My early morning trips to our local beach seemed like a great idea...

until I got too engrossed in beachcombing and dipped my digital camera into the Gulf.  Not good...

To the men and women
who fought for me
on every conceivable land and sea,
from this nation’s inception
to this very day:

For your sacrifice
to keep me free,
thank you seems lacking--too little to say;
may God bless and keep you
in His perfect way.

5/25/2009 Cheri Neuman Herald

 This year, my husband's birthday falls on Easter.  We celebrated Friday by taking our first boat ride of the year. 

Although windy, the weather was beautiful--the scenery spectacular.

Last night we had his pregnant daughter and her husband for birthday dinner.  We served his own fresh-caught redfish and trout, crab, cheesy biscuits, coleslaw and fruit.

The cake was his favorite--pineapple upside-down cake

What a way to celebrate the glorious life and eternity provided by our risen savior.  Happy Easter, Xanga friends!

We finally got 1/2 inch of rain last night after a month of drought.  Hand watering just keeps everything alive; it's not the same. Now, things should really begin to bloom. Thank God.

We went to a Celtic Games Festival this past weekend down in Zephyrhills, FL.  I'd never been to one.  We enjoyed glorious weather, an antique car display, men in skirts and knee socks throwing heavy objects, lots of food (I declined to try the haggis) music, dancing, and I found my husband's Herald clan tartan pattern.  Not bad for a 5 dollars entrance fee.

survive
revive
rehash
relive
relieve
past life
past death
rebirth
survive

2009 Cheri Neuman Herald
--------------------

A friend died a few days ago.  He suffered much struggle as a child and teen, had his ups and downs with businesses, survived multiple marriages, gained renown as an excellent craftsman and finally ended his days in a nursing home, the victim of Alzheimer's.  He was a kind man, a man of faith who helped others in need, and yet he struggled with his own demons. 

I realized that he was no different from most of us.  We overcome our hardships, have periods of respite, only to be bombarded with some new ill.  If my beliefs are correct, my friend has not only survived, he has now stepped into eternity whole, pardoned, and ready to begin his life.  To me, life doesn't look like much without the hope of an eternal ending.  For me, it is a promise I must believe to survive.

Today begins the third nine-weeks at school, which means we are at the halfway point.  It's like life.  Halfway through we can take stock, see what we are doing right or wrong, adjust our course, and strive for a stronger finish.  The kids and I have some work to do.  How about you?

Pray for the Peace…

This world lacks peace
while men war within;
strife without cease
resulting from sin.

Satan’s defeated,
the battle’s been won;
pray for the hour
the bridegroom will come.

At the sound of His voice
all warring will cease.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Grant us your peace.

2008 Cheri Neuman Herald

I intended to write something deep and spiritual this morning during my quiet time; however, poems have a way of taking off in their own direction.   

Leapin’ Lizards!

Last year, I achieved my goal at work. 92% of my students achieved a grade of “C” or better in Science and Social Studies. All my Language Arts students passed (including the writing FCAT test) No one failed. This year, I’m teaching the same classes. I’m fine-tuning my teaching strategies. I should have more time to write. Why don’t I? I don’t because they have upped the bar on my paperwork. It’s like spinning straw into gold. The more I spin, the more is demanded of me. If I guess that their name is Rumplestiltskin, will they self-destruct and leave me in peace?  Only in a fairy tale…