Simple Woman's Daybook: July 2019

For today...

Looking out my window...the skies are heavy, overcast with the promise of an afternoon thunderstorm. The grass needs mowed, but heat, humidity, and rain keep it waiting. The raised beds, however, are flourishing. Lots of buds and when I dig deep, down below the leafy green canopy, there are little green tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and peppers. The shade garden is thriving, as well.

Near the steps to the deck and looking

toward the driveway and street.

I went with a more tropical look for the big pots 

at the corners of the shade garden this year.

Some of the characters that live

in the shade garden.

I am thinking...of all the things that need doing before we leave on vacation in 3 weeks. Clothes shopping for the husband, packing checklists to make, actual packing, prescriptions to fill, pet sitting arrangements to make, mail to stop, water to turn off, final days of work to survive.

I am thankful...for my family, who have been accepting and accommodating of the fact that my job of the past year has required me to work every holiday. They have been gracious in delaying our celebrations and have complained very little. It has helped me with my own disappoint in not being available for the first time in my life.

One of my favorite things...spending time with our youngest grandson. He is wonderfully outgoing, charming, funny, and sweet. He is one of my biggest joys in life.

I am creating...new Happy Planners, both a large for the desk and a small one for my purse. It's fun to decorate them with stickers, washi tape, drawings, scraps of this and that.

I am wearing...black and purple floral pajamas and a purple terry robe. Don't judge. It's my day off.

I am reading...a silly little cozy mystery about a group of senior citizens who share a house. It's easy and light and it fits in my purse to read on my break at work. I just finished reading The Bookshop on the Corner, a most excellent book.

I am hoping...to find the energy today to get a lot of things done, but we shall see. I didn't sleep well last night due to fireworks in the neighborhood that lasted well into the night and my own painful leg.

I am learning...to accept things as they are and not wish for what they aren't.

In my kitchen...you will find a bit of a mess today. All of the things hurriedly gathered and taken to our daughter's for a family cookout after work yesterday and then brought home when we were too tired to deal with it. You will also find this sweet little $5 gadget that I purchased on Amazon. It works like a dream!

In my garden...an overgrown lushness brought about by abundant heat and rain. I am already anticipating that first delicious tomato and mayo sandwich!

A quote to share...remember it when tempted to complain about your circumstances.

A moment from my day...my blogging buddy, Daisy, looking a little concerned by the amount and loudness of the thunder rolling around outside (the storms have arrived!). We are snuggled in on the sofa to finish my blog post and then read for a while. Nothing is going to be happening outside this afternoon.

Updated: As I just realized the picture didn't originally post.

The Simple Woman's Daybook: February 2019

Every year I promise myself I am going to do monthly Daybook posts, but then life gets in the way. I kind of forgot to make that promise this year, but here I am on the first day of the second month of the year and it's a day off from work. A day that is cold (the polar vortex hasn't moved on just yet) and snowy (which was a surprise this morning). I had planned to catch up on chores and run some errands, but it's yucky enough outside that I'm taking errands off the table since none of them were of the "can't wait" variety. So, with the extra time, I've decided to do my Simple Woman's Daybook post. The link up for the month isn't posted yet, but that's okay. I'll just add mine later.

For today....

Looking out my window...It's a frosted winter wonderland, but the neighborhood is quiet. The schools have all delayed or cancelled and no one is out and about because it is still so darn cold. Though today's predicted high temperature of 8 degrees is a bit warmer than yesterday. 

I am thinking...of the need to live more in the moment. It's a lesson my Bible study seems to be reinforcing over and over. I need to stop being so busy, leave work at work, and walk away from the computer a little more often than I do because lately I have been feeling caught up in the rat race...like it's all an endless cycle of the same old, same old, over and over with no point.

I am thankful...our daughter and her family live next door to us. We love our son and his family but don't get to see them very often. It is such a boon to our lives to have family close by and nearly daily visits with our youngest grandson. He seems to be the only thing that brings joy to his grandpa these days, cutting through the exhaustion of long work days and the chronic pain. Our lives would be much....less....without their presence in it.

