Longwood Beauty and a Bit More....

Real red and green apples form this mosaic.

When they are not needed here any longer they will be 

used as cow feed at a local farm.

 Orchid Chandeliers 

are so elegant...

 Tea anyone?

While no one will actually be drinking tea here 

it is quite inspirational.

What lovely vignettes.

And from the tea room we stepped out into the open conservatory

to find some brilliant uses of color.

Very fun and pretty use of Spanish Moss and 

Dried Fruit.

Pineapples growing.....

So stunning!

Daddy and Daughter....

Love them!!

And then we were off to the cafe for lunch.

I love their chili.

Chelsea enjoyed a salad while Warren chose a sandwich.

After that we left the gardens and headed to 

Kennett Square proper.

We were on a mission to restock our tea supply

at Mrs. Robinson's tea shoppe.

There is no rational reason why this shoppe should

make us so happy.

And yet, it does.

We each chose a flavor

to purchase and left to go around the corner 

to a new coffee shop/cafe.

I did make a tactical error in ordering a 

cappuccino since this is the real deal and 

therefore is not sweet in the least 

and is very strong.

However, it was so pretty that I enjoyed taking

photos of it and even had a couple of sips 

before adding sugar and then surrendering it to Warren.

 We will visit this cafe again!

We really enjoyed it and the owner who you can see

hard at work in this picture.

 Check out the menu board.

Is this not the cutest way to let people 

know what is available?

 So...if you are in Kennett Square and you want to 

get a genuine cup of coffee, Mrs. Robinson's Tea or

probably hot chocolate....I forgot to look....

I recommend Philter.

Finally it was time to head home.....

I found it classic that we followed a 

mushroom truck down the highway.

We were in the mushroom capital of the world

after all.

Three Blog Post Referrals

This morning I am preparing 

for tomorrow's Christmas Service.

Actually this has been an ongoing process but 

the time is coming for me to say....

ENOUGH....

we have enough!

Ha.

It seems I am not the only one to put 

things off until the last minute

but I am so excited about the music and gifts that 

will be shared.

To get a teeny tiny taste you can see 

Rachel and Yolanda practicing 

at Mrs. Rabe's Creekside Cottage Blog.

That is blog referral number one.

Blog referral number two is one that made me 

laugh out loud this morning.

Vee and her grandchildren are dear to my heart.

Some might think it odd since we've not met in person.....

but since you are reading this blog you 

probably wouldn't think that.

Go Mango!

And blog referral number three is cause for 

great praise and celebration in the Goodness of God.

Susanna shares how God won a hard fought battle 

in an Eastern European Orphanage.

I know you are busy now too....

so have a blessed day!

Mosaic

Life  really can seem like such a jumble of pieces 

that all come together

randomly.

However they are not so random....

because I don't really believe that things

"just happen".

Take, for example, 

Mikey's big crash on his 21st birthday.

Before he made the jump over the bonfire on his

dirtbike I "knew" that it wasn't going to go well.

In fact, I couldn't watch.

 Michael has done much more daring tricks 

without incident....

but somehow both Warren and I just knew

that this was going to be a defining moment.

Sure enough, 

he went down hard.

As I stood over him....

in pain,

words came from my mouth that I would 

certainly not have said had I thought about it.

I said, 

"This is the best thing that could have happened!"

I think the friends and co-workers who

had only just met me moments before 

were pretty sure I was crazy.

What mother says this as her son 

lays there in excruciating pain?

Since then,

I see that those words were prophetic.

You see, Michael was headed on a path

that from all we could see was not the best one for him.

I had told you that he was trying to get into the Army?

Well, that was still very much a goal of his.

We never had peace about it.

Not for a second.

But, after Mikey's accident, and because of Michael's accident, 

 he got reconnected 

with a very special young lady.

I say reconnected because she was his first, 

and only girlfriend

a few years ago.

They are quite the item now.

The Army has been called off.

Literally.

We are thrilled to see him so happy.

And we love his friend, Emily.

 Now I bet you are wondering what dog shampoo has to do 

with a post such as this?

Well, it is another piece in the complex puzzle called life.

See the cute puppy picture on the label?

His name is Jake and he lives in New Mexico with his owner Kim.

Kim gave me this picture to use on my new dog shampoo/conditioner.

You see, Kim and I are friends on Etsy. 

