It's a relatively quiet morning out here on the prairie. Doesn't sound like a whole lot of construction is going on behind us and the grinding and machinery sound from the pipe layers has come to a resounding stop. Silence... For one thing, one of the workmen got one of their big digging machines, of course there is a term for it but I haven't a clue right now what it would be called, stuck in the mud. It is so deep into the hole it dug and with all the rain this week, they had to put a chain link fence around it to keep Rancho de Five children and probably their dads from getting too close. A new twist to the wait and let the ground dry out is, all the white Center Point trucks lining Rancho de Five Blvd. Of course when I drove by them all, I didn't give anything a thought but Roy stopped and talked with the men as he came home from photography class. There is a small gas leak and they are trying to pin point its location. I looked out the window this morning and trucks are back, so I guess they haven't fixed it yet. Roy was telling me this morning to get up early, get showered and dressed in case they turned off the electricity or evacuated the neighborhood. He takes his pipeline safety rather seriously and well we should. But, I was so tired this morning I had to make the quality decision to sleep in, eat breakfast and then shower. It's called living on the edge people...besides the odds of being interviewed on TV go up when you're dressed weird and your over all appearance is strange. My mother would have been worked up and rather worried if there was a small gas leak in the neighborhood. By nature my mom was a worrier. She kind of had it backwards, worry without ceasing, worry always, worry in the Lord always and again I say worry. Don't get me wrong, my mom was a great prayer but she wrestled constantly with the Lord over trusting Him with the situation. She would be so glad to help Him though, by taking the worry part for Him. I know if I was my mom, there would be suitcases packed and in the ready position. So this is the scene from out front door, flashing lights, white trucks, men wearing orange safety vests and a big digger stuck in the mud.
Contrast that with the happenings in the backyard. In the serene setting of tree, shrubs and grass that is finally growing, sat a little bunny rabbit. I stood for the longest time watching it eat, wash and stretch. The bunny kind of reminded me of Buddy the cat. I was so mesmerised, I finally remembered I could pull out a dining room chair and watch a little more comfortably. In the midst of this nature show happening in the confines of our backyard, Roy came home from the office. I greeted him, but didn't move from the chair. Now I know that goes against all we are taught about "the greeting" the husband should receive when he comes in the door, but I figured he wouldn't mind the turned back greeting for one evening. What the heck, the only difference from a normal night when he comes home is, I greet him from behind the computer or sitting on the couch. Bad Christian wife, Nancy! Anyway, he joined in with me watching the bunny for a bit and then he microwaved the delicious and loving dinner prepared for him by the good people at T. Jin's. That little rabbit held my attention till the evening took over the light of day. After a long, fun and busy day, I settled down and experienced such a quieting peace. God's hand, His little creation, right there in our little backyard.
This morning in retrospect a work was happening in the midst of ordinary, everyday life. I didn't see it at the time but there were two choices, focus on the the thing I cannot control, that causes anxiety and worry or focus on the thing I cannot control, that brings peace and presence. We have those choices everyday, all day long. You know, it might even be biblical, that thing of choosing, blessing or cursing and that is not to be confused with cussing. Some people say they cuss others say they curse. How timely with all this talk of bunnies, I just went on a rabbit trail. Sunday morning I went with Roy to his Life Bible Study class, LBS class is just relevant church talk for Sunday School. Anyway, David Taylor, the teacher, is teaching out of Isaiah. He covered Isaiah 11 and 12. His emphasis on verses 6-9 in chapter 11 about peace was so good. This week as I have read and re-read these chapters, something jumped out, this phrase, "in that day." It is used several time in chapters 11 and 12 and it seems that after the phrase, in that day, it says, the wolf and the lamb will live together. In that day the heir to David's throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. In that day the Lord will reach out His hand a second time to bring back the remnant of His people. Then in chapter 12 verse 1, in that day you will sing and then in verse 4,"in that wonderful day you will sing; Thank the Lord, praise His name!" In that day the Lord and in that same day, in that day, we respond.
Today I want to be "in that day." To see and experience, to know and be grateful for God's presence in my everyday....in that day. I want to be "in"with Him.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day!
Roy is the best at these kind of things. I always have good intentions but I am happy he got his card today. Usually, I buy a card for him and then I can't find it. I have a present for him but I forgot to get it out of our closet before he fell asleep last night and he was so tired from the full day of traveling that I didn't have the heart to get it. I'll have it here for him when he gets home.
We are going out for Valentine's with Bill and Peggy. Looking forward to a fun evening with friends.
I've spent most of the day with my dad. We went to Los Tios for lunch and then came back to his house and went through a few more things. There are a lot of drawers he hasn't even touched. I brought home a few things today, a couple of bowls and a doll that had been my mothers when she was a child. We laughed when he asked if I needed any pots or pans...
Monday, February 13, 2012
A Winter Weekend Recap
What a great day to stay in except I have a couple of errands to run. Overcast skies and steady rain. Roy had to leave in the early morning for a flight to the OKC. He'll be back this afternoon and I am so thankful he doesn't travel like he had to when we were first married. I think the first six years he was on the road quite often but during part of that time I worked with him as an oil and gas auditor for non operating partners in joint venture drilling. Oh, yea, that job was a perfect fit for me. Actually, I enjoyed the work, it was like solving a mystery. Granted when it came to the wrapping up of an audit and we were still looking in the nitty gritty details, I was over the mystery and ready to move on. What I mostly dreaded about the job was, being in an office for a week or more and not being liked because, well, we were auditors. I would try to let the office staff know we weren't that kind of auditor but I don't think anyone ever believed me. Anyway, Roy was up at 4:00 am and out of the house at 5:15. Of course, I would like to report that I stayed up and was productive, but after praying for Roy and his day, I hit the pillow and didn't wake up until I heard the melodious voice of Charles Swindoll.
We had a very fun weekend. Friday, Roy got home a little later than usual. (they only work half days on Friday) So he didn't really have any time to de-stress from the office. We went to Lupe's for an early dinner and headed into town for the Tim Hawkin's show. Since we had senior adulted our dinner and we were running way early to arrive at church, we stopped in at Lowe's to get some potting soil and a stain chip to send to the HOA for explanation of our fence. It was good to get that taken care of so that we didn't have to devote time to it on Saturday. We arrived at church, where I dropped Roy off so he could go in and save us seats. He did good and we had seats in the center of the balcony. We sat with David and Emily. When the show was over my cheeks and stomach were sore from so much laughing and the eye make up was nonexistent. The show was sold out. Now this is something I don't understand beyond the obvious but churches are enablers for late arriving people. Several times a plea was made from the stage to scoot in if there were any vacant seats next to you. No one moved, no not one. A few minutes later, the same request was given, scoot in. No boot scooting or any other kind of scooting took place. Now really, the request punishes those who came on time, this was general seating, to pick the seats they wanted and now are being asked to move. Since Roy and I are tall and aisles are not usually constructed with people over 6' in mind, we like to get end seats for the leg room. Others like to sit on the end to be able to leave or move about comfortably until the pilot turns on the seat belt sign. Really, scooting in is biblical, the first shall be last and the last shall be first, but not moving is also biblical...you know like the tree standing by the water, I shall not be moved.
Saturday morning Roy and I went to Otto's for breakfast. Afterwards, we went over to the farmer's market and got more tomatoes. Roy also had to take some pictures of doors and windows for his homework assignment in his photography class. Now there one has to be a little careful because one could be arrested for being a peeping Tom or something. We found enough uninhabited places for him to snap. We went to K T Antiques and took pictures of the display windows. They are always very cleaver and interesting. We left Katy and took off for Brookwood. Needed to get a couple of plants and look once again through the Easter things in the gift store. Our excursion was short this time because Roy needed to return home and get some paperwork ready for his trip.
After a two week sabbatical, we were back at church. Loved the choir numbers and congregational singing, oh and the sermon wasn't too bad either. I went to Sunday School, I mean Life Bible Study with Roy. Great lesson by David Taylor. He is teaching on Isaiah. After church we went to Goode Company Bar B Que. I have been craving jalapeno sausage and Goode Company sauce. We were in two cars because the second Sunday is Roy's early prayer Sunday. He went to the grocery store for us and I came home to take a nap.
Last night I met Emily at First Methodist Westchase to Gerald's hymn sing. I hadn't been to one in a long time. I was especially looking forward to hearing John Bolin and Jill Hoffer. It was a pleasant evening. A lot of hymns that I have totally forgotten about were sung including a couple that were my mom's favorites. When we sang Shall We Gather at the River, the older lady behind me sang in that quavery, weak, older, slightly off key voice and that brought back fond memories of my grandmother singing in church. Afterwards it was fun seeing and talking with friends that I haven't seen for a while. A little sleet and rain greeted me on the drive home. Roy was going to sleep early and since I was a little wired, I stayed up watched the DVR'd Downton Abby and then flipped between the Golden Girls, the History Channel and Investigation Discovery TV. Can I tell you I had some of the strangest dreams last night.
Looks like the rain has ceased for the time being, so I better hit the streets and get back home before another wave hits. Happy Monday!
We had a very fun weekend. Friday, Roy got home a little later than usual. (they only work half days on Friday) So he didn't really have any time to de-stress from the office. We went to Lupe's for an early dinner and headed into town for the Tim Hawkin's show. Since we had senior adulted our dinner and we were running way early to arrive at church, we stopped in at Lowe's to get some potting soil and a stain chip to send to the HOA for explanation of our fence. It was good to get that taken care of so that we didn't have to devote time to it on Saturday. We arrived at church, where I dropped Roy off so he could go in and save us seats. He did good and we had seats in the center of the balcony. We sat with David and Emily. When the show was over my cheeks and stomach were sore from so much laughing and the eye make up was nonexistent. The show was sold out. Now this is something I don't understand beyond the obvious but churches are enablers for late arriving people. Several times a plea was made from the stage to scoot in if there were any vacant seats next to you. No one moved, no not one. A few minutes later, the same request was given, scoot in. No boot scooting or any other kind of scooting took place. Now really, the request punishes those who came on time, this was general seating, to pick the seats they wanted and now are being asked to move. Since Roy and I are tall and aisles are not usually constructed with people over 6' in mind, we like to get end seats for the leg room. Others like to sit on the end to be able to leave or move about comfortably until the pilot turns on the seat belt sign. Really, scooting in is biblical, the first shall be last and the last shall be first, but not moving is also biblical...you know like the tree standing by the water, I shall not be moved.
Saturday morning Roy and I went to Otto's for breakfast. Afterwards, we went over to the farmer's market and got more tomatoes. Roy also had to take some pictures of doors and windows for his homework assignment in his photography class. Now there one has to be a little careful because one could be arrested for being a peeping Tom or something. We found enough uninhabited places for him to snap. We went to K T Antiques and took pictures of the display windows. They are always very cleaver and interesting. We left Katy and took off for Brookwood. Needed to get a couple of plants and look once again through the Easter things in the gift store. Our excursion was short this time because Roy needed to return home and get some paperwork ready for his trip.
After a two week sabbatical, we were back at church. Loved the choir numbers and congregational singing, oh and the sermon wasn't too bad either. I went to Sunday School, I mean Life Bible Study with Roy. Great lesson by David Taylor. He is teaching on Isaiah. After church we went to Goode Company Bar B Que. I have been craving jalapeno sausage and Goode Company sauce. We were in two cars because the second Sunday is Roy's early prayer Sunday. He went to the grocery store for us and I came home to take a nap.
Last night I met Emily at First Methodist Westchase to Gerald's hymn sing. I hadn't been to one in a long time. I was especially looking forward to hearing John Bolin and Jill Hoffer. It was a pleasant evening. A lot of hymns that I have totally forgotten about were sung including a couple that were my mom's favorites. When we sang Shall We Gather at the River, the older lady behind me sang in that quavery, weak, older, slightly off key voice and that brought back fond memories of my grandmother singing in church. Afterwards it was fun seeing and talking with friends that I haven't seen for a while. A little sleet and rain greeted me on the drive home. Roy was going to sleep early and since I was a little wired, I stayed up watched the DVR'd Downton Abby and then flipped between the Golden Girls, the History Channel and Investigation Discovery TV. Can I tell you I had some of the strangest dreams last night.
Looks like the rain has ceased for the time being, so I better hit the streets and get back home before another wave hits. Happy Monday!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Feeling the Love
We are so feeling the love from our HOA. We got a Valentine from them yesterday. After their last inspection on January 30, we were written up for sealing our fence with a wood sealant that preserves the new look and prolongs the fencing from turning into that aging gray look. Roy talked with them yesterday to get some specifics from them and he will respond and must do so before the 17th. I'm surprised they didn't write us up for having a non authorized bougainvillea plant in the courtyard. Really, I am glad we have a tough HOA but sometimes the things they focus on borders on the ridiculous. Like why aren't they writing up the neighbor across the street who still has a Christmas wreath hanging on her front door. My suspicion is she's trying to pass it off as a Valentine wreath but those pesky Valentine pine cones are giving her away. And her landscaping, well let's just say it looks like she got bored in the middle of it and hasn't completed her project now going on three months. I mean I understand because of my ADD but dang, I know to get professionals or Roy involved to see something to completion. I have several on going projects in the house and each of them are in different rooms. That way when I get off task, I have something new to keep my attention until I go into the next room.
After a week of quiet the machines are back on the green space laying or lying water pipe. They almost have the section by us completed. The noise factor is diminishing each week from the house construction behind us. There is only one lot left to be developed and it is right behind us. It is a Weekley lot and usually they don't build until the lot has been sold.
Is anyone watching Super Nanny on Lifetime after Dance Moms? Wow, Ms Deborah, the nanny, is awesome and has great techniques. Today when I ran into the Target to see if they had potting soil I kind of laughed to myself because I saw a discipline situation going south, in a hurry. I thought if that mom only had a bell, you'll have to watch the show. The other mom with kids shopping with her kind of had a look on her face like, you need to take care of this situation now and she was giving approving looks to her two boys. They were behaved and looked kind of shocked that children could get away with such things. Seems like I am on a discipline observing kick right now. I will say I so respect and honor you moms. You do hard work everyday. I don't think I would have made a good mom but I do make a good Aunt Foo Foo. Oh, Target is still out of potting soil. I know I can go other places and get it, but Target is just too much fun. Also a note on Dance Moms...they are arguing more and almost getting to the Mob Wives scale of bleeped out banter. I like watching the girls dance and become more confident as they perform. Some of the moms should take note of the girls because if anyone of those kids talked or acted they way they do, their butt would be so grounded.
Maybe I should go finish up the rest of my homework and maybe complete a project or two before I make dinner. Yes, sometimes I go into the kitchen for more than a Diet Coke.