I am creating...pages in my Happy Planner. I discovered these last summer and I am addicted! I don't know that I am any more organized, but it's so much fun to decorate the pages. Maybe I should just do one as a memory keeper? I've added budget pages, book list pages, and there are all kinds of lists and notes added. I'm so hooked I got our daughter one for Christmas that is just for mothers so she can track the days with her little one and also of her pregnancy (yes, we're getting another grand this summer!).

I am wearing...the soft, stretchy fleece top to a pair of pajamas, lined leggings (they are warmer than the pajama bottoms), and fuzzy socks. Its my day off and I'm not venturing out so I don't have to get dressed if I don't want to!

I am reading...Crucible by James Rollins. It's a timely thriller about Artificial Intelligence and book number 15 in the Sigma Force series. I have been hooked on all of Rollins' books since discovering him many years ago.

I am watching...A Million Little Things on ABC. The show sure deals with some dark and heavy topics, but the writing is incredible and the actors are very believable. My only complaint is that it's only on once a week! Waiting a week between episodes to find out the next little kernel of the story is KILLING me! I'm loving it, though. It's been ages since I've been this caught up in a show.

I am listening to...well, a lot of old stuff at the nursing home, like Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Vinton, Big Band, etc. We do some music appreciation times with the residents, too, and I sometimes slip in something a little more recent....would you believe they absolutely loved NSYNC and M.C. Hammer? In the car I'm usually tuned into K-LOVE for contemporary Christian music and at home I ask Alexa to play different decades of music in whatever style I'm in the mood for. She always finds a good mix.

I am hoping...still, to hear from the company I had a job interview with last week. I'm not going to be disappointed yet. It took a while to hear back about the job I have now. You never know how many people they had to interview or what their hiring schedule is like.

In my kitchen...the slow cooker is coming out of the cupboard today. I sat out a roast early this morning and in a little bit will toss it in the cooker with potatoes, carrots, a package of Lipton Beefy Onion Soup mix and a can of Coke. It sounds weird, but the Coke makes the meat very tender and mixed with the roast drippings and soup mix you get a very savory gravy that is always a big hit around here.

In my garden...nothing is happening at this time of year! However, I snagged a gardening catalog from Mom and have been thumbing through its pages dreaming of what I will grow this summer...also of what fruit trees or just-for-looks trees I might be able to talk my husband into. And then there are composters, strawberry towers, and so many garden doo-dads to admire.

A quote I want to share... “And whether you believe in miracles or not, I can guarantee that you will experience one. It may not be the miracle you’ve prayed for. God probably won’t undo what’s been done. The miracle is this: that you will rise in the morning and be able to see again the startling beauty of the day.” ― William Kent Krueger, Ordinary Grace

A moment from my day...

That's all for this month. I'm vowing to myself and in front of all you witnesses to be more in the moment and enjoy all of life's little moments this month. 

The Simple Woman's Daybook - July 2018

I'm linking up with The Simple Woman's Daybook for July...a bit late, but better late than never!

For Today...

July 25, 2018.  It's my youngest's 26th birthday.  Growing up she was the child that gave me all my gray hair and broke my heart more than once.  It's pure pleasure to be able to celebrate her and her life today...a life that now includes a good husband, a darling baby boy, a new house, and a new job.  It is no exaggeration to say that there was a time I feared what kind of future she would have.  Her life today is nothing short of God's answers to a mother's fervent prayers.

Looking Out My Window...

It's a gray, rainy day after storms in the night that are best described as "gully washers." The temperature at 7:00 is already 76 degrees...though the news says it will only reach 80 today.

I Am Thinking...

About all the work needing done today and tomorrow to get ready for the garage sale my daughter thinks we need to have this weekend. I'm also thinking about how I hope the work is worth it. The last few times I've done sales people just didn't turn out, not very much got sold, and I had to pack everything back up.

