I can' wait. It's only eight more days until springtime!!! March 20 is one of my favorite days of the year. It is the day that I married William Leslie Shrum back in 1965. Here's a poem I wrote about him and me. "Ode to my Billy Bob" Well, it's a wonder we're both still alive. Since we got hitched back in sixty-five. Billy Bob and me, on the first day of spring, We clung together on a tight shoestring. He stood there so handsome in his army suit Finally, ending my on-going pursuit Of him, that is....my dream come true!!! We spoke our lifetime vows and said, "I do." Wearing a blue spring suit and black winter hat I was nervous as could be and all of that. Went for a honeymoon on the Eastern Shore. He watched TV which I thought a big bore. He was just home from Southeast Asia. No televison over there. Doesn't that faze ya? I got homesick for the Massanutten Mountains. Missed my home near the Seven Fountains. in good ol' Fort Valley, that is, My "Home Sweet Home", back then, not his. He grew up at Woodstock town, another bliss. We lived many places over the years. Away from the mountains I was full of tears. Apartments in Northern Virginia suited him. Then we headed to Florida on a silly whim. He liked the fast lane. I preferred the rest stop. >From the Sears Roebuck catalog I would shop. Had two little sons in tow with us then. Moved back to the valley to be with our kin. near Woodstock, that is, Home Sweet Home, heaven it tis!!! Here, we've stayed and made a good life. He's been the provider with me, his wife. Now, he's retired and seems pretty happy. Reminds me a lot of his dear old pappy. He does odd jobs and piddles in his shop. Cuts and carries firewood 'til I think he will drop. Sits in the La Z Boy, snores and snores With our sweet pup in arms that he adores. We've been truly blessed and our love grows >From deep in our hearts to our vintage ol' toes. Our sons live near and a dear daughter-in-law, A grandpup, too, who loves her Grand-poo-paw!!! Now the days come quickly and quickly they fly. We pray the family circle be unbroken by and by In Heaven, that is with the rest of my kin and his!!! Will continue with more "Shenandoah Springtime" later. Nancy Grandstaff Shrum Woodstock, VA "Shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life......." Phil 2:15, 16 NIV

Nancy, Your poetry is delightful. What a gift you've been given - to be able to put your joy and appreciation of the Shenandoah Valley (God's County) into words. Thank you! Lynnie Sager