Group Pictures of Troy Travelers - Amsterdam-Paris-Normandy

Touring Europe- ( Amsterdam-Paris-Normandy) March 2016

Group shots courtesy of Pam/Ray Smith and/or Serdjo Car

Just a clue for my family and friends looking closely at the group-

To spot me just go to the oldest, shortest female wearing a black trench coat.

(That should be EASY)

It will take time to fill in the blanks with more fyi details-When some of these group shots were taken and shared on our trip diary w family I happen to know some family members were examining closely saying- "find Mom- proof of life"..LOL

In the interest of full disclosure: {personally} We never felt any danger or saw any  show of law enforcement that suggested we were or could be in danger. It was not until we were at and leaving the airport in Paris on Friday March 25th that we knew it as REAL..SECURITY was impressively tight. For that we have to be thankful

Not all our stories will be shared here simply because they are not all mine to share but indeed we do have stories to tell.

Later- Looking Forward-

Jonell

post script:  btw this Gramma marked her 75th birthday  just  4 days after our trip...well, I am impressed because I know the steps we walked, the STAIRS we climbed the shops we lingered in etc...later-

And Then We Get to T R A V E L -

Yes, This Gramma Did Travel to Europe-

( March 17-25, 2016 )

Amsterdam/the Netherlands- Paris-Normandy-

[Just A Glimpse-More to come "in parts"]

( The South Georgia country girl-in France about to mark her 75th Birthday -on the 29th)

Confession time:  The best laid of plans sometimes get scrambled-like taking a 'sick day & night" to linger/hide out in your hotel room to allow the body and the OTC meds to do their thing-But that's Life 'as we often say' and we just trudge on and deal with it. Thank God for internet photos and those shared by your Troy Travelers group.

Notes from Abby in London

Photo source: Abigail Koch

https://abbyabroadsite.wordpress.com/

Yes, Gramma missed this outing but not to worry I got reasonably close up shots from the bus and thanks to today's technology I only feel I missed out ....just a bit.

Bicycles rule in Paris-They're EVERYWHERE!

 FOOD....yes the food was almost without exception FAB U LOUS..and all the better because of the settings-environment and the 39 others with whom we shared these meals.  Our Tour guide Serdjo Car and Pam Smith's attention to detail meant we had great dining experiences  in cozy Parisian & Normandy area locations we will stash away in our files called :  "Snapshots in time-& Europe"

Ohmygoodness what happened to Gloria? Where did she disappear to?

"It's my birthday- ( Meredith Gramley) 18 today and celebrating with

the Troy Travelers-Troy, Alabama

The Birthday confection with FIREWORKS was delivered to the kids table-

fabulous way to mark your 18th birthday -

(in Normandy-France)

-'to be continued-hang in there with me while I collect my thoughts, do the collage thing and check out other Troy Travelers photos being shared so generously-

Our Town - Yesterday & Today ( a brief glance-to be continued)

Days Gone By

 Street Scene-Brundidge, Alabama

I know nothing about identifying the make, model and year of automobiles especially anything prior to 1957...really! I wonder why~ If I did I would gladly fill you in on the approximate year of this scene.

When we were house hunting in 2006, transitioning from southeast Texas back to Alabama - remember [closer to children and 8 Grandchildren ]  we had specific preferences.  We knew  moving into the city of Montgomery was at the bottom of our list.  We did not want to move into an apartment- keep in mind we were leaving the country scene with almost 200 acres surrounding a 100 year old primitive farmhouse.  The move was not  akin to breaking up with your first boyfriend but more like breaking off an engagement the week before the wedding dramatic.

After looking at houses south and southeast of Montgomery and coming close to The One a couple of times we ended up an hour & 15 minutes south of three of our children in a small University town.  I don't recall the realtor showing us anything in Troy but we did look at three properties in Brundidge which is a short 8 miles away. 

After making a few stops in another direction we found ourselves taking a second look in Brundidge and without too much indecision or waffling found our home.  It was move in ready.  There was nothing to work on- as we so often say: "famous last words." 

We didn't stop working for several years.

And why did we choose to make our new home in a small town with one traffic light and barely two blocks of what we call 'downtown ?"

The population is about 2,000 - had at that time  1 dollar store, 1 small Piggly Wiggly Supermarket, a Florist, 2 insurance company offices, a jewelry store, three Banks, a hardware store,  furniture store,  Hardy's fast food restaurant,  several gas stations, a wonderful  library, 3 churches on that downtown stretch of main street - you get the picture. 

