I found an angel there. Her name is Christina Estes. She emailed me today that she got a new car and wanted to donate her old car. She remembered that I spoke about needing a new car during one of the sessions. She emailed to ask me if I was interested in receiving her old car free of charge. She truly is an angel!

I hope everyone is doing well and all my prayers go out to
Tori, Sarah, their family, and everyone else’s!

(will somebody please give me a cuntdown on our climb toward 600, for pete’s sake….and for my sake, too?)

But, as has been stated before, if you get close to Russ you’re going to get a whiff of that cologne. Before I knew Russ better I would give him a hug to give to Tori, and drive home saying ‘What IS that smell in my car !?!’ before I realized it was the cologne.

( Now,BTW, I hug Russ for Russ…I love his willingness to be an evolving person. He would be the first to tell you his history and his struggles, many of which I identify with, and he doesn’t pretend to be anything more than what the rest of us are: a struggling child of God, grateful for His Grace. At least, that’s my take. But Russ doesn’t need me to speak for him. Take it away Russ… )

small-j

So the one funny moment–he can barely follow the questions, then they send in a nurse (a very nice nurse) from the Philipines who he can’t understand!!! She’s repeating over and over “When did you have your last bowel movement? What is your bowel movement pattern?” and he can’t understand. Evidently she just didn’t have the English skills to rephrase it in a more “down home” way!!! I helped when I could, but not with that one–maybe he doesn’t want his DIL talking about his bowel patterns!!! :-/

And my dear husband was impatient with all the questions and with all the things we had to do (like marking his clothing). I told him to look at the bright side; when it’s my turn, he’ll know how to admit me!! He said he’s just dropping me at the door!! :- )

By the way, I may be a Gramma, but I’m a long way from N.H. placement, I hope!!

“(Five Stars) Absolutely delicious! This is everything you want in a sarsaparilla. It has the subtle taste difference that makes it different from a regular root beer. The carbonation, creaminess, and spice were all spot on. As far as I am concerned this is the best sarsaparilla out there, so if you can find it, don ’ t hesitate to pick up this treat straight out of Jackson Hole, Wyoming (which I hear is a beautiful place to visit).”

They apparently can be found at some Fred Meyer stores. This beverage can also be purchased from the Old 52 General Store in Sabin, MN or online at http://www.shopold52.com/store/product.asp?productID=146&submit=Go

At the same time I feel exhausted, adrenalin is going down :-/. (And additionally I’ve had a somewhat restless night.) LindaB, I’m eating – though at minimum level. Over the day I feel to tense to eat more than a few bites.

You might not be able to avoid it! As Tori has told us numberous times, Russ believes if a little is good, a whole lot is even better! And she’s right. (But it smells good though, Russ!)

It’s a dark world, they’ve bought the devil’s lies,
It’s a dark world where evil‘s been disguised,
It’s a dark world, can the light ever rise
In this dark world?

There’s an old man trapped in bed, his wisdom is ignored,
His kids can’t spare the time, they don’t want him anymore,
There are thousands of children who never get a name,
Life stopped before they’re born, it’s a holocaust of shame.

So we sit and shake our heads at the depravity,
I claim to know the truth, but who would listen to me?
We can see their desperation, we can hear their cry,
We stay in our small corner, ‘cause we’re too afraid to try.

We’ve got to let His light shine,
We’ve got to let His light shine through us,
We’ve got to let His light shine through us,
In this dark world.

It’s a dark world, they’ve bought the devil’s lies,
It’s a dark world where evil is disguised,
It’s a dark world, can the light ever rise
In this dark world?

My fave Russ Taff album I’ve heard so far, and still holds up for me, is his frist Christmas one.

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/russ-taff-i-cry/60c028558d3a597f9b1c60c028558d3a597f9b1c-418275066239?q=I+cry+Russ+Taff&FROM=LKVR5&GT1=LKVR5&FORM=LKVR1

Oh, and I should probably clarify that the reason I usually end up getting all wet when meeting a woman for the first time is becuase at some point they end up throwing their drink in my face. I’m guessing Tori will use some restraint, especially in front of the SGM crowd, and will hopefully only slobber a little.

jonny, so THAT’S why you are scared of Tori! You should be!! LOL No, I’m just kidding. She is a gracious southern lady and will be very sensitive about making you comfortable! No worries there! It’s ME you got to worry about! LOL (Still joking. Can’t help it!)

The album I’m referring to is an early to mid-eighties Christian complelation thing. Before he did I still Believe.

@ auburn60: she once confussed she did. Here on this blog, if I’m not mistaken. She may not normally do that, though. She also let me know she would hold little to nothing back if, and when we did meet. So in putting two and two together; and based on past women meeting me for the first time experiences, I’m preparing myself for some serious slobberin’ !

Meeting new and fun type people may make you uncomfortable. MEET THEM ANYWAY! (Loved that piece by Mother Teresa.)

Grammajac, I am praying for your father-in-law! This must be frightening for him! And your husband. (And I think your limerick is brilliant! Good job!)

“I’ll dress as someone into Southern Gospel Music !!” (jonny)
I’ll loan you an outfit—–one size fits all.

Rachel, you’re a songwriter too? I’m so impressed! Do you write mainly for your brother? Can we have an example of your lyric writing? I would love it!

Barb, I am hoping and praying for Russ to win yet another Dove Award on the 24th! Come to think about it……has he EVER been up for an award and DIDN’T win it? I can’t remember any time! AND, about all the beans you spilled about me, I love you too, Sweetpea!

jonny, I don’t know what album you’re talking about. Ya got me! Russ did sing a song (I Still Believe) that I THINK was a Dann Huff song. He also had songs on the soundtracks of several movies—–like The Apostle (Ain’t No Grave–one of my favorites). He was reported to have a song on the soundtrack of a Steven Seagal film (Fire Down Below), but I bought it and Russ wasn’t on it! I recently discovered that he sang on a Glen Campbell album that I didn’t know about. It was a gospel album made shortly after his conversion. I have one album made by Glen after he found Christ that is very very good! One song (Come Harvest Time) makes me cry every time I hear it!!! But I’m rambling. Maybe Tori would know what album you’re talking about. Or Russ! You’d love meeting him, jonny—-he is so dang nice!! He doesn’t have the ego that I thought he would have being a multiple Grammy and Dove winner, and having the phenomenal success he’s had! And he only hugs you if you hug first! Whereas Tori waits for no man!! LOL (BTW, whatch you got against hugging?)

I have this crazy brain that doesn’t always shut off when it should:

There once was a girl from Nantucket
Who fell down a hill with her bucket.
“I fell down a hill?
But my name ain’t Jill!
My pail is bent, I’ll just chuck it!

