A Simple Woman’s Daybook…

For Today…

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Looking out my window…

I’m looking at the ‘chicken planter’ on the walkway, which is now holding sunflowers for the month of August.  (I change the flowers every month or two)  I’m also noticing “the girls” (our hens) who are walking around in the yard.  I can hear the hum of Ed’s tractor outside, as well.

I am thinking…

this year is going by really fast!  In about four more weeks, I’ll have another birthday.  How is it possible that I’m almost 63 years old?!  My birthday will quickly be followed by Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  Before I know it, 2017 will be history–and so will I, eventually.

I am thankful…

for the many blessings God has given me in my lifetime!  Forty-five years of marriage to a wonderful man, three grown children who make us proud, the three loving spouses of those grown children, four precious grandchildren (who are growing up too quickly!) a home that’s paid for, comfortable & reliable transportation, plenty of food to eat, enough money to meet our needs, and, last, but not least, a new church family.  God is good!

One of my favorite things…

is enjoying the quietness and freshness of an early morning.  It’s my favorite part of the day, even though it involves cleaning out the chicken coops!

I am creating…
some crafts to do with the children at church.  I’ve been helping some with the Wednesday night children’s class.  It’s been many years since I’ve done anything like that!  So far we’ve done sand art and made a ‘colors of faith’ key chain.

I am wearing…

a blue flowered ‘house dress’.  I prefer wearing comfortable dresses when I’m relaxing at home.  I suppose that makes me ‘officially’ an old woman, but who cares?

I am reading…

Charles Stanley’s Life Principles Daily Bible and Twelve Challenges Churches Face by Mark Dever.  I highly recommend the Life Principles Daily Bible.  I’ve learned so much through reading this bible and Dr. Stanley’s commentaries.

Watching…

Big Brother, Outdaughtered, Counting On, Bull, and Fixer Upper on television. Last night we watched an old movie, Problem Child, starring John Ritter.  They don’t make movies like that anymore.  I laughed until my sides hurt.

Listening to…

a couple of new cds by a local Christian artist named John Wingate.  John sang at our church on Sunday night, and he’s quite talented!

I am hoping…

to spend another day at St. Simon’s Island before too long.  We haven’t spent much time there this summer.

I am learning…

how to make a pound cake!  In about three weeks our church will be selling bar-b-que dinners, and the ladies of the church will be asked to make pound cakes (among other things) for this event.

In my kitchen…
I’ve been baking pound cakes!  I’ve never been able to make a good pound cake.  I’ve tried several recipes, and the cake always tasted bland or the texture wasn’t right.  Recently, I stumbled upon a recipe for Whipping Cream Pound Cake on the back of a Swans Down cake flour box.  The first time I used the recipe I had instant success!  A few days later, I baked a second cake, and it turned out great, too.  If you’re looking for a good pound cake recipe, try this one!   I recently learned how to make ham & cheese sliders, as well.

In the school room…
the grandchildren will be gearing up to start home-school in about 3 more weeks.  Public school is already beginning in some places.

In my garden…
we have  peanuts, some sweet potatoes, one row of butter beans, and three rows of peas growing for a fall harvest.

Post Script…

This has been the year of the rattlesnake, which bothers me because we are surrounded by woods on three sides.  Almost every week somebody in our area is killing a snake  Take a look at what our neighbor killed a couple of weeks ago:

photo via Facebook

Shared Quote…
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  Psalms 3: 5-6

A moment from my day…

Last weekend our youngest son rented a giant water slide, and put it in our yard.  All four of the grandchildren had a blast playing on that thing.  If only I had the energy to climb and slide as many times as they did…  Oh to be young again!

Thanks to Peggy Hostetler for hosting this fun meme @ The Simple Woman’s Daybook

 

Tales From A Simple Woman’s Daybook…

For Today…

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Looking out my window… 

I can see our azaleas still blooming.  They’re not quite as pretty as they were before the recent rain, but still worth noting.  I also see tiny leaves beginning to sprout on the Sycamore tree, even though it was bare, last week. Most of our Maple trees are sprouting leaves, as well. Spring is just around the corner, although the current temperatures don’t feel like it.

I am thinking…

last weekend’s time change is going to kill me!  Every time the time changes, it takes me at least a couple of weeks to adjust to the new schedule.

I am thankful…

that Ed and I made the decision to move back to his family’s farm, all those years ago.  This Friday, on St. Patrick’s Day, we’ll celebrate the 40th anniversary of moving from the city.  It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

One of my favorite things…

is taking a long hot bath, at the end of the day.  I often enjoy reading while I soak.

I am [still] creating…

 some crocheted covers for some throw pillows.  It’s a slow process, because I don’t work on them regularly.

I am wearing…

a red/green plaid nightgown and a red robe, my Christmas attire.

I am reading…

Dolly Pardon’s autobiography which is entitled, Dolly, My Life and Other Unfinished Business.  This book has made me laugh out loud on several occasions.  It’s that funny!

