I found Fall!

     In 1990, Desert Storm began.  Lonnie was instrumental in getting all troops and supplies sent over from El Toro.  Finally, at the end of September, he had to leave us and go to the war zone.  On their way, they landed at Loring Air Force Base and was fortunate enough to rent a car with some friends and experience the beauty of the fall in Maine.  Every since that experience, he wanted to take me up to that area to see the beautiful leaves.
     Well as a teacher, it is hard to take a week off the first month of school--so now that I'm retired, this is our year!   So we planned our trip to Maine with dear friends Teresa and Darrell.  We picked approximately the same weekend for our venture to the east coast.  Unfortunately, the weather in Maine had not behaved the way we would have liked.  Apparently, they had an extremely hot and dry summer, which affected the changing of the leaves.  We had a wonderful time, but saw very few leaves.
     Later in October, I decided to take a trip up to see the Seattle Howertons.  There I found fall!  Beautiful leaves along with my beautiful family!  Next year instead of traveling cross country, I will just go north--to Seattle!

The First Day of the Rest of my Life

Well, here it is at last--the first day of my retirement from teaching!  The parties have been held, the congratulations shared, the children sent out for the last time, the room has been cleared, report cards sent out, and the keys have been turned in.  Lonnie and Sarah helped for hours yesterday, loading up all my stuff--that's after getting rid of tons to other teachers and our school TLC program, sending 5 or 6 carloads to Sarah, and the rest. . . well it's now a new wall in my garage.  Lots of stuff to go through and make decisions about.  And now I have time--lots of time.

Reflections on Christmas

It's late on Christmas Eve--I'm bundled up in my new robe with ice on my ankle. I sprained it today and am in a ton of pain! Complaints aside, I am so excited about Christmas. The service at Mission Viejo Rock Harbor tonight was quite meaningful. Beautiful Christmas hymns--including my two favorites--"O Holy Night" and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel". Even jazzed up, these hymns spoke to my heart with words of truth, joy, and wonder.

I've been giving a lot of thought lately to why family holidays are so important to me. I’m sure part of it is that I’m not getting any younger! Not to be morbid or anything, but I remember when we were much younger and we would take family trips back to Kansas and Oklahoma. Great family times. But I would often comment to my sister-in-law and dear friend, Kay, “This might be our last family vacation back here”. She always laughed at my comment—and yet, one summer, as our kids were in their teens and beginning many new facets of life, it indeed was our last family vacation. Bottom line, I just plain don’t want to miss any of these memorable times with my great family!!

I suppose an even more important reason, is that out of our 42 years of marriage, we were only able to spend the holidays a handful of times with our families. And how I longed for that—every year. We tried to make up for it by having guests join us—which we loved, but nothing took the place of my mom and dad! And now that they are gone, it is even more important to me to spend the precious moments with those I love!

And now as I head for bed this Christmas Eve—pain killers in hand, I am filled with joy! I am a blessed woman. I get to spend Christmas with most of my kids and grandkids, and the rest of the gang will be in later in the week!! And even though I can barely walk, the excitement of seeing the grandkids tearing into their gifts with such reckless abandon is my most joyous thought! Christ is Born! Emmanuel!! I pray God’s blessings to you and your families this Christmas and in the New Year!

Reflections on

Indian Summer

I hope this isn't politically incorrect, but I can't help but remember this as a description of the hot, humid, summer like weather we always had in the fall back in the olden days in Kansas. As much as I love fall, I really love the hot weather we have in fall as well. It just helps me feel like it is still summer. Had a great day in Balboa Island today (I'm pretty sure I could live there!)--the sun was amazing, lunch delicious, ice cream even better, being with old friends--priceless! Thanks Rosie, Barbara, and my new friend, Betty. Can't wait to come for happy hour some summer/fall afternoon! I'll bring the box!!

Opps!!

I haven't written on this blog for so long, I forgot my password!! I finally got in, so my goal is to write something at least every week!! Today went great with my 33 little friends. My little sad friend only cried for a few minutes--he stopped right after I told him there is no crying in Kindergarten. That's all it took--happy as a clam the rest of the day!! And a great job on all his work too!! A reminder to me--keep it really simple!!

Happy Easter

April Joys

First, the most joyful day of April is always today for me--it's my mom's birthday!! I love remembering her especially on this day. She was the most generous, loving, caring, hospitable, kind, thoughtful person I have ever known. And I still miss her terribly! Ironic she also died in April--the 18th.
My second joy is lilacs and the overwhelming scent they carry, and the wonderful childhood memories they evoke. I just returned from a trip to my hometown in Kansas and was able to pick some lilacs and inhale them several times a day. They are beautiful and scented--an unbeatable combination. I brought a few starts back with me in hopes of getting some going out here. We will see. Even if they start, it takes seven years to get flowers--what joy that will be!!
Joy three--Easter!! It's the entire reason for my faith!! I love celebrating with church services and family! We will color and hide eggs, and I will eat chocolate!!
The last but never least joy--Spring, the sunshine, the flowers, bird song, and everything that goes with it. Even a little rain this morning!! May God bless us all!

