I LOVE YOU MONTH! I LOVE MY HUSBAND!

 

I love my Lowell.

He's been my Lowell since November 23, 1981.

That's when he asked me to go steady with him.

That boy had no idea what he was asking!

I had no idea what yes meant!

It's been quite a wild and curving ride together.

~ ♥♥♥~

True committed love always... 

even through 

4 years going steady,

1 year of engagement, 

39 years of marriage,

26 jobs, 
4 businesses,

14 deaths, 

4 children, 

26 years of homeschooling, 

19 chickens, 

4 cats, 

3 dogs, 

1 goat, 

11 churches, 

9 homes, 

17 surgeries, 

cancer, 

chemo, 

radiation,

and a knee replacement.

Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Lane 

until death parts us. 

THIS is marriage...

never wondering if you will face tomorrow alone...

until one of you steps into eternity.

I LOVE YOU LOWELL! 

Thank you!

Love,

Laura

HAPPY I LOVE YOU MONTH!

JESUS

MOMMA

LOWELL

Empty Nesting

 

 It's a new season in my life. I've had many seasons—

• childhood
• teenager
• college
• young married
• mom to littles
• homeschool mom
• mom to teens
• cancer fighter
• and a retired homeschool mom when my youngest graduated

  Until last summer, I had three young adults in my home. Then there was one. 

  First comes love. Then comes marriage... then my last little birdy flew the nest! 

  So now I'm an empty nester. It's come a little later for me than some. I'm well into my fifties. I'm very blessed to have the privilege of spending my empty nest years with my high school sweetheart. 

  Lowell and I started dating in October 1981, he asked me to go steady in November 1981, he gave me a gold necklace with a tiny diamond in it for Christmas. The hook was set, he just had to reel me in... or did I reel him in? Either way, he gave me a promise ring with six diamonds in the spring of 1983, and May 10, 1985, he gave me a diamond solitare and asked me to marry him. I did the following May right after school was out for summer. 

  I'm so thankful that we weathered all the storms of life together. We definitely had our share of good times and bad, of richer and poorer, and of sickness and health, but we've made it through it all. I thank God that He's been the glue in our marriage.

  Now, a new season is beginning.

  Our last little birdy is going to be a momma soon. I'm going to be Grammy Laura. I'm overjoyed! 

Please pray with me that Amy will have a healthy pregnancy and delivery and that little Gibby (my nickname for GrandBaBY) will be healthy. Thank you for your prayers my long-distance friends!

Laura

Shared at Grammy's Grid 

Blessed

Things I Love About My Husband

Things I love about my husband:

He was my first love.
He is a godly man.
He encourages me to do the things I enjoy doing.
He has stayed faithful to me for over thirty-five years.
He has given me four children to love and encourage.
He is a giver.
He cares for others.
He works hard for our little family of two.

He calls me during the day.
He will not leave me.
He is fully committed.
He is optomistic even when I'm not.
He puts gas in the car.

He checks the oil and puts air in my tires. 

He takes care of me.

He drops me off at the door and then goes to get the car.
He loves me even when I'm unloveable.
He goes to work even when he doesn't feel like it.

He's growing old with me. We started at 16!
He's my endless love.

Did I mention he's a great cook?

Happy Birthday Lowell!

I love you!

Laura
Blessed to be Lowell's Girl

~~~~~

May I suggest?

Thankful

~~~~~



Just Who is Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage?

I'm a big city girl gone small town girl gone country and finally gone back to small town.

I live in southern Missouri between Oz and the Ozarks. 

I have four children. My daughters live at home. My twenty-four year old daughter is finishing her master's degree through online university, and my 20 year old daughter goes to Christian college. My sons live on their own nearby. The 22 year old son and my 31 year old sons live nearby. I homeschooled all of my children from the beginning through high school. My eldest son went to high school for a year and a half.

I met my Jesus when I was fifteen, and my life has never been the same.

I married my high school sweetheart almost thirty-six years ago. We started going steady my senior year of high school. You might say we're going steady permanently. ~smile~

We have a very big yellow tabby cat, Tiger. Think Garfield with a good attitude. He is actually bigger than our little Doxie mix, Penny.  

