16-11-16 (read 2/24/26)

I just don't know how to tell you how many times I've gotten the happy heart about Vivian.

Beverly and I went to a march downtown to support Standing Rock. The march iteself --- well, I should have paid more attention to its headline --- Standing Rock was the draw, but there was at least an hour's worth of recruitment for three different organizations. We did, finally, when we walked, at least spend some time saying, "We stand with Standing Rock," Saying that almost brought tears to my eyes. Saying that --- that was my point. 

I talked to Daddy and Kathi. Daddy is doing better and so is she. Daddy said he'd had a nice conversation with Andrew the night before. 

Beverly said in a kind of quiet voice that it was very cool that I wanted to go to the march. I told her that I wanted to, that it seemed disingenuous to send money and send prayers but then shy away from what I could actively do here in my own hometown.

Beth posted that she was excited about taking public transportation to her first day of work.

Tyler said that John told Noah, "There isn't going to be any Christmas, or any presents or any tree," and Kim said, "Oh, I'm getting my tree!" 

Shawn came by yesterday to get his ID and so Tyler got to see him for a little bit. Tyler told me later that he'd tried to keep his face straight but he just couldn't stop his smile. 

Annette sent me a message about Brittany, and Brittany putting up a tree in her apartment, and the Christmas ornaments, and kids growing up. It was a sweet conversation. 

Beverly really prefers quiet prayer walks to marching rallies. Maybe she and I will do some of those, even if it is just the two of us.  

16-12-14 (Read 2/27/26)

I'm pretty excited about the present I have for Angela for graduation. It came to me while I was at C&K salon, and Amber was washing my hair --- the fairy that I'd seen earlier at Ashton Art Gallery. Except it isn't exactly a fairy. I still like it, and I think Angela will too. 

I think that just celebrating this year in its own way is making Christmas easier for me. (oops! wrong journal!)

Anyway. Had fun laughing with other women while I was at Ashland Art Gallery. 

Did I tell you that Shawn and Destiny came by? 

I got Tyler's phone reloaded. And paid him for his work. And he came to me this morning, voluntarily, for review on his math notes for his EQT today. That was fun. 

Heard back from Andrew about the Mardi Gras parade.

We have our ticket confirmation for the Black Jacket Concert. 

Beverly and I got to visit a little bit yesterday.

JA is off work ... or is at home at least...right now, which is good, since today is his birthday.

Got to see Evan for a little minute.

We're set to get Willo on Christmas Eve.

I took two walks yesterday. 

16-11-30 (Read 2/28/26)

I wrote something in Goodtimes about Christmas and spending, and I am happy with it. It makes me feel good to have written it. I don't know whether or not it will change anything --- if the young adult grandbabies will do differently and feel differently about the days ahead, but I feel good that I tried. And the words are good. 

I don't think I told you about Thanksgiving. Short of the things that are worrying me, it was an ideal day. Beverly and her girls came over around nine and started cooking. Andrew and Annette came a little bit early. Everyone relaxed and visited and nobody hurried and nobody stressed. Neither Barry nor I cooked a single thing, and the kids even cleaned up after. Beth came for a few minutes, and Chris came after a little bit. 

JA had to work all through the Iron Bowl, but Beverly and her girls (and Josh and John) came over with snacks and watched the game with us. Barry grilled some chicken wings. 

Beverly and Angela and I spent some time together last night. Beverly and I met Angela at Macaroni Grill, and we had supper and talked and then went to see if we could find a dress for Angela to wear to graduation. It was fun to hear them laughing and talking as they picked things up, and as Angela tried things on. She was full of love and appreciation. 

"Thank you so much for my beautiful dresses. I had such a fun and happy night laughing and playing w you and Mom! I think you are the most amazing person and Grannie in this whole entire world. Thank you for always being there for me, from my first day of kindergarten to my last day of college;) I love you to the moon and back! 

Well really from my first day of life;) I just love you so much and I'm so happy to have you there for all of these fun moments."

