Jan. 13, (Friday) 2012
Yesterday we moved into Bonnet Creek for the rest of our stay in Florida. Yesterday it was near 80 degrees; today not quite 6o. A cold front came through. But it's still a lot better than Tenn. which has snow, etc.
We're going to Lakeland tonight to see the Tribute quartet. We're taking our friends from Michigan who're staying in Fl. for a few weeks as well: Frank & Art Kingsbury.
Tomorrow we go to Lakeland again, for a Spring Arbor reunion. We've gone there the past two years also.
Jan. 10, 2012
We are now in Orlando, having driven down Saturday. We'll be here until St. Patty's day. We will be going to several Gospel concerts, a week of Gospel groups at Bradenton, and a cruise to the Bahamas with 20 groups. While in Bradenton, we'll be staying with my cousin, Lucy.
Of course anyone wanting to contact us can call our cell phone or send an e-mail, as usual. We're on-line every day, so that's the best means of communication.
Jan. 3, 2012
Last night we had a wonderful time for Becky's 70th birthday. 15 of us ate at the Villa at Fairfield Glade Plaza, then everyone came to our house for dessert. We had Chuck Weirer read an excerpt from Becky's mother's book "Helen Speaks" about Becky's birth. Gail Peak read a piece about asking God for more years, which was funny.
At home, we had our daughter, Pam, who drove up from Georgia for the occassion, read our "Love Story", to which both of us cried. Then, Pam and Chuck sang a few songs. Everyone then prevailed on me to sing with Pam, to which I strongly objected to no avail. I cried then, too.
As everyone left, they all said they really enjoyed themselves. Pam stayed for the night and we went to visit our cousin this morning before we had breakfast at a local restuarant. Then she left for home and we went for a doctor appointment.
Jan. 1, 2012
Last night we were with several friends at one couple's home. We had plenty to eat and drink; watched a couple of videos: one of Yakov Smirnoff, a Russian comedian now living in Branson. We also played dominoes, until midnight. We toasted and shot-off a few confetti poppers at the appropriate time. We then went home happy and sober, looking forward to what 2012 holds.
Dec. 26, 2011
It's the day after Christmas and we have nothing to exchange or take back. We had a very nice day with another couple whose children live far away. We ate at a chinese buffet and went to see "War Horse". It was a very emotional movie.
We did talk to Pam late in the evening. She had to work, then had dinner with the family where she worked. She's coming up next week for her Mom's birthday party.
Dec. 22, 2011
Merry Christmas!
Jesus' birth is less and less emphasized and Santa is emphasized more and more. "Happy Holidays" is said more and "Merry Christmas" has even been banned some places.
What's wrong with this picture?
Dec. 15. 2011
Got an e-mail from Ed Werve. His mother is back at home getting ready for Christmas. Last weekend he called for prayer because she wasn't supposed to live through the night. God is GOOD!
Nov. 25, 2011
Got out Christmas decorations today. Will start putting them up tomorrow. Had some clean-up to do from Thanksgiving today.
Needed some rest too. Becky did an outstanding job making a wonderful meal for all our guests and making them all feel welcome and blessed to be with us. She's a wonderful hostess!
We're enjoying being home for a few weeks.
Nov. 23, 2011
Having 3 couples with us for dinner Thanksgiving. Supposed to be a beautiful day, sunny and in the 60's. Then, on Friday, we'll start with the Christmas decorations. Becky missed doing it the last two years. Insisted on staying home this year for the holidays.
Nov. 16, 2011
Took car to local mechanic. Instead of spending $1,100, it was under $200. He fixed what NEEDED fixing ONLY! Front brakes, not back too, no tune-up needed, put on a hose, instead of replacing power steering pump (Chrysler had a memo about that fix). Thank you A-1 Auto.
Nov. 14, 2011
We are home awhile now. After nearly 80,000 miles, we have to give our car some attention. The dealer gave us a work estimate this morning: $1,100. We took it to our local mechanic who'll no doubt be able to cut the bill by quite a bit.
We'll know tomorrow.