I am watching…

a couple of new action shows on television.  The first one is called The Blacklist: Redemption, and the other is called Taken.  Both have a little more violence than I prefer, but they’re good action shows.

I am listening to…

a couple of new instrumental worship cd’s that I bought from Hobby Lobby. One is entitled Church in the Wildwood, and the other is entitled Standing on the Promises.  It’s good, relaxing music.

I am hoping…

our sick hen will recover and be able to rejoin the flock, soon.  I hate keeping her in isolation.  She’s currently receiving medication in her drinking water.  Chickens are social creatures, and don’t enjoy being alone.  I cheated a bit, last night, and let her sleep with the other hens.  It was too cold to be sleeping alone (31 degrees).

I am learning…

things aren’t always as they seem.

In my kitchen…

Ed and I made strawberry jam for the first time, last week.  We started out with seventeen pounds of strawberries, freshly picked by Ed. Our neighbor has a strawberry field, which made access to the berries easy.

they tasted as good as they look

When all was said and done, we ended up with 26 pints of delicious strawberry jam, and it’s delicious.

our last two batches of jam

In my garden…

onions, potatoes, radishes, and carrots are growing.  We had to replant our garden peas and they haven’t sprouted, yet.  We have some tomato, lettuce, and cabbage seedlings growing in cups on our front porch, but I’ve had to temporarily bring them inside due to cooler temperatures.  I hope these cooler temperatures don’t hurt our potatoes in the garden.

Shared Quote…

“A little more kindness, a little less hurry.  A little more laughter, a little less worry.”  (isn’t that the truth?!)

A moment from my day…

Ed and I, posing beside the azaleas, last week

 

Closing Notes…

Thank goodness, this week has been less busy than last week!  Last week, Ed and I both had dentist appointments (on different days), had an appointment with our insurance agent, plus we made two trips, out-of-town, for shopping purposes.  I guess you could say, we’ve gotten spoiled to the slower pace of ‘retirement living’, and we like it:)

Thanks to Peggy Hostetler for hosting The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

A Simple Woman’s Daybook Post…

For Today… Monday, February 6, 2017

Looking out my window…

After waking up to a heavy fog, I can now see blue skies and sunshine.  It looks like it’s going to be another beautiful day!

I am thinking…

that I don’t feel particularly good today because I tossed and turned most of the night, due to my aching hips and back, but I’m not going to let that get me down!

I am thankful…

for many things!  Among them are a wonderful husband, a loving family, a home that’s paid for, plenty of food to eat,  and enough money to pay the bills each month.  I realize there are some people who don’t have any of these things.  I feel very blessed!

One of my favorite things…

is a good, tender steak, cooked on the grill, and I had the pleasure of eating one of those, just last week.

The weather was awesome, so we took advantage of it and used our grill three different evenings, last week.

I am creating…

some new throw pillow covers, as I continue to sharpen my crocheting skills.  I’d share a picture, but I can’t get to my camera, so just imagine a large, burgundy and khaki granny square.

I am wearing…

my red “Coca-Cola” t-shirt and a pair of pajama pants with frogs and red hearts on them.

I am reading…

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gains, of Fixer Upper fame.  What an interesting story those two have to share!

I’m watching…

Victoria and Mercy Street (season 2) on PBS.  I’m enjoying both shows very much.

I’m listening to…

Country Gold hits, thinking they sure don’t make country music like they used to. Back then,  songs actually told a story.  These days, not so much.  Who remembers the Kenny Rogers’ songs The Gambler, Coward of the County, or Lucille?  Story telling at its best!

I am hoping…

one of these days our daughter will get her kitchen back in working order.  She’s been without a kitchen sink for almost four months. Progress is slow.

I am learning…

all kinds of new things, daily, through my Life Principles Daily Bible study.

In my kitchen…
we’ve been eating lots of grilled food.  It’s so good, especially after eating lots of soup and other ‘winter’ foods.  We had grilled steak, grilled chicken tenders, and grilled hamburgers, last week.

In the school room…
I think our two home-schooled grandchildren recently celebrated their 100th day of school. They’re on the home stretch now.  It’ll be summer before they know it!

In my garden…
carrots and cabbages are still growing, but I’m not sure either one is edible.  Sometime, around Valentine’s Day, I’ll plant some seeds, in cups, for the new spring garden.  I’m already looking forward to this. I love watching the seeds sprout and grow new plants!

Post Script…

Sickness seems to be everywhere.  Therefore, I’m hanging out at home, awaiting my [eye] surgery date, this coming Thursday. I’m a bit anxious.  The surgery center still hasn’t told me what time to be there.

Shared Quote…

I’m working on this one–

A moment from my day…

Here’s a picture from a year ago–

We’re still dealing with these pesky hens coming on the front porch!  They’re so spoiled.

Closing Notes…
Again, I apologize for my absence here in blog land.  For some reason, the computer and television really seem to be ‘taxing’ my eyes, these days. (It could have something to do with only being able to see well out of one eye…)  Looking forward to better days ahead!

