Two’s company, three’s a crowd. That’s what they say anyway and I know what they’re referring to, but, “crowd” is usually what most people enjoy at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. Our crowd on this past Thursday was three. My brother Phil, his wife Susan, and me. Everyone else was scattered around with other relatives or separated by distance. And although they were missed, still it was OK.

We had a very nice dinner which I, for the most part, prepared and Susan added the vegetables and cleaned up the kitchen. They had just returned from Branson for a quick visit to celebrate Susan‘s birthday and a time of getaway for them before my brother has hip replacement surgery this week.

While they were gone, I kept their dog, Howie. He was somewhat disoriented at first, but he came around and made himself quite comfortable here. 

I think Annie was also disoriented and wishing she were still the main dog here. (Kind of funny to see the luxurious bed Howie has compared to Annie's plain little bed. Hmmmm.)

On Friday, I began to bring down from the attic my Christmas decorations. I discovered the lights weren't working on my larger tree, so I decided to get over to Hobby Lobby and get a new (and smaller) tree. What. Was. I. Thinking!??? Clearly, I was only thinking about the tree because I completely forgot it was "Black Friday." Ugh! Crazy traffic and the parking lots were full. Amazingly enough though, I selected my tree, got through the checkout line, and had my tree in the house within 30 minutes. That is the difference when you live in Tulsa as opposed to the Dallas metroplex. 

I have another tree like this which is my Jessie Tree and I will put an ornament on it each day of Advent. I look forward to this as I read the Scripture for that day and look forward to Christmas.

I’ve already listed in a previous blog most of the things I’m thankful for. The thankful list goes on and on and is never ending because we are so richly blessed. But now another Thanksgiving is in the books and we are moving into Christmas to see what that brings. Life is good, and as I reflect on this past year In a new season of life and a new location, I am amazed at all the wonderful people who have come into my life and how very much I have to be thankful for in this place. For all these things, I give thanks. So hard to believe next week it will be two years since Jay passed. 

This time two years ago, we had just returned from Branson and were celebrating Thanksgiving with a bigger crowd. I’m so glad we had those times together.

“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. 

Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. 

I say to myself, 'The LORD is my inheritance; 

therefore, I will hope in him!'" 

(Lamentations 3:22-24 NLT)

Garage Selling Weekend

I confuse myself sometimes. This claims to have been published in October, but I see it as a draft. I am publishing now to get it on the books.

After spending the last couple of weeks in preparation, this past Saturday turned out to be one of those absolutely perfect October days and perfect for a garage/yard sale! We pulled out most everything except glassware from the garage to set on table outside. The lady who was in charge of organization was truly one of the most organized and energetic women I have ever met!!! Several of the people who came to our sale commented on how organize everything was. We had a kitchen section, bath, crafts, linens, patio furniture, baskets, jewelry, clothes, art, glassware and so on!!!

Like the energizer bunny!!!

Anyway, long story short, it was a tremendous success and the next door neighbor to the president of our women's association said he would match whatever we made. Wow! Did he know what he was getting in for? The profit far exceeded what any of us had hoped for and he not only matched it, but added another few thousand dollars on top of the match! (I am not sharing amounts since this is to benefit the boys' home.)

I arrived at 6 am on Saturday (on time dark o'clock) only to find busy bees already at work. 

Saturday night everybody was wiped out! What a day! So pleased to be a part of such a worthy cause. 

Loading up leftovers for Salvation Army. 

Lots of good stuff left over.

Thanksgiving week and my list

This is my list. This list is not indicative of the order of thankfulness and it is definitely not a complete list!

“O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for me. Your plans for me are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them." Psalm 40:5 

God chose to give me life; my dear husband, my parents, my siblings and their families, my grandparents, my family and extended family‘s health. 

I have the blessings of Jay’s children, their spouses and the grandkids, 

I have been physically able to run and play all my life (maybe a little slower now, but still …); 

Thankful for my education, being able to read and learn; 

I enjoyed a great childhood; good teachers; parents who cared about every aspect of my life; parents have helped me with homework. 

Thankful for every Sunday school teacher, every pastor, every person who ever prayed for me. 

