Wednesday, May 30, 2007
IS IT A MACHINE? IS IT A DEVICE! WHY NOT CALL IT A SCANNER?
Pinks and Blues is having a little giveaway!Go on over to their place and sign up
to win a cute little Dooney and Bourke summer purse!
And Boomama has some funny discussion
goin' on at her place as she prepares for a trip to the land of the giant mouse. LOL
The extent of my on-line blogging today is to tell people to go to someone else's post!
Off-line--a different story. I have been trying all day to plug into our scanner. We have two--I've never used either of them. I used a scanner a few times at school, but usually I gave that sort of task to our media specialist or asked a computer savy teacher to do it. My computer skills are definitely more in the word processing and Power Point areas. But, since I have a million nondigital pictures I want to share--NOT ALL AT ONE TIME--I Promise I won't do that! In order to share I have to get this scanner working with my computer.
The scanner I have been working with today is a part of our combo printer/phone/copier/fax/scanner machine, or device. The directions talk about the machine and the device--I'm so confused now I'm not sure when they are talking about the computer and when they are talking about the scanner! Yes, it has been a difficult day in computerville!
We've had this machine/device for a year, and I've used all the other parts without incident. I finally decided it was time to master the scanner. WELL--I've been trying to understand these directions all day. Can someone please tell me why technology experts cannot write a simple point-by-point set of directions? Just list the steps 1-2-3! I gave up on the umpteenth time I tried to tell the "machine" or "device" the IP Address only to have it not accept it AGAIN. I must not have been holding my tongue exactly right!
Mr. L took pity on me and called our friendly computer whiz friend to come help! I hate giving in, but I really want to use these pictures sometime in this millennium, so I need help!
But, just get ready! When I get that thing working, we'll have a picture fest at Cherish. . .! Yes, we will!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Monday Morsels has become Tuesday Tidbits for this week!
We had a quiet Memorial Day. Both our sons' families have been on family trips--one to the beach, one to the mountains. We have heard from both families and they were having a great time. K's family was on their way home yesterday, G's family will return later this week. Both of our sons and their wives have jobs that have high stress times during the year--tax time, end of school, b ball season, VBS coming up, etc. They were all ready for a few days of vacation! I'm so happy for them that they were able to get away for a few days.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mr. L. Report for all those who keep up with him.
He is still battling congestion, although he has had some relief this past week. Fatigue is still a concern. However, he is beginning to do some exercising again. We have set a few physical goals for the near future. We will keep you posted as we reach those goals.
Mr. L is back to writing on a regular basis. He has finished some of his Christ to the World projects and is doing some personal writing. As I have told you, he is working on "The Book." He says he is not sure anyone wants to read it--We assure him his family wants to read it and that's all that counts!
The family keeps a close watch on how far Poppy is into his life story. So far he has told about his childhood in the coal mine area of Virginia and his move to Florida where he attended college. Now, finally, he is approaching the time that we--the boys and I--start showing up. We had about decided we were not going to be included! Of course, I am planning to do some careful editing on these chapters! :) BTW--if any of you friends out there want me to "edit" chapters in which you might appear we can negotiate! lol
Seriously, our family looks forward to having this treasure. Mr. L can tell a good story--and he has lots of them to tell! God has blessed Mr. L in many ways and it is obvious that, throughout his life, God has had a unique plan to use his talents for His Kingdom.
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Susan, Penless Writer, had a post this weekend about "what word identifies you in the Body of Christ?" (Go here to read the whole post--very interesting analogy). Mr. L and I discussed what words we think best describe us. I believe this is one of those concepts that can vary according to the season you are experiencing in your life at any given time. For example, at different times in my life, I could have chosen teacher, follower, believer, or learner. Now, for this season of our lives, Mr. L chose "obedient" and I chose "servant." As we seek to fulfill these specific roles we can claim these promises from God's Word:
ObedienceJesus replied, "If anyone loves me,he will obey my teaching.My Father will love him,and we will come to himand make our home with him. --John 14:23 (NIV)ServantWhoever serves me must follow me;and where I am, my servant also will be.
My Father will honor the one who serves me. --John 12:26 (NIV)
What is the word that best describes you in the Body of Christ? What scripture can you claim for support in the role you seek to fulfill for this time in your life
Sunday, May 27, 2007
MEMORIAL DAY 2007
In Remembrance
I thank my God every time I remember you.
--Philippians 1:3
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord
--Psalm 33:12 Live as free men,
but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;
live as servants of God.
--1 Peter 2:16
My Country 'Tis of Thee
(America) - My country, 'tis of thee,
- Sweet land of liberty,
- Of thee I sing;
- Land where my fathers died,
- Land of the pilgrims' pride,
- From every mountainside
- Let freedom ring!