Ta-Da–NO obscenities!!! jonny, put music to it and we may have a hit on our hands!! LOL!

Oh, and the tin root beer sign I have says, “Old Fashioned ROOT BEER” on it. Got it from Old Town Placerville, California.

Last night I had to teach a class a floor below him. I had the class set up and had a few minutes so ran in to see him. He was completely disoriented and could barely string together a sentence. I had students that were going to be walking in the door and his nurse was busy, so I called my husband and told him to call. Evidently his blood sugars were goofy. He’d shot up to 300, they gave him insulin, and he had gone down to 60 and was still dropping. I stopped back after class and the nurse “suggested” that if they didn’t have this under control by today, we should dig our heals in about him leaving the hospital at all today. Unfortunately, all of this is falling on my hubby’s shoulders–so pray for my FIL, but also for wisdom for my husband.

” If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway. If you are successful you will win some false friends and true enemies; Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you’ve got anyway You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway.” –Mother Teresa

Ya know, when there’s this many posts, it’s hard to find your place if you step away for a while! I hope Tori gets home soon!

My family thinks I’ve gone nuts!! I sit and laugh at my computer! (‘Course my youngest is 16 and thinks everything I do is a bit strange!)

I actually caught a bit of shut eye, but grateful my suggestion took us over the 500 water mark = )

Sure Gramma Jac, we know what you REALLY meant ! But I ain’t tellin’ !!

Yep, Barbara, got what you meant the first time, and yes she is. She is also a lot of fun having a lot of fun with so I threw in the Say it!s what I did.

Hope that’s everything I sgould have responded to ! Congrats everyone ! I think Tori owes us all a Root Beer, Cream soda or diet Coke now. Something in that vain anyway ! ; )

I met Bill last year and that was cool. Would LOVE to have a deep conversation with Gloria. Oh and Emily Sutherland…well, she and Scott just might be as nice as the BOOTH’S. It’s a close call!

And all TAFF’S…goes without saying…

I met Russ, Tori and girls all at the same time. Tori and I had e-mailed for a while and I had looked for her all over FF and Gatlinburg without success. I was starting to think she wasn’t really there. I met Russ because I stopped him to ask where Tori might be. No ‘I’m your biggest fan!’ or ‘ I love your music!’ …just ‘Where’s Tori?’. HA! He probably thought, ‘What’s her deal?’…

Tori and I squealed like 12 y.o.’s when we finally met face-to-face. And I talked to some of the best teenage girls that afternoon: Madi, Patience Randle,Morgan Easter and Morgan Younce. Sweet,smart girls. I THINK it was later on …maybe another year…that I told Russ he needed to change out of his ‘medals’ shirt to go to lunch. Then realized I had actually said that OUT LOUD! But he just laughed.

I’ve gone to see Russ in small churches when he’s come close to where I live. I’ve gotten ‘hugs and sniffs’ for Momma Lloyd but never been able to deliver them. And I’ve driven home smelling strongly of Russ Taff cologne! Tori doesn’t usually accompany him on those but Madi tears up the job at the product table. She even patiently answers ‘Are you Madi or Charlotte?’ about 20 times in one evening.

What were we talking about?…

And besides that, he has a new cd coming out any day now….and I can hardly wait to hear it! Boy, are you in luck, Grandma Jack! (lol)

I just watched on tv today “The Best of David Phelps” and it got me so excited when David would hit those high notes and Russ would be standing beside him doing his very own spirit-filled Russ Taff shuffle. Not only does Russ have a beautiful and undeniably-Russ Taff voice, but he also has specific moves from his face to his toes that make him especially wonderful to watch. And his heart is as beautiful as his voice.

Besides that, he has great taste….he married our Tori. And, they are a terrific couple….with two terrific girls. Gracious, I could post 500 pages all by myself if we are going to stick to the topic of the Taffs.

jonny dear, there are all kinds of love and in the purest sense, we as Christians are told to love one another. It doesn’t say to love only the opposite sex in this command….it says everyone. But I will have to say what a little old lady in my church used to say: “Honey, I love everybody; but some are just a little bit easier to love than others.” And, jonny, our LikndaB is very easy to love.

I checked youtube–lots of Dave Woodwards. Did he write “Things Change” and is this him? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIkPtKA-g-4&feature=related

My brother is called Dave Woodward, he is a Christian singer-songwriter (well actually, by profession, he’s an air traffic controller but he’d love to be able to do music full time). There aren’t that many opportunities in England. Russ was kind enough to ask him to opem for him in his concert over here.

Wierd weather in WI too–sun shining while it rains/sleets.

As far as harmony stuff goes, make mine the Blind Boys of Alabama ! = )

I was a Tori fan before I was a true Russ fan, but once I’d heard him live I was totally sold. It was a pleasure spending time with him, and the girls still talk about playing with him at Grandma and Grandad’s house whenever his voice comes out of the car stereo (regularly). I will always remember the weekend Russ was at Mum and Dad’s church as the most exhausting of my life – he didn’t see me at my best!

For what it’s worth, naturally.

@ Barbara: I was only referring to Linda’s one post. It doesn’t, and never did affect you. It’s all good ! = )

@ delighted: Can’t remember if I’ve commented or not, but sounds like seriously good news ! Thanks again for the share !! = )

I am enjoying these stories ladies, keep them coming!

In case you are wondering and even if you aren’t….my children are positively happy that I am having so much fun in my widowhood years…..and they have come to love the Taffs, too. They are surprise though that times have reversed to where they come into my home they have to turn down this rock music so they can hear themselves talk….when I used to have to do that to them when they were in their teens.

Hope you all are rootin for Russ to win the Dove Award on Sunday night at 7:00 (est) on Easter. I am so please and excited that he has been nominated, for goodness sake!

Anyway, my younger son and his wife and I were on the Gaither cruise to Alaska and, while I was especially looking forward to it being a Gaither cruise and with my Russ aboard, I had told my kids many times that I could never be one of those women who made fools of themselves over the artists. I had more dignity than that.

One day, my daughter-in-love and I (Donna) were standing waiting for an elevator to go down and the elevator door opened but it was going up. Then I saw Russ inside the elevator and with one leap I was inside and standing almost on top of Russ Taff. Poor Donna almost got caught in the elevator doors trying to keep up with me. And there I was gushing to Russ, not only about him but about Tori, too, and he told me where she wouldbe that night so that I coud meet her. I asked for a picture and he suggested that I wait until e get off the elevator, which I agreed might work better…..so then Donna took our picture and Russ was carrying that famous coffee cup.

The next day I met the Taffs in a shop onshore and discovered Tori to be just as delightful in person as she is on paper. I immediately filled out papers to adopt the Taff family.

