AccordingToJudy.com

Chincoteague Island, Virginia—Pony Swim, Etc.

2008-08-24T06:19:00.000-07:00

How many of you have read “Misty of Chincoteague” while growing up? I remember reading it as a teenager and was fascinated by the history of the ponies. Legend has it that the original ponies were shipwrecked off of a Spanish galleon and swam to Assateague Island where they have remained to this day.

Charlie and I were on Chincoteague Island the day of the annual pony swim and pony penning. Although we were too late to be witnesses of the pony swim, we were able to see the ponies, which were penned up at the carnival grounds. The ponies are rounded up earlier in the week and penned up on Assateague Island in preparation of the big swim, which occurs on the last Wednesday of July. Around 7:30 a.m. the “saltwater cowboys” drive them across the Assateague Channel to be auctioned off to benefit the Chincoteague Fire Department. Not all ponies are sold. A particular lot is selected, based on various factors, not the least of which is ability to adapt to a change of habitat, as well as their age and health situation.

It is interesting to ride around on Chincoteague Island. First of all, it is as if you are transported back in time to a less hectic era. The original homes still maintain the heritage from which the town grew. Seafood is big business here at all the restaurants, drawing diners, as well as the casual muncher. We, too, enjoyed our share of the fruits of the sea.

God has been very generous to Charlie and me, providing friends who invite us to come for overnight visits. Our friends, Ernie and Evelyn, are gracious with their modest accommodations and have eagerly invited us the past two years to be their guests on Chincoteague. Ernie was Charlie’s best friend during high school. They became reacquainted two years ago during their 50^th high school reunion, and we have enjoyed their friendship ever since. No one can convince me that this is not the hand of God, bestowing little gifts upon us. I know that both Charlie and I feel doubly blessed by God with constant reminders of his love for us.

According to Judy

A Beautiful Day

2008-08-18T16:48:00.000-07:00

Today was an unexpected blessing for me. What with unusual events of the past couple of weeks, including my son’s surgery, I have been experiencing a great deal of weariness. I’m not sure why our brains do not keep up with our bodies, but it is a fact. In my mind, I am still young and viable. However, the years have taken its toll on my body. Excess weight combined with arthritis has been a real detriment to my doing all the activities I once enjoyed. Perhaps some of you have found this to be true also.

Anyway, why was today a blessing? Let me explain. Charlie and I were scheduled to join some friends on a bus trip to Atlantic City. The reservations were made well ahead of time and everyone but me was excited about being together and having some fun. As I mentioned above, I have been extremely weary and just wanted to “veg” out, instead of all the walking I foresaw for the day. I knew it would be a stretch for me to be companionable and upbeat during the long day this bus trip would entail.

This is where God, with his wonderful compassion, stepped in. He created some emergency circumstances that resulted in our having to cancel our trip to Atlantic City. The other two couples were able to continue with their plans, but Charlie and I had a more relaxing day. I was able to make some necessary phone calls, take a nap and gather my wits a little bit, while Charlie visited with his son Tom who had flown in from Dallas, Texas.

Everyone can fairly well comprehend God answering prayers when there is a major crisis situation. However, I have found He is there for me in small helpful ways, i.e., giving me a day off. Perhaps you, too, can relate some small instance where God has worked a small miracle for you. Let me hear from you how God has worked in your life.

According to Judy

Farewell, Rosemarie

2008-08-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

Today a wonderful woman was laid to rest. Rosemarie Seydel McCloskey, born May 24, 1930; died August 11, 2008 was a wife, mother and grandmother. According to her family, she was a very loving woman with a great deal of faith in God and her religion.

I knew Rosemarie as a member of the Gateway Club of Catonsville. For the last year and a few months of her life, she was the President of Gateway. During this time and the previous year or two, Rosemarie experienced many serious health issues, wherein her inner strength, fortitude, hopes for the future, and her love of God were tested. With the loving care of her family, Rosemarie rebounded time and time again, surprising everyone with miraculous recoveries. We all marveled at her keen memory and easy humor with which she met each of these obstacles.