16-11-28 (Read 2/28/26)

We had Deck the Halls yesterday. Beth and Rodney left for Houston before we started, but they stopped by on their way out and visited with us for a little bit and Beverly and JA came over and got to see them for a few minutes. Beth called later in the evening to see how it went. She and Rodney got stuck in miles-long traffic jams, so got home about three hours later than they usually would have. I can't remember exactly where she was in Louisiana when she called but it wasn't nearly as far as she wanted to be. 

Beverly and Annette sat on the patio and visited. Beverly talking about Standing Rock. Morgan sitting on the swing, holding Jaden, which she did for most of the afternoon. 

Barry stayed in his rocking chair and watched a football game. Brandon sat in mine and they talked easily about the game, and bees. A little while later Zak joined them, sitting on the sofa. 

Andrew spent the afternoon in the front bedroom, rolling up the Saran wrap ball of presents The game is something he saw online and thought would be fun. He is especially looking forward to watching others play it. He's helped me find dice and the saran wrap --- it has been a fun thing for us to do together. 

JA had to work, but got home in time for supper and for birthday singing. 

John and Kim were in Huntsville, but lots of people asked where they were. 

Chris and his new girlfriend got here about 5:00. Afterwards, Tyler asked me what my first impression was. I asked him what he thought, how he felt around her. He said that she has a special freezer at Drew's that she doesn't let just anybody get into, but she lets him. 

Brittany was studying, Faith wasn't feeling well. Barry got the volleyball net up for me, and most of the younger kids played volleyball and ran around kind of like a Goodtimes. Willo and Vivian were sick, too. 

Angela asked where I wanted to put the Family Promise bags, and I told her the bed. She did that, but then came and asked if I'd like her to put them on a spot on the bedroom floor so that I wouldn't have to move them later on that night. 

Things have just shifted. There aren't as many little kids running noisily through the house, and all of the kids and older grandbabies not only can do more, but offer to do more. There's just a lot less stress and trying to get it all done for me. I showed them where the Family Promise things were, and they set up the process and got it all done. Beverly said, "Mom, it is really pretty great for you to do this." 

Tori and Josh had to leave for a little bit to go get Zoey from the vet. Annette told them she was proud of them for being prepared for the expense. 

Chelsea came with Jaden, and left him with us for a few minutes while she ran to the laundromat. She said she told Evan it felt weird to do that. I think it was the first time she left him anywhere. 

16-11-18 (Read 3/1/26)

My week has gone pretty good. Today, I am scrap-picking. A little bit of writing. A little bit of HH bookkeeping. A little bit of Wonderland. And hopefully, a little bit more writing time. 

Beth and I skyped for about twenty minutes, and that was fun. I told her to let me know on Saturday's when would be a good time to Skype each week, so we're going to try that. It made me happy to get to talk to her. 

Beverly and I rode over to Pensacola last night to see Kennedy's piece in the exhibition, and that was fun. 

Barry and I went and had lunch with Brittany, and that was fun, too. She has a new boyfriend. She is going straight into grad school. Her Coastal Engineering professor stopped her in the hall and told her that she wanted her to be her grad student. She talked about her friend who is a lesbian and how that friend wants her to be in her wedding, and how sad it made her when people gave her friend and partner looks at the fair when they would kiss each other on the cheek, etc. 

Angela's first day of volunteering at Mobile Baykeeper was yesterday and she was just all kinds of happy! 

16-11-14 (Read 3/1/26)

Saturday just evolved as one of the best days a person could ask for. The Alabama game started at 11, and Barry called to see if the Reeds wanted to come over. Tori and Josh came right about that time, and so Beverly, JA, Ange, Josh, Tori and I (and Bentley, Bella, and Zoe) gathered up to watch the game (or play Nine's at the dining room table while Barry and JA watched the game.) The weather was pretty, so we left the patio door open most of the time. Barry ordered pizza, Beverly and JA brought some snacks. After awhile Evan, Chelsa and Jaden came over. He got lots of hugs and attention and Angela got some great pictures. Beverly said, "That baby changed my day." 

