I take my kids, nieces, nephews and their friends swimming alot during the summer. And because I get bored very quickly, I like to switch pools we go to. But I found that we keep going back to one pool. That is Broadway Pool down in Broadway, Virginia. Now keep in mind, I haven't been to all the pools. Here is the pools we have visited this year and past years. Grand Caverns Pool, Grottoes, Virginia, Timberville Pool, Timberville, Virginia, and West Over pool in Harrisonburg . I haven't gotten up to Natural Chimney's pool, but my niece goes up there with her maternal Grandparents and they like it. Now those names are not the "official" names of them, but that's what I call them because of where they're located at.
Timberville pool is alot smaller than most, the floor of the pool is horrible. It's very rough and your feet end up feeling rough and cut when you're done. But they do have diving boards. So the kids seem to like that. They don't have enough chairs to sit on to take a break, eat, etc. So you end up sitting in an uncomfortable place...dry grass or hard cement. They do have a decent changing area that seems to be kept clean and a decent snack bar, with cool varieties of treats. The Grand Caverns Pool, has went down hill over the past few years. This year was no different. I took a large group up there, without visiting it this summer first. And well, we wont be back. No snack bar, changing area was okay, little if any chairs to sit it, the grass was really dry, hurt your feet to walk from the pool to your blanket area. And no diving boards. I took a bunch of kids up there, most of them love to dive...no diving board.One positive thing is, the pool is a nice size. But I keep in mind...I should have checked first, my bad.
Westover Pool in Harrisonburg, has alot more activities, like slides, diving boards, etc. But for me personally it's too big and too crowded. As I've said before, I take alot of kids and it's nearly impossible for me to keep watch on all of them. In conclusion, I love Broadway Pool. It's very nice, big and has nice diving boards. They have alot of seats, nice snack bar, nice changing area and the floor of the pool is very nice. I cant say the life guards are the friendliest, but I guess they're not there to make friends. All the pools have good prices, so if you want a cheap place to go. And sometimes we pack our lunches, so that helps with cost.
Where ever you go, enjoy your summer, wear sun block and keep everyone safe!! By the way...we're leaving to go swimming now.
*I do not work for any of the above pools, nor the towns there located in. This is just my opinion on area pools.*
Friday, July 18, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Our Veterans Deserve Better
In today's Daily News Record, Harrisonburg, Virginia. There's an editorial about Vets deserving better medical care. www.dnronline.com
These men and women, risked their lives for OUR freedom. They risk their lives, so WE can sit in our comfy house, enjoy satellite tv and have a nice meal. Whether they fought for 1 day, months, years or never made it home alive. They deserve our respect and thanks. My Dad enlisted to go to Vietnam. He's had some rough years and he has more of those years to come. But he has never once regretted going over there to fight. He fought for our freedom just like other soldiers. When he got back home, he was treated like dirt by hippies and war protesters who had the FREEDOM to stand at the airport and the bus station that Dad arrived at. My Dad and alot of others, fought so those people could have the freedom to do that. Sad but true.
Veterans need better health care; physical and mental, better benefits in all areas. Each Veteran needs to wake up each day with the medicine he/she needs and not worry about how they're going to have to pay for the next supply of medicine they need, wake up with a place to live and food they need. They need to know if they have a mental break down, (and it's likely to happen) they will get the help they need without all the "red tape". Which lets face it, slows them down for years.
I have a huge soft spot in my heart for Veterans, but especially homeless Veterans. Alot of people send millions of dollars to other countries helping others with food, physical and health needs and other causes these people find. But what about our Veterans? They're here in your community, but you reach over seas to help others. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying stop helping others. Because it is important to help others in need. But our priority should be on those who fought for us. Some people are so against fighting in the war(s) that they wont even look at a soldier.
This world is hard enough. And the government and some people, treat soldiers as if they have a skunk attached to them. Come on people, our Veterans stood up and fought for us, we owe them so and we can never repay them. Their service was invaluable and without their service, I may not be able to sit here and type all this or wear the clothes I want. I might not be able to go to the church of my choice or choose what religion they want. Next time you see a Veteran or active Soldier, shake their hand and thank them for serving our country. And Thanks Dad!!