Rosemarie’s husband Bill never gave up on her. He was her knight in shining armor, her spokesman when she could not speak for herself. He fought alongside of his beloved wife until the end. Their six daughters and their families were guardians at her bedside as she kept fighting to keep hope alive.

There is no doubt that Rosemarie had legions of guardian angels accompany her as she made her way to heaven. She continues to inspire us to be better human beings. Her memory will not fade away as the love, which sustained her, continues to burn in each of our hearts. May God bless her family, her friends, and all who had made her acquaintance during her 78 years on earth?

Farewell from your earthly family! Welcome to heaven, Rosemarie!

According to Judy

Another Crazy Week

2008-08-15T14:33:00.000-07:00

This is the week I was going to catch up with all the backlog of chores and begin relaxing a bit. This was not to be. God had other plans for Charlie and me.

There was a long period of time when I was not in touch with my only son John. What kept me going was that I knew he loved me and that he knew I loved him. Somehow a parent knows these things. After several years, we finally got back together and saw each other from time to time. John is 42 years old and has gone through some tough times, but he is now employed at a job he likes and he is taking college courses, optimistic of the future.

However, another minor setback has occurred in the form of basal cell carcinoma on John’s head. This setback offered Charlie and me an opportunity to play a role in helping John out a little bit. On Tuesday, we left the house about 4:30 a.m. to pick up my son and take him for outpatient surgery. He was to be at Doctors Community Hospital in Greenbelt by 5:30 a.m. for the 7:30 surgery. The surgery went well, but the pain was more than John anticipated. As my son is single, but living with his father, we invited him to recover for a day or two at our home if he wished. After returning home around 11:30 a.m., we pulled out the sleep sofa in the spare bedroom for him. Needless to say, Tuesday was a day everyone was sleepy from the early wakeup hour, and we all had a long nap. The next couple of days were kind of lost in a fog. John found it difficult to chew anything so we had to find things he could eat easily. He was in and out of bed, going from the bedroom to the sofa and back again. Slowly, the pain began to ease enough that today, Friday, John returned to his dad’s home. John admitted that he was still sleeping on a blow up mattress he had borrowed. This knowledge made me feel relieved that I had given him two new pillows and fresh pillowcases. At least, his poor swollen head would be comfortable as he recovers enough to return to work on Monday.

We know many of you also have had to pitch in with your grown children to help them through some tough times. It is heartache to watch your children deal with setbacks; however, it is a joy to see that they can handle themselves in a mature manner. This is a testimony to loving parenting that is a gift from God. God is guiding us, and we are grateful.

According to Judy

Two Restaurant Reviews

2008-08-11T12:25:00.000-07:00

During the summer, many of us travel to the Eastern Shore of Maryland for sun and fun. One of the major activities we enjoy is eating in restaurants. Here are two great places to try. One is in Bethany Beach, Delaware; one is along the road to Chincoteague, Virginia.

When traveling to the Ocean City, MD area, continue a little further north and check out the Chalkboard Tavern and Grille at Route 1 Marketplace, Suite 116, Bethany Beach, Delaware. Charlie’s nephew, Bob Webster, who employs his family, along with other capable workers, to assist as bussers, waiting tables, etc, manages this delightful restaurant. Charlie and I enjoyed a wonderful lunch there with Bob’s parents. I wisely chose a grilled tuna sandwich, which was perfectly cooked and melted in my mouth. Charlie could not resist the soft shell crab sandwich. We also treated ourselves to the Tavern Fries. The Chalkboard offers inexpensive lunch specials every day, which are affordable for vacationers. For anyone staying in the area, ask about the VIP Club. For a prepaid $100 VIP card, members enjoy $125 worth of meals and are eligible for a free birthday dinner. Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Phone 302-539-7482 or check online at www.chalkboardgrille.com.