There were only about half us here last night, but we got to see Kim, which doesn't happen very often, and Vivian. We were a little squisshy, maybe two seats short, but visited and had a good time. Beverly and Angela cleaned the kitchen up for me. 

Beth called in and we put on speaker to sing Happy Birthday. Rodney called and he and I had a nice visit. 

And I did the right thing. I've been smiling about it ever since. I'd been thinking on it. I thought maybe I should have some conversations first. Check with people. But then I didn't. Then I just did what I wanted to do and called Vivian aside, and told her about the money I donated to the scholarship fund when Tori and Morgan each graduated and that Angela is graduating, and that I thought that what I really wanted to do was help her, and that I didn't know if this amount of money would be any help, and her eyes filled up with tears, and she said that it would be half her tuition, and she just hugged me and hugged me and hugged me and thanked me and thanked me and thanked me. It was a very, very happy spot for me. 

Barry made the beans for dinner and just generally helped me. It made getting ready for dinner so much more fun, so much less exhausting. 

Chris and Tyler seemed to enjoy their time together, so I was happy about that. Chris has a job with a different glass company. 

Noah spent Friday with us, and that was fun. 

Barry had fun working with Kennedy and Angela in the pottery barn. They were using all kinds of tools and he brought out things they didn't even need because he was having so much fun watching them. 

16-11-07 (Read 3/1/26)

Beth called early this morning from her new landline phone. For some reason, it is in the closet. We had a fun visit and then she posted on Facebook, "The last time I stood in the closet to talk on the phone I was probably hiding from my mom, this time I was calling her :) Love you madre!"

Beverly made it safely to Standing Rock, and we got to talk for a little while last night. Morgan and Beth shared her Facebook posts, and said

• My fearless sister drove all the way to Standing Rock, ND to protest the pipeline and show her support. I could not be more proud. You are truly the "big sister" and I will forever look up to you. (but kinda down bc you're like 4 ft tall)

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  Morgan Brown shared Beverly Reed's post.

  15 hrs · 

  My Aunt B being my hero as usual.

Tyler had his first school friend over to spend the night, Friday night, and they seemed to have a good time. Tarius Kennedy.

Beth asked what kind of easy care plants grow well on a balcony. Andrew recommended any of the plastic ones. ;-)

Barry removed the oleanders for me yesterday. I wanted them ever since I first moved to Mobile and saw that house with the big row of them. Ours grew big and tall and were beautiful, but the were crowded. Two of them were completely dead, probably from the freeze a couple of years ago, and another one nearly so. I went ahead and took the other two out because they were crowding the Grancy GreyBeard tree, and it looks like it might want to grow into a real tree. The camellias and things on the inside of the fence have gotten big, and the office isn't right across the driveway, so things look much better now.

Justin is finishing up the writing shack today, so that'll be good. It'll be the last of it, and I'm happy about that. 

16-10-27 (Read 3/5/26)

Barry and Beverly,  setting out for the AT.

16-10-25 (Read 3/5/26)

Beverly,  ready for a practice hike.

16-10-25 (Read 3/5/26)

Valerie called me last night even though she was tired.

Angela sent me a Facebook message.

Brittany texted me back.

Lindsey stopped by for a visit. 

Daddy called. He liked the little book I sent him. He is able to drive short distances again, and is going to have lunch with a car friend of his. 

Beverly came over early this morning, all dressed out in her gear, to go for a practice hike. They decided to wait and do that this evening, but she sure looked cute. When I said that, she said, "Everybody needs (gets, has?) a mommy." 

When Tyler called from school today, he said, "I know it is late notice, but I was wondering if I could stay after school today to try out for honor band." I  thought it was sweet that he started with, "I know it is late notice..." 

