pesto change-o

Our garden got off to a good start this year. But then things fizzled. We had a bad case of tomato blight and could hardly harvest a decent sized tomato. Thankfully we had 3 or 4 cherry tomato plants and they did great. We need to do some soil improvement this fall and study up on some of the bugs that gave us trouble. The great thing about zone 7 is a longer growing season, but we have more trouble with bugs and fungi and blights than we did up north.

We are learning.

The basil and the garlic did great though. I harvested the garlic the other day and a bunch of basil before the deluge (3 inches of rain last Saturday). Our home smells like an Italian restaurant. Yum!

I made up a batch of pesto using this recipe (adapted from Simply in Season):

1 C. packed fresh basil leaves and tender stems
1-3 cloves garlic
1/3 C. pine nuts, walnuts or hazelnuts (toasted)
3-6 T. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. salt

Finely chop in food processor (not having one of these - I used the blender).
Add 1/3 C. olive oil while blender is running.

If I was any kind of a good blogger, I would have taken a picture of the bruschetta* I made with this. But it was so good, we devoured it.

*Spread pesto on thinly sliced French bread; top with a slice of tomato and a sprinkling of mozzarella cheese. Broil until cheese is melted and golden. Devour.

laughing out loud

It is fall today! Despite the fact that our azalea is in full bloom (it is a little mixed up - but beautiful)...we can declare today fall. I had to don a sweatshirt for my morning walk - it is 47*. Hooray for crisp morning air - hooray for fall!
~~~~
We are so enjoying and appreciating our interim pastor. He has a great sense of humor, or at least my type of sense of humor, and I find myself laughing out loud several times a sermon.

He is an oxymoron as far as Southern Baptist preachers go. He likes to listen to NPR (pretty sure Southern Baptist pastors are not part of their demographic). He is not afraid to chide Baptists for being well - stereotypical Baptists. Argumentative, judgmental, overfed. I am sure he gets into trouble for this, but I find it refreshing.

He loves his job. He said this on Sunday:

I can't believe they pay me to teach the Bible.
Those silly people - they never asked.
I would have done it for free.

His love for the LORD and His Word are evident and make listening to him such a pleasure. A very convicting pleasure at times. He sends home a point with a smile and you hear the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit saying, "Did you hear that? That is what I want you to work on."

The church has a candidate coming in next weekend, so I think our days with this interim pastor are limited. We will miss him.
~~~~
Jon and Kristi are done negotiating on the offer they got on their house. Home inspection is next and then, if all goes well - the closing! Thank you LORD!
~~~~
I laughed out loud when I read this post in Karen's blog. Probably struck me especially funny because we are studying Leviticus right now.

Enjoy reading!

the rains came down and the floods came up

My, my my. Did it rain on Saturday! All of the water in the above picture is not normally there. Rained and rained and rained. We lost power for a bit. And then during the night the power was off for two and a half hours. Do you know how quiet your house is when there are no appliances running? Too quiet. Too quiet to sleep.

But after the rain, a beautiful rainbow, God's promise:

"I have set my rainbow in the clouds,
and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth."
Genesis 9:13

pressing matters

While I was mowing the lawn the other day, I noticed a bag on our back steps.

Our neighbor was at it again. This time she left us a dozen or so large apples. Hooray! I still have apples from the half bushel our other neighbor gave us a while back and a few weeks ago I bought a half-peck of apples from the farmer's market.

An abundance of apples.

I wish I had access to a cider press. Several years ago, our homeschool group went to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We came armed with buckets of apples. We had picked them from a farm (with permission) and picked them at an old, old, old cemetery (without permission - who do you ask?) along our way.

One of the gals in the group had a friend with a cider press. We brought our buckets and bushels of apples and had a wonderful day. Feeding apples into the hopper, pressing down and watching the clear juice run out into the pitcher.

And the taste! The stuff you buy in the store bears no resemblance to the fresh squeezed flavor of the juice we made.

I don't want to own a cider press - they take up a lot of room and weigh a ton.

But I sure would love to take all these apples to a press someplace and enjoy the fresh taste of unpasteurized apple juice once again.

home cider presses

dreams and things

hydrangea

Last night I was asked to be a campaign manager. To re-elect this man.

Generally I do not remember my dreams. This one, so (far) out of the ordinary, was memorable. I woke up before I decided whether I would or would not take on the job. Guess he's on his own. :)

Do you have any strange dreams to share?
~~~~~
Jon and Kristi have seen some more activity on their house. It has been on the market now for 15 months. Please pray that it will sell.
~~~~~
Talked to Joshua on the phone last night.
Yes, an actual conversation. He said 'hi' and I said 'hi'.
Makes me smile and smile and smile.
~~~~~
And....three months 'til Christmas!