My childhood friends, the knowledge of God, and need for him and his forgiveness. 

The Bible, being born again at age 8 into God’s kingdom, God’s patience with me, joy of singing, my health. 

God‘s mercy to me and surviving breast cancer and other health issues, the opportunity to be the bone marrow donor for my brother in his cancer. 

Direction from my dad about working and the work ethic inherited from parents. 

My jobs, my marriage, the churches I have attended. 

Food: I have never gone hungry and always had clean water to drink, 

Shelter, I have always had a place to live, warm and safe. 

I have always had clothes to wear.

I’ve enjoyed my pets, books to read, bookmobiles and libraries, transportation.

Thankful for medical insurance, life insurance.

I’ve had God‘s provision in every situation and I have been blessed to be able to give to others. 

Thankful for the rescue by God from messes I got myself into … and things He rescued me from that I wasn’t even aware of.  

Windows, sunshine, cool water, lakes, His creation — nature, the beauty of it all, grass, trees, different seasons to enjoy,

Vacations and holidays. Sick days, candles, fire, washers and dryers, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, hot and cold clean running water, carpet, showers, AC in the summer, heat in the winter.

freeways, chocolate, freedom, the strength I have in my mental capacities. 

My memory, being able to simply enjoy life, prayer, my friends now and through the years. Travels I have gotten to do in places I’ve seen, my computer, the exhilaration of snow and water skiing.

Going through this very long list of all these things I am thankful for. What a long list and it doesn’t even include everything I’m thankful for. But You, Lord, You are the giver, the One I’m thankful for. You gave me life. That song — it’s Your breath in my lungs, so I pour out my praise! How great You are! I am forever grateful. Remind me each day, Lord, for You have dealt bountifully with me. 

Halloween fun and a hayride

Sweet Jack

Jason and family

Sara and family

Growing grandkids

Serving Thanksgiving lunch to seniors

Ladies retreat

Susan's birthday

Not that good at selfies!

Ukelele group

Garage sale fun for Tulsa Boys Home

Maverick and Tenley

Another one on the way in December!

Wednesday Hodgepodge and Living Strong

 1. Do you (or did you used to) watch talk shows? 

Seldom. When I was in high school, I thought it was fun to stay up late and watch Johnny Carson. Talk shows are boring as most of the time it’s a celebrity very focused on themselves.

Which are or were your favorite?

I have enjoyed listening to some talk shows such as James Dobson‘s focus on the family.

 2. Would you describe yourself as resilient? 

Yes, I believe I am very resilient. I have experienced the loss of two husbands, breast cancer, going through bone marrow transplant with my brother, (me the donor), the loss of both my parents at young ages, and adjusting to being a stepmom. They were two of the best kids ever, but it still was a big adjustment. If so what do you think makes you that way? It is only by the grace of God that I have had strength. I have none on my own. If you answered no explain why?

 3. What parts of life have surprised you the most? 

That I am still here? Having lost my parents at younger ages, I guess it surprises me sometimes that I have made it to an older age. Explain.

 4. Why do you live where you live? 

After 50 years of living in one state, I moved to another to be near my siblings.

 5. A memory from this week that made you smile? 

Most every day, the Facebook memories that pop up make me smile because I have so many good memories. Any time I look at a picture on the refrigerator of my Dear Heart, or the grandkids, it always brings a smile.

 

(Noah had been smiling until word came we would take a pic!! There's always one sad sack in the bunch! The pic below of my sister's party is evidence of that. I was the pouty one and she was crying! Makes me think of the song that came much later, It's My Party and I'll Cry if I Want To!)

Today’s memory on Facebook was a throwback Thursday of my sister's birthday. Just this weekend, we also gathered together to say happy birthday to her. She turned the big 70, but she didn't cry about it.

 6. Insert your own random thought here.

This has been a very busy week. Over the weekend, some of us from our Sunday school class picked up paintbrushes and rollers and painted curbs for emergency vehicles and delivery vehicles, as well as a shuffleboard court for a local apartment complex. The apartment building houses disabled persons over 62 years old. These pics don't show the extent of the amount of painting! Whole lotta curbs!!!

