Throwback and Thankful Thursday

Our church is wooing us all to Wednesday night services this summer because summertime is usually when people are so busy with activities and vacations, they let church attendance slide. I am probably a Wednesday night person anyway, although sometimes I confess I'm just too tired to go. The theme is Summer Nights at GOC and a few of the events have included the BBQ brisket last week for July 4, snow cones, and the waterslides, splash pad and dunk tank a couple of weeks ago. Last night was "come for ice cream before church." The ice cream was fantastic - a very thick ice cream sandwich of chocolate chip cookies with over an inch of ice cream in between. I saved mine and drove home as fast as I could to share it with DH before it melted!! Made it!!

So the ice cream was delish and took me back on a sentimental journey of the ice cream we enjoyed as kids. Of course, there were the special times we had homemade ice cream and usually it was a group of us with our friends or family taking turns cranking the old ice cream maker and pouring in the rock salt to get the creamy mixture to harden.

The ordinary days were a few times during the week we were given a nickel to buy a fudgesickle or an orange sherbet push-up from the ice cream man. 

Slurping it up outdoors with siblings!

The Buick belonged to my Grandad so we had company that Sunday,

along with cousins, Lonnie and Johnny.

Probably also meant Grandad and Granny treated us to the ice cream!

We didn't get the nickel every day and so on those off days, we stopped the ice cream man anyway to ask for free samples. Nope. He never had one for us until the day we were walking home from a friend's house many blocks away. The day was so very hot and when we heard the tinkling music of the ice cream man, my sister and I ran as fast as we could to find him. Although we had no money, we did find him and stopped him anyway to ask for a free sample. It was really kind of a running joke with us, but he had a tender spot in his heart that day for us and surprised us by saying, "yes"! He gave each of us an ice cream to enjoy the rest of our walk home. That little kindness is something I will always remember.

One time my sister and I and the boys across the street decided we would start a club. I'm not sure what the club was for, but we had to pay dues. So we took pop bottles to the store to sell and put the profit of a nickel each in the shoebox. (Pop bottles were worth two cents each so my sister and I ended up with a dime together.) The money had barely been in the shoebox for maybe an hour before we heard the dairy truck coming along. Now that dairy truck was really something special. He didn't just sell frozen treats. He sold things like ice cream cones and sundaes, shakes and so forth. 

Looked something like this Dairy Dan Truck

and the ice cream cone looked very much like what this lady is holding!

So we made the quick decision to pool our nickels together and share an ice cream cone. We were a sight taking turns licking on and eating that ice cream cone that day! Can you say "gross"?

Our other special treat having to do with pop bottles was to take several bottles or a glass milk jug to the grocery store to redeem and then walk down to the drugstore and share a chocolate soda, which was then 20 cents! I still remember the cold air in the drugstore, sitting on those stools that twirled around and sharing the soda with my sister. What times we enjoyed in the summer. Just think. A nickel could buy happiness for a few minutes and 10 cents brought even more joy!! LOL! Now we think nothing of giving the grandkids amounts of money that I never dreamed of! 

So what am I thankful for in this little trip down Memory Lane with ice cream? Just thankful to be alive! Thankful for my family! My friends! My memories of sweet times from my childhood and the parents I had and the way they modeled life and love through good times and bad and that I can appreciate the simple things of life each day and give thanks for all His blessings. 

1 

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,

    to sing praises to the Most High.

² 

It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
    your faithfulness in the evening.

Psalm 92:1-2

A Nostalgic Hodgepodge

It's time to Hodgepodge again and so glad to be a part of it. Joyce, I thank you for continuing Hodgepodge because it stirs up nostalgic moments for me and it's always an opportunity to get to know other bloggers better. 

1. What's something in your house you'd like to get rid of but can't? 

The old roll top desk in the office. It's not of much use and takes up space that could be used in a better way. I would like to put a daybed or loveseat there in its place. DH says no, it isn't bothering anybody. (And this is the reason we have three garages, three attics and three sheds full of stuff that isn't bothering anybody!)

