Time Well Spent

Today we had things to do...

Drop my son at school for his service hours....

Drop my daughters car off at the shop to get a few things done to it....

My Husband met us there and the 3 of us went to Panera for coffee and we all split a cookie.

Then My daughter and I went to the Retirement/Assisted Living Home in town and she asked about working/volunteering there...

When my son came home we took him to tutoring ... I love hearing him interact with his tutor - she is so great with him....

While we waited, I helped my daughter get started crocheting a scarf for herself.... That was way fun.... But I am a freak and a perfectionist- though I am trying to be less of a freak- and just show and try not to try to help too much.

We got home and I started to fix dinner.

When my husband got home we ate and then went out for ice cream... I got some low fat frozen yogurt... I am sorry but there is no way that was low fat.... It was too die for!

Came home did dishes and now am writing this blog... And getting ready to go to Bible Study in a few minutes.

What a wonderful- beautiful day with people I just adore.

Beauty

Just thinking about what beauty is.... The definition of beauty is

          Noun:  1.  A combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases
                          the aesthetic senses, esp. the sight.

                     2.  A combination of qualities that pleases the intellect or moral sense.

There is a lot of emphasis placed on physical beauty in our society.  Weight, hair, skin and dress.... To be perfect and put together at all times.... It is a tremendous amount of time, money and pressure to place on a person- especially teens.  They feel it the most because they have not yet come to know themselves and to love themselves... They value what other people think- too much.





I look at my garden and see the beauty and the changes each plant goes through.   The flower blooms and fades... Some last longer than others- but all fade.  Some much quicker than others- and all more quickly than we, ourselves, age.  But there is a cycle that all of life follows according to God's plan and because of man's sinful nature. 

There is beauty everywhere for us to admire and enjoy.  But we should not focus on being the subject of beauty.

Take a walk or a hike... It surrounds us.  Beauty is more than we think.
It is a child's laughter, a song, a prayer, a bird's call....

It is in our actions, concern and kindness to others.  Being a light in a dark world.  That is what we are called to do.


I would like to choose to grow old gracefully, God willing!  I pray that I will not focus on wrinkles, age spots or grey hair, but instead on the many blessings and beautiful things in the world that surround me.  My family, pets and friends, flowers, rivers, mountains and animals, all of God's creation, that have been lovingly bestowed for our care and enjoyment by our Father, God.  What a gift!

I honestly think for me the hardest part may be the physical pain that is associated with aging.  I find I feel better the more active I am.  If I don't stay active my back hurts... So I am trying to stay busy- run for fun, walk, hike or kayak, eat well, and get enough rest...

I hope that I can share beauty with everyone I meet each day.  Living life in a happy and joyful manner.  Showing the love of God- in my words, deeds, and actions.

Beauty can be found in abundance- everywhere and at all times... If we keep an open heart and an open mind and focus on the good things in life rather than the troubles.

Busy as a Bee

This morning I am relaxing with a cup of coffee.  Yesterday I was busy as a bee.  Flying from one task to the next...

First there was Women's Breakfast... At Steak &Shake.  It was really nice... There were 5 of us plus little Jess... and the food was good, reasonably priced and the service was great.  We had a nice time.  My church family is great... I love hearing what everyone is up to and especially how they are enjoying their summer.

Then we went into Shoe Carnival and I was hoping to find some sandals... No luck- but Erin talked me into getting her a pair of heels.  They are so dang cute, and well, they were on sale for 18 but then the final price at the register with tax came to 13.  So go figure... I am glad I said yes.

Afterwards Erin and I went to JoAnnes Fabrics and she got some yarn to make herself a scarf.  So I have to teach her to crochet... But she can do it... The pattern she wants to use is just hdc.... Over and over and over... 

When we got home I went outside and started painting the fence around the garden... It was so hot, and bright I got a bit lightheaded... My hubby wanted to try out his new kayak on the lake so I finished up the paint in my cup while he loaded the truck.... Off we went to the lake.

The lake was amazing.  We had a good time.  His kayak, however, is for river kayaking and was a task to handle on the lake... It was still fun. 