She has this really cool shop which features her photography 

in various forms.

Kim knows the Archer Family.

Mrs. Archer is from the Philippines.

Through her we 

have been able to help the victims

of the massive hurricane.

Our contacts are now worldwide.

Through interesting and Providential connections.

This is a very tired Chelsea on Monday evening after we had returned 

from a fun event at Sight and Sound Theater.

This is the first year that there was a Conservatory at the theater.

One of the students came to our church so we went to see 

her graduate.

It was such a special evening....but in spite of my best intentions

I forgot my phone and camera so I couldn't take any pictures.

When we got home we found Liza and Emily hanging out with the guys....

they happen to be sisters. 

It was a great reunion with Chelsea.

We have known this lovely family for more than 12 years

and love each one of them.

 Several weeks ago I had been at a friend's home for a visit.

I told you about it at the time.

Melissa has been a long time friend.

She is loyal and generous.

On this visit, Melissa, 

served tea like this.

I then had to share this experience with my family

because I thought it was so cool...and tasty.

So I got my own clear pot and tea flowers.

Thanksgiving evening we sat around the table and sipped 

tea while eating leftover turkey on sandwiches while 

chatting with Chelsea in Thailand.

It was so fun and so special.

Random friend?

I don't think so.

If you wouldn't mind praying for Melissa

it would be great. 

She has been sick for a few weeks now and 

needs to have prayers for renewed strength.

So....I started this post with a photo of these 

ginger ninja's.

They are yet another "random" piece that just make life more interesting.

Chelsea and the boys have a tradition of making a gingerbread house

on Christmas Eve.  Then they watch movies until the wee hours.

This year they are talking about making the Space Needle.

We'll see what comes of that.

But as Chelsea and I perused a local store yesterday

we spotted these fun cookie cutters.

We decided that they would look great hanging from the Space Needle.

Ha.

So, this evening I walked into the kitchen to find 

Chelsea, her friend Hannah, Jonathan, Michael and Emily 

all hanging out and either watching or working on 

Ginger Ninjas.

Life.

A mosaic.

Filled with friends and events.

It may look random.

But I highly doubt that it is......

highly doubt it, indeed.

Celebrating Chelsea's Safe Arrival Home

Without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever done

is love Chelsea enough to encourage her to follow her 

heart to Australia and Thailand.

Over the past four years of struggle with Anorexia

we have become so close that we were nearly 

always together.

Well, obviously she worked and had her friends....

but Chelsea was always, always a part of 

my day.

So....

having her leave and trusting that she would 

do the necessary things to stay healthy for 

five months...

let alone all of the dangers inherent in traveling to 

Australia and Thailand 

nearly took me down.

But all the while I wrestled with fear and worry

there was an underlying peace.

Somehow I just knew that what Chelsea would gain

in these studies and experiences were worth

a million times more than my 

anxious heart.

It was.

Last evening we met her at Newark International Airport.

Let me just say that I LOVE Harrisburg and Lancaster Airports much more.

But, Newark, New Jersey works if you want the shortest flight possible

and all of that.

We were so busy looking for her that she 

nearly made it right into our faces before we saw her.

So tanned, tiny and tired.

But she looks good.

Her brothers have missed her immensely.

They were nearly as surprised as we were 

at just how much they missed having her around.

She is the glue.

The inspiration behind silly plots.

She is JOY.

Her culture shock is in full bloom already.

Americans are apparently loud and quite rude 

compared to other cultures.

There was a bit of a glazed look that took 

over when she was not directly engaged in 

conversation.

She is sleeping now and we are committed to 

letting her sleep as long as it takes on this first day.

Then....

the hair cut and shopping

(at her request)

before a special treat this evening.

I'll try to get pictures to show you tomorrow.

Pets and Updates

Someone likes the new sofa and pillows.

I gave up on keeping her off....

her determination is

strong.

Last evening I heard snoring and looked for the source.

It was the tortoise cat, Tidbit.

I thought they were simply adorable all snuggled up together.

Oliver's Close up.

A bit dirty but still pretty handsome.

Things are going well here.

Mikey got to go back to work this week

for the first time since his broken collar bone.

Chelsea is back in Australia

for ten days before coming HOME!

Jonathan is still waiting to see how much

relief he will get from the injections in his spine.

I think he is moving a little bit easier but 

can't tell if he is just back to his usual after the 

flare up after the procedure or if we are 

seeing relief.