If you love “all you can eat” shrimp, head to Ray’s Shanty, 32157 Chincoteague Road, Route 175 East, Wattsville, Virginia, which is 1.5 miles off of Route 13 on the road to Chincoteague. Steamed shrimp are Capt. Ray Twiford’s specialty and each platter contains close to 2 lbs. of perfectly steamed shrimp. French fries, cole slaw and hushpuppies come with the meal; however, a baked potato or salad may be substituted. Three of our four diners chose the steamed shrimp and ate their fill of the delightful crustacean. Only one shrimp eater was able to ask for a refill. As is usual for me, I chose the marinated grilled tuna platter, which was so delicious that one might believe it came from a five-star restaurant. The restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Opens at 11:00 a.m. Phone 757-824-3429 or check online at www.RaysShanty.com.

According to Judy

Hi, Everyone

2008-08-07T18:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends...

Due to an influx of family coming to visit and a couple of overnight trips to visit friends, Charlie and I have been out of the loop. However, do not despair! We will be back next week with lots of interesting articles about our recent activities. At least one will be regarding our visit to Chincoteague during pony penning week.

We are thrilled that you are still checking in with us to see what is new and are sorry if we have disappointed you in the last couple of weeks.

Keep checking our website. We think you will be glad.

According to Judy

A Fun Evening

2008-07-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Almost on the spur of the moment, with out-of-town guests to entertain, we decided to try Lorenzo’s Timonium Dinner Theatre for their production of “The Odd Couple; Female Version.” I have to admit that, in the past, our dinner and/or show had been less than average. However, this night everything was just right. The food was perfectly prepared, delicious, and plentiful.

The play was a big surprise! First of all, the Director came out and announced that the two lead actresses were not available that night. Luckily, another theatre had recently done this play and the leads from that production would be filling in tonight. Well! When Olive (the messy one) appeared on stage wearing a beard and sporting a hairy chest under the low cut blouse, everyone was blown away. What was this all about? Then, when Florence (the neat one) appeared and hairy legs were prominent under the dress, more question marks appeared above our heads.

At intermission, we perused the cast bios and discovered that the lead roles were none other than Anna Conda (Anaconda) playing Olive, and Wendy Bough-Breaks (When the bough breaks) playing Florence. Then we knew! We had been “had.” Needless to say, the play was a total “hoot” from beginning to end.

If you wish to avail yourselves of this fun time, Lorenzo’s Timonium Dinner Theatre is at 9603 Deereco Road, Timonium, MD. Call 410-560-1113 or go online to www.timoniumdinnertheatre.com for tickets or more information. Hurry, as this show ends August 3^rd.

According to Judy

A Restaurant Review

2008-07-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

With today’s trend toward franchise restaurants available in every shopping center nationwide, it is rare to find a family- or owner-run small, but homey, restaurant. This has to be a very delicate type of business to start up and keep going.

Today (Tuesday) Charlie and I had occasion to meet our friends, Dave and Karen who live in Manchester, Maryland, for dinner in Hampstead. Karen had expounded several times about the New Sunset Inn and Restaurant and its wonderful steak special. Unfortunately, the steak special is only available on Thursdays and Sundays. Therefore, we could not avail ourselves of that particular menu item tonight. Instead, the four of us opted to have the hot turkey sandwich, highly recommended by the owner. Indeed, it met our expectations. There is a choice of homemade mashed potatoes or French fries. All of us had the most abundant and delicious gravy, which had parsley to enhance the flavor. In addition, I had a very nice fresh side salad, while Karen ordered a side dish of zucchini, one of her favorites.

The atmosphere of this small town eatery is unpretentious, but there are indications that loving thought has been taken to provide a cozy ambiance for the casual diner. Keith, the owner, host, and waiter, is very proud of his menu, his cooks, and gives great attention to having the freshest homemade food available. And, did I mention the prices are very reasonable? I do not believe in providing a star-type rating for businesses; however, if I feel strongly about a place, I am pleased to share my experience with you.

