Friday Foto Friends

Friday Foto Friends!

For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea,

An eternal decree, so it cannot cross over it.

Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail;

Though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it.

(Jeremiah 5:22)

The two pics above are from a friend who is traveling along the Pacific coastline.

These are from Oregon.

Clouds ... so pretty

Jack in the pool

and getting a tan.

Not sure where he picked that one up at 6

wanting to get a tan. When asked, he told me

his Dad is tan and so is Brady. Lol!

He saved this tiny gecko which was trying to get in the house.

I knew it would die inside.

Getting ready to let it go.

When is the last time you saw a set of these?

An Embarrassing Throwback Thursday

Listening to the radio this morning, the debate was over why men are afraid of getting into their wives' purses.

photo credit

This was news to me that men feel that way. DH certainly isn't afraid of getting into my purse ... that is, when I ask him to. And that isn't very often because he feels he has to pull everything out!

When I was a kid, somehow we knew Mom's purse was off limits, and for certain, my Great-Grandmother made it clear that her purse was "forbidden fruit"!

But this morning's discussion on the radio reminded me of a time from my past when digging through the black hole of my own purse brought some embarrassment at that moment, but is funny looking back. The attorney I worked for was always on some kind of kick or going through a phase and I was the one who had to help him get whatever it was he wanted. Maybe a diet and needed some particular food. He ate apples like crazy for the longest time and lost a lot of weight. But I'm the one who was always purchasing them for him. He was definitely not the cowboy type, but he really wanted ostrich cowboy boots, so I went on a search for the perfect pair.

Then there was the time he went on a cigar kick. I had to visit several different cigar shops to get the particular brand he wanted. This was way back before you could order online. So, one day, armed with a sample cigar in my purse of the brand he wanted, I went off to the fancy cigar shop in the North Park Mall in Dallas, which, at that time, was the high dollar mall. When the gentleman offered to help me with the cigars I wanted to buy, I told him I had a sample in my purse. I reached in, felt around, and what do you think I pulled out? It wasn't the cigar! No, sir!!! It was a tampon! Everything after that is a blur!

Minnie's Food Pantry Day

It was a busy, productive and fun day today joining with other volunteers to sort and pack food for Minnie's Food Pantry.

Sign on the wall

Ladies of Grace

One more pic!

Minnie was only expecting 6 pallets to be sorted today, but we more than doubled that! Great teamwork and nary a complaint did I hear from anyone. I'm going to do this again.

And, as I was leaving, it occurred to me that since I was in the neighborhood maybe I might drop in for a quick visit with my friend, Alice. Gee, I'm glad I did! This sweet lady served up lunch for me!

Thanks, Alice.

A Novel Hodgepodge

Hodgepodge Fun!

1. We've reached edition number 315 here in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. So tell us, what were you doing at 3:15 yesterday?

I was enjoying a cup of coffee as I rested from the events of the morning, which began very early with a doctor appointment for DH and breakfast afterward, taking the car for service ... TWICE ... a little shopping and back home to take care of a few things! We did get a good report from the cardiologist, so that is always something to be thankful for. As I drove away from the car dealership looking forward to being home, I glanced over to see the heart hospital on my left and was extremely thankful that we are done with that!

Is that typical?

Off and on it is. I'm usually reading or working on something by that time.

On a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being low and 10 being high) what's your energy level usually like at 3:15 PM?

Probably 5 since I get up around 5 to 5:30 am and prefer to do whatever needs to be done early, but if need be, my tank is still half full.

2. A frisbee, a tantrum, a towel, a party, a punch, or a curveball...which have you most recently thrown or had thrown at/for you? Elaborate.

A curveball and I won't elaborate because I caught it, threw it back and I'm over it now.

3. What are three things that would help you right now.

1. Maybe to be somewhere quiet, peaceful and much cooler - Colorado sounds good - in a cabin tucked away in the mountains by a river.
2. To be back in a routine and schedule.
3. To remember to savor what is going on right now, be it good or bad.
   
   Tell us how or why.

I feel conflicted as to whether I want to run away or if I just want things to be more predictable right now. That's why number 3 helps me now.

4. Do you think you're strong?
No/Yes

Why or why not?
I know I'm weak - but I also know I'm strong because I've been through a lot of "stuff" and come through even stronger.

What makes you strong?

The Lord is my strength! My past experience with Him is I know He will bring me through whatever comes. 

The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalm 28:7 KJV

5. Do you enjoy reading historical fiction? Yes.

What's your favorite book set sometime in the past? So many good historical books.

Israel, My Beloved
Redeeming Love
Gone with the Wind
A Tale of Two Cities
A Voice in the Wind
Quo Vadis*
The Big Fisherman*
The Robe*
(*The last three books were so much better than the movies. The movies were somewhat hokey!)

