HAPPY NEW YEAR

New Year's Eve, time to reflect on the year that is nearing completion.  My reflections include simply being so grateful for a year of being close to family and everyone in my family having good health.  I'm also thankful for all my friends and my church family and all the wonderful things that transpired during the year 2012.

As we get ready to begin 2013 I only want to continue to make my number one goal in life to grow closer to God.  By doing so I will be able to know what he has planned for me each day and I will have a better chance of accomplishing His plan for me.  This way of living my life was instilled in me during my reading of Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life".  It is based on Ephesians 2:10 which states, "For we are God's workmanship,created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  I want merely to understand exactly what those works for me are and to do them.  I am so thankful for Rick Warren for helping to make God's plan for each of us so clear in his book based wholly on the Word of God.  My life has been so much fuller and clearer since I was able to read and study this amazing book.  I'm looking so forward to the new year and growing closer to Him and hopefully accomplishing all the wonderful plans He has prepared for me each day.

We had a beautiful snow two days ago.  It is still covering the ground, the trees and the rooftops.  It is so beautiful and sets a wonderful white and  wintery backdrop for the deer when they visit our feeder.  Last night we watched seven or eight deer as they jockeyed for position at the feeding chute.  This morning the dogs alerted me when a small straggler tried to have a little corn for breakfast without having to share.  I hope they all get what they need to make it through the remainder of the winter weather.

I am afraid I might explode from football overload before the bowl season and NFL playoffs ending in the Super Bowl are complete.  I was happy to see the Bengals win yesterday. I enjoyed watching the Packers game and hope Randall Cobb is healed before next week's replay against the Vikings.  I was sorry that the Packers couldn't pull out a victory as I still have an Illinois past and was hoping for da Bears to continue their season.  I'm also pulling for the Broncos and Mark still loves the Patriots.  I hope the New York Jets are happy with the way their season ended, as they never gave Tim Tebow so much as a shot at doing what he does best.....helping his team succeed.  I hope that the Jacksonville Jaguars will finally see the obvious, Tim Tebow will help this struggling Florida franchise succeed.

Things are looking up for UK basketball, women's and men's.  UK football is also making strides towards the possibility of something positive.  I'll continue to follow all things Big Blue in 2013.

In the meantime, I simply want to wish you a safe and prosperous new year.  Have a great day and Happy New Year!  luv, Susan

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry (day after) Christmas!  I am so thankful to have all the hustle and bustle of the season nearing an end.  Not yet, of course, but soon.  I truly hope you had one of your merriest Christmases ever.  We absolutely did.  Mark and I know how truly blessed we are and simply hug each other with the knowledge that we have each other and our family is all healthy and safe.  It was an awesome Christmas indeed.

One of my best Christmas presents was coming out of Sunday school and seeing Mark with two of my most special church family members, Billy and Joe.  I didn't think he would make it to church as his back is really out of whack right now.  But there he was in his nice white shirt and red tie that looks so festive.  If you look closer, you'll see it's red with fishing lures on it, but from away, it looks Christmasy.  Anyway, what more could I ask on the Sunday before Christmas, than to have my "love" right there beside me at our last service before Christmas.  In Henderson we always made it to Christmas Eve service, but here in Central Kentucky, family has just taken over.  Also, having young ministers at my church, they need to travel away to see their family as well.

The other reason for having such an awesome Christmas was having both my children under our roof for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.  Wow, talk about an awesome feeling.  It has been a special time.  My sisters and I are so blessed to have our parents able to come to each of our houses and have special family time together.  My mom and dad came Christmas morning and had a breakfast with the kids and us and our four little dogs, as well as Christina and Joe's little Beaulah, the great dane.  We did miss not having Joe here, but he was visiting family in Texas, so we understood that.  Hopefully next year when they're married they'll have it all figured out.

If the weather holds out, I'll be meeting my sisters and mom for a movie and lunch today.  It's just part of our tradition to get into Lexington and do something together the day after.  We used to shop for gift wrap, cards and Christmas sweaters, but now we just want to be together and do something, like a movie.

Mark is back at work, even though his back is killing him.  He has the strongest work ethic I've ever seen.  I hope it's a light day for him, as well as a short day.  I was sad to not have Country Christmas on sirius radio, but I can still listen to traditional Christmas and I have my own cd's.