 There were several antique stores on main street or close by each adding it's own distinct flavor. The  Brundidge story from the 1950s forward was pretty much like that of all small town America as we moved toward the 21st century with this amazing thing called modern times and progress.  If you have no idea what I am talking about go visit with somebody's Grandparents  who are now 65+ and ask them to tell you about the small towns  where they  lived  during the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s and 50s...

I would do this small town a disservice if I failed to mention the We Piddle Around- A dinner Theater.  By this time WPA had earned a reputation. Our realtor pointed out that you could not dilly dally about purchasing tickets for this fall and spring  production: "Come Home, It's Suppertime."  He was right-when tickets went on sale we learned that you had best be in line that morning ready to secure your seats.  This continues to be the norm each spring & fall season.

Small towns like this are a difficult  environment -specifically not making it easy for a new business to thrive-even survive.  For that reason we have seen in the almost 10 years here numerous new endeavors come and go...within a year or two.  I always cheer them on and support enthusiastically  but it does indeed 'take a village" to  ensure success for the little people, small business or entrepreneurs. 

Some of the latest brave souls entering this business community include  a Thrift Shop, Internet  Coffee Shop, Family Dollar, and a first class new restaurant- http://www.colliersonmain.com/ with designs on becoming a sports bar scene as well as the place for large & formal receptions, wedding & Sorority gatherings.

Brundidge Florist-Main Street-

Just a few highlights from downtown small town Brundidge, Alabama-located just 8 miles from the city of Troy, Alabama-home of Troy University

This is definitely not the entire story or scene-It's changing even as we speak.

Where In The World Is Abby ...

Prague! by abbyabroad  Guest Blogger

This past weekend I & a few friends   visited the beautiful city of Prague in the Czech Republic.  I  had no idea what to expect.

  We arrived in Prague Thursday, afternoon after a 5 hour layover in Munich, Germany. We ended the night  going to a beautiful restaurant called the 'Marina'  inside an actual boat on the water! I ordered salmon pasta and it was only 8 US dollars!  A  good deal for a fancy restaurant.

Friday morning was glorious because we woke up to SUNSHINE. It's amazing what a little  sunshine can do to your mood. We stayed in Old Town Prague. The first day we wandered over to the Jewish cemetery and got to tour around; then  to a traditional Czech restaurant!  The food  was very good. So much more taste & variety than England (in my opinion). We ended the day  taking a hike to view the sunset over the city.

I just had to visit the Ice Bar, We went Friday night and it was such a cool experience. The room is set at -7 degrees and everything inside is ice (obviously). They give you a massive coat and gloves and they even put your drink in a glass made of ice! You could only spend 30 minutes inside due to the temperatures, so afterward we made our way next door to Karlovy Lazne (the biggest club in Central Europe, 5 floors tall). That was super cool as well because each floor had a different theme! The next day we got to explore the castle and to see the John Lennon Wall!

One observation  while in Prague was how peaceful the streets were. There were tons of tourists groups out and about during the day, but it never felt over crowded or super loud.  The architecture was so impeccable as well. This is called the "untouchable" or "golden" city, which makes total sense. The buildings were all so gorgeous and most would be pastel colored with gold roofs. Being here was such a joy and I've vowed that I definitely want to return one day. This trip had just emphasized how fortunate  I am to be traveling the world while studying in England. 

Next week, I am off to Dublin for St. Patrick's Day! :)

                

Comment

Moments of Spring...Whispers of a New Season- Spring 2016

Today, March 1, they are now gone...done...over. The sweetest little beauties..now the Wisteria will be showing up soon and will like the paper whites be gone before you get use to the joy and the sweet scent of them....and the Bridal Wreath..same story-I see teeny tiny leaves along their branches already.

(Less than two weeks this is what the paper whites looked like at my  house)

I will come back and share those Bridal Wreath and Wisteria as quickly as they begin to show up.

L O N E L Y ~

(I've been saving this post for a special time I suppose...just occurred to me that it could be a special time..this could be the very day someone else can benefit from my introspective thoughts.  Let me know if it was meaningful to you in any way.)

Lonely Is More Than

L o n e s o m e

For The Company of Another

L.O.N.E.L.Y.

It's  not simply  about being ALONE.

It is
Being Without...

the loved one who is no longer  here.