I enjoy writing, knitting, sewing, quilting, crocheting,  scrapbooking, crafting, baking, cooking, making do, and making soup. I'm currently primarily knitting since I was invited to join a group of ladies for a knit night each week. I do the other things as I have time and inspiration.

I love to read and often review books on my blog, Harvest Lane Cottage.

I like to cook from scratch, and I adore Gooseberry Patch books.  I've collected a lot of them on Paperback Swap over the years.  In fact, one of my recipes was included in Hometown Christmas, and another was included in Grilling and Campfire Cooking. My old-fashioned homemade cocoa is in Secrets from Grandma's Kitchen, too.

I don't enjoy gardening, but I do enjoy making jams and jellies. 

I enjoy writing to encourage others in their walk with Jesus, homemaking, being thrifty, homeschooling and reading. 

Fall is my absolute favorite season. It's cozy, beautiful and warm by the fire while it's nippy outside. Unfortunately, our current home doesn't have a fireplace or wood stove. That might be something that we remedy in a couple years.

I found a lump April 22, 2017. I was diagnosed in May. My husband and I spent our 31st anniversary enduring my first chemotherapy session.  Cancer attacked my body, but I am not a cancer victim. Cancer is not who I am, even though it and the subsequent treatments have  made life difficult. I am God's child. I have been told that I am cancer-free, but my treatments continue.

 I will live and not die and declare the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Psalm 118

His Hebrew name, Jehovah Sabaoth, means Lord of Hosts. He is fighting the battle for me. I must walk this out in faith and trust. Who better to trust than God himself?

Do drop me a note and introduce yourself!
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

P.S. I also love to pray for people. Do drop me a note if you'd like me to pray for you. See the contact form in the sidebar.

~~~~~
May I suggest...

"He Maketh the Barren Woman to Keep House, and to Be a Joyful Mother of Children. Praise Ye the LORD."

and
Frightened of God... My Testimony
~~~~~

Together We Make a Good Team - Please Pray!

My husband makes great pie crust. 

I make great pie filling.

We make a good team.

Prayer Request!

My Lowell is scheduled for knee replacement surgery on April 15th.

Please pray for him, for the staff, for the surgeon,

and

most of all

for excellent healing and pain relief!

A Bit About Now

♥♥♥

Lowell and Laura Lane

I thought you might like to know a bit about my life right now. 

My 16 yo daughter who keeps me running since she hasn't got a license yet, is in Nashville recording her first single. It's going to be available on iTunes. I'll send an announcement out when it's ready. 

I didn't have to run anywhere today! Yay! I got some extra knitting in. I'm going to have to start taking photos and sharing my knitting on the blog. A couple of my chemo nurses invited me to a knitting group. I finally went in January. I've make new friends and learned new things. I've made lots of hats to donate to the chemo center this fall. When I get my size 4 Chiao Goo circular knitting needles in the mail, I'm going to begin knitting the Reyna Shawl. It's a free pattern on Ravelry. If you want to be friends, my name is HarvestLaneLaura. 

My 20 yo daughter is living at home after staying with a friend part-time last fall. She's taking classes at the community college, and she's teaching private voice, piano, and guitar lessons at the local music company.

My 18 yo son moved out just a few weeks before the semester ended. He will be taking classes at the community college next fall. He works part-time in the field that he hopes to make a career in someday.

My oldest son is 27 and started a new job today.  He's been working outside for years. This position is indoors. I'm sure he will feel much better working in air conditioning.

My husband has been getting a new business off the ground as general manager in addition to his business consulting work.  It all keeps him very busy. 

Lots of changes.

I'm doing alright. Tired a lot from the treatments, but I'm not sick. Just two more. I'll be done July 18. Then it's just blood tests every six weeks and doctor appts every 3 months plus whatever else the doctor thinks I need. I'll have surgery again this fall. It's been a long haul, but God's taken good care of me.

You've all been wonderful to pray for me! I'm not done yet, but I can just see land far on the horizon!

God bless!

Laura

Honor and Happily Ever After

This is our happily ever after. 

We didn't expect it to include cancer, 

but we didn't expect four children either! 

~smile~

We've been married since 1986. 