So, if you are taking a Sunday drive up Route 30 toward Pennsylvania, or if you just want to explore new horizons, the New Sunset Inn is located at 1301 Main Street in the heart of Hampstead, Maryland. The phone number is 410-374-6969 if you wish to get further information on location, menu, etc.

Be sure to mention that you read my review. Everyone loves positive reinforcement.

According to Judy

An Evening with the Family at Oriole Park at Camden Yards

2008-07-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

With my son and family coming up from Richmond, VA for a weekend visit, we decided to take in a Saturday evening Oriole major league baseball game. The Baltimore Orioles were playing the Detroit Tigers.

Thanks to a very generous and friendly neighbor, we were able to get five field box seats right behind home plate. On a warm but lovely evening, we settled in for a fun and relaxing evening at the ballpark. My son Bob, his wife Mora, and their son Jory were all looking forward to a very exciting and interesting major league baseball game. To say the least, they were not disappointed. The Detroit Tigers came into this game with one of the best hitting teams in the American League. The Orioles, in addition, had been hitting the ball very well the first half of the season. Luke Scott, the Oriole leftfielder won Friday night’s game against the Tigers by hitting two home runs.

With the above in mind, the Detroit Tigers started the game by scoring six runs in the very first inning against Oriole starting pitcher Daniel Cabrera. The Orioles came back with two of their own, with Melvin Mora hitting a two-run home run. An ironic note is that my son’s wife’s first name is Mora.

The game continued on with the Orioles coming all the way back and taking a 9-7 lead on some clutch hitting by Markakis, Millar, and Huff. The Tigers, however, scored three runs in the 6^th inning to take a 10-9 lead. The score remained that way until the bottom of the 9^th inning. The Orioles, as they have many times this year, came back to tie the game on a home run by Ramon Hernandez. And, to finish a lovely evening the Orioles won the 11-10 game with a walk-off home run by Luke Scott.

However, the bad news was that we had to leave the game to head home in the bottom of the 8th inning, due to the fact that it was one of the longest games of the year, lasting nearly 4 hours. However, everyone enjoyed the ballgame and all the attractions associated with the game: the Oriole Bird, the myriad of games on the video board, the banter of the Oriole fans with the Tiger fans, the Oriole “wave,” and the general excitement of the crowd and evening. Of course, the evening would not be complete without a lot of good ballpark food and drinks. Jory led the way with a small pepperoni pizza, a bucket of cotton candy, a Sprite, and some peanuts.

Another memorable aspect of the evening at the ballpark was the constant cheering and hollering that all of us engaged in during the game. We all were reminded of this the next morning with a mixture of hoarseness and scratchy throats.

In summary, it was a great way to spend the evening with the family. I would highly recommend it. The only bad note was that we did not get to actually see the game winning walk-off home run.

According to Charlie

Taking the High Road

2008-07-14T03:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life has a way of throwing obstacles in our path. How do we handle them? Do we stumble over the obstacles? Do we go around them or go over them? Or, do we use them as the proverbial stepping-stones?

I have been giving this some thought recently as I find more and more obstacles to overcome, as I grow older (but, not necessarily wiser). I find that my outlook on a given day will often determine my response. When I am feeling great and see life as a series of growth steps, I am able to fend off negative feelings. However, if I am tired and run down, I often find other people’s negativity having a significant bearing on my reactions. Having learned lessons from the past, and wanting to be the best person I can, I try to view situations from God’s point of view. This is not always easy. However, also being a Libra has me weighing the problem and trying to level it so I can deal with it in a sane and sensible manner.

The temptation to lash out is strong in us human beings. But, the results are not always what we intend. If the situation is such, I find it to my advantage to let some time pass and ponder various ways of dealing with my reaction. Occasionally, I may have to find someone I admire to be a sounding board.

