Lookin' Up

Winter Surprise

2012-02-12T20:06:00.002-05:00

For He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth';

Job 37:6a

It been spring for most of the winter, but this weekend the snow arrived better late than never. Not to be dissuaded by a few inches of snow, we headed out to to church and found it to be somewhat emptier than usual. No surprise, especially since the snow totals were a foot or more by early this afternoon. Even upstate New Yorkers like to have a snow day once in a while.

I had to smile at what my friend Lorrie had to say about the weather this morning...
"Wow good morning " winter " ~ cant believe its the middle of Feb and you still haven't outgrown your beauty"

My snowman fence left me with a grin too. Looks like it got a little too chilly and they pulled the blanket right up to their chins! (I think that snowman has a rather mischievous smile, don't you?)

Abiding Alone

2012-02-11T21:42:00.000-05:00

Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me, you can do nothing.

John 15:4-5

Could it be that I am finally reaching a turning point? After a year of trying to do it on my own, have I made it to the place where I finally realize that I can never do this job without Him? Insufficient, incapable, and inept; this is me. Thankfully, I am not alone. He is with me, and He is all-sufficient, more than capable, and totally competent.

I have learned this lesson before. Wasn't it ten years ago when I wrote the note I would find months later, hidden away in my closet? "This dying to self is no fun. Why can't somebody else die once in a while?" It was a lesson in letting go, and here I am learning the lesson all over again with someone different.

Perhaps God leaves us to ourselves, to struggle and fail, in order that we come to the end of ourselves. Maybe He doesn't want it to be easy. Could it be, like giving the old testament law to the Children of Israel, He has given me this job of taking care of Mom, to show me just how much I need Him, and just how much He loves me? I think perhaps that's true.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Friday

2012-02-10T21:40:00.006-05:00

They came to visit.

Thoughts for Thursday

2012-02-09T20:59:00.001-05:00

1. Feeding Mom regular meals may prove challenging, but sneaking butter into sandwiches and scrambled eggs is pretty simple.

2. After listening to one of the women at Ladies' Prayer on Tuesday, I decided that for all Mom's paraphernalia (glasses, hearing aides, hospital bed, and oxygen concentrator), I can be thankful she doesn't wear dentures.

3. Alex thinks Grandma makes a good playmate, especially if she will help him put his boots on or read him a story.

4. I am still in love with the morning sunshine that floods my living room around 7:30 am, even if I am fighting to keep my eyes open.

5. A morning shower is preferred over an evening shower.

6. Little things like flowery, old tea cups can bring a smile to my face.

7. It has been a amazingly mild winter, and I am thankful for little to no snow to shovel or traipse through on my way to and from the car. There haven't been too many snowmen hanging around, but that's okay. Maybe we'll find them next year. (Or paint some more fence pieces.)

8. Some- times the picture I take totally by accident turns out to be one of my favorites. (How about those spider webs?)

9. I still love that framed print at the antique store. I still didn't buy it, (I'm not sure where I'd hang it...) but it still makes me happy when I see the photograph. Something about young love, I guess.

10. I am totally thrilled with the long sleeved knit nightgown I got from Land's End this past week. It's a little bigger than I'd anticipated, but oh, so comfy! Being cotton, it did shrink a little when I washed it, so it doesn't feel quite so huge now. Either that or I put on a few pounds overnight.

11. Thirteen thoughts would be nice, but I'm running out of ideas...

12. We ate leftovers from our freezer tonight; spicy green chile stew that Grandmanita made. It sure was good, and it made me miss her all over again.

13. Tomorrow Leta is bringing the kids over for a visit, the first since Christmas. I am so looking forward to wrapping my arms around their little selves, kissing their soft cheeks, and listening to them play. I need to whip up a batch of cookies, I think.

Bird Food

2012-02-08T20:20:00.000-05:00

Hannah and I went out today and on our way home I decided to get rid of the two bags of old bread I had tossed into the back seat the other day. I knew someone who would appreciate stale bread.

When we arrived at the boat launch there was a crowd to greet us. Everyone hooted, hollered, and squawked a grand welcome. Hannah rolled down her window and tossed out a chunk of bread.

The crowd went wild! They even hopped up on the hood of the van and stared at us through the windshield. They sat on top of the van and bobbed their silly heads up and down. They flew circles over our heads.

I got out of the van to face the noisy brood. Here and there were folks not quite so boisterous as the welcoming committee. Surrounded by the screeching pack, this fellow appeared almost docile...

Hannah stayed in the shelter of the van. She prefers not to fight the crowd, though she did toss a few chucks of bread up to some hopeful bystanders. Later she beeped the horn a few times and even turned on the wipers in the hope of convincing the gawkers to stay off the vehicle.

Repurposed Shelves

2012-02-07T21:42:00.000-05:00

I have new shelves in my living room. They aren't new in the sense of coming from the store, they are just new to being shelves. In a previous life they were table leaves, and they can still be table leaves again one day, if so desired, however, I do like them as shelves. Stay tuned as I fill them up with photos, artwork, and other neat stuff.

D is for Dessert

2012-02-07T21:01:00.000-05:00

D is for dessert, in this case blueberry pie.

Because we have berry bushes, we have a freezer containing more blueberries than I care to imagine. I was happy to bake pies for this past Sunday's fellowship dinner at church. I didn't even have to eat a piece! Though I love dessert, I don't bake often. Dessert isn't good for my diet.

To see the other participants in the new round of
ABC Wednesday, click here!

Snowdrops

2012-02-06T21:33:00.000-05:00

My flower gardens, the outside ones, are sprouting. Is that allowed in February?

Oh, Monday

2012-02-06T13:13:00.002-05:00

After a weekend of different activity, different than weekdays that is, Mondays bring a flurry of household chores. I've taken the recyclables to the curb (including that stash of Marley bottles my boys had hoarded away), washed several loads of laundry, cleaned the kitchen, and... ta da! made Mom breakfast; scrambled eggs with red bell pepper and cheese, a pumpkin muffin, and a glass of cranberry/grape juice.

Alex played dishes with Aunt Margie who came to visit Mom, ate his lunch, and has been read two naptime stories, Go, Dog, Go and Peter Rabbit, both good books for little boys. He also managed this morning to scatter the basket of Beanie Babies, disperse all the Cutting Food across the carpet, and drive several small trucks and farm equipment over the windowsills and from one end of the room to the other.

The sun is shining and it feels like spring. Mom thinks it's a long wait for spring, but if the weather we've been having keeps up, we'll be looking for shorts and T-shirts by March. My snowdrops think it's time to bloom and I spotted the "first" robin a month ago. I almost took Alex out for a walk this morning, but I had work to do instead.

Weight a Minute!

2012-02-05T19:29:00.007-05:00

My mom has managed to lose another 3 pounds since her last doctor appointment. I can't seem to get the weight off, and she can't keep it on. Something about this just isn't right. Something must be done, and it looks like it's up to me to do it... for both of us.

Because she rises at different times each day, I have left it to Mom to find her own breakfast. It seemed simple enough to me, but she typically doesn't eat breakfast, even cereal, until about noon, just as I am getting lunch for the kids. This throws off giving her lunch and so she typically grabs a yogurt halfway through the afternoon, usually when I am taking a break and Alex is resting. Mom eats whatever we are having for supper, but salad is her favorite and if she is to have seconds, she will go for the salad before another helping of mashed potatoes.

This afternoon I cooked up a batch of gluten-free pumpkin muffins, and I plan to make her eggs at least a few times each week. (She will eat what we put in front of her and she isn't picky.) On the morning when I may be out, I'm hoping to leave her a hearty muffin, a fresh banana, and maybe a big glass of fruit juice. If I can get her to eat a good breakfast at a decent time, then maybe she will get a good lunch in too.

She rarely turns down ice cream or a cookie, just the things I would prefer to keep out of my line of vision. I'll let her eat mine.

No Snow

2012-02-03T20:23:00.000-05:00

It has been a winter without snow. In fact, for the most part, it has been a winter without freezing cold temperatures. It's been somewhat hard to believe it is actually winter, and even harder to believe we could get a blizzard any day now... not that there are any in the forecast. Waiting at the bus stop has been almost pleasant and the snow shovel has had extremely little exercise. Not that I'm complaining or anything, but I do get a little excited when the snow starts to fall.