Thanks to Peggy Hostetler for hosting The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

From This Simple Woman’s Daybook…

For Today…

Monday, January 9, 2017 is another cold day!  The morning low was thirty degrees.  That’s three degrees warmer than yesterday’s low of twenty-seven.  I thought we could safely say winter has arrived here in southeastern Georgia, but it’s supposed to be back in the high seventies by the end of this week.  Sadly, this brief cold snap not done good things for my outside plants.

Looking out my window…

I see lots of  frozen, dead or dying plants.  I tried to protect them, but, for some, it wasn’t enough.  I suppose I’ll be looking for more discarded plants to “adopt”, this spring and summer, at Wal-mart, but I’ve had these plants for so long, they felt like family.

I am thinking…

the chicken coop didn’t make a very good greenhouse.  I hung seven of my favorite hanging baskets in there, hoping they’d be safe from the cold.  They were not.

I am thankful…

for the spiritual growth I’ve experienced over the past eighteen months.  It’s a slow, but steady process, and I’m learning and growing every day.

One of my favorite things…

is going on a weekly “road trip” with my husband, Ed.  We have to travel about thirty-five miles, in any direction, to get to a town of any size.  We always enjoy getting out of the house, so the ride to and from these towns is fun.  Once we get there, we eat lunch, do our weekly shopping, and just enjoy seeing something new and different.

I am creating…

some pretty pages in my new journaling Bible.  I got a new Bible for Christmas, that has illustrations, for coloring, scattered throughout its pages.  Many of the illustrations are   key Bible verses, which I’m learning as I color them  with colored pencils.  This Bible also has lined margins, for taking notes in church.  I love it.  Thanks, Ed.

I am wearing…

a pair of pajamas.  I love wearing pajamas, all day, during cold, winter days.

I am reading…

I’m reading The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Daily Bible NKJV,  Billy Graham’s devotional, Wisdom For Each Day, and the book  O Little Town by Don Reid (formerly of The Statler Brothers)

I’m watching…

I recently watched To Joey, With Love, which is a movie about the last two years of country singer, Joey Feek’s life.  I couldn’t imagine how her husband, Rory, was going to weave all those film clips [he’d taken] of her into a movie, but he did, and it made a very good story.

I’m listening to…

oldies from the sixties and seventies on satellite radio in the car, as well as some good ole’ gospel favorites on cd’s in the house.

I am hoping…

on Tuesday, the doctor will schedule my cataract surgery.  I’m also hoping we get favorable biopsy results from the doctor,  when we go back there, next week.

I am learning…

to be more patient, and to be content, no matter what our circumstances may be.

In my kitchen…

not much cooking has been happening, but a lot of eating has been going on!  On Tuesday night, our son-in-law brought us some bar-b-q from Southern Soul Bar-B-Q in St. Simon’s Island, since he happened to be nearby.  Ed and I love their bar-b-q!  Then, on Wednesday night, our oldest son brought us a pot of chicken chili, left over from church. Ed fried fish, on Friday night, then our daughter and family shared their chili and hot dogs with us on Saturday night.  I only cooked one meal the entire week!

In my garden…

only a few cabbages and carrots are still growing.  Cold weather has taken care of the rest.  I have already begun to collect packs of seeds for spring planting, though.

 

Shared Quote…

“It is never right to do wrong, and never wrong to do right.”  Guidepost reader, Ruby Mikich

A moment from my day…

A picture of our lone white hen, known as “Dixie Chick”

We keep a baby gate up to the entrance to our front porch, to discourage our ‘feathered friends’ from visiting.   Our chickens can tell time, (perhaps, because of the  rooster clock we have hanging on the porch?!) and will come up on the porch to peek in our front door when it’s feeding time.  As you can see, Dixie, and a few others, have no respect for our baby gate, these days.

Closing Notes…

Yesterday, Ed and I joined our son for his regular Sunday services at a nearby assisted living facility.  When we got there, we learned that “Buddy”, one of the newer residents who sometimes joined us for services, had become very ill during the week.  Buddy is now unresponsive, and is currently under the care of hospice.  His family was at his bedside when we stopped by to see him.  For the first time, since Ed and I started joining our son in this ministry, we encountered the tough part–saying goodbye to friends we’ve made along the way.  We’re sure going to miss our friend, Buddy.

Many thanks to Peggy Hostetler for hosting The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Have a happy Monday,

A Simple Woman’s Daybook Post…

For Today… November 1, 2016

I can’t believe it’s November already!!!  It seems like just yesterday was the first day of October. Only three more weeks until Thanksgiving, too.

Looking out my window… I can see some fog, and lots of damage to our lawn, caused by another infestation of moles AND an armadillo!  Our yard looks Ed’s been using the tiller in it!  We’ve tried everything to get rid of these critters, and nothing works (except killing them).