I wish I could just take a nap at this point, but I am at work and will pack more when I get home. I would probably be done if I hadn’t kept making excuses to leave.

A couple of things after reading this novella.
1. At the women’s retreat my roommate said her husband puts peanut butter in his chili. EEWWW! Even she said it wasn’t great and she likes his cooking.
2. Delighted, I am praying for your family.
3. I liked Peach Nee-Hi however that is spelled. There are too many posts to go check. I can’t find it anymore, but my grandma and I both loved it. It was one of the few things were weren’t allowed to just take from her fridge.
4. Today I am wearing my dtr’s bra because my husband confused them in the laundry. Uncomforable! She is thinner around than me!!
5. LindaB – died laughing at your Russ “meeting”.
6. jonny – you know ALOT about root beer and soft drinks in general. Wow!

First some background—-I loved Russ Taff’s music since the first time I heard him singing with the Imperials. Long before I knew Tori, long before he signed up with Bill Gaither’s Homecoming. I own every recording he ever made——including when he sang a duet on the Young Messiah with Sheila Walsh! If he sang a duet with anyone, I had to have that recording! My kids had to listen to his recordings over and over and over again! I loved his passion when he sang about the Lord. I loved his unique voice….there are just a few great singers that you KNOW who’s singing immediately after hearing the first note, and he’s one of them. I loved the emotion that came through his vocals…..he made you glad you were a believer! He made it “cool” to be listening for the Trumpet of Jesus while the world listened to different voices! I was a fan of southern gospel growing up, but kind of got away from it. But the Imperials brought a new “style” to that music! It was more contemporary, more exciting, smoother more complex harmonies, … yet the same beautiful message.

Well, in about 2004 I signed up on the Gaithernet site at the urging of my husband who wanted me to learn how to use a computer since I was dragging my feet into the internet age. He figured I’d be motivated to be on the site and learn about Gaither’s Homecoming stuff. And I was. Tori chatted on that site and I got to know her a little. And then, a my friend Myrna asked me if I’d like to go with her to Toronto and a Homecoming concert taping!! And she had worked Russ’ table before and said she’d introduce me to him! Well, that was an offer I couldn’t refuse!! So she stopped by my house and picked me up and we drove to Toronto, stayed in a lovely hotel, and went to the concert! We checked out Russ’ table during intermission and he wasn’t there. We hung around for a while but didn’t see him, so we went back to our seats so we wouldn’t miss the second half. And all of a sudden, I looked back and THERE WAS RUSS TAFF coming down the isle about two sections over and I don’t know why I did this—-I don’t usually behave this way, but I dropped my purse and camera and took off running to where he was, with Myrna behind me! I got up to him, and I’m gonna admit this right here, my heart was pounding! I stopped him and didn’t even give Myrna the chance to introduce me like a decent southern lady would have done.

Now, I had sort of made notes before I ever left Michigan on what I would say to him. I was going to say, “Russ, I’ve been an avid fan since you first started singing with the Imperials. I went to see you whenever you were within driving distance! I have every recording you’ve ever made! (And then most of the things I said above about his voice and “emotion drenched” vocals!) I practiced it. I had it down!

So, there he was….standing right in front of me….and what did I say? I blurted out, “I LOVE YOU, RUSS”! Yep! That was it! I’m sure I looked like a lovesick St.Bernard! Here was a 50-plus grandmother……a pillar of the community…..a church going, somewhat dignified woman declaring to this man who didn’t know me from Adam that I loved him! I forgot my speech. I forgot my name! It was so embarrassing. And before he could say much, (what could he say?) Bill called him up on stage for the next part of the concert.

When I got home, my kids knew how much I was looking forward to meeting him and my youngest asked me, “What did you say when you finally met him, Mom?” I told her and she FELL ON THE FLOOR LAUGHING! “You DIDN’T Mom? You didn’t?? Did you??” I thought we were going to have to call 911—-she was laughing so hard, she couldn’t catch her breath!

Then, when I got back on Gaithernet, folks wanted to know all about how my meeting went and I told them the truth. They were laughing their heads off, and then Russ came online and posted, “Linda, I love you too!” HE READ WHAT I SAID! At first, I thought it was Tori messin’ with me—-’cause she’s funny that way, but after a few minutes, he convinced me it was him! I was sitting watching TV with my hubby when this happened and I said, “Honey! Russ Taff is chatting with me on G-net! Can you believe it?” And he said, “So……does that mean you won’t be making popcorn like you promised?”

And/or those seriously into Southern Gospel Music could list their top three artists and a word or two on why they bless you so ! = )

I wish I was planning on attending this year – I don’t think its going to be possible for a long time, sadly. 2008 was probably a one-off, it was the start of a three week holiday we had in the smokey mountains, and its a bit too far to go for a weekend – especialy with the family. My only hope is if I can persuade Jon to stay at home with the kids for a long weekend and I get to FF or GF by myself one year. Its a long shot though!

The whole clan are planning to go back to the Smokey Mountains in August 2013 but that (obviously) doesn’t coincide with Family Fest.

Are you plannning on attending F.F. this year?

jonny, that Frankenmuth Brewery info is interesting! Isn’t it amazing that someone in Finland can go online and find out so much stuff about an establishment in a little town in mid-Michigan?

LindaB – Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah. I just found that post in the archives. It was in my lurking days and I remember reading the first comments but didn’t see what happened afterwards. Seriously??!! I’m not going to say anything else in case people are still lurking.Do you know what really annoys me though – I was lurking – and I didn’t know you, Alyson, Tori. Momma Lloyd or anyone – and you had never even heard of me … and that was the year I (and my entire family including Mum) were AT familyfest. I could have met you all in the flesh (I maybe even walked past you), I could have even met themema. Why oh why did I lurk? Never lurk!! If you can remember back to 2008 – snd saw nearly 4 year old and nearly 2 year old girls with English accents dancing in the aisles – they were MY girls. I really hope I didn’t miss my ONLY chance to meet you all.

Here’s what I found on the net…

FRANKENMUTH (WJRT) — (10/28/10) — Something new
is brewing in Frankenmuth.

The brewery is known for the variety of beer created and served there. Last month, a softer drink showed up on the menu. “When I was 10 years old I started making root beer,” Brewmaster Jeff Coon said. Since then, Coon has been perfecting his recipe, using ingredients like fresh vanilla, wintergreen and licorice.

But the most important ingredient for Frankie’s is locally grown. “The sugar industry, especially here in Frankenmuth, is a huge one with sugar beets. That’s why we use local sugar,” Coon said. Coon uses 500 pounds of sugar to make a 25-barrel batch of “Frankie’s.” He also sells it by the 12-ounce bottle.