After a week of quiet the machines are back on the green space laying or lying water pipe. They almost have the section by us completed. The noise factor is diminishing each week from the house construction behind us. There is only one lot left to be developed and it is right behind us. It is a Weekley lot and usually they don't build until the lot has been sold.
Is anyone watching Super Nanny on Lifetime after Dance Moms? Wow, Ms Deborah, the nanny, is awesome and has great techniques. Today when I ran into the Target to see if they had potting soil I kind of laughed to myself because I saw a discipline situation going south, in a hurry. I thought if that mom only had a bell, you'll have to watch the show. The other mom with kids shopping with her kind of had a look on her face like, you need to take care of this situation now and she was giving approving looks to her two boys. They were behaved and looked kind of shocked that children could get away with such things. Seems like I am on a discipline observing kick right now. I will say I so respect and honor you moms. You do hard work everyday. I don't think I would have made a good mom but I do make a good Aunt Foo Foo. Oh, Target is still out of potting soil. I know I can go other places and get it, but Target is just too much fun. Also a note on Dance Moms...they are arguing more and almost getting to the Mob Wives scale of bleeped out banter. I like watching the girls dance and become more confident as they perform. Some of the moms should take note of the girls because if anyone of those kids talked or acted they way they do, their butt would be so grounded.
Maybe I should go finish up the rest of my homework and maybe complete a project or two before I make dinner. Yes, sometimes I go into the kitchen for more than a Diet Coke.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
New Stuff and New Mercies...Great is Thy Faithfulness
Some of the things that we ordered several months ago and have been on back order began arriving this week. The Fed Ex man has made two trips today and the UPS man should be delivering a box by the end of the day. This is so much fun! I had kind of taken a mini break from adding anything to the house. We still have two critical items to take care of, trundle bed mattress and window coverings for the casita bedroom. For right now stained glass is helping the situation in the casita windows but when we bought them this was not the glass' intended use.
With thoughts turning toward spring this first week of February, I've really been missing my mom. Spring was her favorite time of year and she would have already been planning what she'd be planting in the coming months. My parent's backyard was beautiful with the full on rush of color backed up by the ubiquitous green of shrubs and trees. She had various vines trailing up trellises and archways. Her gardening was one of the last things that Alzheimer's took from her. It's just so sad to see the backyard now when I go see my dad. Of course bleak mid-winter doesn't help but still it is not even close to the former glory of the garden. To help me celebrate my mom today, I fixed a grilled cheese sandwich in her honor, complete with sliced dill pickles and baked chips. A tradition established as a child and carried long into my adult years. If I came by before, at or after lunch my mom always volunteered to fix me a grilled cheese with tart pickle chips to complete the gourmet treat. I ate my sandwich in silence today, since Buddy was currently taking her late noon day nap and I looked out the windows onto the courtyard and thought about container plantings and maybe a trellis or two. Of course I am going to have to consult with professionals on what plants do well with morning sun and afternoon shade. I don't even know if Roy will let me actually get the yard landscaped because of sprinkler placement and drainage issues that seem to be slowly resolving themselves. Roy has been concerned about the shepherd hook at the edge of the courtyard near the fireplace. I decided instead of drilling a hole in the brick, I would hang the wind chimes on the shepherd hook but Roy is thinking of pipeline safety. That's his natural inclination since he works for the largest publicly traded pipeline company. For sure there is no lack of pipelines out here on the prairie. Don't you know that no one back in the day would have ever believed there would be people and huge subdivisions out here on the land. Hopefully these pipelines are buried deeply in the ground and a 4 inch spike going into the ground to hold wind chimes would not blow us all to kingdom come.
I read this article this morning and found it quite interesting. Since I don't have a boat in this race there isn't really too much I can comment on and the reality of what works best for discipline. I remember a conversation my mom and I had when I was probably 8 or 9. She was trying to make a point to me that she could only remember receiving one spanking as a child verses me on the other hand, who received a spanking everyday for something or other. What was I going to tell my children she wondered? Don't get me wrong, I was a strong willed child and pushed the envelope from time to time. OK, pushed the envelope pretty much all the time. When my mother was trying to covey to me good behavior thus less spankings, I answered back that I guessed I would have to tell my children I was spanked everyday and their guilty feelings of not measuring up wouldn't beset them each step of the way according to the day. I think I got another spanking for being a smart alec but really, I wasn't trying to be one, I was just answering her question. Answering my parents questions honestly got me in hot water almost all the time. Once my mom in exasperation asked me, "who do you think you are? The Queen of Sheba?" Well, I didn't know this Queen of Sheba, so I got out the encyclopedia, which I should have mentioned later to my dad that I had actually used the World Books since he seemed to think no one ever used them and commented at least once a week at dinner about the still brand new look of the books. Well, I used them a lot but during the day while he was at work. But, I digress. I looked her up, O Sheba, and did as much research as I possibly could and went to the Bible and read the passages about Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Several hours later I came back and reported to her, why yes, I would love to be the Queen of Sheba. In good conscience I could put a check mark on my offering envelope for Bible read. In reading the Bible it revealed her life seemed to be pretty spiffy. I got a spanking for being a smart alec. Wasn't my intention to be one but after a while, skin and feelings toughen up and getting a spanking for having a smart mouth didn't even phase me because speaking those smart alec words amused me as I got older. The interesting point in the article I mentioned long ago at the first of this paragraph is, spanking may work for the short term but had ill effects long term. There was probably a better way to discipline me but I was raised back in the day when no one thought about this kind of thing. I think I became more aggressive and had an aggressive attitude because I was being hit everyday and there were several spankings, more than I would like to remember, that went over the line and was nothing more than being hit in anger with an object like a belt, hairbrush, switch or board. Those kind of spankings were usually administered by my father. What made the whole thing worse, if it could even ever be made worse was; we had to talk about what I had done and why it had been wrong. These conversations would last usually an hour and I was being given a chance to plead my case. I never won my case in any of these conversations. There wasn't any mercy given or shown. Sometimes I wonder if anything would have been different if I had ever been extended mercy instead of justice, just one time. At least with my mom, she administered justice at the time of the infraction and didn't put off the inevitable. And her spankings didn't really hurt.
I'm so glad that God's compassions they fail not, new mercies are found every morning. Oh, yes I love the new mercies and in hindsight find the Lord's discipline a thing to be thankful for. This heart journey isn't one I would have chosen for myself, yet God has done some much needed work on me during this season. Because I HAD to, to protect my heart, arguing, bullying with words, instant anger or long stewing anger had to go, along with whining and trying to get my way. There were physical implications when I crossed over into stress and anger land. My body couldn't handle it. Thus the reworking of my heart both physically and emotionally began. That strong will which has benefited me throughout life now had to come into submission of God. Big lesson learned and still learning, I ain't in control of very much. In our study of Revelation on Thursdays, it seems our homework and discussions keep coming back to the certainty of God's timing and He has it all in control. Yet, while world situations play out and chaos and havoc and violence comes from that old dragon Satan, it is God knowing how it all ends and in that big picture, Revelation shows God's compassion and mercy to those who believe in His Son, Jesus. It is God who wipes away the tears, it is God giving harps to the 144,000 to play and sing a new song and it is God who listens and knows the prayers of His saints.
Well, this post didn't even go where I thought it would go when I started. Good timing to end here because I think UPS is coming to the door with a much anticipated package. Oh good, more stuff to hang on the walls.
With thoughts turning toward spring this first week of February, I've really been missing my mom. Spring was her favorite time of year and she would have already been planning what she'd be planting in the coming months. My parent's backyard was beautiful with the full on rush of color backed up by the ubiquitous green of shrubs and trees. She had various vines trailing up trellises and archways. Her gardening was one of the last things that Alzheimer's took from her. It's just so sad to see the backyard now when I go see my dad. Of course bleak mid-winter doesn't help but still it is not even close to the former glory of the garden. To help me celebrate my mom today, I fixed a grilled cheese sandwich in her honor, complete with sliced dill pickles and baked chips. A tradition established as a child and carried long into my adult years. If I came by before, at or after lunch my mom always volunteered to fix me a grilled cheese with tart pickle chips to complete the gourmet treat. I ate my sandwich in silence today, since Buddy was currently taking her late noon day nap and I looked out the windows onto the courtyard and thought about container plantings and maybe a trellis or two. Of course I am going to have to consult with professionals on what plants do well with morning sun and afternoon shade. I don't even know if Roy will let me actually get the yard landscaped because of sprinkler placement and drainage issues that seem to be slowly resolving themselves. Roy has been concerned about the shepherd hook at the edge of the courtyard near the fireplace. I decided instead of drilling a hole in the brick, I would hang the wind chimes on the shepherd hook but Roy is thinking of pipeline safety. That's his natural inclination since he works for the largest publicly traded pipeline company. For sure there is no lack of pipelines out here on the prairie. Don't you know that no one back in the day would have ever believed there would be people and huge subdivisions out here on the land. Hopefully these pipelines are buried deeply in the ground and a 4 inch spike going into the ground to hold wind chimes would not blow us all to kingdom come.
I read this article this morning and found it quite interesting. Since I don't have a boat in this race there isn't really too much I can comment on and the reality of what works best for discipline. I remember a conversation my mom and I had when I was probably 8 or 9. She was trying to make a point to me that she could only remember receiving one spanking as a child verses me on the other hand, who received a spanking everyday for something or other. What was I going to tell my children she wondered? Don't get me wrong, I was a strong willed child and pushed the envelope from time to time. OK, pushed the envelope pretty much all the time. When my mother was trying to covey to me good behavior thus less spankings, I answered back that I guessed I would have to tell my children I was spanked everyday and their guilty feelings of not measuring up wouldn't beset them each step of the way according to the day. I think I got another spanking for being a smart alec but really, I wasn't trying to be one, I was just answering her question. Answering my parents questions honestly got me in hot water almost all the time. Once my mom in exasperation asked me, "who do you think you are? The Queen of Sheba?" Well, I didn't know this Queen of Sheba, so I got out the encyclopedia, which I should have mentioned later to my dad that I had actually used the World Books since he seemed to think no one ever used them and commented at least once a week at dinner about the still brand new look of the books. Well, I used them a lot but during the day while he was at work. But, I digress. I looked her up, O Sheba, and did as much research as I possibly could and went to the Bible and read the passages about Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Several hours later I came back and reported to her, why yes, I would love to be the Queen of Sheba. In good conscience I could put a check mark on my offering envelope for Bible read. In reading the Bible it revealed her life seemed to be pretty spiffy. I got a spanking for being a smart alec. Wasn't my intention to be one but after a while, skin and feelings toughen up and getting a spanking for having a smart mouth didn't even phase me because speaking those smart alec words amused me as I got older. The interesting point in the article I mentioned long ago at the first of this paragraph is, spanking may work for the short term but had ill effects long term. There was probably a better way to discipline me but I was raised back in the day when no one thought about this kind of thing. I think I became more aggressive and had an aggressive attitude because I was being hit everyday and there were several spankings, more than I would like to remember, that went over the line and was nothing more than being hit in anger with an object like a belt, hairbrush, switch or board. Those kind of spankings were usually administered by my father. What made the whole thing worse, if it could even ever be made worse was; we had to talk about what I had done and why it had been wrong. These conversations would last usually an hour and I was being given a chance to plead my case. I never won my case in any of these conversations. There wasn't any mercy given or shown. Sometimes I wonder if anything would have been different if I had ever been extended mercy instead of justice, just one time. At least with my mom, she administered justice at the time of the infraction and didn't put off the inevitable. And her spankings didn't really hurt.
I'm so glad that God's compassions they fail not, new mercies are found every morning. Oh, yes I love the new mercies and in hindsight find the Lord's discipline a thing to be thankful for. This heart journey isn't one I would have chosen for myself, yet God has done some much needed work on me during this season. Because I HAD to, to protect my heart, arguing, bullying with words, instant anger or long stewing anger had to go, along with whining and trying to get my way. There were physical implications when I crossed over into stress and anger land. My body couldn't handle it. Thus the reworking of my heart both physically and emotionally began. That strong will which has benefited me throughout life now had to come into submission of God. Big lesson learned and still learning, I ain't in control of very much. In our study of Revelation on Thursdays, it seems our homework and discussions keep coming back to the certainty of God's timing and He has it all in control. Yet, while world situations play out and chaos and havoc and violence comes from that old dragon Satan, it is God knowing how it all ends and in that big picture, Revelation shows God's compassion and mercy to those who believe in His Son, Jesus. It is God who wipes away the tears, it is God giving harps to the 144,000 to play and sing a new song and it is God who listens and knows the prayers of His saints.
Well, this post didn't even go where I thought it would go when I started. Good timing to end here because I think UPS is coming to the door with a much anticipated package. Oh good, more stuff to hang on the walls.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Hello Monday!
What a beautiful day! I'm saying this even though our electricity went out again this afternoon. It just came on a little while ago. Instead of busying myself with laundry like I planned, instead I worked on homework, finished up a little craft project (hope no one just spit Diet Coke at that news) and took a little nap. You know how it goes, if I take a nap when I wake up, the electricity will be back. Right before it went off, there were some loud truck like noises where they are laying water pipe. Somehow, I think, someone must have hit a line or something. It took a little over two hours to get the 6,600 of us back online. No that didn't make it happen but, it was a nice nap anyways. Roy actually called me rather early today and asked me to send him his staff notes. Since I was up and about I decided to stay awake and begin the day. So the nap was nice.
Loving the Home Goods store out here. Never liked the one on Bunker Hill. It didn't seem that organized and it has too much stuff that isn't all that interesting. Also, this one out here doesn't have clothes, so that helps a lot. Last week I found some really cute Easter things at Home Goods for cheap and I went back there this morning to pick up a few more decorations. Since I was so close to Target, I made a stop there too. I was looking to pick up some of the on sale potting soil but they were out. Guess that means I need to make a return trip at some point this week.
Roy had some dental work done Friday afternoon. This weekend's theme; soft foods. That theme is made a little more difficult by the fact that Roy isn't a fan of most soft foods. He doesn't like mashed potatoes too much, not a mac and cheese fan and he really isn't that big of an egg eater but dang it, if he wanted something more than ice cream for dinner Friday night, he was going to have to have some scrambled eggs. So Roy's diet was high in pudding and ice cream consumption. Saturday, he ventured into enchilada land and by Sunday, he subsided on tamales and of course more ice cream.