Thank the good Lord! He has provided me with many friends that help me over the bumps in life, which has often allowed me to take the “High Road.” If you are one of those friends, I thank you! And, God bless you, all!

According to Judy

Connecting with Old Friends

2008-07-08T02:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, after returning from a weekend away, I received a phone call from an old neighbor, Mary, who now lives in Lumberton, NC. We have attempted over the past few years to see one another, but bad timing always seemed to interfere. When she has been in town, we were going to be away. When we were headed south past her exit off of I-95, Mary was heading to a family reunion. However, on the spur of the moment, this time we were able to connect.

And, delight of all delights, her daughter Thia would be joining us. On the off chance that my daughter Diane was available, I made a quick decision to invite her. God was kind. Due to great timing, I was able to catch my daughter just before she headed out of the house. Within 45 minutes of Mary’s initial phone call, the four of us met at the Olive Garden and had a wonderful reunion. Diane and Thia were delighted to catch up on their families – it had been about 16 years for them – almost a whole lifetime of raising their children.

Mary and I were just thrilled to share memories and reconnect wonderful feelings. The biggest thrill is to see oneself through the eyes of another, who is truly pleased to see you. This is truly a blessing from God. It is His way of reminding us that He loves us – we are all one big family and each of us has worth in this family.

So, I challenge each of you to reach out to someone who has been a blessing in your life in the past and reconnect with him or her. And, God will bless you, too, with a truly rewarding experience.

According to Judy

Effective Communication

2008-07-05T02:13:00.001-07:00

Being able to communicate effectively is critical to creating and maintaining a positive relationship between people. How often do you find that somehow or another your spouse, child, or friend misunderstood something you were trying to tell them?

Communication is something I try hard to work on. When I have to write anything, it helps me to put it in draft form first so I can read it over and over again, before finalizing it. Writing these articles, along with other “paid” and “gratis” ones, has honed my vocabulary and grammar. However, because we are human beings, we still tend to misread what we see in print unless it is clearly spelled out.

Contemplating various plays, movies, and books that I have recently enjoyed, it came to mind that most of the delicate plot situations were created by either non-communication or ineffective communication. Talking with one another does not always convey the intent of the speaker. I myself have learned that my husband and I are frequently on different wavelengths when we are discussing things. If one’s hearing is slightly impaired, the simplest statements are often misconstrued.

The written word seems to be more effective than the spoken word, as inflection and tone of voice, facial expressions, and body stance often say more than the actual words themselves.

I’d love to hear of your experiences.

According to Judy

Ranch Reputations

2008-07-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

There has been an increasing demand from highly ranked restaurants for high quality beef to serve their diners. Consumers, along with restaurants, are interested in having organically fed beef. Today, these ranches need to be mindful of environmental concerns, as well. Although many reputable restaurants cater primarily to the wealthy, the average person occasionally dines out for special occasions. Meeting the expectations of these diners is a primary concern of discriminating restaurants.

Ranches, looking for savvy information to increase their client base with properly cared for livestock, would do well to consult www.conserveranches.com. This website is designed to guide the business of ranching into the 21^st century. It provides solid facts for today’s entrepreneur for raising profitable selling cattle and solidifying their ranch reputations.

According to Judy

"In The Beginning"

2008-06-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

The Sight and Sound Theater in Ronks, Pennsylvania, is currently presenting its version of the story of Genesis. “In the Beginning” is a spiritual experience from beginning to “beginning again.”

A journey to this extraordinary theater finds one awestruck and overwhelmed with emotion at the scope and depth of the story of Adam and Eve. The production starts with a filmed version of the creation of the universe, which is truly awe-inspiring. The legions of winged angels that fill the stage are so believable that you cannot but believe there are such heavenly creatures. The fall of Lucifer is presented in an understandable format. His temptation of Eve and the spell in which she finds herself tasting the forbidden fruit cannot help but remind you of the frailties of human beings. I could see myself falling prey to Satan’s assurances that it is indeed safe to eat.

