New Era

I know that most of you don't recognize the surroundings... but they are very familiar to me. That is Pronto Printing. The print shop I worked at in Universal City when Lacey was a kiddo. I guess Lacey and JC had a day off to explore their new surroundings. I'm glad she could find her way around enough to get back to her roots. My boss at Pronto, is still one of my most cherished friends. Here's a shout out to Christy and Susan.

Pride and Joy

Last night, Becky and Sandra went with us to Hogg Creek Ice House for dinner. We knew there would be a band, but because there was a big wing ding at the fair grounds we expected it to be quite. We were so pleasantly surprised. This local Father and sons band were such a treat. They were a blues guitar band, with a real Steve Ray Vaughan influence. We stayed past midnight just enjoying the music. Most of what they played was there own. It wasn't until we were leaving that they started playing some cover songs. Look them up, they have some of there music on their myspace.

Teaching Jason

I love this photo of my nephew Jason and his daddy. He is watching every move, and taking it all in. He learned all that important "outdoorsman" stuff well. He loved it. I guess his little boys, Vic and Joe, will have to learn how to clean fish from their grand dad. Missing Jason on the four month anniversary of his accident.

Flurry of Activity

In the last two days there was a flurry of activity on facebook. It was like the PHS Class of 1978 found each other. It really is so much fun visiting with everyone. The friends whose background was so similar to your own are like family. Browsing through all your photos is a blast. Having lost my folks it is neat to see photos of their contemporaries still vital and looking great. To those of you that have found your way to my blog, welcome.

Can't Paint'em like that...

Wednesday night the sunset was beautiful in Waco. I came home opened a bottle of Riesling and seasoned the steaks to toss on the grill. While I waited for the coals to burn, I called my sister in NM and she was in awe of the sunset there. It was just a little gift to us Vance girls, so if you were busy I took a snapshot to share.

Doctor Visit

Well, I went to Fort Worth today and saw Dr. Schmidt. Everything is healing just fine. He gave me a RX for a crutch. A natural progression I suppose. I have been limping around without anything and he doesn't want me to do that. It is hard on the back. I have to start with the leg raises and abductor exercises, plus 20 minutes of walking. I will be seen on Austin Ave, downtown Waco. I'll be the one with the crutch.
What a beautiful day in Central Texas. Sunshine and warm breezes.

Happy New Year

Welcome 2009! I have had a great 2008, but I'm so excited about 2009. I didn't realize until the last few weeks that the constant hip pain had caused my life to be cloudy. I wouldn't use the word depressed, but the pain hobbled me, and kept me from doing things I wanted to do. The new hip is pain free. I still have some rehab to do on the muscles...but the joint is "like Buddah".

Lacey and her little family moved to San Antonio over the holiday. I pray that this is a good move for everyone. I will miss my biscuit more than I can even speak. I choke up at even mentioning it. Lacey transferred to an Office Max down there. Y'all pray for them.

The last few months of 2008 were spent doing watercolors. That has really changed my life. I love it. I look forward to doing that more. There is a gallery in Clifton, The White Horse Gallery, that has extended an offer to hang some of my work. I am trying to compile several pieces. They seem to be selling well, just out of the house.

As I write this Paul and I are listening to Tommy Emmanuel, the greatest guitar player ever. We didn't get to see him while he was in Waco...but next time we will! If you have a minute to pull him up on your Youtube... he is awesome to watch as well as listen to. For Christmas I got Paul tickets to see Los Lonely Boys. He had wanted ACDC...but $300+ was a little too steep even for a good husband. Then I would have had to buy two....

2008 brought us many wonderful things. A remodeled bathroom. YEA! This year we got the heat connected before the cold set in, after spending last winter without. A brand new right hip, a "First In Show" ribbon at an art show. My 30th anniversary class reunion, reuniting with so many old precious friends. Hundreds of answered prayers when the Lord repaired Brooke's mom's heart and brought her home healthy. Many wonderful blessings. There were sad times too. While loosing my "larger than life" nephew Jason Crume, was heartbreaking, we are a family of faith, and are comforted by the promise that we will see him again. And as a reminder that life is precious God gave us a new baby in the family. Jason's nephew Samuel was born right after Thanksgiving.

I am blessed by a my friends. Old and New, you are my family, and I'm truly thankful for you. I thank the Lord for bringing my oldest sister back to the southwest where she belongs and my middle sister back from Mars. (actually Alaska). My relationship with my sisters is unique, and wonderful. I'm feel very fortunate to have you all in my life.