Can't wait to see everybody else's favorites because I bet some of mine I've forgotten will be on the list.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I hope I can make this brief and non-judgmental. Last evening as I prepared dinner, DH had the TV on a station which was previewing and discussing current movies. The celebrities were talking about their movies enthusiastically, which I can certainly understand because that is what they do. However, it was my feeling that the movies they were discussing did not merit the eloquence of their commentary.  You would think they were discussing a novel deserving of the Nobel Prize! But what were they raving about? Emoji's! Really!!

One thing that struck me as I listened to them go on and on was that actors, film makers, writers, etc. in the Hollywood world speak of their "craft" or their "art" as though it will live on forever. Most of the movies made these days which they are leaving as their legacy are not worthy of me wasting two hours of my life or my money. It is sad to think probably the majority of them have no idea these things are temporary and passing away. Don't get me wrong. I know there have been many good movies made and I have enjoyed some over and over. But they are temporary things of this world!

What disturbs me most are the messages and images and words which are being imprinted in the minds and the thoughts of the generation that is following us and our grandchildren. They are being shown and told in subtle and not so subtle ways that the unspeakable things of yesterday have become the norm. It just makes. me. mad.

But! there is hope! And so I won't leave my random on a negative note. Here is a link to a website Hollywood Prayer Network which is dedicated to praying for Hollywood and the Christians who live and work there.

Okay! I'm off.

A Relative Hodgepodge

Hodgepodge Fun!

1. Growing up, were you close to your grandparents?

In all honesty, I do not believe I was as close to my grandparents as our grandkids are to us now. Maybe when I was much younger. Our cousins who lived in the same town with them saw them more often and were much closer to our grandparents.

Tell us one or two specific things you remember about them.

I loved my Granny - my mother's mother. When Granny hugged you, you were caught up in those arms and buried in her breast. She was loving and had a beautiful laugh; she was generous, a good cook, and she gave good gifts. We loved to go to Granny's house and for her to come to ours.

She was anxious for our welfare. I will never forget the day I hopped on my cousin's motorcycle and I was such a smarty pants at 19 that when he tried to explain the gears, I informed him my car was a standard and I knew about gears. HA! When I pressed the handle for the gas, I took off and headed across the street, through a few lawns, back across the street, through  a few more lawns and a bush. All in first gear. Finally, I tipped over. All the while Granny was waving her arms and yelling, "can't somebody stop her? Stop her!!" A hilarious memory and I can always hear the cry of Granny as the rest is a blur. My cousin and everybody else who was there laughs about it to this day. I just continue to be thankful at the way God has kept me throughout my life in my dumbness!

Was there a reason my arms were outstretched?

My Granny gave me the pink dress I'm wearing in this pic

for my 7th birthday. And I'm holding up the Bible my parents

gifted me with for my birthday.

With my Granny and my Mom about a year before my Mom passed.

Granny passed away about seven days after Mom.

2. What's an item you were attached to as a child? What happened to it?

A doll. I have no idea whatever happened to my doll. Most of our toys seemed to disappear each time we moved. Hmmmmmmm. Hey! But I do still have the Bible!

Playing dress up in Mama's dress and heels

because Mommies don't wear shorts! At least none

of the mommies I knew.

3. When you look out your window, do you see the forest or the trees (literally and figuratively)? Explain.

There are trees behind us and how I wish we had more of them. I would love to have a yard full of trees. Looking outside my window, maybe I sometimes see the work that needs to be done instead of simply enjoying the wide open view. In life I sometimes do see the details in the circumstances more than the big picture, but I usually come around to the big picture. This life is temporary and Heaven is waiting for me. (I'm interested to read everybody else's answers to this.)

4. Do you like sour candies? No. Which of the 'sour' foods listed below would you say is your favorite?

grapefruit, Greek yogurt, tart cherries, lemons, limes, sauerkraut, buttermilk, or kumquats

Tart cherries would be the favorite, but I like some of the others listed. Greek yogurt mixed with granola and fruit is good, sauerkraut is all right, buttermilk is great for baking and I used to like it mixed with cornbread.

Have you ever eaten a kumquat? No. I do remember hearing some mention of kumquats in a W. C. Fields movie clip. What's your favorite dish containing one of the sour foods on the list? That would be cherry pie.

5. July 1st marked the mid point of 2017. In fifteen words or less, tell us how it's going so far.

2017 has been expensive thus far. The best news of 2017: DH's surgery was successful. (Exactly 15 words.)

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Speaking of 2017 being more than half over now, I am looking forward to Fall. However, I am savoring the time for now and not trying to rush the seasons. All too soon it will be Thanksgiving, then Christmas and another new year.

We had some sweet little visitors Monday night and Tuesday. They found the toy box first thing Tuesday morning.