If you have never been to see one of the Bible stories reenacted on stage at this huge theater with its gigantic stage and wondrous stage props, it is past time that you had this experience. Entering the parking lot, the building itself begins to prepare you for what delights await you inside. As you enter the lobby, you begin to feel that you are slipping away into the past. The trip is complete when the stage unfolds around you, holding you captive during the performance.

No one can properly prepare another person for the totality of the experience that the Sight and Sound Theatre portrays with each of its productions. It is a "you-must-see-it-for-yourself-to-believe-it” foray into biblical times. Go posthaste and enjoy!

According to Judy

Melbourne, Australia

2008-06-28T05:18:00.000-07:00

Melbourne, Australia has always fascinated me since childhood. This was a time when elementary schools encouraged having pen pals from other countries. My pen pal was named Denise Greene, and she lived in Melbourne. For that reason, when I encountered www.letstraveleverywhere.com, I was fascinated to learn more about Melbourne, as well as Sidney, Australia and the islands of New Zealand. The descriptions of the cities, as well as outlying attractions, find me fantasizing about what it would be like to explore new horizons.

This website presents attractive well-written travelogues with enticing informative descriptions of many exotic sites to lure curious travelers. Try it! You might like it!

According to Judy

Calendars

2008-06-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

Do you maintain a working calendar to keep your days in an orderly fashion? What does your calendar look like? I know mine is a hodgepodge of notes, cross-outs, and whiteouts. Some notations are in black ink, some in red, blue, green, and purple. Some are color coded for a purpose; others are that way just because that was the pen I grabbed.

When I am presented with a “virgin” calendar, I first go through each month of the year, making a notation of fixed events. We seem to attend a lot of meetings that occur at a set time and place. Once the monthly items are out of the way, it is time to note the weekly and daily items. Wow! How come we are always so busy? How are we going to fit in everything we have to do? When do we get to sleep?

Not only do we maintain a large calendar for home use, I carry a pocket calendar with the same information. This allows us to check dates for future appointments when we are in a doctor’s office. It is also helpful when trying to schedule visits with out-of-town friends, or setting up dates for social activities. It is extremely imperative that these two calendars are updated often, comparing the notes on both of them. This helps eliminate embarrassing mix-ups. Yes, we have had them happen.

I am curious as to how many of my readers use computers or other electronic devices for scheduling and maintaining calendars. I would enjoy your feedback. Thanks!

According to Judy

Online Financial Safety

2008-06-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

We can all use valuable hints on preserving our financial safety online. A visit to yoursafetycomesfirst.com will guide you in this area. Once you visit this website, there are other articles that will also be of help to you in providing safety in many other areas of your life. Some articles include use of safety radios in emergency weather conditions, safety in the kitchen, and safety while driving.

Everyday common sense is featured in yoursafetycomesfirst.com. These articles are well written and will serve as reminders that caution should always be exercised within the home, as well as on the Internet. Do check out this website for beneficial advice.

According to Judy

The Human Equation

2008-06-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

Certain events have occurred recently in our community that have left me wondering about we human beings and our response to other people’s reactions. I have noted that well meaning people tend to jump to conclusions without knowing all the facts of a situation. Instead of asking civil questions and waiting for civil responses, an adversarial relationship is instituted. Challenges are issued, rumors are circulated, and chaos results.

I am not so sure how well I would react if people would take a negative attitude toward me in a public forum. Could I be patient and understanding when nasty insults were thrown at me on a constant basis? Would I be open to discussing a heated topic with reason and calm on my side? I’m almost sure that the negative part of my being would want to retaliate. On, the other hand, I would wonder how happy God would be if I allowed myself to fall prey to that weakness.

Sure it is easy to say, “I quit!” when times are tough. It is difficult to believe that individuals, who drop out just because there is a setback in their agenda, really do have the best interests of their community at heart. However, I so admire those individuals who stick it out for a long period of time, despite constant criticism. I am also proud of those same individuals who can step down gracefully when the situation demands it.