When we got home, I got ready for a 5k that Erin and I were going to run together... We did not pre-register, so we went early.  Got there at 7 when it opened and then had nearly 2 hours to wait... We talked and laughed and teased each other till the race start... Neither of us felt like running at the time.  It was so late in the day, 8:45pm.   That is why you should pre-register- You are less likely to decide you don't feel like doing it.... But we did... She left me in her dust right away... My goal was to finish.  I have not been training... But figured it is only a bit more than 3 miles.  Slow and steady finishes the race.  Funny thing is- as everyone passes me I am thinking maybe I will get you at the end... And I did pass a few on the last mile.  It was a nice course, the evening had cooled off and I felt alive running... It wasn't effortless but it was good.  I made the mistake of taking one of those caringly offered cups of water at the 2 mile mark and choked on it as I ran.... Note to self-  Never try to drink and run you are unable to do it... Just splash it on the lips and go... I kept my pace... And hit the stadium with enough gas to bust a lap and finish in 35:12  Which for the race is a pace of about 11:33.  I came in 141.  We felt awesome afterward.  and we were so glad we did it... Funny thing we checked in number 214 and 215 and so there were not tons of people but there were many... And neither Erin or I knew or even recognized one single person.  I thought that was weird.  

Came home absolutely dead.  Exhausted from my busy day.  Made a cup of tea, worked on the church bulletin and went to bed.  Tired and sore.  This morning I am finishing up the bulletin and getting ready for church... Here we go again...

Too Short Summer

What to do.... My to do list is pretty long....

Got up made quiches for breakfast
and Coffee

Weeded in the garden
Planted more corn, peas, and flowers
Watered everything well.

Cleaned up and cleaned up the kitchen

Made a pitcher of  Iced Tea

The floors and the windows and
the laundry need to be done as well
as bathrooms and vacuuming.....

My lovely daughter asked me to go
bike riding with her and I said I can't,
I have too much work to do....




And I thought about it and realized summer is too short and the work isn't going anywhere but she will soon be back in college far away.... So I went for a bike ride with her and it was wonderful... And of course I feel wonderful after getting my heart pumping....












This is the day that the LORD has made;  Let us rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:24

Not An Extreme Kayaker

My kayak is a great and fun workout... but I like the calm waters.

This past weekend my family went camping with some friends to the Youghiogheny River in PA.  We took the kayaks and headed for the white water class 1-2 rapids.  The river was beautiful and scenic.  PA is gorgeous!  We had a great time. 

The trip down the river was  about 5 hours.  I was doing fine until about 2/3 of the way down... I went in and whoa was the water cold.... my gracious.... I laughed because I could not speak...  The guys got me to shore and drained Little Red and away we went again.  Then once more I went in.... This time I got myself to shore the guys retrieved my paddle and Little Red.... I had to hike the shore line in and under brush to get back to her.  But off we went again.... Then right before we got to the take out spot I went in again... righted Red and climbed back in... A little water in her made the going slow, but only two people saw the third dip I took...  

Boy was I cold while the guys loaded the kayaks onto and into the truck... A barely warm shower back at the campground felt good... We cooked hamburgers for dinner and had Birthday cake for my sons 18th birthday.... 

The next day they all went back out but my back was sore so I stayed back and went for a hike... Walked 8 miles of the prettiest countryside you could imagine. Then went back relaxed (I was tired) and wrote this poem.

Peaceful River, Down I float

     In little red, my kayak boat.

The water glistens, it sparkles merrily~

     All of God's Creation, I enjoy verily.

Ducks with their ducklings, gliding having fun.

     Just like us, in the warmth of the sun.

A hawk, above us, in the air 

     Soaring quietly, as if, without a care.

At the bend in the river, a graceful doe

     Taking a drink, in the cool shallow.
Underneath us- fish swim about.

     "Thank you, Lord!"  I want to shout.



My fascination and elation end.

     Something is calling for my attention.

Rushing water, now I hear.

     And just ahead, the ripples appear.

The warning sign, Oh dear,

       Telling me that danger is near.