I am nearing the end of this very busy candle season.

Two groups are still selling 

and last minute Christmas orders continue 

to come in via Etsy.

But I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

January will find me working harder than ever to 

design more baby shower favors 

and 

build a very nice collection of Wedding candles

and favors.

We purchased tile, a bathtub and everything we need to 

install them in the boys bathroom downstairs.

This is ultimately the first step to being able to 

remodel our bathroom upstairs in the next year or so.

Believe me when I say that it is PAST time.

The 70's blue has got to go!

My challenge will be making it current 

without making it currently dated...

if you know what I mean.

Tomorrow evening brings a double booking 

on my part.

Set up for a craft show 

and 

our ladies tea at church.

It's ok.

I've gotten permission to show up 

fifteen minutes early for set up

and that should put me at just 15 minutes late for 

the ladies tea.

This is a Sonrise event and they never start on time....

so what this means is that I will be there just on time.

LOL

Deanna, you did not just read that!

All right...

I'm off!

Have a great day!

Yet Another Day to Be Thankful

I woke this morning praying.

I was pouring out the concerns of my heart

even as I slept or at least 

as the consciousness began 

to come.

Not a bad way to begin Thanksgiving 2013.

I'm so thankful for all the Lord has done

in our family this year.

Of course there are concerns.

I've been sharing them freely.

But, a life without concerns would leave us 

terribly unaware of all that is good and wonderful 

in our lives. 

We would not realize the difference.

There are days when I'm playing the piano 

for worship and I slip and hit a wrong key...

ok so maybe it happens every time I play. 

Ha.

But, in those moments I think defensively, 

Just think of all of the right keys I do play.

Why does that one have to stand out so harshly.

Ahhh....

and it is just like life.

There we are cruising along with all going as we think it should

when all of a sudden in front of us is a discordant event.

Oops!

It is harsh.

It gets our attention.

We even fuss.

But, it the grand scope of life it is just a note

misplayed.....according to us.

God never misplays notes.

His ways are simply not our ways.

He allows these things for our good and His glory.

(Did you just roll your eyes?)

Well, He does.

And every day with Him is glorious.

Not one day out of the year.

Not when things are going all peachy keen.

Every day!

I say these things even as my heart breaks for a 

blog friend who lost her husband suddenly this year.

Even as I am aware of families who aren't holding

babies close...and yet dearly want to.

I have observed the left out and the lonely.

Our family unit has shrunk.

We miss those who are gone... so much.
I so do not intend to minimize the impact and pain
involved in these life events.
Not for a minute!

But in all of that.....

He is Good.

He is holding these people up and so close.

May the discordant sounds in our lives be turned 

back to beautiful strains

which bring both joy and giddiness at how very much 

"goes right".

And how much He loves and cares for us

in every moment of our lives.  

Those we see as good...and especially in those we 

perceive as bad.

And special thanks to our Heavenly Father for sparing 

the life of our friend Clarence this week.

You can read about his near miss 

at Blue Barn Bulletin.

A Sick One in Thailand

If you would please pray for Chelsea I would really appreciate it.

She caught a stomach bug that others on the team have had.

It seems to have kept her down longer than we would have 

expected.  Thankfully today she is beginning to feel some better, 

but she has a very long trip coming up this weekend.  

They drive, by bus, approximately fourteen hours from Chiang Mai

to Bangkok.  Please pray with us that she will be fully recovered

and that other team members aren't sick for this journey. 

I can imagine little worse than having a stomach illness while

traveling by bus.  

And while I'm asking for prayer....

Jonathan will get an injection in his spine today

to see if they can get him relief for a herniated disc.

He lives with such severe pain at all times and if 

this helps it would be such a blessing.

It would mean so much to him to have normal 

movement and pain relief.

Tomorrow is the day set aside for thankfulness.

We will rejoice in the goodness of our Lord and 

all He has done.  He provides everything we need.

There is no question on this.

Sometimes His ways are not our own.

Such as Michael's broken collar bone.

But I can tell you that good things, 

very good things, have come as a result of 

this trial in his life.  Maybe one day I'll be able 

to share more.  In fact, I'm pretty sure that 

I'll be sharing more with you in the near future.

Have a wonderful day.

Happy Thanksgiving....

in case I don't post tomorrow.

But I just might.