It took me from about 8:15 to 11:00 to download AmEx, etc., and reconcile the checking account. So ... about 2 hours and 45 minutes? I also culled the Outlook emails, and I also had trouble with Quicken. Without the random problems, it would have been more like 2 hours and 15 minutes, and if I'd had the office clean and ready to go at 7:35, I would have been in pretty good shape. As it was, I got the household bookkeeping back in great shape by lunchtime, which is great. No exercise, but I may still pull that out of the bag. Rearranged the laundry and did the delicates and needs to be hung up, so that's good. It was my objective and I feel good about that. 

16-10-21 (Read 3/5/26)

I honestly think the election has me in a cranky mood. I really just don't know how much more of Donald Trump I can stand. They really just can't get him off the stage soon enough for me. I wonder if other people are cranky about the election. I wonder how the Republican party will reorganize after this election.

Skyler's birthday is today. 

Beverly and Barry left at 7:15 this morning to take a 5 mile hike, in preparing for their AT hike. 

Tyler has been going out in the yard and spending time with Chris while Chris works. 

Kim said, "Glad you are enjoying the pumpkin bread and glad we did lunch too. We might have to make that happen a little more often since SSS always falls on my weekend to work. Love you, too!" 

October 14, 2016 (Read 3/5/26)

I don't have any laundry to roll today! I have laundry to put away, but none to roll! 

Yesterday was a good day, part of a week that has been good overall. Instead of trying to devote the whole week to writing, I decided to try to make this week go the way I've been trying to get each week to go. So, I spent most of Tuesday writing and most of Wednesday on Child Advocacy Center type things. Yesterday morning I went to "Stories in the Sand," at Dauphin Island. I don't think they'll be the kinds of events that I've been wanting to take Kennedy to, but the weather was nice, and there was a nice  little crowd, and the it was interesting to hear the history of the island. Mostly, at first, I was happy with myself for going. For not talking myself out of it. 

As relates to the event, the best part came after. 

There was no charge for the event, but donations were welcome and would be used to fund future events. I went into the gallery and looked for the a place to leave a donation, finding it on a back table. A woman thanked me as she saw me drop it in and then said, "You drive the Mini-Cooper, don't you?" So then I knew she drew the little brown Mini-Cooper that I'd seen in the parking lot. I don't know how to explain the friendly kinship, but it was fun. 

At about that same time, another woman walked up and said, "Didn't I see you just the other day?" Suzanne, from the Child Advocacy Serve it Up committee meeting, just Wednesday. And so we ended up looking at her art work, and somehow about Vero Beach, as her uncle lived in Wabasso. It was just a fun, friendly visit, and maybe fun to have someone reach out for me. 

As relates to the morning, the best part was in the middle. Kathi called and I talked to her for ten or fifteen minutes, and then Daddy and I talked. We talked about how he's doing, and some about the kids, and some about what he's doing, and he wished me happy birthday. He said that I am a good daughter, that I make a difference (referring to the grandchildren) in their little lives, "and you make a difference in my life.) His voice is different. I don't think I've ever doubted the sincerity of the loving things he's said to me, but there was something different --- maybe a measure of "I want her to remember this." I told him that he was going to make me cry. That he was a perfect daddy. 

Morgan came over during her lunch break to look for some pictures and it was fun to see her.

Beverly came over after lunch with a beautiful cake. (I took pictures.) She'd decorated the cake cover, and gave me an invitation to my birthday party --- just beautiful. I'll take pictures of it, too. And she wrote me a letter, and I'll have to type it up and save it, because it really touched my heart. 

Andrew and John and Beth all called. Beth had planned on coming to the dinner, but she got stuck in New Orleans. Annette called. Kim sent an email and invited me to lunch. Brittany came to dinner. Skyler wished me a happy birthday when Annette called. Noah got on the phone when John called. Zak sent me a text. Tyler wished me a happy birthday, first thing, as did Barry, and Chris got on the phone when Barry called from the marina. Angela sent me an email Tori called. Kennedy sent me a text. Chelsea and Evan sent a text. Johnny tried all day to call and Mark sent me a text. Valerie sent a text from her and Nick. 