Mom and Dad never owned a home that had more than 1100 square feet … probably less. I know they were very proud of this gray brick home they bought when I was in 7th grade. There was no room for any clutter or extra stuff … only the essentials with a few of Mother's knick-knacks, doilies and the like.

2. When is the last time you experienced a sense of nostalgia?

The Hodgepodge question from a couple of weeks ago asking about the fun we had as kids in the summer brought back so many memories of the carefree days of our childhood.

Elaborate. 

As I thought about it, not much concerned us but the simple things like our days of freedom, playing with friends, reading, ice cream, etc. Not for the first time, as I thought about that, I think of what it must have been like for our parents and how they protected us from the evils of the world and the grown-up things they faced, such as paying the mortgage, working hard to provide for us, current events of the fifties, such as the Korean War, the threats from Russia, nuclear bombs, etc. They had come through the depression and WWII and while we think of the fifties being a time of easy living, it really wasn't always for them. 

How well I remember the night my brother was born. I was 9 years old and Daddy had just been laid off from work. The pressure had to be great with three children now and Mother in the hospital, a mortgage and no job. Although I was supposed to be asleep in bed, I heard him on the telephone with his sister telling about the new baby and the loss of his job and it was the first time ever to hear my Daddy cry. It still brings tears to my eyes when I think of it and now that I am thinking of it, I wonder … were his tears caused by the stress … or maybe the joy of finally having a son? That is what I now will choose to think about it because Daddy loved his boy.

This photo just makes me smile!

3. You're only allowed three apps on your smart phone or tablet...which three do you keep?

DuckDuckGo, Kindle, maps on my phone. This was a very difficult question to answer. On my iPad, it would be the Bible, the news and Kindle.

4. July 11th is National Blueberry Muffin Day. Who knew? Do you like blueberry muffins? Yes.

If you were going to have a muffin would blueberry be your choice? 

If I baked it. I love the "to die for" muffins. If anybody has a recipe they like better, I would like to have it!

What's the last thing you baked? 

Peanut butter cookies. 

5. What's the biggest way you've changed since you were a child? 

I've become more outgoing.

In what way are you still the same? 

I'm still shy about speaking in front of a group. I prefer to be in the background. Don't make me talk in front of everybody … but, if I have to, I will do it and so that might be one way I've changed. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm ready for Fall, but I don't want to rush time. It's been so hot here, but just now we had a little shower for which I am very thankful. I can't figure out why my potted plants are not blooming. Same type flowers as I usually plant in the same locations, but they just shrivel up every day. I really miss seeing things blooming and the colors of summer. 

A storm cloud from the other evening. It was beautiful, but brought us no rain that day. I took a pic of the cloud, but this one from a friend is much better.

Happy Birthday, Noah!!!

Loads of reasons it's great to be 10 --
You can't get any more perfect
than a perfect 10!
(But then ... we already knew you are a perfect 10!) 

We couldn't be more proud of you, Noah!
Here's wishing you a happy birthday celebration!
All our love, 

Papa and Nonnie

Retirement Party for Kay

The great expectations I had for Friday did not disappoint. I attended the retirement party for my dear friend and former co-worker, Kay, who served the ministry of June Hunt of Hope for the Heart for 32 years. Having worked closely with her and June in June's home for ten years I can state truthfully the two of them are the "real deal." Authentic. Genuine. Compassionate. Gracious. 

Kay's son had served in missions in China for two years and Kay visited him there and both have such a love for China. Therefore, the theme was Chinese and what a great job the decorator did with favors and table centerpieces. Japanese lanterns, fans, retire-mints, little Chinese takeout boxes. It was very well planned out.

Retirement: A New Mission

I suspect someday we will see and hear the lovely lady on the left 

as her voice is one of the most beautiful and anointed as I have ever heard.