Saturday evening I watched our recording of Suspicion. Love that movie and then I found myself watching Saturday Night Fever. AMC was celebrating its 35th anniversary. Yep, that movie came out the year Roy and I were married. And in light of the previous post on ugly clothes of the 70's, watching SNF confirmed once again what all the pictures and memories of the 70's brought back to mind while looking at the FB pages. While I was watching SNF, it reminded me of the SNL skit, Samari Fever with John Belushi. It was almost as good as the dance scenes from the movie.
I had to break away from the Super Bowl last night to watch Downton Abbey. So glad I did and still saw the last play of the game. It was a win/win.
Seems like each time I sit down to write and I have a couple of serious things on my mind to blog about, I can't seem to get the words together. Guess it means, the words are quite there yet and I have more to ponder.
Loving the Home Goods store out here. Never liked the one on Bunker Hill. It didn't seem that organized and it has too much stuff that isn't all that interesting. Also, this one out here doesn't have clothes, so that helps a lot. Last week I found some really cute Easter things at Home Goods for cheap and I went back there this morning to pick up a few more decorations. Since I was so close to Target, I made a stop there too. I was looking to pick up some of the on sale potting soil but they were out. Guess that means I need to make a return trip at some point this week.
Roy had some dental work done Friday afternoon. This weekend's theme; soft foods. That theme is made a little more difficult by the fact that Roy isn't a fan of most soft foods. He doesn't like mashed potatoes too much, not a mac and cheese fan and he really isn't that big of an egg eater but dang it, if he wanted something more than ice cream for dinner Friday night, he was going to have to have some scrambled eggs. So Roy's diet was high in pudding and ice cream consumption. Saturday, he ventured into enchilada land and by Sunday, he subsided on tamales and of course more ice cream.
Saturday evening I watched our recording of Suspicion. Love that movie and then I found myself watching Saturday Night Fever. AMC was celebrating its 35th anniversary. Yep, that movie came out the year Roy and I were married. And in light of the previous post on ugly clothes of the 70's, watching SNF confirmed once again what all the pictures and memories of the 70's brought back to mind while looking at the FB pages. While I was watching SNF, it reminded me of the SNL skit, Samari Fever with John Belushi. It was almost as good as the dance scenes from the movie.
I had to break away from the Super Bowl last night to watch Downton Abbey. So glad I did and still saw the last play of the game. It was a win/win.
Seems like each time I sit down to write and I have a couple of serious things on my mind to blog about, I can't seem to get the words together. Guess it means, the words are quite there yet and I have more to ponder.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Long, Long Ago
OK, the 70's had to be one of the ugliest decades for fashion. Why am I thinking that? I have spent some time the past few afternoons looking at FB pages and websites of Houston from the 1950s and beyond. There is a page on FB called, does anyone remember Westbury Square? Oh my gosh, of course. It was the hangout place. Even before I was old enough to know how to hang out and be "really cool," Westbury Square was a Camp Fire Girl's sponsor's dream. We got to make and dip our own candles at the Candle store. There was Rumplehiemer's, ice cream, candy and limited menu items. A lot of my allowance was spent at Cargo Houston. That was a fun store to shop through for all the latest must haves. Westbury Square was ahead of its time, the mixture of shopping and apartments overlooking the shops. I thought my dream come true would be to rent one of those apartments when I was older. There was a pizza place, the Village Inn, I think. My boyfriend and I would go there for pizza when we wanted to hang out with my friends and we went to the Pizza Hut on Hillcroft next to the Purple Cow when we wanted to see his friends from Bellaire. The Villiage Inn Pizza place is where we went after going to a James Robinson Crusade and Revival service. We both were saved that night. It was our first true test by fire, because we told everyone I knew that happened to be there, what had happened to us at Willow Meadows Baptist Church. After that night, it was never difficult for me to share my faith. Westbury Square had great 4th of July fireworks and since our friends had the perfect house for up close viewing, we headed over to their yard each year to ooo and ahhh ourselves silly with the spectacular show. Even as young marrieds, Westbury Square was trying to hold on. I never felt so grown up when we ordered personalized Christmas cards from the Pink Giraffe. Fast forward to 2012 and Westbury Square is pretty much vacant and the civic club is trying to get what's left of it demolished.
There is another page on FB and it is a remember when of Southwest Houston. People have posted videos from their childhood and pictures of places that have been gone out of sight but not out of memory for a long time. Meyer Speedway, 2 K's, Meyerland Shopping Center when it first opened for business and lots of other places like Wee Wild West, Peppermint Park, Kiddie Land and Playland Park. Amusement parks before Astro World came on the scene.
I even read through a page dedicated to the Westbury Rebelettes. I interviewed to be a part but the first question I was asked in the interview was, if I didn't make it into Rebelettes, would I play on the volleyball team? Even then, I knew my fate was sealed and I would never be a Rebelette, but I had a lot of friends who were.
Lots of fun memories of places that are etched into the fabric of my childhood and teenage years. Almost all those places are gone, in ruins or have been re purposed. It has been fun looking back. I am so thankful that my brain and emotions didn't stop growing and maturing because there are way too many people whose lives are still ensconced in their "glory" days. Too bad, they are missing a lot of the present and soon to be future. The 70's weren't that great of a decade to get mired in, remember double knit, pant suits,leisure suits, polyester and the whole disco thing came from that decade.
There is another page on FB and it is a remember when of Southwest Houston. People have posted videos from their childhood and pictures of places that have been gone out of sight but not out of memory for a long time. Meyer Speedway, 2 K's, Meyerland Shopping Center when it first opened for business and lots of other places like Wee Wild West, Peppermint Park, Kiddie Land and Playland Park. Amusement parks before Astro World came on the scene.
I even read through a page dedicated to the Westbury Rebelettes. I interviewed to be a part but the first question I was asked in the interview was, if I didn't make it into Rebelettes, would I play on the volleyball team? Even then, I knew my fate was sealed and I would never be a Rebelette, but I had a lot of friends who were.
Lots of fun memories of places that are etched into the fabric of my childhood and teenage years. Almost all those places are gone, in ruins or have been re purposed. It has been fun looking back. I am so thankful that my brain and emotions didn't stop growing and maturing because there are way too many people whose lives are still ensconced in their "glory" days. Too bad, they are missing a lot of the present and soon to be future. The 70's weren't that great of a decade to get mired in, remember double knit, pant suits,leisure suits, polyester and the whole disco thing came from that decade.
Monday, January 30, 2012
A World of Firsts
An update on Buddy the border cat. Apparently, I wasn't too observant on Buddy's behavior toward the stuffed sheep on display in the guest bedroom. True, she hasn't been ripping their faces off as she has with other stuffed animals, but strangely enough, on the sheep, she is chewing through their feet and legs. What can I say other than Buddy is being biblical in the sense of being a good shepherd that breaks the lambs leg to keep the lamb from straying. This morning I was pulling some sheets and towels out of the linen closet not paying attention to Buddy's where abouts because this is usually her late mid morning nap time. I just happened to see a flash of gray tail on the towel shelf. Buddy has ensconced herself in the linen closet with the towels. Good thing I saw her tail because that door would have been shut. Once she woke up and wanted to move about, what noise she would be making and what if I was gone for most of the afternoon? She would not be a happy camper for sure. I left her in the closet but with the door slightly ajar.
Something has been kind of rolling about in this addled brain since Wednesday. Nothing to do with Chilly Bowl, at least not directly. Pictures will be coming of that fun event. No, it has to do with a conversation I was having with a friend and fellow choir member. We were discussing Bible study and the subject of a particular study that has three initials that are kind of like BFF came up. We both laughed at our mutual lack of personal diligence and personality that would make us less than suitable for following their strict rules. My friend had actually gone for a couple of weeks and thought it best that she and the Bible study part ways. I only tried one attempt of joining that study, early on as a young married. In fact, it was probably in the hay or hey days of this organization. There were so many women wanting to study the Bible that they limited their enrollment and would only take a few new ones to participate. The old sanctuary of Second Baptist, which back then was the only sanctuary at Second Baptist, was filled with women interested in studying the Bible. We filled out the information cards and would be notified by mail if we had made the cut. My mentor had been studying with them for a couple of years and she knew how much I loved to study the Bible. My mentor had been my Sunday School teacher when I was a new Christian and junior in high school and now she was once again my Sunday School teacher in the young marrieds class. Her presence in my life had made a huge difference and effect on my life, and still it continues even to this day. Because of her teaching and influence, I believe I was picked at Southwest Texas University's Baptist Student Union to be on the freshman council. My area of service; Bible studies to be started and led in all the women's freshman dorms. Loved that and even when I came home to finish out my studies at U of H, I was involved in leadership for Bible studies there on the campus and at church. And now, I was thrilled to maybe have the opportunity to study the book I loved so much and serve the Lord with all my heart. But, it wasn't meant to be. The year I wanted to join, they already had their quota of Baptists and would put me on the long waiting list if ever a "Baptist" spot opened up. Never heard from them again. Yes, I was overly disappointed and at that time I didn't think the rejection had much impact upon me. In retrospect it did. Not by any one's fault but my own, my interest in studying and learning about the Bible wained, I audited a few Bible courses at HBU, but my spiritual journey took a detour. I became a little more cynical about "Bible study" and a whole lot more cynical of women's ministry in general. I saw it more like the popular sorority and like B*F, and pursuing any activity involving women's ministry surely would just lead to more rejection. So I did the real mature thing and rejected it before it rejected me.
With that, and I have written about this before, we kind of put other priorities in a different order than we usually had. Pretty soon you could really only find us at church on rainy Sundays and that was due to the fact it was raining, so we weren't out sailing with friends. But, the Lord had other plans for us besides sailing and He is bigger than any real or perceived rejection I felt. It wasn't Sunday School attendance or Bible study attendance that got us to step back in the doors at First, other than rainy Sundays. The Recreation and Fitness Center, formally known as the CLC, opened and it is there we made so many friends. Also about that time, Beth Moore was transitioning from aerobics instructor to Bible study teacher. A friend invited me to attend her Bible study at First Baptist and I was hooked! There wasn't any closure on enrollment. As her classes grew, room was made for the expansion. I think I started Bible study with Beth when it first moved to the chapel. Beth actually went over the homework with us. Along the way, that love for the scriptures and study returned. I wanted more than a casual Sunday morning relationship with Jesus and I was learning how that happened and how love for Him could grow. I made many friends from that Bible study and all these years later, we are still friends.
There have been a lot of firsts at First. The style of the worship center with access to the balcony from the main floor, The Christmas Pageant, the dream and creation of Gerald Ray, made cantata's and shepherds in bathrobes obsolete, a church that survived and thrived during a four and a half year interim period without a pastor, calling a pastor who had never pastored a church before and giving a young woman the opening to change Bible study forever. Fast forward to 2012 and Bible study with Beth fills the worship center, the chapel, the fellowship center and probably every other room that has a flat screen in it. All are invited and there isn't a quota for only a certain amount of every denomination. In the words of Toddlers and Tiaras, Bible study with Beth is the complete and total package. There is worship, learning, guidance, laughter, fellowship, friends (both old and new and those waiting to become friendships), growth, dreams birthed and maybe, just maybe many would love to wear a tiara to Bible study.
In no way am I trying to lift up Beth and her Bible studies or trying to ease my way into attracting her attention. I'm merely marveling at the mighty needed change she introduced into women's ministry and Bible study and how God has used this to His glory. She never set herself up as the perfect example of what a Christian wife or godly woman looks like. She shares her struggles and victories. No rules concerning how many inches needs to be between you and the next person sitting on the pew, no discussion not allowed if you haven't completed the homework, no exclusion because the class has too many Baptists or any other such silliness to this sanguine. I'm very thankful to be blessed to have had the opportunity to attend and be changed and transformed by the Word.
In reality, it is probably good the B*F didn't chose me, I would have probably been kicked out before the first semester began.
Well, I better go check on Buddy's status and see if she has moved from the linen closet onto one of her regular napping spots.
Something has been kind of rolling about in this addled brain since Wednesday. Nothing to do with Chilly Bowl, at least not directly. Pictures will be coming of that fun event. No, it has to do with a conversation I was having with a friend and fellow choir member. We were discussing Bible study and the subject of a particular study that has three initials that are kind of like BFF came up. We both laughed at our mutual lack of personal diligence and personality that would make us less than suitable for following their strict rules. My friend had actually gone for a couple of weeks and thought it best that she and the Bible study part ways. I only tried one attempt of joining that study, early on as a young married. In fact, it was probably in the hay or hey days of this organization. There were so many women wanting to study the Bible that they limited their enrollment and would only take a few new ones to participate. The old sanctuary of Second Baptist, which back then was the only sanctuary at Second Baptist, was filled with women interested in studying the Bible. We filled out the information cards and would be notified by mail if we had made the cut. My mentor had been studying with them for a couple of years and she knew how much I loved to study the Bible. My mentor had been my Sunday School teacher when I was a new Christian and junior in high school and now she was once again my Sunday School teacher in the young marrieds class. Her presence in my life had made a huge difference and effect on my life, and still it continues even to this day. Because of her teaching and influence, I believe I was picked at Southwest Texas University's Baptist Student Union to be on the freshman council. My area of service; Bible studies to be started and led in all the women's freshman dorms. Loved that and even when I came home to finish out my studies at U of H, I was involved in leadership for Bible studies there on the campus and at church. And now, I was thrilled to maybe have the opportunity to study the book I loved so much and serve the Lord with all my heart. But, it wasn't meant to be. The year I wanted to join, they already had their quota of Baptists and would put me on the long waiting list if ever a "Baptist" spot opened up. Never heard from them again. Yes, I was overly disappointed and at that time I didn't think the rejection had much impact upon me. In retrospect it did. Not by any one's fault but my own, my interest in studying and learning about the Bible wained, I audited a few Bible courses at HBU, but my spiritual journey took a detour. I became a little more cynical about "Bible study" and a whole lot more cynical of women's ministry in general. I saw it more like the popular sorority and like B*F, and pursuing any activity involving women's ministry surely would just lead to more rejection. So I did the real mature thing and rejected it before it rejected me.
With that, and I have written about this before, we kind of put other priorities in a different order than we usually had. Pretty soon you could really only find us at church on rainy Sundays and that was due to the fact it was raining, so we weren't out sailing with friends. But, the Lord had other plans for us besides sailing and He is bigger than any real or perceived rejection I felt. It wasn't Sunday School attendance or Bible study attendance that got us to step back in the doors at First, other than rainy Sundays. The Recreation and Fitness Center, formally known as the CLC, opened and it is there we made so many friends. Also about that time, Beth Moore was transitioning from aerobics instructor to Bible study teacher. A friend invited me to attend her Bible study at First Baptist and I was hooked! There wasn't any closure on enrollment. As her classes grew, room was made for the expansion. I think I started Bible study with Beth when it first moved to the chapel. Beth actually went over the homework with us. Along the way, that love for the scriptures and study returned. I wanted more than a casual Sunday morning relationship with Jesus and I was learning how that happened and how love for Him could grow. I made many friends from that Bible study and all these years later, we are still friends.
