Week 47 of 52: Chattering Delights

Traveling this week, so a quick image with no musings.  George fascinated by the talking turkey.  One of many chattering figures his grandmother has bought to entertain grandchildren. 

Week 46 of 52 - Where has 2011 gone?

Only 6 weeks left of 2011 and with the holidays, it will seem like 6 days.

As I reflect on the last 46 weeks, I recall our goal of accomplishing Baby Step 2 of Dave Ramsey’s plan.  By God’s grace, we finished this in July.  We paused for celebration and vacation, and then began cranking into Baby Step 3:  3-6 months of expenses in the bank.

I must confess, I’ve needed a jump start, so Walt suggested a new sign – SAVING FOR EVERYTHING and we color in a letter every time we save a certain amount.  I’m such a kid; I’m surprised he didn’t buy smiley face stickers.   Of course, another sign on the wall delays painting the bedroom walls…possibly his ulterior motive?

As we chip away at this goal, distractions are inevitable. One of the TVs has broken, the couch cushions have ink pen marks, and our little table is elbow-to-elbow crowded.   We are trying our best to ignore these things.  Heck, with 2 boys, I might as well hone my “ruined furniture” ignoring skills for the next decade.

My aging laptop is the one distraction I cannot ignore.   The hard drive and memory are pushing their limits, and when I edit, it spins in circles and sends me a love note:  “not responding, not responding, not responding”.  I hold my breath, hoping today isn’t the final crash.  So we will pause a month, replace, and move on.  

Anyone who knows me isn’t surprised I’ve invested countless hours deciding… Mac or PC… laptop or desktop… buy used to save a little now, or buy new to avoid re-visiting for a few years.  And anyone who knows Walt knows he would have made the decision in 5 minutes by running to Wal-Mart and grabbing the weekly special.  So if anyone loves or hates their computer, do tell, because Walt is beyond tired of talking about it.

As for this week’s photos, our life group visited a lake retreat near Monticello, GA.  It was rumored to be a getaway for Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood!  I couldn’t resist checking out an aging cabin on the property.

Note how the fireplace is leaning as compared to the chimney outside.

When Walt saw the photos, he commented:  You went in that cabin? 

Me:  Yes

Walt:  Where was Samuel?

Me:  On my back.

Walt:  So you took him in that cabin with the holes in the floor to take photos?  

Me:  Yes.

Walt:  You do realize they are getting ready to tear it down because it’s not stable?

Me:  Um, no, can't say as I did.

 But alas, a glimpse into something we won’t see again.

Week 45 of 52 - The Stories They Would Tell

I wonder about each one…

Who bought it, and how many times did it change hands?

How did it find its way here and how much time has passed?

Who did it carry to earn a week’s wages?

 

Did an owner ever place a wager on my Chevy against your old Ford down that straightaway?

Did cheers erupt and wedding bells ever chime as it pulled away from a church?

Did it ever carry whiskey out of a holler?

Was a sick child ever tenderly held as a mother prayed they would make it in time?

Owners long gone, likely passed on from this earth.  The things we leave behind, and the stories these old trucks could tell.