This is dedicated to my Dad....He is the best Dad in the world. I want to take this opportunity to let you meet my Dad. My Dad when I was little, would walk in the door, and me in my playpen playing away would begin to cry until Dad picked me up. Dad would grab and hug me, and hold me, because putting me down would cause me to cry...hmmm...think I was spoiled. Spoiled with the love of this man. He would sing to me and talk to me from day one, and I never forgot that. Dad had a sixth sense about him, that was really eerie growing up. He had this way of showing up just as I was thinking of doing something I shouldn't. It was wild. Dad never missed a piano recital, a pta  meeting, a church function, a school play, a birthday,or any holilday. Any event I participated in you could find both my mom and dad sitting in the audience. He entered me into way to many talent shows. He thought I was the only kid in the world that could sing and he was proud of it. Thank goodness American Idol wasn't around when I was growing up, Dad would have placed me in it. I took piano from Mrs. Jasper from the day I could climb up on the stool. When I was a teenager, and making my plans for college, Dad asked me to major in music...I wish I had a million times, but thinking I knew what was best for me went to college and majored in Business, which I used time and time again and still use. I never was happy with that so went back to college to become a teacher, and taught education for awhile, then went back to college and became a nurse which I really loved. Dad supported me in all my decisions, but I knew he knew if she had majored in music she would be set for life. Dad gave me my nickname "tarbaby" because in the summer I would be a toe-head that was dark...I tanned with no problems at all...never needed coppertone or fear of burning. I also loved to make mud pies....and played in mud all the time. Dad never got upset, Mom would because she had to bathe me, but Dad thought everything I did was funny. I was the middle child...I had an older sister and a younger brother...still do. Dad never made us feel like we had to compete for his love. It was a great feeling...although my sister and I fought all the time....and Dad would just tell us we would wish we hadn't when we grew up.

My Dad is a Marine through and through...every Saturday night we would polish our shoes, bathe, curl hair, and stand inspection come Sunday Morning before going to church. One time my Dad went to the store and bought me a new Sunday dress for Easter...he brought it home...it was a semi-formal...I hated that dress...but Mom told me I had to wear it...it was a special gift from Dad...I wore it...people loved it...but I knew they were laughing at me, or at least I thought so.

Dad told me if I went into music in college he would buy me a brand new baby white Grand Piano and have my name engraved on it in gold. He would have too. He was great. I was  a stupid teen. He told me recently he wanted me to have the piano in the living room when he passed. He always loved to hear me play.

When I was little I would crawl out my bedroom window and go sleep on my friend Mr. Kaski's porch.Mr. Kaski would call Dad, and Dad would come over and carry me back to my bed to sleep.

Vacations were an experience with Dad. We were a tent camping family. Dad would get 3 weeks every year. One week we would spend on a history trip. No wonder we lived in Williamsburg, Virginia...with Colonial Williamsburg within walking distance and Jamestown and Yorktown near by.The other two weeks of vacation were spent either at Nagshead, NC or at a camping spot...our favorite being Hanging Rock, NC.  One time when I was a teen Dad said for me to invite a friend for dinner...meaning one of the park rangers (jr) ....there were 3...I asked one...Mom asked one...Dad asked the other...I had 3 dates that night...we still laugh about that. Although it was fun...and pretty safe dating. One time I walked home from a park dance and brought a guy to meet Dad, because he wanted to take me for a soda...I stressed to this guy how strict my Dad was all the way home and I wasn't sure he would let me...we walked in the house....I said "Dad I have someone for you to meet"...he returns with "ok...let me grab my shot gun"....the guy ran out the door and I never saw him again...I guess I stressed strict a little to much...lol.

When at college Dad called and asked me to bring my roommate home for the weekend...anyway to get me home...I brought home my roommate, she was a little on the hefty side...but she was a great roommate. Dad made pancakes for breakfast...placed the pancakes on the breakfast platter and put them down in front of her...she ate all the pancakes...Dad not missing a beat...said.."Anyone else want pancakes?" all the time making another batch. He taught me how to make pancakes.

