Wow! What an action-packed few weeks! It went by so quickly, and yet there are so many great memories!
Wednesday, April 14, 202
I had bought a one way plane ticket to Jacksonville last week, and found that one of the company drivers was bored at home today between jobs. So after I packed for my trip, and parked my van, he and his wife were happy to give me a ride to the airport. I stayed that night in a nearby hotel for free because of my accumulated points.
Thursday, April 15, 2021
It was an early morning, as I took a taxi to the airport, arriving at about 4 AM. The flight was on time, and took me by way of a stop in Dallas. After I arrived in Jacksonville, I waited there to meet my brother Paul. He is the one who organized this surprise 98th birthday celebration for my Dad. He also has a lot planned! We met up at about 5, rented a car, and drove from there to Citra together.
We arrived at my Dad’s house and surprised him in his living room!
We had a great evening visiting, and Annalou had driven down the day before, so it was great to be there together!
Friday, April 16, 2021
We were all up early for breakfast together at their church, and Paul gave an excellent devotional after the meal. Because of the coming rain forecast for the weekend, Paul and I went right to work finding the property markers, and filming Dad’s property from the air while the weather was clear. Dad is tall, but had never seen his house and land from THAT perspective!! His is the house with Annalou’s red car parked next to it.
Our sister Jinnie arrived with her husband Roger around mid day, which was a total surprise once again for my Dad.
We all have not been together like this for a few years, so it was fun to remember stories, and have Dad tell a few as well.
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Happy 98th Birthday, Dad!
The day started with an interview from the local news paper, in honor of the fact that my Dad is a World War 2 Navy Veteran.
Here is the link to that story if you want to read it.
https://www.ocala.com/story/news/2021/04/19/military-ministry-honoring-arthur-jehle/7288606002/
Later we all went to a local steakhouse, and outside my Dad was met by an Officer who presented him with a coin and a document in honor of his service.
He was also met by a woman who gave him a Citation from the local State Representative in honor of his service.
We enjoyed a great meal together inside!
Although it had been a busy day for Dad, we all went straight to the church hall where we had some cake and ice cream, followed by a Zoom chat with all his grandchildren, who we had showing on the wall with a projector.
What a packed day! But it was really fun to honor him not only for his service to this country, but as a wonderful father as well!
Sunday, April 18, 2021
Unfortunately Jinnie and Roger had to leave because of an appointment they had for Monday.
But my brother gave the message in church, and it was excellent! Then everyone stayed for a full lunch and combined celebration for both Dad and a baby shower for one of the women there. Of course I was happy to help with the photography in order to get a group shot outside!
We spent the afternoon visiting with family and friends there.
Monday, April 19, 2021
We all met at the church for breakfast, and this time it was my turn to give the devotional. After the meal, Paul left for the airport in a rental car, and Annalou and I drove back to our RV in Statesville NC. We arrived by supper time, and met our great friend Jan there, who was staying in our RV, and who had supper ready for us as we walked in!!
After supper, Annalou went to work, and I took a long walk around the campground in progress to see the changes there.
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Annalou got home from work at about 8:30 and I made breakfast for all of us. It was the day to get errands done, so we did them. I also called in to the company dispatch, and the owner told me I was welcome to come back on the 28th as planned, but if I was willing to wait until the 7th, that would make it easier for him to keep his company steermen scheduled. No problem, I’m having fun!!!
We visited with Jan, and then Annalou left for work again after supper.
Wesnesday, April 21, 2021
Annalou got home at about 8:30, so we had a good breakfast, packed up, and dropped Jan’s dog Button off at Lara’s house to play with Fenway while we went to be tourists! Lara was at work, but Button and Fenway are in very good hands with Jeremy! LOL
We drove to Asheville, checked into a hotel that Annalou booked using her accumulated points, and had supper with Frank and Mary Argento in town! They were neighbors of ours when we lived in Alaska,, and Annalou and I hadn’t seen them since we moved away in 1986! Jan had visited with them just s few years ago.
What a great visit! Since we last saw them, we have both raised our children and are all empty nesters now! It was so nice to catch up with them again! We have been blessed with some very good friends! After supper, they showed us around the Biltmore estate so we could plan out our day tomorrow.
The three of us walked around one part of the grounds, and watched a video of the history of the estate, it’s purpose and construction, and all that went on there.
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