Tents

2012-02-02T22:01:00.001-05:00

Or is "tense"?

I have a headache. I think I will take some Benadry and an ibuprofen or two and go to bed. I need to relax because there are small children coming to play tomorrow morning. They need a babysitter who is awake and alert, and able to sit and play toys or read a book.

Today did not go so well. One small flower was plucked from the garden. When caring for more than one child, there must be some flexibility on both the part of the caretaker and the parents, and this is where problems can arise. Sadly, our schedules and routines don't always mesh. I knew it would happen one day, and things will be better in the long run, but it still creates a certain amount of tension in my body. I hope these parents find a suitable sitter for their little one. He really is a sweet little guy. I know they love him very much and want only what is best for him.

Mom is gone to Rachel's for the weekend. Maybe I will clean out my computer room and do some organizing while she is gone. Maybe I'll go out to breakfast with the women from church Saturday morning. Maybe I'll wander the aisles of some antique shop...

(Picture courtesy Tummy Mountain. Check out the Etsy shop and buy a painting.)

One Less Flower

2012-02-02T18:12:00.000-05:00

I guess we can't all be perfect... Oh, well. Life goes on, doesn't it?

Alex and I had fun playing trains.

Speaking of Candles

2012-02-01T10:00:00.001-05:00

I got up a few minutes before my alarm went off today, hopped into the shower, and had my bed made before Emma arrived this morning. Her mom was just on her way back out to the car, and I was headed for the box of coloring books and crayons, when the room suddenly went black. I thought Em had turned the lights off, but my mom's oxygen machine started "screaming" in the other room. The power was out. I supposed this meant I was not going to get my hair dryer running...

Emma was fairly certain she could color in the dark, but being just a few minutes after 7 o'clock, I didn't think it quite possible. I decided to get her some cereal while James found a few candles and some matches. By the time she was done with her cereal, (with a little help from a candle and the morning light coming just beginning to come through the east windows),she could see well enough to color.

An hour after the house went dark, the lights suddenly came back on. By then the sun had risen to the point that we didn't need them anymore and they were promptly turned off. I blew out the candles and watched a little plume of smoke rise into the air. A faint smell of candle waxed drifted through the room.

C is for Candle

2012-01-31T20:53:00.002-05:00

C is for candle.

Candlelit rooms are cozy and relaxed. Add some soft background music and someone much loved for maximum effect.(I'm keeping it simple this week. Don't want to spoil the ambiance.)

To see the other participants in the new round of
ABC Wednesday, click here!

PS. If you are hungry, check out yesterday's posts on cupcakes. :0)

Hurricane Annie's Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins

2012-01-30T20:35:00.000-05:00

I put a little frosting and some sprinkles on top... :)

Speaking of Cupcakes...

2012-01-30T16:34:00.002-05:00

It's been a sleepy day and I just can't stand the thought of more coffee. (I have a bottle of water instead.) Visions of cupcakes are dancing through my head. Little bites of sugar topped with... more sugar. Probably not the healthiest thing in the world, but fun anyway, and getting "funner" all the time! Oh, the possibilities! It is fun to dream, isn't it? (Have you ever googled "cupcake" and checked out the images? Oh, my!)

I'm thawing a bag of frozen pumpkin. It is my plan to make gluten free pumpkin muffins (finally). I wonder how they would taste with cream cheese frosting....Do you think they could be so pretty as these cupcakes?

Panic Attack

2012-01-28T23:07:00.002-05:00

Throughout the week I have felt my anxiety level rising. Tears hide just below the surface, occasionally spilling out and running down. My eyes are tired and puffy. Sometimes I think a good cry would release the tension, but feel stupid crying when I'm not even sure exactly what is making me want to.

This morning I felt panicky. I went out to do my shopping and run errands alone. It was good. It was quiet. I wandered Walmart and Hobby Lobby unhurried. I took on the grocery maze that is Wegman's on Saturday afternoons and came out feeling sane. I also came out with a cup of coffee.

I am tired. I miss my grandkids and I am overwhelmed with some of my other responsibilities. I am also adjusting to my mom being able to hear after over a year of adjusting to her being unable to hear. (She has new hearing aides.) I should be thrilled, but I am once again thrown a bit off kilter, and maybe she is too. Perhaps it is the family issues that are plaguing me than anything. I guess there are things chocolate can't fix after all. I wonder if cupcakes...

A Bit of Bouncing

2012-01-27T10:17:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was a kid day. Though I was missing one little guy due to illness, we made up for it by having two other friends for the morning. The living room floor was covered with toys. Play food, toy cars, and dishes were strewn across the carpet and three small children danced amongst the Beanie Babies.

I had a brief encounter with one small escapee, but quickly chased him down. Good thing I was wearing my slippers and can run faster than a two year old! The door will need to be locked when he visits from now on otherwise we'll need to reinstall the "garden gate".

After the escape attempt, couch jumping seemed a rather benign activity. On "normal" days I would discourage bouncing on the couch, but after my run around Barn 1, I was glad for a safe alternative to children running shoeless through the yard. I was relieved to have both boys safe inside the house.

Can you tell which boy's socks are drying by the wood stove? Luckily they were dry by the time his mommy returned.

An Update

2012-01-26T21:24:00.002-05:00

I am not entirely certain where the last six weeks went. They were right here one moment, and the next thing I knew, they were gone! How does that happen?

I am incredibly blessed to have had my favorite mom in law here for several weeks. We faced some terribly emotional days together, cried a few tears, and laughed a lot too. We shared the pain of lost loved ones, a bout of sickness, and a Christmas holiday. We ate many wonderful meals, baked Boston Brown bread, made tamales, and drank countless cups of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. We spoke of times past and made new memories.
We took pictures, went shopping, and visited friends and family. We watched movies, read books, and stayed up late. We went out to eat, took afternoon naps, and played games. It seemed she had scarcely arrived and it was time to go home already... Almost six weeks went by and yet it seemed just a few days.

By now Grandmanita is safely back home. I'm sure her friends are happy. I bet her cat is thrilled! I'm fairly certain Auntie Lee Anne is doing the Happy Dance. I will miss her for many days to come. I love her.

The Letter B

2012-01-25T15:03:00.002-05:00

A Booger-Freezing Story from last winter. (My creativity this week has been somewhat questionable, and so you get a re-run from last February.)

Bright, beautiful, and deceptively sunny... I bundle the little ones into their winter clothes and together we make the short trek down the snow covered driveway. The powdered snow squeaks under our feet and my nostrils burn with the cold. The windchill is once again well below zero degrees Fahrenheit, though the actual temperature is about 8º. I gather Mom's newspaper from the box and check for yesterday's mail which was forgotten in the busyness of the day.

The bitter wind stings my cheeks and bites at my nose, but the children barely notice. They are too caught up in the excitement of snowballs and mounds of snow left behind by Dave's snowplow. The bus arrives, gathers the girls into it's shelter, and rumbles off down the road. Andrew and I wave our mittened hands to the driver and head back toward the house. Untouched snow along the driveway and into the yard is left sculpted by the wind. I can just imagine what the frozen wastelands of the tundra and Antarctica must look like.

Inside the house we pull off boots and mittens. My coffee, is finished brewing, an inviting aroma in the air. My Little Guy nibbles on graham crackers and drinks apple juice while I sip hot vanilla coffee. The day has just begun...

To see the other participants in the new round of
ABC Wednesday, click here!

Talk More, Write Less...

2012-01-22T17:03:00.000-05:00

... or was it "write more, talk less"?

I find can get into trouble either way, and the last few weeks proven that. No matter how good my intentions, I still fail often. It has been another painful week. There have been moments of hope and others of complete despair. I've found myself unable to write, unable to pretend all was well when in actuality it felt like my entire family was falling apart. On one hand I have sought forgiveness, and on another have been asked to forgive. I have been made aware of my own error, one I will own up to, and been reminded of past events that can never be undone. As I endeavor to forgive and move on, I pray others will do the same. There is only one direction to go from here, and that is forward. There can be no looking back.

So are we to write more and talk less, or talk more and write less? I find writing typically gets me into less trouble as I am able to read and rewrite a message before it is delivered. Not only can I edit the written word, but I can erase it altogether, or hold off on sending it at all... Then again, if I mess up and send it off... Well, maybe I won't think about that right now.

