Dear Journal~

The trip to Galveston, Texas, was the thing Bill and I needed.  We felt as if we were being taken advantaged of by some of the kids and our newest son, Akihiko, who has autism, was doing everything he possibly could to drive the two of us crazy.  It was starting to wear on both of us, so Papere' (my father) suggested a trip somewhere for a week, "just to get away from it all".

We had a wonderful time in Galveston: the weather was perfect: sunny and warm (to hot) conditions.  The smell of the Gulf, the sound of crying seagulls, the warm tropical breezes, and just letting our worries/concerns float away was the perfect antidote.  We got to spend a lot of time together, just Bill and myself, and it made the bond we share even stronger (if that is even possible, but it is!).

We were going to stay at a motel, but we ran into Marina Hope Ryan and her brother, Galveston, while looking at bluebonnets on the way down to Galveston; Galveston and Marina both insisted that we stay with them.  We took up their offer; they live in the area of Galveston called "The Strand", and they treated us like royalty.  We hardly had to lift a finger because Galveston, Marina, and Galveston's partner, Steve  Michael Cutler took care of everything we needed.

Bill and I did have to watch our tongues, though: see, Galveston and Steve are lovers.  They are gay and proud of it.  Bill and I don't agree with that lifestyle (we both strongly feel it is an abomination of God; it clearly states that in the Bible), but who are we to judge?  As long as they are happy, and don't flaunt it in front of us (which they didn't; they behaved! LOL), then that's okay.  Well, maybe not OKAY, per se, but we behaved ouselves too by not passing judgement on them.  LOL

While in Galveston, we went out to eat at several fine establishments (Joe's Crab Shack, TGI Friday's, Golden Corral, Rain Forest Cafe', which is where Steve works on the weekends), and Denney's.  Great food, and the atmosphere that Galveston has only made the dining experience better!  We went to the Great Storm, which was a movie about the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 where between 6,000 and 12,000 people were killed, went shopping at Murdochs and other places, and went to Moody Gardens, where we enjoyed the beauty of nature (and saw more bluebonnets!).

We took lots of pictures; we will be loading them up to our Facebook pages later this week.

Ronee' and Michael are here, as are Steffi and her fiance', Tank Griswald.  Johnny and his wife, Rebekka, are coming later, as are Melizza and Dianna.  Steffi and Ronee' look terrific as always and both are grateful from the break from school.  Steffi is in her third year and Ronee' and Michael, their second.  Johnny has been in school since the fall and loves it as well.  

Lightning and her family are coming on Thursday from Colorado.  It will be good to see them all, too.  Friday is our last practice session for our Cantata while Saturday morning will be the dress rehearsal before the first performance that evening.  Sunday will be our special Easter presentation at church and we expect our church to be packed to the gills: Easter Sunday always brings more people than usual, as does Christmas.

We expect good things to happen during these services.  I pray (along with the pastoral staff) that hearts are challenged and touched with the message that so powerfully signifiies Easter: the Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, from the Cross of Calvary.

After church, we will probably go out to eat at Golden Corral.  We have already called them to make reservations for a party of 90 some people.  They're gonna love THAT when we come traipsing in .... NOT! LOL

The weather here in Nashville is pretty today: sunny with highs in the 70's.  Then the rain moves in, with chances each day for storms, until Friday, before the next rain maker moves in for the weekend (FIGURES!).  Not too bad, but as long as we don't have any severe weather, then I'll be happy; we've had a lot of that lately and I am more than ready for a break in this pattern!  I am more than ready for some dry and sunny weather for a change!

Well, I hate to run, but the doorbell is ringing; sure hope it isn't another danged sales call!  Maybe it's Melizza and Dianna, or perhaps Johnny and Rebekka.  I hope so, but they're early.  LOL  I will write in here again soon; until then, this is Louisiana saying so long and God bless!  Happy Easter/Resuurection Sunday!

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Louisiana Mayrah.  :D