Stressed? Let it go!!

Had a great day at work. Driving home, I was listening to Christian Radio, and the pastor was talking about some slick new church opening up near where he lived, and they had sent out brochures saying how they had the answer to success in life, and happiness, and a bunch of feel-good stuff. He said--that isn't real Biblical teaching--real Biblical teaching is this--" Life is hard, then you die and go to heaven!!" That helps put a lot of things in perspective!! The pain, the fear, the disappointments, the worries, the sadness, the loss, are just part of life in this fallen world. My worries and stress over the many things I thought were important, just need to take a hike!! All that matters is what is done for Him. Have a great rest of the week!!

Resolutions/Goals/Wait on the Lord?

I have given up on New Year's Resolutions this year. Instead, I am making some goals for the new year and my future. This is the first day of the rest of my life!! No looking back, just striving forward to God's purpose for me. Some events in my life are causing me considerable stress--but I know who is in control, so I refuse to worry and be stressed. At least on the outside. I'm still searching for that inner peace which can only come from God. I only know this much--God has plans for me, plans to prosper me, not to harm me, plans to give me a hope and a future!! How can I doubt, or feel stress about anything when I am convinced God is in control. I will have goals--only ones that align with the will of God. Then I will wait on Him, and receive what he has promised me! Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year--2011!!

I just about jumped out of my skin when the talking wolf attacked Edmond!! I'm in the middle of a Chronicles of Narnia marathon!! Just finished the first installment, complete with a sundry of delicious sweet treats--I'm in the process of becoming, as my college friends used to say, pasted shut!! And loving every minute of it. In fact, during the break, I will make some popcorn complete with real butter to go with my Coke! The next installment, Prince Caspian, awaits! A great way to bring in the new year--preparing myself for the new movie, Voyage of the Dawn Treader! Which I will see very soon!! Hope you too are having an amazing New Year's Eve--and my wish to you all is a Very Happy New Year, with many blessings to you and your families!! WooHoo!! Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Greetings from the Howertons--2010
It is pouring rain outside--our spa is overflowing, the fire is flickering in the fireplace, Christmas music is playing, I am in my warm flannels, drinking coffee, as I write this letter. A perfect California winter day!!
This has been a difficult year for many--us included. We are however, very thankful to still have our jobs! We feel very blessed! Lonnie is still with the Orange County Department of Ed. He completed the infamous Elk Hunt of 2010-at the top of his bucket list. Now however, he is hooked and wants to make it an annual event! He’s already busy planning next year’s hunts! He’ll never retire--has to work to pay for all his hunts! Lonnie celebrated his 45th class reunion last summer--boy those people are old!!
I am still sharing a contract in Tustin with daughter Sarah. We’ve had a tough year with a Kinder/First combo. We’re a third of the way finished--but who’s counting? Love the part time--don’t think I ever want to work full time again--after all, it’s almost retirement time, right? Then again, in this economy, do we ever really want to give up a perfectly good job? Especially part time? I didn’t get to travel much this year--Maybe next year! Lonnie did take me fly fishing in Colorado--it was an experience! I, unlike Lonnie, do not plan to make in an annual event! I do love Colorado-- but I don’t think we are moving there!
We have big news this year--two new grandsons!! Kembe came from Haiti in January to Mark and Kristen’s family, and Duzi came from South Africa to Michael and Jodie’s family!! We are very excited--we were all together for the first time at Thanksgiving. It was a happy reunion--the cousins (all 9 of them) had a blast!!
Michael and Jodie are still in Washington. They and their kids, Alex (10), Caleb (8), and Duzi (6) stay super busy with church (Overlake Christian), sports, and just living life!
Mark and Kristen are in Costa Mesa with their clan--Jafta (6 in a few days!), India (4), Kembe (4), and Karis (20 months). Mark is an MFT and Kristen teaches some classes at Vanguard University, and is writing an advice column for the OC Register. Jafta started Kindergarten this year and the two 4 year olds are in preschool. Again, busy life!
Sarah and Kipp moved to Mission Viejo this past fall--into our first home in California. It’s fun to see them in the house we lived in when Sarah was born! Kipp is still with the city of Aliso Viejo, and Sarah sharing a teaching contract with me. Tanner (3 ½) and Peyton, (22 months) love their nice yard. Tanner is in preschool this year and loving it. They also stay quite busy!
Other news this year is we have found a great church home. We are so blessed every Sunday with great teaching and wonderful loving people!! I have even joined the Christmas choir--with two rehearsals only--very different from the Viva-type choir from my past!! But I love singing praises to our awesome Lord!!
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Let Me Entertain You!!