These men and women, risked their lives for OUR freedom. They risk their lives, so WE can sit in our comfy house, enjoy satellite tv and have a nice meal. Whether they fought for 1 day, months, years or never made it home alive. They deserve our respect and thanks. My Dad enlisted to go to Vietnam. He's had some rough years and he has more of those years to come. But he has never once regretted going over there to fight. He fought for our freedom just like other soldiers. When he got back home, he was treated like dirt by hippies and war protesters who had the FREEDOM to stand at the airport and the bus station that Dad arrived at. My Dad and alot of others, fought so those people could have the freedom to do that. Sad but true.
Veterans need better health care; physical and mental, better benefits in all areas. Each Veteran needs to wake up each day with the medicine he/she needs and not worry about how they're going to have to pay for the next supply of medicine they need, wake up with a place to live and food they need. They need to know if they have a mental break down, (and it's likely to happen) they will get the help they need without all the "red tape". Which lets face it, slows them down for years.
I have a huge soft spot in my heart for Veterans, but especially homeless Veterans. Alot of people send millions of dollars to other countries helping others with food, physical and health needs and other causes these people find. But what about our Veterans? They're here in your community, but you reach over seas to help others. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying stop helping others. Because it is important to help others in need. But our priority should be on those who fought for us. Some people are so against fighting in the war(s) that they wont even look at a soldier.
This world is hard enough. And the government and some people, treat soldiers as if they have a skunk attached to them. Come on people, our Veterans stood up and fought for us, we owe them so and we can never repay them. Their service was invaluable and without their service, I may not be able to sit here and type all this or wear the clothes I want. I might not be able to go to the church of my choice or choose what religion they want. Next time you see a Veteran or active Soldier, shake their hand and thank them for serving our country. And Thanks Dad!!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Drive-in Movies
My son, cousin and their friends went to the Valley Mall free movie drive-in this evening. And it brought back cherished memories. My parents used to take us all the time. I used to love it. And then when my son was little, we used to take him back to West Virginia because as far as I know that was the only drive-in movies open close by. But I think that shut down a few years later. Not 100% positive about that.
We used to love taking him too. I love the little food stands that you walked over to, the smell of fresh popcorn and the night air. Everything was wonderful. I dont even think it mattered how good the movie was. It was just fun being there. Seeing your friends and family who were sure to be there too. I wish someone would open one here during the warm months. Tighter security of course. When I was little you just didn't worry about all that. My how times have changed. I'm not even that old, but things have changed dramatically.
Anyway, I hope they enjoy the movie and make more memories.
We used to love taking him too. I love the little food stands that you walked over to, the smell of fresh popcorn and the night air. Everything was wonderful. I dont even think it mattered how good the movie was. It was just fun being there. Seeing your friends and family who were sure to be there too. I wish someone would open one here during the warm months. Tighter security of course. When I was little you just didn't worry about all that. My how times have changed. I'm not even that old, but things have changed dramatically.
Anyway, I hope they enjoy the movie and make more memories.
The Story Tellers
My Granddaddy Rhodes used to sit with us on his front porch and tell us all kinds of stories. Not stories you read out of a book. But stories about his life, his parents, grandparents, etc. When we were growing up, like most kids we wanted to go climb a tree or ride bikes, instead of sitting there listening to old stories...some about people we never met. But most of the time we did listen. I think he thought we weren't listening because under his breath he'd say things like "well, if you're not gonna listen or I guess you don't care to hear about your family." Truth is, I was listening, I just couldn't sit still long enough to listen...I still cant.
I love to hear stories about our family. Honestly about anyone's family. That's one reason why I became a Professional Genealogist. My son says it's because I'm nosey, but I guess it goes with the territory. I want to know everything about everyone, especially about your family. If you meet me, I'm gonna ask you about you and your family clear back as far as you know and where they're from. I want to hear your family story.
Think about this; it's important that at this moment you be the story teller. Just as you parents were, just as your grandparents were and so on. You're kids, nieces, nephews, etc. will act like they're not listening. And some might not be, but most will be listening in their own way. Most will go to school and tell their friends the story, they might even write a report about it. Once you have the stories in their heads, they don't forget them. They'll grow up and tell their kids and grand kids.
