My blogging has been on hold but now I am back - I think.       You see, we went to Florida, then when we got back my computer was not co-operating and oh yes, my camera was misplaced in St. Petersburg and excuse afer excuse.     Anyway I will give it a go once again.

amaryllis

This year I remembered to bring the bulbs out of storage.  I am again amazed at the strength and beauty stored in these onion like, dried up looking orbs.    There is a sermon in there somewhere.    You've heard the saying "don't judge a book by its cover"; well, the same goes for seeds and bulbs.

Spring comes to the neighborhood

little outings

Each day I try to get my man out of the house for a little while.

Yesterday we went to Menards for grass seed and then to Wendy's for a Frosty.   Just enough time to break the monotony of our routine and get a little fresh air - ice cream is nice too.

premature spring

I am loving this wonderful warm weather but I must admit that as long as the Juncos keep showing up at the birdfeeder I am wary.    Robins and "snowbirds" feeding together  make me  suspicious of mother nature.   Sitting in the sun today was wonderful therapy for my still convalescing hubbie but I am not packing away my Pooh sweatshirt yet.

tribute to grandma

Today is the anniversary of my grandmother's birth.       She was the second daughter of a middle income family and was born into the era of oil lamps, horses and carriages, outhouses, wood-burning ranges and countless other inconveniences that most of us know little of.           I only remember her as a rather grand old lady who liked to wear earrings but no makeup.   She was a believer in Jesus and probably prayed me into the Kingdom of God.              I believe Grandmothers should be loved, honored and remembered.     Maybe because I am one myself and I treasure the privilege.            I am remembering Grandma Charlotte on this the 124th aniversary of her birth.

Son David had a birthday this week.  He is not yet a senior citizen but is middle-age.    What does that make me???

Happy Birthday David and may God continue to bless you as you follow after Him.

puzzling

Jigsaw puzzles are good for many things - co-ordination  of color, size and shape of pieces, closing down the mind to all distractions, and being quiet while someone is sleeping.   This one took awhile but was worth it.   We are still in convalescing mode at our house so I have a great excuse to sit and do what I enjoy during the "quiet time".

combining treasures

This tea set was purchased at Kay Jewelry in 1956 for exactly one dollar.    Recently I purchased this old silver tray at a thrift shop for three dollars.   Together they make a nice conversation piece for the top of our old piano.    My first appreciation for antique things began sometime before I married and it lingers today.    Now old things and I have something  in common.

growing things

I keep trying to sprout an avocado seed and it never works.   What am I doing wrong???????     googled it, just found out the seed is upside down.   Still learning:}

When I was a child my parents used the phrase "when it rains it pours".   They were not talking about the Morton Salt slogan.
Neither am I it's those one- thing -after- another times that we all experience.    For me it has been the intense caregiving, a cold night with no furnace and now waiting for a part so our newer fridge will run; not to mention a sore throat and cough.
Alas (I like this old word)   these issues will resolve and peace will prevail once again.         In the meantime I have so much to be thankful for that this time of distraction is really insignificant.           May God bless you, also, in your times of "when it rains it pours".

A friend brought this lovely bouquet of tulips to brighten our days.   They came just as the vase of lillies faded away.   Fresh flowers in the winter are such a treat.

the view from 4 north

Four north was our home away from home for eight days.   We were treated well there but did hope never to see it again.   However we had to trek back there on Sunday to have an infected incision treated.   I must admit that the view was pleasant.

where we've been for 8 days

The hospital part is history - on the road to recovery.        Just before surgery we were advised again of the probably outcome of the surgery.   Praise be to God and thanks to many faithful pray ers none of those things happened.    No cancer, no loss of most of the large intestine, no ostomy.   No words can express our relief and gratitude.   Please don't think this was easy for John.  In fact he had some very unpleasant proceedures; however he endured them without much complaint.    His strong will and determination worked for his good and earned him admiration from the doctor and nursing staff.          Go Hans!! Get well soon.

I will be away from my computer for a few days.   A report of my doings will come in time.    Live, love, laugh and be happy.
God is good.