On my wedding day...Dad walked me down the aisle ...and the picture I have of him...is one never to be forgotten....He had this look on his face that screamed if anyone here hurts my girl...they will have me to answer to...no smile...very stern. He tells me now that was the hardest day of his life. He doesn't understand why the Dad has to give his daughter away. It took him awhile to realize I wasn't gone for good.

Today, Dad and I have a great relationship, and I will do anything for him to make his life a bit easier. I not only love this man, I respect who he has always been. Any man can be a Father, but it takes a very special man to be "DADDY"....

Thank you all for allowing me to share with you the love I have for this man....

Love and God Bless you all....

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THOSE DAD'S IN THE WORLD HERE ON GRAB...

(FATHER'S DAY IS JUNE 15TH WHICH IS NEXT SUNDAY)

Happy Birthday Dennis

The man I love is having his birthday today.

He deserves a great birthday wish from all our friends

on Grab.

As friends of mine in the Goldminer "Crazy8's room" you have had the chance to read his blogs during my surgery on

November 7, 2006.

He is a hardworking, good looking, loving man

A great Father and a great husband.

His friends are friends for life.

I celebrate this day with him and if you are not doing anything on Sunday...

stop by for his Birthday Bash

It is a cookout sponsored by myself, his children and his friends..

It starts at 2pm...

Plenty of room for you stay in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

send your RSVP and your Birthday wishes by way of grab mail today...

I love you Dennis.

When I was younger and I watched my parents, they taught me how to love the one you are married to, but never as much as they are teaching me these days. My Dad and I have had several talks concerning his health taking care of Mom these days. He bathes her, he makes her meals, he dresses her, he cleans the home, all because he wants tp keep her happy. The other day Dennis and I went over to visit and he was at the end of his morning routine folding laundry. The house smelled squeaky clean, it was that Marine in him shining through. We chatted quiet a bit, mainly letting him talk and we listened to his words. Some of his words almost brought me to tears, but I fought them back. I have been on the verge of tears every since. He says after his chores are done, and he sits in the Florida room with his coffee and paper, thoughts of Mom come to him. He remembers her as enjoying talking, but now she doesn't want to talk. He says he thinks of Grandaddy and knows now what he felt when Grandmother passed away. He remembers his words to him. The hardest part of losing your mate and your love, is no one to communicate with. Dad looked at me with his big blue eyes and said, I miss her not talking. Your Mom loved to talk, he says now she just sits and stares out the windows. He said we were suppose to enjoy our lives now. I bought rocking chairs for the front porch so we could enjoy each other. He continued that these days she sleeps until 2 pm and when I do get her up she just sits and says nothing. I explained to Dad that is the progression of this nasty illness. I also thought now is a good time to bring up the fact that Dad needed to get out. Go bowling, shopping, visit friends, or even family, but get out of the house. I explained to him I had found someone to come in to do the cleaning, of  course he wanted to know how much and would not let someone come into the home until I told him, but I told him not to worry about it. I also told him it was time to talk about bringing in a cnn to take care of mom...well that did it. No, he says that is my job. I looked him square in the eyes and said, Dad I cannot handle losing both of you at the same time, please let me help you. He began to mellow and said it would be nice to get out. I said you need to Dad. Even if it starts with just walks around the block, you need to get out. He so pitifully agreed. Dad ended our conversation with I am so glad you guys came over again today, I need to see people. I smiled and said Dad I know and that is what I have been talking to you about. We then went into the memory days of Mom and him and when they were much younger. I gave him a tape player and said, Dad do me a favor, please put all your stories on the tape recorder. I said many times since Grandaddy passed away his stories of Grandmother and him and the love they shared I wish I had on tape. Dad says what stories. I preceded with one of my favorites. Grandaddy had come to spend a week with me, and after dinner every night, after the children were in bed, we would go to the front porch and sit back and talk. Grandaddy, named Jessie, met a girl at church, her name was Goldie. Goldie was a beauty he told me. She had long black hair of silk and big brown eyes, Grandaddy added she had eyes like you have. He said I asked her to go out to the dance the following weekend. He said he spent the day getting the horse washed and groomed, and the buggy shined up. He got hisself all spoofed up and ready for the date of the girl he had not stopped thinking about. He went to pick her up and they went to the dance, with her Dad telling him not to be late bringing her home, she had to be home at 8 pm. He checked his pocket watch to make sure that his time was the same as her Dad's. Off they went to the dance. He said they laughed and talked all the way. He loved talking with her. The evening was pretty much what he had planned. He said it was a perfect evening. He told her they needed to leave to be able to get her home in time. He wanted to be sure to have her home 10 minutes early as he had already decided he was seeing this girl again. On the way home, they hit a stone, and it through the tire off the wagon. Grandaddy said he got out and worked endlessly on getting the wheel back on. He said when he did he preceded to take her home, but it was well after 8 pm. I was laughing at this point because I said this must be where the flat tire story began in dating. He said well, we didn't have cars in the area he lived in at the time. When he got her home her Dad was very angry with him, and told him it would be a long time before he got to take his daughter out again. He related what had happened to her Dad, and her Dad said, you don't keep ladies out this late, that story has been used before. It wasn't that long after that  her Dad came to him and said he was sorry for being so angry with him, that someone had seen him working on the tire wagon that night. So, that is how my granddaddy and grandmother began their love. Dad listened and agreed, that he and mom had some great stories, stories we had never heard about them. I said I will tell you what, Dad, you record them, I will write you all a book, so it is beginning, something for him to do with his spare time, and something he enjoys doing. So, now when he sits in that rocking chair on the front porch, he can record his stories of the love of his life. He says sometimes he will say something and the memory stirs something in Mom and she will add something that really happened. I told him to keep it up, it helps her. Daddy believes he can cure Mom, and I believe the love they had for each other will survive all of her illness.

