Christmas pictures

These are some pictures that Barry took of our family Christmas gathering if anyone is interested.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35354818@N00/sets/72157594447247689/

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to the entire Byrum Clan including all of the extended families. Ed and I are spending a quiet evening at home (his choice, not mine). We're eating pizza and watching TV. I hope that the new year will be good to everyone and that we will all stay healthy.

Christmas time's a'coming! Can't wait until tomorrow to see all of you. Some of the Blanchard crew are feeling poorly. Clay missed school on Wednesday with fever and sore throat, Amber missed yesterday and will probably miss today with a fever (around 101) and head congestion. Me - well, I just can't talk. I went back to my GP in Edenton and she changed my asthma meds. In the event that they are causing the hoarseness Who knows? But I'm tired of not singing! or at least sounding like a frog! Merry Christmas to all, we'll miss those of you who can't be at Margaret's.

For Barry: Amber and I will be at the Crown Plaza from the 22nd through the 24th, come by and visit us.

To answer Christie's question, I guess we'll try to eat around 1 PM.

To answer your other question, Christie, view my blog on Nobember 26.
Every one has responded as to what they'll be bringing. Can anyone think of anything else that we might need?

Michelle is feeling under the weather. Gene talked to Chris, from what I understand, she had fluid around her heart and I don't know much more. I'll talk to her tomorrow.

Looking forward to seeing all Saturday.

So, exactly.....

So, exactly what time are we supposed to eat? We'll have to leave around 4:00 b/c Corey's has the Mistletoe Ball that night. Of course, I didn't know anything about it until 2 weeks ago!

What's on the menu??

Christie

I agree with you Joyce, what more could we want or need? I'm glad to here that you'll bring sweet potatoes; I had thought that I'd cook some if no one else mentioned them. The only thing missing is collards, but I don't think anyone in our generation wants to do that much work. I know I don't. I think it's too much for Dad anymore. We're looking forward to seeing everyone.

I am also trying to get Ben and Barry's address. Please.

Christy, This is crazy, but for some reason I don't have Terri's address or her home phone number. Would you please give it to me. I left a message on her cell phone today about this weekend. I've tried to call your dad but have not reached him or Carol. It did not give me an answer so I couldn't leave a message. See you this weekend.

Michelle's grandfather passed away this morning. Beverly, Michelle's mother, was with him. Michelle had spent the night last night, but had to go home for Chris to go to work. She was upset that she was not there.
Keep her and the family in your prayers. Thanks. Margaret

Happy Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Aunt Joyce. I didn't even know we had any December birthdays! Hope you had a great day and night! C U Saturday, 16th.

Happy Birthday to Joyce. Joyce, I tried to call you last night, but I guess you were out celebrating. Had planned to call back later, but I went to sleep on the sofa and it was too late when I woke up. Sorry. Hope it was a great one.

Game Boy???

Did anywho find a gameboy in your belongings after the camping trip? We have looked and looked thinking that it was never taken out of the truck but Amber then told us that she and Amber Nicole played with it. It might be in a small black case.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We had a nice visit with Chris' family and arrived back home on Saturday night around 10 pm. Chris and Michelle had to work some while we were there so the children stayed with us at Beverly's home (Michelle's home). Beverly had so much on her this past week. Her father fell twice before we came and I'd not sure that I have his injuries exactly right or not, but the first fall I believe that he had a crack in his vertibra and messed up his arm really bad. He fell again and broke his hip. He had to have surgery to fix the hip and he also is wearing a halo for his neck. Well on Friday morning at 6:30 am she received another call. He had fallen again. Not sure whether he fell out of bed or got up and fell. He was in a monitored room and someone should have seen him trying to get up, but did not.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I guess we can start planning Christmas.
For our family get-together, I plan to have turkey, with stuffing and gravy, a pork loin roast, congelled cranberry salad. I'll probably fix other things also, but have not planned any further.


Christie, I'll try to get in touch with your dad and Terri, but would you also mention it to them. I'm assuming that everyone is coming. None of my family will be here. Of course with Chris being in retail, he will not be able to get off and even though, Howie and Lol are officially moving next weekend, they will still be getting settled in their new house. (by the way, their house is really nice and I'm very happy for them. If they had another bedroom and bath, it would be pretty close to perfect.)

Talk to all soon, Margaret

Happy Thanksgiving to all. We leave tomorrow night to fly to Atlanta and then take a shuttle to Macon. Hope all have a very nice Thanksgiving. Bertha, do you have any further news from your test? I'll have my cell with me if anyone needs me. Margaret

Cough, Cough! Hack, Hack! Can't sing because I'm hoarse half the time, so I'm having some test run tomorrow at Greenville. I'm having a bronchoscopy where the doctor examines the airways to the lungs by using a lighted tube. I will also have a CT Scan of that area. I had a chest xray last Friday. Rick went with me to the doctor and said his "spill", so even though the doctor still suspects it's a result of reflux, he's investigating further. If it is reflux, I need some other medication, because what I'm using isn't working very well. I'll keep you informed.

Happy Birthday to Ricky tomorrow. Hope it's a great one.

Jeremy's Grandfather

Jeremy's grandfather passed away this morning. This was Danny's dad. We were expecting it to happen for years, so it wasn't a shock. This man evidently had a will to live like no other. He lived in Florida, but they are bringing him back to Beaufort, NC for the funeral on Monday.

On a brighter note...hope everyone enjoys this wonderful weather for the next couple of days. Nice weather for all that yard work!

"Sisters camping in the raw (without makeup)!"

We missed all the family that wasn't there.

Amber (I helped) has decided that she doesn't want presents for Christmas, she wants to visit New York and see Phantom of the Opera. She also said that we'd visit Barry. She must really like him, because everytime New York is mentioned, she mentions Barry. When the airplane hit the apartment building in NY, she immediately said, Oh, No, I have a cousin in NY. I said, "Who?" She said, "Barry! Hey Barry, how close are you to the Broadway shows? Got 2 extra beds? I believe this present would be one she'd never forget!

I also thought I'd share an email from Howie: "Speaking of which, we painted Amber’s room yesterday evening and spent the morning putting plastic under the house. I spent almost 3 hours on the riding mower today just cutting the back yard. I used the push mower on Friday to cut the front so I could mulch the leaves. Have I mentioned we have 3 pecan trees and they are shedding leaves worse than our dogs shed hair." I know he loved the yard, but I can't imagine having to take that much time to mow the grass. I think someone had a good idea. He'll need to buy some goats. Can't wait to see the house this weekend. Margaret

Well, I guess I'm losing it. I sent Bertha a filter replacement for her air purifier and she called to thank me for it. It seems that her purifier is not blinking to indicate that the filters need changing. I would have bet money that she had told me that it was. That's the reason that I sent it. Well, I emailed Chris and Michelle to ask if they had told me that theirs was blinking saying CHANGE. Guess what, they had. As Michelle says, "We're blinking like crazy". WELL, I guess it could have been worse, at least someone had told me, so I was not imaging it. As I blogged before, Michelle started a job last week. To quote her, "I LOVE absolutely LOVE my job." We're looking forward to seeing them at Thanksgiving. Talk to all soon. Margaret

I'm happy for Howie and Lol for their new house and wanted to share some other news. I think Chris doesn't have time to blog. Cortlyn was nominated (I think that the right word) to the Jr. Beta Club for her grades. They and we are very proud of her. Michelle started a job today.
She will be team coordinator at a hospic location. I'm probably saying it wrong, but I think she's excited about her job and hope it goes well. I don't think I'd do well there. I'd get too emotional. But for someone who can handle it, I think it would be a rewarding job.
Gene and I are getting tired of the work being done around here. Gene told me and also the guy that he wants him to finish up the odd and ends no later than this weekend. Margaret

Dalai Lama's Instructions for Life in 2006

1. Take into account that great love and great achievement involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R's: Respect for self, Respect for other and Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remeber that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

Love to all!

Christie

Yes, Ben, we'll have Christmas here in Norfolk. I'm glad that it works for you. We miss seeing you more often.

Sat 12/16

Will it be at Margaret's on the 16th? That day works for me. I need to lock it in ASAP because of crazy Christmas Church schedules...

peace,

ben

I've just read something that I like and wanted to share with you.
Hope you all feel that way and hope that we can all help children feel that way.

"I am the only unique me that will ever be.
I have the power to make a difference in this world.
I look forward to taking on the grand adventure of life, living and always remembering to be myself......
I love being me!"

How's Saturday, December 16th for Byrum Christmas?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BERTHA. HOPE IT WAS A GOOD ONE. LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU NEXT WEEKEND.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ED. I believe maybe, you have reached that next decade. I knew that Joyce was getting there this year, but didn't know that you were, until Cathey told me when we were camping. Hey, it's not so bad. At least, it's better than the alternative. Hope you've had a good day and will have a good night.

Obviously, everyone has been as tired or as busy as I have been since the campout. I did enjoy the new location, but didn't like the longer drive. Hope Margaret's and Ed's birthday was happy.

I plan on having a fish fry for Dad's birthday on Sunday the 22nd. Rick will fry the fish, I'll fry the corn bread, we'll get a box of hush puppies and chicken from Leon Nixon's catering (right across the road from Cherry Welding).
The rest of you can bring whatever you want to go with the fish and chicken. If you want, I can just get the slaw from Leon's also, and we'll call it a "wrap"!