It's much more than a house or environment being
 Q u i e t-

It's about everything around you being
Complicated-

Too Big
Too Quiet
Too  Empty

Well, that's my two cents worth on the subject-
Your feedback, please~

Jonell

One Month In - Updates from Abby In London-

it has officially been a month since I've packed my bags and left for England! It's crazy how fast this month has passed. One month has exposed me to  many  differences between England and the United States.

The obvious difference of driving on the other side of the road. I'm able to walk everywhere (or grab a bus).  Walking & biking are  huge here. Manchester has lots of people, things to do, people  walking to work, class, city center, etc.  I have never walked  so many consecutive days before.

Another difference  has to be the style here. Everybody dresses a little more "edgier" here. People are not afraid to mix and match different styles, patterns and colors. The best part is that nobody cares!

I had never heard  that the British come across "cold" upon first impression; but now I can understand why  people think that. When  in a large crowd it is  easy to "spot the American" because they will probably be the loudest  in the group. When meeting new people I think sometimes I scare them because I am more outgoing. Nonetheless, they are still very nice people, it just takes a little longer for them to warm up to you.

Then there's the weather. I had been alerted before leaving for England to get ready for the rainy, gloomy & cloudy weather. I love sunshine, the beach & a bright blue sky-so this has definitely been a transition.  Lately the weather has been super nice.  I appreciate when the sun does shine.

I am looking forward to all the new and exciting adventures  in these next 4 months!

Abby -

Gramma Traveled to P.A.R.I.S.? Yes, She Did!

(Looking Back at the Year 2016)

Gramma Traveled to Paris

And the Netherlands- Amsterdam, and did I mention Paris?  Add Normandy to that!

And don't forget- P.A.R.I.S.   - YES!

Justa Note~

I hardly know where to begin-
Perhaps March 17th

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

I suppose that would be a good place to start-

After all everyone was gathering there for 6:35 p.m. departure.

Oh, yes-and by the way-Remember the Brussels bombing in March 2016?
You guessed it.

But that's okay-This occurred two days AFTER WE SPED THRU
(on the high speed train)
 from Amsterdam to Paris.

And I know no one believes this but it's true-
There was never one sound, scene or situation where we felt in danger or threatened-
Well, fast forward to the airport as we were to leave from Paris headed back to the U.S.-
Security was really tight.
This was not frightening-It was encouraging that everyone was on the job and not missing anything!

Pam Smith & husband Ray

( Problems? They have the solutions! )

JH

Ahh, Why Do I Love This

I Just Do -

Victoria Magazine

Is it the fine bone china pattern? Is it the pretty silver spoon?  Could it be the tea table with the beautiful linens, the anticipation of what's to be served along with tea?

Perhaps it's just a lazy Saturday thing -

I just do! That's all.

Tea for me-

And You, And You-

That Makes Three..

For afternoon tea

With me.

Notes From Abby in London -

I have officially made it to a new decade-

It is so cool to me to be able to say I celebrated -

turning 20 in a different country.

Tuesday's class was cancelled, yay! Monday night  a few   international kids went out to celebrate- two girls were turning the big 21!  We stayed until midnight to ring in my 20th birthday as well, which was very nice. My friends surprised me with birthday presents which was  sweet & thoughtful.  ( a TON of chocolate; they just know me so well )

Tuesday night we attended a Manchester United game which was absolutely amazing! My friend Amanda has been a die hard fan for years now, and this was her first time seeing a game live at the home stadium. . The  game atmosphere was just unreal.  We won 5-0 as well! I guess us Americans being there was a good luck charm :)

FINALLY I  had my first class (my parents were starting to wonder what they were actually paying for). a small class, only about 25-30 students, and all girls. We have about 50 minute classes back home, so sitting through a 2 hour lecture got a little tiring after awhile.  We only have 7 lectures for this class, then an individual paper and a group project for our grades  will be due  the beginning of May. This is  very different than the American school system. Tomorrow, I will have a field trip for one  class to look at 10 different venues in Manchester. , I am excited to see what my other classes have in store!

This Saturday, the international society is taking a trip to the North Lake District.   I am very excited for that! When my parents used to live in England, they always talked about how beautiful that area was.
Next week  Amanda & I are off to Amsterdam for 4 days!



Thanks to everyone who wished  me a happy birthdayl! I have been enjoying every second of this wonderful opportunity & can't wait for everything still to come.