We thought we'd sold the Ann Arbor house, but it fell through. We've had a lot of extra expense getting it ready to sell, plus we've not had any rental income from it for a few months, so we're hurting financially at the moment.
We'll be having Thanksgiving at our house this year. We'll be hosting at least two couples; possibly more.
Oct. 16, 2011
We had a wonderful day! Our friend Anne McLain, from Scotland, with 3 of her friends, came in yesterday afternoon.
We took them to church this morning; a wonderful service.
Then we had dinner at or house for 10 of us and visited most of the afternoon. We went back to church tonight and again had a great service.
We had left-overs for supper after the service and visited some more. All-in-all it was very enjoyable. PTL!
Oct. 12, 2011
We're at the end of our trip up the east coast that started at Hilton Head. We've had beautiful weather all the way.
We went to Williamsburg, Va. for a few days, seeing Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown. From there we stayed one night at Atlantic City. We enjoyed a nice dinner at Harrah's and a swim at the hotel. Then we drove to Hyannis, Ma., the heart of Cape Cod, having to go by Washington D.C. and into NYC, over the Geo. Washington Bridge, with a lot of stop-and-go traffic and a number of tolls.
Here, we've seen the JFK museum in Hyannis, the JFK monument here, and from a boat trip, the Kennedy compound at Hyannis Port where each Kennedy had a summer home.
We also went to Plymouth to see Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II. We also did a little shopping, of course. :)
Early in the morning we'll be on our way home, which will take two days. Hopefully we won't face so much traffic.
Sept. 28, 2011
This week we're at Hilton Head, S.C. relaxing and recovering from all the running from the last 3 weeks of quartet concerts all day every day. From here we go to Williamsburg, Va., on our way to Atlantic City, then Hyannis, Ma., also known as Cape Cod. We're simply visiting and sightseeing on this trip, similar to our west coast trip a couple of years ago.
Sept. 21, 2011
We're at home this week, having gotten home Sunday afternoon from Louisville. The National Quartet Convention was tremendous. We were there from just after 10 am to about 11 pm every day for 7 days. Most Gospel performers were there, including soloists like Ivan Parker.
The Gaithers were there two days.
On the way home, we had breakfast with our friends from Crossville who had been visiting family in Louisville: Sue and Hank Wilkin.
Saturday we leave for a 3 week trip up the east coast, starting at Hilton Head S.C. and going to Cape Cod.
Sept. 8, 2011
We're still at Branson, just having finished 12 days of Gospel Music at Silver Dollar City. We're taking in a few shows until we leave Sat. for Louisville for the National Quartet Convention.
Yesterday we saw the musical, Noah, along with taking a backstage tour. Today we saw the Waltzing Waters Gospel Music show. Tonight we're going to a tribute show of George Strait's music.
August 24, 2011
We drove all day to Branson for the Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City. For 12 days the country's top groups will be ministering. Besides being there all day each of the days, after that we'll be going to the show Moses and maybe a couple of other shows. By WalMart, many of the performers do a free show for an offering, to promote their shows.
From Branson we'll be going to Louisville for the National Quartet Convention for a week starting on 9/11. Max & Mary Kay Colver, from Indianapolis, are planning to go as well.
August 19th, 2011
We've just had a friend and her sister with us for a week, from the Detroit area. She's a high school friend we just found again last July (2010). She told us she was to die in 6 mos. But in Jan, she visited us in Orlando. In July she was here with us a week and just now again. God is helping her, physically - PTL!
We took them sightseeing to Fall Creek Falls, Oakridge, Cleveland, Tn. and the Tenn. Aquarium in Chatanooga.
August 8, 2011 (oops, wrong date before)
We're at Lebanon, Mo. right now for a Gospel sing this weekend. We'll be here until Monday morning, then go to Lake of the Ozarks for a week. Next Weekend there'll be another "Sing". That Sunday we'll be going to Michigan for a couple of days to take care of business.