He started brewing it to serve his younger customers. “Still, more than anything, it’s kids. But there are a lot of adults who don’t necessarily drink beer that will try it and like it as well.”

We asked Clio High School senior Hannah Close what she thought of Frankie’s. “It’s good. It’s really different. Not like other root beer I’ve tasted. It’s not quite as sweet, but it’s got its own unique flavor.”

“When you first taste it, yes, you have the sweetness. Yes, you have the aroma of root beer, but then after it goes down, there’s a distinct bite, where it’s like, yeah, that’s pretty good,”

Coon said. You’ll notice there’s a dachshund on the label of Frankie’s root beer. That’s because since the 1930s, the dachshund has been used in advertising at the Frankenmuth Brewery.

Coon says he’s excited about the way Frankie’s has caught on, and is working on a plan to make it available at retail outlets.

(Copyright ©2011 WJRT-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

Rachel, the post started out with Tori talking about getting ready for Char to go back to school, and they were going bra shopping. It went downhill from there! So, I think it was in August and just before the back to school thing. And I think it was in 2008.

We’ve had a lot of fun on this blog, didn’t we? Remember the one where Tori told us to Google our name plus the word “is”? That was hilarious!

Delighted, we are praying for you, Dear! Be strong! Be of good courage! You can do this! And your strength will inspire your husband! Keep us up to date on what’s going on. And remember—YOU ARE LOVED!!

Still praying for you and your husband, Delighted, during this worrying time. Praising God for the news on Sarah, and continuing to pray.

I too, am tempted to go back though the archives to see what made jonny blush!! It could well be I was here for it, but you know what my memory is like.

I’m very English, but a cross between Essex and Geordie – which are possibly the two most commonly stereotyped sort of English people that you get – and I fit neither (I am relieved to say)!

Prayers for all–including the lost undergarments.

Auburn and Linda, when was the incident that almost got you removed?!
:-/
That would be worth a trip down archives-lane!

I bet Tori is so proud of “y’all”! (Can I use that contraction–heck I’m originally from southern Wisconsin!!LOL!)

It couldn’t be on the 28th of May anyway because I would have to be in Nor Cal on that day, that weekend. Possibly the weekend before, or after.

J-I think May 28 is Family Fest.

We were rolling along, getting ready for church this morning. Things were pretty normal…as normal as Sun. mornings ever are around here, when I got ready to get dressed I could not find a bra! Not a white one, not a red one, not a black one! I turned everything upside down! Now, most of you don’t know me but there is no way I was bouncing off to church without the proper foundation garments. (Did you see what I did there?) Just wasn’t happening. I found a couple of bras belonging to the girls, but while we are all sufficiently endowed, we are not interchangable,if you know what I mean.

I’ve had all day to ponder this mystery. I think the daughter who is moving may have grabbed a bunch of stuff from the laundry room and packed it up. I intend to ask her when she gets home from work. Or the dog dragged them out to the far corners of the yard. Or someone planted their new spring container garden in them. IT’S A MYSTERY.

I have had issues with underwear before. Tori probably remembers when I nearly missed part of FF because my intimates were locked in my motel bathroom, along with various repairmen and strangers with pliers and wrenches. I guess I’ll order some more bras tonight and hide them somewhere safe. Not sure where that will be,however. Some things should be sacred.

In 1899, the first patent was issued for a glass-blowing machine for the automatic production of glass bottles. Earlier glass bottles had all been hand-blown. Four years later, the new bottle-blowing machine was in operation. It was first operated by the inventor, Michael Owens, an employee of Libby Glass Company. Within a few years, glass bottle production increased from 1,500 bottles a day to 57,000 bottles a day. Hom-Paks and Vending Machines During the 1920s, the first “Hom-Paks” were invented. “Hom-Paks” are the familiar six-pack beverage carrying cartons made from cardboard. Automatic vending machines also began to appear in the 1920s. The soft drink had become an American mainstay.

Over 1,500 U.S. patents were filed for either a cork, cap, or lid for the carbonated drink bottle tops during the early days of the bottling industry. Carbonated drink bottles are under a lot of pressure from the gas. Inventors were trying to find the best way to prevent the carbon dioxide or bubbles from escaping. In 1892, the “Crown Cork Bottle Seal” was patented by William Painter, a Baltimore machine shop operator. It was the first very successful method of keeping the bubbles in the bottle.

The drinking of either natural or artificial mineral water was considered a healthy practice. The American pharmacists selling mineral waters began to add medicinal and flavorful herbs to unflavored mineral water. They used birch bark, dandelion, sarsaparilla, and fruit extracts. Some historians consider that the first flavored carbonated soft drink was that made in 1807 by Doctor Philip Syng Physick of Philadelphia. Early American pharmacies with soda fountains became a popular part of culture. The customers soon wanted to take their “health” drinks home with them and a soft drink bottling industry grew from consumer demand.

In 1810, the first United States patent was issued for the “means of mass manufacture of imitation mineral waters” to Simons and Rundell of Charleston, South Carolina. However, carbonated beverages did not achieve great popularity in America until 1832, when John Mathews invented his apparatus for the making carbonated water. John Mathews then mass-manufactured his apparatus for sale to soda fountain owners.

In 1767, the first drinkable man-made glass of carbonated water was created by Englishmen Doctor Joseph Priestley . Three years later, Swedish chemist Torbern Bergman invented a generating apparatus that made carbonated water from chalk by the use of sulfuric acid. Bergman’s apparatus allowed imitation mineral water to be produced in large amounts.

“Sarah has had a quiet day at home watching Perri play in the back yard and napping. The spinal fluid situation seems to have stabilized!! She doesn’t have a lot of stamina but that will come in time…….good day!”

Thank God for a good day for that poor girl!!!

Sassafras is the “root” in root beer. However, in the mid-60’s, the FDA
discovered that a chemical in sassafras called safrole caused cancer in rats, and proceded to ban its sale for edible uses. This sent the root
beer industry into a frenzy trying to find a replacement flavor (they
eventually came up with something that’s a combination of licorice
root — that’s not anise, and doesn’t taste like it — and wintergreen).

Many people (myself included) believe that safrole is only dangerous
when extracted from the sassafras root itself (there is a common
theory in herbal medicine that there are other chemicals present in
the plant that cancel out the harmful effects of things like safrole).

And it seems Sarsaparilla comes from a different source. Also for Root Beer, the flavoring could come originally from the sassafras root, or bark.

Momma LLoyd – a month and a week late?? I was about to say that there is no way I would have drunk castor oil – but at a month and a week I probably would have done ANYTHING. Daniel was 2 weeks late and that was more than enough, thank you.

