Treats for Wednesday Medley ... no Tricks!

Thank you, Terri for the questions today. Join the fun with Our Friend from Florida.

1. You’re in a horror movie. Are you the final person left, the first to die, the comic relief, the skeptic, the smart one, or the killer? I want to be the smart one.

2. While watching scary movies, are you the person who yells at the characters, the person with their eyes covered the whole time or the person who falls asleep? I've never been a fan, so I haven't watched any scary movies for many, many years. In the last one I remember, I covered my eyes.

3. If you were dared to spend the night in a “haunted house”, would you do it? No, because that would say I thought I believed it to be haunted.

4. Favorite horror monster or villain? Right now the villains are on Poldark and it's a toss-up between the nasty George Warleggan and the evil vicar. At least the evil vicar got his just desserts this week and I'm sooooooo glad. Waiting for George to get his.

5. Favorite horror or Halloween-themed song? Monster Mash.

6. Tell us something random about your week.

Well, here goes. Today I picked up two free books that look good at Bible study and got about a dozen free canned goods that will need to be eaten by the end of the year. (The church was cleaning out the food pantry to replace with new.) This morning Amy was taking a poll of what items we consider "must" be on the Thanksgiving menu, so since all the cans are green beans, maybe that will be part of my offering? 

Speaking of food, yesterday I had some leftover chicken and acorn squash from Sunday. I went to Pinterest to find something to make and voila! Chicken Pot Pie soup and Winter Squash Rolls! Both were delicious, even though my buns aren't that pretty!! Haha!

I wanted to get DH interested in some kind of games we can play and so I ordered a Wahoo board and marbles, which came yesterday. We played a game, and then played two rounds of gin. He liked it! Yay! So excited. Plus it's another game we can play when the kids come to visit. 

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Monday Recap

A Monday Recap seems trivial in light of all that is going on in our world these days. Our life does go on, but our hearts ache for the losses … loss of so much! May God have mercy on us!

Our weekend was quiet except for going to watch our grandson Jack play flag football on Saturday afternoon. It was about a 45 minute drive up north from us to watch the game and it was a lovely day for a drive. We saw lots of trees turning color and I really enjoyed being out in the fresh, October air. How can it be almost November? 

Jack is number 6 and played center, so his part wasn't too active. 

The weekend weather was absolutely stunning and I did get DH outside to walk maybe half a block. We will increase that every day and my intention is to no longer baby him when we go somewhere, but rather park a distance out and get him to walk. I have been dropping him off at the door, but now that his surgeries are done and the doctor has pronounced him much better, walking is the prescription. The cardiologist said that walking will help with his lung capacity and help build brain cells. That we need! Both of us. I am very thankful for the good doctors and the medical facilities we have in our area. God has truly blessed us with that.

We went to church on Sunday and had planned to go watch Brady play soccer as his team had come up for a game here. However, after church, DH just wanted to go home. This evening we will watch Kate play her last softball game, unless they do a tournament, and then we will be done with falls sports, I think.

Tomorrow evening we are going with our Monday night friends to see the Russ Taff movie, I Still Believe and I'm looking forward to that.

That's just about it for today and the weekend. My sister sent pictures of her and my niece visiting the Philbrook Museum in Tulsa this weekend. We used to go to Philbrook on field trip when I was in elementary school to get our little dose of culture. It is very nice and the grounds are lovely.

There they are standing in front of the fireplace made of books!

So colorful!

I'm not sure if the tall thing is a skinny tree or an obnoxious weed.

I hate to end on a sour note, but I think too much of my time this weekend I spent trying to figure out how to work with my new haircut or griping about it or being embarrassed over it! Ugh!!! Over a period of 25 years, I can count on one hand the number of times Kim has cut my hair and I didn't like it. This is one of them! Yes, it will grow out.

So, I will end this with these cute little pumpkins!!!

Saturday 9: Gotta Travel On

Saturday 9: Gotta Travel On (1959)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, the Billy Grammer sings that "summer's almost gone, winter's coming on." When you look out your window, do you see any evidence that the seasons are changing?

Not yet, but hopefully I will see some sign of it soon. 