I am thinking… it’s kind of sad that our granddaughter is growing up.  Time slow down!  This Halloween, she chose to give out candy, instead of going trick-or-treating.  No more “tooth fairy”, “Santa”, or “Easter Bunny”  for her either.

I am thankful… that my health has been better, lately.  I’ve actually had enough energy to tackle a couple of home projects.  I spent one day working in my kitchen, and another in my bedroom.

One of my favorite things… has always been having our grandchildren stop by our house to go “trick-or-treating”.  I always look forward to seeing what kind of costumes they’ll be wearing.  We live in the country, so they are the only “trick-or-treaters” we get to see.

I am wearing… a pair of pajama pants, with ducks on them, and a yellow t-shirt.

I am going… to ‘early vote’, today.  We’re trying to avoid the long lines of election day!  We are also going to the doctor, on Wednesday, and we have an appointment to have our car serviced, later this week.  We’ll be doing a lot of “going”.

I am creating… nothing, yet, but I’m about to try my hand at crocheting a couple of Christmas throw pillow covers.  Wish me luck, because I haven’t crocheted in a very long time!!!

I am reading… a couple of devotional books that I recently purchased.  My favorite one is entitled Wisdom for Each Day  written by Billy Graham.

I am watching… the shows Designated Survivor, Bull, The Black List, and Survivor on television.

I am listening… to Bradley Walker’s new cd, Call Me Old Fashioned.  Bradley Walker is a budding country music artist, with a nice voice. Bradley also has muscular dystrophy, but he hasn’t let it hold him back. Bradley is friends with Rory Feek (formerly of the country duo, Joey & Rory) and was friends with Joey, as well.  After Joey passed away, earlier this year, Rory got busy producing this album for Bradley.  I like it!  Here’s the title cut from the cd:

I am hoping… these blasted mosquitoes will hurry up and die!  It’s 86 degrees, and we’re having to wear long sleeves and slacks, outside, to keep from being eaten alive.  The little ‘buggers’ just seem to scoff at our insect repellent.

I am learning… to trust and rely on God.  I’ve always been a born worrier, when things get a little crazy, but I’m trying to change my ways, and give it to God.

In my kitchen… I made a pot of homemade chili for supper, last night, even though it was 86 degrees outside!  October 31 just seemed like a good time for chili, so I turned on the second a/c unit and made some.  It was good.

In my garden… some carrots, radishes, cabbage, mustard greens, and turnip greens are growing.  So far, only the radishes are ready for consumption.  We ate a few in our grilled chicken salad, on Sunday.

Shared Quote:  Be the wind, O Lord, that blows away all troubles from my path, and clears the way for me as I walk.  Be the sun, O Lord, that warms me when life’s storms surround me.  Be the light, O Lord, that guides my way when all around me the fog of doubt hangs low and thick.  Be the stars, O Lord, that keep me looking upward in hope, joy, and expectation of a better tomorrow.  ( From the book entitled This Too Shall Pass. Author unknown)

A moment from my day:  

Last year’s trick-or-treaters:

This year’s trick-or-treaters:

The boys’ interests change from year to year. Last year they wanted to dress up like old wrestlers (Hulk Hogan & The Ultimate Warrior).  This year they wanted to be old NBA stars. (Larry Byrd & Michael Jordan)  Their mom always does a great job of making their costumes.  This year, we missed having Madison in our Halloween picture (she was giving out candy in town).

Closing Notes:

As you may know, our daughter’s house flooded, last Tuesday.  It’s all dried out, now, but the place is in shambles.  The kitchen cabinets have been removed, as well as the floor covering in the kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and part of the bedroom.  They’re waiting on estimates and ‘red tape’ before they can proceed with putting their home back together again. They’ve been staying with our daughter’s in-laws.

I’m in the process of trying to sort out some issues concerning my health care insurance for 2017.  Unfortunately, my previous carrier, Humana, won’t be participating in the “Healthcare Marketplace”, next year.  Since Ed and I are on a fixed income, I have to rely on “The Marketplace” for affordable insurance.  Unfortunately, only Blue Cross/Blue Shield still remains in ‘The Marketplace’, and two of my [four] physicians are not providers in their network.  I’m not  sure my prescriptions will be covered, either.  It’s one of those problems I’m trying to give to God.

Many thanks to Peggy Hostetler for hosing The Simple Woman’s Daybook!

 

A Simple Woman’s Daybook Post…

For Today…

Tuesday, October 4, 2016.

Looking out my window…

I’m still enjoying my windmill and all of the flowers surrounding it.  We received 2 1/2 inches of wonderful rain, yesterday, and it was much needed!  I couldn’t even remember the last time it had rained.

I am thinking…

How nice it was not to have to water all of my flowers, this morning!  Thanks to yesterday’s rain, they were still nice and moist. I love my flowers, but it’s a chore to keep them all watered.