Tori – I hope you really enjoyed your impromptu day of fun.

Blondie – I’m glad you’re still here.

I have a feeling Tori’s next post is going to be all about Denver. If you were going to be shipwrecked on an island or figured into a layover at any airport, wouldn’t you want to have Tori with you? Hmmmm, and maybe the rest of her family, too?

They always say that there are two seasons in Wisconsin,..winter and road construction. I work in a town that often floods in the spring, but the main highway (which takes me to work) is high. In the great wisdom of someone, they tore out the bridge NOW to redo it, which means that if it floods the detour is under water! Not sure why they didn’t wait a month!

Come back, Johnnie! Join the insanity!

I’m back from hospital but need to ‘re-collect’ myself :-/
I’ll comment a bit later again

I heard on the news this morning that because of that hole opening up on that Southwest Flight that a number of similar planes were taken out of service, and that caused hundreds of flights to be cancelled. Maybe that’s the reason for your problems at the airport. Don’t mean to make you nervous, but I’d wear that seat belt the whole flight if I were you!

OK, I am stuck in Denver. Flew here yesterday from Seattle to change planes, got to the gate and they announced that our plane was having problems, wouldn’t be in (if at all) until after midnight which wouldn’t put us home until about 3 or 4 in the morning. Ad THAT was iffy. Luckily, there were five of us, all bloggers, so while Carrie (who’s Cuban and passionate and a great negotiator) went to talk to the customer service people, Lindsay and I sat down on the floor and started using Twitter– found a @flyfrontier address and started tweeting that we were stuck and we sure hoped Frontier would do the right thing and put us up in a hotel. Within minutes I got an answer from the Frontier people AT THE AIRPORT and Carrie kept talking to the customer service people and we ended up with hotel rooms paid for by Frontier, so we wouldn’t have to sit at the airport for hours just to find out if they were going to fly out or not. (I think they eventually did!) Just woke up here, going with the other girls into Denver for the day– first flight they could put us on doesn’t leave until 7 tonight and we got the last tickets on that one!

Girls are home alone, but at 18 and 14, that’s not too big of a deal. I’m sure ready to be home, though!

BTW, Happy Mother’s Day to you!!!

BTW, I will surely pray for your financial situation to be worked out for your good and God’s Kingdom.

I’ve had Faygo at old Sac and/or Old Town Placerville where all my family live now, but don’t have an empty in my collection. I believe they may be pasted on labels.

I’ve also had Jones and Hires. Would love to get a Hires painted on label bottle at some point. I’ve even used images from old Hires Root Beer adds for various event posters ! I can’t remember what the Jone’s bottles were like, though = /

jonny – I’m looking forward to 300, but we’re all going to get nervous when we’re in the late 290s in case we all press ‘say it’ at the same time and inadvertantly steal your thunder.

small-j

Well, I think I’ll take a little break now and check the count !

Now, I’ve heard of root beer because my brother discovered it in America and likes it, but birch beer? Thats a new one for me.

Is it made with birch sap? I’ve tried that before, freshly drilled from the tree (one of the many delights of having a husband who is into bushcraft and foraging for food in nature).

Going back to the root beer topic, sort of, a little grocery store behind the building where I live received a tiny shipment of Boylan’s Original Birch Beer ! Man, it’s good ! Interestingly enough, I’m told there were only two shops in Helsinki that had it when it came into country last week, or just shortly before that. One of which just happens to be my fave little shop in my neck of the woods = )

And as for memory loss – I haven’t forgotten any members of my family yet! Not quite that bad. I am just always amazed at other people’s ability to recall details of things that happened years ago. There are whole years of my life that I couldn’t tell you any specifics that happened – although I could put together a general overview. I forget events, places, conversations and even people. What I do remember are images, some ‘real’ images of things I have seen and some ‘mental images’ of the way things have made me feel.

small-j

So, no long term memory… Does that mean you have trouble remembering who you’re married to from time to time, or who your kids belong to ??

Oh yeah, sorry about the taking clothes off remark. That was imsensitive of me. I’ve helped out in a few homes for the elderly in the past and some of those staying there could suddenly start doing that as well; even at sea level. I forgot that could be hitting a little close to home for some of you here at Bloomr = / My bad !

Thanks!

Gramma Jac…..still praying for your father-in-law! How was he today?

Now you all know why my husband is losing his hair—–living with ME! But it was hilarious…..even from the closet!

Jolene wanted my chicken broccoli Alfredo and I cooked it in our little hotel suite kitchen. Betty was watching me make it and I melted three sticks of butter in a pan, poured in a quart of heavy cream, and Betty pretty near fell on the floor!! “You’re gonna use ALL THAT BUTTER??? AND HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM???? Are you trying to kill us??” Well, I had to tell her that THAT’S what Alfredo sauce is—–very fattening! Anyway, I made it and she ate it. In fact, she ate the leftovers for breakfast the next day. Of course, that doesn’t mean it was that good, it’s just that Betty HATED to waste anything!! If I’d put peanut butter in it, she would have eaten it! LOL

And then…..oh well, I’ll save that for another post.

Okay, Tori, here’s the facts: I have seen LindaB rolling around on the floor in a supermarket in either Kentucky or Ohio….but not in syrup, and it was positively funny!!! Or, was that Betty Morris? Regardless, it was funny…. thank goodness, it wasn’t in my home town. My little ‘ole sisters would have had her in the middle of a prayer circle with hands layed on firmly, praying up a storm.

That reminds me of a story. (Be nice!) My best friend and neighbor has a sister who tries to cook, but she loves peanut butter and thinks if she adds it to anything, it will be better! She makes potato salad, and adds a cup of peanut butter. She makes lasagna and adds a layer of peanut butter! She stirs some in her spaghetti sauce. And it’s disgusting! We used to have potluck dinners and barbecues together —-our family with theirs, in their back yard. And her sister would bring her latest culinary masterpiece, with a liberal addition of peanut butter. So, my friend would try to steer her in some other direction. But she would not be detered! Finally, one time she talked her into bringing potato chips! And she agreed! So, here she comes to the party with a couple big bags of chips……and some chip dip she made with French onion dip mixed with PEANUT BUTTER!! We had the hardest time not laughing! She thought she was the best cook in the world! We didn’t want to hurt her feelings for anything! So….we ate some. Oh boy. Not good.