- My native country, thee,
- Land of the noble free,
- Thy name I love;
- I love thy rocks and rills,
- Thy woods and templed hills;
- My heart with rapture thrills,
- Like that above.
- Let music swell the breeze,
- And ring from all the trees
- Sweet freedom's song;
- Let mortal tongues awake;
- Let all that breathe partake;
- Let rocks their silence break,
- The sound prolong.
- Our father's God to Thee,
- Author of liberty,
- To Thee we sing.
- Long may our land be bright,
- With freedom's holy light,
- Protect us by Thy might,
- Great God our King.
--Samuel F. Smith, 1808-1895
Labels: Celebrating Holidays, Faith
Friday, May 25, 2007
SHOW AND TELL FRIDAY--THE DOLL SHELF
Welcome to Show and Tell Friday! Do you have a something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, an antique find. Your show and tell can be old or new. Use your imagination and dig through those old boxes in your closet if you have to! Feel free to share pictures and if there's a story behind your special something, that's even better!
Kelli is the host for Show and Tell . You can find more posts for Show and Tell with her at There is no place like home.
THE DOLL SHELF
A couple of weeks ago I shared the Mary Hartline Doll that my husband gave me for Valentine's Day this year. I decided that as long as I was discussing dolls, I would just go ahead and share the other beauties on the shelf. These dolls have all come to me in some special way and have a special place in my heart. In the picture above you see the entire small collection. 
The little sweetheart above is a Vogue Ginny Doll. These dolls were popular in the 1950s. Some girls collected them the way girls collect American Girl Dolls today. My older sister and I both had one of these dolls. Sis gave me this one several years ago as a remembrance of our childhood. Little Ginny is a precious symbol of my special relationship with my sister.
About eight years ago I was serving as the Assistant Principal of a brand new school. It was a wonderful adventure that I am so glad I had. The staff called me the "Cruise Director" I often had the task of smoothing the waters and helping ease the tension sometimes caused by hard work and the stress of building new working relationships. The office staff gave me the little girl in the red checked dress for Christmas. It has meaning attached to it that I'll just keep in my heart at this time. Just know it is special and I remember that year fondly!
Labels: About Me, Family, Show and Tell
Thursday, May 24, 2007
BORROWIN', STEALIN' AND GRABBIN'
You Are Indigo
|
Of all the shades of blue, you are the most funky, unique, and independent.
Expressing yourself and taking a leap of faith has always been easy for you.
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What Color Blue Are You?I found this at Leigh Ann's a few days ago. If you haven't done it yet, I invite you to find out what is your shade of blue! As you can see I am Indigo. ???? The independent and taking a leap of faith I get, but the funky? Oh, right--I can do the Funky Chicken! :-)I'm going to continue to be a little lazy in this post--Some days are like that! Since I am borrowing/stealing from one blog, I'll just go ahead and grab something from another.Barb had some good meme's at her place yesterday. I'm going to stay away from the long ABC one today--Remember, I said I was being lazy! We'll try this one. we'll call it:
The Nearest Book Meme
For this meme you are instructed to pick up the book nearest to you, turn to page 128 and reveal the contents of the third paragraph. OK--This is good for a lazy day! Here goes.This is not either of the books I'm reading now. That would be-- iPhoto 6, The Missing Manual, by Pogue and Story (Well, I'm not actually reading this one--More like perusing section at a time trying to learn how to post those pesky pictures so that I can be almost as good at it as Susie) or The 6th Target, by James Patterson (Because sometimes I just have to read a thriller and I like the characters in this series. Usually one book of that kind and I have it out of my system for awhile.)Anyway--the book closest to me right now is one I have read parts of occasionally since I got it for Christmas. I will continue to pick it up and enjoy a chapter, an essay, a recipe from time to time.
I have read the entire Mitford Series and enjoyed all nine books. I discovered these books several years ago while shopping in a little bookstore on Mackinac Island in Michigan. I bought two of them then and finished one of them while on vacation. If you haven't read them I recommend you give them a try--Good, easy reading, feel good books. You will come to love the characters.Finally, here is paragraph three on pg. 128 of Jan Karon's, The Mitford Bedside Companion. "There's a reason. . .
REALLY. that's it--I told you I was lazy today!
I don't ever tag a specific person--at least I haven't yet. So, I tag anyone who has a book with at least 128 pages in it near them. Pick it up, open it to page 128, find the third paragraph, tell us what it says. Perfect for a lazy blogging day!
See you tomorrow for
Show and Tell!
Labels: Book Talk, Just Having Fun, Random Thoughts
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
WOMAN TO WOMAN==CELEBRATE ME
Woman to Woman is sponsored by Morning Glory at Seeds From My Garden and Lei at My Many Colored Days. You can go to their posts to learn more about WTW. The topic for this edition is Celebrate Me!