I’m also thinking how much Ed and I enjoyed visiting, yesterday, with the former pastor (and his wife) of the last church we attended.  He and his wife are really nice and we always enjoy our time together.  He’s currently serving as a supply pastor, and waiting on God to lead him to his next church.

I am thankful…

for a lot of things, but, at the moment, I’m most thankful that my back is feeling better!  It makes the day SO much better when I can bend and move without pain.

One of my favorite things…

is this time of the year.  I love it when the mornings and evenings are cool, but the afternoons warm up nicely. October has always been one of my favorite months.

I am wearing…

a blue/white checked nightgown (lazy morning)

I am creating…
some fall floral arrangements.  This arrangement actually serves a dual purpose.  In addition to being decorative, it lights the walkway at night.

I am watching…

a few of the new fall shows on television.  So far, we’ve watched “Designated Survivor” and “Bull”.  I like “Designated Survivor” because I’m a fan of Keifer Sutherland.  I’m still deciding what I think about “Bull”, but an interesting fact about the show is that it was co-created by Dr. Phil McGraw.

I am hoping…

God will show us where our new church home is supposed to be.  We’ve been joining our son’s weekly service at a local assisted living home, and visiting around some. I’ve come to look forward to those sweet services at ‘the home’, and have developed a fondness in my heart for the residents we worship with each week.

I am learning…

to have more patience than I’ve had in my entire life…  Learning to wait on God.

In my kitchen…

I cooked ham, butterbeans, cheesy mashed potatoes, and peach cobbler for supper, last night.

In my garden…

Ed planted some cabbage, lettuce, carrots, and radishes, last week.  We will plant some mustard and turnip greens as soon as the ground dries out a little more.  After this week, our fall peas will be gone.  I should be glad, but, actually, I’ll be a little sad.

Shared Quote…
“All that I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

A moment from my day…

the windmill and flower garden

Closing Notes:
I haven’t been able to sit for long periods of time, so I haven’t been on the computer much during the past week.  I’ve spent most of the past week moving from the chair to the couch to the bed, due to my aching bottom. I’m feeling much better now, and am so glad my surgery is behind me.  I’ll get the stitches removed tomorrow.

Many thanks to Peggy Hostetler for hosting Simple Woman’s Daybook.

 

______________________________

A Simple Woman’s Day Book…

For Today

August 22, 2016

Looking out my window…

I see large brown patches of dying grass.  We could really use some more rain and cooler temperatures!  In the meantime, at least Ed’s not having to mow the grass nearly as often.  It looks like today is shaping up to be another hot, sunny day.  We’ve had a lot of those, this summer!

I am thinking…

how much I’d like to be able to do all of my own housework!  It’s horrible having to depend on someone else to do the things I’m not able to do, right now.  Ed’s great, and never complains, but I feel somewhat useless.  I do what I can, that doesn’t involve vacuuming, sweeping, bending, or lifting anything heavy.

I am thankful…

for the thoughtful people in my life.  Our sons and their families came over for a visit, on Saturday evening, and they brought supper with them.  After having been a shut in all week, the food and fellowship was much appreciated!  My favorite moment of the evening was seeing little Evan dragging his own high chair into the kitchen.  He was letting us know he was ready to eat!

One of my favorite things…

is sitting on the little deck outside of my bedroom door, watching the birds at the bird feeder, while rocking in my new chair.  It’s very relaxing out there, and the view of the woods gives me the illusion of being somewhere in the mountains.

I am wearing…

my nightgown.  I haven’t bothered getting dressed, yet.  One of the advantages of living in the country–I can wander around the yard in my nightgown, which I chose to do today.

I am creating…
something new out of something old.  Ed and I are taking turns painting another garden statue.  This statue is a girl who matches the boy we recently finished.

our work in progress

I am reading…

almost finished reading The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom.  I’ve enjoyed the book, but, at times, it made me sad. Especially after Corrie and her family were imprisoned for hiding Jews.

I am watching… 

The Best of the Statler Brothers TV Shows on dvd (an early birthday gift to myself).  I’m still amazed at the talent of these four men!  They wrote all of the material for their shows, as well as most of the songs they sing.

I am listening to…

We are still making our way through the audio version of the Bible that our oldest son gave us.  We’re almost finished with II Chronicles.

I am hoping…

and praying these back issues will resolve themselves on their own.  If not, it’s back to the neurosurgeon for God knows what.  It’s only been 11 months since my previous back surgery.  I’m not ready to go back.

I am learning…

to have more patience.  If there’s one thing I’m learning about this season of life I’m in, it’s that you must have plenty of patience.

In my kitchen…

Ed and I made two batches of grape jelly, last week.  It’s the first time we’ve ever had enough grapes [on our vines] to make jelly with.  It was a joint effort, and it turned out well.