Delighted, I’m so sorry to hear your husband gave you a scare this weekend! I’m glad to find out the stroke was “slight” and am praying for him to completely recover! I know how you feel….when my husband had a heart attack a couple years ago, I panicked——-I was afraid he was going to leave me here with our kids!!!! I can’t face them alone!!! LOL I’m also praying for you, Sweetheart!! You take care of yourself!! Eat something……anything……eat for your hubby and us! If something happened to you, what would your hubby do then……or what would we do here on Babybloomr without YOU? If we lived closer, I’d bake up something and bring it to you and make you eat!!! Don’t make me come over there!!!

I see Sarah is slated to go home again today. Ya know, it may be just me, but shouldn’t someone who had 15 hours of brain surgery a little over a week ago AVOID ROLLER COASTERS??? Poor thing! And poor Momma!!! Back and forth, back and forth! Makes me dizzy. It sounds like this spinal drainage problem (which sounds unbelieveably serious to me) is a common problem after brain surgery. I’m praying that God will take over the management of her spinal fluid, that she will start healing, and feeling better and better every day……while AT HOME, for goodness sakes! No more moves! I wonder if she has headaches from the surgery? A car ride cannot be comfortable, I imagine.

Do I hear an “Amen”?? (That should be good for a few more posts! LOL!)

When my younger son was in second grade at a Christian school, they were studying the Rapture when my grandmother went Home. Mark was very close to her and I knew he was having a hard time. After the funeral he said this to me: “I know where she has gone but it still hurts my heart…and then a few minutes later: “Mommy, would it hurt your feelings if I asked you something?”….”when the Rapture comes, do you mind if I fly on up ahead with Mom-Mom Jester?”

Have we hit 300 yet?

*making shhhhhh gesture and slinking away*

jonny, we’re nearly at the next milestone – are you standing by?

Momma Lloyd, I’ve heard all about your famous cakes. The thought of all that work and expense going to waste……….OH MY.

LindaB – have you arrived at the hotel? What is the shampoo selection like?!

I’m sure Momma Lloyd will bring a cake to our get together – I’ve been longing to taste one of them – they’re pretty famous.

jonny – I have my oxygen ready this time.

Delighted, thank you for being so open with us, I am praying for you both.

Momma Lloyd, you are entitled to moan, what a sad waste of hard work (not to mention delicious cakes)!

And to tell Delighted that I certainly will be praying for your husband, sweetheart….and for you.

Then, to Tori…..praying continuously for sweet Sarah….and believing.

Remembering you all in prayer tonight…the spoken requests and the unspoken. I love y’all.

And thanks for all the sharing, D ! Love you, much = )

And, yeah, I guess I’m too hot for some of those firewalls !

Been playing with words again…

I, I’d rather be you

As lines diffuse
Like aged tattoos
And hands fall through
A wrath or two

I, I’d rather be you

As eyes spark green
And bathe in Spring
Or Kelly’s blue
When love seeped true

I, I’d rather be you

During the Christmas holidays, Tori shared with us a wreath that she made, and also the tutorial from Youtube. Of course, mine will never match Tori’s, but I just have to try.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnfjBxNIfcY

Alyson – I think brutal and frank is a good description for me too! LOL

Gramma Jac – I really need the cast of characters. Sometimes I am completely lost!

LindaB – are you the reason the hotels put those special hangers in the closet that don’t come out? Everyone LindB and her husband are coming Glue everything down but the shampoo and coffeee!!!! Just how mnay hotel pens and notepads do you have?

Phyllis – I love my books too. I don’t know if I could help shred one. What exactly is this project?

Delightedabroad – praying for you and the hubby

Unfortunately, I got sick and never did find another book store, but I will ask before I spend a lot of time looking if they will sell me a book to mutilate.

I love my books, just not a much as he did.

I’m packing to go away with my hubby for two days…..staying in a beautiful hotel/resort……..we need more shampoo, he says! We also take those little packets of coffee you’re supposed to brew in those little tiny coffee pots. We find if you use about three of those in a regular coffee pot at home, you can brew a decent cup of java! HEY, ya never know when the stock market will plunge again!! And we can’t live without clean hair and caffeine!

I’m taking my laptop though……so I can monitor this blog to keep you guys on the straight and narrow!

p.s. We NEVER take towels. We have high standards! Really.

Blondie – we’re looking forward to you making up for lost time now your ‘blue streak’ has started.

So, we’re over 150 – what’s the record?

Still praying for Sarah.

Still praying for Sarah and her family.

(BA-DUM-DUM!)

Just for the record, when I click on jonny’s name (which I assume is the profile you refer to), I get through to the website just fine – and it isn’t dodgy in the slightest!

HEY!!!

So, I am gathering now that auburn60 is also named Allyson? That confused me for a minute! I was wondering why I was being asked to interpret dreams. LOL I mean I can make up some answers to that…

Our house is getting renovated due to water damage and I have to pick this weekend like I am moving. GEEZ! Someone pray my husband and I don’t kill each other. We don’t do well with moving scenarios.

Rachel, when you only have five hairs on your head, that’s not gonna be a big problem! LOL

What does that say about my hubby, who’s nearly bald, and stockpiles shampoo?

LindaB, be careful, those things have sell by dates you know, they might lose their cleaning capabilities after a while, and more importantly, the fragrance could change A LOT.

jonny – I’m not sure we are ready to know about your experiences with shafow-lurking blondes!

Just kiddin. We love you too! And are praying for Sarah and your family to get off that roller coaster and for Sarah to get better and better……AT HOME!!

EVERYBODY– I love this comment thread so much, I’m reading it every day. I’m in Seattle, WA (Bellevue, actually) with a bunch of other Nintendo brand ambassadors and today we are headed to what Charlotte refers to as ‘The Mother Church': Nintendo Headquarters! I’ll keep checking in, more to come, love you guys.

Please keep praying for Sarah and my sweet, exhausted family.

Linda-I had a dream the other night about George, George and Jeb Bush, coffee and worms. VERY weird.

blondie-my church family totally keeps me going. Glad you joined in.

Momma L.- Is that the video where Char says ‘Heaven is a good place for people’ in a very sincere way?

My other daughter is moving to Nashville in 2 WEEKS and has managed to get herself JURY DUTY for 10 more days at least, (how’s that for timing?) and still finishing up her job here. She has to find an apt and get moved and get all her stuff out of my house and maybe buy a new car and …aaaaargh! (I speak fluent ‘pirate’ when I’m stressed.)

“jonny, if you knew me, you would know how VERY
surprising it is that I was this restrained this long!”

Yeah, I kind-a know a thing or two about lurking-in-the-shadows blondes ! *turns head up and ever so slightly to the right, fiegning a modest look whilest his chest swells up a bit*

jonny, if you knew me, you would know how VERY surprising it is that I was this restrained this long!