There have been a lot of firsts at First. The style of the worship center with access to the balcony from the main floor, The Christmas Pageant, the dream and creation of Gerald Ray, made cantata's and shepherds in bathrobes obsolete, a church that survived and thrived during a four and a half year interim period without a pastor, calling a pastor who had never pastored a church before and giving a young woman the opening to change Bible study forever. Fast forward to 2012 and Bible study with Beth fills the worship center, the chapel, the fellowship center and probably every other room that has a flat screen in it. All are invited and there isn't a quota for only a certain amount of every denomination. In the words of Toddlers and Tiaras, Bible study with Beth is the complete and total package. There is worship, learning, guidance, laughter, fellowship, friends (both old and new and those waiting to become friendships), growth, dreams birthed and maybe, just maybe many would love to wear a tiara to Bible study.
In no way am I trying to lift up Beth and her Bible studies or trying to ease my way into attracting her attention. I'm merely marveling at the mighty needed change she introduced into women's ministry and Bible study and how God has used this to His glory. She never set herself up as the perfect example of what a Christian wife or godly woman looks like. She shares her struggles and victories. No rules concerning how many inches needs to be between you and the next person sitting on the pew, no discussion not allowed if you haven't completed the homework, no exclusion because the class has too many Baptists or any other such silliness to this sanguine. I'm very thankful to be blessed to have had the opportunity to attend and be changed and transformed by the Word.
In reality, it is probably good the B*F didn't chose me, I would have probably been kicked out before the first semester began.
Well, I better go check on Buddy's status and see if she has moved from the linen closet onto one of her regular napping spots.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
A Lovely Way to Spend a Weekend
We've enjoyed two days of wonderful January weather. No really! Actually, Friday wasn't half bad either. I went to the eye doctor to pick up my new glasses and took the opportunity to have brunch at Le Peep. On my way back home I heard from Peggy and she wanted to know if I wanted to go shopping or eat. Called her and we decided to go look at the gift shop at Brookwood and look at a few shops in Fulshear. Only, I had to stop at Hobby Lobby first because I think that is where I found the wheat grass looking stuff, Brookwood has lots of cute spring decor out. Peggy bought some plants and I contemplated a few things in the gift store. Yesterday, Roy and I had breakfast at Otto's since we got a late start because of Buddy's mani/pedi appointment with the vet. The farmer's market was out again at La Centerra and after eating we did a walk through. This time there was actual produce! Got some home grown tomatoes and some spun cinnamon honey that tastes like red hots. Had some on my toast this morning, not the tomatoes but the honey, and it was delicious.
Last night we went to Taste of Texas with David and Emily and 100's of our closest friends. We even went at senior citizen time of 4:30 and it was rather crowded even then. Is there ever a bad meal at Taste of Texas? I think not. Better than the food was the conversation and laughs. Since we started dinner so early it was close to 7:00 when we left. Ah, the night was still young. So we went to Barnes and Noble before heading back out to the prairie. Once we got home Roy began working on some things at the computer. He ended up having to call HP support for a problem he was having with a DVD. He said it was after midnight when he came to bed. He is our official wake-er upper and he overslept this morning. Thus, I did too. So, we took a sabbatical Sunday. We went early to lunch to beat all the Katy church crowd and headed back Brookwood way. He needed to take more pictures for his homework assignment in his photography class. How convenient! He could take pictures and I could go back and get the things I looked at on Friday. Roy also suggested we make a trip out to the Katy Prairie Conservatory for Birds. So after Brookwood we headed over to Brookshire and farther North past Dewberry Farm. The last part of the drive was on rocks and we had just had the car washed on Saturday, so I suggested he come back at sunrise one Saturday to find all the birds he wanted to take pictures of. Funny, we were doing the very same thing today that I hated as a child, the dreaded Sunday afternoon drive. We saw lots of cows, rice fields, birds and did I mention cows? Oh and some beautiful horses. Once we got back home, I was ready for a nap. After getting a few winks in, I joined in the good fight against weeds. Roy and I got up a lot of the bigger ones that have slowly been taking over our backyard. We focused on some of the smaller ones in the front yard. All in all, not a bad way to spend a weekend.
Last night we went to Taste of Texas with David and Emily and 100's of our closest friends. We even went at senior citizen time of 4:30 and it was rather crowded even then. Is there ever a bad meal at Taste of Texas? I think not. Better than the food was the conversation and laughs. Since we started dinner so early it was close to 7:00 when we left. Ah, the night was still young. So we went to Barnes and Noble before heading back out to the prairie. Once we got home Roy began working on some things at the computer. He ended up having to call HP support for a problem he was having with a DVD. He said it was after midnight when he came to bed. He is our official wake-er upper and he overslept this morning. Thus, I did too. So, we took a sabbatical Sunday. We went early to lunch to beat all the Katy church crowd and headed back Brookwood way. He needed to take more pictures for his homework assignment in his photography class. How convenient! He could take pictures and I could go back and get the things I looked at on Friday. Roy also suggested we make a trip out to the Katy Prairie Conservatory for Birds. So after Brookwood we headed over to Brookshire and farther North past Dewberry Farm. The last part of the drive was on rocks and we had just had the car washed on Saturday, so I suggested he come back at sunrise one Saturday to find all the birds he wanted to take pictures of. Funny, we were doing the very same thing today that I hated as a child, the dreaded Sunday afternoon drive. We saw lots of cows, rice fields, birds and did I mention cows? Oh and some beautiful horses. Once we got back home, I was ready for a nap. After getting a few winks in, I joined in the good fight against weeds. Roy and I got up a lot of the bigger ones that have slowly been taking over our backyard. We focused on some of the smaller ones in the front yard. All in all, not a bad way to spend a weekend.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Slopes, Slop, Shepherds and Scripture
The weather has settled down here in the Rancho de Five. Our little pond that is to the side of the house now looks like a lake. It will only look like a lake for a day or so and then it will go back to its normal size within the sloping banks. Ad a P to sloping and you get slop. That is something entirely different. We were fortunate not to have lots of lightning and thunder, but there were a few too many lightning flashes that seemed rather close by for my comfort. Buddy was glued to my side and never left my presence. We sat there together on the couch while I did my Revelation homework. The sound of thunder is really such a nice back drop to Revelation 13. Since Peggy lives only 2.6 miles from us and we being farther west; Peggy called to tell me when she is picking me up for choir and we discussed the weather. Weather with TV alliteration, Wicked Weather! Both of us had the coverage of the storm on in the background. It is really sad to be a reporter and nothing weather wise is happening when the anchors do the check in with you. The reporter and camera person show drains, flags barley blowing in the wind and maybe a piece of trash that floats along lazily like a summer's day to the storm drain in the curb. One day we plan to dress up as Mildred and Gertrude and run to where all the crazy rain coverage is and see if we can get interviewed. We would so look the part. We might shoot a video to send in and see if it ever makes it on the air.
I think Buddy has a bit of border cat in her. Either that or she is a frustrated Shepherd. In our guest bedroom I have some old wooded boxes and of course they are stacked in an interesting eye catching way. The top crate is open with the lid back and in it I have put some of my favorite stuffed lambs from my ubiquitous lamb collection that is all over the house. In the night time when nobody knows about it, Buddy shepherds the sheep. I wonder if she is familiar with Psalm 23 because she sits some of the sheep around her water bowl and places others around her food bowl. If it is an especially busy night, she has the sheep spaced at various intervals around the house. Sometimes she even has them sitting on the couch. I'm surprised that she is such a gentle shepherd because unlike her stuffed cats and bear, she has not ripped their faces off.
If there is one thing I'm consistent with and to my disadvantage is; having random, from all kinds of devotionals, or verses posted on Facebook or something biblically that has my interest in researching quiet times. Today a quote on Twitter got my attention in between breaking news, gentle teasing, cynical observations, sports updates and the like, there was a quote from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. "Enjoy the tempo of a God-breathed life by letting Me set the pace." Oh I so needed to read that today and also the accompanying scripture from Hebrews 13:15. My natural inclination is to set a fast pace and these past couple of years have been an up close lesson from the Lord to slow down, to stop being busy for busy sake, to stay in a moment, to know where I am in the transition process, to listen for His voice, to watch His hand and to choose joy. Another quote from today's reading; "Sit still in the Light of My Presence and receive My Peace. These quiet moments with Me transcend time, accomplishing far more than than you can imagine. Bring Me the sacrifice of your time, and watch to see how abundantly I bless you and your loved ones." I mean really, who couldn't use God's blessing and who couldn't appreciate especially God's blessing on loved ones. Most importantly the loved ones who get on your last nerve, you know those loved ones who sometime make it difficult for you to call them a loved one. And I am so sure that I sometimes, hopefully not too often, can be the one getting on every one's last nerve. Selah!
The pace of laundry is calling out to me because a pair of jeans that I want to wear to choir tonight need to be dried. Going early so Peggy can get ready for Chilly Bowl.
I think Buddy has a bit of border cat in her. Either that or she is a frustrated Shepherd. In our guest bedroom I have some old wooded boxes and of course they are stacked in an interesting eye catching way. The top crate is open with the lid back and in it I have put some of my favorite stuffed lambs from my ubiquitous lamb collection that is all over the house. In the night time when nobody knows about it, Buddy shepherds the sheep. I wonder if she is familiar with Psalm 23 because she sits some of the sheep around her water bowl and places others around her food bowl. If it is an especially busy night, she has the sheep spaced at various intervals around the house. Sometimes she even has them sitting on the couch. I'm surprised that she is such a gentle shepherd because unlike her stuffed cats and bear, she has not ripped their faces off.
If there is one thing I'm consistent with and to my disadvantage is; having random, from all kinds of devotionals, or verses posted on Facebook or something biblically that has my interest in researching quiet times. Today a quote on Twitter got my attention in between breaking news, gentle teasing, cynical observations, sports updates and the like, there was a quote from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. "Enjoy the tempo of a God-breathed life by letting Me set the pace." Oh I so needed to read that today and also the accompanying scripture from Hebrews 13:15. My natural inclination is to set a fast pace and these past couple of years have been an up close lesson from the Lord to slow down, to stop being busy for busy sake, to stay in a moment, to know where I am in the transition process, to listen for His voice, to watch His hand and to choose joy. Another quote from today's reading; "Sit still in the Light of My Presence and receive My Peace. These quiet moments with Me transcend time, accomplishing far more than than you can imagine. Bring Me the sacrifice of your time, and watch to see how abundantly I bless you and your loved ones." I mean really, who couldn't use God's blessing and who couldn't appreciate especially God's blessing on loved ones. Most importantly the loved ones who get on your last nerve, you know those loved ones who sometime make it difficult for you to call them a loved one. And I am so sure that I sometimes, hopefully not too often, can be the one getting on every one's last nerve. Selah!
The pace of laundry is calling out to me because a pair of jeans that I want to wear to choir tonight need to be dried. Going early so Peggy can get ready for Chilly Bowl.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Once Again, Avoiding Homework
It's Tuesday and once again I find myself doing everything but Revelation homework. Once I get into it, I love answering the questions or if I don't understand what the answer to the question might be, I just use a ? and maybe come back to it later. Since it is supposed to be rainy tomorrow, I hit the grocery store this morning. Since returning home, I've been busy hanging all kinds of accoutrement's in the laundry room and in my reading room. I also rearranged the mantel since a few things have been added to make the mantle all things springish. Love the red iron gate I found at K T Antiques. It is the centerpiece of the mantle. Friday afternoon kind of looked like Christmas around here. I think the UPS and Fed Ex deliveries were about 2 minutes apart. I finally found a picture for over the bed in the guest room and it was in the massive bunch of boxes sitting in front of the door.
How many of y'all are watching Downton Abbey? I missed the first season but have the DVDs to get caught up and it doesn't seem too difficult to follow coming in on the second season. Sunday night I was flipping between Downton Abbey and Mob Wives. Talk about conflicting culture. Basically, the same problems of comparison, gossip, getting along, misunderstandings, love, and talking things out take place on both shows, but the way the people of 1919 deal with these problems and the ways of 21st century language include massive bleeping out of cuss words on Mob Wives, sets itself apart from the genteel. You can't confuse the two for sure. Masterpiece Theater must balance out Mob Wives, Toddlers and Tirara and Dance Moms. We have recently discovered Cajun Pawn Stars and we've gotten a kick out of that show. Doesn't it seem like I really, really need to be doing my Revelation homework instead of discussing the fine high brow entertainment we fill the evenings with?
I find it oddly disturbing that advertisers know what I have been shopping for online and those things are running on the sides of websites reminding me of what I had been interested in at one time. Things from the Levenger catalog and from One Kings Lane website have been showing up. Williams Sonma and Pottery Barn send follow up emails to see if I am still interested in nesting tables. Yes, but I refuse to pay such high shipping and handling charges. I'll takes me chances on finding something in person.
OK, I better go and do homework.
How many of y'all are watching Downton Abbey? I missed the first season but have the DVDs to get caught up and it doesn't seem too difficult to follow coming in on the second season. Sunday night I was flipping between Downton Abbey and Mob Wives. Talk about conflicting culture. Basically, the same problems of comparison, gossip, getting along, misunderstandings, love, and talking things out take place on both shows, but the way the people of 1919 deal with these problems and the ways of 21st century language include massive bleeping out of cuss words on Mob Wives, sets itself apart from the genteel. You can't confuse the two for sure. Masterpiece Theater must balance out Mob Wives, Toddlers and Tirara and Dance Moms. We have recently discovered Cajun Pawn Stars and we've gotten a kick out of that show. Doesn't it seem like I really, really need to be doing my Revelation homework instead of discussing the fine high brow entertainment we fill the evenings with?
I find it oddly disturbing that advertisers know what I have been shopping for online and those things are running on the sides of websites reminding me of what I had been interested in at one time. Things from the Levenger catalog and from One Kings Lane website have been showing up. Williams Sonma and Pottery Barn send follow up emails to see if I am still interested in nesting tables. Yes, but I refuse to pay such high shipping and handling charges. I'll takes me chances on finding something in person.