I checked the weather for the weekend.
Friday: hi-70, low-48 sunny
Saturday: hi-73, low-55 partly sunny
Sunday: hi-76, low-54 partly cloudy

I'll bring several paper towels.

News

Hey y'all
yeah, I'm finally posting. Sorry we won't be able to go camping this weekend. I have to work Saturday, maybe Sunday. Yep, I actually have a job. I'm a "Coach (Manager) in Training" for Hibbett Sports. They're a sporting goods store that has 600 stores in 22 states and expanding. Today was my second day. I'm training at the store in the mall in Warner Robins (30 min or so south of Macon). I work with pretty nice people and I currently enjoy working retail and dealing with people. I'm sure it's possible that this too shall come to pass. I work 5 or so 9 hour days. I've learned alot the past couple days reading the materials, watching the videos and shadowing some of the employees. Made 4 sales today, one for $140. Yes, I'm proud.

Saw Tracy Lawrence play at the Macon City Auditorium (SMALL venue) and it still wasn't sold out. It was a great show, though. He's got a new album coming out in January. He had Chad Rock sing a few of his own songs about 3/4 the way through. It's the first "real" concert I've been to since college, given the Ricochet and Charlie Daniels Band concerts I've seen were put on the USO tours. I must be getting old because I don't get as excited at concerts any more. Just sit there and, shock, listen to the music. ~laugh~

Well, gotta' run. Sorry we'll miss you guys.

Chris

Lol, how many eggs are you bringing? I'm really not sure how many we even need. Does anyone have any ideas on # of eggs?

Trying to tie down loose ends for camping. Do people want beef stew or brunswick stew for Saturday night? Let me know so I can shop. I guess there were getting to be too many comments to the original blog. It seems that if I bring beef stew or brunswick stew, the only things that might be needed is maybe a salad and bread.

Everybody needs to bring:
LAWN CHAIRS
DRINKS
SNACKS
FLASHLIGHT/TOILETRIES

FRIDAY NIGHT: YOYO (YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN)

SATURDAY MORNING;
BACON OR SAUSAGE
EGGS
GRITS (DO WE WANT GRITS)
FRUIT
JUICE

LUNCH
HOTDOGS
DO WE WANT BEANS?

SUNDAY MORNING:
BACON OR SAUSAGE
FRENCH TOAST
FRUIT
JUICE

BACON - CHRISTIE / JOYCE Christie, we usually all bring, so I guess 5-6 lbs - don't know how much Joyce is bringing.
HOTDOGS - MARGARET
HOTDOGS BUNS - MARGARET
BREAD - BERTHA
SAUSAGE - BERTHA
EGGS - CATHY & LOL
CHILI - HANNAH
BEANS - DO WE WANT
FRUIT - JOYCE - HANNAH
APPLE JUICE - CATHY
GRITS - DO WE WANT??
PLASTIC PRODUCTS LOL / MARGARET
S'MORES STUFF - Hannah
MILK - CHRISTIE
CEREAL - LOL
ONIONS - MARGARET
PAPER TOWELS - BERTHA /HANNAH
WOOD - JEREMY
BUTTER - JOYCE
ORANGE JUICE - JOYCE
CHEESE - HANNAH
SYRUP/CINNAMON - HANNAH
BANANA - HANNAH
SALAD WITH FIXINGS - CATHY
APPLESAUCE - LOL
PAPER PRODUCTS (plates (I have some), cups, napkins - ?


I WILL BRING:
ELECTRIC FRY PAN
SALT/PEPPER
MAYO/MUSTARD
COFFEE/SUGAR/MILK
OIL FOR FRENCH TOAST
JOY DISH WASHING DETERGENT

WHAT AM I FORGETTING THAT WE CAN'T DO WITHOUT?

JOYCE, SORRY WITH GOING TO NASHVILLE, THAT YOU DID NOT GET TO LINEDANCE, WHAT A BUMMER.

We did KISS the summer goodbye last night with a wiener roast. It was good to see Richard, Carol, Dad, Joan, Christy, Shawn, Emma and Pumsy around the open fire. (We all kinda look better with just the light of the fire.) We did forget the marshmallows though. Looking forward to doing it again next weekend!

Last day of summer!!!

Tomorrow, 9/22/06 is the last day of summer. Anyone up for a last skinny dip and weiner roast???

Camping

Jeremy, I know you have plenty of wood. Would you mind furnishing the wood for the campout? Margaret said that she was going to make Brunswick Stew. If this is a definite, maybe everyone could bring items that would go with that for our Saturday night cover-dish. Is that a definite, Margaret?

Danny Long had surgery for colon cancer yesterday. We talked to Phil yesterday afternoon and he said that everything went fine. From the preliminary findings they don't think that it has spread and that maybe he will not need chemo. Everyone with any age on them needs to have a colonoscopy. Don't put it off. Please remember Danny in prayer.

Thomas the Train

Christie & I bought our tickets together to ride Thomas. The only available spot for all 7 of us to ride together was Friday. So, we are planning to go see Thomas on Friday afternoon. Our train ride is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

Is Corey coming? I let Ben know, but haven't heard a response from him.

Dad's birthday is Sunday, Oct. 22. Please join me for a lunch that weekend (haven't decided if it's Saturday or Sunday yet).

Camping

So should we begin planning what everyone will bring? Or would anyone prefer for each family to bring their own and then get together to eat. Or what other ideas does anyone have? Maybe pretend that none of us know each other so we can hear what the other campers say about us. I will be going on a bus trip to Nashville and Memphis next weekend so I'll need to start getting my stuff together soon as I'll probably be wiped out for a while after we get back. Leaving early Friday morning and coming back Monday night. Friday to Nashville, Friday night Grand Ole Opry, Saturday Memphis and Graceland, Sunday back to Nashville for tour and riverboat trip on Sunday night, Monday back to RR. Whew!

If anyone has ordered any fundraiser wrapping, please let me know the number of items. Amber gets credit for items sold not $$. Thank You!!!

Okay, it seems settled. We'll go camping in Lake Meyers Friday, Sept 29-Sunday, Oct 1. I will make the reservations for the following, Joyce & Ed, Cathy & Jeremy, Bertha & Rick, Hannah & Jason, Christie & Shawn, Howie & Lol. Just in case anybody is wondering, Gene says he is not going and I'll camp with Howie & Lol. This is 6 camp sites. I feel that I must make the reservations tomorrow. When we get back, it's only 2 weeks before we go. Please pass the word, any changes, please let me know. Margaret

Christy, your question about the cabins, the cabins are only $35, but it's one-room rustic cabin, without a bathroom. They say the bath houses are very close. This might present a problem for Dad. We know that he could use a bucket or something, but I don't know about Joan. You get a choice of a double bed or bunk beds and of course only sleep two people. The suites sleep 4, but the cost is $125 per night, with a minimum of two nights.

Hey Margaret -- sorry, I must have missed your message (thanks Cathy for pointing it out). Apparently the fabled "New York minute" doesn't apply to the hiring process up here -- I may have to take your suggestions and start tending bar and dressing hair. Probably in that order -- you'd have to be pretty hammered to let me to cut your hair anyway.

So my 2 1/2 weeks here so far have been a blur of cover letters and online applications -- no interviews yet. Just today I retrieved some shirts and ties from my storage unit, and they're at the dry cleaners until Saturday, so next week I'll start knocking on doors -- this Internet & phone job search is not cutting it quickly enough.

Otherwise I'm doing a lot of aimless walking -- I must have walked a couple hundred blocks in the last week. It's not the only free entertainment up here (there's actually a lot of free stuff to do), but it's occupying me so far.

I'll probably appreciate my joblessness come Monday -- I hope to take in a lot of the 9/11 memorials. I stopped by Ground Zero on Tuesday -- I'd seen it from the Brooklyn Bridge one night a couple of years ago, but had never gotten a close view. You can't see much from the street (there is a moving photo exhibit though, with a grim timeline of the day), but there's a transit terminal below street level which is adjacent to the site -- there you can see everything, albeit through a mesh fence. It basically looks like a construction site, which is the subject of much disappointment among locals -- there's not much in the way of a memorial on the actual grounds.

About my question, about Friday night, Joyce pointed out and I have it here on the page that I printed, there is a minimum of 2 nights, so we have to pay for Friday night whether we're there or not.

Camping

The first weekend works fine for me. I had already told Hannah about my plans . It seems unusual that the cabins would be the same price as a tent site. That being the case who wants tents and who wants cabins?? How many does a cabin sleep? I can't remember and my internet service is kinda wishy-washy.

Joyce, It seems that you voted for Lake Myers, can you go the weekend Sept 30-Oct 1?
It seems that we only need to hear from Christy and Howard and I'll call them. Bertha says they can go either weekend and will go wherever everyone else wants to go. I'll try to be in touch with Howie and Christy and it seems Lake Myers have the majority and make it the first weekend. I'll make the reservations if people wish.

I called the campground (the second one that Hannah mentioned) and they have six tent sites together, well almost, and they are close to the bathhouse. They have 4 right next to each other and then two across the street, which would not matter just for sleeping. They also have cabins available, which are not far from those sites.
The cabins are the same price, $35/night. Of course the pool would be closed by then. They will have paddle boats, canoes. The arcade will be open, they have horseshoes, and a playgound. I think Joyce may need a break from planning at Lake Gaston. Both of these clusters are available both weekends that Hannah mentioned, Sept 30-Oct 1 (also Friday if people wish). and October 7-8 (also 6). Anyone interested in this campground, vote for your choice of weekends. If you'd rather go to Lake Gaston, please say so. We need to make a decision.