notes the quote

"Would you like to take care of Josh while we are gone....?"

"WOULD I?!!"

Jon and Kristi will be attending a pastor's conference in November in California. One day a few weeks ago, Jon called and gave me first dibs on baby-sitting Joshua while they are gone.

My normally frugal, practical ways go out the window when it comes to the kids and grand. Just try to keep me away.

Loved this quote from Mark Twain that I read on another blog yesterday:



"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

And hug grandbabies any chance you get.

shopping with the girls

I

fragrant magnolia blossom

I had planned to spend yesterday studying and sewing.

Then the phone rang.

I was invited to accompany two gals from church to Knoxville. These ladies are in charge of the Wednesday night supper at church (feeding from 50-80 people). And one of the them also owns her own catering business. This requires a trip to Sam's every week.

First stop: Panera Bread for lunch. I could tell I was going to like this trip.

Second stop: Sam's Club. We filled two carts to overflowing. Then her SUV. Filled two coolers and a half dozen of those hot/cold bags. I sat with the dinner rolls. These gals have been doing this for years and have the shopping/packing down to a science.

Third stop: Starbucks. For fortification to carry on, doncha know.

Fourth stop: Christian bookstore. I could have spent hours and hours in there, but we were good and only bought Bible study books for the ladies' study at church.

Fifth stop: Trade Secrets. I stayed in the car on this stop and slowly sipped my Chai Tea while perusing the Bible study book. I'm not much of a hairspray/beauty product person (obviously, you say).

Sixth stop: Health food store.

Then we were on our merry way home (an hour drive- with me in the back seat surrounded by dinner rolls, Bible study books and a huge fall floral arrangement). We unpacked the car and said our good-byes.

The whole shopping trip took about 6 hours. It was great fun and I so appreciated being included.

While I love being able to cross things off my to do list (today I will study and sew and mow), I also love the spontaneity that yesterday brought.

I told the gals I used to feel sorry for them. Shopping the whole day, putting their lives on hold while they prepare for the Wednesday dinners. Now that I know the truth, that they have fun every Tuesday, I have no sympathy. When I mentioned this, they said, teasingly, 'Well, don't tell anybody.'

Ooops. :)