Lowell has been faithful to me

in the

good times and the bad times.

He has taken care of me

through the years 

and 

through this past year.

Lowell Lane

I love you,

and

I honor you 

for 

honoring your

marriage vows to me.

I hope we will have

many more years

together...

forever...

no matter what.

What is Marriage?

True committed love always... 

even through 

4 years going steady,

1 year of engagement, 

32 years of marriage,

25 jobs, 
4 businesses,

14 deaths, 

4 children, 

26 years of homeschooling, 

19 chickens, 

4 cats, 

3 dogs, 

1 goat, 

8 churches, 

8 homes, 

16 surgeries, 

cancer, 

chemo, 

and radiation.

Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Lane 

until death parts us. 

THIS is marriage...

never wondering if you will face tomorrow alone...

until one of you steps into eternity.

Happy Anniversary Lowell! 

Thank you!

Love,

Laura

Share Your Cup

Wednesday 

Wonderful Wednesday

The Post I've Been Avoiding... The Diagnosis

Hello my dear readers and friends,

You've no doubt noticed a change in my blog over the last few weeks and seen hints of health troubles and tests. This is the post I've been avoiding. I just haven't been ready to identify with the problem nor am I sure I want to now. After all, God is the God of miracles. I need miracles, I'll bet you do, too.

Here goes.

​

 I found a lump on April 22nd. It's been an earth shaker to me and my family for the last few weeks.  This was the cause of the exhausting rounds of tests and appointments.

Yes. It is breast cancer. It's in all the lumps in my left breast and in a lymph node. My mother and maternal aunt both had breast cancer many years ago. 

To answer a few questions you might have:

• The CT scan showed no cancer in the rest of my body. Praise God!
• The oncologist scheduled me for chemo first because it is an aggressive cancer. They want to shrink it first before surgery.
• I will also have mastectomy surgery, radiation, Hormone IV drug therapy, and a pill to take long term. 
• They did surgery to implant a port for the chemo on Friday the 19th.
• Chemo began Tuesday the 23rd. It should take 18 weeks if all goes as planned.
• I didn't do well with a couple of the drugs, so I'll spend today, the 24th, my 31st wedding anniversary at the chemo center with the husband of my youth getting three or four more hours of chemo. They will slow delivery down to see if I can handle it better. The staff has been amazing.

But God.

Miracles:

• I haven't had insurance for years. On March 1st, I got great insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield! 
• We received a tax refund that we just left in the bank. We have enough money to pay all of our out-of-pocket expenses! 
• Remember me? The lady whose husband went four months without a paycheck, without unemployment, and lived completely dependent on God? Go God! He is so so good to us!
• I've had some friends locally who have offered to go to treatments with me so that I'm never alone. Thank you ladies!

My fight is the good fight of faith. I battle not against flesh and blood and tumors.

The weapons of my warfare

• the Word
• worship
• praise
• praying in English and in the Spirit 
• journaling
• keeping a book of thanksgiving
• rest
• eating well
• following the doctors' plan.

I invite you to join the fight in prayer. 

As you might guess, my emotions have been a bit overwhelmed, but I am continuing to trust in the Lord.

Notes: 

I've been told by many well meaning people lots of things that are supposed to cure cancer. My husband and I have prayed. We believe that we are supposed to follow my cancer team's treatment plan. This is not a mild case, it is life-threatening. When I hear people try to tell me not to do chemo and such, it just upsets me emotionally and makes me waiver. I have set my faith that God will lead us through this and that I need to have James 1 faith. 

Yes. That's worth looking up my friend.

Sincerely,

Laura Lane

Harvest Lane Cottage.com

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

My oh my! 

I am so overwhelmed with the love and prayers expressed in all these precious comments. I usually try to write back to each person individually, but truthfully, I don't think I can do it this time. Please understand. I send love, hugs, and thanks to each of you! May God bless you each and fill you with the wonder of his goodness and mercy. May your faith grow by leaps and bounds as you think on the goodness of the LORD. 

I WILL LIVE AND NOT DIE AND DECLARE THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING! By the power of the blood of Jesus Christ shed for my sins and the torturous stripes he took on his back for my healing. I LOVE THE LORD JESUS. Thank you God! Holy Spirit, let's do this! Amen.