But it's too late, I see the rock.

     My Youghiogheny River road block!

Broadside against it, I am pinned.

     The current slowly tips me in.

The coldness steals my breath away.

     The river tugs at me, as if to play.

She bumps me into submerged rocks,

     So cold, I find it hard to talk.
I am not afraid, there is no fear.

     My help, family and friends, are near.
They tow me and my yak to shore,

     Dump the river out, I get back in and go some more.                                         

By the end of the day, tired and spent,

     About 11 miles, down the river we went. 
It was truly an amazing time!

     But today, I'm so sore, they left me behind.

The Sweet Life

What are the things that make life so good.... Family, and friends.... These relationships are gifts from God.... And it sweetens and improves life allowing us to live to the fullest when we share and give and love.










The kids went hiking at Beaver Creek State Park... They had a good time... Glad I wasn't there watching them climb around the rock faces....









My husband had a birthday and as is customary he gets a meal of his liking.... So we had Spaghetti and Meatballs... Not pasta but Spaghetti.... I tend to call all pasta spaghetti and it never fails that I hear... "Oh, I thought you said we were having spaghetti,  this isn't spaghetti!"  Well, I made sure that today, it was the real deal.

Erin made angel food cake for dessert and we topped it with french vanilla yogurt and fresh strawberries (from the garden) and blueberries.  It was wonderful.





The Salad was lettuces from our garden, basil, parsley, cilantro, and radishes.  The tomato wasn't they are not coming in yet.  But the salad dressed with a little feta cheese and greek dressing was pretty amazing.




The house is coming along but it is slow going... You know how hard it is to throw out stuff.... Well try going through 3 other peoples things... I sort out trash then ask them to go through the rest of it and so far I'm not getting very much cooperation.  But I am pushing through... I decided if I died tomorrow.... I don't really want others to have to sort through my trash, so I am working on it to try to make some headway.  We are not hoarders or anything like that-  it is normal accumulation and lots of transitional kid stuff. It is exacerbated by the fact that we have several projects/home improvements/repairs going on.

All I can do is do what I can do... Not let it get to me... And try to enjoy things as much as I can.... So that's what I am going to do... Balancing work and play, and friends and family.... Life truly is sweet.  Thank you Jesus!

Wildlife

I miss living in PA and I miss my farm.  It was so peaceful.  Living in OH is so different... In a little neighborhood.  Our home is fairly private because of all the trees but it's still sort of city living.   I do often forget that we are still quite close to the country. This little town likes to think it is citified but there is not much happening here...

I put in a garden and some little critter, probably Peter Rabbit, was nibbling my lettuces.... Had to put up a temporary fence till I can put something more permanent up.







I like to feed the birds and we are trying to figure out how to keep them from their bomber raids on our back deck.... As my husband is trying to refinish it.

The squirrels are frequenting our bird feeders- they and the chipmunks racing around, are driving the dog to distraction.

We found little hand prints from a raccoon on our grill up on the deck.

Last night we went to a friends house and sat around a fire and roasted marshmallows and hot dogs.  That was nice... While we were sitting there my daughter said that the Police Dept. had posted on their FB Page that a Black Bear had been sighted behind the High School.... And no one should feed or approach it. While we were all talking the smell of a skunk could be detected....

We headed home and saw eyes glowing when we pulled into the yard... a opossum slinked away.


Lots of wild life around us here in the big, big city...

Happy, Tired and Satisfied = Thankful

A busy day spent with the ones I love.

This morning... I awoke and decided to replant my bulbs around the flagpole... I know there must have been over 300.  tulip and crocus bulbs.  I spent several hours and then Ry and I rushed to his tutoring.

Daneen is the best.  She is amazing and I feel so blessed that she is Ry's tutor... As I waited for them to finish up my tummy was growling and I realized that I skipped breakfast.

Ry and I went to Panera for lunch then to his dental appt.

Then we mowed the lawn... Well, he mowed the lawn and I did yard work- trimming and stuff.

I checked on the sparrows and the baby birds have fledged the nest... It is empty and they are nowhere to be seen...  

