I hope this message finds you well.  Birthdays and holidays sometimes get crowded together, but we do our best to appreciate both.

Bette Davis once said, “Old age is no place for sissies”, and there are two relatives that should take courage in this.  Let me introduce you to each…

Diane Marpe is my sister-in-law on Mona’s side of the family.  Today she is celebrating her __th birthday.  Only Diane can fill in the __ blanks.  She’s a native Minnesotan who’s defected to the land of Clinton.  Diane has tried to distance herself from Bill-ville, so she picked the furthest point from Little Rock she could find.  It was either Bentonville or Piggott, and Bentonville just sounded better.  Diane and her husband, Joel, have two beautiful girls, Leslie and Stephanie.  I’ll pick on them when their birthdays come around.

Diane, happy birthday.  We miss seeing you.  I have one more quote for you…

“Old age is like a plane flying through a storm. Once you’re aboard there’s nothing you can do.”
Golda Meir

The next birthday wish goes out all the way to Naples, Italy, to my newphew, Christopher Hutton.  Chris is Rod’s eldest son, a very special guy, and tomorrow Chris turns 16.  Chris has many talents and is developing his web design skills.  You can see his work at http://www.huttonhomeschool.com. 

Happy birthday to you, Chris.  If you haven’t already, feel free to remind your dad that you are now of legal age to drive.  You might also remind him that driving is undoubtedly one of the best – and most adventurous – ways of discovering Italy.  Your quote of the day is…

“In youth we learn; in age we understand.”
Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830-1916, Austrian Novelist)

To everyone else… Happy Thanksgiving.

Heaven is richer today…

There’s more laughter.

There’s more smiling.

There are more hugs.

I can only imagine what a glorious reception was prepared for Dick Hutton.

I can only imagine what it felt like for Dick to stand before the Lord God Almighty with the arms of his Saviour, Jesus Christ, wrapped around him.  To hear the words “Well done, my son.  My good and faithful servant.”

Heaven is richer today.

I can only imagine what joy he felt when, once again, he was reunited with his mom and dad.  Oh, how long they must have embraced.

It’s said there are no tears in heaven, but how could Dick not cry tears of incredible joy and thanks for all God has done?

Our tears will one day soon turn to smiles as the pain of our loss fades and the most fond memories of an amazing man take their rightful and permanent place in our hearts.  God doesn’t want us to cry.  Dick would not want us to cry.  But for now it seems utterly impossible not to.  We miss Dick.  His love for others knew no limits, and heaven is richer today.

For a photo & musical tribute to Dick, go here…

Mother Teresa said…

“Smile at each other, smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other – it doesn’t matter who it is – and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other.”

Yesterday was a very special day for someone who makes me smile everytime I’m with her.  She’s such a delight.  Just thinking of Emily makes me smile.  Her positive effect on me and everyone around her is infectuous.  Stunning beautiful blue eyes… Caring for others… Energy that adds life to those she touches…

Emily turned 13 years old yesterday, and you’re invited to go have a look at some photos from her birthday celebration.

Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.
 ~ Juvenal (60-130 A.D., Roman Satiric Poet)

If that’s true, and I believe it probably is (God created nature, after all), then why would you not listen when the beauty of nature calls?

Well, our good friends Al and Mary Taylor found wisdom telling them to come to North Carolina.  And I was fortunate enough to have the honor of building the website for their development.

Lakewood Subdivision is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the historic town of Marion, North Carolina.  It’s a place that will capture your heart.

Click here to see Lakewood and the fabulous country where Al and Mary chose to build.  You’ll find lots of photos and area information.