seasons change

cosmos

Fall comes slowly to this part of Tennessee. Just a few colored leaves sprinkled across the land. But here and there are vibrant displays of mums, gourds and pumpkins. Although there is nothing in the air to indicate fall - no crisp cold nights yet - we recognize its arrival.
~~~~
I am a few days behind on my Leviticus Bible study. So yesterday I spent the better part of three hours trying to catch up (not there yet). As mentioned, I have read this book several times before, but now as I stop and examine it closely, I am amazed at its beauty. And how everything points to Christ.

God commanded the Israelites to mark off certain times for celebration. The Sabbath, Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits,The Feast of Weeks, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Booths. Special times set apart to stop from daily chores and remember and recognize what God has done and Who He is.

This study is enriching my morning daily reading of the Bible. Today's Zechariah 8-14 was made all the richer from some of the understanding I have gained from Leviticus.

The Bible is such an incredible Book. Our God is an Awesome God. Once again I will say, if you are not in a Bible study - please consider joining one. There are Treasures to be unearthed!

back to normal

our crabapples

Company is gone - even the four legged kind. ~sigh~

Mom and Dad are safely home !Yippee!

Now things are back to normal - whatever that is. It is steadily raining, so today's normal will include indoor stuff - cleaning, cooking, reading, sewing.

But for so many people, today is not a normal day.

One of our neighbors died of cancer last week. His widow is not having a normal day.
My friend's sister is dying.
Another friend's brother is dying.
Yet another friend has lost her father, aunt and brother-in-law - in less than a month.
And my sweet friend Sue is in ICU after another invasive surgery to stop bleeding. Her heart stopped during surgery. The next 72 hours are critical for her.
Families in crisis.
Neighbors at odds.

I recently read the book The Secret Life of Bees. One of the characters in the book, May, cannot distinguish between the pain others are feeling and her own. That is to say, she mourns each loss and hurt that friends and family and animals feel as though these losses were directly inflicted upon her. Ultimately, she can not carry all that pain.

How thankful I am, that though the burdens are great all around us, we do not carry them alone. I Peter 5:7 - Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for You.

As I go about doing normal, mundane things, I am taking the names of my friends to the Throne of Grace.

Cooking, praying, cleaning, praying, reading, praying.
Maybe making one of these.

And praying.

taking the day off

Have a great weekend!

multiplied blessings

such good friends

It was all too short. They weren't even here for 24 hours. We didn't do any sight-seeing, but we packed a lot of visiting in. Talk, talk, talk and we were no where near talked out.

They were an encouragement to us and I hope we were encouraging to them. They have made a positive impact on our lives in so many ways. Come back soon, Jim and Lois!
~~~~~~
Mom and Dad....KimmeeSue behaved herself like a lady. She graciously welcomed Jim and Lois. No ankle nipping at all. And...when a thunderstorm rolled through last night she was very brave and didn't act the least bit afraid.

