Time Change in Texas

Sometimes I wish I lived in Arizona where you don't have to worry about changing your clocks back or forward. While it's annoying to change the clocks (that don't automatically change themselves) I have to admit I like the fall time change the best. It's daylight when I wake up - down side is that it's already dark when I get home from work...... so that gets in the way of doing the work in my backyard that I must do daily.
One thing I can't figure out is how is it that I have one of those fancy alarm clocks that is SUPPOSED to change itself, but doesn't?
I can't even change the time on it manually, but it didn't automatically change. ???? Oh well, I'm up now and fully dressed so I think I will make myself an egg for breakfast. Need the extra protein.
I also have more time now to soak up God's blessings on this nice cool morning, talk to Him about the day and the week to come and then go to church to worship Him. Ahh, great to be alive!

Pacific NW Vacation

I have to say that this vacation has been the fullest one I've had. We started Seatac Airport arriving on October 1 and drove to Greenwater, WA to the Buck Creek Christian Retreat Center in the Snoqualmie National Forest. From there we have been on both sides of Mt. Rainier traveled the Oregon coast along Hwy 101 to Florence and back North ending now in Seatac for our last leg of this amazing trip. We are finally relaxing a bit tonight in our hotel. It will be really nice to get up in the morning and NOT have to rush to pack up and leave again to drive to the next destination. We will be staying here until we leave Tuesday morning to fly back to Texas. We are going to spend a little time at the Pike's Market and of course the Original Starbucks, Jack's favorite store. I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed the real thing. These are memories that will last for a lifetime.

Day 8 - Vacation

We decided to drive across the Columbus River on to Long Beach, WA. Bobby reserved a quaint little motel with two bedrooms on-line (you never know what you get). The advertisement said "beach access" so it sounded really suitable for a short walk to the beach for the 2 little ones to play. Once we arrived, we realized it was a bit smaller than the advertisement (5 adults and 2 babies) and that the beach access is a long gravel road to the dunes, then over the dunes to the beach. Hmmmmmm..... not quite what we were all expecting; after further investigation, learned that there's a public access to the beach just up the road a bit. So we got in our vehicles and drove toward the beach road access and proceeded out onto the sand. It's a very windy day and sand was blowing, blowing, blowing...... Yep, you guessed it! We got stuck! Bobby just felt awful and showed a little of the Hyatt temper and took off walking, but shortly came back with new perspective and proceeded to make a plan to get us out. We all got out of the van and me behind the wheel, babies belted safely in the back seat while Alesia, Bobby, Devin & Leah proceeded to PUSH with all their might. They huffed and they puffed, but they couldn't push the van out but just slightly. Then along came two good ole boys in a white 4-wheel drive truck with a tie down strap and offered to help pull us out. Success! Bobby sped off the beach and parked it and started walking back toward the beach. By this time, these good ole boys had offered me, Alesia & baby Rylee a lift, which was nice because the sand was really deep and the wind was really blowing hard.

After a short walk on the boardwalk along the dunes (so very windy), we came back to the motel to rest and plan for dinner (yes, MORE food).

Okay now, back from dinner. It was almost as exciting as getting stuck in the sand. Just as our food arrived and Devon blessed the table, little Rylee gagged on a cracker and completely emptied her little stomach all over herself. I hate it when a baby gets sick like that. Mommy caught most of it a napkin in her hands, the nice server came to the rescue with towels, Daddy went and got clean clothes out of the car and all was better. Now back in our motel, settling in, Rylee calm and asleep, Isaac winding down and parents are kicking back for the rest of the evening. Me - just taking care of business.

With all that happened today, actually no great pictures to share yet. Check back later for more.....

Still on Vacation!