So, the question comes down to, “what would I do?” I like to ask instead, “What would God do?” And, am I up to the challenge?

According to Judy

Some Favorite Authors

2008-06-24T05:44:00.000-07:00

Reading is a favorite hobby of mine. Most people love to read. Books about every subject under the sun are available in libraries and bookstores. Almost every yard sale has at least one carton of paperbacks for a cheap price. Popular authors are always among the books featured prominently in bookstores.

Some of my favorite authors include Jonathan Kellerman and Faye Kellerman. Over the years, I have especially loved reading Jonathan Kellerman’s books as he writes terrific psychological mysteries. His novels are filled with excellent plots and terrific dialogue. His central characters, which are the same in most of his books, become friends that you want to follow up with in his next publication. Jonathan is a prolific writer, producing two to three books a year, which is wonderful for his fan base.

His wife, Faye Kellerman, also writes compelling mysteries. Together they are a dynamite writing team, who are now co-authoring some detective mysteries that combine the main characters of their books, who find themselves dealing with similar cases. Although, admittedly, I have not yet read one of these combined efforts, I am certain I will enjoy reading each and every one.

Do you have a favorite author? Let’s share!

According to Judy

Everyday Blessings

2008-06-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

Recently I had occasion to be online to a spiritual message website. A 30-day challenge was offered to look at life, despite setbacks we tend to encounter every day, and consider one’s daily blessings. I sent for a bracelet to wear which has the inscription, “It’s Better to Bless.” Admittedly, due to my many daily setbacks, I have been unable to check each day’s “blessing” message. However, the bracelet has been a continual reminder to me to turn unpleasant situations around, and what a help it has been.

Believe me, when I say, friends are truly great daily blessings. Our community just sponsored a Big Band event for which Charlie and I had the brunt of responsibility. Two people cannot do all of the work involved in “events.” Had it not been for our friends in the community who jumped in and did much of the physical end of it, the concert would not have been carried off so well. Thank you, to each and every one of you who continue to be our “daily blessings.”

You may note that I say, “our friends in the community,” rather than neighbors. And, this is for a reason. It is another example of looking at life from a more positive attitude. God provides what one needs. And, what we all need are friends, who just happen to be neighbors. God bless you today, tomorrow, and forever.

According to Judy

Weather Conditions and Its Results

2008-06-19T01:35:00.000-07:00

Do you sometimes wish that additional hours could be added to your day? Do you wonder how you are going to find time to get some much-needed rest?

Quite often when the stress becomes too great, the weather intervenes. For instance, the recent power outages in our area resulted in all activities being cancelled. In turn, we average people had some extra time; however, there was little anyone could do with no power. What can one do? One solution is to go to bed and sleep through it. One positive result: A good night’s sleep with no interruptions. Thus, hours were added to the day and much-needed rest was achieved.

Yes, there can be complications from this “forced” inactivity. If the power outage is too long, there may be food spoilage, the possibility of heat stroke during the summer or pipes freezing in the winter, etc. But beyond this, life does become less complicated. We return to the basics of life. People band together and help each other.

So, when uncertain weather puts a crimp in your life, look at the blessings God has provided you. This is an opportunity to take a brief break from your normal routine and sort out your priorities. Put your faith in the good Lord and maintain an upbeat view of the situation. May God bless and sustain you!

According to Judy

Teddy Bears

2008-06-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

Is there anything so beguiling than a Teddy Bear? Just hold one in your hands and stare it in the face. It is usually enough to make you smile.

God must have inspired the making of the first Teddy Bear. Kids of all ages find comfort in their fluffy bodies. Adults find them irresistible, as well. They come in all sizes and colors. Any kind of fabric is useful in creating a lovable creature.