I look forward to seeing some of this.

2) He admits he has laid around and played around for too long. Do you consider lazy days to be wasted days?

I make it a point to accomplish something every day because that's just the way I am. If it is raining, too cold, too hot, too this, too that, I am perfectly content to read for long periods of time, but I don't consider that wasteful. It's wasteful if there is a job that needs to be done and you don't do it!

3) Billy relaxed by fishing. Tell us about a visit you made to a pier, or a ride you took on a boat, this past year. (Bonus points if you went fishing!)

We went on our son's boat several times this year and had a great time. I can't say that it was relaxing except when we stopped to swim and play on the beach.

4) Born in 1925, Mr. Grammer was the eldest of 13 children. He and his wife Ruth were childless. What do you think is the ideal size for a family? 

I had a brother and sister. Our family of five was good, but I think four children would be a good number, ideally the older two being close in age and the younger two also. My younger brother was more like an only child since he was so much younger than my sister and me.

5) This song was very popular on juke boxes back in 1959. When were you last in a bar or restaurant that had a juke box? Did you play it?

A mom and pop café in our community had a juke box and we did play it. It's been a few years back.

6) In 1959, movie tickets zoomed up in price to $1.00 and Ben Hur was the big blockbuster. What's the last movie you saw in a theater? Operation Finale. Do you remember how much the ticket cost? $3.75. We traveled about 15 miles to attend the theater. Usually we pay $8 or $9 to see a movie.

7) Huckleberry Hound was a hit with the younger audience in 1959. What cartoon did you enjoy as a kid? Popeye. And I loved spinach!

8) In 1959, continuing dramas (soap operas) were still broadcast each day on the radio. When you turn on the radio, do you listen for talk, news, or music? I listen for Bible teaching or praise and worship music.

9) Random question -- Which competition would you rather judge: The Pillsbury Bake Off, The Miss America Pageant, or Dancing with the Stars? 

As we were growing up, our family always loved watching The Miss America Pageant and all of us judged who we thought should win, so I guess that would be my choice. Although it would be fun to judge the bake off and sample the goodies. I'm impressed by most all the dancing stars I've seen, but we don't watch that show. 

Vonda Kay Van Dyke was one of my favorite Miss Americas! Her talent was as a ventriloquist and she was such fun! As a teen, I admired her very much and also read the little book above. She was unique in that she was and still is, the only Miss America who also was Miss Congeniality. Also, always thought Bert Parks was the best host! When I was in seventh grade, the home economics classes put on a style show and our glee club leader had us singing the "There she is, Miss America!" theme song as the girls modeled their outfits.

Weekend Blessing

I love the posts on Facebook from Susie Larson. This weekend's post spoke to me and I want to save it in my blog. Having just finished the Books of Joshua and Ruth in Bible Study Fellowship, this goes with it. The same God who led Joshua and cared for Ruth and Naomi leads, loves and provides for us now. He will always make a way. 

Weekend Blessing: 

May you refuse to compare and despair. Here’s what’s true: Nobody’s life is as perfect as you think it is. Everyone is battling in some way. Everyone has a broken heart. Everyone has losses, hurts, and disappointments. 

And here’s what’s also true: God knows what He’s doing with your story. He’s uniquely positioned you to fight and win your battles. He’s put people in your life who need what He’s taught you. Comparison will distract you from your calling. You have more important things to do, like engage your faith, pray for fresh vision, and stand firmly on His promises. Jealousy doesn’t look good on you and it doesn’t belong in you. Your life story is epic. May you walk it out with holy confidence and humble dependence. Live like the heir of God you are! 

Blessings on your weekend.
Susie Larson 10/26/18

Friday Foto Friends

I don't have much this week, but wanted to join in with Deb at Breathing in Grace for Friday Foto Friends.

My photographer friend, Janelle, took the bear photos!

This from our Arboretum

Red Sky at Night the other evening.

Saying good-bye to the boys on Monday as they were headed for school

and we would be coming home. Papa was still in bed sleeping dreaming of these, I'll bet!

Round Rock Donuts are the BEST! 