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
My life has been full of variety and ever-changing phases. I have been a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, and friend. I was at one time a stay at home mom. Professionally I have been a writer, a teacher, and a principal. As a student I attended three universities. I have been the wife to a remarkable man. In all of these roles I have experienced many successes--and had a few episodes I wish I could do over!
As I approached this Woman to Woman topic, Celebrate Me, I found myself resisting the urge to explore those familiar roles and, instead, examining the latest phase of my life journey. I analyzed what I consider to be some of my personal strengths: flexibility, intelligence, caring spirit, dependability, and honesty. Finally, I decided to look beyond those characteristics. I attempted to simply answer the question so many friends have asked recently, "How do you do it?"
Who knows,
perhaps you have come
to the kingdom
for such a time as this.
Esther 4:14c (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The last two years of my life have been a challenge. When my husband became so critically ill that we both were forced to retire, I thought that I would never really be able to meet the challenge. I was terrified and I felt unprepared and unworthy for the task. One of the things I have come to understand in this particular part of our journey is that God has been preparing me for this role all of my life. HE has mercifully given me the required emotional and spiritual strength to face each day's trials. HE has blended into me the personality traits, characteristics, and even quirks necessary to accept detours in life's journey. HE provided me with opportunities--education and life experiences--that prepared me to make difficult and unexpected decisions. Without my realizing it HE was preparing me to meet the challenge.God has been leading me spiritually my entire life. HE has stayed with me even when I was not as receptive as I should have been. HE put some remarkable people in my life to direct me in the right way. My mother, Beulah, who died when I was seven, introduced me to Jesus. I was living with my Aunt Frankie and Uncle Ed when, at the tender age of eight, I accepted Christ as my savior. My dad, Charlie, made sure that, throughout my childhood and teen years, I was in church almost every time the doors opened. My husband, Mr. L. has a deep relationship with the Lord, and has been the spiritual leader in our home. My husband's career in religious publishing has given us opportunities to meet and be touched by some Christian leaders who walk closely with the Lord. I have had the opportunity to study with some truly anointed Bible teachers.Does my relationship with all those people assure that I have a relationship with the Lord. Has our family escaped dark and troubled times. No! NO, of course not. But the foundation has always been there. There has always been a path back to the walk with Him. The struggle will always be there and Christians will experience it over and over. The enemy is going to work to lead us from that path, from that walk. Even in the trials and the emotional upheaval of the last two years I have felt the strength I need for this portion of the journey. Early in this stage I received a very definite message from the Lord. I was headed to bed late one night. My husband had been home for the hospital just a few days and, honestly, I was exhausted. As I went to bed I picked up my Bible. I was really too tired to read, but I felt led. I just opened the Bible and was struck by the passage that appeared before me. I read just what I needed to hear:2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. -- James 1:2-5 (NIV)Throughout my life, as I have faced trials and tests, the Lord has been teaching me patience and perseverance. He has been there all along, giving wisdom and teaching me as I grew. Now, in perhaps the most exacting test of all, He is still there. I call on Him daily, even hourly, for wisdom, strength, and direction. He has given abundantly. My strength comes from HIM.
Labels: About Me, Faith, Marriage, Woman to Woman
Monday, May 21, 2007
If you have been following the saga of the
disappearing pictures--They're Ba-a-a-a-a-c-k!
I just went ahead and edited them back in. I have no idea if they will stay. I don't understand HTML enough to know if I have messed it up completely. I guess I will learn something. If you're interested you can find the pictures of my Fun-Fantastic Four on my Sunday post--maybe!