July 17, 2011
Today we got home from a weekend trip to Cleveland, Tn. to attend the homecoming of the Singing Echos. Wed. night was hot and buggy, and we left early, even though the singing was good. Thursday it rained and cooled it off as well as driving the bugs away. There were morning services including preaching the Word, as well as evening concerts. The presence of God was evident at all services and with each group. Bill Bailey, from Bradenton, was one of the speakers and the Perrys one of the groups.
It was like an old-fashioned camp meeting; well worth attending.
June 17, 2011
Last night we had dinner with Tom & Carol Small, who we've not seen for more than 50 years. We were with Merk & Bud Seeley, with whom Becky graduated from high school in 1960, at her sister's home: Ardis & Frank Kingsbury, at Higgins Lake, Mich. It was very enjoyable catching up with them after all these years.
Thursday was quite cool, windy and rainy, which kept us from enjoying their pontoon boat and swimming. But Friday made up for it. At breakfast Becky prayed and thanked the Lord for the nice weather today and within a couple of hours it cleared up and we were able to enjoy the pontoon boat and lake. PTL!
Tomorrow morning we leave for the Detroit area, so today was our last chance to enjoy Higgins Lake this trip.
June 13, 2011
We are in Michigan for a week. We're visiting friends and will be taking a friend back home with us for a week or so. Her dog will also be going with us and he'll be staying with our cousins in Crossville from now on.
June 9, 2011
Peter & Sarah Israel have several items for sale at less than 50% cost: 50" hdtv, twin beds that can become a king and a vibrator chair. For more info. e-mail: israel777@msn.com.
June 2, 2011
Becky and I had a wonderful few days at Gatlinburg. Not only was the Gaither Family Fest great, but we also got to visit with the pastor who married us a little over 2 years ago. He's just celebrared his 80th birthday and has married the most couples of anyone in America.
Monday we took a bus to the Old Mill area and just walked around and shopped, then went back to the condo and swam awhile. Tuesday we went back to Dollywood to see a couple of shows, including the Kingdom Heirs, a gospel quartet. We didn't get enough at the Gaither weekend. :) We saw Joseph and the multicolor robe that night after a nice anniversary meal at Logan's. Wednesday we went to a show of Jesus' life in downtown Gatlinburg, did some shopping, then saw the dinner theatre presentation of the Hatfields and McCoys before driving home.
May 20, 2011
Becky and I are planning to celebrate what we're calling our "Shoulda been our 50th anniversary" on May 31st".
Our first wedding was May 31st, 1961. We made it 10 years. Then I messed-up big-time and we divorced. After 38 years, God saw fit to bring us back together, on Valentine's Day, 2009.
With all that has happened in our family since then, we are SO thankful we're together to go through it. In spite of the trials, we are truly enjoying being together again.
After the years apart, and other relationships, we really appreciate each other now like never before.
May 14, 2011
Yesterday we received very sad news again. They threw the book at Eric, giving him life without parole. Obviously, we're heartbroken and surprised. There is a possibility of an appeal, but we don't know anything else as yet. Several have expressed their condolences. Thank you!
May 12, 2011
Today is a sad day for our family. Our grandson, Eric Mead, was convicted of intentional murder and intentional attempted murder (his wife survived). He could face life in prison. He was hoping for manslaughter, due to snapping and coming to after the ordeal. He still has only spotty recollection of the event.
Tomorrow will be sentencing. Please join us in prayer that God will have His way.
May 7, 2011
This weekend we celebrate our mothers and/or wives for the important role they play in our lives. I lost mine in Jan., 1974, after nearly a year of her fighting cancer. The last time I'd seen her before flying up from Florida to see her the day she went to be with the Lord, she'd been the picture of health. She was thin and old-looking that day. I could hardly believe my eyes.
But, when I told her I'd just given my heart to Jesus, she lit up as if nothing was wrong with her. I'll never forget her smile and the peace that came over her. Her mission had always been to make sure her 3 boys would be in heaven with her.
I believe that had I not been able to say I'd gotten right with the Lord, she'd still be here. What a heritage!
April 22, 2011
We've been home for two weeks sorting and getting rid of things we don't use or need, like clothes that no longer fit.
Becky got our taxes done before the deadline as well.
We're having the interior of the house re-painted also.