A is for Ants

2012-01-19T07:24:00.001-05:00

A is for ants, a whole army of them. I think maybe they were on their way to a picnic somewhere.

To see the other participants in the new round of
ABC Wednesday, click here!

Wiped Out

2012-01-17T22:39:00.000-05:00

It has been a long an emotional few days. Perhaps there is a light at the end of the tunnel after all, but it is going to take my eyes a few days to recover. (Tears do this...) I figured I'd post tonight because I'm not sure I will be able to pry my eyes open in the morning. In the end, God is still good. I hugged my son today for the first time in over a month. Though wounds remain raw on both sides, there is hope, and hope will also help me rest. Thank you for your prayers. (And thank you to a wise pastor who helped us through a very difficult afternoon.)

A big wind is blowing outside. I sleep well during storms, so maybe while others lie awake in bed listening to the wind, I will be sound asleep.

The picture? Oh yeah, it makes me smile. I need something to make me smile. A friend of Grandmanita's sent it to her because it made the friend think of her and I have to agree. It has been amazingly good to have her here with us this past month. Next week she will be heading home again. I am going to miss her terribly.

The Great... Uh... Skate! :)

2012-01-13T19:31:00.001-05:00

When I grow up, I want to skate like Gramma Gail! She's amazing. Of course, Canadians are born with skates on their feet.

A little Polishing

2012-01-12T20:36:00.000-05:00

So, this afternoon we finally decided to have some fun with the nail polish... Bethany helped me out with the ladybugs this time.

Mr. Linky seems a little too much for me right now. I'm not sure I'm ready to head up a full blown meme of my own, so if you want to play along, just let us know here and post your own pretty toenail pictures at your place.

Grief

2012-01-12T19:39:00.009-05:00

Can I say my heart is grieved? I am grieved over the loss of oneness in the church of Christ and the idea that it somehow doesn't matter how we behave because the grace of God covers all. God's grace does cover all, but when did the Bible say it didn't matter how we behave? What happened to "Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ"? Just what kind of conduct is it that makes us worthy? And if it doesn't matter how we behave, then just what is it that differentiates us from the rest of the world?

I've seen some videos lately that leave my soul crying. Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), but does it really say "all" sins? Can a man be a Christian, commit adultery, and immediately afterward feel guilty and hear God say, "I love you"? I was under the impression my sin is what separates me from God. How is it we share testimonies of being "saved" out of alcoholic families and keep a cupboard full of booze? How do we testify of being rescued from anger and yet have a mouth full of perversity?

I know it is Christ who comes into a life and saves, He has done that for me, but He doesn't leave us like he found us, He begins the slow and painful process of conforming us into His image. He calls us to leave the old way of life behind and become something new. I fear there are many today who want what Jesus has to offer in the way of salvation, but who aren't will to let Him change their hearts and actions.

So much for keeping the mood light...

Drama Class

2012-01-11T19:48:00.000-05:00

There has been more than enough drama this month to last for years to come. Every time we think we've seen the last of it, another episode pops up in a different set of people. Sometimes the people circles overlap. Actually, a lot of the people circles overlap... Okay, so maybe we're all connected in one way or another. The truth is Facebook has made more drama possible than one people circle should ever have to deal with. I'm losing friends/family left and right, some for the simple fact that they've deactivated their accounts. I can't say as I blame them. If it wasn't for the fact that it connects me to my children, I'd probably delete my own. Then again, I suppose that is the exact reason some have decided to be done with it altogether. Blah.

Z is for Zebra

2012-01-11T09:36:00.000-05:00

Z is for Zebra. I'm taking a chance and posting the obvious here. Every children's ABC book I've ever read has a Zebra for the letter Z, and why not? They're pretty cool looking animals. This particular zebra posed for a photograph at the Buffalo Zoo several years ago. I think he's very handsome in his striped pajamas.

To see the other participants in the new round of
ABC Wednesday, click here!

Quiet and Overcast

2012-01-10T15:02:00.001-05:00

Today I went to Ladies' Prayer at Calvary Chapel and ran errands. Hannah and I had two small boys to watch, so she stayed with them at the church (during Bible study) while I ran about taking care of business and buying some fruits and vegetables.

So far this winter we have had little to no snow. No need to shovel sidewalks or have the driveway plowed. Kind of nice in a lot of ways. Of course, this could change at any time. I am well aware of that. But, yesterday I saw a robin sitting in one of our maple trees when I went out to the bus stop with Emma. I hope he knows what he's doing.

I have managed to lose one of my brand new alpaca wool mittens already. I took them on my way out the door Sunday when we took off for Canada and discovered one missing when we were at Gail's house in Fort Erie. I suppose it is laying lost and lonely somewhere on Transit Rd. in Buffalo where we stopped for gas (our gas cap was stuck and James had to break it off...), ran in Loews Home Improvement, and grabbed a snack at Mighty Taco. Ah well, at least it is not the only pair of mittens in my possession, even if they were the most expensive, and I am not outside building snowmen or shoveling the walk.

No Tears

2012-01-09T21:08:00.001-05:00

I want you to know that I am not wallowing in despair over my son's decisions. If I feel guilty at all, it is because there is an element of relief, relief in knowing that I did nothing to warrant this present tirade and that it is not my responsibility to "fix" my son's problems. As he has said, he is a big boy now, and it is up to him to make his own choices and face the consequences. My house is peaceful, children frequent my arms, and I am not unhappy. Sadly, something tells me this is not a short term situation, so if photos and stories of his little ones are absent, you will understand.

There is no shortage of children here. Emma comes to get on and off the school bus each day, Alex and Asher keep me company several times a week (one four days and the other two), and Josh pops in with his mom frequently. Vinnie and his little sister feel like surrogate grandchildren and show up here and there as needed. I love them all! Toys continue to be strewn across my floors, the high chair gets regular use, and I still buy things like apple juice and animal crackers. Please don't feel sorry for me, just keep my son in prayer.

Time Out

2012-01-09T12:00:00.000-05:00

A cup of hot tea, a warm Chinese dinner, and a welcoming home. I like visiting Gramma Gail.

And That's the Truth

2012-01-07T22:43:00.007-05:00

The truth is my son is not talking to us. He is angry. We have apologized for words spoken under pressure and in frustration, but he is unwilling to forgive us for the events of last fall. Sadly, he is only validating our decision not to rent him my mother's house.

My little grand- children were here on Christmas day for a few hours, but I haven't seen them since. I don't think Dave will be showing up here any time soon, and we are not welcome at his house. I have been told, "I don't want you here." We are blocked from his Facebook page.

So anyway, I am trying not to think of sweet, small faces and little voices. I can't let my son's anger control my life and make me miserable. I must choose instead to trust the One who holds the world in His hands. He will watch over my son and his family and He will take care of me. I will be here waiting, praying for my boy's return. In the meantime, I will love the little ones who God brings into my home and play "Grammy" to them as often as I am allowed.

Between the fire and death of a friend/family member and his sons, my own son's anger, and other recent family issues, maybe you can forgive me for not "Lookin' Up" quite the way I'm used to... I covet your prayers and thank you ahead of time.

Impossible Feets

2012-01-06T16:03:00.002-05:00

I decided to reach back a short distance in time and pull something random out of the bag. I need to do something totally silly and pointless, yet inexpensive and mildly entertaining. (I did say "mildly.")

Not long ago my friend Betsy told her Tail Tale. Since we had just mentioned pedicures, I suggested the "Feet Feat" and I think maybe I'm ready for a Pedicure Party. If I can figure out how to get along with Mister Linky, and come up with a name for a periodic meme, maybe you can play along.

This time around I'm suggesting a pedicure. Do your own or pay to have it done for you and post a photo. (This is my "before" picture...)

Window Treatments

2012-01-05T17:16:00.002-05:00

My antique bottle and doodad collection has been returned to the upper windows in my living room. Dusting will be a little trickier now, but they look cheerful and friendly up there, and I could use a little bit of cheerful and friendly.

Now that the blinds have come down (when we painted...), the morning sun can come in. I call that minute the sun comes up over the horizon "the golden moment" because it turns my kitchen and a corner of my living room to gold. It's a seasonal thing and I must remember to treasure the gift.