This morning I’m working on the garage sale for the boys home in our area. The garage sale will benefit the boys home. And tonight is Awanas’ night, so it’s a full day all day.

Our ukelele group is singing again today. We are singing on a regular basis at one of the assisted living homes here and it is so much fun. Our practices each week are filled with singing and lots of laughter. We have been invited to sing a few days before Christmas at a residence for senior citizens in a Jewish assisted living. The dilemma there is that we have been asked not to sing anything about Jesus so as not to offend anyone. We don’t like that idea. Anyone have a thought or opinion they might want to share about this? Please, be kind.

I've typed this all rather hurriedly, as I am getting ready to leave.

An Autumnal Hodgepodge

It is hard to believe we are in the Fall season and quickly approaching October!! This is my favorite time of year and one that seems to fly by faster than any other season. I want to hold on to these last few months of the year as they hold so much promise of making memories and remembrances from years past.

1. It's Fall y'all! Officially that is and in the northern hemisphere only, so if you're visiting from down under happy spring! Does it feel like fall where you live? 

Today the weather matches the season. Cool, crisp and breezy. Does it look like fall aka are the leaves beginning to change? So far I’ve only seen leaves falling, no color as yet. What is your favorite fall color? The orange, red and yellow combo. Sorry, I never can pick one. Scent? Pumpkin spice everywhere. Flavor? Is chili a wrong answer?

2. What's something you're not? Maybe trendy?

3. Share a favorite quote related to fall and tell us why it's a favorite. 

“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” — Nathaniel Hawthorne

Because there’s nothing quite like the feel of the sunshine that doesn’t scorch and burn or bring sweat, the leaves are rustling all around, it just feels so invigorating to be outside! It’s a great time for brisk walks, and admiring the gorgeous colors that seem to grow more brilliant each day before finally giving up and landing on the ground. And that brings us to the other favorite quote, which is also a good reminder.

 “Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” -Unknown

4. Besides Thanksgiving, what's your favorite fall meal? Beef stew and cornbread.

5. Share a favorite photo you took last fall? 

I'll try to do better this year.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I didn’t include this precious couple in yesterday’s photos. They are dear to me as I have gotten to know them a little better than the other couples. This precious pair comes to our exercise class almost every week. Mostly, he brings her for exercise, but he stays sometimes also. They were with Wycliffe Bible Translators, (he was a pilot, as was Nick Saint). These two are so sweet and I love the twinkle still there in both their eyes and they're always smiling. He takes good care of her. Truly another great example of love and commitment lived out to God, each other and their family. 

Weekend Recap

 Just a brief telling of this past weekend of fellowship, fun, and celebrations.

A few of our Sunday School class got together to see the production at the Spotlight Theater in Tulsa of The Drunkard. As I mentioned in a previous post, this has been a Saturday night tradition since 1953. We had a great time booing and hissing and oohing and ahhing (is that a word?) at the cast as they performed this melodrama for us. We got to buy tomatoes to throw at the villain! I was very disappointed that the tomatoes were not real!! No big splats! Haha!!

You can see the tomatoes around this villainous villain.

Sweethearts

The cast

A few from our class

On Sunday, immediately after church, we had a celebration for all our married couples of 50 years or more! What a very special time to see these sweet couples be honored for their lifetime commitments to each other. I was privileged to have a part in this preparation for them and greeting them for photographs of the happy couples. There was delicious food, beautiful music, a renewal of their vows, and door prizes. Here are just a few of the precious couples.

So you can see how pretty the tables were.

The help

Only a few of nearly 40 smiling couples celebrating.

Of all the joyous, smiling people there, one couple stood out to me and brought tears to my eyes. This elderly couple was so precious. Her Alzheimer's condition was very obvious, but even more obvious to me was the love and devotion by this gentleman living out his love for his sweetheart.

He held her up throughout the entire renewal of vows. He guided her around the room. From what I am told, this husband is always like this and he cares for her at home, too. Wow! God bless him!

The beautiful cake under the glass dome was one of several--one for each table. The cakes were beautiful and door prizes to the couple at each table who had been married the longest. The cakes were baked by a lady at church and each was decorated a little differently, but all in the gold trim. She did an excellent job.