MONDAY MORSELS
I'm going in search of the pictures from my post about the Fantastic Four. They have to be hiding somewhere. I have tried talking to Blogger about that problem, but don't have an answer yet. I may have to edit the post to include them again. One thing for sure about blogging--You can learn something new everyday! In my former life as school principal if I had a tech problem there were several people I could call. Now--I have to search for the answer myself! I am learning a lot more this way!+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Another thing I plan to do today is visit! There are so many people I am enjoying getting to know in Bloggville. I plan to visit several blogs and read some of the "back stories" of some I have not yet read. I hope to find some new people along the way. If you have a favorite blog you think I should just not miss--please leave me a comment and let me know about that one. Thanks in advance!++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Mr. L Report--For those of you who keep up with my husband's medical progress-- I told you that he had a rough day on Friday. He is still having difficulty with the congestion and accompanying fatigue. We have made some medication changes--not so much what as how and when. We will see if these changes make a difference.L is busy this morning with the computer. He does check email often and loves hearing from friends and family. He also participates in a family NASCAR pool online. If you know him you understand the competitiveness that we deal with! :) He is, of course, leading the pool--and he knows NOTHING about car racing!++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++I was reading the devotional on Faith Lifts at Five Minutes for Mom early this morning. Lundie has some good words to say about Psalm 13. She leads the reader through verses that outline Despair and Confusion, a Plea to God and, finally, to Trust and Hope.As I read Lundie's devotional thoughts I was struck by how difficult we humans sometimes make life. As the Psalmist does in the beginning of the psalm, we act like the hardship or despair we are experiencing--real or perceived--will last forever as if there is no answer for us. The answer is in talking with the Lord as the Psalmist does in Verse 4 when he requests "Consider me and answer, Lord." That plea, "answer me," implies listening to what the Lord has to say. I think that implied action is the part that trips us up sometimes. It is so easy to beg for an answer and then neglect to listen for it. Verses five and six really hit me as I read in the early morning hours. The answer is always so simple--made so complicated only when when we become anxious and full of despair. The answer He gives us is Trust. As the Psalmist realizes, "I have trusted in your faithful love." The Psalmist further testifies that he is aware the Lord is already providing answers in his profession, "He has treated me generously."The Psalmist promises to express his trust in the Lord through discernible actions. That promise, not just for this moment, but also for the time ahead is, "My heart will rejoice," and I will sing unto the Lord." So there we have it--the answer. Trust because He has already rescued us; He has already shown us mercy; He has already given to us abundantly. Rejoicing and praising because we know he will continue to care for us generously. What a glorious way to face the uncertain future--trusting, rejoicing, and praising.Psalm 13 (Holman Christian Bible)
1 LORD, how long will You continually forget me?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
2 How long will I store up anxious concerns within me,
agony in my mind every day?
How long will my enemy dominate me?
3 Consider me and answer, LORD, my God.
Restore brightness to my eyes;
otherwise, I will sleep in death,
4 my enemy will say, "I have triumphed over him,"
and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.
5 But I have trusted in Your faithful love;
my heart will rejoice in Your deliverance.
6 I will sing to the LORD
because He has treated me generously.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
WHERE ARE MY PICTURES?
Friends--I have not idea what happened to my pictures in the last post. I have tried to ask Blogger, but don't know if I did that correctly. I have never tried to communicate with Blogger before and I'll admit to being a little confused about the process.
Anyway--if anyone knows how to find images that have disappeared, please let me know.
THE FUN AND FANTASTIC FOUR
We had a great time with our children this weekend. Our younger son and his family came on Friday night. They got here in time to see our other grandson's soccer game. Then they came to Grandmama and Poppy's for hamburgers. I was able to go to a soccer game on Saturday while one son stayed with Poppy. The four cousins had a wonderful time being together--they always do. How nice to be together as a family for a day. K and his crew traveled to KY Saturday afternoon to meet the other grandparents for a meal at Patti's (By the way, if you are ever traveling I24 in KY a stop at Patti's is a must! YUMMMM&FUN)Speaking of the Fun Four--Let me introduce them--
This is E Girl. she is three years old and is the princess of the group. Coming after the three grandsons and her uncle and dad, she is definitely the PRINCESS of ALL THINGS GIRLY in our family! I love this picture! I cannot count the number of times she has flashed those eyes at me just that way--meaning she is making a point about something. E Girl is growing up before our eyes and is a bundle of energy and affection. She is a delight at all times.
This is L. He is six and is just finishing up kindergarten. He is a thinker and a reader. He loves to figure things out and loves to talk. He also likes to play games. He and I have chased each other around the Trouble and Sorry boards a lot in the last year. He is thoughtful and sensitive to others. He enjoys playing soccer and basketball. Another favorite pastime is going to basketball games with his dad (a high school b-ball coach). L Boy and E Girl are brother and sister. They live near us and attend the same church where we have been members for twenty-five years (their mother is currently on the ministerial staff there) Their Dad is our older son.
This is S Guy! He is exuberantly in love with life! He smiles with his whole body! He learned to read this year and is developing a very evident artistic talent. He loves to create things with cardboard boxes and is always thinking creatively. He plays soccer and is on a swim team. He is six and just completing kindergarten. S Guy and L Boy were born exactly two months apart--S is the younger. S Guy and his mom gave us quite a scare when he was born. He was premature and only weighed a little over three pounds. During his time in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit he showed the world that he was a fighter and there were lots of things he was sent to do. He has been going full speed since he was born.
This is J Man. He is the oldest and was the center of attention for four years before the others began making their appearances. He is bright, friendly, and good. He likes to read and is an excellent student. He plays soccer and basketball, and is on a swim team. He and his dad are HUGE Duke basketball fans! Joshua is ten and is finishing fourth grade this week. J Man and
S Guy are brothers and attend the school where their mother is a teacher. They live in a small town about eighty miles from us. We are always thrilled when they bring their parents and come to see us. Their dad (a CPA) is our younger son.