Last night we saw the McKameys at Cookeville. They were wonderful and anointed. We took a Catholic couple we've enjoyed taking several trips with.
Next week we're going to Myrtle Beach to "Singing in the Son" to hear several Gospel groups, several days.
April 7, 2011
We currently are at Ozark Lakes, Mo. for a Gospel quartet concert tonight through Saturday. It's about 125-150 miles NE of Branson. The area is gorgeous.
I have to be home Tuesday, for a sleep apnea follow-up. I have a serious snoring problem, that Becky has trouble with.
Hopefully, like several of our friends, we'll have a solution shortly.
March 23, 2011
This past weekend we went to Michigan for the 50th wedding anniversary of our friends Frank & Ardis Kingsbury. We stayed with our high school friend, Una Pat Ross (Underwood). We were able to spend a lot of time with our grandaughter, Missy, and great grandaughter, Chloe. They even went to the anniversary party with us so we could show them off.
Sunday night we went to Jackson, to stay with our friend Laurie Sargeant. Monday we went home, stopping to have lunch with Pastor Max Colver, in Indianapolis.
Feb. 25, 2011
We're enjoying having Max & Mary Kay Colver, from Indianapolis visiting with us a few days. When they first got here, we went to visit and pray for Deborah Reiff, who has MS and is incapacitated in a nursing home. Then, we spent yesterday enjoying the sun and warm weather here at the pool and hot tub. Max and Mary Kay especially enjoyed the "Lazy River".
Monday we have our cousins, who just got married, and another couple who're good friends from Tenn. coming to visit for several days. Several others will be here later in the week also, for various amounts of time. Needless to say, we'll be very busy.
Feb. 18, 2011
We've had a wonderful week. We thoroughly enjoyed Valentines Day - also our 2nd Anniversary. We enjoyed swimming and using the hot tub during the afternoon. Then we went out for dinner at a nice restaurant.
I still find it unbelieveably wonderful we're back together after all those years apart. Please don't wake me up. :)
The weather has been beautiful this week. It has ranged from the low 70's to the low 80's during the day. Mostly sunny.
Saturday and Sunday nights we go to Gospel Quartet concerts. One is at a Nazarene church in Lakeland and another one is at a Baptist church in Winter Park.
Later in the year we'll be going to several places for concerts: Missouri, Myrtle Beach, etc. We're in Florida until March 13.
Feb. 4, 2011
Becky and I are enjoying being at Bill Bailey's Gospel Music Convention at the Civic Center in Palmetto, Fl. It's a whole week of meetings; starting at 9 and going until about 11 pm. Several music groups have been ministering each day. Some people here are: the Blackwood Bros., the Booth Bros., the Talleys, the Perry's, the Inspirations, etc.
It has been a tremendous week so far; lots of cutting up as well as serious and anointed ministry. Each day, besides the music, there has been someone preaching the Word in a chapel service.
Most of those who attend have been coming for many years. Many are from various parts of the country - even some from Europe.
It's an anual event we plan to attend next year as well - Feb. 6-11, 2012.
Jan. 18, 2011
We are enjoying Una Pat Ross's visit with us this week. She's from Michigan, so is glad to enjoy the warmer weather. Today was a lovely day so she was able to enjoy the sun and pool.
Pat is a friend we got back in touch with in July, 2010, after 50 years. She was in high school with us one year at Spring Arbor, Mich.- now a University.
She informed us in July she had only 6 months to live, so she was especially excited to re-connect with us. We prayed for her (as have many), and shortly after, she went to the UoMich. hospital and started a new series of treatments (she couldn't have a transplant). Now they've given her 5 - 10 years - PTL! She's with us for 10 days.
Dec. 18, 2010
Last night we attended a concert at a humongous church in Longwood, Fl. It was the Amy Moses Band. They were definitely different, but very good. They did mostly Christmas music with several instruments, including a harp.
I had lived in Longwood when I first moved to Florida in 1973, so I was able to show Becky two of the places. After all these years I still remembered quite well how to get to them (with help from our GPS). They were quite run-down from when I had lived there.