I Can't Believe You Said That....

2012-01-04T20:05:00.000-05:00

Old post, new circumstances.... Actually, this post might refer to several circumstances right now. It seems as though the world has gone mad and we are along for the ride.

Sunday, January 03, 2010

But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:8

Extenuating circumstances have left me contemplating the power of the tongue and how quickly words can destroy character and reputation. Words can be a healing balm or a deadly poison. Once released, poisonous words seep deep into the heart and soul, set on a course to destroy. They can never be totally undone or erased no matter how sorry the speaker may be.

Words reveal the condition of the heart, as Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." The mouth is a leaky seal releasing the contents of the soul. Where the heart is given to God, blessings will come forth, but where lies and deceit reside, cursing will pour out.

As you may have guessed, we are struggling with the effects of an unbridled tongue and seeking the wisdom of God in how to deal with the situation. It would be easy, in some ways, to lash back, but that is not a real solution as we are not seeking to alienate, but restore. (At least that is what we want to want. The truth is, sometimes it is difficult to pray a blessing on those who hurt us. That is, none the less, what Jesus desires us to do, and we want to follow Him)

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

Y is for Yawning

2012-01-03T19:19:00.000-05:00

Y is for yawning.

Bo Cat was just waking up from a nap. Still feeling rather sleepy, she opened her mouth in a huge yawn. I laughed when I saw the photograph. She looks dangerous and scary and... funny.

To see the other participants in the new round of
ABC Wednesday, click here!

What a Difference a Day Makes

2012-01-03T10:09:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was cold, but not near as cold as today. I think I shall endeavor to stay inside, now that I've already been out to stand at the end of the driveway with Emma. The bus arrived on time. Alex and I waved her off and hurried back inside.

I suppose I do need to go out with James later, his van inspection is expired, but then I will hurry back home to the wood stove and my pile of warm blankets. If there weren't still so many cookies hanging around I might turn the oven on.

Angel Toes

2012-01-02T12:04:00.001-05:00

We stopped to visit Angel yesterday afternoon. Her little grand daughter was there and offered to paint her grandma's toenails. Angel was very agreeable. (She also told us about the time she wore sandals to work forgetting that Autumn had given her a pedicure... I don't suppose she will have to worry about that this week. It isn't sandal weather.)

Autumn also painted Aunt Lindsey's nails. She looks very pleased with herself, don't you think? I can hardly wait until my granddaughter is big enough to paint my nails!

Saturday

2011-12-31T13:55:00.000-05:00

It's Saturday, at least that is what the calendar says. On "normal" Saturdays I run errands; the bank, the grocery store... anyplace I haven't been able to go throughout the week and need to. Today I don't need to. I went shopping yesterday. I even went to the post office and mailed out three boxes that didn't get into the mail before Christmas. Today is dark and dreary, a good day to curl up with a cup of hot tea or coffee and a good book. It is a good day to sit and talk with my favorite second mom, or maybe to take a short nap.

James and Hannah have gone out together. They have taken my van, and that is okay because I have no plans to go out, and no desire to. I am happy to sit home, fold laundry, and check the computer. I am not eating anymore candy or cookies. I had fruit and nuts for breakfast and am now enjoying a second cup of half decaf coffee with Gingerbread Latte creamer. My eyes are tired and my vacation is nearly over. Maybe I really should take that afternoon nap...

Sand Through the Hour Glass

2011-12-30T22:09:00.005-05:00

There is not much left to the year 2011. Another 26 hours and we will be counting the seconds until the arrival of 2012. Hopefully I will be wise enough this time around to sleep the new year in instead of to stay awake and stumble through the next day in a fog.

I have been considering New Year's resolutions... It seems every year they are about the same; eat better, exercise more, and lose weight, along with be more thankful, smile more often, and forgive more faster. ;) (Yes, I do know that's bad grammar.)

My treadmill remains in my daughter's basement. I miss it, but there isn't any extra space in my living room. (It once lived here in another room, but that now belongs to my mother...) Is there hope for this now middle aged woman? (I'm talking about me.) I am not liking what I see either in the mirror or in photographs... Maybe I need to go on a soup and watered down juice diet. That would cover my fluid intake and be lower in calories!

Constantly Praying

2011-12-29T21:28:00.003-05:00

An old friend stopped by today. She came to bring some medicine to her auntie who has been sick this week. She is constantly on my heart and in my thoughts. The pictures are seven years old, but the love remains constant as it has through the years.

Please continue to pray for my friend and her family. Her father was her best friend...

De Colores

2011-12-28T21:43:00.000-05:00

Aren't colors fun? Cameras are fun too. :)

That's my favorite Little People guy there. He's wearing overalls.

Okay, so I'm a weirdo...

X is for eXcitement

2011-12-27T20:27:00.001-05:00

X is for eXcitement.

Filling seven to ten Christmas stockings is a big job, so my husband and I have relegated that responsibility to our now grown children. They fill each other's stockings by purchasing one or two small gifts for each. Ben livened things up this year by depositing a scorpion sucker into each red sock. That's a little too exciting for me. (And Jim thought Moose Poop was fun...)

I must say, though scorpion suckers may not be my weakness, there are far too many tasty treats around here that do call my name. I am in serious need of some eXercise, but really I feel more like taking a long nap. :)

To see the other participants in the new round of
ABC Wednesday, click here!

December Gifts

2011-12-27T13:35:00.001-05:00

I haven't shared my "gifts" in a while, and though December has been hard, there are still gifts to thank the Father for...

2565. Early morning sunlight turning the room to gold.

2568. Hannah playing her piano.

2577. A frosted world bathed in sunshine.

2587. Christmas carols, red kettles, and Jesus!

2597. Lips, chapped and dry though they be

2607. Memories of childhood...

2610. A God who hears our desperate cries.

2617. New furniture

2640. An unexpected package from my beautiful nice, Annie

2653. Grandmanita's safe arrival

2661. People; friends and family come to love and encourage the hurting

2662. Being a part of it, How humbling.

2664. Hearing my childhood friend say, "I love you."

2665. The husband God gave me and the man he has become

2669. A place of peace in a world gone mad

2670. Snippets of sleep

Christmas Passed

2011-12-26T21:39:00.004-05:00

Christmas is over for another year. I thought I would be ready early this time. I had done some prior planning, even purchased and wrapped several presents just after Thanksgiving. I had plans; plans to shop, to bake, to decorate, to attend Christmas services, and to enjoy the season, but the month of December didn't go as planned.

I am thankful God put it in my heart to do something ahead of my usual schedule, at least my grandchildren had presents under the tree. Thankfully, my children have learned not to expect anything too grand and glorious, perhaps one of the perks of having a half a dozen. James' mom made a wonderful chicken soup while we were at church yesterday morning, and this was made extra special by homemade noodles. (At this rate I'll never be gluten-free... :)

Tension remains high amongst family members. Please pray for our deeply troubled and hurting son and his family. There are some things moms and dads just can't fix. We need Somebody much bigger, but then again, don't we need Him all the time?

And So This Is Christmas

2011-12-23T21:08:00.001-05:00

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.

- Dr. Seuss

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I have often wished for a way to simplify Christmas and this year Christmas will be just that, simpler. We'll gather for a meal, some games, and maybe a Christmas movie, but the gifts, wrapped gifts, will be few, and that's okay. We have each other and we have Jesus, and that is gift enough.

About Those Presents...

2011-12-22T21:48:00.002-05:00

I'm not complaining, I have been abundantly blessed with gifts this month. I'm just looking for something to smile about and Lucy makes me smile. :)

My eldest son will be home tomorrow night, and though there is not enough time left to create the Christmas I'd dreamed up in my mind, we still have Jesus and He is the reason for having a Christmas in the first place. There will be more food than we can eat, there will be laughter, and there will be gifts. I'm hoping there will be forgiveness as well.

It Can't Be Christmas

2011-12-21T21:52:00.003-05:00

How can Christmas be coming in four short days when my family is falling apart? Why has my son chosen to stir up a ruckus on top of a tragedy? Why would my oldest son want to drive seventeen hours home to this?

I am emotionally and mentally drained, stretched to the limit. I don't think there is much hope of salvaging this Christmas... but at least there are cookies.

