Sometimes we look at sights in nature but don't really see. While hiking in the woods the other day, it became a realization that we need to open our heart and eyes to see the beauty of the simple things in nature with each season. There is so much order and purpose in His creation. God has given us awesome beauty in this world to see and enjoy... if we would but stop to see and feel it. Join us as this blog is about stopping to see the real beauty around us...to touch and feel it... "Through the Lens".

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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

A Special Dinner

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Yesterday morning Stephen called us and wanted to know if Gerri & I would be able to meet him for dinner. He wanted to eat with us, but he also wanted us to meet the young lady he has been seeing. As a no brainer, we gladly agreed. So Monday night we met at Longhorn’s for a “late” dinner. Now late for us is anything after 6:30pm. Jennifer is an attractive young lady who is also in the National Guard. She is studying Criminal Justice and wants to do something in a related field. We spent about an hour and half eating and visiting. She is a delightful young lady and we are glad they have the opportunity to get to know each other and “hang out” together.

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I am still struggling with my back pains. A year and a few months ago I hurt my back and after an MRI we found I have a herniated disc. I went through a long series of spinal decompressions and a few lumbar epidurals. All of this was done to hopefully avoid back surgery. It worked and so far I have avoided having back surgery. It seems that I aggravated the back while hosting at the state park and I am trying to resolve an old back problem. I might have to repeat the same process as last year…? We will see!

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Enough of that! The weather yesterday and today hints of fall in the air. Gerri and I sat out and just enjoyed a gentle breeze and a beautiful sunset just a few minutes ago. The temps are in the mid to upper 70’s and low humidity…. Makes for a great evening on the patio. We might just build a campfire this week and just chillax under the stars. Seems like a good idea to me.

27 comments:

  1. Jennifer sounds like a real nice lady with a good plan for her future. Who could ask for more?

    Hope your back pain eases up and no "big deal" treatments are needed.

    Take care.

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  2. It's nice when our children want us to meet their boyfriends/girlfriends. And even nicer when we all like each other. Jennifer sounds like a keeper. ;)

    Mike, I hope your back feels better soon and that you can avoid surgery. Aches and pains are no fun!

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  3. I hope that your back is better. That is the surgery that my brother had, to put an implant in for pain management(successful). I really like the for my pictures. I wonder if it would be okay if I use some of your pictures as subjects for my paintings? They are amazing. Hopefully I can do them justice.

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  4. Great butterfly pic, Mike! Actually, all of the pictures are keepers. Sunsets are one of my favorite things to photograph, but it's been months since I've seen a good one. I sure hope your back problems get taken care of. They rank right up there with tooth aches. :)

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  5. I have missed your posts!!...look everyday and nothing!!..thanks for coming back!!..hope your back feels better soon..and as for Stephen's ladyfriend!..she must be a keeper!

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  6. Your son must really like this young lady to want her to meet you both. Usually, kids put that off like the plague!! It's great that he so highly of you that he's willing to risk having his friend meet the 'rents!

    Those sunset pictures are just terrific!

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  7. Gorgeous photos!
    Hope your back is feeling better soon. :)
    Barbara

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  8. Mike, I hope your back is feeling better very soon, and that no surgery will be necessary!

    Your pictures are beautiful. :)

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  9. Sounds like you guys had a great dinner, Jennifer sounds like she has a good head on her shoulders and will be a fine companion. Hope Mike can lick the back pain and avoid any surgery, I say a prayer when I realize I have stayed away from back trouble this long. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.

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  10. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way that your back starts to feeling better real soon Mike.

    Incredible photographs!

    Connie

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  11. I especially like the butterfly pic. I've heard the lower back is the weakest part in the skeletal structure. Back pain is no fun & I have had my share of problems as well because of heavy lifting years ago. Hopefully you will get your back problem resolved at some point.

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  12. I'm sorry about the back problems. Hopefully you can resolve it without surgery.

    That butterfly photo was especially pretty today. I never have good luck with butterflies...they move too much.

    Your weather sounds wonderful and a campfire does sound nice.

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  13. The pictures are just beautiful!!!! Good luck with your back.

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  14. Sorry to read about your back pain. Your photos were beautiful today. Wish I could capture a butterfly like you have done. Hope your back starts feeling better soon.

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  15. We've missed you guys. Great pics especially the sunset ones. Morning sunrises and sets have a great meaning to me... "I've made it through another great day".

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  16. How nice that Stephen wanted to share his lady friend Jennifer with you.

    All of your pictures are beautiful today!

    Wishing you well with your back problems!

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  17. Beautiful pictures. Thank you for becoming Followers of our Blog. We check for your post daily in Google Reader. Get to feeling better QUICK.

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  18. Hope your back is better today. Been there, done that, and it was no fun. My surgery was in 1978. They have come a long way since then. Fantastic pictures...

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  19. Leonard also has a herniated disc. Because of it he had to cease lifting his mother or face life in a wheelchair. Takes chiropractic treatments for relief. Right now he is not in pain and has not had pain for over a month.

    Sure hope you can find relief soon also.

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  20. So glad you got to spend some time with Stephen and meet his girl. I know that was a great evening for all!

    Praying your back feels better soon. Have Gerri give you lots of massages!! :)

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  21. Ah yes, dinner with the parents...I remember that...Man, it seems everyone has fabulous photos on their blog tonight..It's like watching NatGeo online!!!

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  22. Love your pictures. We take quite a few ourselves. Come on over and check us out please. http://phaetonplace.blogspot.com/

    PS I'm a Jones too!

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  23. What gorgeous photos! Thanks for sharing them with us. Hope your back recovers quickly.

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  24. Wow, attractive, nice, in the Nat Guard and a CJ major, whats not to like!! Seriously, good for him, hope all works out for the best.

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  25. Fall is absolutely my favorite time of year. Love, love, love your photos. Hope your back is better.

    Syl

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  26. Sounds like an awesome young lady your son is hanging out with......hope it works out for them (and you). :)

    Your pictures are so beautiful! You and Al (stargeezer) would have to share first prize in a photography contest.

    Good luck with your back!

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