I am struggling to get some exercise in each day, and have decided to walk on the treadmill in the garage to old movies I have purchased at various yard sales. (Let me just say, I will not be walking in the garage when it is 108 degrees, like it is today!) So, yesterday morning, I watched my second installment of My Fair Lady. If you have never seen the movie--Rex Harrison, and one of my favorites, Audrey Hepburn, you don't know what you are missing!! The story--amazing! The music--incredible!! Just pure, unadulterated entertainment!! A movie from an era where you actually went home feeling good about life after seeing the movie!! A far cry from many of today's movies which seem to focus on the evil, the crime, the hate, and the fear in life. I guess that's why you will find me at all the movies like Toy Story, Up, Mama Mia, High School Musical, Alpha and Omega, and the Legend of the Guardians. I want to be entertained, I want to laugh, cry and identify with characters who are fun and enjoy life!! I want to, no need to, feel good about my movies!!

Country pleasures!!

When we first moved to our current location, about 7 years ago, I glibly remarked that this was probably the closest to the country we would ever live. We back up to a big canyon and see the Cleveland National Forest across the canyon--above a few houses. Very quiet and nice!
Recently, however, I am beginning to believe we do indeed live in the country. Why do I say that, you may ask? Well, it started a few weeks ago while I was working in the garage after dark--after it cooled down a little. I stepped inside for a few minutes, and when I came back to the garage, a huge (it had to have been at least 50 pounds or more!) raccoon went scooting out of the garage! We had never seen raccoons up here before.
Then last night, some friends stopped by, and as they were coming in the front door, a bird flew in. We spent the next 20-30 minutes trying to get it out!! Crazy!
Then tonight, I came in to work on the computer and I started smelling some serious skunk smell. And the window wasn't even open. I went to see if Lonnie was noticing it--and as I walked down the hall, it smelled like the skunk was in the house. We raced around closing all the windows and turned on the fans to try to get the smell out of here!! Seriously, my eyes are still burning. I have never smelled skunk so strong! I think a family of them has taken up residence in my yard. I was afraid to walk out there tonight--super crazy!
So I guess I am saying, even though I live in the middle of a very populated area, it seems I really do live in the country!! Now if I just had a red barn--I've always wanted one of those things!!

New School Year!!

I'm doing some serious vegging after our first 3 days of school. I swear the state and the districts are trying to kill teachers--what have we ever done to them? My heart goes out to all my teacher friends who, like us, are beginning our adventures this year with anywhere from 30-38 students in their classes, not enough desks, or text books, and even higher expectations than last year. Yet--we are thankful to have jobs, and just want to do the best for this little charges of ours! Lord help us!! Give us energy, patience while training these little ones (Kinder and First Grade for us), and lots of creativity to manage these large numbers! (35 for us!) And may they, either with our help or in spite of us, learn and grow!!

Vacation Entry--Day 7

I've actually been home from this particular vacation for two weeks now, but I have just a little more to say regarding our last day's drive. Our last night was spent in a nice hotel on the outskirts of Winslow, Arizona, made famous by the Eagles' song Take it Easy. So early the next morning, we decided to take a little time and visit the little town that made it all happen, and even the little corner, where it happened!
The first few blocks down Main Street were downright depressing. Abandoned motels (which could be fixed up really cute, I might add!), run down houses, empty churches, sleazy bars and restaurants--it was all there. Then, I saw a change as we approached "the corner". After parking, we walked toward the "corner" and observed other tourists taking pictures of the sculpture of the cowboy on the corner, backed by a huge mural that covered the side of a building. A gigantic route 66 sign had been painted in the middle of the intersection. Two darling gift/sundries shops were on two of the corners. A restored hotel was down the street.
Of course, we shopped. Lonnie bought an Eagles poster from a concert long, long ago. In fact so long ago, the price for the concert was listed at $15!!. We also bought a 2 CD set of the best of the Eagles. Which we promptly started reading about and playing on the remainder of the trip! Brought back so many memories, their songs were really great--even poetic! While drinking my "venti" sized cup of hot tea, I wrote a few lines of poetry of my own:

I won't last long
with this much tea.
I won't last long
with out a pee!

And down the highway we sped--eager to get home!! Or to the next rest stop!

Vacation Entry--Day 6

We finally got on the road this morning (actually noon) after a delightful breakfast on the patio at Uncle Bob and Aunt Jody's. Before we left, they introduced us to their Wii Fit plus. I think we will have to get one! I never laughed so hard in my life. Especially when Lonnie tried the bird one using Uncle Bob's statistics--He about wore himself out and couldn't get that bird off the ground!! Looks like a fun way to get in shape--and boy do we need that!!