In ending, I would like to share, there is nothing like young love, but the older love is so much more that one ever thought. We all need to stop and realize that the older love is where the enjoyment of each other and respect of each other really counts. I laugh at this because since this visit with Dad, Dennis and I are working on our older love and what a payback we are getting. Thank you all for listening. God loves you each and everyone,

Barbara

This is dedicated to my dad. When I was 14 Dad took us all to the movie to see his singing heroes story...Hank Williams has been a part of our family since that time. My Dad cried so hard throughout this movie, I practically crawled under the seat and to make matters worse he was crying when we left the theater. At 14 I was so embarrassed, today I look back and realize what a sensitive man my Dad is, and how lucky I have him to call Dad. Enjoy the video. Love you, Barbara

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83gFm2QvxX0&feature=related

This is dedicated to My Mom...she has reached the finaly stages of her illness, and this was her favorite song....please listen for her. This is the best thing I could do to honor her. Love you all, Barbara

I don't need no rocking chair...sung by  George Jones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDB_5fQnnSI

One of my Favorite musical groups is Sugarland....Jennifer has so much energy...they have joined together with Little Big Town and Jake Owens to sing what is my favorite song at this time. I would love to share her with you, and the song...please check it out and let me know...love you and God Bless you, Barbara

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pzBLW9YdmDA&feature=related

How was your grandparent's childhoood different from yours?