This has simply been the most amazing vacation I've had! I don't think I've ever taken off 2 weeks at one time and been to so many places on the same vacation as this one. After leaving Florence on Tuesday, we drove up the coast to the Sea Lion Caves. What a great adventure this was - more walking of course - to get to the caves to see hundreds of stellar sea lions all gathered on the side of huge cliffs by the Pacific Ocean. They do not stop barking and all seem so full of joy! The work it takes to get out of the ocean onto the cliff is mesmerizing and I could have watched them for hours. It seems as if they just get up on the cliff, and then another one takes a stroll to the edge and slides right back into the water. The waves are tremendous and so strong when they swirl into the cave and it sounds like thunder. Rylee really seemed to enjoy this part of the trip - as much as a 14 month old can. But I think her daddy enjoyed it much more - at least he showed alot more excitement!
We drove on to Newport and stopped for lunch at and had the most awesome tuna melt sandwich, crab cakes and clam chowder! Then off again to drive on to Lincoln City where we found the best hotel yet - the Coho Inn. Newly remodeled and decorated, we were pleased to have a room that actually had two bedrooms - this worked out perfectly for baby Rylee and her daddy could watch TV (that's very important you know)! I slept in the main room and left the sliding door open so I could hear the waves. The ocean was again above my expectations and the crashing waves sound like a rainstorm in Texas - only BETTER! The hotel also offered a free (yes, free) breakfast - one where you can cook your own waffles and eat all you want for FREE! Yes, we did partake in this meal. Gotta keep up our strength for the rest of our trip. Today's weather has now rolled in with the typical Pacific NW fog and dripping. Rather cold too. I'm really kinda glad that it's been like this today, because what's a trip to the PNW without a little fog? Before leaving Lincoln City, we drove down to the beach, I put on a plastic bag (over my broken foot / boot, of course) and walked the very windy, cold and wet beach! But, oh what a wonderful walk! I just don't think it can get any better than this! Back on the 101 headed North for Seaside. Stopped at several other points of interest along the way and met up with Ty Jones in Tillamook at the famous Tillamook Cheese Factory for lunch and a tour; tasting all the wonderful cheese and of course topping it all off with ice cream! We have not been shy on the calories and I have to say my trainer will really have his work cut out for him when I get back to San Antonio!
We made it to Seaside, OR and met up with Devin, Leah and Isaac and are staying at their family timeshare. This is a great place and seems like a really good idea for future vacations. I'll have to look into it.
After a tasty seafood meal and a short walk back to the hotel, the babies are bathed and in bed, their moms and dads are down at the pool and I stayed in the room with a glass of wine and my computer. This is the life!
Wonder what excitement is in store for me tomorrow. Stay tuned for more.....

Vacation!

I'm finally on vacation! Oh yeah, I've been away from the office for many reasons these past 18 months - death of my best friend and husband Jack Dear, the birth of 2 grandchildren, a broken foot . . . but now I'm really on VACATION! I have my computer but I'm not logging in to my desktop at work. I'm not making or receiving phone calls from the office and I'm not even thinking about how it's going there without me. I'm simply enjoying time off.
So I boarded a plane Friday, October 1, 2010 with my trusty companions, Bobby, Alesia & Rylee Hyatt, for Seattle, Washington. We arrived at noon and got into the rental car (a Toyota Sienna) and excitedly drove up 410 to Buck Creek Camp just past Enumclaw, WA. This gorgeous place was home for Bobby and Alesia before God called them to move back to Texas (for which I am so thankful). We spent three nights at the Creek Side Cabin; were joined by friends Devin, Leah and Isaac Wolters and then Jeremiah Shade and his girlfriend Rachel (didn't get her last name). We made a couple day trips - one to Sunrise on one side of Mt. Rainier then to Paradise on the other side. Hiking at Paradise was a bit more challenging with my foot in this boot, but I was determined to get to the destination to spread Jack's ashes. It took a while because once we got to Myrtle Falls, so did all the other tourists! Taking pictures, hanging out, blah, blah, blah. When the crowd finally split, I let his ashes out on the ground by the trees at the falls viewpoint. It was a bitter-sweet occasion - one I will never forget - nor do I want to.
We left Buck Creek Monday morning for Chehalis, WA to Devin and Leah's house. We took the little ones (Rylee & Isaac) to the Corn Maze (really think the adults had more fun) and then enjoyed a delightful dinner at Leah's folks house. Back to the Wolter's house to put the babies down, relax and watch a movie. After a delicious home cooked breakfast the next morning, we were on our way today to Florence, Oregon. We had lunch in Portland with a friend from Arizona (Jen Jones) and then on to Salem where we met up with my friend Sean Banks (interim HR Director from January to May in San Antonio) for a brief "hello and hugs". Then on the road again to Florence. We found a really nice hotel right on the beach front and ate amazing seafood at a great restaurant in town. Tomorrow, off again traveling on the 101 to our next stop.
More to follow......