Barry

Okay, Joyce or Barry, what is going on in New York. Have any luck with job or apartment? Barry, hope you are enjoying being there and hope things are going well.
I understand that bar tending pays pretty well. Also hairdresser seem to do well. I heard of a woman who lives in Suffolk, who works in New York three days a week. she has a small apartment in NY when she's there working and suppose to make more in those 3 days that she could here working full time. It seems unbelievable to be able pay for the flights and the apartment and clear more than if she worked here.
Let us know how things are going.
Margaret

Christy, We haven't heard any news of the new family. Hope everybody is doing well.
How about Ashley's legs/feet; have they improved.
Is everybody enjoying the last fling of summer. Gene and I have been using our time to get some much needed cleaning done. Gene says that I've been removing the "protective finish" from some of our furniture. I told him that with Kyle's allergies, I'm surprised that he has not died when he slept in the room with Gene. I don't know the last time that room has been totally cleaned. I've taken today off. After church, Gene and I went out to lunch. He then came home but I had some errands to run. You know that some stores have great buys during holidays and I don't want to not "save some money" by spending. I figure I'll work this weekend since we go on vacation next Saturday to Nags Head for a week.

Camping

I think it would be nice to go to Lake Myers. $35/night doesn't seem like all that much, especially with all the amenities. Somewhere different would be nice for a change. Did they say that we could get sites side by side? I thought I saw that they do cater to tent camping also.

Camping

I'm up for wherever we go.
Margaret

Camping

The Dan Nicholas Park does not cater to group camping. I found another site and spoke with someone and they were fine with groups. Our tents have to be on indiviual sites though. The tent sites are $35 a night with electric & water. I have included the link below. They do have available site for both weekends. The campground is approx. 25 miles from Spencer. Let me know what yall think......

http://lakemyersrv.com/index.html

Camping

I called the Dan Nicholas Park and they do have available sites for Sept 29 - Oct 1. The girl was not sure about such a large group (??) that we have. She asked me to call back tomorrow morning. I will keep you posted.

Camping #2

Okay, I'll try again. Yesterday I called the toll-free number for the Dan Nichols Campground in Salisbury. A recording said that they were completely booked for the Jubilee Weekend which is Oct 6-8. It also said there were openings for the other weekends and to leave my number for them to call back. I did not leave my number.

Camping

I call the 800 number for the campground today. Got a recording saying that they are booked for the Jubilee Weekend which is the second weekend in Oct.

Happy Birthday to Christie!!!!

Clay's Birthday

Clay is Truckin His Way To "4"

You are invited to come celebrate with us!

When: Sunday, 9/10/06 @ 3:00pm
Where: Fun Junction in Elizabeth City (Weather Permitted)
**Play, Have Fun, And Eat Hotdogs & Cake
Please RSVP

Fundraiser Time.....

2nd day of school and already fundraiser time. Amber is selling wrapping paper and stuff. She & I would greatly appreciate any orders placed. Whoever is interested can go directly on the website and place their order.

Website - www.innisbrook.com School Code# 115225 (D.F. Walker)
Please credit Amber for the sale and let me know how many idems you bought as well. My personal email address is hjones@ncnortheast.com.

**Also, for those who did not know, Jason was saved Sunday at Camp Cale. Very proud moment for our family.

Poll Reply

Left Driver

Poll

I am taking a poll. Please invite others to participate also even if they don't blog.

Two people are traveling I95 side by side. From the drivers' prospective, which driver is in the inside lane? Is it the driver on the right or the driver on the left?

In case you haven't figured it out yet, yes, this is a family argument--I mean discussion. We never argue. Thanks to all you people who take my side.

Camping

Just an idea......
Jason & I plan to take the kids again this year to see Thomas the Train @ The NC Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC. He will be there on the weekends of 9/29-10/1
And 10/6-10/8. We are planning to camp at the "Dan Nicholas Park" in Salisbury,NC. The park looks really fun and it has lots to do as well. I thought that would be fun for the Byrum's to do. We could all camp and those who want to see Thomas, go and those who don't can stay at the park. It does have cabins as well to rent for those "ol foogies". HA! HA! Let me know what you think??? I have included the links below to the Museum & the Park.

http://www.nctrans.org/

http://www.dannicholaspark.org/

**Hope everyone is on board!! Choo Choo

I went to see Cayden today and he is sooo cute, too cute to be a boy. I also enjoyed being with Emma. She is growing so fast and has just come out so much. I really enjoy her. I took Dad and Joan out to eat. Howie, I'll make sure that Dad sees the movie. I'm going to bed. Goodnight.
Margaret

Cayden - One day old.

I thought his mouth look like a "Venters", his nose like Christie's and Ashley's, and Christie said his eyes look like Jeff's (he didn't open them while I was there). He has a good amount of dark hair. He's a fine looking boy!

Camping??

Has anyone thought any about camping this year? The reason I ask, we are planning a small get-a-way the first wkend of October to see THOMAS the train.

Baby "Cayden" Is Here

Jeffrey Cayden Harrison - 8/24/06 @ 3:10p.m.
7lb 15oz 20 1/2"

Everybody is doing fine.

Good to hear that Barry has several friends in NYC.

I assume that Ashley will be in Chowan Hospital because Christie will be dropping Emma off at my house about 6:45 tomorrow morning. We'll stay in touch. It's Amber last day of summer, so she will also be spending it with me. We're going to the Goose Nest for a while in the morning.

Did I mention that Rick has 8 chickens, one rooster, seven hens? On Tuesday, he got five eggs, the most yet!

NYC

Everything's well so far -- drove up yesterday, got rerouted at the Holland Tunnel (who'd figure a 10-foot U-Haul was a commercial vehicle?), spent an hour trying to get to the Lincoln Tunnel, emerged from the tunnel into the heart of Manhattan, tourists and taxis on all sides of me. Finally made it to the storage place where I dumped my stuff (will get it next month after I find an apartment), finished up about two minutes before they locked up. Left the truck near the closed U-Haul return spot, went for beer with two friends from high school. Afterward, a Chinese place was nice enough to whip up some pork-fried rice even though they'd already closed, more or less (it was after 11:30 at this point). Went back to the U-Haul place this morning (no parking ticket!) to finalize the paperwork, then got up with another friend (Kurt, best man in my wedding) for lunch. Having a great time so far -- guess I'll start looking for work now. Thanks for your prayers and well-wishes as I get settled.

Baby on the way!!

Just to let everyone know!

Tomorrow, 08/24/06, is Ashley's original due date. We are to be at the hospital at 7:15 a.m. to have labor semi-induced. She has been dilated to 3 cm for about 3-4 weeks and no changes. She had a doctors visit yesterday and they told her to pick a day, Thursday or Friday, to deliver. She chose Thursday b/c of her doc being on call. They are going to break her water and see if that will encourage her cervix to dilate (my words). Hopefully this will work. If not, the other doc suggested that she be given Potocin (sp?) to bring on contractions and given an epidural (sp. again?) She said she did not want an epidural. I asked her if the reason they decided to do this was b/c they were anticipating problems and she said no. I'm not sure why the rush to make her go into labor then!?!?!? The baby will be born when it's ready. Anyway, everybody please keep her and baby in your prayers and I'll keep you posted. Why is everybody in such a rush these days?????? Don't they normally do this when you've gone past your due date?

Harvest time! Clay and the carrots got a bath!

Wish you the best, Barry! People are people wherever you go. There are good, nice, silly, crazy, mean, insane, etc. people in Edenton, Raleigh, and NYC. Our job is to just be the best we can be, wherever we go. Good luck, I have every confidence that you'll BLOOM wherever you're planted! Remember that you're taking the LOVE of the Byrum clan with you.

Barry hitting the Big Apple

In case everyone doesn't know, Barry is heading to NY City next week. It has been a long-time desire of his and we applaud his courage in making the move. He has a place to live for one month. A journalism friend is working out of the country and is sub-letting his room to Barry. Basically Barry has one month to make living arrangements and to find a job which seems like a short period of time but hopefully, God willing, everything will fall into place. We go to Raleigh tomorrow to pick up his car so that he won't be in a time crunch to sell it and hopefully can get a decent price for it. Please pray for him as he is traveling and getting settled.

Just to let you know, Aunt B., Emma said she had more fun at VBS than she does at her school. Thanks for your patience with her and the willingness to keep her 'til I got off work in the afternoons. She's still asking about the orange helicopter/plane???

I took a field trip with Emma and the rest of her daycare class yesterday to the Aquarium on Roanoke Island. They may have renovated it but there sure wasn't much there to see. We had a total of 21 with two teachers, and 4 parents. We had no guide, which I thought was weird. Had a nice picnic lunch under two small umbrellas, but the weather was nice.

Ashley's actual due date is August 23, 2006. She continues to have some slight contractions, mostly they wake her up in the middle of the night. Is this a sign of things to come or what?!?!?!?!? Ha!

For you teachers.... Are you teaching to make a difference or is it just a job?

