Just thought you might like a word of encouragement.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR RUSS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!

If I’m lucky and Bill Gaither somehow hears that voice singing that song….well, I just know I’ll be the next addition to the Gaither Vocal Band. It’s either that or running stiff competition with Angie Prim. (if only we can slow her down a notch or two)

Okay, sweet Tori, that is how you can write a few words and say nothing….and still be better than nothing when it comes from you.

If you haven’t ever attended Gaitherfest at Myrtle Beach, you have missed a very large blessing in life. The music lifts you up to the heavens and you bloat above your cares for hours. But let me add that if you attend Gaitherfest and Russ Taff is singing, then the blessing you receive is downright huge. That boy loves to sing and, my, but we love to hear him sing. And Tori is right: he gets cuter all the time!

I must tell you that Lily Isaacs has written a book, “You Don’t Cry Out Lous” and Phyllis said she couldnm’t put it down and read it at one sitting. I can’t wait to listen to it on tape.

All the way home, my son and I enjoyed so much listening to Russ’ two latest tapes of the Imperials’ days. They are just plain terrific (actually, my son[‘s word for them…and I had to agree)

Now, Russ is flying to the Islands where he has singing engagements, Tori is headed back to Bar Buckle, antinquing on the way, and that adorable little Madi is on her way back to college. My, but I do love my little Taff family.

My younger son and his wife took me to Disney this summer. Gracious, we’ve gone so many times…especially since I have been going through my second chilhood. Epcot is my favorite park. My chance to see the world…and, of course, to enjoy the foods of the world. The kids put me in a wheelchair for my comfort, they say. However, I have noticed that we move along much more quickly. And, I have also noticed that a wheelchair gets you taken to the front of the line and, therefore, I find myself riding on rides that are at the least surprising and at the most sometimes breathtaking. My son seems to think this keeps me young. I breathlessly explain to him that there is no one old in Heaven. One night we went to a clambake and it was absolutely wonderful! I just love those little tiny steamed clams. Have to admit that Disney is probably my favorite place to visit.

The winter ice storm did such a number on my lawn that I had to have it landscaped, so it had many ugly phases this summer. It’s almost back to normal, but in a kinda naked way. Looks pretty good….from a distance….a long distance.

Five more days until I will be hearing Russ Taff sing….my favorite vocalist. That boy sings from his heart and I can just see our Lord smiling down on him while he’s singing His praises.Can’t wait to see him….and hopefully, my sweet little Madi. If any of you are driving past Bell Buckle and happen to see Tori, maybe you could pull her (and Char) into your car and drop them off at Myrtle Beach. That would be like the frosting on the cake. (Can you tell I am getting excited?)

I’m so thankful you foks came out of hiding so I could find you.

Now…where have y’all been, for goodness sake? I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Well, that’s on the days I didn’t take to my bed with the vapors, having run out of energy and fortitude with my new little man. Then, there were many times when my computer was simply at the Computer Institute for the Blind…and I came close to leaving it there…permanently….little man and all.

It’s so nice to be back. I missed everyone and, of course, Tori’s stories keep me up with my little Taff family’s doings and I just love that. She makes a trip to the mailbox sound like a wonderful adventure. She reminds me of John Steinbeck. I remember reading his book, “Travels With Chjarlie,” his dog…wondering why in the world I would ever think a book about driving a dog around the states could possibly be interesting. It was.

I will be back, but it often takes me a day or too (truth) to find you. Okay, so I’m old….but this doggone new program is crazy. The combination can be….well, I won’t go into that.

Next time I talk with y’all, I will have been to Myrtle Beach and listened to “my” Russ sing…and even get a hug from him. Who knows,he may even smell real good. (What do I mean “might?”) I’m hoping my pretty little Madi will be with him…and they are about the only two of the Taffs who show up, sadly. Gotta be grateful for what I can get…and I am. Wish y’all were going to be there. By the way, if you ever hear of a Tuss Taff Concert near you, run don’t walk…but don’t miss it.

Oove y’all

delightedabroad: Oh, honey, I am so sorry. I know this was not a decision you would reach easily– please know that you have the love and support of all of ‘Bloomr Nation! Praying especially for peace of mind and a job for you…

Tori, I think Russ blessed me when I most needed it. I was telling him that I was the one who kept asking for Eagle Song, one of my favorite RT songs. He said that he would have picked up the Acoustic and played it had he heard it. He is such a sweetheart! I remember as a young teen, sitting around after an Imperials Concert, Russ did that very thing. He made a group of young ladies very happy doing that. That he would take his time, after he had just finished performing meant the world to a bunch of young kids! Y’all are such a blessing, Tori.
Watching you and Russ as a young lady, I decided that I wanted a relationship like y’all have. When you are together, the way you look at each other makes the love that you share evident.

GracieD: Oh my gosh, you and da Cajun have been through it! Thank God for that Dr. and thank God you found the blockages in time. I’m so glad you went to see Russ, he appreciated it so much– and I did get those hugs, thank you!

And yes, I too have noticed that Russ always smiles when you mention Tori’s name! And he has a good story about her too! Love shows.

At the risk of sounding like an old person talking endlessly about their health ills, (okay, I’m a risk taker!) I spent this whole summer dealing with back/leg pain from two herniated discs in my lower back. At the hospital this morning, I got the second steroid shot in my spine and I’m hoping this is the end of it. (The first one lasted only three days.) I had to laugh this morning, laying on the gurney in a curtained off cubicle waiting my turn, with a 92 year old woman on one side and a 76 year old woman on the other, detailing their pain’s location and severity to the patient sympathetic doctor, with my husband nervously holding onto my purse and belongings, (not nervous because he’s worried about me, but because he’s holding a purse!), I thought THIS is what I’ve come to! And now, sitting here in my beloved recliner with an ice pack on my back and a bag of cookies in my lap, (Shut up! It’s therapy! Therapeutic Oreos, duh! I bought them at the drugstore!), I’m looking for signs of life on the internet. And looking at your pictures of the sweet life in the Buckle helps a lot, Tori! Really! They make me want to get better and visit your little town! (Does the mayor sell his fried chicken somewhere in town? Does Maggie live near you? Is there a B&B in or near town? What is the next festival?)

And welcome back to blogdom! We missed you!