Me with Kay in center and Jeanne on right

June presenting Kay with a beautiful scrapbook of memories from everyone.

Singing Great is Thy Faithfulness

Having the chance to be a part of the ministry of Hope for the Heart was the highlight of my working days. There were many days I thought I wouldn't make it, but knowing that the work done there continues on in the books and materials published by June and my having been a part of it is now a reward. (And my own little piece of encouragement here is that each time I see June, she never fails to tell me how much she appreciated me and valued the gift I had to her ministry. What an encouragement and privilege to hear that from someone I admire so much.)

I'm saving here my little note to dear Kay. 

We got off to a bit of a glitch when we arranged for my interview at a Starbucks Coffee Shop sometime around January, 2000. Both of us showed up ... just too bad we ended up at different locations. When we finally were able to communicate with each other as to where we needed to meet, all I could think about was that I had blown the whole thing and any chance of getting to work at Edelweiss! 

But no, from the very beginning, Kay was kind and forgiving, and, after interviewing with her and then June, I was accepted! The first couple of weeks were just a little scary as the Kay to work with seemed much different than the Kay I had interviewed with. I have to admit I was a little (maybe a lot) intimidated by her and wondered whether I had made a mistake. 

But, bottom line with Kay, over the years I learned that the "Kay exterior" was far different than the "Kay interior." She rescued me so many times, never gave up on me, and modeled to me in so many different ways servanthood, grace and forgiveness. I wish I had the words to describe my appreciation to you for putting others first. I cherish my friendship with you, Kay and want to congratulate you on your retirement and applaud your faithful service for the 32 years you cared for and ministered to not only June's needs, but others in need of wisdom or assistance in some way. You always made the time for whatever needed to be done or whoever needed a listening ear and words of wisdom. 

This is a day of celebration, not only for all you've accomplished but also for all the possibilities that are unfolding before you. Here's wishing you not only the exciting challenges but also beauty, laughter, and deep contentment. I love you, Connie 

In truth, my working at HFTH was not a mistake, but a gift from God and the way He worked it out for me was truly a great answer to prayer and a step of faith on both my part and my DH.

Friday Foto Friends

Since I haven't been anywhere exciting this week nor is the scenery around here that thrilling (It's soooooo HOT), I'm sharing a few photos from a friend who is traveling all over the western United States and these are from Rocky Brook Falls in Washington. I love waterfalls and forests! 

The last two above are from Mt. Rainier. We were fortunate enough when we were there that the sun was out and we could see the mountain. It is so gorgeous in that part of the country.

It's been a busy and fun week for us from Monday through Friday (which Friday hasn't yet happened as I write, but I have great expectations for the day.) Monday was spent with our Monday night friends and lots of good conversation and laughs! Oh the laughter! Definitely good medicine. Would you believe and did you know one of our little discussions was about the fact that there are male and female watermelons? Now, did anyone know that? I certainly did not!

Tuesday five of us from our Ladies of Grace loaded up in my Sequoia to take sandwiches, tea, cookies and my favorite brownies to serve a group of ladies at a Senior Center. I believe it is kind of an independent, somewhat assisted living complex. Very sweet ladies who greatly appreciated our being there. We served the food, sang many hymns which they requested and prayed with and visited with each of them. A great group!

Tuesday evening we had dinner with our favorite son and family and Kate came home with us.

She was happy to just chill and relax here and sit with Grandpa. We went to the park as she always is wont to do, but even Kate had to admit it was just too darn hot and so we came back home after a short time of play.

This pic took me back a few years ago.

Wednesday morning was fairly lazy and later in the day we met Amy and Jack at the mall for fun at Dave and Busters! The kids had a blast using their gift cards I gave them at Christmas and racked up lots of points. Jack spent his. Kate is saving hers until she can claim a large stuffed animal which she plans to give to a needy child. She's pretty self-disciplined and I have to add here, she won all kinds of awards at school, including the Principal's award for straight A's all year - not a single B. On the Texas state testing, she is a Master, which is the highest score!! Wow! 