I, too, have been reading, but haven't had time to respond. Dad and I had a great time visiting all the Happy Home folks at Nina Byrum's 90th birthday party on Saturday. Just finished VBS last week. I taught the three and four year old class. There were 11 with Emma and Clay being two of them. I also kept Emma, Clay and Amber most afternoons, so now you know why I haven't written.

Just like Howie, and all teachers, with the beginning of August, comes thoughts of going back to school. I guess we have to get mentally ready first. Good luck everyone, I hope you all get good teachers, ones who are patient, loving and understanding - just like Howie!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SHAWN. MAKE IT ONE TO REMEMBER. LOVA YA, AUNT MARGARET

Hello Christie, I have been checking the blogg but have not taken time to send a message. We enjoyed seeing everyone at the shower. Sorry Hannah, Amber and Clay had to leave so early. We had a good time at Nags Head. Chris' family went home on Thursday because Beverly, Michelle's mother had to work on Friday night. We came home on Friday and Howie's family also came for the weekend. We enjoyed being with everyone and did quite a few things. Had to go back to work to rest up.
Christie, I assume that there's no news from Ashley. What date is she actually due?
I don't think that baby is going to need anything for a long time. I've never seen so much stuff. Talk to all soon. Margaret

Hello?!?!?!?!?

Has the rest of the family fallen off the face of the earth?????

Thanks!

Thank you everybody for all your help and concern. I think Ashley had a really nice time. Emma and I are supposed to go to her house this afternoon and look at all of her goodies. I didn't really get a chance to see everything yesterday. I don't even really feel like I got to talk to anyone so I hope I didn't offend anyone.

Thanks again!

Meaning of the word

Effaced in their (doctors) terms is the thinning of the cervix.

Christie, Sorry I have not called you; my life has been hectic. All of us plan to be there on Sunday, me, Michelle, Lol, Beverly (Michelle's mother) Cortlyn, Amber & Mandi. I'll call tomorrow, I promise. We have Kyle and Christopher with us this week and I think all know that we leave for Nags Head on Friday, all 12 of us for the week.

To keep everyone posted!

Ashley is doing well. She went to the doctor yesterday and nothing had changed. No further dilation or thinning out. No contractions either. The doc told her to continue like she was...meaning to get as much rest as possible and not a lot of travelling that involved foot travel. No shopping, etc. Against my wishes she went back to her house last night.

Keep her in your prayers please!!!!!

Looking forward to seeing everyone Sunday!

To keep everyone posted!

Ashley is doing well. She went to the doctor yesterday and nothing had changed. No further dilation or thinning out. No contractions either. The doc told her to continue like she was...meaning to get as much rest as possible and not a lot of travelling that involved foot travel. No shopping, etc. Against my wishes she went back to her house last night.

Keep her in your prayers please!!!!!

Looking forward to seeing everyone Sunday!

Baby shower

Just wondering who is coming to the shower on Sunday, July 23?

Margaret... if you are coming, would you be interested in making cheese straws? Call me and let me know. I called you today around noon but Gene said you were out and I told him I'd call you back later.

Joyce...if you are coming, Ashley made a request for scotcharoos. Are you up for that? Let me know.

Just to let everyone know... On Wednesday, Ashley was having pains in her back. She and I went to the doctor where they hooked her up to the monitor. It was registering that she was having mild contractions about 4-5 min. apart. They said it might be b/c she was dehydrated and they sent her to the hospital for an overnight stay with fluids. When the doctor came in (Thursday) he did an ultrasound and said that she had dilated only 1 cm and she was only 50% effaced. He wanted to give her steroid shots to help mature the baby's lungs since she was only 34 weeks pregnant...therefore she had to stay Thursday night as well. She continued to have contractions but never dilated anymore. As of Friday morning she was still having contractions except they seemed to ease off when she ate or was given sleep medicine. They sent her home on Friday afternoon with the orders to rest, rest, rest!! And drink plenty of fluids, mostly water. The doctor suggested she come to my house so there would be someone to monitor her. In case everybody didn't know, she has moved out again to live with the father. Anyway, she seems to be resting and drinking plenty of water. She is to stay here until Monday when she has a doctors appt. If everything is ok.. I guess she'll go back to her house. Against my wishes though.

Hope everyone is doing well and I'll talk to ya'll later!

Lots of love, Christie

This article was in our church newsletter and thought I'd share

I WONDER WHAT WOULD HAPPEN.......

I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones.

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it as if we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as a gift?
What if we used it as we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?
What if we upgraded it to get the latest version?

Mandi and Cortlyn are coming in Sunday and staying with us until Saturday. Chirs and Michelle are taking advantage of our having the girls and I think it's her mother that is taking care of Christopher and they are going to Las Vegas for a few days. Lol and Amber are coming Sunday afternoon and then Lol is going to her mothers until Saturday. We're looking forward to having the girls for the week.
I had the girls make a list of what they wanted to do while here. Chris says that if I have energy pills, I'd better start taking them and saving up my money.
Christopher and Kyle are coming the week before we all go to Nags Head. We go on July 21 until 28th. Don't know when I'll get my work done, but I will. Since I've been home, I've worked a number of hours trying to get everything done that I can before company comes.

Joyce

Joyce:

I tried to call you back yesterday but the Alltel network said you were unavailable. I don't have any of mom's recipes but I think I'll go to Dad's house and get her recipe box. When I get it, I'll call you to see if I have what you need. Hope everything's going well with you.

Our family and food

Is this our family or what? (except for the Stallings side, they're a little more picky about what they'll eat)

Chocolate
by Jane Yolen

I am an eater, no doubt.
There's hardly a food I'll leave out.
I eat all sorts of greenery--
Lettuce to beanery.
Meat, fish, and chickens
Are my kind of pickin's.
As for pizza, potpies,
Parfaits, pretzels, French fries--
If it's salty or sweet,
Then I'll eat.

But chocolate.
Oh--chocolate.
If it starts as cacao
I'll practically sway, oh--
I'll faint, I'll fall senseless,
I'll swooooooooon.
Just find me a plate
Or a platter (serves eight)
And my own
Giant-sized serving spoon.

In Michael J. Rosen's "Food Fight"

Had a great time at the Belvin party. Hips still a little sore though. Don't do much running or squatting, if I can help it.

Sorry!

Sorry we missed out. Looks like everyone had a great time! We had a wonderful time at the beach with the exception of Wednesday. It seems that Emma is quite the Beach Bum!

Bertha, I would like to get copies of the pictures you posted.

Ben, I would also like to get pictures of yours but since I still haven't gotten the picture of you and me in the SUPERSIZE underwear, it looks kinda slim.

Hope everyone had a great Father's Day and welcome home Chris!!!

Had a great time at our Father's Day/Welcome Home Chris/Happy Birthday Gene Bash!







!

Clay

TODAY

Does anyone know Christie's cell phone number. I understand that they are in Nags Head with Shawn's family. I think they went last Friday. I've called Terri on her cell and also left a message on her voice mail at work.

Jeremy and I really appreciate all the thoughts, prayers, and kind words being sent our way these days. Danny was a special dad to us both. We're lucky to have had him in our lives as long as we did. With all that has been going on...we have a lot of things to catch up on around the house. So, we won't be able to make it to Margaret's on Saturday. We would love to go, but it's just not a good time for us.

Howie, Jeremy hiked Mt Rogers with his dad, his brother, and a friend a few years ago when they did part of the Appalachian Trail. That was when his truck was stolen. That trip will always be a great memory of Danny for Jeremy and his brother, Zach. I will always remember how bad they(especially Danny) smelled when we picked them up on the trail!

I hope all you Dads have a nice Father's Day.

Margaret,

Count the Jones Family In!!!!

As I am having Saturday catered, I need to know by Wednesday, if possible, if you will be coming. Hope all can attend. Bertha is organizing a softball game in the park, so if you have a glove and want to play, please bring it. For those who will not be on Cortlyn's team, she's planning to kick butt. I think she enjoys playing as much as Amber Elizabeth does. Chris and Michelle plan to come on Wednesday.
Hope to see all, but please don't make me call you. Looking forward to it. Love you all, Margaret

I've tried numerous times today to get on the blog to report on Gene. We were really happy that they got it all with just one cutting. There were a couple of guys in the waiting room who had been in twice for more to be cut out and were waiting for the results when we left. When Gene said that they had gotten it all the first time, they told him how lucky he was. I told them yes that he was lucky that he had a wife who bugged him to go to the doctor. As Gene says the doctors said that his roots from the cancer were short. Since they used a local, he insisted on driving home. His Kiwanis had a picnic today for children who are metally challenged and he insisted that he felt like going. He is planning to go to work tomorrow. I went to work today. I could not use the excuse to stay home with my husband since he was not home. Thanks for the prayers.

Jeremy and Cathy, we are thinking of you.

Gene

Talked to Gene tonight and he said that they got everything on the first slice and that he was feeling fine.

Danny's Obit

Danny's obituary is posted at FryandPrickett.com, the funeral home handling the arrangements. Very sweet picture.

We'll be praying for you tomorrow, Gene. You too, Margaret.

Good night to all.

As I was telling someone about Gene's procedure, I realized, and have confirmed this by reading more material. They will take about 1 m around and down from the cancer in the morning and then they'll simply cover the incision and we'll wait while they check what they have taken. (about an hour). If it is determined that they did not get it all, they will take more tomorrow and will continue this procedure until they are sure that they have it all. They told him to plan for at least a half day and he might be there all day. I'll let you know something when we're finished.