A Little On the Sleepy Side

2011-12-20T20:33:00.001-05:00

It has been an incredibly exhausting two weeks. Sunday we went to calling hours and yesterday was the funeral service and luncheon. Around 2:15 pm we headed out on a journey to Toronto where James' aunt had to catch bus which would take her another two hours north. Both the E-Z Pass I bought for NY City and the licenses we had enhanced, were put to good use. The trip to Toronto and back took about 7 1/2 hours, and on our way home we stopped to say our final goodbyes to family that were leaving town today. (And enjoy some stuffed artichokes.)

I found it nearly impossible to sleep last night. When I closed my eyes I saw highway lights passing by, and when the lights weren't there my brain wouldn't rest. I must say that in spite of the original news story going nationwide (one family member said it was on the news in southern California), the media kept their distance this weekend.The church was packed and there were more people at the cemetery than I had expected. My own brain just keeps replaying old memories along with the events of the past two weeks. It still seems more like a terrible nightmare than real life.

Being with the family was healing for me. I find myself constantly vacillating back and forth between being childhood friend and present family member, not knowing quite where to fit in. I do know that I love my old friends become family and they love me. We've told each other so this time, and I can't imagine it any other way.

W is for Woodpile

2011-12-20T19:03:00.000-05:00

W is for woodpile.

The woodpile on the back porch grows and shrinks with whether the temperature is high or low. We keep the wood stove going most of the day, but don't worry too much if it goes out at night. We live in snow country, but apparently the snow has other plans this year. We've not had more than an inch or two on the ground at a time. No need to shovel the walk, pointless to plow the driveway, and I can get away with wearing shoes instead of boots. That's okay with me. My house is warm and cozy, and there's still plenty of wood stacked outside the back door.

To see the other participants in the new round of
ABC Wednesday, click here!

December

2011-12-17T20:58:00.000-05:00

December has gone terribly wrong this year...

I think maybe I need someone to come over and make cutout Christmas cookies with me... on Wednesday.

Old Pictures

2011-12-15T22:20:00.001-05:00

Once upon a time a young couple embarked on a journey to Niagara Falls. It was not an overnight honey moon, but rather a day trip with family. Along with the young couple was their small son and the young man's mother. The mother owned a rather nice camera and had taken up the wonderful hobby of photography which she intended to practice on the small family.

I'm sure the young couple stopped to look at the thunder- ing falls, this was, after all, back when one could park along the boulevard, get out of the car, and walk across the sidewalk to see the spectacle. It was a bright and sunny day, warm and fair. Not far from the falls was a park with paddle boats and a trail to walk along, a perfect place for taking pictures.

:) I like When Grandmanita brings old pictures.

V is for Vine

2011-12-14T19:50:00.000-05:00

V is for vine.

He dug it up and cleared out its stones, And planted it with the choicest vine. He built a tower in its midst, And also made a wine press in it; So He expected it to bring forth good grapes, But it brought forth wild grapes. Isaiah 5:2

We found it all but impossible to keep wild vines from growing in our apple trees. The grape vines had a stranglehold, and the wild roses were nothing short of vicious!

To see the other participants in the new round of
ABC Wednesday, click here!

Once Upon A Time

2011-12-12T22:16:00.002-05:00

Once upon a time, a lifetime ago, the little boy moved into the house not-quite-next-door. We were just five years old and rode our tricycles in circles in the street in front of his house until his parents noticed called him inside. Little boys were to play in the backyard, not outside in the street and so, in days to follow, I rode my shiny new tricycle to his house and pulled it through the wire gate into the backyard where I traded my shiny new one for his older, smaller tricycle. This is the way it was, day after day, and I didn't mind because we were friends.

In the boy's backyard was a mud hole dug with sticks and old spoons. It was cone-shaped, perfect for stirring up a batch or two of mud pies, especially after a good rain or a thorough drenching with a pail of water. The boy and girl spent a good number of sunny, summer days cooking up mud pie cookies and cakes. Years later the girl scanned the backyard with longing eyes for a sign of the old mud hole but it had vanished.

There were dandelion and buttercup bouquets picked from the grass along the fences bordering the backyard kingdom, and delivered with a smile to the boy's mummy who took them inside with great appreciation. Each new day brought new flowers to pick, fresh mud pies to mix, and more tricycle rides through the backyard.

The days of time spun on, and the little boy and the little girl grew up. They gradually went separate ways, but each one, tucked deep inside, carried with them the days of mud pies, tricycles, and dandelion bouquets.

What to Say?

2011-12-11T22:14:00.001-05:00

What can I say? My mind is full of memories, a whole childhood of them. I manage to shut them down for a while, and then I find myself sorting through them all over again. Sometimes I feel numb, and other times I am driven to tears. Thankfully the newspapers have been silent this weekend. My favorite mom in law will fly into Toronto Tuesday morning and be here probably Wednesday.

U is for Umbrella

2011-12-10T17:04:00.002-05:00

U is for Umbrella, and what nicer one than pink with Scooby Doo?

It should be snowing now, but we've had more rain this December than snow. No worry, it's much too cold to rain today! It isn't trying anyway. In spite of a bitter wind, the sun is bright and cheery.

To see the other participants in the new round of
ABC Wednesday, click here!

Perspective

2011-12-10T13:43:00.000-05:00

It's all in how one looks at things, and sometimes a good hard kick in the head can put the whole world into an entirely different perspective...

Sad

2011-12-07T20:59:00.003-05:00

It is a sad day here. The story will be in the news for weeks to come. It won't go away, and what we wish to be nothing more than a nightmare, is reality.

It could be just another unknown family's tragedy, but this time we are strangely connected. A house fire set by a teenage son intending to kill his family. He succeeded in killing three; his father and two brothers. The mother is in guarded condition, his sister will survive. But the family doesn't end there. There are other children, adult children, six of them. It is the oldest three who connect us to this family. They are the reason we call him "Uncle Carmen..."

So, if I'm absent for a while, it will be because I just don't know what to say...

Little Boys

2011-12-06T09:29:00.001-05:00

What are little boys made of, made of?
What are little boys made of?
Snakes and snails and puppy dog tails
That's what little boys are made of.

This is Alex. He comes to visit me each day. He likes tractors, cows, and playing outside.

No Snow? No Problem

2011-12-05T16:05:00.000-05:00

It is December. It is raining in Rochester, NY. It is snowing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I don't know how they got our snow... We will have to make due. Snowman craftiness is in order. Somewhere between the changing of stinky diapers and the wiping of snotty noses, there should be some time for making snowmen. (I promise to wash my hands and use hand sanitizer, if I can find some.) Here are some crafty ideas...

Today

2011-12-03T23:00:00.002-05:00

I stayed up late and woke up early. My tired eyes fought to stay closed as I reasoned my options; stay home and sleep a little longer or meet the ladies from church for breakfast. I pried my eyes open and stumbled out of bed.

The second snowiest American city is still without snow, but we are not without early morning frost. As I headed out the door to meet my friends, the thought suddenly occurred that I just might need to scrape my windows. I was thankful for warm mittens, a readily accessible ice scraper, and a restaurant that wasn't far off.

James, Ben, and Hannah have worked hard all day painting the living room. We've washed walls, vacuumed cobwebs, filled holes, and moved furniture. Hannah likes painting and does a great job. Me? I can paint snowmen freehand on four foot stockade fences, but somehow a flat wall and one flat color are intimidating.

After cooking breakfast for my family, I headed out to the bank, Home Depot, and the grocery store, nursing a headache and aching muscles the whole way. Now that my upstairs bathroom is clean, supper is eaten, and the dishes done, I'm ready to take some Tylenol and crawl back into bed. I'm pretty sure we've got another busy day ahead of us tomorrow.

The Day to Day

2011-12-01T22:32:00.002-05:00

Days with Mom blur from one into the next. Nothing too exciting is happening and what does often leaves me baffled and struggling with my own thoughts and emotions. I behave badly more often than I care to admit, but the past few days have been better than most.

It's quite evident that my mom is suffering from some type of dementia. She repeats herself often, asks the same questions over and over, and second guesses what was once second nature. Mom once did 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles with ease, now she struggles with obvious pieces. Sometimes she questions my ability or knowledge of things and situations. She forgets the names of the children I babysit although they come weekly and have since September. She has difficulty following conversations and often appears disconnected.