Good girl.
~~~~~~
Tonight my brother-in-law arrives. Hooray!

while we enjoy our company...

...here are some pretty asters from our backyard for you to enjoy!

company's comin'

Yesterday, while Mom and Dad visited friends in Georgia, we enjoyed the delightful company of KimmeeSue.

While I mowed, she entertained herself by eating nice crunchy grasshoppers. After a while she would wander off into the adjacent vacant lot and regurgitate her tasty snack. Oh, the life of a dog.

Who, me?

We heard from one of our former pastors on Sunday. He and his wife (they were much more than our pastor and wife - they became very good friends and their Nathan and our Nathan best buddies) are coming to the area to visit mutual missionary friends and others. Could they see us for lunch? Yes, of course and why don't you stay here, we invited.

Got the call yesterday that they will be here this evening. Yippee! I love having company.

While they are still here KimmeeSue will return for an encore visit while Mom and Dad head north.

And while KimmeeSue is still here my brother-in-law arrives for a day or two.

Like I said - I love having company. Gotta get busy now because I want to make sure I have more than just crunchy grasshoppers to feed my guests.

winterberry berries

stitching

In anticipation of Dad's routine Dr. appt yesterday, I asked Mom is she had any embroidery projects in the works. You see, we love this Dr., but we have had to wait as much as an hour and a half to get in to see her. And the newest magazine in the waiting room is July 2002.
Arthritis Today. (Or 7 years ago.)

(why is blogger underlining everything and how can I make it stop?)


Mom brought out the above basket. She had two projects in progress and a little verse that my grandmother had started. I spent the rest of the Vols game (we won't talk about that game will we Roger?) sorting the DMC floss by number. Easily 100 skeins. Easily. A combination of leftover skeins from Grandma and Mom's many embroidery projects.

Mom gave me permission to finish Grandma's work.

While Dad was at the Dr. Mom and I dashed to Hobby Lobby. We bought a little organizer for all that floss. We were gone 40 minutes and when we got back Dad was all done and waiting for us on a bench outside.

I think we will have to head to Hobby Lobby every time Dad has an appointment.

This is a sample of my grandmother's work on a crib quilt she made for Nathan.
Thirty years ago!

I look forward to finishing Grandma's embroidery. I think I may ask Mom to stitch some of it too - a three generation cross stitch!


Oh, and a note to Kristi and Michelle. When I'm gone...it will be a minor miracle if there is only one unfinished project! But I love that Grandma was working on stitching right up until she could do no more.

paying attention

Wow, another great sermon yesterday. The text was Matthew 17 - the account of The Transfiguration.
"There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, "LORD it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters-one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.""

Don't you just love Peter? He is so much like ...well, us. Or me anyway. Instead of being in awe at the change that had taken place in Jesus' appearance and the company that had just showed up (Moses and Elijah, for crying out loud!), Peter wanted to grab a hammer and get busy.

See, I do that too. During my morning quiet time, when I am in the Presence of the LORD, I am guilty of letting my mind wander (what should I defrost for supper tomorrow...did I pay that bill....oh, I need to call so and so...).

So, every day, again, I try to slow down and pay attention. Try to quit focusing on something to do and focus on being in His Presence. Being not doing.

The pastor referenced a quote by John Clay Poole. I could not find the exact quote (which according to my scribbled notes went in part like this: quiet, continuous, flowing, worship of God takes time in His Presence to recognize blessings in disguise) but found this excellent sermon.

Take time to be in God's Presence. Focus on listening.

Also referenced in yesterday's sermon:

Dan Rather, CBS anchor, once asked Mother Teresa what she said during her prayers. She answered, "I listen." So Rather turned the question and asked, "Well then, what does God say?" To that Mother Teresa smiled with confidence and answered, "He listens."
~~~~~
Oh, and on a completely unrelated note: how 'bout this?

remembories

I would have been one of the first ones awake on Saturday morning. Maybe Randy or Guy or Lanny or Mark or one of the hardcore coffee drinkers would have been in the kitchen preparing the morning joe for the campers.

But even though we had only slept for three or four hours the night before, the schedule said, “7 a.m. power walk.” The schedule I tried to get everyone to obey...

Or not. A handful of us would wait for 15 minutes or so, thinking: “Really? Are these the only people wanting to walk?”

And it always turned out that just the right people had showed up.

We would eventually head out on our walk, rejoicing in the fact that we were in a beautiful and wild place. Beyond the reach of cell phones, laundry, vacuuming, bills and jobs.

Nesbit.

Camp Nesbit is in the middle of the woods in the middle of nowhere in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Families from three different churches congregated there, the weekend after Labor Day, for a weekend of too little sleep and too much food (the meals, the desserts, ohhh). And just the right amount of laughter and inspiration and memories and fellowship.

The sounds of Nesbit come back to me. The scraping of wooden benches on wooden floors in the Dining Hall or the Rec Hall. The slamming of a dozen or so screen doors – on cabins, bathrooms, and other buildings. Children laughing and hollering (and once in a while - crying). Paddles splashing in the water and hitting the sides of canoes. Oars squeaking on rowboats. The gong sounding to call people to meals or to church or to Bible studies. The opening and shutting of the walk-in cooler door. The clanging of over-sized pots and pans as different crews either prepared meals or cleaned-up after meals. The crackling of the campfire.

Singing, talking, laughter. Always laughter. And sometimes tears as we shared heartaches, hurts and joys. The teasing, the love. Ahh, Nesbit.

We would look at the scrapbook full of pictures of past years. Children who were now grown and looked impossibly little and cute. Hairstyles of the 80’s morphed into more modern do’s. Hair disappeared from the foreheads of some and grayed on others.