Brady and Noah called to bring us up to speed on what was going on in their world. They were very excited to tell us about their Dad's safari in Africa and sent a few pics. I have no idea where in the house he will put his newest trophy. I'm sorry if the pic offends, but this blog is a journal of events in our family.

Monday

It was a fairly quiet weekend, our only activities being routine,  such as church, resting up, doing a few things around the house, and the grocery store.

Saturday morning I sat outside to drink my coffee, listen to some wonderful praise and worship music, and enjoyed a beautiful sunrise. Sunsets are usually what I have a chance to take pictures of, but Saturday morning was gorgeous.

Things should liven up a bit tonight as we are expecting overnight guests.

Kate and Jack are still with Nana in the country. And Nana says "what happens in the country, stays in the country!" I think Mama might be a little anxious about what is happening there.

Cousin Ty is showing out!

So young!

My sister and her husband celebrated 40 years of marriage yesterday!

I remember the day of her wedding very well. She looked beautiful, but I have to tell you, the wedding was at her sister-in-law's home, the AC was broken and it was HOT, HOT, HOT!!!

She handled the situation much better than I would have. I suppose your wedding day is a day to just be happy and thankful, no matter what!

And that's all I have on this Monday evening.

Saturday

Continuing on each day in my commitment to walk in the early mornings! This morning's walk was interrupted with a young man calling out to me and holding a little dog. He wanted to know if the dog was mine or if I knew who it belonged to. Well, NO! He then went on to tell me how and when and where he found the dog and that the Animal Shelter wouldn't be open until 10:00 am and he had a Rottweiler and therefore didn't want to keep the dog any longer and blah, blah, blah. Ugh! Why do I feel responsible? Such a cute little dog! So, knowing I still have a little kennel at home, I said I would keep him until the Animal Shelter opens.

Wouldn't you know it? The shelter is full and could I please keep the dog until Monday. How could I say no?

This little dog is so cute and so very sweet that I would keep it except for one little thing. Well, maybe two little things. He is a male and he likes to heist his leg up to mark his territory. I always said I would never, never have a male dog in my house. The only one allowed is my brother's dog, Howie and Phil always takes care to see that Howie goes outside.

I have posted everywhere about the dog ... called the shelter ... posted in our NextDoor neighborhood. I drove all through the streets where he was found, but no signs anywhere. We also took him to our vet this morning for them to scan and see if he had a chip since he has no tags. Would you believe that so far today there have been five Chihuahuas missing?  

He is a good little dog and I'm so glad we still have the little kennel. He goes right in and sleeps and when I put him outside, he stays close to the house to do his thing. I am calling him Max until something has been decided for his future.

Meanwhile, Kate and Jack are having adventures with Nana and their cousin, Ty.

Jack wanted to hold the weapon of snake destruction!

That's more adventure than I really want to have.

My Dad

My Dad would have been 93 years old today.

Happy Birthday, Dad and I am so thankful knowing you are safe in Heaven.

Daddy

Dad and Mom with their firstborn ... me.

Daddy, me and my doll.

Guess I got tired of waiting for dinner and

decided to eat my doll.

Our little family in 1957.

Daddy doing a little whittling.

I guess it was relaxing for him or

a stress reliever when company was around.

He was certainly a proud man

when baby brother came along.

Friday Recap

It's been a very active week for us!

Sunday: we saw Memphis, a musical loosely based on Memphis disc jockey Dewey Phillips, one of the first white DJs to play black music in the 1950s. The music, acting and dancing were good, but I was very disappointed in the bad language throughout the show.

Monday: I took my friend Lisa out for birthday lunch and then DH and I went to the movies (Despicable Me) with Kate and Jack. Jack came home with us to stay the night. I love it when that boy looks up at me with the cutest little grin and announces, "I'm coming home with you tonight!"

Tuesday: we went to the water park. 

Wednesday: I had a me day getting a haircut and much needed highlights and went to church Wednesday night. 

Thursday: Birthday lunch with my buddies Nancy and Sherri, and Kate came to spend the night with us. I took her back this morning to her mom and Kate and Jack are now with their Nana having a big time.

Today: DH and I went to see a very good movie, which I highly recommend. It was Maudie and based on a real life person, Maud Lewis, a Canadian folk artist from Nova Scotia. She remains one of Canada's best known folk artists. (Wikipedia.) What a sweet and tender story of a person burdened with handicaps and some very hard breaks in life. As the reviewer from pluggedin.com said, "I walked into Maudie pretty sure of what it would be: sweet, quirky, problematic in places and inspiring in others. It was all that. But I wasn't expecting to walk away with a new hero: a four-foot-something painter worth looking up to." You can read about it here. I was totally fascinated with this sweet lady and found some of her paintings online and the tiny cabin she and her husband resided in. Their love story did not begin as a love story, but it was quite unique. 

She painted on everything! Including the interior of their house!