Father's Day

Since I did a post for Mother's Day, it is only right that I do one for Father's Day for both of my dads.

It's kind of hard to know where to start with my dad. I guess my first thought for him is THANKS! He and my mom married when I was not quite two, and then he adopted me. While he isn't my biological father, he is my daddy. I'm sure it was interesting to suddenly have a two year old running around. :) My dad has never been the "mushy" type. I can probably count on one hand the number of times he has actually said "I love you" to me. Some of you reading this may not understand that, but it all goes back to how he was raised. He wasn't raised in a family that did those kinds of things, so that's just how he is. There is and never has been any doubt in my mind that he did love me though. He just showed it instead of saying it, and as the old saying goes, "Actions speak louder than words." You know, people say that girls always marry someone like their dad. For years I've said that John and my dad are nothing alike, but while I was painting, I did a lot of thinking about these two important men in my life. True, personality wise they are nothing alike, but when I think about the kind of men they are, I see so many similarities. My dad believes in hard work, he knows the value of a dollar, he is true and honest, and when he says something, you better listen! John is the same way. With Dad, we didn't get things just because we wanted it. We got what we needed, but if it we wanted something just because everyone else had it, we had to work for it and save our money. Dad is a pretty quiet man, so when he speaks, what he has to say has been thought out very carefully. My dad is also an extremely good judge of character, so you aren't going to pull the wool over his eyes by pretending to be what you aren't!! Thanks, Dad, for everything. I love you!!

Next, I have to give honor to Carl, my late father-in-law. Carl was the first of John's family that I met. I was at John's house in Jasper one day, and Carl came by to visit. They were going to dinner, and Carl was insistent that I go with them. We went to Uncle Mort's, and we all got the ham steak and baked potato. Carl talked about that ham steak until the day he died. lol I learned that day that he and I liked our baked potatoes the same way--lots of butter and sour cream. Everybody talks about what a "booger" he was, and Connie and I have talked many times about how our dads mellowed as they aged, but I can honestly say I never say the "booger" everyone talks about. (I guess I was his favorite since I always got the "good" side. Just kidding Linda and Tisha. hahaha) I will never forget one of the times we went to Hartselle when we had Katy and Jessi with us. They wanted to get something to eat. I think we were just going to go to Dari Delite, but Carl insisted that we go to Teresa's, a restaurant in town, so we did. The waitress came over and got our drink orders and then came back to get the food orders. We all went around and placed our order. When she got to Carl, she asked "Mr. Carl" what he was having. His reply? "I've already eaten." He didn't want to go there to eat--he just hadn't been by that day! He had his circuit that he'd make every day--Dot's (now Mr. Henry's), Hardee's, Teresa's...Carl was such a funny man, and I see him in John every day. I was so blessed to have him as a part of my life. He welcomed me into the family, and he treated me just like he treated his children. I loved him as much as I do my own dad. I love you and miss you, Carl, but you live on in your son!

To all the other father's out there, I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day!!

(In case you're wondering...Since I'm at the lake, I took care of writing this post earlier. I love the scheduled posting option.)

Last post for a few days

I just wanted to make a quick post to say that I'll be out of touch until the 15th. I'm taking a week to enjoy the lake. John will be there for the weekends, but it will be just the pups and me the rest of the time. I'll miss John like crazy, but we're having a phone put in Monday, so we'll be able to talk every night without me having to drive to the top of the hill to get cell phone service.

Several people have asked if it won't be scary being there by myself. Honestly, I don't think it will be. I will have a phone on Monday, so help will always be just a call away, plus the dogs are very good about letting us know when someone is coming down the hill before we hear or see vehicles. Unless someone has a key to the gate, the only other way in is to walk. Even though it is downhill, it's still a nice little hike. And then there is the walk back UP the hill.

To all my loyal readers...you know who you are...I'll be back soon, and then you'll get to hear all about Painting Project #2!

TaTa!

Join the club!

My mom and I were talking today about starting a new club. Not everyone can join, though, because it's going to be The Stepwives' Club. She and I both are a "stepwife," as are many others out there. As a matter of fact, many of my good friends are stepwives. I'm sure the meetings will be quite entertaining and informative. :)

The term stepwife has grown on me. I don't see it as being a derogatory, negative, or belittling title. Actually, I take a great amount of pride in the fact that my husband and I have a very sound, happy, fulfilling life together, even if it meant he had to experience divorce. I had a very good example growing up because my parents also have a very sound, happy, fulfilling life.

I have to insert a funny, but somewhat sad, story here. About 3 years ago, my mom and dad went to Texas to visit his granddaughters. On the wall in my dad's ex-wife's house was the wedding picture from when she and my dad married in 1962. I guess she realized she had let a good thing go.

Wife-in-law is another term I like. My aunt uses this to refer to her ex-husband's mistress who later became his wife. I guess that would be another club altogether, though.

My Sex in the City personality

Who's Your Sex and the City Match?

My Result: Miranda

Pessimistic? You? No way! You might come off that way occasionally but you can't fool us. Under that hard shell lives a soft heart and someone who would do just about anything for friends (and family, sure, but mostly friends). With strong opinions and the rare ability say what's on your mind, you are truly one of a kind.

When things get tough, you're usually the one your friends turn to for inspiration and support — and a little tough love to boot. But you're also one of the most independent people around. Not one for superficial relationships, you might not win the prize for having the most friends, but the ones you do have are real — and just what you need.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=sexandthecityogt&c=50652

Mutterings

While randomly surfing through some other blogs, I came across a link for Unconscious Mutterings. It seems like fun, so I thought I'd post my Unconscious Mutterings. :)

I say ... and you think ... ?

Gossipping :: Old bitty
Misplaced :: Lost
Spaceship :: Enterprise
Ignore :: Ignorance
Bodily :: Function
Tweezers :: Ouch
Goodnight :: John Boy
Curls :: Shirley Temple
Faucet :: Drip
Right? :: Wrong

The link to Unconscious Mutterings is http://subliminal.lunanina.com