I do have to add that the Christmas season got even sadder than when i last blogged.  Our friends' little granddaughter, Sadie, passed away on December 21st.  This was not the Christmas miracle we all had been praying for.  I can't even begin to describe the deep sadness that has befallen all of us who know and love this special family.  But, they continue to lift us up because they are celebrating the fact that Sadie is no longer suffering from all her earthly health problems.  No, she is running, laughing and playing in heaven and sees the beautiful streets of gold that we can only imagine.  We hurt for the family that lost this little angel, but we rejoice in knowing that we'll see this sweet girl when we get to heaven ourselves.  As we pray for their comfort and strength, we also pray for all our own family and friends to know the assurance that comes with knowing our wonderful savior, Jesus Christ.  May we continue to show His love in all that we say and do.

I hope you had the Merriest of Christmases ever.  Please, remember the reason for this season and take the time to let Him give you the greatest gift of all, His love.  Have a great day, Susan

SAD CHRISTMAS SEASON

Sirius radio has me spoiled with their station called Country Christmas.  I have been listening to Alan Jackson, Faith Hill and Rascal Flatts, just to name a few these past weeks.  The combination of Christmas Carols depicting the arrival of our Savior into a lowly Bethlehem stable and the old timey favorites like Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer sung by Gene Autry, give me just the right mixture of holiday delight and Christmas awe. 

I'm happy to report that I am pretty much on schedule for all my holiday responsibilities.  I have plenty of decorations up, including the little tree that my Mom gave me several years ago.  It's such a blast to the past when I hang up the little drummer boy ornament she gave me for Dustin and the little jingle bear for Christina.  There's a lot of ornaments that depict many of their favorite things throughout the years.  We also have a few fish ornaments for Mark here and there and even a little sewing mama ornament for me.

Last night I put together a big bowl of cookie dough.  Today's plan is to bake cut out Christmas cookies and decorate them.  I'm hoping for a visit from Dustin, as icing cookies and sprinkling colored sugar is actually a two man job.  He's often helped me with this through the years, though not since he moved out some twelve years ago.  

Kentucky basketball continues to struggle with the new class of fabulous freshmen, but I'm sure they'll come around eventually.  Our new football coaching staff is already making numerous steps in the right direction.  Hopes are high for both programs.

Our Sunday school class has merged with the men's class for this advent season.  We've been discussing whatever Advent material strikes one of us during the week.  We've had many soul searching discussions concerning the Christmas season.

I have to say that it's been difficult to be merry this year from time to time.  I have dear friends who have been facing a battle with cancer this past year and now face an even scarier fight with their granddaughter being diagnosed with leukemia.  This family is remaining strong in their faith, knowing that God is in control.  They are an inspiration to all their friends and family.  And this past week has been so very hard because of the incident in Connecticut.  I looked immediately at the map only to realize the community of Newtown is the opposite corner from the corner of the state I used to travel through every day on my way to work in Webster, Massachusetts from Chepachet, Rhode Island.  I'm comforted only by the thought of these sweet children and their protectors being welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus Christ as they left their earthly lives behind.  May God place his loving arms around this broken community and nation.

Yesterday was awesome, weatherwise.  Pudge, Riff and I took our five mile walk and then some.  Today is raining early and possibly we'll have snow later tonight.  I hope you are enjoying this reflective time of year and finding the peace that comes with knowing God uses everything in this world for His ultimate plan of redemption and eternal life with Him for those who believe.  Have a great day and stay safe.  luv, Susan

November Was A Time To Be Thankful

December has arrived.  I'll try to not let the panic set in and instead take a deep breath to settle my soul and appreciate this most awesome time of year.  Thanksgiving was wonderful.  Mark and I are so very blessed to celebrate with two loving families.  Having my family here is stressful for me, but oh so worth it.  Once I know my parents, sisters, brothers-in-law, children, nephews and loved ones are all seated at the table with an assortment of turkey, dressing and the like, I am filled with such a feeling of gratitude for the opportunity that Mark and I have hosting this holiday of Thanksgiving.  We are a truly blessed family with good health, loved ones, jobs, homes and the privilege of living in an awesome country that allows us all our freedoms, not the least of them being the ability to worship our loving Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  It was a wonderful day to be thankful.