Not all is negative. Mom still enjoys doing word search puzzles, reads her Bible each night, and devours the daily newspaper. She seems to enjoy folding laundry and occasionally washing dishes or putting them away. Sofie is her all but constant companion and Mom worries if the little dog appears to be missing. She is not combative or disagreeable, doesn't often complain, and is still able to care for most of her own hygiene needs even if she does need an occasional reminder.

I've settled into a basic daily Mom routine which includes writing the day of the week and date on a white board (along with any information pertinent to that day), setting out her morning pills, and fetching the newspaper. She wakes up whenever, dresses and straightens her bed, and makes her powdered coffee drink. Then she settles into her chair to drink her "coffee" and read the paper. Breakfast is typically eaten at lunchtime and a snack consumed somewhere around 3 pm. Sometimes I feel bad there isn't more interaction between us as it seems I go about my day around her rather than with her.

In spite of my struggles, I trust God is working in my heart and growing me in ways I cannot see. I do not understand His ways, and marvel at how He is able to use my weaknesses and failures to mold me into a vessel fit for use. The pressure can be painful, especially if I resist His touch. This only brings more pain and frustration. I am learning to cry out before the pressure brings me to the breaking point and find He quickly answers. I am treading unfamiliar ground once again with questions that often go unanswered, forgetting that He who holds the universe in His hands also holds me.

Mitten Making

2011-11-30T19:56:00.001-05:00

Many years ago I began the long and tedious process of learning to knit. I didn't get far. In spite of my lack of knitting skills, and my rather shady sewing ability, I have put together several pairs of wool mittens. I have found the sleeves can produce a couple pairs of child-sized mittens, while the body of the sweater is great for an adult pair.
I'm not quite certain who will end up wearing these warm fuzzies, but whoever does will have toasty warm fingers.

By the way, I have delivered three Snowman fence sections to two of my friends. Not sure if I'll venture to paint any more, but there remains that possibility. Then again, maybe I'll paint some smaller snowmen instead.

T for Two

2011-11-29T22:10:00.001-05:00

T for two, and two for tea.

I'll take a cup of cinnamon spice tonight, and maybe a couple of gingerbread cookies. Anyone care to join me? What will you have? A slice of pie? A piece of cake? (Don't worry, they're calorie and fat-free.)

The tea cups were at the antique shop I visited the other day. I didn't buy them, but I think they're pretty.

To see the other participants in the new round of
ABC Wednesday, click here!

Stepping Backward

2011-11-27T14:55:00.003-05:00

Frantically clawing to keep from falling in, I fight to escape the pit of holiday madness... There will be gifts to buy or make, presents to wrap and cookies to bake, and those favorite movies to watch.

I took a ride by myself Friday morning, but not necessarily Christmas shopping. There was no Black Friday rush where I went. I poked my way through Goodwill and took a leisurely walk through an antique shop. I bought little to nothing, at least in those two places. We won't talk about the grocery store...

In the antique store I found myself strangely drawn to old children's books and an intense desire to curl up in a corner and lose myself in a book. I resisted the urge to purchase this time... Do I really have time to abandon my house and family to read?

Upstairs I found myself smiling at vintage pull toys and wondering again how hard it would be to duplicate them. It's the old Fisher Price toys that always catch my eye. We never owned a chicken pull toy, in fact, I'm not sure I'd ever seen one before, yet they make me smile. (I truly am a hopeless case.)

Then there were the dishes. Lest you think I have suddenly matured, I will have to confess that almost every "little" girl loves a tea party and a fancy table. They are fun to look at and probably even more fun if the tea party actually becomes a reality.

I'm not certain what draws me to antique stores. They are expensive, smell musty, and are full of old things I don't need, yet I wander about taking in the sights and feeling comfortably nostalgic in the process. I like antiques. They take me back to safer childhood days, visits to grandma's house, and days spent on the farm, usually Uncle Joe's. Hey, I've got a table almost just like that in my kitchen!

The Frosting On Top

2011-11-25T21:44:00.002-05:00

He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes;

Psalm 147:16

We woke up to frost on Thanks- giving morning; cold and pretty. It doesn't last long, so on my way to tie out the dog and fetch the newspaper, I grabbed my camera too. The orchard across the street was filled with a smokey haze and the sun was working it's way into the sky.

There is nothing quite like early morning. Whether I am squeezing my eyes shut and snuggling back down under the covers or heading out the back door, a new day always to holds fresh treasures. Even frosted blades of grass are gifts if we just take the time to notice the beauty. I'm learning to stop, if only for a moment, and soak it in.

My list of "1000 Gifts" continues to grow. Little things like frost covered blades of grass seem almost insignificant at first glance, but shine like jewels written on the pages of my Thankful Journal. Sunshine and shadows, ripples on water, scent of lilacs, snow covered branches...

S is for Snow

2011-11-23T15:26:00.000-05:00

S is for snow. There is no snow on the ground today, but by the time the letter S comes round again, it will be July, and I don't want snow in July.

Winter is not my favorite season, but then again there are only four to choose from. Although freezing temperatures and snow keep me inside the house, I've decided to make the best of it and enjoy my time inside. There will be plenty of time for baking, cleaning, crafting, planning, playing, and sleeping. (A long winter's nap is always nice, isn't it?) It's cold enough outside and we've a fire in the wood stove. Bring on the snow! (Sorry, Stacy.)

To see the other participants in the new round of
ABC Wednesday, click here!

It's A Snow Day!

2011-11-21T21:47:00.001-05:00

I didn't have enough to do, so I decided to paint some more snowmen on another fence piece. I did have a little inspiration from a friend who said she might like to buy one. I think I like this one better than the first. I have a whole lot of fence sections out there. I could fill up my entire yard!!!

Making Snowmen

2011-11-19T17:36:00.006-05:00

It was another beautiful fall day. I felt like being creative. Next to Hannah's little house sit some abandoned fence pieces. I decided they needed some help.

I picked out two paint brushes, some white paint, filled my paint pot with water, and headed outside. Sitting on the ground wasn't too uncomfortable, but pretty soon the wind kicked up a bit and I didn't think my paint was drying well. Besides, my hands were cold. So much for being a plein air painter... I dumped the water out of the pot and gathered my supplies. After hoisting the fence section off the ground a few inches (it wasn't heavy), I headed for the house.

Once inside I coerced Hannah into helping me out, and we each worked on a character. I don't know about Hannah, but I thought it was fun, and I think they're cute. Maybe they can live out in my yard this winter. Maybe I can make them some friends.

:0)

Imagine That!

2011-11-18T22:17:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder where the gnomes and fairies live? It all depends on where you place the door. I really like this one out by the Weeping Birch tree, but tucking it up against the trunk is a little tricky, and I think it needs a little bit of weather-proofing, so I brought it back inside. It tucks up against the wall rather nicely, but ends up four to six inches off the floor... Do you think the Little People will mind?

Thrifty Thinking

2011-11-17T21:21:00.004-05:00

I had a free afternoon. I probably should have taken a nap, but Hannah and I went out to the thrift stores instead. Sometimes it's fun to look and on rare occasions we find something good.

A couple weeks ago I knocked a lamp off the end table. It had once been a thrift store find, and though the lamp itself was pretty, I had purchased the wrong type of shade which always sat at an angle. I've meant to replace the light, but kept forgetting when I was out.

I glanced around Goodwill today, but nothing caught my attention. (Truthfully, they were all hideous...) Since we weren't in a hurry, we decided to stop at the Volunteers of America store. Although the day was cold, the weather was dry and there were a few items strategically placed outside the store; two small desks, a rocking chair, a lamp or two and several other things. One lamp grabbed my attention right away. I checked the price, $12.99. It seemed pretty fair to me, so I scooped up the treasure and headed inside.

I think it looks rather nice on the end table.

My New Mittens

2011-11-16T21:48:00.000-05:00

I decided to embark on a new project, not that I've finished any of the old ones or anything...

