Nearly Ready

It's all over but the shouting. Fourth of July, 2007 is history. The weather forecast was rain but the rain held off until about six oclock in the evening. The air was so warm and muggy that we had our picnic indoors in the comfort of air conditioning. Noone complained. When the guys came in with their grilled prizes, they looked as if they had just showered. Wet, wet, wet. Sweat, sweat, sweat. Our guests enjoyed thick fat pork chops and beautiful lean hamburgers. We had a feast fit for royalty and had a good time fellowshiping as well. We had planned to attend a holiday program at a local church but the rain put a crimp in our zeal. When my step mother mentioned to my father that the rest of us planned to attend the program, he said, "Oh, I was just enjoying this fellowship". I think that was also a decisive element in our decision to stay put. We just hunkered down around the TV and watched the Washington DC program and fireworks. We soon found ourselves without cable because of the storm and had to resort to putting in a VHS tape. (This is what some call progress, makes my blood boil when that happens) My husband is hooked on the Gaither series of videos and plugged in one made in Washington DC in l998. Everyone seemed to enjoy listening to the hymns that ring out our joy at being free in Christ. A few patriotic favorites were thrown in the mix and we were all inspired once again.

Today we are preparing for tomorrow's expected departure for our two weeks to the west. Ken is mowing the lawn in hopes that it won't be a foot tall by the time we return. Perhaps someone will have mercy on us and mow for us. We will see. If not, it only takes a couple of hours and it will be groomed again. I ran to Merrillville this morning and did some last minute errands. I don't recall feeling so prepared for a vacation in a long time. I am calm and feel like we have things very much together.

I think I explained a week ago about the van the Lord dropped from the heavens just in time for our trip. Purchasing that van made it necessary to sell one of our cars. My husband put "for sale" signs in it and parked it in town where it is very visible. We got several calls which was encouraging. I told the Lord it would be so wonderful if it would sell before our trip so that Ken didn't have that hanging over his head while we vacationed. Yesterday, someone made a commitment on the car and the deal is supposed to be finalized this afternoon. God is so good.

I made a trip to the local library this morning to get some books to read while we are gone. I don't know how much time I'll have to read but I do wish to be prepared so as not to waste time. I also got the "The Thornbirds" on tape so that if I need to drive during the night, I will have something to keep my mind active. A lady in the audio aisle highly recommended the book. I have heard the title often but have not read it so I'm looking forward to hearing the classic story.