I Am Thankful...

For every minute I have with this little guy over my summer break. I've had him all to myself for at least a little bit nearly every day and we've grown quite close.

One Of My Favorite Things...

The two beautiful rose bushes my husband planted for me this year.

This one is called "Neil Diamond"

And this one is called Ketchup & Mustard because the top side of the petals are red and the under side is yellow.

I Am Wearing...

Black, draw-string capris and a hot pink t-shirt with glittery flowers...and this summer's ever-present ankle brace.

I Am Creating...

My very first Happy Planner.  It's part planner, part journal and entirely too much fun! I could get lost in all the cute stickers and things to accessorize it. I don't have pictures of it yet. I'll share when it's a little more established.

I Am Watching...

I've watched all of the Hallmark movies available on demand through our cable provider, so I've got to find something to move on to. Maybe I will watch Woodlawn if I get the chance today. I've wanted to see it since it came out, but my husband is not a sports fan or fan of movies with a sports theme. So, even though I bought the DVD several months ago I still haven't watched it. I'm not a good one for this question as I really don't watch much TV.

I Am Reading...

I just finished reading Tamarack County by William Kent Krueger...a good mystery/thriller with a lot of Ojibwe culture for background.

In Bible study I just finished leading our group through Beth Moore's Living Beyond Yourself, which is, hands down, the best study on the fruit of the Spirit I've ever come across. It is so in-depth and really takes you on a journey of self-evaluation.

I Am Listening To...

This. And the greatest of these is love.

I Am Hoping...

To get a call back in regard to a resume I sent out. I will keep driving a bus if I have to, but I am hoping and praying to find something else that is kinder to my body. The jostling around on rural roads all day is taking a toll on my back and other joints.

I Am Learning...

That there is a big difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper and that a peacekeeper swallows a lot of garbage to maintain what isn't real peace at all. A peacemaker will speak up when it's necessary, they'll just do so gently and lovingly.

In The Garden...

Things are finally beginning to take off after getting a late start.  I don't think the zucchini are going to amount to anything, though. There have been lots and lots of blossoms, but no little zukes have ever formed.

In The Kitchen...

Lots of veggies and meats cooked on the grill. Tim is on a salmon kick lately so we've been grilling that at least twice a week. Our favorite veggie right now is zucchini, which I prepare as what I refer to as "crack zucchini," meaning it's so good it's addicting.

CRACK ZUCCHINI

Ingredients:

• 1 medium zucchini, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• shredded cheddar cheese
• Panko crumbs
• kosher salt
• cracked black pepper
• chives (fresh, chopped)
• *optional* bacon (bits or real, cooked and crumbled)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to High Broil
• Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray foil with cooking spray.
• Place zucchini slices on foil.
• Top slices with cheese (and bacon if desired).
• Sprinkle with Panko.
• Sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper to taste.
• Broil for 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted and Panko is browned and crispy.
• Remove from oven.
• Sprinkle with chives.
• Enjoy!

Shared Quote...

“God never promised us an easy life. He never promised that we wouldn’t suffer, that we wouldn’t feel despair and loneliness and confusion and desperation. What he did promise was that in our suffering we would never be alone. And though we may sometimes make ourselves blind and deaf to his presence he is beside us and around us and within us always. We are never separated from his love. And he promised us something else, the most important promise of all. That there would be surcease. That there would be an end to our pain and our suffering and our loneliness, that we would be with him and know him, and this would be heaven.” 

― William Kent Krueger, Ordinary Grace

A Moment From My Day...

The Poodle and I enjoyed a walk around the yard first thing this morning.

The Rose of Sharon are blooming.

Last night's rain dropped a lot of apples out of the tree.

The Toby tree (Catalpa) is loaded with "beans" for the first time.

The shade garden is looking lush after all the rain.