Jeremy & Cathy, I'm so sorry about Danny. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

We have just come back from the Doctor's office. Gene has surgery scheduled for tomorrow morning at 8:30. I forget what it's called (of course, I went with him so I could remember these things), but it's the type that spreads fast and can go to organs. They will take a certain amount tomorrow and then check to see if they got it all; if not they'll do another surgery. He is not put to sleep, they will use a local anesthetic (sp). The good thing is that it has not been there too long, maybe a couple of months or maybe a little longer. I know I don't have to ask for prayers.
Thanks.

Jeremy's Dad

Just wanted to let everyone know that Jeremy's Dad, Danny, passed away during the night. Everyone is coping as well as can be expected. Cathy and Jeremy's address: 173 Doe Run Dr, Sanford, NC 27330
Diane and Zach's: PO Box 1504, Carthage, NC 28327

Gene has his appointment this morning but Margaret didn't know exactly what they would be doing other than evaluating and consulting. She said she would keep us advised.

Happy Birthday to Amber Elizabeth. Hope you enjoyed the Children's Museum. Sorry we did not get to see you. Aunt Margaret

Jeremy's Dad

Please remember Jeremy and his family in your prayers as things are beginning to look very bleak for Danny. The doctors have done all they know to do and things are now in God's hands.

Happy 28th to Cathy. She's spending the evening with Jeremy and his parents in Carthage -- Jeremy's father left the hospital today after a four-or five-day stay.

I have something that I want to share with you. At this point we're not worried; we figure we'll wait and see if we have anything to worry about. I think several of you have seen or have heard me talk about the growth on Gene's head; I referred to it as he was growing a horn. He went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago and had a biopsey (sp). We found out yesterday that it is a skin cancer and has to be removed. I guess we'll know what type, when they do the surgery. The first doctor that we wanted, when his doctor's office tried to set it up, did not have an opening until February. I don't think we want to wait that long. The girl doing the scheduling did not work today, so hopefully she'll get something scheduled tomorrow when she's in.
Since we all believe in the power of prayer, just wanted to let you know.

Anyone have big plans for the weekend?
Talk to all soon.
Margaret

Happy Birthday to Hannah. It looks like all had a good time at Clay's three-year olds program.

MISS "B" AT HER BEST !!!!

Clay finished the 3 year old program at the "Little Goose Nest". His program was today. It was lots of fun, Poppie (Ricky) sang and did the Bumble Bee dance with him and daddy did the obsticle course with him. WE LOVE MISS "B"!

I had a good Mother's Day. Went out to breakfast with Gene, due to a friend waking us up because his car had died close to our home and need a junp, so while we were out, we decided to eat out. After church, we went over to Hampton to be with my friend, Cecil's family and had lunch with them. There were about 18 of us, so we had a good time. Talked to Howie and Chris later, much later with Chris, he called around 11 and we talked until 12:40 AM.

Hannah, Thanks for sharing your photos. I think Dad enjoyed Emma's party also. It sounded like he did. We're glad that things are well with your family.

Gene and I are going to Hickory the first weekend of June for Amber's birthday. We'll go on Thursday. Amber's class is going on a field trip on Friday and Gene and I are going with them. Lol says that she'd love to go, but it's the last day of school for her church school so she does not feel that she can ask off.

Talk to all soon. Margaret

I hope everyones Mother's Day was a special one!!! I had a very nice one. The Jones family is great! Amber had her first softball game of the season Wed. night. They did great, lost but WON Thursday's game. She loves playing and we love watching her and her team! Emma's b-day party was a big hit! My kids loved it (esp. the animals) They got to feed the goats!


I hope everyone is doing well. YES, CHRIS IT IS A RELIEF TO HAVE YOU HOME AGAIN!!! We are taking Amber & Clay to see "Big & Rich" and "Cowboy Troy" (Country Singers) on June 3rd. Looking foward to that! Clay loves Cowboy Troy!! We are enjoying life, as you can see!! Take Care & We Love Yall

Yes, Happy Birthday, Barry. If you don't get your card today, it should be there tomorrow. I can't believe you're 30 either, but then I can't believe Howie will be 40 this year. How did that happen?

Chris called and we talked about an hour and 40 minutes. I think he's glad to be on American soil, but he hopes to be home in Macon by tomorrow, we'll see.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BARRY

Happy 30th birthday to our son, Barry. Seems like only yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. Time flies when you're having fun.

Welcome home, Chris. We can breathe easier now.

CHRIS IS HOME. ARRIVED THIS MORNING AND HE AND MICHELLE HEADED TO MACON. HE HAS TO REPORT BACK WEDNESDAY MORNING. THANKS FOR ALL THE PRAYERS. Margaret

Good Day All Around

Hey, Hey, Hey, Good day all around. Chris outta there( Youall should know that by now)
Thanks to Margaret's pushin, shovin and direction, today was BIG decison day. Iwent to Social Security, with paper work in hand, and filed for early retirement benefits. Even though I reach that magic age of 62 in June, my entitlement month doesn't start til July, which will be the first "Full" month of age 62. Then, since they claim they pay off a month in arears, I should be gettin my first check in August. I will publicly state that I appreciate my better half urging me to investigate, go over the figures and prove to me I'd be a dummy to wait 4 more years. At the same time, I can still make a little over 12 g's a year before penalty.
As Chris said, one more GOOD prayer to brign him and his comrads home is calaled for. i know yall will do your best.

Chris meets Charlie Daniels

The photo of Chris meeting Charlie Daniels, just because it's a cool moment.

Had a great week off. Was busy, but less stress. Amber spent Wednesday with me and Clay spent Friday. Clay and I planted carrots. He saw the seeds in Wal Mart and really wanted them. As you see in the photo, watering was his favorite part. Of course, he watered almost everything more that the seeds. Here he's watering a frog.

Easter

I hope everyone had a nice Easter. Thanks to everyone that could make it on Saturday. Corey says to tell everyone thanks for the gifts! He plans to use the mulah to do something to his car. In case everyone didn't know, he inherited my Dad's blue Cutlass. I think it's a 1985 or '86. He and Scott have put a new engine in it; something with a lot of power. Like he really needs that. Oh well, he has to put the gas in it!!!!

Shawn's brother has been with us since Sunday. They (Shawn, Josh & Corey) have gone fishing three times and I think they will be going again today before we take Josh home. They have caught some really nice catfish. The largest being around 13-14 pounds. We ate some last night and boy were they good. They also caught a gar.

Well, we are now 5-2 in the conference. We have our Easter tournament this week 20-22 at First Flight. Hopefully we'll play a little better than we did those last two games! If anyone is interested and wants to take a road trip, our first game is Thursday at 3:30. Wish us luck!!!

Peace!

Devil Went Down to Ga

The devil went down to Georgia and now Ga has come to the devil. Well, this place might as well be. Anyway, that was the song that Charlie Daniels Band ended the show with tonight. Heck of a cap to a long tour, seeing Charlie Daniels play outside. We sat in plastic chairs, fold out chairs, etc. He said this was the most sober audience he had every played for; like we had a choice. ~laugh~ Anyway, tonight was AWESOME! He even sang the hymn "How Great Thou Art". It just won't be same the next time I hear it in church. The man is looking old; think he's in his 70's now. He told us he sent a letter to Sen. Ted Kennedy, inviting him to come over here with him. Of course, that letter has gone without reply.

I am now 16 days from leaving this country and about 18 days from touching US/Georiga soil again. Man, it's gonna' be great to be home again. My demobilization process should take around 6 days. Looking into either Warner Robins PD or Ga State Patrol when I get back. With any luck, I'll be demob'd in time to take the State patrol test and won't have to wait 2 more weeks. Their website says that the tests are to build a wait list, not to fill vacancies, so I may initially end up with the Macon FD until then, as originally planned. However, it is rumored that Gov. Perdue, our governor, has said if you're with the 48th brigade he will get ya a job. Will maybe have to cash in on that.

Happy Birthday, Cory! Big 16. Time for a driver's license. Sorry, Rated R movies aren't until next year.

We've been doing the same ol: going to different villages in the area, inspecting water tank projects, road improvement projects, school building and rebuilding and the occasional school supply drop to students. These of course, are followed by lunch at one of the many sheikhs' homes. I think I posted before lunch is usually a platter of rice topped with a little lamb meat on top. Our boss and whoever the senior sheikh is that day get a lamb's head on theirs, cooked of course. 2 weeks ago, I ate some "soup" that I hadn't eaten before and paid dearly 2 days later. I must've thrown up at least 20 times that day and ended up taking 2 bags of I.V. fluid in the arm to rehydrate. They gave me some antibiotics and I was fine a couple days later.

Our replacements from Minnesota are here. We've taken them out a few times, but haven't officially started training their drivers and gunners yet. I'll be glad when all that's done. We sign over our humvees and the machine guns that we mount on top to them on Tuesday, then vehicle maintenance is one less headache we have to deal with.