OK, I better go and do homework.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Convoy or Erie Canal, You Be the Judge
What is it with hair appointments and eye doctor appointments? Both of them seem to require a nap after the appointment. This morning I had my annual eye check up with Dr. Yankelove. No, I did not make up his name. He's a great opthomologist and the process of getting an eye exam is so organized. This time since I had a coupon for half off, I went with the MAP and limited eye dilation. That is so the way to go. My eyesight has barely changed since last year and everything is looking healthy inside my I spy with my little eye, eyes. A couple of years ago when the doctors discovered that the virus that had attacked my heart had also attacked my pancreas, that made my vision go south in a big hurry. It was as if it had changed overnight and literally it did. Since that time my vision has improved and they feel like my eyes are out of harm's way and today that was confirmed. PTL! Not having the regular type of dilation made picking out frames much easier. After the appointment I called Roy and announced boldly, that with this limited dilation, I didn't even feel that I would need a nap later in the afternoon. Ha ha ha...I was so very wrong. Usually, since my eyes are dilated, lunch is next door at Collina's. Since I was finished a little before 11, I went to Le Peep for brunch. Oh cinnamon pecan pancakes how I have missed you! Then I headed back to the prairie with a Target run on the way home.
Both morning and afternoon trips in the Ranch de Five, I feel like I have been surrounded by a mini van convoy. It was frightfully Erie. OK, I totally know I used the wrong Erie in the previous sentence. I am not trying to say that it was frightfully Erie, like on the Erie Canal, but I cannot remember and spell check isn't being very helpful in giving me the correct word. Sure I could use another similar descriptive word, but dang it, I am hung up on using Erie. Has word gotten out about my dislike of mini vans because almost everyone who drives one, thinks they are driving a Greyhound bus? Those mini vans had me boxed in. Two ahead of me, one to the side of me, thus I could not change lanes, and three mini vans behind me. I was really getting impatient with the whole slowed down, I am driving a bus mentality. In fact I sang out a few of the only words I could remember from that trucking convoy song of long ago...CONVOY! Then I got to thinking and yes, I am getting ready to go all spiritual on you, that maybe these slow moving mini vans were like some kind of guardian angels and by only going 25 mph just might be keeping me from a speeding ticket. Maybe it was just the timing of my trips. I left for the appointment right after school had started and my return trip just happened to be right before school lets out.
So to get to the point I was writing about in the first paragraph, when I got home I felt as if I had been drugged. My eyes were heavy laden and my energy level low...only thought being...must.take.nap. It was heavy sleep in nap time. I only hope I can fall asleep tonight. Those limited dilation drops and the yellow dye drop did me in. Or maybe it could have been the carb laden pancakes? I don't know, but I feel refreshed and ready to go out and eat dinner. Never mind the Target purchases that need to be put up, I will think about that tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day.
Both morning and afternoon trips in the Ranch de Five, I feel like I have been surrounded by a mini van convoy. It was frightfully Erie. OK, I totally know I used the wrong Erie in the previous sentence. I am not trying to say that it was frightfully Erie, like on the Erie Canal, but I cannot remember and spell check isn't being very helpful in giving me the correct word. Sure I could use another similar descriptive word, but dang it, I am hung up on using Erie. Has word gotten out about my dislike of mini vans because almost everyone who drives one, thinks they are driving a Greyhound bus? Those mini vans had me boxed in. Two ahead of me, one to the side of me, thus I could not change lanes, and three mini vans behind me. I was really getting impatient with the whole slowed down, I am driving a bus mentality. In fact I sang out a few of the only words I could remember from that trucking convoy song of long ago...CONVOY! Then I got to thinking and yes, I am getting ready to go all spiritual on you, that maybe these slow moving mini vans were like some kind of guardian angels and by only going 25 mph just might be keeping me from a speeding ticket. Maybe it was just the timing of my trips. I left for the appointment right after school had started and my return trip just happened to be right before school lets out.
So to get to the point I was writing about in the first paragraph, when I got home I felt as if I had been drugged. My eyes were heavy laden and my energy level low...only thought being...must.take.nap. It was heavy sleep in nap time. I only hope I can fall asleep tonight. Those limited dilation drops and the yellow dye drop did me in. Or maybe it could have been the carb laden pancakes? I don't know, but I feel refreshed and ready to go out and eat dinner. Never mind the Target purchases that need to be put up, I will think about that tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Weekly Thursday Thoughts
Quiet evening out here on the prairie. Roy got home, grabbed some dinner which I opened, plated and then heated up. That counts as cooking right? It should, I went to the store, microwaved it and then presented dinner in the buffet style. Roy gobbled down dinner with a little bit of conversation. He brushed his teeth, kissed me goodbye and I'm personally glad it was in that order and has gone to his photography class. He is taking a break from the one offered by Spring Branch and is branching out in attending the one in Cinco Ranch.
Today was brunch day at Bible study. At first, I wasn't a fan of the monthly brunch but this year it is a favorite thing. There are some great cooks in our core group and we really enjoy one another's company. Our ages range from newly married to oldly marrieds. Our discussion of the antichrist and the beast from Revelation 13 was deep and interesting. So glad I had actually sat down and did the homework. This afternoon our core group leader emailed me letting me know that I hadn't missed as session yet and I believe in the fall I chose Bible study over the opening of the Nord Rack in the land of sugar.
The construction noise around here is almost deafening. So instead of coming home to sound of framing and the laying of water pipe, I decided to drive the back way over to Brookwood. It is a beautiful drive and the scenery looked like a cold, winter day but probably the look is due to the drought, not dormant trees waiting for the beginning of spring. I turned off the radio and drove in silence. Refreshing! Then I shopped a little at Brookwood and headed back home going a different, but as scenic route. The quiet soothed my soul. Really, after reading and discussing all the horrors that are coming in the Tribulation, it was a respite and a moment to be grateful to the Lord for His handiwork and the beauty of the earth.
I stayed up way too late last night. Peggy and I rode together to choir. We left a little earlier than usual because she needed to get into the costume closet at church. Some churches have a crisis closet, but we have a fun and well locked closet of fun and biblical outfits. She is working fervently on Chilly Bowl for the cast, orchestra and choir. Choir practice was awesome, maybe even amazing, amazing. The Pastor shared with us that someone in the 9:30 service had anonymously given generous funds to help with the choir mission trip in June. We rejoiced at this welcomed news. It was kind of funny that after the Pastor had shared this and left that John chose the choral arrangement of Jesus Paid it All to be the next piece we worked on. I don't even think he thought about the timing of it. After choir, Peggy met with those in Chilly Bowl and we ended the evening at church visiting with friends. Rides home after choir are much more fun with Peggy. I was so wired when I got home and couldn't settle down. So I watched the latest DVR'ed episode of Toddlers and Tiaras and then some Dance Moms for good measure. Getting up this morning, difficult and with additional time needed to fix a salad for brunch, I was a tad late for Bible study.
Yesterday was a wrap on therapist sessions of working through the process of my mother's death and some of the after shocks that accompany loss. No, I don't think a couple of hours is enough to deal with a loving lifetime of a dear mother. I'm so glad that many years ago a call and visit to Cheryl began the journey to deal with another kind of loss and so much discussion and hard work tracks had been laid down. I cannot say enough good things about going to a good, Christian therapist. She has saved my life from lots of unnecessary burdens and taking ownership of emotions and jobs that were never mine in the first place. It was a good session yesterday and we booked an appointment several months down the road if there is any dangling loose ends that haven't been resolved. After the appointment, it just seemed right to make a visit and pay my respects to the play grocery store. I headed back to the prairie after several other errands. Found a jewelery store in old Katy to get some watch batteries replaced and made a major mistake of stopping in HEB after school has let out. My goodness...it is not the place to be. It felt a little chaotic and frazzled on the aisles.
That's it. If you have made it all the way through this post, congratulations! Now if you have insomnia this week, return to this post and it should do the trick and put you right to sleep.
Today was brunch day at Bible study. At first, I wasn't a fan of the monthly brunch but this year it is a favorite thing. There are some great cooks in our core group and we really enjoy one another's company. Our ages range from newly married to oldly marrieds. Our discussion of the antichrist and the beast from Revelation 13 was deep and interesting. So glad I had actually sat down and did the homework. This afternoon our core group leader emailed me letting me know that I hadn't missed as session yet and I believe in the fall I chose Bible study over the opening of the Nord Rack in the land of sugar.
The construction noise around here is almost deafening. So instead of coming home to sound of framing and the laying of water pipe, I decided to drive the back way over to Brookwood. It is a beautiful drive and the scenery looked like a cold, winter day but probably the look is due to the drought, not dormant trees waiting for the beginning of spring. I turned off the radio and drove in silence. Refreshing! Then I shopped a little at Brookwood and headed back home going a different, but as scenic route. The quiet soothed my soul. Really, after reading and discussing all the horrors that are coming in the Tribulation, it was a respite and a moment to be grateful to the Lord for His handiwork and the beauty of the earth.
I stayed up way too late last night. Peggy and I rode together to choir. We left a little earlier than usual because she needed to get into the costume closet at church. Some churches have a crisis closet, but we have a fun and well locked closet of fun and biblical outfits. She is working fervently on Chilly Bowl for the cast, orchestra and choir. Choir practice was awesome, maybe even amazing, amazing. The Pastor shared with us that someone in the 9:30 service had anonymously given generous funds to help with the choir mission trip in June. We rejoiced at this welcomed news. It was kind of funny that after the Pastor had shared this and left that John chose the choral arrangement of Jesus Paid it All to be the next piece we worked on. I don't even think he thought about the timing of it. After choir, Peggy met with those in Chilly Bowl and we ended the evening at church visiting with friends. Rides home after choir are much more fun with Peggy. I was so wired when I got home and couldn't settle down. So I watched the latest DVR'ed episode of Toddlers and Tiaras and then some Dance Moms for good measure. Getting up this morning, difficult and with additional time needed to fix a salad for brunch, I was a tad late for Bible study.
Yesterday was a wrap on therapist sessions of working through the process of my mother's death and some of the after shocks that accompany loss. No, I don't think a couple of hours is enough to deal with a loving lifetime of a dear mother. I'm so glad that many years ago a call and visit to Cheryl began the journey to deal with another kind of loss and so much discussion and hard work tracks had been laid down. I cannot say enough good things about going to a good, Christian therapist. She has saved my life from lots of unnecessary burdens and taking ownership of emotions and jobs that were never mine in the first place. It was a good session yesterday and we booked an appointment several months down the road if there is any dangling loose ends that haven't been resolved. After the appointment, it just seemed right to make a visit and pay my respects to the play grocery store. I headed back to the prairie after several other errands. Found a jewelery store in old Katy to get some watch batteries replaced and made a major mistake of stopping in HEB after school has let out. My goodness...it is not the place to be. It felt a little chaotic and frazzled on the aisles.
That's it. If you have made it all the way through this post, congratulations! Now if you have insomnia this week, return to this post and it should do the trick and put you right to sleep.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Random All Over Me
Really, I should be doing my Bible study homework right now, but I am having a bit of difficulty into settling down to do it. I don't know why. Maybe it's because it feels like spring but it's overcast like January. It could be that my attention span of a gnat is having more trouble than usual focusing on one thing. Could this inability to focus and settle down now be attributed to all the machinery sounds coming from the green space where water pipe is being laid? Lack of sleep, maybe. Honestly it could be long ago ingrown habits about homework, wait till the last minute. I love our study of Revelation but it could just be a restlessness of procrastination and dare I say, a wind of change in the air. I don't know but I have now seriously delayed the beginning of homework for at least ten minutes with this paragraph.
Last night the Katy Bunko group I belong to came to our house to eat dinner and roll the dice. It was really a lot of fun and I spent a good portion of the day making our home a welcoming environment, read cleaning house, and preparing dinner, read picking up chicken pot pie. All throughout the day, things would distract me and they were good things but not necessary things to accomplish the work that needed to be done. Like Acts 12. My Sunday School, I mean my Sunday Bible, oops I mean my Life Bible Study teacher based most of her lesson on the beginning of this chapter. Peter gets rescued from Herod's hands when an angel comes to prison, wakes him up, tells him to get dressed, walks him through the iron gates, walks about a block with him then leaves Peter. So Peter goes to John Mark's mother's house where the church is praying for his release but they don't believe Rhoda when she tells them that Peter is at the door. Well Mary and Sue Ellen tell Mr. Grant that....oh yea, wrong Rhoda and wrong in referencing the once ever so popular Mary Tyler Moore Show. OK, back to the lesson in Acts 12, so of course I read the rest of the chapter and find it intriguing the story of Herod, Blastus, and the people of Tyre and Sidon. Later I asked my walking commentary, Roy, what he knew about those circumstances. We talked about it and later when we got home he looked up the passage with his Logo software. Not a whole lot of information there, but enough to keep my attention. Yesterday, I pulled my Net Bible off the shelf and began reading. It referenced Josephus' recording of the same incident. Pulled Joe off the shelf but couldn't figure out how to get to the reference. Maybe that was a good thing because you know Bunko group coming over that evening.
Today I have read about the Japanese mafia, Steve Martin's article on Earl Scruggs and how he changed blue grass by his mastery and new techniques in playing the banjo, and a lawsuit against Chevron while putting off homework. I've watched Paula Deen being interviewed by the NY Times and I ordered the British uncut version of Downton Abbey. Read some in depth book reviews of Southern fiction recently published and considering three of the books, yea, like I need more unread books in the house. There is laundry being done and I've been playing with the Roman shades adjusting them at different lengths because I really don't want the new neighbors to have a full view into our family room. I've yet to empty the dishwasher but I'm considering elevating that job to priority number one, well that is until after I finish this blog post.
Did you miss me? I've been watching a trailer for Hey, Boo, the story of Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird. Ironic that there is a mockingbird sitting on the fence right now? Anyway, you can see random is all over me.
One more thing and then I have to start working on my Bible study homework, well after I fold laundry and empty the dishwasher. Not going to go into much of this but I have fallen in love anew with Isaiah 55, in particular 11-13. Things to ponder and quiet to listen with a renewed ear and heart. I really want to dig into this but, Revelation 12 and 13 await me, as well as the dishwasher, laundry and I may need to play once again with those shades. Did I mention I also paid bills today? Wrote some thank you notes?