Billy often catches people by surprise.

You never know what (or who) may turn up in the shade garden.

I hope you enjoyed a peek into my day. Now I am off to start working on the garage sale.

The Simple Woman's Daybook, March 2018

I'm joining up with Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook, because it seems like a good thing to do on a cold, snowy day that finds me at home and sick.

For today....

Looking out my window...is a cold, windy, and snowy day.  Going outside (as I occasionally must for the dog) is surreal as the air is alive with the sounds of the spring birds lured back too soon by February saying goodbye with a gentle kiss of warm weather.

I am thinking...about what it means to live in Appalachia and the Rust Belt as I read Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance.  He defines them as two separate regions with lots of ties. I live in an area that is defined by both.

I am thankful...the remodeling of our main bathroom will soon be done. It was torn out far too long ago, leaving us with just the bathroom in our bedroom. Work and health issues have prevented my husband from working on it in any sort of timely manner.  At Christmas we purchased all the tile, grout, lights, etc., and it has been sitting in the spare bedroom ever since. This week we bought the vanity and basin "knowing" he would be taking a 3-day weekend to work like crazy on it. 

Then work said, HA! The hotel project is nearing its end and there are a lot of little details to be ironed out before it can be turned over to the owners. One of those details is inspections for all sorts of things...and several ended up being scheduled for today and there was no one who could cover.  I was upset, but my husband promises that he will have 3 days next weekend. Guaranteed.

I guess I can live with the vanity box in the kitchen for another week.

One of my favorite things...is this little man. He is growing so fast and his personality is developing. This nanny is glad he's still got some cuddles in him.

I am creating...my journal. I've always kept journals, but for some reason never decorated the pages or got creative with them. Now I am. I enjoy it and I guess the thought is there that maybe they will be something my family will cherish one day when I am no longer here.

I am wearing...the sweatpants, long-sleeve shirt, and fuzzy socks that I slept in. I am home sick, so I don't have to look good!

I am reading...Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance. It's interesting to see how much I recognize of the world he describes in my own. I just finished reading Bear Town by J.D. Vance. I enjoyed it so much I ordered his book A Man Called Ove to read next.

I am hoping...that this will be the year we finally don't get pummeled by taxes. We've had a LOT of extra taken from our paychecks and now there's President Trump's little tax cut. Hopefully, it will be enough that we don't owe.

I am learning...to take one day at a time, live in the moment, and be content with the "now" of things.

In my kitchen...there are a lot more fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods than there used to be. We are both trying to lose weight and I am trying to make us healthy, too, rather than my husband's method of just not eating much until he reaches his goal. I know what would happen if I did that...I'd hit goal and it would be back to regular eating. I want to change how we eat. Some recipes go over better than others, as do some changes. I want to do the Whole 30 diet, but he refuses to give up certain things like dairy and some grains.

In my garden...I noticed something had been digging in one of the raised beds the other day. I'm guessing a squirrel must have buried some of his nuts in it and came back.  I wish he would dig down in there and pull out the Trumpet vine roots I know are lurking in there.  I need to pay a visit to the local nursery for advice on getting rid of them...if there is a way without completely emptying the beds to dig them out or contaminating the soil with poison.

Shared quote...“Religion is something between you and other people; it’s full of interpretations and theories and opinions. But faith . . . that’s just between you and God.”  - Fredrik Backman, Bear Town.

Closing note...It seems that maybe the rash of violent threats at schools is winding down. I only heard of one or two school closings due to it this week. I still can't get over there being close to 700 incidents in my state alone following the Florida shooting. A few were credible threats, but most were perpetrated by kids trying to get a day off school or just to be "funny."  It's a crazy world we are living in.  I hope this trend of fake threats is a wake up call for all of us.  Our culture is seriously off track.

The Simple Woman's Daybook: January 2018

I'm linking up to The Simple Woman's Daybook today. You can find the host site here as well as links to posts by other bloggers and the format and rules (just in case you'd like to join in). I like the homey feel of it and getting a peek into everyone's lives...there are some very creative ladies participating and some wonderful photographs.