Getting my hair cut, and highlights. Crazy hair while Kim looks grim watching the news. She is a News Junkie with very strong opinions! We have great conversations, but it does concern me sometimes when she has scissors in hand.

More from our Bible study in the book of Joshua.

This week we covered the book of Ruth, that beautiful love story of redemption.

Wednesday Medley

As always, getting ready to head out the door for the day, but wanting to join Our Friend from Florida, Terri for Wednesday Medley. She has the questions right here:

On this day theme...

1.  On this day in 1908, Billy Murray hits the charts with his “Take Me Out to The Ball Game”.  Did you watch the MLB playoffs, and are you watching the World Series? No, but I do like the song.

2.  On this day in 1962, “The Manchurian Candidate”, directed by John Frankenheimer, starring Frank Sinatra and Laurence Harvey, was released.  What is your favorite Frank Sinatra song? I love the song he sang with his daughter Nancy, Something Stupid.

3.  On this day in 1968, Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithful were busted for pot and released on £50 bail.  Has your state approved the sale of medical marijuana? No.  In a nutshell, what are your thoughts on the subject? Not a good idea!

4.  On this day in 1979, the Guinness Book of Records presented Paul McCartney with a rhodium disc as the all-time best-selling singer-songwriter. What is your favorite song by Paul McCartney? Hey Jude?

5.  On this day in 2017, Albert Einstein’s “Theory of Happiness” written on a note as a tip for a bellboy in 1922, sold for $1.6 million.  His Theory of Happiness is: “A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness.”   Was Einstein right? I believe he was.

6.  Tell us something random about your week so far… 

We came home Monday from visiting our daughter and family, have been to the cardiologist for a follow-up for DH and the report was good. I attended Ladies of Grace yesterday, then went to cast my vote and our son Jason came to have lunch with us. Headed out today for breakfast with our friends and then a much needed haircut and then meeting our Monday night friends this evening. 

Both boys are straight A students and great athletes - all around very good boys! They also are math whizzes and you can't beat them at 42 or any kind of games. I did hold my own at Monopoly.

This dog has finally mellowed a bit, but

he sure can slobber!

Noah was proud of these tiny little magnets which he would shape into different forms.

They also had a new electric, remote controlled skateboard which we watched then perform (show off) on.

Wednesday Medley

Wednesday Medley!

1. The Circleville, Ohio, Pumpkin Festival starts today. All things pumpkin are everywhere. What is your one very favorite pumpkin flavored food or drink? Do you wish it was available all year or do you only want it in the Fall?

Pumpkin pie!! No, I only want it in the Fall. The rest of the time I'll take chocolate!

2. What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren't going to sell it anymore?

Funny, I can't think of a thing except no sodium Herb Ox beef bouillon packets. 

3. What is the most interesting thing you have seen online this week?

I don't know. Lots to choose from. Is Elizabeth Warren really a native American? Should Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have timed their pregnancy to happen after the big wedding? Some people apparently were angry about that. I did enjoy seeing the pictures of the princess bride and groom and all the sweet children who were in the wedding.  Avenetti turned on Stormy Daniels? What??? What passes for news these days reminds me of the old Enquirer magazines.

But I found this story to be interesting and sweet: A diabetic 6 year old boy sold pumpkins to raise money for a service dog so he wouldn't have to ride to school alone.  

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/good-news/michigan-boy-6-sells-pumpkins-to-raise-money-for-diabetic-service-dog/ar-BBOpDWz?ocid=spartanntp

4. Is it better to be a "big fish in a small pond" or a "small fish in a big pond"?

I like being a small part of something big. Sometimes when I wondered whether what I was doing at my job mattered, I was always brought back to the big picture to see it from a different perspective. In the ministry I worked for, people's lives were touched and many were changed. If I could look at it from Heaven's perspective, my being a small fish in a big pond mattered. Many little fish working together to minister to others. And I feel the the same way about my small part in my church, and even my jobs with law firms all my 45 years, what we were doing made a difference.