And sadly, some in the pictures would never return to Nesbit. Dave, Rodney, Dean, Margaret, Helen, Sue, Lynne, Guy. Gone. Gone to Heaven. All the more eagerly anticipated by the rest of us, because if Nesbit is this good – just think what Heaven will be like. At Nesbit we gathered to worship Him. In Heaven we will be in His Presence worshipping Him.

Now, after almost 20 years, no more Nesbit. Costs have skyrocketed - families can’t afford to attend. But it will live on in our memories.

Such good memories.

not what I expected

berries on our dogwood tree

I'm not sure what I expected last night. A ladies' night out, maybe some snacks, some chit-chat, admiring each other's show and tell.

Not what happened.

But what happened was good. Refreshing.

Only three people showed up (about 8 signed up and for various reasons couldn't make it last night): the organizer, me and a young man about 18 or 19 years old.

He just graduated from high school and will not be able to attend the auto tech school he wants until next year. He has not been able to find a job. Time hangs heavy on his hands.

He wanted to make a quilt for his two year old nephew, so Barb brought her machine and some fabric and we got him started. He had never sewn before but had watched his mamaw sew on the old treadle machine that belonged to her mother.

Eric learned quickly and in just a little over an hour he had a great start on a split rail fence quilt top.

As he sewed, Barb and I chatted about goals and dreams for the quilt guild. She is a member of Quilts of Valor and thought perhaps as a group we could make quilts for members of our armed forces. She has, in the past, sewed quilts for orphans. A lady in our Bible study who was a foster mother suggested quilts for kids like she had cared for. She did emergency foster care and sometimes children came to her with only the clothes on their back. But a group of ladies in her area made quilts for such situations. She remarked on the look of wonder on the faces of these kids - 'You mean this is for me? I get to keep it?'

So, our quilt guild was not at all what I expected it to be, but I think we are off to a good start. A very good start.

garden lessons

Full day today. Bible study this morning (I am really enjoying this!). After that I will dash up to the big city where a little quilt shop that just opened its doors last year is having a 40% off going out of business sale. Sad. But I will do my little part to help empty the shelves - batting and backing for the quilt top I finished a few weeks ago...and maybe a few other things.

Tonight, some ladies at the church are starting a quilt guild. We will help each other on projects and also do projects to benefit others. I am so looking forward to this!

~~~~~
Last year for my birthday, Suzi gave me a beautiful miniature potted rose. I tended it carefully. But as time went on, it began to suffer from being indoors. Since we now live in milder climate, I planted it outside in the garden.

It survived the winter just fine and has flourished this year (see pictures above and below - just ignore the black spot on the leaves- I do). Such delicate beauty. Had I left it inside, it would have died.

It needed sunshine and room to spread out and deepen its roots. It needed refreshing rain rather than chlorinated city water.

This is how I feel about my daily reading in the Word.
I need the Light of the Word to show me the way to live and to point out my sinful ways so I can repent.
I need to deepen my understanding of Who God is and what Jesus has done for me and how the Spirit guides me.
I need the Living Water to cleanse me and refresh me.

Then, I can flourish and share with others the marvelous gift Christ has given me.

in all things

While baking apple bread yesterday afternoon, I listened to this radio program.

The program was about Corrie ten Boom, a wonderful saint of the LORD in the twentieth century. Her life was quite remarkable, but one story stood out to me in particular.
Corrie and her sister Betsie were in a concentration camp during WWII. They had just finished reading the passage that tells believers to give thanks 'in all things'.

From Corrie's book The Hiding Place:

"Betsie said, "We can start right now to thank God for every single thing about his new barracks"

I stared at her, then around me at the dark, foul aired room. "Such as?" I said.

"Such as being assigned her together."

I bit my lip, "Oh yes, Lord Jesus!"

"Such as what you're holding in your hands."

I looked down at the Bible. "Yes! Thank You, dear Lord, that there was no inspection when we entered here! Thank You for all the women here in this room who will meet You in these pages."

"Yes," said Betsie. "Thank You for the very crowding here. Since we're packed so close, that many more will hear. " She looked at me expectantly, "Corrie!" she prodded.

"Oh, all right. Thank You for the jammed, crammed, stuffed, packed suffocating crowds."

"Thank you," Betsie went on serenely, "for the fleas and for--"

The FLEAS!! This was too much. Betsie, there's no way even God can make me grateful for a flea."

"'Give thanks in All circumstances,'" she quoted. "It doesn't say in pleasant circumstances. Fleas are part of this place where God has put us."

And so we stood between piers to bunks and gave thanks for fleas. But this time I was sure Betsie was wrong.

The story goes on to tell that because their barracks had such a reputation for being flea-infested, the guards never came in to inspect. As are result. they were able to keep their Bibles and hold Bible studies without interruption.

Got fleas?
Give thanks.

Be joyful always;
pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

We don't always know why God has given us 'fleas', but we can discipline our hearts and minds to thank Him, even in the midst of trial.