For Today...

Looking out my window...It's 10 degrees, cloudy, and there's about 4 inches of snow on the ground. Pretty typical weather for southwestern PA in January.

I am thinking...That I really should get ready to go to my appointment at the doctor's office. Nothing is wrong, just a check up since I am taking the Adipex-P appetite control pill. I have to go monthly and pass with flying colors in order to get the next month's prescription.

I am thankful...for so many things right now. We have so far missed the flu and all other bugs and viruses floating around, we have been nice and warm during all this extremely cold weather, my husband is getting serious about losing weight and eating healthy (it makes it easier for me!), my new Living Well planner, lots of books waiting to be read, and my God who never tires of loving me or teaching me new things.

One of my favorite things...is the newly discovered luxury of ordering groceries online and then just having to pull up at the store and they are brought out and put in the car for me.

I am creating...goals for myself, for the day, for the week, for the month, for the year. All in that new planner. I want to get a handle on our finances this year. It's harder than you'd think.

I am wearing...the granny nightgown covered with cardinals that Mom gave me for Christmas, red plaid leggings, fuzzy socks, and warm winter slippers...an outfit I really need to change out of to go to that appointment. LOL

I am reading/watching/listening to...On the Edge by Parker Hudson. A friend brought it to my attention and I am so glad she did! It is a story about spiritual warfare, of what goes on in the spirit realm beyond what we can see. It's about the battle for our souls. It's really different in that it's two books in one. One shows what one family's lives would be like without the presence of God and the second shows what their lives would be like if they were saved by Jesus and had a relationship with God and the influence of godly friends. There's nothing new, really, but Hudson has such a talent for putting things out there plainly and really making you think. It's an older book, from 1994...I wish I had known about it and read it years ago as a young Christian. It would have maybe saved me a lot of heartache.

I am hoping...to avoid the flu (or any bug). It's beginning to hit our area hard and with me being around kids every day, it's a concern. I keep up on my vitamins, wash my hands a lot, and the bus is stocked with Lysol spray and wipes, as well as hand sanitizer.

I am learning...to live more in the moment, to reach out rather than keep to myself, and to be more bold in my faith.

In my kitchen...I'm doing more cooking from scratch. I enjoy cooking, but at the end of the day I am usually tired and don't want to put the effort into cooking. I recently signed up for a meal plan program where there are a month's worth of meals to choose from in several categories and most of them are quite easy to make. It even has shopping lists I can download. I chose several recipes this past week, ordered the needed items online from Walmart (which eliminates those impulse temptations at the store), and then just had to pick them up at the store. I tried to pick recipes with foods I know my husband will eat, but that are prepared in a new way. So far it's been a hit.

In my garden...nothing is happening since we are once again in the deep freeze and covered by snow.

Post script...I am just beginning to explore The Spruce. It's a website with tips and advice on virtually anything home and family related.

Shared quote... 

Closing notes...A pot of soup is simmering on the stove and it is snowing again. My husband is battling icy roads to come home. On a good day he has a 2-hour drive. Bible study at my teacher's home has been cancelled for tomorrow night. Today was a day off work due to the MLK holiday. I wonder if tomorrow will be called a snow day or delayed due to the weather? 

The Simple Woman's Daybook: July 2017

July is already near its end and here I am just getting around to linking up with The Simple Woman's Daybook.  I've missed the last couple of months, but want to get back into the swing of things.

For today...July 21

Looking out my window...The sun is barely breaking the darkness (insomnia strikes!) but the humidity is already oppressive.  The temperature should top out at about 90 degrees today with the humidity only getting worse as the day goes on.

I am thinking...about how to fill the time while the Poodle is being groomed later this morning.  Normally, I sit in my car and read since it takes only about an hour.  Today is too hot for that and the appointment is at 9:00...before most stores are open.  (I ended up going to Barnes & Noble.  I bought 4 books!)