5. My Joe has become obsessed with playing chess on the computer. Do you play chess? Are you good at it? I don't play chess, but DH always liked it and tried to teach me back in the day. I just couldn't get interested in it. It seemed like a good idea to get him to play chess on the computer, but he is no longer interested. Now I wish I had learned.

6. Tell us something random about your week.

Our church holds a conference every year for pastors across the nation. Pastors from small churches come for knowledge, encouragement and tools to take back home with them to help them lead their congregations. Tonight I will be helping put together 500 notebooks for each of the pastors who attend.

A Monday Recap on Tuesday!

I sat down at the computer yesterday morning to do a Weekend Recap and, much to my surprise and distress, my computer was not connected to the Internet. No matter what I tried to do, no matter what I unplugged and plugged back in, no matter how often I refreshed, restarted, and moaned, I could not get it to work! What??? No Internet ... No News ... No Weather ... No Facebook? I couldn't even Google to see what is the problem and how to fix it? How would I make it? And how would I remember even what happened over the weekend? 

No matter. I read most all the day, worked with pencil and paper to do my BSF homework, made a chicken pot pie, journaled, napped, and made it through the day. Finally, I tried the computer again with the same results and so I called the local A T & T store to see if the rain had something to do with it all. No, they simply told me all of the ATT in Dallas - Ft. Worth was down. So, there you go. Nothing I can do to fix things of that magnitude.

This morning I learned that there was an electrical fire at headquarters. How did I discover that? Internet up this morning! Yay!!! Yay!!!

So, it's a good thing our weekend was fairly quiet! Lol! DH was wiped out all weekend from the surgery he had last week. While it may be that surgeries these days are less invasive, they still play havoc with your internal parts, especially when they are messing around in there with your aorta. Thank the Lord he is beginning to feel a little better now, but for the most part, he has done nothing but sleep for the past five days. And still is.

Friday evening the kids came over to visit and brought pizza with them. Saturday was quiet and we did not get to attend our monthly concert. I so hope we will be able to next month as we have already missed two of them. The rain has been non-stop here and everything is soppy so we stayed in. That's fine. DH wouldn't have felt like getting out anyway. There is rain in the forecast for the next two weeks. Unbelievable. I did go to church on Sunday morning alone and that's pretty much what our weekend was like.

Yesterday we did have to get out to take DH for lab work so I suggested we have breakfast out afterward. He's always up for that, and, on such a rainy and cold day, LeMadeline always sounds good. A French breakfast in front of a fire is quite cozy.

My phone couldn't capture them, but up there by the yellow sign is a group of birds huddled together trying to stay dry. Either that, or they are doing a Monday Morning Recap!!

Tenley cuteness!

Daddy love!

And Jack lost his two front teeth!!

Happy Birthday Tenley!!! You're so Big!!

Our trip to Virginia this weekend was short on the quantity of time, but very sweet on the quality of that time spent with family and celebrating Tenley's first birthday! So, this post is mostly a pictorial post and in hindsight, I might have been better off to make a few collages!

This weekend was our first chance to see the home of my nephew and his family and what a wonderful house it was. I loved everything about it, especially the back yard and decks. Trees!! I love trees!!!

So comfortable for just lounging around.

Grandpa and Omi with Tenley

She woke up happy and ready to celebrate!

Proud Mom and Dad

Dig in!

And she did dig in with a gusto!

(Rocco and Samson were so ready!)

Grandpa with Tenley

Her first Mercedes

Lucky little girl with all these cool gifts

Hunter loves Tenley and if you were looking for one of them,

you could bet on finding the other, too

.

We all had a wonderful time and the trip was definitely worth it!

Londyn found a real friend in Tenley's Grandpa!

Lincoln

Lincoln with Daddy

Londyn doing some exploring.

Aunt Crystal and Uncle Billy

DH and me with Hunter and Tenley

There were plenty of kids to go around for everybody!

Happy Birthday, sweet Tenley. We love you!

So we came home, rested up a couple of days, went to the hospital yesterday and praise to God, the surgery for DH went perfectly, was successful and we learned the damage was much worse than previously thought, so the timing of this was perfect! Thanks be to God, He makes all things beautiful in His time! DH is to rest for a few days and see the doctor next week for a follow-up!