Here they are together--The Fun and Fantastic Four. They are the delights of our lives. We are proud to be their grandparents. We are equally pleased with their parents. One of our answered prayers is that our sons and their wives would be Godly parents and that our grandchildren would be raised in Christian homes. We often see the evidence of that in the daily lives of all four of these children. Thank you, Lord, for these precious gifts.Children's children are a crown to the aged,
and parents are the pride of their children.
Proverbs 17:6
Labels: Family, Grandchild Fun
Saturday, May 19, 2007
THANKS FOR LISTENING
Well, best laid plans and all that! I really planned to post a Show and Tell today. I just couldn't seem to carve out a piece of time large enough for blogging today! I am, however, enjoying looking at all the other Show and Tell offerings. Hopefully I will get them all read by tomorrow. I'll be sure to participate next week!
In the meantime--I would like to share something with you. Some readers of this blog know about my husband's illness. I posted about it here. Today was somewhat difficult for Mr. L. He struggles with heavy congestion most days and must use a suction machine to clear his lungs. He experienced a particularly rough time today with little relief. He is finally resting quietly tonight.
His nurse was here today. We are fortunate to have a lovely Christian nurse who comes twice a week to check on Mr. L. She has been great support during the two months we have been working with her. I believe we have added some good ideas to the plan of attack we need to use in this ongoing battle. We will be implementing some relatively minor changes in the next few days--Nothing major, just tweaking the way we do some things. The goal right now is for Mr. L to be comfortable and keep the congestion and accompanying problems to a minimum.
Please pray for Mr L that he will get some relief from the congestion and regain some of the strength he has lost during this ongoing battle. He has an unwavering faith and continues to seek God's will in his life even through this difficult struggle. He is a remarkable man, loved by many!
Fortunately, our children are with us this weekend. Of course, G and his family live nearby. K and H and their boys came tonight for a visit that had been planned for several days. I believe having all four grandchildren here has cheered Mr. L. He takes great pleasure in being with our sons and their families.
Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; You display your power among the peoples.
--Psalm 77:13-14
Thursday, May 17, 2007
IT'S JUST MY WEST TEXAS TWANG
Southern. Love it or hate it, your accent says you're probably from somewhere south of the Ohio River.
Take this quiz now - it's easy!
Mama Roar gave us this nifty little quiz a few days ago. I share it here again just in case you didn't see it. AND I thought of a little story about my West Texas twang. So--If you haven't already, why don't you take the little quiz and meet me back here.when you finish.OK, now you know how you speak--like you didn't already know. But it is kind of fun to see it on the map--Right! My map showed me just what I already knew--From the south! Yep that's me. I was born, and mainly raised, in West Texas--with some time spent in North Central Texas. Some people don't consider Texas the true south. It's considered Southwest. But in the large scheme of things, it is in the south. As a young adult I moved to Tennessee--which is definitely the SOUTH!.So, naturally my speech is Southern--but how far south? When I speak I hear a little Tennessee and a lot of Texas. I once met a man who told me just by listening to my speech exactly where I was from.Several years ago I was attending graduate school at a university in Middle Tennessee. I had been in class and with a study group all of one Saturday morning. About six or seven of us had gone to a little diner/coffee shop near the campus for lunch. We sat talking for awhile after we had eaten and were preparing to return to campus for the afternoon class session. I stopped at the pay phone (this was in the days before cell phones) to touch base with my husband about our late afternoon/evening schedule. Our conversation was about our children, soccer games, and movies. When I got off the phone a man sitting nearby on a stool at the counter asked me if he could ask me something. Well, I'm not in the habit of speaking to strange men, but he looked safe and I was with a group, so I stopped. He said he had been listening to me and he wanted to know if I was from Lubbock, or Amarillo, Texas. I was somewhat surprised, because there was nothing in my conversation on the phone, or at the table, that had anything to do with where I was from. So I asked why he would think I was from one of those small cities. He explained that he was a linguistics professor and liked to try to match people to their town of origin by listening to their speech. He said that his best guess for me was Lubbock, but there was a hint of something else and he thought I might have lived in Amarillo.I was born thirty miles from Lubbock and had lived in Lubbock more than anywhere else for most of my growing up years--including going back there to college! I explained my West Texas background and added that I had lived some other places in Texas (DFW and between Wichita Falls and Amarillo) and had been in Tennessee for about 17 years. He said those years could account for the little difference he was hearing! He went on to nail, within at least fifty miles, the hometowns of two others in the group. One of them had lived in or near Baton Rouge, LA all of her life. I figured that was a no brainer for someone with that skill! The other was a little more difficult--a small town in Illinois. That's just a little random story about speech, geography, graduate school in the eighties, and a man who either had a real talent for language or too much free time!Labels: About Me, Just Having Fun, Random Thoughts
RANDOM X EIGHT
I told Morning Glory I would do this Meme. Seems this one and one other for 8 items have been going around a lot lately. So, I’m going to make this one for 8, if I can think of that many random thoughts. That shouldn’t be too hard—most of my thoughts are rather random! Here are the rules. This is the Seven (8) Random Things about Me Meme. The rules are that people who are tagged start by thinking about 7 random facts/habits about themselves. Each player then must write about those seven things on their blog, as well as include these rules. Players then need to choose 7 people to tag and list their names. Don’t forget to let each person know they’ve been tagged. I’m doing eight items and calling it both memes. So here are 8 things about me:1. For years our family spent Thanksgiving at Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky—At Lake Barkley Lodge. We went there for about twenty-five years--starting when the boys were about 6 and 8). A lot of those years we went to Patti’s in Grand River on Friday--a little shopping and some GOOD food! We have many fond family memories of those yearly retreats!2. I have ridden a camel and an elephant. The camel was when we were on a trip to Israel. You know, those animals can be very cantankerous! The elephant was at a zoo with my oldest grandson when he was four--the grand, not the elephant. I think she was much older! No one else would ride with him—it was fun!3. My ears do not look the same. It is not an extreme difference nor really even noticeable. but I know it--I don’t wear my hair so that my ears show. Now if we ever mirl I will know you are lookin’ at my ears!