Hugs to you all,
Laura

Home Happiness Depends on the Wife

“In the last analysis, home happiness depends on the wife. Her spirit gives the home its atmosphere. Her hands fashion its beauty. Her heart makes its love. And the end is so worthy, so noble, so divine, that no woman who has been called to be a wife, and has listened to the call, should consider any price too great to pay, to be the light, the joy, the blessing, the inspiration of a home.” J.R.R. Miller

   It's a heavy burden that Reverend Miller puts upon wives. I've read several things that he has written. Some paint such an ideal picture of a wife, I wonder if perhaps some of his quotes might be discouraging. I think his intention was to encourage women in their high calling. There is truth in his writings, but they can make a woman feel burdened down with perfectionism.

  I know I'm not a perfect wife and mother. I'm not a perfect anything. But God, in His infinite mercy, sent the perfect sacrifice for my sins—Jesus Christ His son. Thank you Jesus! Love covers a multitude of sins. That love is God's love for us, for me, for you.

  God I pray that you will continue to conform me into the image of your son Jesus, and continue to form me into the wife, mother, friend, and daughter you created me to be. Thank you for giving me a husband that loves me anyway— even with all my imperfections and shortcomings. Thank you Jesus. Amen.

  
Laura
Continuing on



Simple Sunday-Fabulous Party

A Delightful Day Trip... Old-Fashioned Charm

I'm so glad you've dropped in. My kids are at youth camp this weekend. On a whim, my husband and I drove down to Bentonville, Arkansas, a town about an hour from here. It was a fun new experience. I felt like I'd walked onto a movie set! It had a thriving square downtown with lots of specialty shops, businesses and the Walmart museum. It was beautiful. 

The spectacular aspect was that there were people everywhere taking advantage of the nearly 70° weather! They were walking dogs, biking, shopping, sitting on the lawn on the square talking, eating at outside tables at little restaurants— some people even had dogs sitting by their feet at the tables! It was amazing! Everyone I spoke to was so friendly, too.  



On a side street, we passed by a doggy bakery. Just imagine! Lowell dropped me off just so I could run inside and see what it was like. They had fresh baked pastries that looked like they were from a posh bakery for humans! 



What did I buy? Not a thing! I'm not that kind of girl. ~grin~ I did see a bin of dog biscuits by the pound for $5.98 and a five pound bag of dog food for $49.98. Oh how tempting! Not! I'm a thrifty gal and glad of it. My little dog enjoys pieces of her regular dog food as treats. It was truly fun to see though.  



We ended our time in Bentonville with a stop for lunch at one of my favorite places, Chick-fil-A. We enjoyed their chicken nuggets with a variety of sauces. It was a delightful trip.... Now, I need to go buy some dog food!

I would love to hear from you.

ஐღLauraღஐ 

...doing what I can with what I've got where I am 
on a short shoestring budget!
~~~~~

Meet and Greet Laura Lane of Harvest Lane Cottage

I am a big city girl gone small town gone country.  I live just a few miles from Joplin, Missouri of tornado fame.  I met Jesus at fourteen and met my high school sweetheart husband at sixteen.  I've been married 29 years and homeschool three of my four children. My eldest lives on his own now.  I enjoy my Jesus, my Bible, my family, reading, writing, quilting, sewing, baking, knitting, crocheting, making soup, and talking. 

I've been writing here at Harvest Lane Cottage since the end of 2007.  I like to encourage others in their walk with Jesus, making it through hard times, homemaking, homeschooling, and reading. My most popular posts are usually focused on being thrifty and frugal. It's something I know a lot about since we've been a one income family for well over twenty years. 

I've found that we don't really need all that we think we do.  It's more about being creative with the resources we have, praying for God to supply our needs, and being thankful.
In the end, it's all about loving Jesus and loving others.

May God bless you!

Now, please talk back! Tell me a little about yourself!

Laura
Blessed to be a Blessing

When Mom Falls Apart...

When mom falls apart...
dishes pile up...
laundry piles up...
messes pile up...
supplies run out....

Such is the state of my home. Sick day three and on the mend after a nasty little bout with the flu Friday.

Do I do everything around here? Oh no! I have lots of help. That's just it, though. I have help. When it comes down to it, I'm the one who makes sure things get done. I haven't even felt well enough to tell anyone to do anything. Add to this the many hours we all put in this week at the restaurant working to take care of the collectors at the convention, and we're all worn out. No one felt like doing anything.

Not much of a Father's Day for my husband. In fact, my daughter, Emily, officially rescheduled Father's Day for next Sunday. We want to give him a good day with the honor he's due. Today feels like snippets and scraps. Ah well. I hope he'll feel our love anyway.

Life is full of making the best of the circumstances...something I've not always done well. I am learning.

May God bless you with peace, hope, and good health.
In Jesus' Name,
Laura

Thankful for Mother

Mother

Judith Ann Benson Lane

1940-2013

May her name be blessed forever.

I will miss her for the rest of my life.

I am blessed to call her Mother.

She called me her daughter.

I thank God for my mother-in-love.

She taught me about love and encouragement.

I know that someday I will be a good mother-in-law

because I was taught by the best.

Jesus, I thank you that we'll

be together again one day.

Please tell Mother I love her.