~~~~~
Now here are some pictures of a little person that I have absolutely no trouble thanking God for. Thanks to my lovely daughter-in-law Michelle for these adorable photos!

So serious - look at those eyes!

Hey, Auntie Michelle!

See ya! I'm gonna take Chloe for a walk.

photo finish

Please forgive the quality of the next few photos. They looked perfectly fine on facebook, but obviously have not transferred well to this post.

Jon crossing the finish line.

Nate crossing the finish line.

My half-marathoners!

Well, they did it! They set goals, made a plan, implemented it and accomplished what they set out to do. Way to go guys!

I think they were both pleased with their times. This was Nathan's second half-marathon; Jon's first. Nate finished 7 minutes ahead of Jon, but they were both averaging 8 minute and some odd second miles.

I love it when the boys do stuff together. Well done!

In the spirit of siblings doing things together, I asked Roger (my brother) if he would want to train for a 5K with me. Well, not exactly with me...cuz he is 180 or so miles away, but simultaneously. I thought he was somewhat non-committal. Hmmm, Rog? What do you say?

Anyone else setting any physical fitness goals?

I will have to get new shoes. And maybe some new running clothes...And a stopwatch I can see in the dark without my glasses on....

weekend fun

On Friday we learned that my brother Roger would be coming to town. A UT alum, he had tickets to the big game. He and Ethan went to the big game while Emilee got to hang out with her maternal grandma and aunts and cousins.

After the game we met at a beautiful park halfway between where we live and Knoxville for a little picnic.

Emilee walks softly and carries a big stick to keep her brother Ethan in line

a trunk full of parents

photo by Ethan
we should have picked a prettier spot for the picture,
but the intermittent rain
and rumbles of thunder kept us close to the car