Last night the Katy Bunko group I belong to came to our house to eat dinner and roll the dice. It was really a lot of fun and I spent a good portion of the day making our home a welcoming environment, read cleaning house, and preparing dinner, read picking up chicken pot pie. All throughout the day, things would distract me and they were good things but not necessary things to accomplish the work that needed to be done. Like Acts 12. My Sunday School, I mean my Sunday Bible, oops I mean my Life Bible Study teacher based most of her lesson on the beginning of this chapter. Peter gets rescued from Herod's hands when an angel comes to prison, wakes him up, tells him to get dressed, walks him through the iron gates, walks about a block with him then leaves Peter. So Peter goes to John Mark's mother's house where the church is praying for his release but they don't believe Rhoda when she tells them that Peter is at the door. Well Mary and Sue Ellen tell Mr. Grant that....oh yea, wrong Rhoda and wrong in referencing the once ever so popular Mary Tyler Moore Show. OK, back to the lesson in Acts 12, so of course I read the rest of the chapter and find it intriguing the story of Herod, Blastus, and the people of Tyre and Sidon. Later I asked my walking commentary, Roy, what he knew about those circumstances. We talked about it and later when we got home he looked up the passage with his Logo software. Not a whole lot of information there, but enough to keep my attention. Yesterday, I pulled my Net Bible off the shelf and began reading. It referenced Josephus' recording of the same incident. Pulled Joe off the shelf but couldn't figure out how to get to the reference. Maybe that was a good thing because you know Bunko group coming over that evening.
Today I have read about the Japanese mafia, Steve Martin's article on Earl Scruggs and how he changed blue grass by his mastery and new techniques in playing the banjo, and a lawsuit against Chevron while putting off homework. I've watched Paula Deen being interviewed by the NY Times and I ordered the British uncut version of Downton Abbey. Read some in depth book reviews of Southern fiction recently published and considering three of the books, yea, like I need more unread books in the house. There is laundry being done and I've been playing with the Roman shades adjusting them at different lengths because I really don't want the new neighbors to have a full view into our family room. I've yet to empty the dishwasher but I'm considering elevating that job to priority number one, well that is until after I finish this blog post.
Did you miss me? I've been watching a trailer for Hey, Boo, the story of Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird. Ironic that there is a mockingbird sitting on the fence right now? Anyway, you can see random is all over me.
One more thing and then I have to start working on my Bible study homework, well after I fold laundry and empty the dishwasher. Not going to go into much of this but I have fallen in love anew with Isaiah 55, in particular 11-13. Things to ponder and quiet to listen with a renewed ear and heart. I really want to dig into this but, Revelation 12 and 13 await me, as well as the dishwasher, laundry and I may need to play once again with those shades. Did I mention I also paid bills today? Wrote some thank you notes?
Saturday, January 14, 2012
A Quiet Saturday Night
It's lovely. Sitting at home on a Saturday evening. Both Roy and I are down for the count and we are fading quickly. Ah youth, where have you gone? Yesterday, I went from thing to thing to thing with very little down time in between and that caught up with me today. Since we overslept this morning, I didn't make it to the Saturday addition of choir camp. We pulled into the BWC for a later type breakfast and then made a quick Home Goods and Target run. We returned home to work on a couple of projects and then ran a few more errands. WE stopped in an antique store that I have only been to once or twice. We came away with the mother load of antique tools, at really good prices. Instead of filling the wood toolbox I found in Rosemary Beach with flowers, I decided to fill it with things that that the tool box was originally intended to be used for. Old tools in shops are usually found among other things and on the floor. So glad that Roy has good knees and can pull things out for me to view. Once all our errands were done, we arrived back home with a delicious take out pizza in hand and we have lazed around watching football games. My tiredness has not been physically but sleepily. I think I could have come back home after breakfast and gone right to sleep.
Yesterday morning I went to my dad's home. He had a couple of things he wanted to discuss and as I suspected, the topics were not new. They are things we have discussed many, many, a whole lot of times. Early on when it is noticeable that he is going to go on that same track, I interrupt and say something to the effect, you've told that to me before or you have discussed this in depth many oh so many times. He just ignores me and goes right on. It takes so much emotionally to keep the conversation on track and have some bit of productivity to it. It was really sweet that he had gone to the little bakery at the end of the street and bought us cherry turnovers. Like I really should be eating one of those things, but for the sake of family unity, I ate mine, only for the greater good.
On the way home I stopped for a few things in the land of sugar. I would have done this on Monday, but rain and the threat of more flooding cancelled those plans. Got home and had a little minute to rest and then I was out the door at 4:00 with Peggy. We were meeting friends for dinner before choir camp at church. What a totally fulfilling evening. We sang, we laughed, we shared, we worked and we did it all to glorify God. I love being back with the choir, the choir family. What joy!
I made the Christian bookstore run this week, hitting both Mardel and Lifeway. We got a Lifeway catalog in the mail which included a 30% off any regular priced Christian item in the store. So, there are non Christian things in a Lifeway store? Maybe it was a veiled reference to the new edition of the NIV, I have no clue, but the coupon struck me as rather funny. I got the last set of James audio CDs of the Beth Moore Bible study. I'm looking forward to listening to them going back and forth into Houston.
I am trying to get things cleared and cleaned for bunko Monday night. I'm hosting the Katy group.
Buddy has settled in on my lap and it is making typing rather difficult. So that's all for a Saturday night.
Yesterday morning I went to my dad's home. He had a couple of things he wanted to discuss and as I suspected, the topics were not new. They are things we have discussed many, many, a whole lot of times. Early on when it is noticeable that he is going to go on that same track, I interrupt and say something to the effect, you've told that to me before or you have discussed this in depth many oh so many times. He just ignores me and goes right on. It takes so much emotionally to keep the conversation on track and have some bit of productivity to it. It was really sweet that he had gone to the little bakery at the end of the street and bought us cherry turnovers. Like I really should be eating one of those things, but for the sake of family unity, I ate mine, only for the greater good.
On the way home I stopped for a few things in the land of sugar. I would have done this on Monday, but rain and the threat of more flooding cancelled those plans. Got home and had a little minute to rest and then I was out the door at 4:00 with Peggy. We were meeting friends for dinner before choir camp at church. What a totally fulfilling evening. We sang, we laughed, we shared, we worked and we did it all to glorify God. I love being back with the choir, the choir family. What joy!
I made the Christian bookstore run this week, hitting both Mardel and Lifeway. We got a Lifeway catalog in the mail which included a 30% off any regular priced Christian item in the store. So, there are non Christian things in a Lifeway store? Maybe it was a veiled reference to the new edition of the NIV, I have no clue, but the coupon struck me as rather funny. I got the last set of James audio CDs of the Beth Moore Bible study. I'm looking forward to listening to them going back and forth into Houston.
I am trying to get things cleared and cleaned for bunko Monday night. I'm hosting the Katy group.
Buddy has settled in on my lap and it is making typing rather difficult. So that's all for a Saturday night.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The Gift
This morning the wind has left several gifts in our backyard, although nothing that the wind has given us is worth keeping much less re-gifting. We are happy that the wind didn't blow any of our chair cushions as gifts for our neighbors or the construction workers behind us. This has been one blustery and cold day.
I have received a wonderful gift though blown into my life by the breath of God. I actually learned of this gift a week ago yesterday but have taken the time to think, thank, ponder and rejoice at the announcement. Last Wednesday I had a cardiologist follow up appointment for the month I wore the heart monitor. The visit didn't begin as scheduled. The receptionist thought I had canceled my appointment. No way! It seems as if when one needs the wisdom and direction of a Dr that is so very difficult to get an appointment with, one wouldn't cancel. Really, those appointments are right up there with keeping appointments with my hairstylist Stevie. So, I sat there in the waiting room for two hours. In that waiting room of two hours, there seemed to be a plethora of unhappy patients. For a few minutes we were entertained by an older couple and their adult son, who had just had dental surgery. The adventures of using a cell phone had most of us laughing to ourselves and it wasn't like we were eavesdropping because all three of them must have been hard of hearing and didn't use their inside voice for conversation. There also was a man sitting close by who had to have weighed 400 pounds. His conversation with the woman accompanying him was rather sad...he kept asking her why do you think I have heart problems? She'd pat his knee and continue on with her People Magazine. A few minutes would go by and he'd ask her again, what was he doing that would cause him to have heart problems. Back in the day, I might have answered the question for him. Funny thing about waiting rooms, cardiologists in particular; everyone in there is either really ill, has been ill, wants to be ill or doing everything for prevention in being ill. The last twenty minutes of waiting came complete with a man who was hacking up both lungs and possibly his spleen. He sat one chair away from me. I had an opportunity to move without hurting his feelings, (well, if he even was concerned about being kind of leprosy-ish with his cough.) Finally, my name was called and I was escorted back to one of the patient rooms. We did the usual Inquisition and as I waited for the next usual thing, an EKG, but instead, the Dr came in. He read through my file, looked at me, and re-read the file. He began the usual regurgitation of info and then he paused for effect. He told me, my heart had shrunk. The left ventricle had gone from 5.7 to 4.2 in a rather quick fashion and a short period of time. He had last seen me in October and he said then, you look sick, you sound sick, you feel sick. In that October appointment, he had two other Doctors look at me and asked for their diagnosis. They all agreed that heart surgery would be scheduled after the first of the year. They prescribed a heart monitor to be worn for a month and re-worked my meds and sent me on my way. I wore that heart monitor during those difficult days of my mother being in the hospital, then in skilled nursing, put under hospice and then her death. Then came the weeks in-between her death and her memorial service. My heart didn't miss a beat, never raced or skipped. Because everything is looking good, he took me off one of the meds that totally messes me up. Thank you Jesus! His instructions; keep doing the things I've been doing to reduce stress, rest, exercise, and don't overly hydrate. He was truly amazed at the difference heart wise and countenance wise. I think maybe even if he so spoke this way he would have said this is truly an amazing, amazing thing. He said, somebody must want you around. I was able to share with him that my life has been saturated with prayers of the faithful. Right after Christmas I got back to better food choices and I'm slowly increasing my exercise. The only "thing" or news that wasn't great is, I'm very anemic. So, I went to my Dr today and naive thing that I can be thought, oh, she'll probably give me a B12 or B6 shot. Hahaha...no, first thing to do is get a procedure that those over 50 should have done...part of the word kind of rhymes with monopoly. Ugh...
I am so thankful to the Lord for my renewed heart, once again. Roy and I were talking about all the news and we recounted the roller coaster ride this heart adventure has been. Only 10% of my heart working and sent home to die during Hurricane Ike. Positive recovery and regained heart health. Heart slowed to 48 beats a minute, right and left side of my heart overly enlarged, told to take care of anything on my bucket list because I had about 8 months or so to live. Extreme fatigued, much of life slowed to a crawl, limited activities fearful of a heart episode. Then life slowly returned. Strength regained. Functional fitness gradually returning. Then being told of this wonderful news, heart shrinkage and no surgery. I loved what the Dr said today, your heart doesn't sound floppy anymore. God is so good! He has never abandoned me, even when I was questioning at times this round about journey that began in 2008. Funny, I knew early on at the beginning of the year that Mark 5:39-43 would be significant and theme verses for 2012. Jesus has made His way through the mourners, both real and fake, He came through the laughter and scorn and He entered the room, took her hand and told her to get up. I know I am not a little girl but sometimes on the inside I feel like one and it feels like He has made His way through the same kind of crowd that at times have accompanied me. And it doesn't hurt that in the last verse of that chapter, Jesus tells them, get something for her to eat.
I have received a wonderful gift though blown into my life by the breath of God. I actually learned of this gift a week ago yesterday but have taken the time to think, thank, ponder and rejoice at the announcement. Last Wednesday I had a cardiologist follow up appointment for the month I wore the heart monitor. The visit didn't begin as scheduled. The receptionist thought I had canceled my appointment. No way! It seems as if when one needs the wisdom and direction of a Dr that is so very difficult to get an appointment with, one wouldn't cancel. Really, those appointments are right up there with keeping appointments with my hairstylist Stevie. So, I sat there in the waiting room for two hours. In that waiting room of two hours, there seemed to be a plethora of unhappy patients. For a few minutes we were entertained by an older couple and their adult son, who had just had dental surgery. The adventures of using a cell phone had most of us laughing to ourselves and it wasn't like we were eavesdropping because all three of them must have been hard of hearing and didn't use their inside voice for conversation. There also was a man sitting close by who had to have weighed 400 pounds. His conversation with the woman accompanying him was rather sad...he kept asking her why do you think I have heart problems? She'd pat his knee and continue on with her People Magazine. A few minutes would go by and he'd ask her again, what was he doing that would cause him to have heart problems. Back in the day, I might have answered the question for him. Funny thing about waiting rooms, cardiologists in particular; everyone in there is either really ill, has been ill, wants to be ill or doing everything for prevention in being ill. The last twenty minutes of waiting came complete with a man who was hacking up both lungs and possibly his spleen. He sat one chair away from me. I had an opportunity to move without hurting his feelings, (well, if he even was concerned about being kind of leprosy-ish with his cough.) Finally, my name was called and I was escorted back to one of the patient rooms. We did the usual Inquisition and as I waited for the next usual thing, an EKG, but instead, the Dr came in. He read through my file, looked at me, and re-read the file. He began the usual regurgitation of info and then he paused for effect. He told me, my heart had shrunk. The left ventricle had gone from 5.7 to 4.2 in a rather quick fashion and a short period of time. He had last seen me in October and he said then, you look sick, you sound sick, you feel sick. In that October appointment, he had two other Doctors look at me and asked for their diagnosis. They all agreed that heart surgery would be scheduled after the first of the year. They prescribed a heart monitor to be worn for a month and re-worked my meds and sent me on my way. I wore that heart monitor during those difficult days of my mother being in the hospital, then in skilled nursing, put under hospice and then her death. Then came the weeks in-between her death and her memorial service. My heart didn't miss a beat, never raced or skipped. Because everything is looking good, he took me off one of the meds that totally messes me up. Thank you Jesus! His instructions; keep doing the things I've been doing to reduce stress, rest, exercise, and don't overly hydrate. He was truly amazed at the difference heart wise and countenance wise. I think maybe even if he so spoke this way he would have said this is truly an amazing, amazing thing. He said, somebody must want you around. I was able to share with him that my life has been saturated with prayers of the faithful. Right after Christmas I got back to better food choices and I'm slowly increasing my exercise. The only "thing" or news that wasn't great is, I'm very anemic. So, I went to my Dr today and naive thing that I can be thought, oh, she'll probably give me a B12 or B6 shot. Hahaha...no, first thing to do is get a procedure that those over 50 should have done...part of the word kind of rhymes with monopoly. Ugh...