Abby~

P R A Y I N G IS -

PRAYING IS
Like Breathing

There is a permanent connection between me and the God I serve-

Praying is

[for me]

N O R M A L

[like breathing]

Praying is
Healthy

Praying is
Sometimes talking aloud
Sometimes...not

Prayer is
Sometimes Quiet
Other times...desperate
Crying Out.
Sometimes Pleading
Other times just
Opening up, spilling out


Sometimes standing tall with arms outstretched toward the heavens
Other time kneeling, vulnerable
Or face down in total submission
Emptying one's self out
empty- defenseless-
though not defeated.

PRAYING  IS  NOT
routine
for an audience
to impress anyone
Not even God

Praying is Getting Real
Shedding layers of pretense

Praying
is Necessary..for God's children...for me

Sometimes
No words needed

Just breathing ...barely
And leaning softly into
my Creator

My Lord, really...

And H.E.R.E.'s Abby -

Well, I have finally made it to London!

A long & tiring trip but oh so exciting! Running off only 2 hours of sleep from a 6.5 hour flight, I started my adventure early Thursday morning.

We arrived at the hotel and explored a little before heading to a quick introduction orientation and dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner, we wandered over to see Big Ben & The London Eye (no big deal or anything...). It was absolutely breathtaking to see these landmarks live and in person; especially because they were lit up since it was nighttime. The architecture was so stunning!

After taking only a few (hundred) pictures, we decided to take "The Tube" (metro/subway) back to the hotel. Our advisor had told us we would never need to go out of Zones 1/2 when taking the Tube. Well, we missed our stop and having lived in DC, I figured that it would circle its way back to the stop again. Well, about 35 minutes later we end up in a deserted Zone 5 which was so far out of town with no one around and no one else on the Tube. Luckily, Amanda found a lady who was able to help guide us back on and tell us which stop to take. All in all, a quick 10 minute Tube right took an hour and a half. I guess you live & you learn.

Friday primarily orientation and learning about England & what school will be like in Manchester. One thing I have learned here is that the drivers are RUTHLESS. They do NOT yield to pedestrians & I am pretty sure they do not know how to use their brakes. If you're in the street and the light isn't green to walk, you will most likely get hit. Luckily for me, they have spray painted on the pavement to either "look right" or "look left" since it is opposite from what I am used to.

Introducing Abby-

Introducing my new young friend Abby who has just landed [literally] on London soil to begin a five month long adventure in education, history, travel and who knows what else she will devour from her temporary new home. 

>Hello! My name is Abby Koch and I am a junior at East Carolina University. I am currently studying abroad in England at the University of Manchester. I will be here until mid June! This is my first time abroad and I am so excited to share my experiences with you! My current home is Montgomery, AL but I work in Troy, AL at the Chick Fil A . I have been there for about 3 years and I LOVE working there. Although it is just a quick service restaurant, I love meeting and talking to all the people who pass through each day. Growing up with my dad in the military has given me a big passion to travel! I would love to just travel the world and meet so many different types of people. I hope you enjoy the moments I share with you!   

- Introducing a New Guest Blogger SOON ~

Sure, it's a teaser to grab your attention but you will discover there is more truth than fiction here.

Another Kind of Christmas This Year~

Costa Rica at Christmastime

2015

The plans, the motivation, relationships, new friends, new faces, challenges, smiles, hugs & ahhhhhh yes, the stories.

Let's flash back to November and Sunday morning worship service at FBC/ Troy, Alabama.  Music can be so much more than pleasant to the senses-the Holy Spirit can use our worship time to nudge and direct our thinking.  As we sang praises that morning there was a three way conversation going on in my head-God was prompting-Yes you need to go to Costa Rica, the Holy Spirit was whispering "Yes, Yes"- again and again just simple words- Costa Rica, yes, yes....and just as real my husband Ted cheering in the background "Do it Jonell, stop talking about it-just do it."  That was settled by the time Pastor Luke began his message -no more discussion.  D.O.N.E

The Faces...The Stories

Don't Assume Anything-

About post Christmastime progress-No the storage containers have not made it to the attic yet!  My excuse is they just won't climb those stairs.

I hope I have never misled you-giving you cause to think I am that kind of Gramma, promptly making order  from the chaos on January first.

Handmade Candles thanks to the creative thoughtfulness of

the youngest Grand daughter [ zoom in:  "Around the world

and back again"  ATWABA

Okay, the real scoop -

the ugly truth this January 2016:

The tree I so love, is still up in the living room.  The lights [on a copper thread/wire] are still twinkling wound into the mantle décor. The tabletop trees placed strategically in the dining room, spare bedrooms and even kitchen and computer room [a very tiny one here].  The dining room tablescape has not changed yet though I suspect I will only remove Christmas décor leaving the old bottles to make do or inspire me for a transitional table scene. 

