Tuesday, November 20, 2007

BEANS....BEANS AND MORE BEANS


Boy do the seasons change. At the height of bean picking.....Denise was captured in the thick of her father's butter bean patch. Below are two pictures of the barn.....the first is at the height and the second is recently.

It's amazing what a freeze will do to the plants. I guess it was a welcomed relief. This year, her father canned more beans than he had ever before in a single season. They just kept producing up until a few weeks ago. And with no rain! Remember...we're in a drought.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Nell and James Swindall


Above....Nell and James Swindall. Denise is standing and her sister Vickie. Nell and James are their aunt and uncle.
This is James. On the farm.





Saturday, September 1, 2007

This was supposed to go under the picture of my paternal grandfather. I tried to edit it per Jose's instructions but something went terribly, terribly wrong! Anyway, I wanted to share some of what I know about him. My dad said that he could and did make baskets. I wish he had lived long enough to pass this skill to my dad ...to me! My dad also said he drove the school bus during the week. On the weekends, he would drink moonshine. Hey, I teach 5 days a week and believe me, there are times I'd like to skip supper and go to happy hour. I don't, but don't be judgemental if you've never been there. Actually, don't be judgemental anyways! Last father's day, I really had him on my mind, and I wondered if he was in heaven. It was really important to me to know. I didn't want to wait and find out someday... so Jose' and I prayed together and asked God to reveal to us about this. Jose' had a dream that night...and yes, my grandfather is in heaven. I'll be glad to see him! He died when my dad was five. So he is the only one of my close relatives I never got to see. God was so good to reassure me of his salvation! I love my grandfather on my mom's side and I'm glad to have known him. When I was little he wasn't very family oriented. Later, he changed and I really enjoyed knowing him. More about him later...If any of my older cousins have more to share about our grandfather please call me...my dad was the youngest of eleven(2 died young) so some of the others might know or remember more...Love to all...

Karen Denise Rodriguez

Thursday, August 30, 2007

SWINDALL FAMILY PHOTOS

This is a picture of Denise's grandfather. Father's side.


This is a photo of a neighbor. Just stopped by one day.



Monday, August 27, 2007

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Friday, July 6, 2007

Mysteries and Mysteries

I used to really love a good mystery book or movie. And just to hear or see the word itself grabs my attention. But no matter how good or cleverly done, I always feel a sort of let-down when it's over. Because it's over. Mystery solved. But even worse than that are the mysteries of darkness. I recently watched a documentary about a family who bought a very old estate. They moved into a livable part of the house and began to renovate. The husband was planning to run his business out of the home. They had two children. Well, it wasn't long before strange things began to happen.

The husband became quiet and preoccupied, accomplishing nothing. It reminded me in a mild way of Jack N's character's novel writing in 'The Shining'. The children became nervous and anxious. The wife, her dad and brother became more enamored. What had happened in this house? What were the spirits trying to tell them? The dad even had dreams/visions showing him a secret hiding place underneath a stairwell in an undiscovered room...

Well, after a wrecked marriage, numerous health problems, sleepless nights, tormented thoughts, years of wasted time and money and lives, they finally discover an empty metal box.

The mysteries of the devil are always enticing and promising but deliver, at best, ...emptiness; at worst,..destruction; of family, marriage, health, even life. ("Doesn't this fruit look really good?! Just take a little bite. It will give you secret powers...")

But the mysteries of God are often plainly stated and yet beautifully, still retain their mystery: "For God so loved the world..." WOW! That one still has me stumped...and there's so many more. "We have the mind of Christ..." "...I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. " Mysteries!

Random Thoughts

I'm thinking of David Finlaysom right now because he's sharing songs and stories tonite at Gadsden Vineyard. Obviously I'm not there but in spirit. I went to his blog today hoping to get a movie review from last night's drive-in. Getting details from Jose' is like pulling teeth that haven't even been cut yet. But I'm glad everyone had a good time!!! My attention span doesn't do double features. Unless it's Spongebob...

I also thought of Michael Bynum because I saw a new novel by Joyce Meyer titled "The Penny" and I saw some straight tangerine juice for sale at the Wal-Marts. Strange the things you remember...I guess it goes back to the details...