Thanks everyone! Good to be in the sunshine and not lurking in the shadows anymore. (she said, with a goofy grin on her face)

I can’t really say ‘welcome !’ can I = /

Tori, we’re praying for Sarah and the whole family. Hope your trip is great!

And regarding your observation earlier that Tori’ s invitation to ‘ pack a lunch or something’ in the title of this post has taken on a whole new meaning; well what about, ‘This is gonna be a long one’ ?? Could she have known, even then, that we would be hitting triple digits ?? = /

I do all this through my phone.

It would be nice if the get-together was this Spriing. Our guitarist is at Berklee studying until at least the summer. We could try and do the opening thing for Russ together = )

It’s been a LONG day but my Father-in-Law came thru surgery well–thanks for the prayers! He had a valve replacement and triple bypass, but he’s pretty tough for an 81-year old. As a matter of fact, he’s still farming and his big pre-surgery worry was how his crops were going to get planted!! Anyone drive tractor? LOL!

jonny, loved the “100”. Perfect,….were you sitting on the computer waiting?!?

I love this group! And a belated welcome to the newcomers. Love the ideas of a get-together–but don’t forget my idea of a Tori Youtube channel. (ToriTube?)

LindaB, you have to know that yoour mother will be in my prayers. Folks, her mother is adorable and maybe even funnier than Linda…..and then there is her grandmother who surpassed ‘em all in that department. Consider hearing something like, “We’re gonna make it but we won’t look like much when we get there.”

I will be praying for the brother-in-law and the dear Kemp family. Losing a child has to be the worse thing in the whole world.

Praise the Lord….for answered prayers…..Sarah has gone home from the hospital. I know her pretty eyes are sparkling….but no brighter’s than Liz’sz.

Can we make it to 200, folks?

“From Leah (Sarah’s sister) : “They are about to head to the er, fluid is leaking.”

Lots of Love!!!!!

Sorry, I was a little emotional there. Forgot to double check what I was posting = /

It was not pretty.

Thanks for the prayers for Mom! She said she was feeling better this afternoon.

Did I just read that jonny was giving you up for Candy Christmas? That’s just not right. jonny that backstage visit may be much more, now that you have let the cat our of the Christmas bag…HoHoHo, you better watch out!

YAYYYYYY! WE’RE OVER 100 COMMENTS!!!

(Okay, I lied to get you back here. I didn’t have any dream. But jonny did! He dreamed he called me on the phone and my voice sounded like a little girl’s. LOL That’s funny because I don’t know how many times I’ve been told by telemarketers, “Can I speak to your mommy or daddy, little girl?”

Oh, and Alyson, I hate to tell you this, but my meds have already kicked in…….this is as good as it gets today. I don’t know, but after I’ve prayed for something or someone and I see God’s mighty Hand move on behalf of His children, and prayers are answered… I get a little giddy……..manic even. I’m serious. Am I the only one that this happens to? At first, I just want to sit quietly somewhere, listen to a moving worship song (like “I Love the Lord”) over and over and just thank Him for Who He is and how faithful He is. Then I want to party!!! So,……Alyson, should I go see a shrink? Or a caterer for the party?

I’m going back to my corner until Linda’s meds kick in…

Having before lost certain ‘cake-takers’ at church lunches, I am taking notes on all these strategies. My favourite one is the potato chip option though (we call them ‘crisps’ over here).

I would also like to add a family to the prayer list. The Kempf’s in KS lost their 9 year old son to brain cancer this week. He fought hard, but the Lord took him home. Please continue to pray for this family. They have 2 other small children that are missing their brother as well. Very tough!

On a lighter note, I was cracking up about the tupperware LindaB. Is that a little passive aggressiveness with the chips? LOL You could also do soda. That’ll teaach ‘em when they are missing your fabulous cooking!! How long does it last if you write your name right on the cake taker with a sharpie? Then they might have the cake taker, but they certainly can’t take it anywhere!! Esp not church!

When I started this comment is was #92 – triple digits are coming!

This is the first time I’ve felt any relief from the news concerning Sarah. I hope this is a sign that the worst is over for now.

Liz, Tori’s sister, posted this this morning:

“Sarah Update Thursday AM: Today’s CT scan looked great! They should be here soon to pull the shunt and said she MAY get to go home today!!!!!!”

Her post last night was less hopeful, but this one is lookin’ good!!! I know it will be a relief for Sarah’s mom to have her at home so she can care for her there and do without those trips to the hospital every day and worrying at night if she is okay and getting good care. I always worry about hospital borne infections myself!

Delighted – I’m glad Flitzi is still with you.

LindaB did you notice that Gramma Jac was singing to YOUR jonny?!

I’d like to ask you all to pray for my mom today. She is 84 and is having a health problem that may require surgery——and she is dreading it. Please take her before the Throne today.

And, of course, let’s keep praying for Sarah today. According to her Facebook, her catscan yesterday was “unacceptable” and she was unable to go home today as they had hoped. The spinal fluid was not draining as well as they would like. I know she was disappointed. So, let’s keep running to the Throne for that sweet girl!

We’re at 81 I believe. I’m leaving for the day, so I expect triple digits when I get back!

I’m off to the hospital where my Father-in-law is having heart surgery. Prayers would be greatly appreciated!!

(I’m relieved I didn’t have to put down Flitzi today *wiping forehead*)

Still praying for a complete recovery for Sarah. The great thing about this international community is that she is being covered in prayer 24/7 – we’re all awake at different times, and God never sleeps.

I wanna be there for the big meeting too – pllleeeeaase! And Tori, if there was syrup involved, you wouldn’t be scaring MY small children, they’d be diving right in!

Prayers continuing here in Seattle. And did I see somewhere in the comments that you are coming out this way?

There really needs to be a bloomr nation conference somewhere, sometime, soon.

Why are waiting rooms always cold??

Still praying for you all!

Odie
http://www.boggsblogs.com

I’d be the one rolling around on the floor laughing hysterically and scaring small children. In syrup.

Also, it is more likely the first time we meet LB would not be you coming over here and standing out like a sore thumb, but me looking like a European middle-aged junkie never-quite-made-it rock star the cat dragged in from half way around the world to a Gaither event. I’ll probably have a bunch of senior women comin’ over and offering me ice tea, some home-made something or other sweet to eat, and the four spiritual laws ! You’ll probably have to come to my rescue with that piece of Tupper-Ware you got back from the pastor’s wife full of pancakes and a bottle of honey sweetened root-beer ! Everything would then be nice and pleasant for awhile, until… Candy shows up. Even though I’d try my best to hide it, she would get an ever so slight glance from me that you would catch. Instantly. Then I would have the remainder of the pancakes taken from me, and shortly after Candy hears your knees in action heading her way and turns her head around to see what all that ruckus is; all hell breaks loose and she misses her time on stage because she couldn’t get all that pancake, syrup and butter cleaned up and out of her hair in time !

