Man It's Early!

Tom came to pick me up at 4:30 a.m. This morning. We loaded up the car with over 300 pounds of medicine to take to the medical clinic of Mission Emanuel. My fourth trip to the Dominican Republic has begun. I am looking forward to getting on the plane so I can take a nap! This year is different because my dear friend and DR roomate George died this summer. He is with me...though. His family asked me to take his remains to bury at the mission. This will be a very emotional...but good...trip.
We have a great group going this year. For the first time we have three women going. They will bring a different perspective and feel to our trip. I am looking forward to seeing the DR through there eyes. The four other guys have all been before.
More to come...
Lee

Happy Birthday!

Here are our girls at Madison and Kinsley's 12 birthday dinner at Ruby Tuesdays. 12 Years old for the twins. Where did the time go? All three are blessings in my life.

Lee

Last Minute Preparations

 

 

Well, it is Thursday and I am rushing around getting things done in anticipation of my trip.

At 4:30 a.m. this Saturday, I will be leaving Lexington headed to the Dominican Republic for my

fourth mission trip. I am looking forward to our time in the DR. It has become like a second home for me.

I hope to post some thoughts about each day here. If I have the opportunity, I'll also post some pictures.

Till then,

 

Lee

Mollie for President!

So begins the political career of Mollie. She was elected by her class to run for 3rd grade president. She then picked a boy from another class to be her running mate. Next week all three Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates will give their speeches before the whole third grade class. Then the vote. In the spirit of all candidates, Mollie is going to promise to "Fight for you!" We should know by next week if she'll need the Secret Service!
VOTE FOR MOLLIE!

2009 Winston-Salem Airshow

Madison and I headed up to Winston Salem on September 12 to the Annual Winston-Salem Air Show. It was fabulous. Many great static exhibits were there including a C-47, B-25, an Avenger, an F-18 (pictured above), and a DC-3. Flybys included 4 F-15E's and a B-1B bomber. Lot's of acrobatic acts did amazing feets 500 - 2500 feet above our heads!

The best part was sharing this with Madison. We ate hotdogs and frozen lemonade, purchased a model of a YF-23, and walked a lot. It was a long, warm day, but she never complained and just enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere. We finished the day with pizza and a movie at home.

These kind of days are what make being a dad fabulous.
AWESOME!

Happy Birthday Papete!

Here are my three wishing Papete (my dad) a happy birthday! He and mom were out to dinner when we called, so we wanted to make sure he got his birthday wishes from the Lexington NC Zehmers. Happy Birthday Dad.
Love ya,
Lee

The Cat Came Back

Well, last weekend was quite a trauma for the Zehmer family.

Thursday night our little cross-eyed kitty named Carrot came home as usual and slept in the garage. We like to keep him from roaming around at night because he seems to get into all sorts of trouble.

Friday morning, I had to look and look for him. He was laying down. Something was obviously not right with him. Friday was a big day for us, because we had to take all three girls to school orientation. In the afternoon, when we returned, I inadvertantly opened up the garage door and he ran out. He did not come home that evening.

Saturday morning, I got up early and began looking in all the usual hiding places. I found him under the deck of a neighbor's house. He looked like he had not moved since the day before. He looked even sicker. I was able to drag him out from under the deck. As I was carrying him home, he looked at me in the eyes....and then squirmed out of my hands and ran away. We spent the rest of the day looking for him to no avail.

I am sure most people are aware that when cats are sick they often dissappear to die. Well, I was convinced this was exactly what was going to happen. By Saturday night, he still had not returned, and there were many tears in the house from everyone except my wife. (She tells me she wasn't convinced he wasn't coming back. I was.)

Sunday came, and we kept looking outside. But no Carrot. I was resigned to the truth. But Carrot wasn't. About 10 p.m. I opened the back door one more time, and guess who was there? Cute little kitty. Rejoicing commenced from all corners!

He ate a little and drank a little water, but still seemed sick. We took him to the vet the next day. He was running a little fever and received his favorite - a shot! Now a week after the drama, he is doing well.

So one life down, eight to go. We are glad he's back.

"The Cat came back the very next day; The Cat came back...we thought he was a goner, but the Cat came back; he just couldn't stay away." - John Paul Walters (As I learned it!)