Oh mygoodnessme....I have spent too few hours sitting here this season...So much work and too little time soaking it in- this can be the very best time and space for pondering, meditating, praying, quiet rejoicing..

Confession:  I did not handle this well for 2015-not discouraging though it gets me started with an early to-do LIST -plans, goals -reminders not resolutions!

Let's move on:  It will get done when it gets done-quoting my children; "It is what it is."

Looking ahead  note that I have some incredible things to share with you as this new year begins..as I get it together I will share Pictures and stories from our Costa Rica Mission trip [ First Baptist Church, Troy,Alabama ] in December then perhaps you will empathize.  Maybe not, nonetheless, I look forward to sharing My reason for Costa Rica...part of that story goes way back to the 1950's.

Our family has a Wedding on the 2016 calendar, a high school graduation, some travel and of course with all the Grands & our Mr. Lincoln [Great Grand] there will continue to be happenings & blessings to share as appropriate.

Looking Forward- Still

2016

Jonell

A Work in Progress-Still

"The Rest of the Story"

(Not really- just another chapter-perhaps a single paragraph but The Rest of the Story sounds so clever -thanks, Paul Harvey )

I often look back - consider the present,

seeing  how perfectly ordered and complete

the Seasons of my life have been.

I almost said: "have come together"

but  that would sound like something accidentally falling into place.

 I don't see my life that way. 

The Seasons of my life:

Coming to Christ at 8 years old

The Cinderella Years

Finding Our Way- More Stumbling than Climbing

Milestones 1982-Teaching-Maturing

The Texas Years-

( Time for the Flowers- )

Our Miracle Years 1983- 2006

Home Wrapped Around Us-

Another Season

of Beauty-

Contentment-

Front Porch Prayers, Making 'pretty' and comfortable all around us.

July 2006- August 18, 2013

A New Chapter

"Table for One"

Did God forget or ignore anything?

Amazing-

He Thought of Everything-

Gave us every season we needed or dreamed of and even more!

He allowed time for stumbling, failing and detours-

And never forgot the nurturing, encouraging do overs-

Our God wanted us to have the mountain top experiences -

That inevitably drew us closer to Him-

Especially after the dark orValley times.

And While we waited often not patiently for answers

He never turned loose ...held us closely, never letting go

While he shaped and molded us.

And He knew how to throw a Party to Celebrate...Victories.

Ah, looking back at all the Surprise Parties He

Planned & Orchestrated for us

An ever present reminder of His Faithfulness

All the While

He Knew, He Knew

Looking Forward-Again,

A Child of the King

Not About Presents But His Presence ~

 Yes, Yes, that 9 foot tree is  D.O.N.E....For all the seasons since 2006 I have continued to be on the hunt -in season & out- for a FEW MORE perfect ornaments that fit my Silver, Gold, Clear Glass & White O.N.L.Y...(No others-no red, green, blue etc) Some were significantly Vintage...a few verging on antique..others 21st century, handmade or a bit of age qualifies them.

Ah, yes - so many Christmastime memories especially when you've had a life so long as mine. So many I cannot share a post that captures them.

This post won't be finished today...believe that! It's already becoming scrambled eggs in my head. Consider the childhood memories..the simple, often sad lessons learned memories of times so different than now. That's called HISTORY...my history.

Then there are the theme Christmas memories..the hard times when giving is in your heart but never in your pocket book,remember any of those?

I always...I mean always have loved to be the GIVER. One great thing about this season of my life is I am NOT caught up in the traditional Christmas gifting of the past..

How I wish as a child I had the influence of this age of creativity-had I known how to make something from nothing and pick up bundles & pieces of God's creation and repurpose it as I do now...oh well that was then..the beauty & the gifts were of a different kind.

In another era the fresh fruit from Florida filled us with joy and thankfulness..and the candy canes were delightful.  The Raisins [grapes dried on the vines] made a lifetime memory for my husband to cherish.

I shall always remember the family gatherings when a daughter in law or the Grands  ransacked my closets, drawers to find scarves, ties, robes, towels or fabric pieces to dress themselves for their own production of the Christmas Story-the Bible story of Jesus' birth.  The most recent featured our great grandson Lincoln as the baby Jesus.

While it is not a gift but a memory there is very little more precious to me than the Christmas Eve Candlelight service at church and also setting out luminaries along our side walk during the season. 

Remember, we began with the statement that it

[Christmas] is not about presents but His Presence?