I am so thankful to the Lord for my renewed heart, once again. Roy and I were talking about all the news and we recounted the roller coaster ride this heart adventure has been. Only 10% of my heart working and sent home to die during Hurricane Ike. Positive recovery and regained heart health. Heart slowed to 48 beats a minute, right and left side of my heart overly enlarged, told to take care of anything on my bucket list because I had about 8 months or so to live. Extreme fatigued, much of life slowed to a crawl, limited activities fearful of a heart episode. Then life slowly returned. Strength regained. Functional fitness gradually returning. Then being told of this wonderful news, heart shrinkage and no surgery. I loved what the Dr said today, your heart doesn't sound floppy anymore. God is so good! He has never abandoned me, even when I was questioning at times this round about journey that began in 2008. Funny, I knew early on at the beginning of the year that Mark 5:39-43 would be significant and theme verses for 2012. Jesus has made His way through the mourners, both real and fake, He came through the laughter and scorn and He entered the room, took her hand and told her to get up. I know I am not a little girl but sometimes on the inside I feel like one and it feels like He has made His way through the same kind of crowd that at times have accompanied me. And it doesn't hurt that in the last verse of that chapter, Jesus tells them, get something for her to eat.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Storms, Online Bill Paying and These are a Few of My Non Favorite Things
I am happy to report we survived Wicked Weather, Severe Storm, and the most boring soccer, I mean football game...ever...! We root for LSU but after half time Roy paced and coached from the living room, but nothing helped the Tigers. Alabama rolled and rolled again. Reading Twitter updates on the quarterback Jordon Jefferson and LSU have been quite funny. Did you know that the football team had a difficult time getting into Baton Rouge? There was a 50 yard line painted on I-10. I had a feeling LSU wouldn't win. Alabama had much more to play toward and prove but the real reason is, Baylor and the Texans won, so you couldn't expect the Trifeccta.
Yesterday morning was quite a morning. The rumbles of distant thunder didn't even do justice for the coming storms. The rain was so thick I couldn't even see the fence. Hail dropping so quickly out of the sky and I was a little fearful that the hail would break a window. The electricity stayed on through the whole ordeal, only flickering once. Of course Dish Network goes out at the drop of rain, so I followed the storm's path on the computer. Since rain has been scarce in these parts, I'm not too sure of what roads flood around here. Now you might be wondering, why would you even think about flooded streets? Because I had a hair appointment in the land of sugar at 10:00 am. A much needed haircut in the land of sugar...and the hard rain had passed, so I figured I could head on over for the haircut and then lunch with friends. I now have the answer to what roads flood and I'm ever so thankful that I didn't get close enough to the high water to do any damage to Sequisha cause if I did I would have to rename her Sequish-a.. Had to make the call and cancel my appointment. BUT...they had a 1:00 appointment and hope against hope the rain and the floods would be long gone out of town. So, of course I came home and watched flood coverage. TV was working again...and all the stations were covering this breaking news. If I could have only found one of those reporters when I was trying to get to the salon. They for sure would have interviewed me because my hair was looking oh so yea-hoo and bad. That's what gets you on the news, being a strange looking person, with bad hair and an opinion that can only be expressed in a loud, colloquial filled voice. "I done never seen no flood like uh this one...you know what I mean? Like I called the con-sta-bil office and deported the news that all the roads were done covered with water and no way to get to the 1093. You know what I'm talking about?" Once again a little after noon I made my way to the land of sugar. Success...that is until 99 an highway 90 cross. Flooded, high water, detour to 1464. I almost gave up ever finding my way to highway 6 but finally found it and was only 5 minutes late for my appointment. Good to know, I found the new Skeeter baseball stadium by going that way. Roy's bus out of downtown was running really, really late and it finally arrived, only to miss the exit to the Park and Ride. Roy emailed to see if I needed anything from downtown Katy because this guy was so off the normal route. Wicked weather and wild water can do that to you.
Bible study begins this week and we were given four weeks off and advised not to wait till the last minute to do the homework. Well, I am cramming five days of homework into an afternoon. Lots of rereading Revelation 12. We stopped right in the middle of the chapter before the break.
I am painfully trying to pull myself into the 21 century in the realm of bill paying. You know, online? I've done ok but somehow in the midst of the holidays, my mom's passing, having Roy home for nearly two weeks and disrupting my regular routine, I overlooked paying a bill, the Exxon bill. It was a whopping $46.00. I'm four days late, hey Jesus was four days late arriving at Bethany and looked what happened! Lazarus was raised from the dead. Anyway, they called me on my cell phone today but they didn't want to talk with me, they wanted to talk with Roy. That was fun telling Roy that I couldn't think of any reason why Citibank would be calling him on my cell phone. So, he called them, they told him the problem and he gave his permission for them to talk with me about the $46.00, that I actually had already paid this morning online. Loved it when they talked really fast telling me that now that I can talk to them about this account, I too am legally responsible for paying the bill. Yea, ok...do you want my confirmation number for the account that I paid this morning?...No...they wanted to know if there was any reason why Mr. Mon didn't pay the bill. Well, because his technology handicapped wife, didn't go online and pay the stupid thing. Then I did it...I didn't want to but I threw the my mother died card. Yea...shouldn't have. Anyway once the dollars post to the account I can call back and they will waive the late fee... The person I talked to was really nice over all but took that condescending tone of, "do you want us to send you a paper statement so that you and your addled brain can keep up with fiduciary responsibilities?" I politely declined that generous offer.
Roy will be happy, I fixed dinner tonight and the lovely people at Whole Foods in the land of sugar made the cornbread. I also bought a cinnamon baubka only due to the fact of a Seinfeld episode and the chocolate baubka. It is pretty good and of course I also bought it with the healthy benefit of cinnamon in mind.
Yesterday morning was quite a morning. The rumbles of distant thunder didn't even do justice for the coming storms. The rain was so thick I couldn't even see the fence. Hail dropping so quickly out of the sky and I was a little fearful that the hail would break a window. The electricity stayed on through the whole ordeal, only flickering once. Of course Dish Network goes out at the drop of rain, so I followed the storm's path on the computer. Since rain has been scarce in these parts, I'm not too sure of what roads flood around here. Now you might be wondering, why would you even think about flooded streets? Because I had a hair appointment in the land of sugar at 10:00 am. A much needed haircut in the land of sugar...and the hard rain had passed, so I figured I could head on over for the haircut and then lunch with friends. I now have the answer to what roads flood and I'm ever so thankful that I didn't get close enough to the high water to do any damage to Sequisha cause if I did I would have to rename her Sequish-a.. Had to make the call and cancel my appointment. BUT...they had a 1:00 appointment and hope against hope the rain and the floods would be long gone out of town. So, of course I came home and watched flood coverage. TV was working again...and all the stations were covering this breaking news. If I could have only found one of those reporters when I was trying to get to the salon. They for sure would have interviewed me because my hair was looking oh so yea-hoo and bad. That's what gets you on the news, being a strange looking person, with bad hair and an opinion that can only be expressed in a loud, colloquial filled voice. "I done never seen no flood like uh this one...you know what I mean? Like I called the con-sta-bil office and deported the news that all the roads were done covered with water and no way to get to the 1093. You know what I'm talking about?" Once again a little after noon I made my way to the land of sugar. Success...that is until 99 an highway 90 cross. Flooded, high water, detour to 1464. I almost gave up ever finding my way to highway 6 but finally found it and was only 5 minutes late for my appointment. Good to know, I found the new Skeeter baseball stadium by going that way. Roy's bus out of downtown was running really, really late and it finally arrived, only to miss the exit to the Park and Ride. Roy emailed to see if I needed anything from downtown Katy because this guy was so off the normal route. Wicked weather and wild water can do that to you.
Bible study begins this week and we were given four weeks off and advised not to wait till the last minute to do the homework. Well, I am cramming five days of homework into an afternoon. Lots of rereading Revelation 12. We stopped right in the middle of the chapter before the break.
I am painfully trying to pull myself into the 21 century in the realm of bill paying. You know, online? I've done ok but somehow in the midst of the holidays, my mom's passing, having Roy home for nearly two weeks and disrupting my regular routine, I overlooked paying a bill, the Exxon bill. It was a whopping $46.00. I'm four days late, hey Jesus was four days late arriving at Bethany and looked what happened! Lazarus was raised from the dead. Anyway, they called me on my cell phone today but they didn't want to talk with me, they wanted to talk with Roy. That was fun telling Roy that I couldn't think of any reason why Citibank would be calling him on my cell phone. So, he called them, they told him the problem and he gave his permission for them to talk with me about the $46.00, that I actually had already paid this morning online. Loved it when they talked really fast telling me that now that I can talk to them about this account, I too am legally responsible for paying the bill. Yea, ok...do you want my confirmation number for the account that I paid this morning?...No...they wanted to know if there was any reason why Mr. Mon didn't pay the bill. Well, because his technology handicapped wife, didn't go online and pay the stupid thing. Then I did it...I didn't want to but I threw the my mother died card. Yea...shouldn't have. Anyway once the dollars post to the account I can call back and they will waive the late fee... The person I talked to was really nice over all but took that condescending tone of, "do you want us to send you a paper statement so that you and your addled brain can keep up with fiduciary responsibilities?" I politely declined that generous offer.
Roy will be happy, I fixed dinner tonight and the lovely people at Whole Foods in the land of sugar made the cornbread. I also bought a cinnamon baubka only due to the fact of a Seinfeld episode and the chocolate baubka. It is pretty good and of course I also bought it with the healthy benefit of cinnamon in mind.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
First Saturday of 2012 Wrap Up
It is half time of the Texans game. Really exciting but I am afraid to get too emotionally invested but I know I'll keep watching. This has been a rather exciting week and when I have time to give more thoughts to the happenings and don't have to hurry and get everything written before Roy gets home from the gym.
Mostly Roy and I rearranged the sitting room this morning. Ah the sustenance from the Black Walnut Cafe gave us extra strength. Later in the afternoon we took some stuff to Katy Christian Ministries and made our first stop of the new year at K T Antiques. I did not come away disappointed. I've been looking for old tools to artfully and artistically put in an old wooden tool carrier I found at Rosemary Beach in May. I've had flowers in it and it has sat on the dinning room table, but with spring coming I decided to go with a flowery theme for the table and the manly rustic theme for the tool box in front of the fireplace. Roy helped me today pick out some interesting tools and to start our collection. I also found another piece of stained glass, on sale. I'm thinking of hanging all the glass on the wall in the entry way over the pew. Godly theme, can't go wrong with that. I saw an old church offerening basket on a stick that I liked a lot but Roy wasn't too crazy about it. I will probably go back next week and get it.
Even though I am an old lady I was so blessed watching the Passion 2012 live stream both from the teachings and from the actions of those young college students. Wow!
I went to my first memorial service yesterday since my mom's passing. I really didn't give any thought to it affecting me, but it did. My friend's mother was just a year older than my mom and the pictures of her life contained the same kind of clothes and hairstyles that my mother wore through the years. Tears came and when Cindy sang the Andre Crouch song, To God Be the Glory, it hit me even harder. That was one of my mom's favorite songs. I had the album and she played it all day long while I was at school.
Sounds like the game might have started, so this is it for today.
Mostly Roy and I rearranged the sitting room this morning. Ah the sustenance from the Black Walnut Cafe gave us extra strength. Later in the afternoon we took some stuff to Katy Christian Ministries and made our first stop of the new year at K T Antiques. I did not come away disappointed. I've been looking for old tools to artfully and artistically put in an old wooden tool carrier I found at Rosemary Beach in May. I've had flowers in it and it has sat on the dinning room table, but with spring coming I decided to go with a flowery theme for the table and the manly rustic theme for the tool box in front of the fireplace. Roy helped me today pick out some interesting tools and to start our collection. I also found another piece of stained glass, on sale. I'm thinking of hanging all the glass on the wall in the entry way over the pew. Godly theme, can't go wrong with that. I saw an old church offerening basket on a stick that I liked a lot but Roy wasn't too crazy about it. I will probably go back next week and get it.
Even though I am an old lady I was so blessed watching the Passion 2012 live stream both from the teachings and from the actions of those young college students. Wow!
I went to my first memorial service yesterday since my mom's passing. I really didn't give any thought to it affecting me, but it did. My friend's mother was just a year older than my mom and the pictures of her life contained the same kind of clothes and hairstyles that my mother wore through the years. Tears came and when Cindy sang the Andre Crouch song, To God Be the Glory, it hit me even harder. That was one of my mom's favorite songs. I had the album and she played it all day long while I was at school.
Sounds like the game might have started, so this is it for today.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Asking Questions
There are so many things I need to be doing this afternoon other than writing on the blog, but there are some days I have to write in order to begin anything else around the house. Not that what I want to write is so insightful or humorous. It boils down to the fact, I like to write. Of course while I am writing I see what I hope to be workmen in our yard. Looks like they are checking where the new drainage pipes were installed. Thankfully it is in the afternoon and not in the morning because that is usually when these men suddenly appear. Morning =me playing like G.I. Joe trying to get back to the bedroom, wearing jammies, and going unnoticed. I was going to write go commando, that means something entirely different.
Our schedules returned to normal today. Roy is back in the office and well, I am left to my own devices. Today, I met Peggy and several other friends to celebrate a significant birthday for Peggy. Really all birthdays are significant but this one is a milestone. We met at Las Alameda's. Las Alameda's is into you having a dinning experience. You only go there if you have time because they give you plenty o time before ordering and before getting the check. On the way home I saw a duck fly across CR Blvd. Seen them eat and waddle out here but never fly. I can't believe out here in the land of perceived entitlement, there still is a dead possum to the side of the road, been there for about two weeks and a newly deceased skunk. HOA clear those two things and then we can count my plants.
I'm in my predustination mode because Crisella comes tomorrow. Going through and doing the post Christmas pick up. Also making sure we got everything on the cleaning product list. Some are on the naughty list others on the nice list, we are on the buying the correct cleaning products list.
I'm beginning to realize I don't ask myself enough questions. No, the better phrasing of that would be I don't ask myself enough of the important questions...you know thought provoking, life changing questions. A friend was asking me questions from a Start the New Year list she found on the Internet. Questions like, What's the one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God? What book, in addition to the Bible, do you most want to read this year? What one biblical doctrine do you most want to understand better this year and what will you do about it? What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year? I jokingly answered the last question about prayer with the response that I would actually really pray this year. As for the book question, I have so many books I want to read there isn't any way to narrow it down to one book. As for the biblical doctrine, I have to admit I am pretty lame in the biblical doctrine department. See my predustination comment in the previous paragraph. Now for the one thing to increase my enjoyment of God, guess my answer would be to know His Word better so I can hear His voice clearly. Normally the questions I am asking myself usually have to do with whether I should keep my hair curly and at this length or should I go with a shorter cut. Another question I'm asking is about all these people who announce they are going off Facebook or Twitter for a weekend or some other short period of time. Why are they announcing this? Why can't they be gone for a weekend or several days and let us realize we miss their comments or observations? Sometimes people make a big deal announcement about FB or Twitter and give all kinds of spiritual reasons for abstaining and I think maybe since they are fasting from social media, they should do like the Bible says about how to go about everyday life when you are fasting...you know don't let others know or going around all hang faced and piously, with shortened breath announcing..."I.m fasting for the Lord." In no way am I writing about called fasts by groups or churches, I'm talking about the individual giving notice of their sabbatical from social media. Well, I guess I just answered my own question...of why I don't think about deep questions. Sometimes I need more time than is alloted to answer or maybe I realize I haven't been thinking on these things or the obvious, I'm thinking about stuff that doesn't matter.