For a number of years now, I have had a collection of Teddy Bears. Due to downsizing awhile back, I gave away all of the bigger ones that took up a lot of space. And, I promised myself that I would resist all efforts to adopt any but the most adorable lovable looking bears–but they had to be small ones–the smaller, the better. And, for the most part, I have succeeded. My latest acquisition was a tattered looking Teddy Bear handmade from a blue, yellow and white print patchwork quilt, that gave him a worn-out appearance. He truly was beckoning me to bring him home and place him in our living room, where he is easily available for impromptu hugging.

No doubt about it, a Teddy Bear is great medicine. He can heal wounded hearts, comfort the afflicted, and provide nourishment to the soul. Perhaps, it is time for a Teddy Bear in your life!

According to Judy

No-Impact/Eco-Friendly Camping

2008-06-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

So, you want to go camping? Today, it is important to be ecologically friendly when considering camping in the wilderness. In order to gain hints for taking your trash with you when you leave the campsite, check out www.campervoice.com for suggestions on how best to accomplish this. This website is also helpful with ideas on how to be a no-impact camper, i.e., cutting down no trees or bushes, leaving no debris, no disturbance of rocks, etc.

Once you access this website, you will find a great deal of information on other features of camping, as well. This website is well thought out and will be an invaluable aid in planning your next camping venture.

According to Judy

Look on the Bright Side

2008-06-14T06:15:00.000-07:00

Every day we encounter setbacks in life that we have to deal with, whether or not we want to do so. Our very good friends Julia and David recently had a personal trauma dealing with their grandson Bradley.

Fourteen-year old Bradley is full of life and is eager to explore new challenges. He is an aspiring golfer and enjoys girls. He is a bright light in his grandparents’ eyes and they have great hope for his future. However, Bradley decided to explore a little higher in a tree than was wise and, therein, lies the tragedy. Bradley fell 35 feet and suffered a compressed fracture of his thoracic 8 vertebrae (or however, it is diagnosed), plus other side injuries. Anyway, this landed him for a time in shock trauma.

The result of this is that, instead of spending the summer with his Dad in Reno, he will be home in Maryland wearing a wieldy brace for a minimum of three months, with extremely restricted movement. Yes, this is not good news, at all. However, looking on the bright side, God was with him as he climbed that tree. He foresaw what could have been a bigger tragedy–loss of life, or immediate and unforgivable paralysis.

Bradley still has a chance to recover from his injuries. Because he is strong and challenged to rise above this setback in his life, Bradley can become anything he wants in life. However, this is a time when everyone, who knows Bradley or hears about his fall, is asked to respond with prayers that great good will follow. We do not enter this life alone. We are all dependent upon one another. Bradley’s family is depending on your prayers to guide this young man back to full health and a bright future.

Praise God for His blessings on Bradley and his family!

According to Judy

23rd Wedding Anniversary

2008-06-08T13:03:00.000-07:00

Twenty-three years ago on June 8^th, Charlie and I took our vows to be husband and wife. We both had been married previously, and had teen-aged children who found it difficult to accept someone new in their parent’s life. Now, as grown adults, they are very caring and involved parents themselves, and we have a loving familial relationship with each of our children.

Soon after our wedding, we moved from a rental house to a four-bedroom home built especially for us in a new suburban community in Catonsville. Around that time, my widowed mother in California was looking to move closer to one of her children. Charlie invited her to join us–after all, we had bedrooms to spare. Then my son asked to move in. Then one of Charlie’s boys wanted to come with us. And, a dog was added. So, here we were–five people and one dog in a quickly crowded home. Charlie never said, “no.”

The bottom line is that I have been truly blessed with a loving caring husband. Charlie is the type of person who is thoughtful and generous to a fault. Even today, anyone who has met Charlie knows he can be counted on to go the extra distance for his friends. Just mention a need, and Charlie will try to help you out. He is a true friend to all! But, most of all, he is my best friend and I love him deeply. Happy Anniversary, Honey!

According to Judy