Good Morning

Hello there, 

Anyone who still might pop by here,

On this poor neglected blog.

Gone, for now, are the days when I wake up

formulating a post in my mind

and then come and tap away.

Also, gone are the days when I can take the time to 

pop in on everyone each day and see what you 

have to share.

Naturally, I miss it.

I miss you.

But for now this is how it must be.

Warren has finally agreed that the candle business

is something.

Something of value.

But the what next is what we are trying to figure out.

It eats more and more of my time

and makes our house

all the more messy as it 

  grows. 

I do not say this in complaint.

Just as a matter of fact.

Something needs to give.

It needs to move from the upper level

to the lower level of the house....

at least.

It had been at least two weeks since I had heard

directly from Chelsea.

I had been in contact with one of her friends who 

kept me somewhat up to date with things in Chiang Mai.

But on Sunday morning...at Midnight....

Warren's cell phone buzzed.

It was on silent.

Thankfully he heard it buzzing and woke up.

We had a nice nearly hour long chat with our girl.

Please pray for them.

Chiang Mai is proving to be very spiritually dark

and they are definitely sensing the spiritual warfare

in the city.

As part of the ministry they are definitely on the front lines.

I am so impressed by YWAM's way of working.

While some are out witnessing

others are praying in an intercessory fashion.

Praying without ceasing....

Calling for strength and light to pierce the darkness.

Still, it is hard!

One of the interesting things they were able to do 

was to help set up a Franklin Graham Crusade.

That must have been something.

It was held in a large stadium and Chelsea's team helped

prepare tickets and other organizational things.

So cool!

Jonathan will have an injection in his back on Wednesday.

We are praying that this will bring him some relief for his 

herniated disc.

The MRI images are rough.

If this doesn't work then surgery will be in his future.

I'm not holding my breath because there is a very strong

family history of this.

Same spot.

Same issue.

In those cases the surgery helped

regain a pain free life.

So, we shall see.

It is still our last resort...

as it should be.

For my own sake I would like to 

document here that I've lost 20 pounds.

Yay!

It has not been hard.

I've simply changed my choices.

I'm not legalistic about it.

I eat many more fruit and more veggies.

Original, I know. 

Ha.

But, the main thing I've been doing is striving 

to cut out processed foods and eat closer to the source.

I've increased my consumption of good oils

and am very careful to avoid corn, canola and soy oils.

I say NO to any item that has been genetically modified.

No GMO's.

All of these wreck our systems.

I've been taking a class that has taught me so much.

I'll take it again when it is offered in the Spring 

because it is so much information to intake and implement.

Here's to the next 20 pounds on their way out!

Many more to go.

But I feel better...so much better.

There are still issues, of course.

I've spent years eating badly and causing myself issues

but I'm so thankful to have seemingly found the root 

cause of my daily headaches.

No more white bread for this chick.

Over the past three months I've found that I only 

get the headaches when I eat the white bread.

Yippee skippee.

I can avoid that!

It is worth it.

It maddens me to no end to find out 

what is on our grocery shelves.

Poisons!

Items that are causing Autism, birth defects and cancers.

And we think that they are safe because they are available.

Nope!

Definitely not.

Anyway, 

I'll stop now.

I just hope and pray that before long 

more and more people wake up to the 

damage that is caused by the "foods" we are eating

and the chemicals we use in our homes.

I know I've read about it for years but it wasn't until 

I was faced with excruciating pain did I begin the process of learning.

Wow.

Now I am thankful for the pain.

It has changed my life.

If you would like to join some of us on the journey
to health
you are welcome to join our Facebook group
which we have lovingly dubbed
Chubby Chicks Changin' Choices.
My friend, Diane had the idea and we've been
having fun together sharing information and inspiration.
You don't have to be chubby to join.
We just got a kick out of the whole
CH-connection.

Well, the dogs are begging to go out

so I'll be off.

Blessings on your day.

Thanks for the Prayers

The good news is that they didn't find cancer.

The not so good news is that they found plenty of other

not so delightful findings.

It is looking like I'll need another surgery.

If you are counting, that makes two in the waiting now.

Before that decision is final, though, I'll have more testing.

The working theory is that a bile duct is blocked and causing the 

severe pain in my upper right side.  This is the second doctor 

to believe that this is the likely problem.