I talked to Lori Howell recently. I really enjoyed our chat. It's always encouraging to talk to her. Thanks, Lori!!!

I just got back from the falls. The sight and sound of the running water is both soothing and invigorating to me. I can't stay away for long. Oh, it was nice to have my husband with me...

Thank You, Lord, for family and friends, rain, scenery, food, shelter...EVERYTHING!!!

Family News Update

VickI's masters degree is Reading Curriculum and Instruction, not Reading Specialist. I wanted to correct that. She got her degree online from a Christian-based college in Phoenix, AZ. Alice Cooper is a contributor to the school. This is where I would post a picture of Vicki, who is very beautiful, by the way, and a picture of Alice, but I don't know how to do that, so I'm trusting to your imagination.



Vicki just got back from Orlando, where her beautiful, talented daughters competed in and did extremely well in a dance competition. They won several Platinum Awards which is the highest and Battle of the Stars. Congratulations!!! (Imagine a pic)



Aaron Davis did some pretty tricky base running in the all-star game we attended. Wow, A, I didn't know you could move like that!!! (pic)



Carolina and Ann-Margaret attended a baton camp taught by Tammy Swindall and Whitney Armstrong; both are excellent twirlers and teachers. I guess it's a mother\daughter thing. And Ann-Margaret appears to be following in their footsteps. Carolina's twirling was much improved! I'm mad at them though cause I know they stole my boyfriend!!!

Monday, June 25, 2007

Campsite and Events Update

Once again, it has been awhile. But time would be better spent writing about pictures and events than listing excuses. However, I can't allow myself to continue without commenting on David's comment he made on the campsite (I use the word loosely) picture. Yes, I'm just now reading it! It cracked me up. It was so funny. And, believe me, I've been short on laughs these days. So, thanks, David! I suppose, having already mentioned the picture, I might just as well start there. Now, I love Florida, well, I love coastal Florida, but camping instead of a nice motel room was not a great idea. We camped with another family who camped on a regular basis. They enjoyed it. But what I remember most about that trip were the cute little thievin' racoons who unabashedly helped themselves to our food and walking quite aways to the bathroom and shower facilities. The picture itself shows our family station wagon, our tent and our clothesline. The three children are Chris, Vicki and me. We were going on hilarious family vacations in unusual colored station wagons long before Chevy Chase.

Now for an Events update: In May, we attended Miss Tammy's School of Dance Annual Recital. I enjoy dance even when I don't know the dancers. But I could not help but focus on Carolina, Ann-Margaret, April and Whitney. Tammy always comes up with an entertaining theme to build the show around. Whitney and Ann-Margaret orchestrate and present a duet each year. This year's was great as always! Whitney also treats us to her Crimsonette try-out routine. Congratulations on another year, Whitney!

In June, we attended our first dance recital presented by Miss Heidi in Huntsville. The whole show was enjoyable but my favorite dancers were Megan and Allie Davis. Even though the pre-show starring Marnol Davis was quite entertaining. What's a unitard??? Anyways, I have to confess I had tears in my eyes as I watched the opening dance featuring the company dancers. I kept looking for Megan and Allie. Then the part of the stage they were dancing on rose into view...they looked beautiful and danced beautifully. I was very proud of them!

Aaron Davis has made All-Stars along with the rest of his team! They play tonite and tomorrow. We are hoping to attend tomorrow. Go, Aaron!

Ann-Margaret presented a concert in June. We all enjoyed the lighting, her costumes and especially her singing! She had a great soccer season this year. "Watch out for number 2"

Megan Davis made the danceline at her school. She's supposed to be working on a dance featuring me as guest dancer but I think it may be against school rules or something...Oh, well, maybe we can work up a joint family Christmas dance this year! Last year Ann-Margaret and I each did a solo. We have so much talent in our family. Really!

This month or early July, Vicki Davis will receive her master's degree. She will be a Reading Specialist. Only she and her family know how hard she's worked for this! I'm amazed at all she does. We are all very proud of her. Way to go, Vicki!!!