It looked like a fairly easy project involving a thrift store sweater and a little bit of sewing. I searched the racks of sweaters at Goodwill and came home with three wool sweaters. They needed to be felted before I could turn them into mittens. I threw them into the washing machine, set the water temperature to hot, and waited for the machine to do its work. Next they went into the dryer on the hottest setting, and when they came out they were ten sizes smaller!

With the easy part of the project finished, the one where I could hardly fail, I set the sweaters aside, ... for a couple weeks. Yesterday, after tracing my hand to make a pattern, I pulled my old sewing machine out of its suitcase home and put it to work.

Not too bad for a first try. They're thick, warm, and pure Italian wool with a nice synthetic black cuff. I think I'll keep them.

I have two sweaters left. One is gray and will have to be made into rather smallish mittens. It has some great sleeves that I imagine as the legs to some really cool baby leggings. The other is a beautiful green and red Christmas sweater with silver hooks down the front. I'm not sure I can bring myself to cut it up. It really looks like it needs a red satin liner and a little girl to wear it.

Death By Banana Bread

2011-11-15T08:57:00.007-05:00

R is for Retrieve and Revive. (This was not originally intended as and ABC Wednesday post, but I think it works nicely. We could call it "recycled.")

Four nicely spotted bananas sat on the counter, waiting to be made into banana bread. Today was the day. (Actually, it was yesterday...) With supplies and ingredients at hand, the task was begun. Sugar and shortening had been creamed, eggs and milk stirred in, when the phone rang. I left the partially mixed batter in the kitchen and stepped outside to talk.

Still on the phone, I returned to the house and stood before the waiting assemblage, when out of the corner of my not-so good eye, I saw something move on my left fingertip which was rather close to my face. Instinctively, I shook my hand. Was it gone? I returned my hand to its former position. No, it was still there. I shook my hand again, not even sure what it tiny object was. This time it was gone. I had seen something fly away. I turned off the phone, set it aside, and returned to my baking.

Taking a fork, I proceeded to mash the two bananas before me. Something small and dark appeared in the bowl. What could it be...? I took up my glasses to identify this foreign object, and there she was, a tiny red ladybug, slathered in mashed banana. She struggled to move, her little legs wiggling. Moved with ladybug compassion, I turned on the water faucet to see if I could rinse away some of the offending substance without killing her. I found it quite difficult to bathe a ladybug. When she stopped moving, I feared the worst.

Not wanting to manhandle her any more than I already had, I dumped the now still creature into a small potted plant on the window sill. An hour or so later she remained, silent and upside down, her underside covered with banana. I went on with my chores.

Two batches of banana bread came and went from the oven, children napped and went home, supper was served and dishes were washed and put away. Late in the evening I glanced into the small pot in search of my little friend but she was gone. Oh wait, there she was! Crawling up the window screen.

Anybody for some coffee and a slice of Ladybug Bread? Er, I mean, banana Bread?

To see the other participants in the new round of
ABC Wednesday, click here!

Questions to Dodge

2011-11-13T21:13:00.001-05:00

There are too many questions bouncing around inside my little brain... It's a good thing I'm pretty good at dodge-ball. (Do you know they're not allowed to play that in NY State schools anymore?)

I've decided that not all questions have an answer. Then again, sometimes the answer is simply, "I don't know," and sometimes it's, "Let me think about it and get back to you." Very often the light in there (my brain) just doesn't go on. (You know the saying, "there's a light in the attic but nobody's home?") Well, sometimes the light is missing altogether. If you're confused, don't worry, you're not alone. :)

PS. I know not all questions can be dodged. Not to worry, I'm not dodging all of them.

Pies, Apple Pies

2011-11-12T22:42:00.001-05:00

I spent hours in the kitchen after a long day of running errands. The pumpkin was finally pureed and stowed in the refrigerator, two apple pies baked happily in the oven. It was time for a rest.

"Hey, Mom," Hannah called, "What's burning?"

There was smoke coming out of the oven, that's what I was told. I pictured it billowing, even thought I really knew it was just juice from the pies overflowing onto the bottom of my stove. Too late for the trusted cookie sheet underneath now... I guess we'll be enjoying the aroma of burnt apples for several more rounds of baking. :)

At least the pies aren't burnt.

11-11-11 at 11:13 am

2011-11-11T12:55:00.001-05:00

Today is my boy's 18th birthday! I have waited 18 years for this "11th Hour" birthday, but alas! He spent the magic moment at work where he likely got a bigger celebration and a lot more attention than I ever could have given him at home. Either way it's been pretty special having a boy whose birthday falls on Veteran's Day each year. Tonight he has plans with friends; bowling, Trash Plates (go ahead and google it...), and possibly a movie.

On Sunday afternoon we will gather the family for apple pie and ice cream. I'm looking forward to that.

So, Ben, I hope this day will be long remembered and bring a smile to your face for many years to come.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Lessons From the Leaves

2011-11-10T20:55:00.003-05:00

I suppose I may never tire of watching autumn leaves. Happy, colorful, and carefree, they dance through their final days...

Old age brings a new dimension to the life of a leaf. No longer tethered to the tree, they are free to twirl and dance. They fly through the air and sail on the breeze, spinning as they go. Early life found them supple and green, working hard to provide for their own. Now time has colored them red, orange, yellow and bronze, and left them brittle and stiff. They are dying, yet are, in some ways, more alive than ever before. It's almost as if they know the time is short and they are determined to make the most of it.

Can I learn the lesson and what will it mean for me?

Look! It's a party!!!

I'm Running Away!

2011-11-10T19:20:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I ran away from home. I went to the cemetery and wandered about by myself. It was bright, sunny, and warm. I took a few photos, read a few inscriptions, and cried out to God. He heard me. He is good.

Q is for Quaint

2011-11-10T09:44:00.001-05:00

Q is for quaint. I guess I would refer to my parent's house as quaint. Rustic, with old barn boards still gracing the walls long after they went out of fashion. It remains a place where I see my father's love and handiwork.

To see the other participants in the new round of ABC Wednesday, click here!

Rustlers Roost

2011-11-08T22:04:00.000-05:00

It has been a week of rustling. The leaves are ripe and it's time to rustle them up. It's one of my very favorite fall activities. Ever since I was a little girl walking through the woods with my mother and she mentioned what a lovely rustling sound the leaves make under one's feet, I have enjoyed the autumn art of leaf rustling.

Autumn Days

2011-11-07T21:20:00.000-05:00

I am reveling in the last few days of comfortable autumn weather. I refuse to be dissuaded from my enjoyment by frigid weather yet to come. There is still beauty to absorb, crinkly leaves to rustle through, and smoky orchard air to breathe. The squirrels are busy frolicking in the nearly naked tree branches and little birds are hopping about getting ready for winter too. There is an ever growing woodpile emerging on my back porch, and now that the clocks have been set back, the dark of evening chases us inside just a little bit sooner than last week. I still love fall.

Scantily Clad

2011-11-06T21:38:00.001-05:00

The trees are disrobing at an alarming rate!

Get Down!

2011-11-05T21:13:00.001-04:00

Autumn orchard walks take us past stacks of empty apple crates. They stand in Apple Crate Cities waiting to be hauled off between the trees, filled with semi ripe fruit, and either put into storage or taken to Mott's. My kids think they are actually giant playgrounds...

New Carpet

2011-11-04T20:24:00.000-04:00

I'm liking the new carpet. It's one of my favorite colors and hides the dirt rather well. (It hides the grass too.) It really is very pretty. Too bad we have to pull it up so soon.

Happiness is...

2011-11-03T21:41:00.000-04:00

... a pile of leaves.

Leta brought the kids to visit, but she didn't get here until noon. This meant two of my small "bugs" would probably not take a nap, so we did the next best thing. We put the two smallest to bed and took the other two outside to play in the leaves... er... make that four. (I forgot to count Lucas and Simon.)

It Was Wednesday

2011-11-02T21:51:00.001-04:00

I have looked forward to Wednes- day all week long. It arrived bright and early this morning. With just Emma to put on the school bus and no other small children to keep track of, I was able to do some long neglected jobs. After checking my online accounts and downing a cup of coffee, I dragged my Kirby upstairs to battle dust bunnies. We sucked up whole families of dust creatures, chased spiders out of corners, and went through an entire exercise regimen in the process. The laundry room hummed encouragement from downstairs.