Our family fun doesn't end there, however, oh no.  We continue our appreciation for food and family as we make our way south to Florida where we enjoy the second family Thanksgiving meal for the Florida Libby's and our NYC Libby.  This will be at Mark's parents' house with younger brothers and families.  I especially enjoy this meal because I don't have to prepare it.  Sister-in-law Judy fixes a huge turkey dinner for her whole family and always prepares enough for this second Libby celebration, as well.  Again, we are thankful for many, many things as we reflect on how we have been blessed during the year.  I am so very thankful to our loving God who has watched over, protected and showered the Six family and the Libby family with so many blessings!  May we continue to be grateful to Him each and every day of the year.

I might say that we are also thankful for this wonderful weather.  It was so nice in Florida, but it has also been warm and mild since coming back to Kentucky.  Mark and I took Riff and Pudge for a nice walk yesterday afternoon.  Today Mark is fishing and I'm gonna get out my Christmas stuff.  We actually got our greenery and lights out on our deck railing before we left for Florida, so I just need to concentrate on getting the greenery and white lights out for the interior.  I'll also get out all my nativities and the already half decorated little tree that I put out each year.  We really changed our tree tradition when we moved to Georgetown.  We previously would get a cut tree or a live tree in Henderson.  We tried that our first year in Scott County, but realizing the time and effort going into this task was hardly worth it since most of our holiday is spent at the homes of the rest of the family.  My kids, those two adults to everyone else, don't seem to mind the downsizing of the Christmas tree and I sure can put my time to other important things like walks.

This is the Advent Season when we are preparing our lives and our hearts for the arrival of our Blessed Savior, Jesus.  I will also be preparing something for my Sunday School class in the morning.  We discussed our wishes to spend these next sessions on doing just that, getting our minds and spirits prepared to celebrate His birth in a stable and all that it meant and still means for each of us today.

In addition to that, I'll also find some time today to tune in to the UK game against Baylor.  When we played them last year in the NCAA tourney, they turned out to not be nearly as formidable an opponent as I had feared.  Unfortunately, this year, I fear that we are the team that has been overrated.  I love our team, but they are struggling quite a bit and I just hope and pray that they can continue to improve and learn how to work together as a team and cohesive unit before too much further into the season.  It would be nice to not lose every starter at the end of the year, we'll see how it goes.

And as far as UK football, I am saddened at Joker's departure.  I believe all those fair weather fans are looking forward to our new coach, Mark Stoops.  I trust that our AD was true to his word and got us a head coach with good character.  I also pray the fans give him and his staff the time it will take to rebuild the program.  I'm always more impressed when I see these Kentucky players exhibiting exemplary lives after their playing days, then I know the coaches were successful.  I believe Rich Brooks and Joker Philips were both successful coaches when you see how their former players are living their lives.  Good luck, Coach Stoops!

I hope you had a Thanksgiving surrounded by family and loved ones.  Enjoy this special season ahead.  Stay safe and have a great day!  luv, Susan

PS  I want to add that we are especially thankful at this time because we are currently planning a family wedding for 2013!  Christina and Joe will be getting married, hopefully in the Summer.      

SUPPORT OUR SENIORS SATURDAY

Hello, Winter!  I was holding onto the last of my Summer with both hands, trying so hard to not let go, but it was yanked from my grasp yesterday as I dug up my still blooming Gerbera Daisies and brought them into the house.  After covering them many times I finally cried "uncle" and saved them from the inevitable killing frosts that have become a morning ritual in Scott County.  I have to admit, early morning frost covering everything is beautiful, but knew these poor plants didn't stand a chance if they remained out.  I can only hope and pray they'll survive the winter and be willing to bloom again come Spring.

This morning, it is bone chilling cold.  I hope to get some cleaning and preparations implemented for this coming Thursday.  It would be nice to have most of my house cleaned for the rest of the family come Thanksgiving Day.  Maybe this year I can actually have the great room cleaned and decorated before the first family members arrive and not hand out the dusting cloth and pledge to them as I unpack the pilgrim and Indian wooden decorations.  Yes, I actually did that one year, Martha Stewart, I'm not.