As unsettling as that was, even more so was the discovery 

that I may have Crohn's Disease.  If so, it is caught early

but it is something that we'll be doing more research about.

And in the category of weird....the opening from my stomach 

to the intestines is extremely small.  The doctor used a balloon to 

open it wider.  I'm such a mess.

He, (the doctor), 

was enjoying my case very much.

Apparently he normally just gets to 

see routine patients.

I should have sent word ahead 

that he was going to have an 

extra special day.

He was nearly giddy

when sharing my results and pictures 

wtih us.

LOL

But............ I'm here.  And I'm able to work, pray, play and live.

After watching this morning's news and the people in the 

Philippines I know that I have nothing to complain about.

I have a home...food....water.

I have the people that love me and whom I love 

within reach by phone, internet or in proximity.

It is so sad to know the extent of tragedy so many have

been immersed in by no fault of their own.

It just is what it is.

Nature is powerful.

BUT....

Our God is greater and I trust Him to bring good 

from this mess. 

Praying for all of the Christian rescue organizations 

who are bringing aid.  May they bring the best aid of 

all to these precious people.  The wonderful story of 

Jesus love and the gift of eternal life.

And with that...

I must return to the candle kitchen.

Blessings on your day!

If You Don't Mind...

I would take some prayers today.

In the midst of this, one of my busiest weeks of the season,

I'll be prepping for an upper and lower GI today.

Not for the fun of it.

Praying that I'll be able to find out what has been causing 

severe pain in my upper right abdomen for months now.

Normally this time of the year whatever needs to be done

gets put on the back burner.....

But this one has my attention.

Thanks for your prayers.

I really appreciate it.

We Are All Called

Before finding out we were expecting with Michael

I had an appointment set up to investigate becoming 

foster parents.

I don't think it was something that Warren was ever really 

on board with and it was something that I feared.

I feared the letting go.....

the possibility of watching children be ordered

back to bad situations.

I feared a broken heart.

But, I was very interested in helping children 

in crisis.

We never went to that appointment.

It seemed when I found out about our pregnancy that 

God closed that door.

Over the next 2 decades we have come to know 

families that are either entirely or partially made up 

of members who came through the foster system 

or adoption.

These families have a special place in my heart.

What a blessing to see God make a family that way.

I have moments of longing...still.

In more recent years we have gotten very close 

to some families who were in the process of 

adoption and have seen their journey up close and 

in a very personal way.

It is hard.

It is real.

It is beautiful.

I've felt conflicted as verses are quoted about 

all of us Christians caring for the widows and the orphans.

I mean, am I that selfish that I won't get over my fear of 

flying and go to some other country and rescue as many 

children as I can from their crib?

Or shouldn't I get in line to bring home a child in need

from any other source?

Well, 

maybe I am.

It is possible that there is a part of me that

says we are about through with the hands on parenting

and would I really want to start over.

If I'm being honest this has passed through my brain.

But there is also another part that would jump to 

go and bring a child home.

However, 

I'm not the only part of the equation.

I'm not the only one who 

would be impacted by such a 

decision.

Chelsea blessed my heart this week when 

she talked in a very matter of fact way 

about the child she will adopt one day.

How sweet it would be if God did 

call her to that in His timing.

However, 

I feel very strongly that just as some are called

to teach and preach, 

some are called to serve in the background.

Some of us are called to prayer for the families that God has called

to adoption.

Some of us are to give....of our financial resources.

Some of us are to give of our time in making meals

or doing other household chores to free up the 

adoptive family to focus on special needs.

For now I have found my calling as it relates to the precious 

ones who are finding the homes God has prepared for them.

I am at peace.

I have less guilt....can't say none.

There will always be a part of me that wants 

to go.

But there is something that every one of us can do.

I wonder what he has for you?

It is a very huge blessing to become a part of the world

of adoption.

In one way....or another.

Families I am currently working with are:

The Mussers

and

The Haines

Also adopting in our home town:

The Herrs

At the very least

 I hope you will add these families to 

your prayer list.

I Can See The Sky

I know that Fall has come....and nearly gone

when I can see the sky from our back yard.

The leaves on our many trees

block the view all summer long.

Last evening I went out with the dogs

and shimmering light caught my eye from above.

I turned and looked.

It was beautiful.

Through the nearly bare branches sparkled diamonds

in the sky.

These cool dry nights feature displays of 

such beauty.