Dec. 11, 2010
Last Tuesday night we attended the Dino Christmas Concert at Calvary Assembly, in Winter Park, Fl.
For the past 20 years Dino has done his Christmas Program at Branson, but was led of the Lord to do it in Orlando this year.
It was his usual fabulous show with his wife, Cheryl, singing and with several dancers. It is going on through Dec. 22. The cost is only $10 and well worth it! Anyone would be blessed to attend!
We're so glad to be in warm, sunny Florida. We had record-setting cold a couple of nights ago. We had to go to Walmart to get Becky a coat since it was warm when we left Tenn. and she didn't bring think to bring one. It's supposed to continue being cold awhile, with a new cold front coming in tomorrow.
So much for "Global warming"!
Dec. 5, 2010
Twice this week we had the privilege of attending Gospel Sings:
Thursday at Mt. Dora and Saturday at Ormond Beach. The Perrys were at both places and were really good. The McKameys were at Mt. Dora and the LaFevre Quartet was at Ormond Beach. Both concerts were tremendous as the groups were anointed, not just professional. Mrs. McKamey was very touching with her animation.
They all demonstrated their true love of the Lord.
There will be a week-long program at Palmetto, Fl. the first week of February we plan to attend as well. Many groups will be there, such as the Booth Bros., Inspirations, Dove Bros. and more top names of Gospel music. We look forward to being there.
Nov. 20, 2010
As everyone knows by now, the Republicans made great strides with the latest election. Now we need to pray they take advantage of it by doing what's right.
Bill Haslam became governor of Tn. We look forward to the new year when those newly elected take over their positions.
Becky and I are staying at Bonnet Creek Resort from now until the first part of March. We are planning to work on our health this winter by swimming and walking as well as altering the way we eat. Hopefully when we return to Ten., we will look different.
Oct. 23, 2010
With a lot of prayer and careful consideration, we have decided that 2010 will be our last year to credential ministers. There are so many organizations available who are much better able to meet the needs of people serving the Lord. Google credentialing ministries and several will pop-up. I myself was with Gospel Crusade, of Bradenton, Fl. for several years. Also known as Christian Retreat, I was on staff there for 4 years, years ago.
Oct. 20, 2010
Today we had the privilege of meeting the leading candidate for governor of Tennessee. He's a Republican, who owns the Pilot gas stations all over the country and is the mayor of Knoxville, Bill Haslam.
Becky and I just enjoyed visiting Dollywood last week during their Gospel Music Festival, which is going on all of October. Again on Friday, we'll go and see Guy Penrod among others.
Although there were many groups ministering during the week, they enjoyed the Talleys the most.
The three singers are father, mother and daughter. They really enjoy themselves and it's catchy.
Arnie just got hearing aids again. The first set he got about three years ago haven't done the job for a long time, but these he just got are working well - PTL! Many know he's had a hearing problem for years. Hopefully the new ones will keep on working well.
September 18, 2010
Becky and I just finished a trip to the west coast that took 18 days. We started with 2 days at Branson visiting Silver Dollar City's Gospel week. We listened to several groups.
From there we stopped a night in Amarillo,Texas on our way to Pagosa Springs, Co. where we stayed two days before heading to Las Vegas. We stayed two days at Vegas, seeing the Hoover Dam, plus a couple of shows, one of which was Donnie & Marie Osmond. On our way from there to San Francisco, we stopped to see the Grand Canyon.
In San Francisco we saw the famous Pier 39, went over the Golden Gate Bridge, went through the Height Ashbury region, rode a cable car and took a tour of the city on a bus.
We then stopped in Salt Lake City a night on our way to Steamboat Springs, Co. where we only stayed one night also. From there we stayed another night at Salina, Ks. on our way back to Branson.
At Branson some friends from Michigan, Ardis and Frank Kingsbury met us and stayed with us 6 days. We spent two days at Silver Dollar City again, and two days at a mall where there are free shows all day by several artists. The rest of the time we were driving around enjoying the area sights and shops.
Wednesday, the 15th, we drove home, stopping for dinner with our friends in Nashville: Peter and Sarah Israel.