This is how your family legacy is kept alive. You don't have to come from a famous family and your family doesn't have to be rich. The stories that keep your family going, are exactly that....stories that kept your family together, that got your family through hard times, memories your family made during good times and bad. It's especially fun for a kid, when they hear about the family member they act like. I tell my niece (brother's little girl) and my kids about my brother growing up, and they hoot, holler and laugh. My son acts exactly like my brother, so he's especially curious with all the stories.
Keeping your stories alive, is keeping your family history alive. Once they are no longer told, your family history disappears. After a few generations...the gap is so wide and the stories no longer can be told.
Be the storyteller in your family.
I love to hear stories about our family. Honestly about anyone's family. That's one reason why I became a Professional Genealogist. My son says it's because I'm nosey, but I guess it goes with the territory. I want to know everything about everyone, especially about your family. If you meet me, I'm gonna ask you about you and your family clear back as far as you know and where they're from. I want to hear your family story.
Think about this; it's important that at this moment you be the story teller. Just as you parents were, just as your grandparents were and so on. You're kids, nieces, nephews, etc. will act like they're not listening. And some might not be, but most will be listening in their own way. Most will go to school and tell their friends the story, they might even write a report about it. Once you have the stories in their heads, they don't forget them. They'll grow up and tell their kids and grand kids.
This is how your family legacy is kept alive. You don't have to come from a famous family and your family doesn't have to be rich. The stories that keep your family going, are exactly that....stories that kept your family together, that got your family through hard times, memories your family made during good times and bad. It's especially fun for a kid, when they hear about the family member they act like. I tell my niece (brother's little girl) and my kids about my brother growing up, and they hoot, holler and laugh. My son acts exactly like my brother, so he's especially curious with all the stories.
Keeping your stories alive, is keeping your family history alive. Once they are no longer told, your family history disappears. After a few generations...the gap is so wide and the stories no longer can be told.
Be the storyteller in your family.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Parental Forgiveness
So many times other kids hurt your own kids and it seems that the parents have a harder time
forgiving the other kid, than your own kid does. I know I do. I know if other kids hurt my kids, forgiveness and forgetting is a long way off. But how are we to teach our kids forgiveness, when our own hearts don't follow that rule at times? And can a parent truly ever forgive someone that hurt their kids? As a mother, I find it quite hard at times to do this. Like my Mom, I've always been super over protective of my kids. Even now, my brother, sister and I are all grown up and she's still the same way. I'm not complaining, just stating a fact. So because of our love and strength for our kids, it's hard.
I found that I do eventually forgive. I just don't trust that kid(s) enough to allow my kids with that person(s). Trust me, I've been tested during last school year. So I did learn...I do forgive, I just don't trust anymore.
So what if my kids hurt someone? And their parents react like I would. How do I deal with that? Well, I pray that those kids will forgive my kids eventually. But I have to remember that their parents will have the same "trust" issues as I do. So I try (key word being try) to remember that they need time too. And I try not to let my anger set in too deep. Eventually, it all works out in God's time.
As parents we need to remember to forgive those who hurt our precious gifts from God. But we also need to be patient with other parents. In our lifetimes, we will be hurt, we'll actually be hurt alot. And we will also hurt others, maybe a lot too.
forgiving the other kid, than your own kid does. I know I do. I know if other kids hurt my kids, forgiveness and forgetting is a long way off. But how are we to teach our kids forgiveness, when our own hearts don't follow that rule at times? And can a parent truly ever forgive someone that hurt their kids? As a mother, I find it quite hard at times to do this. Like my Mom, I've always been super over protective of my kids. Even now, my brother, sister and I are all grown up and she's still the same way. I'm not complaining, just stating a fact. So because of our love and strength for our kids, it's hard.
I found that I do eventually forgive. I just don't trust that kid(s) enough to allow my kids with that person(s). Trust me, I've been tested during last school year. So I did learn...I do forgive, I just don't trust anymore.
So what if my kids hurt someone? And their parents react like I would. How do I deal with that? Well, I pray that those kids will forgive my kids eventually. But I have to remember that their parents will have the same "trust" issues as I do. So I try (key word being try) to remember that they need time too. And I try not to let my anger set in too deep. Eventually, it all works out in God's time.
As parents we need to remember to forgive those who hurt our precious gifts from God. But we also need to be patient with other parents. In our lifetimes, we will be hurt, we'll actually be hurt alot. And we will also hurt others, maybe a lot too.
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