In the school room…

Here’s our oldest grandson, Caden, on his first day of 2nd grade home school, last week.  Granddaughter, Madison, will start home school today, I think.

photo borrowed from Caden’s mom’s FB page

In my garden…

grass and weeds have been running rampant.  Nobody’s been out there with a hoe in quite a while, since Ed’s been helping me with housework and rewiring the chicken coop. (Actually, I think Ed may be out there, now, as I write)  Oh, there are also a few peas growing out there, too, along with the last of my zinnias and some sweet potatoes!  We have some lettuce and cabbage seedlings planted in cups, to be transplanted, later, but that’s it.

Post Script…

There’s not much going on here, these days.  I’ve spent the past few days moving from the couch to the chair to the bed, trying to get comfortable.  I’m beginning to feel a little better, and even walked a short distance [outside] yesterday evening and this morning. The soreness in  my back is better, but I’m still walking weird, especially after sitting for a while.  I’m also concerned about the numbness in my left leg, a sign of nerve involvement.

Shared Quote
“Have no fear for what tomorrow may bring.  The same loving God who cares for you today, will take care of you tomorrow and every day.  God will either shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it.  Be at peace then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.”  St. Frances De Sales

A moment from my day…

This hibiscus is one of my “plant rescues” from Wal-mart.  I found it among their reduced/discarded plants.  It’s grown tremendously, since we brought it home, and has had some of the most beautiful blossoms (the picture doesn’t do it justice) I’ve ever seen.  I think it might like its new home 🙂

 

Closing Notes:
We have no real plans for the week.  As soon as I’m feeling up to it, we need to make a shopping trip to pick up a few pet supplies.  Our cats, chickens, and fish will not be happy with us if they run out of food.

However, there will be a joint family birthday celebration [for Jennifer and me], at the end of the week.  I sure hope I feel a little more like celebrating by then!

Enjoy your week!

Thanks to Peggy Hostetler for hosting The Simple Woman’s Daybook!

Words From A Simple Woman’s Daybook…

For Today…

It’s Monday, August 8, 2016 ( I can’t believe this year is almost 3/4 gone!)

Looking out my window…

I see multiple hanging baskets of blooming plants, and the windmill my children gave me for Mother’s Day. (It’s one of my favorite gifts I’ve ever received.)  I’ve enjoyed watching the flowers blooming, all summer, as well as the windmill turning whenever the wind blows. The wind is blowing, and the wheel is turning, as I write.

I am thinking…

How quickly things can change!  The last time all of our children and their families were in the same place together was on Mother’s Day.  At one time, we gathered on a weekly basis, but that was then, this is now.  I’m afraid our family is broken, and I don’t know how to fix it.

Also thinking how four months ago, I was pretty sure Ed and I had found the church home we’ve been without for the past five years.  Now, due to some unfortunate circumstances, we’re without a church home, again.  Things can change quickly, and not always for the best.

I am thankful…

We were able to go to the assisted living home (where Ed’s mom once resided) and share their worship service, yesterday.  Although it was a bit depressing, to me, it was also a blessing.  It’s depressing to see what lies ahead of us all, if we live long enough.  Sometimes, the aging process is unkind. However, it was a real blessing to witness our son ministering to these folks.  He has a love for them that is quite evident in his interaction with them.  He delivers a message to them every Sunday at one o’clock, holidays included.

One of my favorite things…

Is getting together with our old friends, Herman and Diane.  We’ve been friends since we were all in high school, almost 50 years ago.  We don’t live in the same town, anymore, but we still visit each other.  We had a nice visit together, on Saturday.

I am wearing…

My nightgown.  I haven’t gotten dressed, yet.

I am creating…

Nothing special.  I’m still painting a garden statue that I’ve been working on for a while.  My eyes have begun to bother me when I paint, so it’s taking me a while to finish.  At this rate, I’ll finish it just in time for winter!

I am reading…

An encouraging devotional book entitled This Too Shall Pass.  I’m almost finished reading Sunday Morning Memories, by former Statler Brother, Don Reid.  Next on my reading list is The Hiding Place, by Corrie Ten Boom.

I am listening…

To lots of gospel music on The Gaither Music Channel. I discovered this channel, on Dish Network, back in the spring, and have really enjoyed watching the old “Homecoming” concert series.

I am watching…

Ed and I watched the movie Thirteen Hours (story of Bengazi), on Saturday night.  That was one intense movie!  Sometimes I lose interest or get sleepy while watching a movie, but I didn’t this time!  I still find it reprehensible that assistance was withheld from those folks!  It’s a wonder ALL were not killed.

I am hoping…

To have a good week!  Ed has an appointment with his cardiologist, on Friday.  I have an appointment with my dentist on the same day.  I hope we both get good reports.

I am learning…

How to be more patient.  I used to be a very impatient person, but that’s gradually changing as I’m growing older.  It’s good to learn patience, since it takes me twice as long to get things accomplished, now!

In my kitchen…

I didn’t cook the entire weekend!  On Friday night, Brad and Jennifer brought pulled pork for supper, and ate with us.  On Saturday night, we bought pizza because Herman and Diane were visiting, then, on Sunday night, we ate Thursday night’s left-overs of homemade chicken pot pie.