Good times. I love my family! Thanks Roger and kids for coming out of your way to see us'ns.
~~~~~~
Facebook is a wonderful place. Lately I have reconnected with one of my best friends from college via FB. Kathee and I were in a touring singing group during those college days. LOTS of laughs. Yesterday she called me and we chatted for well over an hour trying to catch up on the past three decades (+!). We aren't done yet, so I anticipate many more (free!) weekend calls. So great to talk to you girl! So great.
~~~~~
Finished off the evening yesterday with a nice walk with my neighbor. She is such a nice gal. I look forward to getting to know her better.
~~~~~
No plans for today other than mowing the yard once the grass dries. What? You mean watching the grass dry isn't on your to do list today? I guess we have all the fun. Hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day!

run, boys, run

Jon, Kristi and Josh have traveled to Illinois to visit Nate and Michelle. Jon and Nate are running in a half-marathon race this weekend. Proud of you guys! Go, boys, go!
Almost makes me want to do this.


¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. ²Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3

dear diary

Running out early this morning to work at the food pantry. I thought you might enjoy this:

EXCERPTS FROM A DOG'S DIARY:

Day number 180
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm - OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

Day number 181
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm - OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

Day number 182
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm - OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
1:30 pm - ooooooo. bath. bummer.
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

EXCERPTS FROM A CAT'S DIARY:

Day number 152
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.

Day number 761
Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded. (Must try this at the top of the stairs.) In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair. (Must try this on their bed.)

Day number 762
Slept all day so that I could annoy my captors with sleep depriving, incessant pleas for food at ungodly hours of the night.

Day number 765
Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was. Hmmm. Not working according to plan...

Day number 768
I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time however it included a burning foamy chemical called "shampoo." What sick minds could invent such a liquid? My only consolation is the piece of thumb still stuck between my teeth.

Day number 771
There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of "allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

Day number 774
I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The Dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The Bird on the other hand has got to be an informant. He has mastered their frightful tongue (something akin to mole speak) and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the hanging metal room, his safety is assured. But I can wait, it is only a matter of time.

(I should mention that this is not original to me (I wish...) found it *somewhere* (where was that?) in my world wide web wanderings.)

Christmas in September

one last picture of the lake we visited last week

Since you asked...the Christmas cookies were made for choir. Last night was the first night to begin practice on our cantata. Several new people have joined and this was sort of a welcome/kick-off for the Christmas practices. I must say it, was a little weird to be baking Christmas cookies with the windows wide open.

And speaking of Christmas. I've been thinking about Christmas gifts -especially handmade ones. If you are thinking along the same lines....here is a place with tons of inspiration.
Like this great idea. Worth a stroll through the back pages.

I've decided not to make the bruschetta for Bible study today. I think the bread will be too soggy by the time we finally eat it (we had it for supper last night - delish!). However, I make throw caution to the wind and make the Bible study gals my guinea pigs. Instead of putting the tomato/basil/cheese mixture on bread, I will mix it into a pasta salad.

Sound good?

because ...

...I am too lazy to think of anything to write today, I will take you on a little web trip.

Here are a few blogs I have been enjoying lately:

I want to live near these gals.

Their art is alternately fun and inspirational. With a little bit of wackiness thrown in here and there. They live in the same state as Jon and Kristi and Josh and do art shows throughout the state, so you never know - we could meet. And Becky, look at the third one from the top.

~~~~
I found this blog through Candy's sidebar, though I know I had seen it before and failed to keep track of it. I'm thinking of bringing these to Bible study tomorrow.
~~~~
And finally, I came across this blog.
I haven't read much of her blog yet, but she is a homeschooler. And look at her fabrics. Yum!
~~~~

Well, that should keep you entertained for a bit. I've got to run now and decorate some Christmas cookies. Yes, I said Christmas cookies. (I do not know why all of this is underlined and I do not know how to make it stop!)

September, already? Really?

Living in the Northwoods for 30 years, we became very familiar with the cues for fall and developed a rhythm of living to prepare for the coming winter. Sometimes we would see a red leaf or two as early as July, but by late August there would be more than a few.

We would steadily work to cut, split and stack wood and do other outdoor preparations for the cold that was sure to come. Cool evenings would remind us to hurry and we would try to refrain for as long as possible from turning on the furnace or starting a fire in the woodstove.

We don't have any of those markers down here. We don't heat with wood, so no need to haul loads of wood in to the house (and believe it or not, I miss that!). The trees have not started to turn color yet, though our winterberry bushes have bright red berries as do our dogwoods.

And now for the fourth year in a row, I have not had to make lesson plans, make sure we have all the school supplies and the curriculum ready for a new year. Miss that too.

But the calendar says it is September and the quiet house says we are empty nesters. To everything there is a season.

We make the best of this season though. Last night my neighbor and I went to a visitation for a mutual friend's father who lost his battle with cancer last Friday. We met another friend there and the three of us went out for dinner. We had a very nice time together (despite the circumstances) and I feel like I am beginning to develop some very special friendships. Not that I can ever replace my Northwoods friends, they are one of a kind - every one of them.

But new friendships. For a new season in my life.