Michelle and the kids are doing well. Mandi is kicking butt in gymnastics and Cortlyn is playing her first season of softball. She's getting hits, but having a hard time getting to first base before the ball. She's having fun and that's what counts. They have a long season, all the way into late next month, so I should be able to make a few practices and games, depending on the job situation. Michelle's looking into doing some secretarial work for the county board of education this summer and possibly working as a parapro in the fall, when school starts up again. She's checking with the college she attended to see if she's got enough credits. Ash is doing better in school. Michelle says he'll be able to look me in the eye when I get home. I'm glad he's got her height genes. His former cubmaster invited me out for a steak and a beer when I get home to discuss getting him into Boy Scouts. His former den leader left after they crossed over and he got overlooked during the transfer of leadership. He's looking forward to getting back into scouting.

Well, it's late and I've rambled long enough. Everyone take care.

Chris

Ed's test

We're back home now. The doctor said that everything looked fine and Ed does not have to have another one for 3 years. Needless to say we are elated and thankful for God's blessings. Thanks for everyone's prayers.

Birthday plans

Margaret: You don't have to bring other than yourself and Emma's books (laminate samples)

Hannah: Will Jason be coming? Just call me.

Christie, What do you want me to bring on Saturday? Aunt Margaret

Replies

Margaret, Are you talking about books or movies? Clay has neither movie but he does have the "Thomas comes for breakfast" book. I know you are counting the days for Chris. I think of him often. I also think of you & Michelle, well all of his close family. In some ways, it's just not fair.

Christie, I do plan to attend Saturday! Let me know if I can bring anything.

Hope everyone is doing ok.

We are doing great. Amber has started her softball season!! She is doing great! She husstles and has learned to put her weight behind the bat when hitting! I am glad that she enjoys it just as much as I do.

Love Yall Lots!

Christie, I plan to come on Saturday. I have a hair appointment, and I should get out around 4:15-4:30 and I'll leave then. Gene will not be with me. I'll probably spend the night down there and meet Gene on Sunday to go to church with his father.
I have bought beautiful flowers to put on Mother's grave and I'll do that while I'm there.

Hannah, I don't think that I have your email address, but have a question. Does Clay have "Thomas & the Really Brave Engines and other Adventures" or "Thomas Comes to Breakfast & other Thomas adventures"?

Joyce, Hope things go well with Ed on Thursday.

Chris has approximately 24-25 more days before going to Kuwait to start back home. I'm counting them down.
Margaret

Hope everything goes well on Thursday. We'll miss you!

Family

My mother says we all talk too much these days. When my mother was a girl no one ever talked about anything and everything was fine.

Mabel Maney, from "Secret Family Recipes," in "Cookin' with
Honey," edited by Amy Scholder

Does this seem like anyone we know?

Ed is having a colonoscopy Thursday (his first) so don't think that we can make any plans for the weekend as I'm sure he'll need to rest. Hope that the party is a big success.

Whoever is interested

I'm having a cookout for Corey this Saturday, 04/15 for his 16th birthday. We plan on eating around 5:30-6:00. If anybody would like to come, please do. The menu will be simple.....hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, salad. CHEESECAKE for the birthday cake b/c that's his favorite, but I'll probably make a regular cake as well. Let me know so I'll have a head count. Hope everybody has a great week!!!!

Baseball fever

We're 5-0 in the conference. We've had two games already this week and have another on Friday against First Flight (Nags Head). We beat the pants off of them last year; let's hope this year is the same!!! Go JV Aces!!!!!!

Congratulations Kyle and Howard. Hope you have a good time Lol and Amber. Sorry to hear about one of your dogs. Hope everything works out soon.

Enjoyed our time with Margaret on Sunday. Food was good, kitchen looked great! It's a good thing that Hannah's family didn't go. Amber started running a fever on Sunday and threw up that afternoon. She missed school Monday, but returned on Tuesday. She seemed to be feeling fine and made ball practice last night. She's on a all girl coach-pitch team this year. Playing with the boy/girl team helped her a lot last year. Tonight, she has red bumps on her face. Hannah is hoping that they're fever bumps and not the "Pox"!

Granddaddy Blanchard is in the hospital with the pneumonia. When he was admitted, his temp was 103, that's pretty high for an adult. He was doing better today and if he's doing as well tomorrow, he'll go back to the nursing home.

Howard, I'm looking forward to my spring break also!! I'm sorry for you folk who don't get a week off around Easter. We teachers really need a "shot" of free time near the end of school - just so we can hold on till June! I'm already planning our end of the year programs for the parents. They love it, no matter what we do. The four year old class is acting out Noah's Ark. I do whatever I can do to make it fun, and low stress for the kids. (but me - stressed and excited and working hard to pull it all together) We only practice it once and whatever happens, just happens! Can't tell you what the three year old class is doing - I want it to be a surprise for Hannah. Take care, B

Yesterday

We had a really nice time yesterday. It was relaxing and entertaining. Margaret, Emma reminded me this morning that she had left her "books" at your house. They aren't really books but rather laminate samples that she got from Lowe's. My child likes to collect the weirdest things! Anyways, PLEASE do not throw them away if you find them because she will remember them even if it's six months before we go to your house again. I wish my memory was that good.

Sorry to hear that Chris has been sick as well as Lol and Amber. I agree with you Margaret on the lab incident. I've never known a lab to be agressive at all. Hope everything turns out ok for ya'll.

Hope everyone has a good week; I heard this morning that there is a chance of tornadoes this afternoon!!! Isn't it kind of early?

We enjoyed having the family here today. Missed those of you that could not come. After lunch, we walked to the park where Emma could play. Of course she was not the only one that played. It was good seeing Ben too.
Howie called tonight and it seems that one of his dogs bit a teenage boy today. The boy first said that he was not in their yard, but he had to have been because the dogs do not cross the invisible fence. It is so unlike his dogs or any labs, that we feel that he and the others with him must have been antaginizing the dog. Howie had been in the bathroom when he had heard the dogs really barking and getting upset. The boy came with his mother and asked if the dog had had her shots and of course they had. A few minutes after the boy and his mother came, the police showed up. Even though she had shots, she was taken to the pound for 10 days. They will be able to have her transferred to their own vet tomorrow.
Kids cross the back of Howie's lot very often. Howie has given the boy notice that if he is caught transpassing again, they will press charges. Not a good day for the Hickory Belvin family.

Got an email from Chris. He has been sick for two days, throwing up, as he said,"about 10 or more times in 3 hours". He said he didn't know what caused it, that he had eaten at Burger King the night before and at skeikhs' houses for 2 days before that. He had gotten two bags of IV fluid and some medications. Maybe he had the same thing that Lol and Amber had last weekend.

Quoteing more of his email. "We've been out bouncing around the villages again, looking at road improvements and water tank projects and a school that was started by the Texas brigade we relieved and had just gotten finished. Same ol, same ol. I
don't really take pictures any more because it's the same places over and
over again. I will start taking my camera because this one road we went down
by the Euphrates goes through what you would think was the garden of Eden,
plush, green area with lots of palm trees; a really pretty area.

Well, not much more to tell. Feeling sleepy again. I love you."

Good night to all. Love ya all, Margaret

Time Change

Don't forget to spring your clocks forward.

Sunday

Cathy might have been considering it until you spelled her name wrong. Seriously, I have not talked to either of them since it was posted on the blog but I'm sure they have both seen it and probably would have responded affirmatively if they were planning to attend. Since you are having chicken, I'll probably save my chicken and make something else. Maybe deviled eggs.

It appears that we'll try to eat around 1 if that works for everyone, it works for me. I think I'm planning to cook a ham and marinated chicken on the grill with other things to go with them. Look forward to seeing all on Sunday.
Joyce, do you know if Kathy and Jeremy and Barry will be able to come?

Sunday

If I go to Sunday School, it will be 1:00 before we get there. Is that too late? I'll need to get a substitute for me if I don't do Sunday School, which may or may not be a problem.

lunch

I'm going to try to go just to Sunday school so I should be there by lunch time. Whenever that is!

Bertha called tonight and she says that if she goes to church, it will be at Ben's church here in Norfolk. What are others plans?

We'll eat when people are there and ready to eat or when those who are there, want to eat.
Am I trying to be funny, no. If people want to go to church and come later, we can wait and eat later, just let me know.

Sunday

We're in. I'll bring strawberry/pretzel salad and something out of chicken. What time do we eat?

Ben says that he will attend if it's in Norfolk.

No promises..... I will talk with Jason, he might have to work on Sunday.

Sure, I'll be there! I'll check with Terri also!

Sunday, April 2 - I'm up for a post April Fool's family gathering!
Happy Birthday to Jason today!!

How about a family get together this Sunday, April 2 for lunch at my house? Who is/are available to come? Talk to you soon.

Bertha, I did get your message, but things were hectic at the office when my phone rang, so I chose not to answer. When I got the message, I meant to call you after I left the office, but forgot. Was planning to call tonight, but it was 9:45 when I was going to call and was afraid you were in bed. Edith is having surgery on her knee on April 4, so we've had to move up our annual meeting. Getting ready has been difficult due to Edith not coming in Monday until 12:30, Tuesday 12:15 and leaving 1:15 and Wednesday not until after 12:30, plus she has been getting ready for a board meeting today for the Roper(her other boss) board. She did not start working on the parts that she does until today and I have to print out this report and then that report, get this tax return and etc, and I also Mr. Roper, who no longer drives, home this afternoon. She does about 3 parts and I do 9 reports for the meeting. Mine has been done for several days. She was getting in a tizzy because she has to get the agenda to our President. I know she wanted me to come in tomorrow, but I worked on Wednesday night last week until 8 PM; worked Sunday night after we got back home until almost 9 pm and was in the office on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I've done my part.
I'm also busy getting my taxes ready to take to the accountant. Don't know why I wait so late, but have worked each night this week until late. Hope to finish tonight. Talk to you soon.
Margaret

I got a really funny email today. I think that maybe Joyce, Bertha and I can relate. Who knows about the rest. Enjoy!