4. I broke my toe on our honeymoon. Well, we were actually back from our “official” two-day honeymoon, but it was right after we got married. You can read the story of our wedding here. I was running to the phone—my Aunt Frankie was calling??!!—and hit my toe on a box of books. My toe curves to the right a little from that little accident—and it hurt, too.
OK—enough about my strange bo**dy parts!
5. I love Mexican food! I like basic Tex-Mex, but I would drive from Tennessee to Santa Fe just to eat the food!
6. I love to learn and I like to get credit for the hard work. Therefore, I attended three different universities and received a degree from each. What’s really amazing about that is that my high school teachers—and a lot of my friends—probably thought I would not make it through college the first time. I wasn‘t really all that serious about learning in high school!
7. If I’m going to Santa Fe (see #8 this list)
for food, the trip will also include a stop at The Bobcat Bite--on the Pecos Trail--for a hamburger. YUMMMMMMM!
I don’t really eat all of the time!
8. I am allergic to mornings. I used to be a morning person. I was up by 5:30 a.m. and on the road before 6:30. My goal was to be in my office before 7:00 a.m because teachers, etc. hit the door about 7:30. I never knew what would happen after that! LOL In retirement—Mornings, not so much! Of course, I stay up later—BLOGGING and READING. Ah-h-h-h! Retirement!
I really don't know who has done theis and who has not. So, it’s up to you! If you want to-- and haven’t done these latest memes--give us seven or eight random thoughts about yourself. Let me know in my comments when you have done it—I’ll be sure to come over and read your randomness.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++If you would like to be blessed--and have a really GOOD LAUGH at the same time, go over to LPM right here. Our Sista, Beth, knows how to tell a story and she can bless your heart with teaching the Word!
Monday, May 14, 2007
DIGGING IN THE DIRT
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
--Ecclesiastes 3:11
Take a look at a little part of God's world that is not so beautiful right now! My fault --I'm the caretaker of this little spot. I am late this year doing anything in the way of beautifying the yard. In fact, I have not done much with it, other than have the grass mowed and shrubs trimmed the past two years. Actually, the grass looks pretty good. The rest of it--not so much. I better get started or the neighborhood yard police might show up at my door! :
It is time to spruce up this little patch of earth in the front of the house. Last year I tried to keep the weeds out and just let the hostas grow! And, you can see they have grown! Oh--and I did hang a couple of wreaths with spring flowers on the front doors. That was pretty much all I had the energy and enthusiasm for at the time--just a little overwhelmed with life. 
This year I am going to do a little more. I know my limits--so I'm not taking on major
landscaping projects. But, I am feeling the call of the outdoors--so I'm going to go play in the dirt for a little while. I'll get rid of those weeds--do something about the hostas
taking over the space--maybe get a little color out mixed in with the green. I'm not a seasoned gardener, but I can do a little something to make it look more presentable! I'll show you what I accomplish later!
While I'm outside digging, you can work this pretty little flower puzzle! Just double click in the middle of the puzzle. I'll be back!