Today I turned 74.   Others who will join me this year are Ted Turner, Superman, Fiberglass and the ballpoint pen.    1938 was a good year.

the good guys strike again

First the scraping sound, then the whirr of a small engine.   Could it be that someone is clearing our drive again.  Oh, yeh the good guys are at it again.   What can I say.   These guys made our day.    

we talk about the weather

Today is the perfect day for sitting by the window, making soup and snuggling under an afghan.   However it is not a good day for having an early appointment that shouldn't be canceled.    So my man and I ventured out into the slippery conditions - nice that we didn't have far to drive- and did what had to be done.

                                           as we were leaving the hospital we ran into four friends who said, "we will follow you home and shovel your drive."    Talk about a divine appointment.     Thank you dear ones for loving us and taking such good care of us.

cheap entertainment

Five year-old Isaiah was awake at 5 AM rested but not feeling his best.   What to do to entertain him without raising the household from their beds.     A cookie sheet, raw spaghetti and marshmallows.  We spent an hour "building".   Lots of fun, educational, in a way, and no commercial or electronic gadgets needed.   

christmas summary

We plan for so long and in a flash it is over.   Two of our daughters and their families joined us for 10 days and the time was so full of fun that the time passed in a flash.   I didn't remember to take pictures often but did get a few to share.  

                                                       the carolers came - we loved it

                                               Jack Henry rollerblading in the loft?

                                                   spoon doll crafts

                                                          ginger cookies

                                                             a young chef

                                                    bird watching

                                                          woodcrafts

Happy New Year !!!!!

to speak or not to speak

I feel sorry for people who are afraid to admit that they are Christian.   Being politically correct is the fad of the day but I have seen a lot of fads come and go in my lifetime.    Christmas is all about celebrating Jesus Christ.   I was introduced to and became a follower of His teaching when I was 14 years old. Now that is a long time ago, long enough for me to know for sure if He is who He said He was.    Becoming a Christian was the best decision I have ever made and never once have I regretted it or wanted to give it up.        Some people are just too smart to believe there is a God who created everything.  The problem with that is one doesn't embrace this truth with the head; it all happens in the heart.     I could easily fill a book with the answers to my prayers and record countless times the peace of God flooded my heart when I thought life would swallow me up.    We mustn't offend "they" say.        Well, I've said Merry Christmas for way to long to change just so a few won't be offended.      Believe what you want but for me it will always be "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever."  Amen

sweet stuff

I only make this sweet stuff at Christmas and then give most of it away.   But, this year it was too loud to have in the cupboard - it kept calling my name, know what I mean:}    So now it rides around in the trunk of my car.    I can't hear it calling any more.      The words of Frances Hunter came to mind while I was indulging myself, " a moment on your lips and forever on your hips".   She had it just about right.         Fudge, carmel, peanutbrittle (I could eat it all day) will find its way to the Christmas plate but not until the family arrives to help pack it away.

The first snow and a bird show

One morning last week we opened the curtains to witness the first snowfall of the season.   Tho pretty to look at it was met with less enthusiasm than other winter displays. (must be my age)    While eating breakfast in front of the patio doors we watched the birds come in.   What a sight.   First the woodpeckers and nuthatches followed by the usual flocks of starlings and sparrows.    Then for the first time ever a whole flock of cardinals.  We have cardinals on a regular basis but, because they are territorial, only one or two at a time.   I was not able to capture on film this spectacular  performance.  Seventeen cardinals were vieing for the sunflower seeds I had scattered on the patio bricks.   They didn't just swoop in and leave again but stayed to entertain us for several minutes.      Now that the snow is gone we only see the usual few cardinals feeding along side the chickadees and purple finches.      I will be watching for the mass to return when the snow comes again.

lemony smells

Oncologist yesterday, eye doctor today... We needed a bit of cheering up.    So I drafted the big man to help cut out cookies.   We had a good time working together while the candle put off a vanilla scent, Handels Messiah gave the background music and the smell of lemon sugar cookies filled the air.      Sometimes you just have to make a decision to move on.   We did it today and things seem a bit better.     A wise man once wrote to us that we could "do all things thru Christ who strengthens us."     I believe it.

MINI BAGS

Two friends helped me make these mini gift bags for nursing home residents.   Quick and easy these little bags made from recycled envelopes and greeting cards are the perfect containers for small gifts.     Vary the design and they make a cute little thank you holder or get well quickly gift.     We made  15 but I plan to make some more to fill with candy for personal use.     

DECEMBER, SNOW FLURRIES AND PETUNIAS ?????

Around the House at Christmas