Maybe I'm not answering tough questions because a lot of my time is taken up in recuperating from someone who drains the life out of me. I came home to an energy draining phone message. Now I need to take the time to create a cleverly crafted response that will not put them on the defensive or make them retreat to their first choice of reaction, playing the victim.
For some reason since we are back to normal schedules Roy thinks that maybe I should have dinner fixed tonight. Oh dear, maybe I should ask him if I can ease back into that habit that I sometimes practice on a hit or miss basis. Hmm...maybe I should ask myself some questions about this.
Our schedules returned to normal today. Roy is back in the office and well, I am left to my own devices. Today, I met Peggy and several other friends to celebrate a significant birthday for Peggy. Really all birthdays are significant but this one is a milestone. We met at Las Alameda's. Las Alameda's is into you having a dinning experience. You only go there if you have time because they give you plenty o time before ordering and before getting the check. On the way home I saw a duck fly across CR Blvd. Seen them eat and waddle out here but never fly. I can't believe out here in the land of perceived entitlement, there still is a dead possum to the side of the road, been there for about two weeks and a newly deceased skunk. HOA clear those two things and then we can count my plants.
I'm in my predustination mode because Crisella comes tomorrow. Going through and doing the post Christmas pick up. Also making sure we got everything on the cleaning product list. Some are on the naughty list others on the nice list, we are on the buying the correct cleaning products list.
I'm beginning to realize I don't ask myself enough questions. No, the better phrasing of that would be I don't ask myself enough of the important questions...you know thought provoking, life changing questions. A friend was asking me questions from a Start the New Year list she found on the Internet. Questions like, What's the one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God? What book, in addition to the Bible, do you most want to read this year? What one biblical doctrine do you most want to understand better this year and what will you do about it? What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year? I jokingly answered the last question about prayer with the response that I would actually really pray this year. As for the book question, I have so many books I want to read there isn't any way to narrow it down to one book. As for the biblical doctrine, I have to admit I am pretty lame in the biblical doctrine department. See my predustination comment in the previous paragraph. Now for the one thing to increase my enjoyment of God, guess my answer would be to know His Word better so I can hear His voice clearly. Normally the questions I am asking myself usually have to do with whether I should keep my hair curly and at this length or should I go with a shorter cut. Another question I'm asking is about all these people who announce they are going off Facebook or Twitter for a weekend or some other short period of time. Why are they announcing this? Why can't they be gone for a weekend or several days and let us realize we miss their comments or observations? Sometimes people make a big deal announcement about FB or Twitter and give all kinds of spiritual reasons for abstaining and I think maybe since they are fasting from social media, they should do like the Bible says about how to go about everyday life when you are fasting...you know don't let others know or going around all hang faced and piously, with shortened breath announcing..."I.m fasting for the Lord." In no way am I writing about called fasts by groups or churches, I'm talking about the individual giving notice of their sabbatical from social media. Well, I guess I just answered my own question...of why I don't think about deep questions. Sometimes I need more time than is alloted to answer or maybe I realize I haven't been thinking on these things or the obvious, I'm thinking about stuff that doesn't matter.
Maybe I'm not answering tough questions because a lot of my time is taken up in recuperating from someone who drains the life out of me. I came home to an energy draining phone message. Now I need to take the time to create a cleverly crafted response that will not put them on the defensive or make them retreat to their first choice of reaction, playing the victim.
For some reason since we are back to normal schedules Roy thinks that maybe I should have dinner fixed tonight. Oh dear, maybe I should ask him if I can ease back into that habit that I sometimes practice on a hit or miss basis. Hmm...maybe I should ask myself some questions about this.
Monday, January 2, 2012
A Beautiful Day in Five Ranch
Tomorrow we get back to our regularly scheduled lives. It has been fun having Roy around here for almost two weeks. We have tackled, maybe that should be he has tackled quite a few projects and he has worked really hard on his website. We've stayed up late, watched lots of old movies, cheered football teams to victory and have eaten lunch out just about every day. Lots of in depth discussions and a lot of silly talk...well as silly talk as Roy is going to get. It has been fun, but I think he is ready to get back to the office and I am ready to have my mornings back. As I have stated before I am not too much of a morning person and well Roy is the eternal optimist the moment his eyes open and his feet hit the floor.
Today we got all the new Christmas stuff up in the attic, fed the roses and got the sprinkler system back on a regular schedule. Last week David Weekley sent out guys to work on some drainage issues we were having in our side yard and to fill a small sink hole in the back yard. Roy called the HOA to tell them they have water issues in the green space that is next to us. They will be out tomorrow inspecting their sprinkler system and the grading or lack of grading.
We did a farewell to week day lunches at Midway Bar B Que today. Roy loves their food. I get the stuffed baked potato and it is quite tasty. Afterwards, we got Roy's camera and headed over to Spring Lake to take pictures. It was a tad cold once the wind began to blow and if you found yourselves in the shade. I did a little walking while Roy took pics. I didn't want to get too far and then find myself not having the energy to get back. It was a beautiful day.
Today we got all the new Christmas stuff up in the attic, fed the roses and got the sprinkler system back on a regular schedule. Last week David Weekley sent out guys to work on some drainage issues we were having in our side yard and to fill a small sink hole in the back yard. Roy called the HOA to tell them they have water issues in the green space that is next to us. They will be out tomorrow inspecting their sprinkler system and the grading or lack of grading.
We did a farewell to week day lunches at Midway Bar B Que today. Roy loves their food. I get the stuffed baked potato and it is quite tasty. Afterwards, we got Roy's camera and headed over to Spring Lake to take pictures. It was a tad cold once the wind began to blow and if you found yourselves in the shade. I did a little walking while Roy took pics. I didn't want to get too far and then find myself not having the energy to get back. It was a beautiful day.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
First Post of 2012 Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! If I made New Year resolutions, I would have already broken about 4 or 5 of them by 10:00 this morning.
Our new year eve was rather dull and unexciting, but by the sound of it, many neighbors were having a loud and booming time. After living in Houston for so many years where fireworks are banned, it sounded like the demilitarized zone here instead of where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain And the wavin' wheat can sure smell sweet When the wind comes right behind the rain....yeah...oops, too much Oklahoma influence from Friday night. There is one empty lot behind our home and I think it was a major launching pad for the banned flared and rocket on a stick fireworks. I could hear the dirt being blown up against the fence. There were several other launching pads in the neighborhood on down the way. The noise scared Buddy and I was happy I didn't experience any traumatic flashbacks from our days years ago living in the hood where the noise wasn't from fireworks but guns. Guess it sounds like I am complaining but I'm not, really. It was just that we had forgotten that we now live in the land of legal fireworks. What's funny is, the fireworks were mainly shot between 7-9 pm and when midnight arrived, there were a few pops and bangs around, but nothing like I thought it would be. Guess they shot up their stash. In fact it was Roy saying it is midnight that woke me up out of a very sound sleep. Anyway, back to the exciting evening. I bet you thought I had already forgotten the beginning of the paragraph. I was on the couch reading, listening to the TV and texting with Emily, who was having just as exciting night as me. Roy worked on his website for most of the evening. So that is how we closed out 2011.
This morning Roy got up early and went to the gym. He called me a little before 8 to wake me up and then we met at Black Walnut Cafe for New Year's Day breakfast. The music tract was still for Christmas and I hoped expectantly to hear Merry Christmas Darling so I could tell CourtneyS and Linda that I heard it first for 2012. Afterwards, we headed over to Lowe's to pick up a few things. Guess you can tell from our activities this morning that we didn't go to church. Well, we played sabbatical like so many others did this morning. Right now Roy is out painting the fence, again. He is determined not to have the fence turn gray. He is doing a great job. I am going through things and getting a few things ready to take over to Katy Christian Ministries later this week. Then I stopped to write. Who knows once he stops his painting when I will get the computer back.
We have really enjoyed the outside fireplace and the fire pit during the holidays. We have roasted marshmallows and hot dogs and made s'mores. Using the fire pit makes one rather campfire-ry fragrant. We got the decorations taken down and stored in the attic on Tuesday. Next year I think we are going to rent a storage unit for decorations. In fact on Friday Roy and I decided to do some more exploring of the farm to market roads going toward Richmond/Rosenburg. We enjoyed our sight seeing tremendously and ended up at an Ace Hardware store. Now we were going in for a few loose screws...uh it would be so easy to comment more about that but I'm sticking to the story. We ended up Christmassing with Ace by buying quite a few Christmas decorations for next year that were marked down 50 to 75%. I've got the newbies stored in plastic storage boxes and waiting for Roy to take up one more box to the attic.
Thursday night I went into town and met Dena for dinner. Some years we go out and eat at a fancy place and other years we go to the same o same o places that we are familiar with. This was a Fu's Garden year, so nothing fancy. It wasn't busy and we knew that they wouldn't be pushing us out the door once we had finished eating fortune cookies. We did eat something new, well new to me and it was totally delish! Kind of funny, when paying for the meal I told the waiter to keep the change. That would have been great except he returned to our table, kind of threw the change down at me and said here is your $1.98 change. Oh my, I kept thinking that I had a $10 bill and it was a $ 5. I apologized and left him a really nice tip. We made a stop at Starbucks and then drove around looking to see if any Christmas lights had been left up in the area. I got home around 10:30 and was so happy to watch the rest of the longest and funnest bowl game, Baylor beating Washington. It was exciting and I was happy to watch other bowl games this weekend that I wasn't pulling for one particular team. That makes the games much easier to watch. Of course our next big game that we will be interested in is the Championship game and we cheer for LSU. Roy met our across the street neighbors...LSU supporters. He attended LSU but graduated from Georgia Tech. That makes 3 out of the 6 houses on our block LSU graduates and supporters.
One more day of vacation for Roy, then it is back to the routine for him. That kind of affects me because I get up earlier than I have been this past week. I will have to be up and on the road Wednesday because I have a Dr appt in the Medical Center.
Happy New Year's Day!
Our new year eve was rather dull and unexciting, but by the sound of it, many neighbors were having a loud and booming time. After living in Houston for so many years where fireworks are banned, it sounded like the demilitarized zone here instead of where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain And the wavin' wheat can sure smell sweet When the wind comes right behind the rain....yeah...oops, too much Oklahoma influence from Friday night. There is one empty lot behind our home and I think it was a major launching pad for the banned flared and rocket on a stick fireworks. I could hear the dirt being blown up against the fence. There were several other launching pads in the neighborhood on down the way. The noise scared Buddy and I was happy I didn't experience any traumatic flashbacks from our days years ago living in the hood where the noise wasn't from fireworks but guns. Guess it sounds like I am complaining but I'm not, really. It was just that we had forgotten that we now live in the land of legal fireworks. What's funny is, the fireworks were mainly shot between 7-9 pm and when midnight arrived, there were a few pops and bangs around, but nothing like I thought it would be. Guess they shot up their stash. In fact it was Roy saying it is midnight that woke me up out of a very sound sleep. Anyway, back to the exciting evening. I bet you thought I had already forgotten the beginning of the paragraph. I was on the couch reading, listening to the TV and texting with Emily, who was having just as exciting night as me. Roy worked on his website for most of the evening. So that is how we closed out 2011.
This morning Roy got up early and went to the gym. He called me a little before 8 to wake me up and then we met at Black Walnut Cafe for New Year's Day breakfast. The music tract was still for Christmas and I hoped expectantly to hear Merry Christmas Darling so I could tell CourtneyS and Linda that I heard it first for 2012. Afterwards, we headed over to Lowe's to pick up a few things. Guess you can tell from our activities this morning that we didn't go to church. Well, we played sabbatical like so many others did this morning. Right now Roy is out painting the fence, again. He is determined not to have the fence turn gray. He is doing a great job. I am going through things and getting a few things ready to take over to Katy Christian Ministries later this week. Then I stopped to write. Who knows once he stops his painting when I will get the computer back.
We have really enjoyed the outside fireplace and the fire pit during the holidays. We have roasted marshmallows and hot dogs and made s'mores. Using the fire pit makes one rather campfire-ry fragrant. We got the decorations taken down and stored in the attic on Tuesday. Next year I think we are going to rent a storage unit for decorations. In fact on Friday Roy and I decided to do some more exploring of the farm to market roads going toward Richmond/Rosenburg. We enjoyed our sight seeing tremendously and ended up at an Ace Hardware store. Now we were going in for a few loose screws...uh it would be so easy to comment more about that but I'm sticking to the story. We ended up Christmassing with Ace by buying quite a few Christmas decorations for next year that were marked down 50 to 75%. I've got the newbies stored in plastic storage boxes and waiting for Roy to take up one more box to the attic.
Thursday night I went into town and met Dena for dinner. Some years we go out and eat at a fancy place and other years we go to the same o same o places that we are familiar with. This was a Fu's Garden year, so nothing fancy. It wasn't busy and we knew that they wouldn't be pushing us out the door once we had finished eating fortune cookies. We did eat something new, well new to me and it was totally delish! Kind of funny, when paying for the meal I told the waiter to keep the change. That would have been great except he returned to our table, kind of threw the change down at me and said here is your $1.98 change. Oh my, I kept thinking that I had a $10 bill and it was a $ 5. I apologized and left him a really nice tip. We made a stop at Starbucks and then drove around looking to see if any Christmas lights had been left up in the area. I got home around 10:30 and was so happy to watch the rest of the longest and funnest bowl game, Baylor beating Washington. It was exciting and I was happy to watch other bowl games this weekend that I wasn't pulling for one particular team. That makes the games much easier to watch. Of course our next big game that we will be interested in is the Championship game and we cheer for LSU. Roy met our across the street neighbors...LSU supporters. He attended LSU but graduated from Georgia Tech. That makes 3 out of the 6 houses on our block LSU graduates and supporters.
One more day of vacation for Roy, then it is back to the routine for him. That kind of affects me because I get up earlier than I have been this past week. I will have to be up and on the road Wednesday because I have a Dr appt in the Medical Center.
Happy New Year's Day!
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