My party was mostly girls --- Beverly, Brittany, Angela, Kennedy, and John W. Beverly treated us all, and we had a fun visit. It made me feel good that they went to all that trouble for me, and took time out on a week night, of all things. Then all of us except for Brittany came out to the house and had the cake that Beverly had brought over, and played a game of nines. Lindsey sent me a Facebook email. 

Before I got ready for bed, I showed Barry my hand, with the opal ring he gave me on my 60th birthday, and said, "I just wanted you to see which ring I chose to wear tonight." You should have seen him smile.

He and Beverly had a lot of fun talking about their hike. 

16-10-10 (Read 3/11/26)

Angela and I get to order her graduation things today! She and I got to have a little visit Saturday. (She drove up as I was walking back from my little storage shed.) Her professor is going to get with her today on some volunteer opportunities that may gave her an idea of what she would like to do as a career, for focus on graduate studies, since her professor would really like her to do that. Angela said several times that she wants to do something that helps people. 

Brittany had a lot to do yesterday, but she came to Second Sunday Supper. 

Andrew playing with Daniel. 

Skyler made cupcakes and brought them for one of our desserts. 

Annette brought corn and got the silver ware out. 

Beverly brought some lima beans and she and Beth got the table ready. 

JA walked out a little bit after dinner started and Beverly was so happy to see him Beth thought that Rodney had shown up for her as a surprise. 

Angela liked her birthday present. (wind chimes I bought in Florida at the Fort Pierce farmer's market) and I found out that Brittany likes wind chimes. 

Kennedy made green bean casserole and spinach / artichoke dip. 

Morgan took care of the rolls. 

Annette said she got first dibs on Jaden because she didn't get to hold him last time. 

Evan, Chelsea and Jaden were here for just a few minutes. He said he felt nauseous; Chelsea needed to get some sleep before her shift, too. 

Noah gave me hugs. 

Barry got all of the towels washed, dried, folded and put away. That kinda gives me a shot at having all of the laundry done by writing day. :-) 

Chris got up and helped with the Saturday night dishes. 

Andrew carved the turkey. 

October 6, 2016 (Read 3/12/2)

Tyler got up and off to school on time. He listens closely when I talk to him....maybe, now that I think about it, listening to me the same way that I told him I try to listen to him. We did the kitchen together last night. 

The temperature has dropped just a little, just enough to let you know that we are headed into fall, just enough to let me know it is time to take Tyler and get some long pants. 

Daddy's voice sounded strong yesterday. 

Some of the berries on the holly bush by the pool have changed color. It is striking even from a distance, even from the kitchen window. 

Beverly and JA played cards with Tyler and took him on a bicycle ride while we were gone. 

Chelsea came over yesterday and brought Jaden for a little visit. 

Angela sent me a Facebook message yesterday, and Monday. She got a reminder to order her graduation announcements, and that was fun. 

Tori said she and Josh are going to Arkansas to go camping, and she's excited about going to a new place. There's a river for Zoey to play in, so that should be fun. 

Kennedy came over a visit last night and we had a good time. She helped Papa set Cirrus XM up on his phone, which took her at least 30 minutes. He had to get logged in to his Facebook account, which was really quite a feat. When she was done she said, "Just don't ever, ever log out." 

In Brittany's internship she has been working on a project with Daphne Utilities. It went into it's test phase yesterday. Her name is on the sign and everything. See FB Joy Journal for details. 

Evan came over to check on Granddad. "How's the man?" he said, in case we hadn't told Tyler yet. 

16-09-28 (Read 3/12/26)

I did the HH bookkeeping yesterday. That's significant because it marks the third week in a row, because although it took me three hours instead of two, it also took me three hours instead of three days. It is current, and that makes me happy. I tended to some of the Family Administrative duties. I thought I got them all, and then headed to the office to do what I really want to do on Tuesday afternoons. I didn't get them all--- forgot about calling the dentist, among other things, but I did get to spend about an hour on CAC and an hour on MCEI. I felt so good when I had accomplished those things. 