I am thankful...for air conditioning.  In the house, in the car, in most every public space.

One of my favorite things...settling in on the swing with the dogs at my feet, a cold drink at my side, and a good book in hand.

I am creating...nothing yet.  We are still in the planning stage of decorations for our daughter's September wedding.  Parts and pieces are being collected...log slices, mason jars, tea lights, burlap, lace, sunflowers and more.

I am wearing...my pajamas, still.  If I am going to get the Poodle to the groomers on time I will have to shower and dress soon.

I am reading...Driven by Eternity by John Bevere with my Bible study group. It looks at heaven and hell and just who will end up where...the answer may surprise you.  This book is changing the way I think about and live out my faith.

I'm also reading The Love Dare...only about 10 years after the rest of the world. I watched the movie Fireproof for the first time this summer and was convicted to buy the book.  Not that my marriage is on its last legs, but any marriage can probably benefit from doing the exercises in The Love Dare.

I am watching...my favorite summer show, America's Got Talent.  I just love that it has become such a positive showcase for those who are truly talented and inspiring.  I'm also watching Alaskan Bush People on Discovery and a lot of movies On Demand.

I am hoping...that I have stumbled on the cause of all my husband's vague and various health issues.  Over the last few years he has been tested for so many, many things and all we've found out is what he doesn't have.  He feels so awful that he rarely feels up to doing anything, though he pushes himself to not only work, but work long hours.  He has many aches and pains that never let up and sometimes get worse.  It has made him rather grumpy and miserable.  Our lives have been in a holding pattern.

To make a long story short, I found some information online about hyperparathyroid.  The parathyroid is behind the thyroid and most doctors don't even know much about it.  When I compared the long list of possible symptoms to those my husband has...he has nearly all of them!

We see his doctor this coming Tuesday and we will be armed with printouts of all the information I found.

I am learning...to be patient with people (even in thought), to be intentionally kind, and to think less of myself and more of others.

In my kitchen...you won't find junk food or very much that is processed.  My doctor prescribed a diet pill to try and help me jump start my metabolism.  It has two components, a stimulant to speed things up and an appetite suppressant.  It is working like a charm.  I lost 12 pounds last month.  I have a check-in with the doctor next week to see how I did this month.  Most days I only feel the need to eat two meals and I eat a lot less before feeling full.  I rarely, if ever, snack.  To go along with this I've been changing the way I eat as well.  Meals are heavy on vegetables and proteins.

In my garden...things are going very well!  My husband built two raised beds for me this year and the plants certainly like their home.  Everything is flourishing and my hubby plans to add two more beds next year!  So far we have picked zucchini, squash, cucumbers, green beans and onions.  The peppers, tomatoes, watermelons and cantaloupe will be coming in soon.

Postscript...Here is the link to the best source of information I've found about the parathyroid in case anyone wants more information.  If you have a wide range of vague symptoms that doctors are struggling to identify the cause of it's worth checking it out.

Shared Quote...

A moment from my day...I'm cheating and adding this after the fact.  The Poodle is groomed.  These are her before and after shots...she does not like to pose so they aren't the best.

Closing Notes...My gut reaction to O.J. Simpson's parole yesterday was, if not outrage, then disappointment.  This morning as I watch the news and it is talked about over and over, I find that I've changed my mind.  I do, without a doubt, believe he killed Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, but he was tried and found not guilty of that crime.  That's how our system works.  As for the armed robbery he is currently in jail for...he has served the time and is eligible for parole just like anyone else.  As much as we may wish it were different, we can't deny his parole based on feelings about the murder trial. That said, I wouldn't want him to move in next door to me.  What are your feelings on the whole mess?

The Simple Woman's Daybook: April 2017

For Today

Looking out my window...

it's a wet, gray day, but Spring is showing her face in warm temperatures, green growing grass, and a slow budding of flowers and shrubs.  Oh, and the mess the maple trees are making on the deck.