Memorial Day

This is Memorial Weekend - one where we honor the fallen and the living soldiers that fought (and are still fighting) to make our country the best place to live. My father is a WWII Veteran and I love to hear the stories he tells about being shot down over France and his experiences. He tells anyone who will listen about how many missions he was in as a Belly Gunner in a B-17. His memory of those days is a sharp as ever and he recalls them with certainty of every event. Yet, today, every event is a mystery, he loses his glasses on a daily basis and doesn't remember how to use a screwdriver or make toast. You see, my father is suffering from Alzheimer's, a debilitating disease that afflicts thousands each year. He can remember vivid details of his youth and of the war, but he loses contact with the world he lives in today. I am so grateful that he remembers names of family, friends and we are very blessed that this disease hasn't taken that away. It has robbed him of his love for plants and the orchids he spent all his life raising. Daddy can still take care of his own personal needs, with reminders, which my mother detests! My mother, God Bless her, is amazing. She endures more in one day than many don't encounter in lifetime, yet she believes that it is her duty to care for him and not place him in a nursing home. Her fear - that he would strongly object and possibly become violent. My parents still live in the house I grew up in and I don't think they will ever leave. My mother is a typical "Joan of Arc" and will "Stand by Her Man" until they die. I appreciate that generation for their tenacity to endure whatever is in God's plan for them, never questioning why.
So Happy Memorial Day, Daddy! Thank you for standing up for this Country! I pray that you keep telling those "war stories" and keep those memories alive! You are still a soldier fighting this new battle.

Pondering....

As the days go by and I'm still sitting/lying/lounging in this recliner with my foot in a cast propped up on stack of pillows, I'm still pondering on where God is taking me on this journey. Last June, my beloved husband passed away after a short struggle with cancer.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
I love this verse and feel so comforted by it often. Yet, I still wonder and want to know - what are those plans??
As I listen to the words of my new favorite song; "Hold Us Together", by Matt Maher, I am also reassured:

It don't have a job
Don't pay your bills
Won't buy you a home
In Beverly Hills

Won't fix your life
In five easy steps
Ain't the law of the land
Or the government

PRE CHORUS:
But it's all you need..

CHORUS:
Love, will, hold us together
Make us a shelter
to weather the storm

And I'll, be, my brothers keeper
So the whole world will know
That we're not alone

It's waiting for you
Knockin' at your door!
Every moment of truth
When your heart hits the floor

PRE CHORUS TWO:
When you're on your knees then...

CHORUS:
Love, will, hold us together
Make us a shelter
to weather the storm

And I'll, be, my brothers keeper
So the whole world will know
That we're not alone

BRIDGE:
This is the first, day of the rest of your life
This is the first, day of the rest of your life
'Cause even in the dark you can still see the light
It's gonna be alright, s'gonna be alright

This is the first, day of the rest of your life
This is the first, day of the rest of your life
'Cause even in the dark you can still see the light
It's gonna be alright, s'gonna be alright

CHORUS:
Love, will, hold us together
Make us a shelter
to weather the storm

And I'll, be, my brothers keeper
So the whole world will know
That we're not alone

Broken Bones

A very close family member suggested I start a blog since I'm confined to this recliner - so here goes!