Our drive has been great so far. We drove through some "toad stranglers" as we crossed New Mexico and part of Arizona. (Serious rain storms for those of you from California!) And even this evening, we are surrounded by a beautiful lightening show. God's amazing handiwork!! We still have 8 hours or so before we get home. Can't wait! We will see the kids on Sunday!! It's been a great trip. Lonnie and I are still friends!! I got tons of shopping done for school. We saw the most beautiful scenery and storm clouds. We hung out with family and friends. Even went trout fishing!! As good as it was, I am very excited to get home!! Just like Dorothy--there is no place like home!!

Vacation Entry--Day 5

As I begin this post, I am reminded of travel journals my son Michael wrote, and the subsequent book that he published, Miles to Cross. Great reading!! Let me assure you, there will be no book as a result of these mindless drivilings. Just a way for me to remember the trip!!

Again, it is not really day five, just post 5! I've had no internet access since Sunday. As some of you may have read on my facebook, we had a very interesting evening at a bar in Enid--part of Lonnie's reunion tour!! Had a fun day of shopping on Saturday--I always find the neatest things when shopping in Oklahoma or Kansas. We had fun at the reunion that night--dancing and being silly!! One of my favorite things!! Sunday, we drove down to Edmond, Ok. for a reunion of sorts--several of Lonnie's cousins, nephews, and other family members were there. We had a great time seeing everyone again! And ate some delicious steak!! Thanks Darrell!!

Monday, more shopping and more goodies to pack in the car!! Yikes, if I buy anything else, I will be carrying it on my lap all the way home!! Tuesday, we drove north to my hometown in Kansas. As we were driving, the temperature kept rising--from a mere 103 in Edmond to a high of 114 in Kansas. We met my 97 year old uncle and other friends for dinner--so nice to see everyone!! Stayed with our lifelong friend, Pearl--she is such a sweetheart to open her home to us at the last minute!!

Wednesday morning we woke up early and went out to our storage unit and went through some things of Lonnie's from Boy Scout stuff, to old girlfriend photos, and other high school friend photos--a walk down memory lane for him. I will give him credit--he got rid of most of the stuff (and I use that term loosely!) He went from two foot lockers full, to 6 small shoeboxes. (Don't even ask where the shoe boxes came from--see first paragraph!)

Then we started driving south/west toward Lubbock, Texas home of Lonnie's aunt and uncle--amazing people!! Lonnie got to play golf with his uncle. Then we went to a great Soup Plantation type restaurant for lunch. Now we're playing on the computers. Tomorrow we start home--dread the drive, but can't wait to get home and see my little grand kids!! Then Wednesday, I take off again for Kansas for a week!! Yay!! More shopping!!

Vacation Entry--Day 4

It's not really day four--I've been out of reach for a day or so. To update you, we saw no bears at the High Country Lodge. I consider that very good news. So after a great rest in the woods, we met our guide Scott for our adventure up the mountain to some fantastic streams. I truly have never seen such beautiful scenery. And the streams--amazing!! I loved being in the streams--of course walking on those boulders is not exactly easy--thankfully I had Scott holding my hand!! How did I do, you may ask? I did catch the first fish of the day. I also caught the smallest fish ever caught out of these streams. Scott took a picture for his web page!! And he told me I was like job security for him. So what do you think?

After our fishing adventure, we travelled up the hill and across Wolf Creek Pass to a tiny little town called, Creede. Absolutely adorable!! We stayed at a darling B&B called Blessings Inn. If you ever go up there check it out!! We ate at the Antlers Lodge, right on the river. Saw lots of fish and a deer while eating!! A beautiful and relaxing town!

Then Thursday, we started our trek to Oklahoma and arrived here at 10:00 last night. We are staying at Cherokee Lodge, a nice place on the Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Lonnie's hometown. We are here for his class reunion. So, at this moment, I am all caught up on our laundry, and ready to hit the town of Enid!! Lonnie's sister, Kay will be joining us this afternoon--can't wait!! More to come!

Vacation Entry--Day 3

Today we said goodbye to Aztec, NM, and our new friend Laurie. We left her with both toilets stopped up and sewage backing up into the tubs. She may never speak to us again!! She kindly assured us it was not our fault. She may never speak to us again!!

We arrived in Pagosa Springs around noon today. This is another beautiful town. We looked at some vacation/retirement houses today and fell in love with a couple of them!! The best thing about this place in addition to the beauty, is the lifestyle--so laid back. So very different from California! I dropped my phone by the car when the realtor dropped me off--an hour later she calls me on Lonnie's phone and brings it to me. So sweet. We're staying in a great lodge--complete with bear warnings!! We're going fishing again tomorrow--this time wading the creeks. Should be fun. Stay tuned!!