Unfortunately, my grandparents have passed away, but I have such fond memories of them and their sharing of their childhoods. Of course we have all heard the saying "Children are to be seen and not heard" , although non-existent in todays youth, it began to fade in my youth. As children we were allow to speak our feelings, and I can remember grandma saying, " In my days growing up, if I had shared my feelings with the adults in the room, I would be told, you are a child you feel what I tell you to feel. " This is just one example of the big differences between our times. School was a big priviledge in my grandparents childhood. My grandaddy didn't get to attend he was a country boy, and their was work to be done on the farm, much more important than any school he could attend. My grandma did get to go to school, but graduation was not something to celebrate it was just to be expected. Intelligence was not based on education but on the task at hand. I can remember grandaddy saying, " that boy is just plumb dumb, he has no idea how to slop the hogs, or milk a cow, or feed the chickens or grow a tomato. He never held a hammer in life". I can remember one of my fondest memories being a week I spent at my grandparents, on the farm..things were very different for me. I helped grandma with the laundry, some of you might have never seen a wringer washing machine, I know I hadn't. After the rooster woke us at daylight, and after breakfast for me, and them, which they had been awake for 2 hours already and a lot of the chores had already been done. Grandma and I headed for the laundry room, which was a shed off of the house, she began to teach me the fine art of doing laundry and telling me how lucky she was to own one of these, that as a little girl, they had to be washed by hand down by the river. I watched her using the wringer, and I asked if I could try, she told me sure, but to be sure to watch my fingers..as I put the first shirt through the wringer, I forgot what she said about my fingers and my fingers got stuck in the wringer, causing granddaddy to stop what he was doing and come take the wringer apart to get my fingers loose. What a look of dismay they both gave me...I was so upset that I didn't follow the rules. Grandaddy always said we eat what we grow. I loved the little piggies, but he told me they grow up to be hogs, and they stunk and were muddy, and they ate like pigs..lol. I fell in love with one of the chickens, named him charlie. One night we had chicken for dinner, and I asked where the chicken came from since going to the grocery store was seldom. Grandaddy told me he had to kill one of the chickens, I said, why? It wasn't Charlie was it Gradaddy? He said yes, it was I said why? He then saw how upset I was and made up a story about how charlie had gone crazy and he had to wring his neck. I was horrified...for the rest of the week I only at tomatoes and drank milk and water. The phoned my parents and told them I was homesick, which I wasn't but I am sure to them, it made sense. Never forgot that week. After grandma passed away, which I still see her today in the kitchen, with her apron on rolling out dough to make morning bisquits. She was the best cook.

After I got married grandaddyt came to spend a week with me. At night we would sit on the front porch, him peeling an apple, and telling me the stories of his younger years. I always wished I had taped him telling those stories. The one that sticks with me and I can still hear him telling it, is how he met grandma at church and asked her dad if she could go to a dance with him. In those days they didn't have cars, so grandaddy picked her up in his very best carriage and horse. Her dad told my grandaddy not to be late have her home by 8 as she had chores to do in the morning. Grandaddy agreed. He had to get up early the next day too. On the way home his carriage had a wheel fall off, I began laughing when he told this story, because I could associate it with a car and getting a flat tire. When he finally got her home it was well after 8 and her Dad was standing on the front porch and very upset. He chewed my grandaddy out for bringing his daughter home late, and in no way would he believe he had an actual tire come of this fine buggy he drove. I laughed until I cried, because I could see my very own dad doing the same thing.

Grandaddy always said when it came to children " you spare the rod, but do not spoil the child". I never really understood that, until many years later...my mom told me that grandaddy did not believe in spanking a child, that there were other ways he could get his point across. Yet, I look back and know he was a firm but gentle man. His girls grew up with lots of knowledge, and they did go to school, and they worked a farm too. Amazing isn't it? Do you think the average child of today would have enough motivation to study by an oil lamp on the dining room table? I don't I think today they would use that as an excuse why not to study. My grandaddy earned his money by being one of the best brickmasons in his area, building boats(which I wish  I had one), and maintaining a farm, family, and marriage. I will always admire and love the both of them, they taught me a lot, as a child, and as an adult before they went to heaven, and I know that is where they are. Church was a must every single Sunday. You may own only one dress outfit, but it was saved for Sunday best. Grandaddy always said, " you don't need more than one, but u have to have the one". God Bless their souls.

I enjoyed sharing this with you all. Share with me my dear friends of your memories of your grandparents childhood Love and Bless you, Barbara

I Had an Easter Bunny

I had an Easter bunny,
One day she ran away.
I looked for her by moonlight,
I looked for her by day.
I found her in the meadow
With her babies 1, 2, 3.
So now I have four rabbit pets
To run and jump with me.

'TWAS THE DAY BEFORE EASTER

'Twas the day before Easter
..and all through the woods,
The bunnies were busy
packing their goods.
The eggs were all colored
so pretty and bright,
All things were "go"
for the big, special night.

The baskets were waiting,
all decorated with care,
In hopes that the Bunny
soon would be there.
My little brother Sam
was asleep in his bed,
While visions of Easter eggs
rolled round his head.