I slipped on a uneven trail Thursday evening falling in a wide washout on the trail, then another person fell and landed on top of my foot. The pain was instant and I got that old familiar nauseous feeling and knew in my heart something was really wrong with my foot. Thankfully, the other people involved in the fall were not injured and were able to continue on the trail. After two wonderful "angles" carrying me out of the woods back to an awaiting car driven by a sweet RN, we headed to the Emergency Room in Kerrville. By now it was 10:30pm and I was in serious pain. After waiting and waiting, x-rays and more waiting, (still no pain meds), the doctor on call finally cam in to break the news that I had 4 bones in my foot that were broken as a result of the accident. Then more waiting and finally morphine and a splint, we were on our way back to camp. The rest of the weekend turned out to be an amazing retreat. I received so many rich blessings and was able to minister to women how with trust and faith in God, All Things are Possible!

Upon return home to San Antonio and the visit to the Orthopedic Doctor, a CT Scan and new results of 5 broken bones in my poor little foot. I now have a very large cast on my foot and strict orders from the doctor to do nothing, but lay on my back on a couch or recliner with my foot elevated above my heart. He told me I must do this to avoid surgery and to ensure the swelling goes down. Two weeks! All I can do is get up and walk with a walker to go to bathroom. Wonder what lesson I'm supposed to learn from this experience? I know how good God is and that he always has a master plan so I'm just kicking back and soaking up the blessings. I see the doctor again on May 24 and am praying that he will put me in a new cast and release me to work. I have a walker and this really cool knee scooter to get around. It's all good. I believe the swelling has gone down significantly because my foot feels very loose in it. Maybe I should call the doc tomorrow.....

Now, this isn't the first time He has attempted to teach me through injury. In the spring of 1999, I broke my left arm while on a vacation trip with my son, Bobby, in Tennessee. With backpacks loaded for a 5 night camping, we set out on the Appalachian Trail. What a beautiful and peaceful place; no cell phones, no computers, no crowds, no traffic ----- oops! Watch out for hidden tree roots on the trail! Down I went catching my full weight (and that heavy backpack) on my left arm. I heard a little cracking sound, then immediately got sick to my stomach and knew I had a broken bone. My wonderful son felt a sudden urge of military training (although he forgot any 1st aid training) and decided to run back to the trailhead to get help! Now, keep in mind, there were no crowds, no traffic, no cell phones.....AND we had already hiked for 2 & 1/2 hours. It was approximately 4pm when I fell in this low spot along the forrest trail - you know lots of fallen trees, brush, good place for all the snakes and night critters to come out. The Smokey Mountains are known for Black Bear - so this was also a consideration. Okay, I was all alone, Bobby had gone for help (like Lassie) and it is getting dark, my arm hurts and I'm afraid of snakes! I gain my composure and make a sling out of my flannel shirt (I felt a little like McGiver) then gather my sleeping bag, a cup, a bagel, headlamp and bottle of water (remember I only have one arm) and make 3 trips back up the trail to a clump of trees that would be my "spot" for the next 6 hours! I had some faith in God, but definitely not the same level and personal relationship I have today. But He loves me and showed His amazing love by keeping me safe into the night while I waited for Bobby to get back with help. By the time he finally came back it was already midnight and I was very tired. Fortunately, I had some 500 mg Ibuprofen in my backpack which helped take off the edge of the pain. The paramedic tried to place my arm in another splint (remove my McGiver sling) and the pain was so intense he had to stop. We got everything together and made the 2 1/2 hour hike back out of the forest and back to our vehicles, then on the the Emergency Room - ahhhh, narcotics, x-ray and a splint. We checked into a hotel for the night and off to a local southern doctor the next day to get a cast on my arm. What a vacation! I spent the rest of the day in bed sleeping and Bobby went back to the mountains and the trail to get our backpacks out of the woods. He ended up making two trips (that's alot of miles on his feet). The next few days of my vacation were sent doing what other tourists do - sightseeing. We went to Grand Ol' Opry Hotel and walked around the place for hours. Very pretty and enjoyed the time. I was terribly broken hearted that we didn't get the time with nature in the woods, but I have to admit while I was alone in the mountain, I did alot of talking to God. I felt very peaceful and began to realize that He was protecting me again. I felt so much love during that peaceful time in the mountain when there was not another human or man made thing to distract me. Our vacation was still very meaningful and beautiful. We had a great time together and I got a little closer to God.