MONDAY MORSELS
A LITTLE UPDATE FOR FAMILY/FRIENDS
We have friends/relatives reading this blog who are not bloggers—most of whom do not usually leave a comment ☹. BTW, you are invited to comment anytime you wish, but you are welcome even if you don’t. I appreciate that you are coming by and am aware that some of you read hoping to keep up with Mr. L’s condition/progress. Although I don't intend for this space to be limited to a record of his condition/progress, this is a good place to communicate with you all at one time. One of the reasons for having the blog is to be able to connect with family and friends. I will plan to report on a more regular basis.For those who do not know us irl, if you like you can learn some of the history here. “The man” is known here as Mr. L, PH, or Poppy. Mr. L, because we have a grandson known on the blog as L; PH because I like the term that a special friend has used when she speaks to me concerning him--“your precious husband”; and Poppy because four special young people call him that! Just add these names to the long list of nicknames he already has—almost everyone who knows him has a special name for him--you know you have one for him!
This picture was taken several months ago--before the last hospital stay. He said I could put a picture in if it included me. I had to go that far back to find one we would both allow!
REDECORATINGI hope this is the week I will be able to unveil the new look for Cherish. . .the word. Keep coming by, the new look is due soon from Bluebird Blogs. I am SO excited about it! It’s almost like redecorating a room—only not nearly as expensive!Have a great week!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
MOTHER'S DAY TRIBUTE
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
In Memory and Honor of those women in my life-- and the life of my husband-- who have “mothered” us. . .
Beulah 1910-1953
My Mother
I was in first grade when she died unexpectedly in her sleep.
My brother and sisters, who are older than me,
have more vivid memories of her.
I love hearing their stories
of growing up with this remarkable lady.
Everyone who knew her
loved her gentle and fun-loving personality.
She loved the Lord, her family, and a good time.
She definitely left a legacy of love and laughter.
*********
Rachel 1915-
My StepMother
She is almost 92 and always ready for a family get-together.
She came to our family when we were all grown or almost grown.
She cared for our father through Alzhiemer’s disease.
For that we are grateful.
*********
Frankie 1897-1990
My Aunt
She was my Dad’s oldest sister and she had no children of her own.
She helped my Dad raise my older sister and me.
We lived with her, and her husband Ed, for a year when we were in second and fourth grades and again for awhile when we were in high school.
She was a guiding force in my life.
Going to her house was always like going home.
She was always a gracious, Christian lady.
She worked, firmly, patiently, and tirelessly, to instill those values in me!
*********
My Aunts
Both my Dad and my Mother had sisters and sisters-in-law who loved me and showed me examples of how to be good mothers.
They were a loving part of the village that helped raise me.
Emma 1914-
Mr. L’s Mother
Emma, age 92, is Mr. L’s mother.
Widowed in 1968, she has lived by herself in High Point, NC,
about 20 miles from Mr. L’s brother for over 20 years now.
Through orphaned as a child, her strong faith in Christ
was the first spiritual influence in my husband’s life.
As a Bible teacher for over 40 years and strong prayer warrior,
G-Maw has been a model of Christian faith for many. *********Nancy
"Ninnie" to her Granchildren
Ninnie was Mr. L’s paternal grandmother.
Widowed as a relatively young woman, she lived with her older son,
my husband’s father, for most of her adult life.
Mr. L called her “Ninnie” when the family tried to get him to call her, “Nanny.”
She had a great influence on Mr. L,
being the first to encourage his creativity—especially as a storyteller.Dorothy
Our Good Friend
A remarkable lady who has been a part of our lives for over thirty years. She and her husband, Gene, have been like an extra set of grandparents to our children. She is a loving, Christian lady who has shared life events--both joyous and sad--with us. She and her sweet husband are a blessing!
Friday, May 11, 2007
SHOW AND TELL FRIDAY--VALENTINE'S DAY DOLL
Today is Show and Tell Friday. This is my first time to participate, but I have been reading some of the posts for a couple of weeks. If you would like more information, click on over to Kelli's. She is the gracious sponsor of Show and Tell.
Let me start with the disclaimer that I really do not collect dolls. Yet, I do have a small collection of dolls. All of these pretty dolls, for various reasons, have come to live with me and each has a special place in my heart. Today I am going to share one of the dolls in the collection. I may, at a later date, share the stories of the other dolls with you.
I have some shelves in my back hallway that until recently housed my husband’s lighthouse collection (a treasure for another time). We moved them to a curio cabinet several months ago and I decided to let the shelves be home to several small collections/treasures of mine. Here is the doll collection—
Today the spotlight is on the oldest doll. She is the oldest, but she is also the most recent addition to my little collection. In the photo above she is the doll that is sitting. She is over 50 years old and is a sweet reminder of my childhood.
MEET MARY HARTLINE!
Raise your hand if you know who Mary Hartline is. Hm-m-m-m That's what I figured. That’s OK--Please don't feel bad that you have never heard of Mary Hartline! Not many people have. If you were a little girl in the early 50s you might remember her. Mary was on a TV show called SUPER CIRCUS. My family didn't have a TV at that time. That wasn’t unusual—lots of people didn’t have them. Our neighbors did have a TV, and I sometimes watched with my friend, Judy. Even though I don’t remember a lot about it, I must have liked that program a lot.