No matter how one looks at it, whether here or there, us meeting face to face at some point is never going to be a win-win situation for anybody = /

If you want me to hear your song, jonny, you need to hurry while I still have my hearing! (I can’t believe I gave my phone number to a rocker finally…….at the age of 63!!! Too little, too late I think. My husband suggested I give him my cell phone number, too. And my Medicare info. He’s so funny. LOL )

Another way to keep your Tupperware safe, when they put out the list of food they need for the next dinner, get there early and sign up for potato chips.

I don’t know how I got on that subject. A.D.D. maybe.

Barbara, I don’t NEED gum to get that crackin’ sound—–my knees provide all the sound effects these days.

And Momma Lloyd wasn’t the only one who did well not to choke (!)

And, Linda dear, you left out that you would be crackin gum as you took that delicate walk. Gotta have sound effects.

1. Momma Lloyd just did a spit-take with her coffee.

2. See: ‘inmates running the asylum.’

3. (The backstage scene you just described is going to keep me giggling all the way to Seattle!!)

To you newbies here, we aren’t always this goofy, just when Tori is away for a while. And since she is due to go out again to Seattle on Friday, things may go amouk around here. Poor Tori—-she hasn’t figured out yet how to lock commenters out after a reasonable time. (Yay!!!) (You stay out of this, Daniel!) So….beware. Enter at your own risk. As the most responsible and serious one here, I will do my best to keep order and decorum. Honest.

Former: “Made chocolate cupcakes with my Chloe tonight! Let her do all the cool stuff……like put the little paper cups in the muffin tins. Break
some eggs! Measure out flour and sugar and stuff and get all messy! Fun!!!

jonny: “It sounds like fun ?”

Former: “I should send you one, jonny! They’re better than pancakes even! ;)”

somebody else: “Ahh thats nice. I love baking with my little guy. He loves it too!”

Former: “I just let her do it her way…..with a little guidance from me. There were some “uniquely” decorated ones! LOL but we had fun! Her
favorite part is breaking the eggs!! She loves that!”

jonny: “Yep, breakin’ a few eggs is an art at any age ! As well as decoratin’ stuff ? Well, to be honest, I’m not into things with chocolate so much, nor cup-cakes generally; but I’m always up for a care package or two !! ? We rock stars live for those little perks in life most people seem to neglect when they think of us. Oh sure, we appreciate the sent undergarment or two with an interesting photo of one’s self declaring everlasting devotion to some sort of legend/myth type image one may have of us; but whoever thinks of the box of home-made peanut butter cookies ? lemon squares ?? Or, quality root-beer !??

*sigh*”

Former: “ROFLMBO! Well, small j jonny, I’m going to check out the brewery that makes that root beer and see if they ship overseas. But
you’ll have to tell me your address and then you risk me hopping on a
plane and comin’ to one of your concerts! And embarassing you in front of your cool rock star friends!!! And I will!”

jonny and LindaB – its so good to see your relationship back on track!

I think the only solution to the issues we are facing is to hold that Bloomr nation convention we’ve been talking of. As our leader, Tori would be the obvious choice for main speaker and jonny could provide live music.

Peace !

small-j

I, for one, am so happy to see new commenters on here! YAY Allison, Anna, and syjsmom! I think you’ll like it here in Tori-land! We laugh and have a good time, we share, and we pray for one another when we need it! And we are from all over the place! It’s a very cool thing! Please come back often and join in! (Tori confided to us once that she is a “comment whore”! No kidding! So come back and comment often and make her happy! And us too!)

We may not be able to express it so beautifully and completely as our Tori….but, oh how blessed we are to be able to feel it.

Praising God for His wonderful works on Sarah….and continuing to pray.

Syjsmom2 – I don’t know about you, but next year I want them to video our speaker or I want my phone video camera ready to go!
I couldn’t agree more about the pancakes comment. It makes for a vivid understanding of the overflowing love that is for sure.

jonny – maybe you should let LindaB’s answering machine pick up and you can leave her a song on it.

small-j

I used to be hugely sceptical about the ability some people had to ‘make friends’ with people they had never even met, through the internet. Now look at me, I love you guys! I too, am blessed with a wonderful human family, a great local church family and this amazing, encouraging, international hotchpotch of a family I’ve found in cyberspace – many of them right here.

LindaB – when jonny sings his song to you down the phone I want you to record it somehow so we can all hear without his international phone bill soaring! Is that a good plan? what do you think jonny?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3XyC0F20_s

And I have to say…not in a bragging way, but in a totally grateful way, that your description of the waiting room at the hospital sounds EXACTLY like what my church experiences whenever there is a medical situation for any of us. We are THERE, overflowing waiting rooms, and I have seen the effect that has on non-believers. I love my church family so much for being a family that truly is the Body of Christ. Just like here. Just like us.

Oh, and if there’s any ‘legend’ stuff going around about me, it’s your fault, not mine ! (See, told you this would keep me up) You went out of your way to invite me to this shin-dig ! TWICE !! Totally your fault ! *fold arms across chest; roll eyes* All your’s, not mine !

jonny – I want to know how to hear your songs.

You all may not realize it, but everyone in KC feels like they know you a bit after listening to Tori. You would be so touched if you knew just how much she loves all of you. I think she tells you, but there was such joy emanating when she spoke that it flowed off of her and onto the crowd.

Westside is a truly amazing church and Tori fit right in. God knew who we needed to hear and showed up in her message. when she was done all I could think was Man I want to be friends with her. I think she rocks and we could really connect. LOL

Oh, and if your still up LB, we could try doing that long distance song thing.

small-j

P.S. Agreed about the ‘pancakes’ line !!

Alright, Tori, what’s with dropping the ‘legend’ bomb, but not giving any DETAILS !! You must have been around enough sensitive ‘rock-star’ egos to know something like that could keep up nights, bugging everyone around us about it !! “Hey, what do you think she meant by that ?” “When she used the word ‘legend,’ did REALY mean ‘legend’ legend, or was she just being polite !?!” Etc.

By the way, some new and astounding things have been happening with thos two songs I’ve thrown the lyrics up here for from time to time. If you have time, and are interested, I could give you an up-date. I don’t know if it’s worth bothering all those on your blog with… AGAIN !!

Peace, and thanks again for all the up-dates = )

Small-j

Thanks so much for ALL of that, Tori !! If this were facebook I’d be hitting the ol’ “Like” button ! And thanks so much for allowing us to be a part of you and your family’s life. It’s a wonderful gift, and seriously appreciated = )