And I in my pajamas
with the cat on my lap,
I had just settled down
for a quick little nap.
When outside the window
I heard a great noise,
I sprang from my chair
and jumped over some toys.

As quick as a flash
to the window I flew,
I pulled up the shade
and, OH, what a view.
The moon on the meadow
cast a bright golden glow
And the wind blew the flowers
to and then fro.

Then all of a sudden
from out of nowhere,
Came some lively bunnies,
hopping here, hopping there!
Leading the group
with ears long and funny
Was a plump, all-white rabbit...
That's right...the EASTER BUNNY!

The bunnies hopped past,
one, two, three, four,
The rabbit called out
and then there were more.
"Come, Peter!, Come, Flopsy!,
Come, Benny!, Come, Joe!
Now hop along! Hop along! Hop along! GO!"

So up on each doorstep
the bunnies did hop,
With baskets of eggs.
(Let's hope they don't drop)!
Just at that moment,
on the porch down below,
Came the stomping of feet
'Twas the rabbit, I know!

As I stepped from my window
I heard a loud sound.
Through the door came the rabbit
with a leap and a bound.
He was furry and soft
from his head to his feet.
To see him so close
was really quite neat.

He was surrounded by eggs
that had been carefully dyed.
Easter eggs galore he soon would hide.
His eyes were all twinkles,
His nose was so pink,
And I can't be too sure,
but I think he did wink.

He had a kind face
and a big fluffy tail
That bobbed up and down
like a boat with a sail.
A twitch of his nose
and a flick of his ear
Was his way of saying,
"You've nothing to fear."

He uttered no sound
as he hopped all about
Hiding the eggs and leaving no doubt,
That the Easter bunny had come
like he does every year...
Bringing baskets of happiness
to children so dear.

from JohnPaul of Homespun

EASTER GREETINGS!!

You, my friend, are one
great reason to celebrate
this Easter season.
Wishing you an Easter that's
as special as can be



Flowers blooming,
reaching out to touch
the morning sun, bring
promises of hope and joy
meant for everyone



If I've learned one thing in life it's:
You can't fight city hall,
but you can drive by at night and egg it.



I treat people like chocolate bunnies at Easter!
I bite their heads off.
Happy Easter.



The beauty of spring is
captured in special moments with you."



You're a springtime kind of person,
and there's sunshine in your smile.
There's warmth in all the gladness you impart.
And here's the special reason
you're so like this lovely season--
It's the springtime that you keep within your heart.
Happy Easter Happy Spring



As spring comes to the world,
bringing sunshine and gladness...
...this comes to you
bringing wishes for joy.
Happy Easter

Easter has a warmer glow,
Spring, a brighter touch,
Because I'm sharing them with you...
The one I love so much.

Like gentle spring breezes...
Thoughts of you at Easter
bring a special kind
of happiness to my heart.
Happy Easter

from JohnPaul of Homespun

WELCOME TO SPRING

We must live throught the dreary winter
If we would value the spring;
And the woods must be cold and silent
Before the robins sing.
The flowers must be buried in darkness
Before they can bud and bloom,
And the sweetest, warmest sunshine
Comes after the storm and gloom.
--Anonymous

The Easter Bunny
by M. Josephine Todd, 1909

There's a story quite funny,
About a toy bunny,
And the wonderful things she can do;
Every bright Easter morning,
Without warning,
She colors eggs, red, green, or blue.

Some she covers with spots,
Some with quaint little dots,
And some with strange mixed colors, too --
Red and green, blue and yellow,
But each unlike his fellow
Are eggs of every hue.

And it's odd, as folks say,
That on no other day
In all of the whole year through,
Does this wonderful bunny,
So busy and funny,
Color eggs of every hue.

If this story you doubt
She will soon find you out,
And what do you think she will do?
On the next Easter morning
She'll bring you without warning,
Those eggs of every hue.

Meeting the Easter Bunny
by Rowena Bennett, 1930

On Easter morn at early dawn
before the cocks were crowing
I met a bob-tail bunnykin
and asked where he was going.
"Tis in the house and out the house
a-tispy, tipsy-toeing,
Tis round the house and 'bout the house
a-lighlty I am going."
"But what is that of every hue
you carry in your basket?"
"Tis eggs of gold and eggs of blue;
I wonder that you ask it.