Warren got our leaf decimation system up and running

and has used it once so far. 

It will need to go again but for now I once again 

have some crunchy leaves out there to enjoy.

The challenge is getting the dogs to not leave their 

big chew bones in those leaves

only to become dangerous projectiles

when hit by the mower.

For some reason this has huge appeal for our pooches.

*****

I've heard from Chelsea 

and she is well.

A bit more than a little tired of rice

but enjoying her mission.

She is teaching English to children in Thailand.

Fun times!

We are just a bit more than a month out

from getting her back in our arms.

NONE of us can wait.

Even her brothers plan to squeeze her hard

when she gets off that plane.

I'm already "feeling her pain" after 

a 20 hour straight trip home.

But, 

I think she will be almost as happy to see

all of us.

******

I know I say it every time but I am really blessed

with candle orders.

What a little business God has given me here.

It has been fun to help raise money for our friends

who will be bringing Wyatt home from China before

the end of the year, Lord willing.

We'll be attending a walk and silent auction

which is also a fundraiser for him 

on Saturday evening.

So exciting!!

*****

It is changeover time at the theater.

Noah is gone....

and the Miracle of Christmas begins rehearsals 

next week. 

What that means for us is that Warren is busier

than usual this week as they hurry to do 

projects that can't be done during show runs.

However, it is nothing like the days when he was hands on

with changing out the shows

or like he will be when Moses is about to begin.

That will be a whole different level of intensity.

One that we enjoy in a weird sort of way.

Michael is healing nicely and will rejoin his

work family in time for the rehearsals. 

He is soooo ready!!

*****

I was blessed to spend quality time with some friends this week.

And I do mean it when I say blessed.

As a type A personality I tend to go head first into my work 

and not take the time to enjoy friendships.

But, I know that it is healthy and good for me to 

stop sometimes.

There is no doubt that when I do 

there is much joy and benefit ....

even if I look like I'm about to

 fall asleep while chatting, 

right Jen?

lol

I promise you weren't boring me.

I just never sit still that long and I totally relaxed.

I also had lunch and made a trip to an Amish farm 

with my friend, Jan.

We are considering making a switch to raw milk

and I want to visit a few farms to help me make 

a decision. 

This was the first of three or four on my list.

Yesterday found Bonnie and I chatting until the 

tea house we were in wanted to close.

Hmmm....seems to be a theme.

Warren and I did that with the Rabes once.

And I can think of a few other times, as well.

Yep, I might just have an issue with talking long.

lol

But it was sweet fellowship.

Well, 

I guess I'll get this day started 

but just wanted to pop in here quickly.

Blessings on your day!

Let's Just Pretend

I think we should just pretend that I am not crazy busy

and overwhelmed with this wonderful life I live.

Lets just pretend that there is plenty of time in this 

day before I leave for an out of town craft show

to write this blog post and share about

some fun Warren and I had last week.

You see, 

last week I pretended that I had time 

to do this fun thing.

It worked out just fine.

So, here we go again.

Because I miss being here and sharing.

We went to see Petra in concert.

Petra, who had their Farewell Tour some time ago.

Ha!

They just couldn't stay away.

And I am so glad.

It was such a fun night.

With our friends Duane and Kelly.

They are concert lovers like we are.

It is no wonder we have three kids who are so 

into the Contemporary Christian Rock Scene.

They learned it from us.

In our early dating and married days we were 

regulars at Creation Festival.

I've told you before that Warren was a camera man 

who shot video for the big screen.

I would follow behind him making sure his wires 

didn't catch on anything

all the while totally enjoying being on the back end of 

the concert scene.

So anyway, 

back to last Friday night.

Duane and Kelly got there first.

They snagged seats in the sixth row center!

This means that we were right in the eye contact zone.

The concert was in a tent that held just 600 or so people 

so there wasn't a bad seat in the house....

we just happened to have GREAT seats.

Duane and Kelly

Just color me happy!  This was too much fun!

The music was soooo good.

After 40 years, these guys can still play.

Only two were originals.

If you know Petra's history you'll 

recognize them in the photos.

We heard that they were going to come out 

and sign autographs so we hung around

and did what we never did when we were young.

We got autographs and a picture.

I know that many readers won't really care about Petra.

Just be happy for me....

That is enough.

An evening of fun out with my hubby

is golden these days.

Ha.