It was one of those gorgeous days that should be bottled up and savored. With temper- atures hovering in the low sixties, a walk through the orchard was imperative. I took Hannah along and we soaked in the warm air and sunshine.

If only every day in November could be so perfect.

P is for Painter

2011-11-01T20:52:00.004-04:00

P is for painter.

My friend's husband is an artist. He lives in the Bronx and does most of his painting there. He challenged Hannah and me to come up with ten American painters. I'm afraid that I was at a loss to come up with ten well known American painters. I am rather uneducated in this area... Um, how about Georgia O'Keef? Norman Rockwell?

To see the other participants in the new round of ABC Wednesday, click here!

Goodbye October

2011-10-31T21:11:00.000-04:00

Halloween, the last night of October. No spooks or goblins knocked on our door this evening, so I guess we'll have to eat the candy ourselves. :)

Yesterday I found the vines on this old barn looking like a giant spider web.

Antiquing!

2011-10-30T21:58:00.002-04:00

This afternoon Bethany called with a spur of the moment request. She was at the LW Emporium and Whistle Stop Antiques and wanted to know if I'd like to browse antiques with her. It sounded like fun.

I grabbed my purse and headed out the door. We didn't have much time, but I think she and I could have a lot of fun browsing together given the entire afternoon. Forty-five minutes just wasn't long enough to take it all in. I think we'll have to go back again.

Falling Over

2011-10-29T22:34:00.002-04:00

What's more fun than a pile of freshly fallen leaves?

My Last Year's garden came to play yesterday! What a great way to end the week.

Today I met James for lunch at Moe's and ran into my friend Bella who gave me the nicest smile and a great big hug. :)

Though my week started out stressed, it ended relaxed. To top it off Josh turned four today and we had a really great birthday party.

The Escape Hatch

2011-10-27T11:39:00.003-04:00

I was totally overwhelmed on Monday. It wasn't the small children playing in my living room, just an overall unsettled stress deep within. Sometimes I find myself wondering whether the room is spinning or just my mind, and then I realize it's all those loose ends that never stay tied. On Sunday afternoon I heard part of a message on the radio. The pastor was speaking of those times when we go to pray and all we can muster is "Oh, Lord..." He said that was okay and God hears the cry of our hearts and so my prayer was just that, "Oh, Lord."

I had been wondering if God was hearing my prayers anymore or if He would ever answer my cry. On Tuesday morning my friend Vinnie came to play. I felt a sense of relief wash over me when I laughed at him kissing the goldfish through the side of the bowl. It was just the beginning. There was a phone call from a mom who I had agreed to babysit for. She doesn't need me after all. A little more stress relieved. Another phone call told me that my grandkids would be here today rather than Wednesday and that left Wednesday free and clear aside from putting Emma on and off the bus. Relief. And my friend Heather came to visit too. It was a wonderfully dark and rainy morning, perfect for a little bit of cleaning and a visit with a friend. In the afternoon Hannah and I ran out to the bank and a quick stop at the store. We ended the day with a Scrabble game between James, Hannah, and me. I think I lost, but that's okay. Today the pressure is relieved and all I had to do was trust God to provide a way of escape.

O is for Osage

2011-10-26T16:18:00.001-04:00

O is for Osage Orange which I know little to nothing about...

however my friend's artist husband evidently found them interesting enough to paint. The painting hung on the guestroom wall when we stayed there overnight and I happened to snap a picture. (It was one that caught my eye online and there it was for real, right in my room!)

I did a little googling and found the fruits of the Osage orange are also known as "hedge apples." This little bit of information jogged my memory. A fellow blogger once wrote about "hedge apples" so I went back and looked it up on her blog and there they were! Evidently they smell much better than black walnuts...

To see the other participants in the new round of ABC Wednesday, click here!

Dear Annie

2011-10-26T09:50:00.005-04:00

Happy milestone birthday to you, my beautiful niece!

I missed your baby and toddler days because we lived so far away, but I thought of you often and wished we could have been there. I am grateful for the few vacations we had together and for your willingness to give up your bedroom when Hannah and I came to visit Texas. You have been a blessing from the very beginning in ways you may never fully understand.

I love you! Have a wonderful birthday with your handsome husband!

Love,
Your Auntie Martha

PS. Facebook will not let me steal a picture, even my own, so now I have to go dig one up.

The Way of Escape

2011-10-24T22:12:00.000-04:00

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13

Happy Birthday to My Darling Daughter

2011-10-23T22:01:00.001-04:00

Daughters, and sons too, have been known to look for special birthday wishes. Today was Bethany's twenty-sixth birthday. She spent it driving home form a weekend getaway with her two guys. We will celebrate her aging process along with Josh's 4th birthday this weekend (I think).

I've made several Bethany Lists already, but in honor of this special occasion I give you yet another.

1. Blond hair and green eyes, she looks like me and yet her daddy's Aunt Sharon all at once
2. Creative
3. Advocate for Compassion International in her own sense
4. A big sister and yet a little sister too
5. Baker and seller of pies
6. Energetic
7. World traveler
8. Brave
9. Encourager
10. Silly
11. Fun loving
12. Daughter, sister, wife, mom, aunt, cousin
13. Beautiful

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BETH!

PS. Don't forget my other post below, the fishy one.

Something Smells Fishy

2011-10-23T21:37:00.001-04:00

It was a gorgeously awesome autumn afternoon. Although we were tired and in need of naps, we chose to go out for a drive instead. The farm markets were calling, but, unfortunately, they were calling everyone in western New York. The pumpkin patches and cornstalk teepees were mobbed, not a parking spot in sight, so we drove on past the fall festivities to the fish hatchery at Powder Mills Park.

No small children fell over the edges of the concrete holding tanks today. No dogs ran recklessly through the park. (Now that I think of it, it was a small dog who pushed that little girl in several years ago. He jumped up to say hello and over the edge she went. He daddy hauled her away sopping wet and crying.)

We bought handfuls of fish food from the "gumball machine" dispensers and when our quarters were gone, we scrounged a few pellets off the ground around the tanks. It's most fun to throw a whole handful in at once and watch the fish wrestle for them. The smaller fish are much hungrier than the big ones. I think James was wishing he could drop in a fishing line and have a tussle with one on them.

I don't suppose my kids will be around to go farm marketing for much longer, after all they are sixteen and nearly eighteen, but they were happy to go along today. It's one of those family traditions that I'm glad they are still happy to participate in. On the way home we stopped at Wendy's to get a Frosty. We ordered three small chocolates and a medium vanilla, but someone filling the order made a mistake and we all got mediums. I'm not complaining. :)

Wooly Bears

2011-10-22T20:15:00.000-04:00

Out in the fallen leaves, crossing roads and sidewalks, braving dogs, cats, and curious children march the Wooly Bear caterpillars. Wearing fuzzy brown coats trimmed with black, the little creatures scurry along looking for a winter hideout. The Little Man and I found such a fur animal wandering across the driveway on our way in from gathering nuts this week.

We stopped to admire the caterpillar do his Wiggly Dance. Once he was safe in the grass, My Little Friend brushed the bristly haired creature with the tip of a tiny finger and a smile crept across the little guy's face.

It made me smile too. :)

Miss Organized

2011-10-21T22:41:00.000-04:00

I think it highly unlikely I shall ever find myself organized. It isn't that I don't try. It's partly that I give up too easily and partly that in order to become truly organized, I must also instill a sense of organization into the other occupants and users of my home. Either that or I must throw out three quarters of our belongings. (Now that might be an idea...)

I truly love organizational ideas. I like bins and boxes, closets and crates, shelves and shoe boxes. And, once in a great while I come upon an idea that actually works. Years back I purchased three large, round tubs at Walmart to sort our dirty clothes and keep them from being dropped on the basement floor. They were wonderful! Now I am liking the pressure rod in my laundry room and finding the shower caddy great for holding my laundry supplies. Now if only I could organize the computer room.

Wanna Paint?

2011-10-20T20:26:00.001-04:00

I have dragged my bucket of painting supplies back up from the depths of the basement. It may be wishful thinking, but perhaps I shall find my self immersed in a project or two. Maybe I'll finish an old project... or two. Maybe my dear sister will find her way to my house and paint with me some day... Wouldn't that be fun?

PS Aren't my paint holders "Darling"?