"Tis chocolate eggs and bonbon eggs
and eggs of red and gray,
For every child in every house
on bonny Easter day."
He perked his ears and winked his eye
and twitched his little nose;
He shook his tail -- what tail he had --
and stood up on his toes.
"I must be gone before the sun;
the east is growing gray;
Tis almost time for bells to chime." --
So he hippety-hopped away.

Easter Isn't Easy

I heard a funny bunny say,
"I just go nuts on Easter day.
I hide about a zillion eggs
And baskets tangle up my legs.

"I'm tired, my eyes are full of tears
And overflowing to my ears.
If I'm to work more Easter Days
At my age I should change my ways

"I know I must do something rash
So I'll start saving all my cash
Then next year, with a little luck
I'll deliver in my pick up truck."
—Grandpa Tucker

My Dear Grab Friends,

Thought it was time to let you know how things are going. Hubby and I are trying to work together. We have a lot going on right now. we turned our Sun room into Joseph's new bedroom, since he took it upon himself to disappear for 5 days. Dennis was able to tail him by way of his bank account online. Which truly upset him even more, but at least he had time to cool down before he arrived back in the house. Several Good News items...Joseph passed his GED...applied at Kingsmill to their kitchen and they offered him an apprenticeship, if he attended Culinary school, so he just needs to get accepted there. That is truly good news.  Shannon has left her husband for the final time, is in the battered women's shelter, and Joseph's room has become Austin's new room. Austin is a love. She was able to get a protective order for herself, but the judge did not grant her a protective order for the children, said it had to go through Child Protective Services. We have gone to them, they gave us a case worker, she interviewed the children, then the father, and said there was not enough evidence. I have tried to get her to interview me on several occasions, because I know first hand of his abuse to the children. I have an 8 year old boy living in my home that is afraid to go outside because he is afraid his Daddy will snatch him, little does he know if Dad shows up at my door with a police order, I have to hand him over...actually I have that planned out...if he does, we are going out the back door...getting in my car and taking him to the battered women's shelter.Austin tells me every day that Daddy should be in jail, I say as far as we know he may be...and drop it as to not drag it on. He feels safestest when Dennis is home to protect him, because he knows his Dad will not confront Dennis. Stephanie is with her mom at the shelter.Steph is doing so well, oh my goodness, I truly believe the majority of her problems were her Dad, you can actually talk with her now. Both children's teachers have commented on the fact in this short period of time, their school grades have gone to A's...amazing isn't it? Shannon got in touch with Austin's best friends parents and asked if he could have a play day with Austin today. So, today I have 2 8 year old boys in my home. They are a bit noisy, but I love seeing Austin relax and enjoy his friend. I have heard his friend say several times to him, lets go outside to play, but Austin always tells him no...Daddy may get me. My heart bleeds for this child. He is so happy here and Dennis, is enjoying the dickins out of him every day and every night. So, if you ever see a child with behavior problems...you might want to look at their home life. It truly is amazing. He feels my heart with joy...something I thought I would not see again, since Joseph broke it so badly. Shannon has filed for divorce on the grounds of domestic abuse...now just to let you know...she has had him arrested 2x before for abuse, but his parents always get him out. Also, his sister is a cop, and his brother in law, and they have all threatened Shannon that because of who they are they will get the children if she ever leaves him. Thank goodness the battered women's shelter offers counseling and have convinced her they were bullying her. She is very emotional right now, but don't you all worry...she is going to be better than ever.

My middle son has found a housemate, so he doesn't have to worry so much about the mortgage anymore, and as he says"finally the bitch is out of my life" ...She met someone on my space.com and is moving out of state with him...I give it 3 weeks..lol. But the important thing is that he is through with her...I don't like the fact that she doesn't have to pay mortgage anymore...he is letting her slide there...

My oldest son and his wife, have decided to call it quits and are now renting the house out. This one breaks my heart...what a love story they had. Wonder what really happened?

Better close for now...thank you all for your prayers and your comments, Barbara