"TELL ME THIS WON'T HAPPEN TO US !!!! "

An elderly Floridian called 911 on her cell phone to report that her car has been broken into. She is hysterical as she explains her situation to the dispatcher: "They've stolen the stereo, the steering wheel, the brake pedal and even the accelerator!" she cried. The dispatcher said, "Stay calm. An officer is on the way." A few minutes later, the officer radios in. "Disregard." He says. "She got in the back seat by mistake."
_______________________________________
FAMILY

Three sisters, ages 92, 94 and 96, live in a house together. One night the 96-year-old draws a bath. She puts her foot in and pauses. She yells to the other sisters, "Was I getting in or out of the bath?" The 94-year-old yells back, "I don't know. I'll come up and see." She starts up the stairs and pauses "Was I going up the stairs or down?" The 92-year-old is sitting at the kitchen table having tea, listening to her sisters. She shakes her head and says, "I sure hope I never get that forgetful, knock on wood." She then yells, "I'll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who's at the door."
_______________________________________
"I CAN HEAR JUST FINE!"

Three retirees, each with a hearing loss, were playing golf one fine March day. One remarked to the other, "Windy, isn't it?" "No," the second man replied, "it's Thursday." And the third man chimed in, "So am I. Let's have a beer."
_______________________________________
SUPERSEX

A little old lady was running up and down the halls in a nursing home. As she walked, she would flip up the hem of her nightgown and say Supersex." She walked up to an elderly man in a wheelchair. Flipping her gown at him, she said, "Supersex." He sat silently for a moment or two and finally answered, "I'll take the soup."
_______________________________________
ROMANCE

An older couple were lying in bed one night. The husband was falling asleep but the wife was in a romantic mood and wanted to talk. She said: "You used to hold my hand when we were courting." Wearily he reached across, held her hand for a second and tried to get back to sleep. A few moments later she said: "Then you used to kiss me. "Mildly irritated, he reached across, gave her a peck on the cheek and settled down to sleep. Thirty seconds later she said: "Then you used to bite my neck." Angrily, he threw back the bed clothes and got out of bed. "Where are you going?" she asked. "To get my teeth!"
_______________________________________
DOWN AT THE RETIREMENT CENTER

80-year old Bessie bursts into the rec room at the retirement home. She holds her clenched fist in the air and announces, "Anyone who can guess what's in my hand can have sex with me tonight!!" An elderly gentleman in the rear shouts out, "An elephant?" Bessie thinks a minute and says, "Close enough."
_______________________________________
OLD FRIENDS

Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the years, they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to meeting a few times a week to play cards. One day they were playing cards when one looked at the other and said, "Now don't get mad at me... I know we've been friends for a long time...but I just can't think of your name! I've thought and thought, but I can't remember it. Please tell me what your name is." Her friend glared at her. For at least three minutes she just stared and glared at her. Finally she said, "How soon do you need to know?"
_______________________________________
SENIOR DRIVING

As a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him, "Herman, I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrong way on Interstate 77. Please be careful!" "Wow!" said Herman, "It's not just one car. It's hundreds of them!"
______________________________________
DRIVING

Two elderly women were out driving in a large car - both could barely see over the dashboard. As they were cruising along, they came to an intersection. The stoplight was red, but they just went on through. The woman in the passenger seat thought to herself "I must be losing it. I could have sworn we just went through a red light." After a few more minutes, they came to another intersection and the light was red again. Again, they went right through. The woman in the passenger seat was almost sure that the light had been red but was really concerned that she was losing it. She was getting nervous. At the next intersection, sure enough, the light was red and they went on through. So, she turned to the other woman and said, "Mildred, did you know that we just ran through three red lights in a row? You could have killed us both!" Mildred turned to her and said, "Ohmygosh! Am I driving?"

TELL ME THIS WON'T HAPPEN TO US

CALLING ALL LAYTONS! Ima Jean called and said that Ester has reserved the Arrowhead clubhouse for Sunday, May 7 for the annual John and Bertha Layton reunion. No other details. I assume that we'll eat our "covered dishes"about 1:00.

New Life

Jeremy and I finally got our internet connection at home again. We have been in our new house since the first of March. We both have new jobs which is good, cause we have a very new mortgage. For those of you who don't know...we are living in Sanford, NC. Sanford is halfway in between Raleigh and Pinehurst(2005 US Open golf tournament held there) I am working for First Citizens Bank in Raleigh--not working with the public anymore. Jeremy is working near Pinehurst (Vass, to be exact) for Squires Timber Company as a timber buyer. The trees aren't quite the same as they are down east. They don't grow near as big or fast. We are really enjoying living here. It's nice to be back in Raleigh. My job is about 5-10 minutes away from my old trailer-the one I lived in through school. Jeremy's dad is enjoying having Jeremy stop by nearly every day. I really think it is doing him a world of good. Probably good for Jeremy too. Danny, Jeremy's dad, is doing alright but not improving. He just feels yucky-nauseous pretty much all the time. He recently had another CT scan and was told his cancer was not spreading but surgery is still not an option. He hasn't been able to continue his chemo treatments in a couple of weeks now due to some level being elevated. I think that level is called his billyruben. (I have no idea how to spell--that's what it sounds like) It has something to do with his liver. Hopefully, he will be back on the chemo soon.

Anyway, good to be back online finally...

Whichy whatevery

Supriiiiise! He's actually read the blogger and posting. I've connected my wireless from my roommate's computer, so now I don't have the 30 min time limit to talk to friends in ym, check email accounts, do online banking, etc. However, sometimes it's down. I figured I better take advantage of a day without a misison and while the inet's up. I've been meaning to type up something on my laptop, save it to my thumb drive and upload it at the inet cafe, but been busy/tired.

Tuesday evening we escorted 26 trucks up to Baghdad, arriving around 2am. I was still wired from Red Bull, chocolate and adrenaline. The route's been busy with IED's and small arms for a week or so, so I was pretty wired. Luckily, the trip was uneventful. We stayed up, smoking and joking until almost 6am Wed morning. I called Michelle's sister, Dianna, to tell her happy birthday. Plus, she had some kind of procedure where they were checking for throat cancer. The doctor said it looked alot better than the previous visit and she'd learn more at her next appt. Came back down here Wed night and got in early Thurs morning. Had to sit in the middle of the road while the civilians changed one of the trucks' tires, right in the area where alot of the attacks have happened in the past. Yeah, that was fun, especially when you're the gunner and popped up through the hole in roof. Oh, you've never lived until you have peed in a gatorade bottle, facing backward, doing 60 mph at midnight sticking up through a hole in the roof of a humvee..LMAO! (Laugh My A** Off)

Luckily, we just get thrown n the mix when there's a surge in convoys to go north. We've had a few days of dust storms a week or so ago, so they were playing catch up because no traffic rolls for lack of air/medevac cover. We've been out bouncing around the local villages and farms, dealing with sheiks and putting in potable water tanks and road improvement projects. Coming up in a week or so we have another "Med Cap", where soldiers from our medical company conduct a free med clinic at a school for the local village. All the villages want us to build them med clinics, but the ministry of health said they can't afford to support or staff so many clinics, so we do med caps about once a month. My platoon provides perimeter security. Luckily, I'm usually a gunner, so I don't have to deal with the "meesta meesta, gimme" kids.

The other day we went 2 1/2 hours south to Basra to pick up some money to pay the local contractors for projects. A car rolled up on us, I was rear gunner that day, ignored my hand signals for him to back off and the flare I fired at him, so I had to shoot his tire out. It was a Capris. They pulled over and both front doors opened, so I guess everyone was okay. They should've backed off.

We're less than 50 days from going home. We've sat through most of our mandatory redeployment briefs and started doing inventories. Our replacements from Minnesota aren't here yet. I have a feeling we'll be running missions up to the end. I'm so ready to get home.

Oh, I was born 27 October 73, in Norfolk General. I think it was at 10:11pm, right Mom? I don't know how big I was, but Chelley loves that I was a bald baby. I think I remember hearing that if I wasn't born then, they were gonna' induce Mom on Halloween. That's all I know; that and that Dad kissed Mom and then she had me. ~laughs~ Oh, another update. I now listen to Johnny Cash and have ripped a bunch of his music to my computer. Chelley gave me the complete set of Hee Haw DVD's for Christmas. Somebody let Granddaddy know that I watch hee haw again and listen to Johnny Cash. I think he'll get a kick out of that. But don't tell him what they do to donkeys and cows around here is worse than me riding pigs. I've seen the video feeds from our remote control planes. Everyone take care.

Chris

The Jones Family

It is great to hear that everyone is doing pretty good right now. I am sorry I am so slack. Who has the time???? Going back to a full time job has been quite an adjustment. Having to be somewhere at 8am was a HUGE shock (as you all know, being on time isn't one of best qualities). But after I get there, I Love It!!! I enjoy being with other adults! Jason is doing better, still not completely right.