As it turned out, I made up the lost time when I got back from the PTA meeting. There were only about four parents there, so we all ended up as an officer of some sort. I am secretary. 

Did I tell you that Tyler had a good day Friday? He said it was best day in school ever. At the end of the sex ed class, they gave out three backpacks, by random drawing. He didn't get one, but one of the leaders said, "Give him one, too, for best participation." 

Beth called me yesterday, or was it Monday? and we had a nice chat. 

We talked this morning and she said Zak sent her a picture of Sam looking very, very sad. She's in Houston visiting Rodney. 

Beverly and I got to have a nice visit yesterday afternoon. I was asking her to be my backup for Tyler, and she said, "I noticed that Chelsea and JA's phone numbers are written real big on the calendar," and grabbing the sharpie, "Let's just put mine there, too." 

When Papa and I were discussing our plans for the day, I asked Tyler about his and he said, "To be good so that I can go outside today." Talking about a thing they have going on at school. 

The air conditioner in the shop is working! I think we're going to enjoy or evenings more, and spend less time around the t.v. 

Heard from Angela, Brittany, Tori and Morgan. 

16-09-22 (Read 3/14/26)

Beverly and I went to the island and walked on the beach for a couple of hours. It didn't seem like that long. It was right after lunch, so we didn't see a lot of birds, but we did see some. We also didn't see a lot of people, and that was nice. 

I got a sweet Facebook message from Angela. "I was wondering what was going on but I know how busy the days get. I had messaged you about hummingbird and goodtimes and school and I was used to talking to you even it is just a little bit everyday. Then I started to suspect our phones were sabotaging us." 

Tyler took care of my tea kettle for me, even going ahead and moving it off the burner before it whistled. 

Mary's friend liked my letter to Lily, and said that I was incredible. 

16-09-16 (Read 3/14/26)

Good,  good visit with Beverly.

We sat on the front porch and talked for two hours! 

September 19, 2016 (Read 3/14/26)

Well, for starters, the household bookkeeping is caught up. I have ten household administrative duties I have to handle, but the basic bookkeeping is current, and I haven't been able to say that, to feel that, since last April. 

Barry and I worked on the pottery barn and it is much more pleasant place to be. We got off the property and went to Bass Pro to look for a backpack for his Appalachian Trail hike. We went to the Dragonfly festival. It was massively overrated, but I don't have to wonder now. We were both pretty happy just to be off gallivanting together. 

We went over to Beth's last night since Rodney left this morning for his new job in Dallas. It isn't a permanent position --- most likely will last six or eight months, but should be very good for them financially. 

We got to see Zak and Vivian, but missed Morgan. We got to see Beverly, and JA and Angela. We missed Kennedy there, but she did come out to see us at the house, and she and John and Barry and I had a good visit. Laughed a lot. Kennedy brought me over to Phew! to see a spider that was busy weaving its web. It was a big-bellied spider! 

Beth and Beverly are going to go with me to Green Drinks. 

Beverly and I are going to try to take an extended walk Wednesday. 

Even Wonderland is in really good shape. At least at my desk. I think Virginia's may be overwhelmed, but I don't know for sure. 

I just haven't had a week like this in years, where Wonderland and household were at manageable levels, and I could do some of the other things that I want to do. 

16-09-13 (Read 3/14/26)

16-09-10 (Read 3/20/26)

Beverly:

Hung out w/my baby sister. Destroyed 0-ZERO-public property. So, success. Total success.

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Vickie Wyatt Mommy's happy to hear it. ;-)

Like · Reply · September 10 at 9:32pm

Beth Allen I love you and I was so happy to see all of you 😙 You make me laugh and you're all things ridiculous (as am I) good times big baby sister friend xoxoxo

Unlike · Reply · 1 · September 10 at 9:43pm

Mollie Weatherly Reed That's good news