What was I thinking??

Okay. . . . why was I in town with rollers in my hair? Why did I get a photo taken? Looks like one of those photo booth pics, doesn't it? And while I have to admire the "neatness" of my rollers (I mean LOOK how nicely they are aligned) Why was I flashing a peace sign? And I use to SLEEP in those thing! Yikes!

Editorial ~ If you say it ~ mean it

How often do you say "I love you"? Do you mean it or is it just a way to end a conversation ~ "I love you, buh bye". When you say "I'm here if you need me" does that mean ~ call if you need me and I will be there for you OR does that mean call if you need me and if it is "convenient" I'll be there for you? In the last few weeks, I've been reminded that people say what they think you want to hear. As we were watching Daddy struggle through his last days people were quick to say "call me" or "let me know if there is anything I can do". I have to say some were actually there ~ Uncle Wayne with his brownies, Uncle Wayne with his green tomatoes, Aunt Doris with her conversation, Uncle Jerry and Aunt Louise with their love and listening ears were very supportive for Mother when she needed them to rally around her to help hold her up. Then there were those who said it and didn't mean it. Those who we thought would be there but weren't. Those who talk a good game but don't deliver. Our children came and brought their children with them. Cousins and friends showed up to offer condolences. But the hole in my heart from Daddy's passing was widen when some chose not to come. I will remember. . . .

We are many. . . .

The sisters

Teresa (the baby) Wanda (the oldest) and me (the middle child)

I know what you are thinking "she just posted this photo the other day!" I didn't forget, I just thought it would be cool to look at us, our children, and their children. Mother is doing well. She is staying alone at night. We told her we are a phone call away and that is how she wants it. Daddy fought 'til the end. I hope I made him proud.

The Grands

Lisa, Jennifer,Will, Kim, Aimee, and Archie

It's a rare thing that all of our children are in the same place so we took advantage of the opportunity to snap a photo. It almost looks as if they planned what to wear so they would co-ordinate. Lisa lives in Pelham, Jennifer in Colorado, Will in Arkansas, Kim and Aimee in Jasper, and Archie is Wetumpka. They gathered for Daddy's funeral. Their children seemed to get along well. Daddy would like this photo.

The Great Grands

Hannah, Jakob, Christopher,

Sarah, Ivey, Olivia, Lily, and Claire

And here are the great grands together ~ it wasn't easy getting them to be still long enough for a photo. As you can see ~ the girls outnumber the boys. (I don't think they really mind too much.)

Turkey in Hiding

This smart turkey is wearing "armor" so he will

not be shot for Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanksgiving ~ a time to remember all of the things we are thankful for ~ to gather with loved ones and enjoy too much food. Those who are so inclined will enjoy the parades and the ball games of the day. However you chose to celebrate ~ may you enjoy Thanksgiving Day.

Daddy

Daddy lost his battle today, November 19th. He fought bravely against the ravages of dementia. Mother, Teresa, Kim and I were with him at the end. He fell asleep and drifted peacefully into a place of rest.

John Howard Panter

1929 ~ 2009

Survived by:

Wife of 62 years

Tommie Lou Brown Panter

Daughters

Wanda Lee Kehler (husband Dennis)

Reba Gayle Nibler (husband Buck)

Teresa Ann Herzig (special friend Jimmy)

Grandchildren

Archie Joe Best (wife Tanya)

Jennifer Leann Willenbrecht (husband Arie)

Kim Marie Wilson (husband Skoot)

Aimee Diane Wells (husband Michael)

William Alan Herzig (fiance' Jennifer)

Lisa Nicole Nibler

Great Grandchildren

Ivey Best

Lily Best

Jakob Wilson

Christopher Wilson

Sarah Willenbrecht

Olivia Wells

Claire Willenbrecht

Happy Anniversary

To my husband, Francis Martin (Buck) Nibler

Happy Anniversary
38 years and you still love me?
Looking forward to the next 38.

The mighty hunter

The rule at Kim's is "If you shoot you ~ you have to eat it". Saturday, Jakob and Topher went hunting with Skoot and Charley (their Poppy). As you can see ~ Jakob got his first "kill". They helped clean the squirrels and ate some. Each of the boys said it tasted like chicken. . . . I will just take their word for that because I will not eat "wild" game if I know it beforehand. There has been some "venison" stew foisted on me under debatable circumstances. . . . "Oh, I thought you knew?!" or "It's just like beef?!" Yeah, right!