~~~~~

Dear Readers,

Please forgive me if I do not respond to your comments in a timely manner.  My dear mother-in-love went to be with Jesus quite unexpectedly late Thursday night.  My attentions will be elsewhere for awhile.  Right now, my family needs me, and I need them.  May God bless you all during this Thanksgiving season.  Please, please take lots of photos.  Please, please make sure you've made peace with your loved ones.  I don't have near as many photos as I wish I did.  I haven't found any of Mother and I together yet.  I truly am thankful that I have the blessed assurance that Jesus is mine, and Jesus is Mother's.  We shall be together again.  Praise Jesus.

Sincerely,

Laura

Blessed

P.S.  I always called my mother Mom.  Judy always preferred me to call her Mother, even before I married her son.  She decided I was a keeper before he did! 

Blessed Quiet in the Middle of it All

 

Carthage, Missouri Courthouse at Night

Just last evening, I was feeling overwhelmed by some problems and agitated.  I couldn't even settle down and decide where I wanted to go for dinner for date night with hubby.

We bought a soda and went to sit down at the square in our little town.  The businesses were closed, and there was very little traffic.

It was amazingly quiet, right in the middle of our town.  The weather was perfect, and peace slowly washed over me.

Blessed quiet.  It can be amazingly soothing.

God told us to be still for a very good reason.  We need it.

Blessings,
Laura

~~~~~

May I suggest?

Anxious or Depressed?

~~~~~ 

Marriage Advice from an Older Woman

We've been married 27 years today.  I wouldn't trade my man for anyone in the world.  It's been a rough ride at times, but we have taken it together.  I'm a blessed woman.

A couple of words of advice to young ladies who are married or engaged....

1) Promise each other that no matter how angry or frustrated you get with each other, you will NEVER say the D word. (d------) If the two of you never say it, or even think it, you'll never do it.

2) If you have something to discuss that may cause tempers to flare, go out for dinner or for a Coke to discuss it. We behave much better in public. ~smile~

3) Read your Bible together. Pray together. Face challenges together. Think we and us, not I and me.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and all that He says. He is our salvation for eternity and our salvation in life's hard times.

~~~~~

May I suggest?

When Hubby is Underemployed or Unemployed....
~~~~~ 

Thrifty Thursday: Above Rubies

Nancy Campbell's ministry has changed my life.  Her influence helped change us from a confirmed one child family to a full-house family of six.  Nancy, her daughters, and her crew of volunteers create, publish, and distribute Above Rubies Magazine.  She is so generous with her time and resources.  She longs to see women embrace motherhood as a sacred calling.  Thank you Nancy!  Thank you God!  Please bless her Lord!

From Above Rubies, "For over 33 years Nancy Campbell has been publishing the Above Rubies Magazine, as an unpaid labor of love, supported by a very small band of dedicated volunteers.
Supporting family and motherhood in these tumultuous and uncertain times, Above Rubies is definitely a major international ministry, reaching and playing a crucial role in over 100 countries of the world. The magazine currently circulates over 160,000 copies worldwide – and if 160,000 are being distributed, readership is estimated to be more like half a million!"