If you clicked over to see the pictures of Mary Hartline and SUPER CIRCUS, I know you are now ROFLOL! Hey! TV was new—It’s what we had! And honestly--has it REALLY progressed that much?! If you didn't click to see the pictures, we'll give you just a second to do that--you really don't want to miss it! Just click on the underlined words in the paragraph above to see what children were watching in the early 50s.
When the Mary Dolls came out I thought I really HAD to have one. I remember asking for, and getting, her from Santa Claus—the Christmas I was five—or maybe six. (Yes, I am that old☺--but I don’t usually act it ☺ ☺).
I don’t have that original doll. I lost her, along with all my other dolls, in a family incident that is a story for another time--maybe. A few months ago my sister and I were reminiscing, on the phone, about some childhood trivia, particularly the dolls we had. Mary was one of my favorites.
My husband heard my side of this conversation. He went online—and purchased my Valentine’s Day gift! He had her delivered to our son’s house. My dil took care of Miss Mary, including wrapping her up and keeping her out of E Girl’s reach until Valentine’s Day. Then she and E Girl delivered her to our door! Was I ever surprised to see Mary after all these years!This Mary looks just the way I remember my first Mary looking—red dress, majorette boots, blonde hair. The original doll came with a small, child-sized baton. I “twirled” that thing until I wore it out—which is hard to do to a metal stick! Don’t you agree she is the perfect Valentine’s doll? I mean, with the heart with a line through it and red dress and all! I love having her—but I really love that Mr. L searched for her, bought her, and gave her to me! She will always have a special place--in my heart and on the doll shelf!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Thursday Thirteen #4
Thirteen Things About How Myrna Has a Good Day
And Ideas for Adapting The 13 Things for Yourself
And A Treasure Hunt for Finding Information/Items for the 13 Things
I had technical difficulties last week and never actually got last week’s list up completely. I promised I would be back with it today. So, you get a triple dose to make up for my tech failure. This week you get:
(1) the list of some things I might do to make my day a good one;
(2) a suggestion of how you might personalize it for yourself;
(3) a treasure hunt to find information/items you might need. To go on the treasure hunt, just click on the words indicated in the list. BTW some (not all) of the links may take you to a place where you could buy something. I am not encouraging you to buy; I am not being paid anything; and I am not endorsing any products. I am just offering you a little on-line hunt.
Just for fun! 1. Read
Psalm 8.—OR--Choose a
Bible passage that gives you encouragement and helps you feel uplifted and ready to face the day.
2. Start the Day with a cup of
Starbucks or
Maxwell House Rich Blend (I know, I have eclectic taste in coffee)!—OR--You may prefer
tea—your choice, of course!
3. Read a book by
Karen Kingsbury,
Beth Moore, John Grisham, and
Jan Karon—OR--Choose one of your favorite
authors and curl up with a good
book.
4. Play a
game, read a
book, or share a
laugh with
E-Girl,
J, S, or L.—OR--If you have not yet been blessed with a
grandchild, you surely know a child who would love to have a
special day planned just for them. It will be a
gift for both of you!
5. Eat a bowl of fluffy white
popcorn all by myself—OR--Treat yourself to your own favorite
snack. You can share it if you choose.
6. Have a
Chick Flick movie marathon with
Sleepless in Seattle,
In Her Shoes,
My Big Fat Greek Wedding!—OR--You choose the
movie genre!
7. Get a
mani-pedi!—OR—You may like to add a
facial for a day of
pampering!8. Share a walk down memory lane with my family by pulling out old
photo albums.—OR—You might want to spend some time sharing your collection of mementos from family
trips.9. Listen to
Mercy Me—and maybe some
Travis Cottrell, or
CeCe Winans, –OR--You choose your favorite
group/singer and enjoy!
10.Tell
Mr. L that I love him!—OR--Your spouse, or significant other, would surely appreciate a
message from you.
11. Take a walk down to the
lake.—OR-- If you don’t have a lake nearby, choose a destination that allows you to appreciate the
beauty of God’s world.
12. Watch and listen to a message of encouragement from
Bill Purvis—OR—You choose a teacher/preacher/speaker who nurtures your spirit.
13.
Call Gene and Dorothy for a chat. —OR--You probably have an older
friend/
relative who would love to
hear from you. Of course, ALL
plans are made for
Mom on
Mother's Day!
Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Isaiah 40:11 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
11 He protects His flock like a shepherd;
He gathers the lambs in His arms
and carries [them] in the fold of His [garment].
He gently leads. . .
Name:
Myrna
I am a Christian woman who shares a blessed life with my precious husband, our two adult sons and their wives, and four grandchildren. We cherish the adventures God has allowed us to have together. I recently retired from an over thirty year career as an elementary teacher and administrator.
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