Here they are trying to make decisions about the prize to choose.

Jack riding the carousel with one of his prizes!

Now the dog gets to ride alongside.

We left Kate with Amy and brought Jack back with us. We had a great time playing games and then on Wednesday evening our church had a very special fun night which Jack described as "epic!" There was a giant waterslide and a dunk tank. Everybody had their chance to try to dunk their favorite pastor. Jack managed to do so four times! Twice he ran up to hit the target and the other times he threw the ball hard enough to dunk the pastor! He loved it. I was the gatekeeper for the pre-schoolers at our splash pad. They had a super time splashing around. The evening was definitely a success.

Pretty cool waterslide!

Fun in the Splash Pad

Since I was guarding the little ones, I didn't get a video of the actual dunking and I'm not able to save the video the church made! Rats!

Jack is a joy for sure. As we were coming home from church Wednesday evening, he was chattering non-stop talking about what fun he had and then he began asking questions about everybody. We were talking about such things as where everybody in the family was born. He wanted to know if grandpa and me got married. Say what?? He wanted to know if I had kids. I told him yes, we got married and no, I didn't get to have kids of my own, but God had blessed me greatly with DHs children and now the grandkids. I said all of you are a gift from God. His response? His daddy got a gift from God, too. A truck with wifi!!!!! LOL!!!

Thursday we met Amy and Kate for Mexican food and returned Mr. Jack to his mama. He didn't want to leave us and Kate didn't want him to come back home!! Kids. Haha!

Aren't they precious?

And so is Little Miss Tenley!!

Do you think this dog could get any closer????? 

I have never had such a needy dog before.

Friday Foto Friends

Driving over to our son's home, we pass so many beautiful corn fields. Unfortunately, we are driving at high speed, and since I am the chauffeur these days, and DH isn't into taking pics, I do the best I can. I did stop on a little country road to snap a couple of photos of cornfields which I thought were pretty nice. 

A friend of mine who lives in that area took a pic of her husband in the cornfield to show you how tall they are. He is not a midget! I think some of the Midwestern natives have a saying of "knee high by July." 

But, this is TEXAS!!!

Summer Days and Summer Nights

Our neighborhood has flags flying on each block. I enjoy

seeing the flags on my walks and thankful our town is proud to fly them.

Now for Friday Fotos, I am posting some very silly ones. The ministry I retired from eight years ago will be honoring one of my former co-workers who worked/served at the ministry for 32 years and is a most amazing lady. There were four of us who assisted her and the founder and president of the ministry in her home. We worked outside the corporate offices of the ministry and were known as the Edelweiss Team. At the annual Christmas party, we were the Edelweiss Elves who cooked up a program to entertain our boss! We had such fun and we even stooped one year to wearing those crazy Billy Bob teeth.

Judy with the washboard.
Me with the tambourine.
Eric holding the signs I made.
and Kay just joined in the song.
My DH joined us in our rendition of Keep On the Sunny Side
playing an improvised bass with a bucket and mop.

I refuse to show a close up of me with those horrid teeth! 

I made good use of that old green plaid shirt and DH's baggy jeans and big boots!

Oh boy,  did we have fun. We even wrote lyrics for a song to the tune of Hee Haw's 

Where Are You Tonight?

Our fearless leader June absolutely loved it.

The lady with the sling is the one retiring. 

The lower pic is our Jeanne holding the coveted "Dorie" award 

she won for being most like Dorie in Finding Nemo. 

Lol! Do you remember?

Dorie Award? Huh? Refresh my memory!

Sweet memories of days gone by. Was it always fun? No. 

But I could never express how much I learned from these precious ladies. 

So much unconditional love, forgiveness, grace, patience … really all the fruit of the Spirit!

One of my very dear friends is making memories in Israel these days! Love this pic of her and her traveling buddy.

Have a blessed weekend!