Amber has found her calling.....OPERA!!! She & I watched the movie "Phantom of the Opera", she loved it so I burned her the soundtrack. I created a monster. She sings it in the car, in the tub, in bed, everywhere!!! And mom took her last Sunday to see "Annie" at Chrystler Hall and she got that soundtrack as well. She loves musicals and has the mature voice for it. She is doing wonderful in school!! I am so pleased with her!!
Clay is doing good too! Loves the Goose Nest & Miss "B". He's speech has improved alot in the last 6 mos. I blame some of that on his ear problems. He still loves "Thomas the Train" as much as every. He and Amber fuss alot, (especially in the car). Any words of wisdom????
Jason and I are going off for the night next Friday, the 24th. It will be our 5th yr anniver., I am so proud of us. Not always perfect but I agree with something I heard a pastor say, "Marriage is like wine, it gets better with years." I totally agree. Even I may not in 40 yrs when Jason is 4 ft tall and aggrevating me to death!!! HA HA

I do hope everyone is doing well and yes I agree with Christie, we need to get together soon!

Christie, I'm glad that the weekend was great here. I was in "sunny" California and it was freezing. I wore long sleeve underwear, turtle neck sweather, suit coat and my long winter coat to keep warm. We had to get to all of the events by buses, which ran every 20 to 30 minutes, so sometimes we waited several minutes. There were over 6,000 people from all over the world. All events were held at Universal Studios so many of us stayed miles away. We had a nice conference. I don't think I was discovered while there, or at least I haven't heard anything yet.
We are going to see Howie and Lol this weekend. We will be celebrating Kyle and Lol's birthday, even though Kyle has already had his party. Lol had called to see if we wanted to come this weekend. The Boy Scouts are having their Pinewood Derby competition this weekend. Kyle has placed the past two years, so I think the pressure is on. We leave on Thursday afternoon and come back on Sunday.
Christie, if you want the family to get together, I'll be happy to host having everyone here soon. I'd love to show off my kitchen even though there are still a few things to be done. I haven't seen anyone since Saturday before last. I think they are waiting for a drawer front and door to come in. At this point, I'm in no hurry. I still owe them over $5,000. so they can now take as long as they want.
I'll close and get to bed before too late.

Beautiful Weekend

How about that weekend weather? Was it gorgeous or what?!?!?!?!? Did anybody do anything exciting? I'm kicking myself this morning. It was so nice outside and I spent the entire weekend inside, by choice! What was wrong with me???

Any plans for a get together soon?

Hope everyone had a good weekend.

Christie

As we all know I was the first born to Emma and Cecil. I do have my birth certificate, but it's in the safe deposit box. I wonder if the weight is on it, since I was born at home. My birth certificate was filled out by Mom. Of course I was named for Mom. On the birth certificate, my name, Margaret was not spelled the same as Mom's and if my memory is correct, it is on there a third time and all three were spelled different. I'll have to check that again. Of course, if I did much writing right after giving birth at home, who knows what I would write. I'm always amazed how what you all remember that I have no memory of. I can't remember ever hearing about what an ugly baby Joyce was and Bertha, at 20 months, how do you remember spilling the flower seeds. I do remember about the hurricane around the time of Bertha's birth, but not much else. I do remeber that I did know about mother being pregnant. I remember that even though I was 12, there was no mention about a baby coming. Even though there was a shower for mother, there was no mention of it, but I found the gifts in the cedar chest. I remember someone asking Mother how much longer she had and she said 3 more and their answer was weeks and she said no, months. She must have been large. I remember more about Gloria being born than anyone else. I went with Dad to get Mrs. Jernigen to be with Mom and then he dropped me off at Joe and Irma Wiggins. When they picked me up (and I guess Joyce must have been there also, but don't remember) I was told that we had a surprise at home and of course it was another baby girl, named Gloria.
Another birth that I remember well, was Ben's. He was born in Obici, where Gloria was working at the time. She and I were there. I remember when Gloria called Dad after he was born and she told him that the baby (Ben) was fine, Dad cried. I think he had been worried.
I guess I'll stop remembering and close so I can get to bed before too late.
I went to see Dad and Joan yesterday and took them some Brunswick stew, or as Joyce calls it, soup. We had a nice visit. Joan's grandson was there when I got there and he had lunch with us. It was nice to see Bertha feeling better also.
I may have mentioned this before, but it's faster to type it again, rather than check. I leave on Wednesday for Hollywood and will be back on Sunday. As I type this I do remember typing it before. The memory isn't totally gone.
Good night, Margaret

On October 13, 1954, I, Bertha Elizabeth Byrum Blanchard was born to Cecil Gilbert and Emma Margaret Layton Byrum. I believe that I was the only one of their daughters born in a hospital, Chowan Hospital. I was named after my maternal grandmother, Bertha Harrell Layton and paternal grandmother, Missouri Elizabeth Boyce Byrum. Shortly after birth, 2 days I believe, Hurricane Hazel hit, turning over Dad's shelter in the back yard. I remember hearing Mom talk about just getting home from the hospital and seeing the shelter turn over while she was feeding me. I remember hearing Mom tell me that I couldn't drink cow's milk and had to be fed Soy milk because of all my allergies. I don't have my birth certificate either, but I do have my "Cradle Roll Certificate" from Center Hill Baptist Church with signatures, Henry V. Napier, pastor; Mrs. Carl Bunch, superintendent of Cradle Roll; and C.W. Slades, superintendent of Sunday School. By the way, the certificate reads: "Berta Byrum". I'm not sure what my sisters slept in, but I slept in a "kiddy coup" which was crib sized, but shorter legs. It was wood with screened sides and a screen top that would swing up, snap, and cover the top to keep me in and the mosquitoes out in the summertime, I suppose. I have it in my attic now. I'd love to refinish it, but haven't had the time. Don't have baby photographs, but I do have a photo when I was about 20 months old (dated July '56). This photo was in front of a flower bed that grew when I spilled a pkg. of flower seeds and then dad just covered them with soil and let then grow where they spilled. Anybody remember why Dad was dressed up with the carnation? As you can see, my hair was "sugar white" (I think that's what Mom used to call it) and fine. It's not fine anymore, and not white, thanks to Clairol! It doesn't appear that the soy milk stunted my growth by looking at my legs and arms!

I'll need some help

I was born on August 29, 1969 (contrary to SSA office who thought it was 08/26/69) to Richard and Gloria Byrum Stallings in Suffolk, VA at OBICI Hospital. I weighed 8 lbs. 13 ozs. Not much hair, but boy was I cute!!! That's all I know other than I share my birthday with Michael Jackson, not that it's anything to write home about! Does anybody know anymore?

Birth

Write a brief paragraph about your birth. Those who have no memories might have to ask around.
I was born on December 4, 1946, the second child to Cecil and Emma Byrum. I was born at home in Chowan County at the old homeplace. I believe there was snow on the ground because I recall Dad talking about him having the mumps and having to get out in the snow to go to Center Hill to get the doctor. He said the mumps went down on him (if you know what that means) and he was not sure he would be able to have more children. He said this was the reason Gloria and I were so close in age, he was testing the waters. I don't think I have my birth certificate (Do I need that before I start drawing social security?) so I'm not sure how much I weighed but I recall being told repeatedly what an ugly baby I was, scrawny with no hair until I was about 3. Look at me now, I'm not scrawny anymore but my hair is still thin and getting thinner. So is life!

I like the house Cathy and Jeremy. Joyce told me she was really tired from helping you pack, but I think she enjoyed being with you.
We had a nice weekend in Macon with Chris' family. We celebrated Chris' birthday at a place similar to Jeepers, only didn't have bumper cars, but did have a virtual roller coaster, which I chose not to try. I don't like the real thing, so why try this. A couple of Chris' friends spent the night with him. We stayed at Beverly's because Cortlyn now is using a single bed, rather than a double. Since Beverly has five bedrooms and lives really close( walking distance), we opted to stay there rather than sleep on the sofa bed. Cortlyn stayed with us on Thursday and Friday nights and Mandi stayed on Saturday. We got back home on Sunday night.
Update on the kitchen, the flooring went down on Monday - Wednesday. Tomorrow the carpenter/painter comes and put down the floor molding (I don't think that's what's it called) does the last work and touchup. On Friday the tile mans comes back to seal the grout. On Monday the cleaning company comes and cleans the entire downstairs. I work every night trying to put things away as best I can. For a kitchen that was suppose to be done in time for me to put things back before the Super Bowl, 2/5, 2/27 does not come too soon. I'm really tired of it all, but am glad that we did it.

Isom's New Home

If all goes smoothly, Cathy & Jeremy plan to close on the house Friday and move in this weekend.

Valentine's Day Part III

The Love Shack
by The B-52s

If you see a faded sign by the side of the road
that says 15 miles to the...
Love Shack!
Love Shack yeah
I'm headin' down the Atlanta highway,
Lookin' for the love getaway
Heading for the love getaway, love getaway,
I got me a car, it's as big as a whale
And we're headin' on down
To the Love Shack
I got me a Chrysler, it seats about 20
So hurry up and bring your jukebox money.

The Love Shack
is a little old place
where we can
get together.
Love Shack baby,
Love Shack bay-bee.
Love baby, that's where it's at,
Ooo love baby, that's where it's at.
Yeah.

From "Cosmic Thing," © 1989.