Above Rubies magazine is supported by donations.  When God provides the funds, Nancy has the magazines printed and distributed by mail.  Many ladies receive multiple copies so that they can distribute them to other ladies, leave them in waiting rooms, pass them out at church or homeschool groups, or to neighbors. 

Subscriptions are free; but, the magazines are of great value.

Click For Godly Encouragement from the
Above Rubies Women's Ministry

~~~~~
May I suggest?
Marriage Advice from an Older Mother

Independence Day Memories

Like you, I’m sure, I have many memories of Independence days through the years.

I can remember going to the car races with my Grandpa Frank and Grandma Mamie and waiting, waiting, waiting for the races to be over. I wanted to watch the fireworks! I also remember flying in their little airplane to a nearby town to go to a town picnic in the park. I was so upset when Grandpa wanted to leave early before the fireworks. I was later thrilled to watch them from the air!  Everyone should have a Grandma Mamie and a Grandpa Frank. 

I remember standing out on Grandma Mamie and Grandpa Frank’s front porch and playing with sparklers. Sparklers were my favorites. I used to try to write my name with them in the air. They were the next best thing to a real magical fairy wand. Hey, I was young! I wasn’t that smart about sparkler safety, though. I dropped one on the porch and then stepped on it with a bare little foot. Yikes! I could wail with the best of them.

Grandma and Grandpa moved to Texas when I was a teenager. So, from then on, most of my Independence Days were celebrated on the third with my mom and step-dad. I’m not sure if we had the big cook out and shot the fireworks because it was their anniversary or because they didn’t have to work the next day.

I remember my first Fourth of July as a young bride. We lived just half a block from the college football field where they were shooting the fireworks display. We invited my Dad and Annie to come and watch with us from our driveway. Unfortunately, we were downwind. We were inundated with smoke and debris falling from the sky. Annie was hit by what looked like a big piece of coconut shell.

Later, I remember watching with our babies. I remember covering their ears, hugging them closely, and watching their eyes wide with wonder at such a glorious sight. I don’t remember any of them crying; but, they sure snuggled in close.

Twelve years ago, I remember standing in our Pastor’s front yard, with tears streaming down my face, as we watched the display from afar. We had been on our way to the park; but, it was excessively hot, I was excessively pregnant, and my mother was at death’s door. I had just returned from seeing her. My, how she loved fireworks! She’d spend a fortune to get that display just right. Well, she waited until just after midnight to go home so that she wouldn’t spoil the fourth. I’m quite sure she waited. She could have gone on the third, her anniversary. She could have gone on the fourth, a holiday. She could have gone on the sixth, her mom’s birthday. She went on the fifth. I just can’t help believing that she knew what she was doing.  

Thank you God that this is another year to fill with memories with my husband and my kids.  Praise the LORD!

Laura

Drip Drip Drip Boom!

A memorable account of July 4, 2009.

We spent the evening out in the country with friends at Charlie’s Big Red Barn. It was open on both ends; and, the breeze was so nice that it stayed cool. We had a cookout with lots of friends then headed out to the Municipal park. We sat in our usual place at the edge of the golf course. We had all of our friends, Lowell’s mother, and all of our little family. The kids played as we were waiting for the sun to set. I told the kids that I wanted them to come on up the hill and sit with us near the van when it got dark. Well it got dark alright. Just moments before the display began, drip-drip. Yes, it was sprinkling. Well, that’s okay, we thought. We’ll get a little damp. The display was gorgeous. This year they had a new kind of firework that had little white swirly sparkles interspersed with small bursts of purple. I just loved them. That’s just about the time that our drips became drops and then, suddenly, a downpour! Boy everyone started to scramble for their cars! We were close; so, we got in and watched most of the rest of the display from the car. It did slow to a sprinkle near the end. So, we got out and watched the finale.

We came home soggy but happy. I have a feeling that this is an Independence Day that we won’t forget!

I hope this year is fabulous for you as we remember the sacrifices of our founding fathers and those who have fought to keep this country free.

God bless the USA.