In the school room…

Two of our grandchildren will be starting home-school in a few short days.  It’s hard to believe one will be in fourth grade, and the other will be in second grade.  Our public school has already begun.  Their first day of school was last Friday.  It’s too hot to be riding buses with no air conditioning!

In my garden…

Ed has a partial row of sweet potatoes growing, as well as three rows of peas.  My partial row of zinnias are still blooming.  I cut a small bouquet, last week.  Soon it will be time to start some fall seedlings for lettuce and cabbage plants.

From my photo files…

a rare photo of all four of our grandchildren

Shared Quote…
“Something good is going to happen to/through me today!”  Joyce Meyer

A moment from my day…

Recently, I looked out of the kitchen window and observed this:

Ed…watching for the pesky ground mole that recently messed up our grass

Closing Notes:
My time in blog land has been limited, lately.  I’ve been spending some leisurely days doing nothing, now that the garden season is over.  Sometimes, it feels good to do nothing–including blogging.  Hopefully, I’ll become more energetic with the arrival of cooler weather–whenever that will be!

Many thanks to Peggy Hostetler for hosting The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

______________________________

A Simple Woman’s Daybook Post…

For Today…

It’s shaping up to be another hot and sunny Monday.  Yesterday’s high topped out around 100 degrees, before scattered showers arrived and lowered the temperatures, shortly before the evening church services.  We didn’t get any rain at our house, though.

Looking out my window…

I see nine pesky hens hanging around the front door, waiting for some handouts!  This morning, I let them out of their pen, early, so they could search for food before it gets so hot, but their idea of searching for food is hanging around the front door–not scratching for bugs or worms!  Every day, while we’re eating lunch, they stand outside the door begging for table scraps.  They know what time we eat!

the red hen, leading the flock

I am thinking…

I’m glad I don’t have to take the van to the Ford dealership this morning!  We took it to the dealership, last Monday morning, and spent the entire day waiting to get it back!  Unfortunately, a part had to be ordered, so, this Wednesday, we’ll have to make the trip again, to have the  gas tank’s over-flow hose put on, then have them recheck the radio which seems to be having problems ‘rebooting’, sometimes. And to think, we bought a new car to avoid having to deal with car repairs!

I am thankful…

to have been blessed to hear [not one, but] two good messages at church, yesterday. I’d never heard anything like either one of the messages, even though the scriptures used have been spoken about many times.  An added blessing was hearing our son pray a closing prayer that complimented the morning message perfectly.

One of my favorite things…

is traveling to St. Simon’s Island and sitting under our favorite oak trees in The Village.  Thankfully, Ed and I were able to do that on Friday.  The get away was much-needed, and I could, literally, feel my stress level lowering as I sat and enjoyed the view.

There was only one problem.  It appears that Pokemon Go has hit St. Simon’s Island with a vengeance!  Everywhere we looked people were walking like zombies, while holding their phones in front of their faces.  As we lounged in our chairs, we were almost trampled, a time or two, by over-zealous “hunters”.  It was ridiculous!

I am wearing…

another of my old faithful sundresses.  I do get tired of wearing the same old dresses, all summer, but dresses work best for me whenever it’s hot…and, believe me, it is hot around here!

I am creating…
something new out of something old.  I’m going to give some of my ‘garden accents’ (rabbits and birds) a make-over by painting them.  Ed’s really better at doing this than I am, but I’m going to give it a try.  Ed’s already painted the squirrels for me.

I am reading…

Sunday Morning Memories by Don Reid (of Statler Brothers fame).  It’s a book of short stories, with Don reminiscing about [his] church memories.  I’ve just finished reading Random Memories by Don and his brother, Harold (also of Statler Brothers fame), and enjoyed it so much I decided to read Sunday Morning Memories.  I’m glad I did!  Who knew Don could write good books in addition to writing and singing good songs?!   Did you know that Don and his brother Harold wrote a large portion of the songs The Statlers recorded? I’ve featured one of my favorite gospel songs that they wrote, below.

I am watching…

the show ‘Big Brother’ on television.  That’s really about the only show we’ve been watching on a regular basis, lately.  So far, it’s been a pretty good season, but I think things are just about to get complicated.

I’ve been listening to…

 

I am hoping…

my back will behave itself!  Lately, I’ve been having some occasional pain on the right side of my back.  At times, my right foot/leg feels a little ‘tingly’, too.  These are not good signs. Due to stomach issues, I’m off of my arthritis medication, again, which may be contributing to the problem.

I am learning…

to roll with the unexpected bumps in the ‘road of life’–or at least I’m trying to.  It never seems to get any easier, but I’m sure getting lots of practice.

In my kitchen…

I rarely bake anymore, but, last week, I made a ‘Mandarin Orange Cake’, also known [here in the south] as a ‘Pea Pickin’ Cake’.  Ha!  (Ed and I have wondered why in the world it is called a “Pea Pickin’ Cake’!)  It’s a refreshing refrigerated cake, made with a mixture of yellow cake mix, mandarin oranges, eggs, and oil, then frosted with a mixture of cool whip, vanilla pudding mix, and crushed pineapple.