I am thinking...

of how much I am looking forward to the warm weather and the end of the school year (as that means I am on "vacation" for three months, too). I will probably be doing a lot of babysitting for our youngest grandson while I am 

off and I can't wait for all the fun and adventures we will have during his very first summer.

I am thankful...

that in the search for an underlying cause of the never-ending cough I end up with each winter, all the test results are coming back negative.  No allergies, no pulmonary issues.

One of my favorite things...

this pretty hummingbird suncatcher my husband bought me and this fabulous blue orchid.  (I just couldn't choose between the two!)

I am wearing... 

typical workday attire...jeans, a long-sleeve tee, and hiking shoes because they have more arch support than sneakers.

I am creating...

at least in my head, a new fairy garden for this summer.  My husband expressed how much he liked one he saw in one of my magazines that was in an old suitcase.  I bought a suitcase at an auction and now I'm picking up new items for the fairy village and pondering what plants I want to use.

I am reading...

these books.  One is for the bible study I am in.  I've just begun it and don't have an opinion yet.  The Case for a Creator I picked up at Goodwill.  I enjoy reading the scientific thinking that points to God.  As for the Mary Kay Andrews books, sometimes your mind needs something a little light and just for fun.  I enjoy her stories and her characters.  Plus, she often includes recipes in the books, a few of which I have tried and we have enjoyed greatly.

I am listening to...

I am hoping...

the medical tests my husband has had done recently will point to what is wrong with him.  He has not felt well or been in pain for a few years now and they just can't seem to get a handle on it.  He manages to go to work every day, but beyond that he doesn't do much at all.  It's no way to live and he's only 56.

I am learning...

about faith and how to have more of it. To have strong faith I must believe these five things:

1. God is who He says He is.
2. God can do what He says He can do.
3. I am who God says I am.
4. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
5. God's Word is alive and living in me.

In my kitchen...

is a brand new oil-free deep fryer.  I just bought on Saturday.  I have been perusing Pinterest and am excited about all the things that can be cooked in it besides the typical "fried" foods.  I can't wait to start experimenting.  

There is also a bag full of my favorite Tastefully Simple spices.  My friend sells it and had an open house yesterday.  The spice blends are really very good.

In my garden...

nothing is happening so far, but it's still pretty early here.  It's not impossible that we could still see some snow or at least freezing temperatures.  The husband and I are busy planning, though.  If time, health, and finances cooperate, we plan to put in two raised beds this year and fence the majority of the backyard to keep critters out, but also to keep in the two hens I want to have roaming loose.  In addition to researching how to best build and fill the raised beds, I'm also looking into square-foot gardening as a guide for how to plant to get the most out of the beds.  It is lots of fun to plan and dream how the garden will look.

Post Script...

I've recently discovered the website affiliated with the magazine Living the Country Life.  It is an awesome site, just filled with helpful information on just about anything.  Check it out here.

Shared Quote...
I heard this the other day and it really hit me.  It's the chorus from Ryan Stevenson's song, "Eye of the Storm."

In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
And in the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me in the eye of the storm

The image of a ship with torn sails dead in the water and at the mercy of the sea and wind painted such a vivid image of what we are like without the Lord to protect us and keep us steady.

A moment from my day...
As I was the dishes, I see this cute couple on the window sill and they bring back some fun memories. I picked up this salt and pepper set over Christmas when we went to Oglebay to see the lights.  It's Joanie and Chachi from the show Happy Days.  Remember them?  I, like most girls my age, thought Scott Baio (Chachi) hung the moon back in those days.  I also used to hear a lot that I looked like Erin Moran (Joanie).

Here's a picture of me back in the day...

and here is one of Joanie and Chachie.  When my daughter first saw it, a few years back, she wanted to know who was that guy I was with!

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Have a blessed week, my friends!