That's Mrs. Annette Gordon on the right. She is one of our own porchers and the lady responsible
for getting me to Pontchatula. Thanks, Mrs. Annette. And that sweet girl on the left is Melanie
Roudkovski from Alabama. Melanie was our music leader and boy, oh boy, did she lead! Melanie
has a set of pipes you'd have to hear to believe!
Melanie leads in song.
The ladies join in...
More songbirds...
I get the podium for my morning session. Yes, I'm having fun. It's obvious, huh?
After I spoke at the morning session, everyone was treated to some educational conference sessions,
such as "A Virtous Woman in a Hot Kitchen" led by April Morgan. In this picture, April asked for a
volunteer. I promise I waited to see if anyone else would offer. *grin* They didn't, so I did! For a
minute I thought I was on Food Network.
We're cooking, honey!
The retreat featured a light-hearted decorating contest with the tables. (At least it was supposed
to be light-hearted. I suspect it is getting more competitive every year. *grin*) Each table was decorated
by a lady or group of ladies. The guests voted on the winner. I wish I could've posted all the pictures, but
I chose the three that won. This table was "Don't Monkey with God's Peace." (It was decorated by
Annette's daughter-in-law, Lorie.)
This was a pretty table. I'm going from memory now, but I believe the theme was, "Have a Lazy-Dazy
Day in the Lord."
This picture doesn't do the "Italian Cafe" justice. Someone put in loads of hard work here. I wish
I had done a better job of taking names so I could credit everyone properly...
After lunch Melanie sang again and then I got the floor for my afternoon session. Here are some
crowd shots of the wonderful audience I enjoyed!
This is my beautfiul Mama, Charlotte Rushing, observing me carefully while I spoke. She was
probably wanting me to hold my stomach in or something...
A guest looks on...
Another guest enjoys the day...
The book signing table where I get to meet and greet--my favorite part.
That's all, folks! Take care and to everyone in Pontchatula, "thanks again". Don't have too much
fun without me...I'll be back...
Hugs,
Shellie