In my garden…
it’s hot and dry!  All of the sunflowers are all gone, but some of the zinnias are still in bloom, believe it or not!  I’ve cut and enjoyed several bouquets of flowers from the garden, over the course of the summer.

Ed still has some peanuts, watermelons, gourds, and sweet potatoes growing in the garden. Below is a photo of Ed with a 42 pound watermelon that he grew!

Shared Quote…

I read this quote the other day, and it spoke to me:

“Every moment that you spend upset, in despair, in anguish, angry, or hurt because of the behavior of anybody else in your life is a moment in which you’ve given up control of your life.” (author unknown)

A moment from my day…

some beautiful sunflowers from the garden, when they were still in bloom.

Closing Notes…

Ed’s been as busy as a little bee!  In addition to tending to our garden, he’s done a great job of keeping everything around the place trimmed and mowed all summer.  Let me just say, that’s no easy task!  In addition, he’s repaired our broken walkway, painted the back deck, painted underneath our car port, and helped me hang some new [summer] wall decorations on the side of his storage shed.  We have a couple more ‘home improvement’ projects planned, but things are looking much better already.  I appreciate all of his hard work so much!

Thanks so much to Peggy Hostetler for hosting The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

______________________________

A Simple Woman’s Daybook Post…

______________________________

For Today

Monday, July 4th, 2016

Looking out my window

It’s a hot and sunny day outside.  The weather is supposed to be quite warm all week.  Today’s high is predicted to be 96 degrees, and that’s the LOW for the week.  Thank the Lord for A/C.  Summer has officially arrived!

I am thinking

how quickly this year is flying by!  I can’t believe the month of July is already here.  I’m also thinking about our youngest son, whose birthday will be coming up in exactly one week!  If you ask me about my most memorable July 4th, without batting an eye, I’ll tell you it was the year I was pregnant with our son, Brad!  It was HOT and I was MISERABLE!  At that point, the baby was four days overdue, and weighed in excess of 10 pounds.

I am thankful

to be spending another July 4th with my husband, Ed!  Since Ed’s heart attack,  a little over 8 months ago, every day has been cherished and appreciated, because now I realize–we never know if today could be our last.  I’m also thankful for our family, as well as the little church we’ve been attending for the past three months.

One of my favorite things

is having a few chickens.  If you’re a regular reader, this should come as no surprise!  We currently have nine hens, who keep me on my toes and laughing, each day.  They give me a reason to get up and get moving each day, even when I really don’t want to.

Well, now, just come right on in…

I am wearing

a comfortable, polyester knit sundress that has a handkerchief hem.  The dress I’m wearing is red and white, but I also have a blue and white one, too.  FYI: It’s not uncommon for me to buy multiples of a garment I like.

I am creating
a stockpile of food to last us through the long months ahead.  Lately, most of my time has been devoted to canning/freezing vegetables.

I am reading

the book, Random Memories, by [the former singing group]The Statler Brothers.  I’ve really enjoyed this book, written by the two actual brothers of the group, Harold and Don Reid.  Did you know they actually got their name “Statler Brothers” from a box of tissues?  Neither did I, until I read their book!

I am hoping

and praying, that, in time, some of the ‘issues’ our family has been dealing with can be eventually resolved.  Life is too short!

I am learning

to have a lot more patience than I used to.  I think it’s one of the benefits of getting older!

In my kitchen
I’m currently in the process of canning some tomatoes, this morning.  After lunch, we’ll be  boiling the first of Ed’s home-grown peanuts, in honor of “The Fourth” and our family cookout, this afternoon. We’ll be grilling hamburgers/hot dogs at our oldest son’s house.  I’m grateful not to have to host, this year.

In my garden

things are winding down.  The end of our gardening season is almost  here!  We still have some peanuts, a few tomatoes, and some peas/beans, but they won’t last much longer, especially with this heat.  I can’t say that I’ll be sad to see it all go.

last week’s butter beans

Just a quick note:

I’ve missed my blogging friends (and St. Simon’s Island) very much.  I hope to get back into a more regular blogging routine (and visit St. Simon’s Island) in the days ahead.  I’m looking forward to “life after gardening”.

Shared Quote
“Struggles can be our greatest blessings” (Andrew McCutchen, of Pittsburgh Pirates)  I know he’s right, but, sometimes, it’s hard to realize in the midst of the struggle.

A moment from my day

Some flowers from the garden…(they’re fading fast)

Closing Notes:

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July.

As we celebrate our independence, today, Lord, help America to remember that “freedom isn’t free”.  God bless the men and women who’ve bravely fought, and/or will continue to fight to keep us free.

______________________________

Thanks to Peggy Hostetler for hosting The Simple Woman’s Daybook Community.