Jay got home and I made grilled cheese sandwiches... Then he and I went to Bible Study... Just love, love, love being in the Word with my friends from church.

We went to the video store and got a movie or 4... Well, Ry wanted to watch "The Grey"  I will say that I thought it was unrealistic and being an optimist and loving a happy ending.... Well, I won't give it away by telling whether I was disappointed or not.... If you watched it you know.

Now the boys are watching another movie... Something with Navy Seals or something.... It is a loud movie.... I hear lots of explosions.... LOL

E is on her way home from Cedar Point... I saw pictures on FB and looked like they were having a BLAST!

Anyway, this is the type of day that makes you feel happy, tired, and satisfied all at once! Thankful for all of it and everything... And now going to bed!

Pleasurable Work

Here are a couple more photos of the Chipping Sparrows...



This one is the mama on the nest.












And these are the babies.

This one taken on 6-03-12

Look at that little mug.... so funny...









Well, yesterday the weather was pretty nice and so working in the yard was a definite.... The flag pole was kind of calling my name...  Since we had so much rain, the ground was diggable, workable.  A bit easier?  Oh my, by the time I was finished I could hardly move... But I dug up all the plants- saved some to replant, collected all the bulbs and cleaned up all the weeds and waste.... Then my husband helped me screen out the rock from the soil...

As soon as we finished he said OK now let's go for a run... Are you kidding?  I can hardly move my legs... My hip and buttocks hurt from driving the shovel with my foot... I was out here for 5 hours working.... Then I thought about him... He works hard like that every day and even when he is tired he will accommodate my wishes... So I said OK.  Changed my clothes, put my hair up and we went to the bike path... Ran 3 miles... Now I haven't ran in months... Three miles nearly killed me in my weakened (digging) condition...LOL  But about 20 min afterwards I felt pretty good....

My body really hurt last night... Every time I rolled over, I woke up... Soreness, aches and pains.... Youth is wasted on the young... I always heard that... Now I believe it!

Today I am looking out the window at my flagpole planter and I will have to finish it up... That means getting a load of garden soil to fill it up and then replant the bulbs and flowers.... and then mulch it.

I also need some garden soil for a potato patch.  Just a small one.  The ones we grew last year were so tasty... I love having a garden...

Coming up in the garden now are Pumpkins, Corn and Jalapeno Peppers.  Of course I haven't been out there this morning so there could be more...

Gardening is hard work sometimes... But it brings pleasure and I hope glory to God who created every creature and all things!

Joyful is Better!

It's chilly outside today but it isn't raining so I am happy about that.  Yesterday the weather was terrible... Rained all day and rained hard.  Several of my hanging baskets came down.. Too heavy for the iron hanging posts- as the ground was saturated and became soft and  they fell over.  

When it warms up, I should be able to work the soil around the flag pole pretty easily and get it weeded and replanted.  So that is a good thing.


The little sparrows seemed to survive yesterdays rains just fine... They are nearly completely feathered.    How amazing it is to watch them grow... Not sure how long it will be before they fledge the nest... But two weeks tops, I bet...

There were several dead baby birds around the garden this morning... Possibly blown from their nests up high in the trees.... :(




The wrens in the front yard had a little upset last night... The fern became to heavy for the post and it was all about to fall over so I moved the fern.... Mama seemed afraid or skeptical of the change and I didn't know whether she would return... But she is there this morning... Birds... I guess their instincts are strong.



These pretzels are for a friend's son's graduation party today.  By accident instead of dark chocolate I bought dark chocolate mint.  My mistake turned out pretty yummy.  My son just came in and asked if I put mint in the chocolate... Because he tried one and it tasted really good! :)


Things aren't perfect.  Life is hard some days but even in our trials we can find blessings- I need to remember that- and be happy.


Watching the birds today, after yesterdays wet, wet day.  They are flying around- doing their thing...   Troubles forgotten, moving on, accepting the new day, whatever it brings with a song of joy.


God is so good and being joyful is the best way to give Him thanks and praise and share His message of love.