I really hope the temperatures climb up into the fifties and the sun continues to shine so I can take Riff and Pudge for a walk.  I'd like to see if most of the leaves have come down since our last walk days and days ago.  I'm especially hoping for a nice day Saturday so we can really enjoy the last of the tailgating at Commonwealth Stadium.  We need really nice weather for Senior Day.  Our last chance to let these kids know that the fans support them wholeheartedly, even though the attendance at the last game didn't illustrate that at all.   The attendance at the Vanderbilt game was only 18,885.  I am proud to say that I was one of those 18,885.  The newspaper and television reporters failed to add that the weather was horribly cold and raining pregame and during the game.  Even though I'm sure many fans stayed away to let our Athletic Director, Mitch Barnhart, know their lack of support for head coach, Joker Phillips, I'm sure some just weren't up to sitting out on wet, cold, aluminum bleachers  to watch the game.  Again, I hope the fans show their support of these young men and come out Saturday to let them know they are appreciated for their loyalty to the team and their hardwork during their years with the program.

My other team, the Paris Greyhounds finished up their season by making the playoffs and winning their opening playoff game in years at home.  We look forward to next season as the program has officially been turned in the right direction.  And as far as the pro teams I follow, it continues to be a fun ride watching the Broncos and the Packers from week to week.

This coming Sunday we will be having our last session on our Beth Moore Bible Study called Stepping Up, a journey through the Psalms of the Ascent.  Our discussions on the study of the scriptures of Psalm 120-134 have brought us along a journey of pilgrims making our way through this world while we strive to grow closer to our God.  Just as the Israelites made their journeys to Mt Zion for each of the Great Pilgrimage Feasts, we make our own pilgrimage back to our loving and merciful God.  Praise God for wanting us to grow closer to Him and for those friends and fellow pilgrims with whom we share the journey.

My doggies are reminding me that they need attention, so I will offer my hope that you are enjoying whatever journey you are on and hope you have a great day and stay safe.  luv, Susan  

 

BLESSINGS

It has been a busy month of October for me and my family.  We lost a very dear, close friend and my Mom has been having health problems.  The hardest part was that these two things overlapped on us.  Anyway, we will miss our friend, Catherine.  She was one of the most faithful of my friends.  She knew that no matter what transpired on earth, God would make it right.  She was wanting to go home to be with her Lord ever since her husband, Walt, left eight years ago.  Walt and Catherine were two of the most loving, family oriented people I knew.  They were the salt of the earth, always fun to be around, always joyful and filled with love for God, each other, their family, friends and all they were in contact with.  We've missed Walt for these past eight years and it is so comforting to know they are back together and with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

And I'm happy to report that my Mom is doing well.  After a week of doctors visits, procedures and a two day hospital stay, she is resting at home and feeling so much better.  Thank you, God.

This is such a beautiful time of year here in Central Kentucky.  The colors of the trees, the horse farms and the beautiful backdrop of the Fall sky create vistas begging to be captured, whether in my mind or a photographer's lens.  Many times during my drives around Paris and Georgetown, I'm so tempted to just pull over and take it all in.  Every time I get to walk I'm just wishing that I had the ability to keep this season from marching on and keep it here until Spring.  Oh well.

I have been enjoying the football these past weeks, but I'm afraid most of the teams that I follow have been having really tough times.  I plan to continue cheering for UK and pray for these young men, especially that there are no more injuries.  After many of the NFL teams I like got beat this past week, it was good to see the second half of the Bronco's game last night as Peyton Manning pulled off his greatest comeback ever.  I actually went to bed once they got within three, cause I figured he had it all figured out and they were headed for a comeback win.  It was fun to turn on Sportscenter this morning and see that he did just what I had anticipated last night.  It's fun to see former UK players Jacob Tamme and Wesley Woodyard experiencing something that awesome.

I'm continuing to follow my UpperRoom readings each morning.  They always give me something encouraging and inspirational to help get me through the occasional rough day.  We are also nearing the end of our Beth Moore Bible Study at church.  The Psalms of the Ascent ( Psalm 120-134 ) are an awesome place to go for the opportunity to grow closer to our God.

And because it is such a beautiful Fall morning, I need to get my act together today for some fall cleaning in addition to a country walk.  I hope you are able to enjoy your day as well.  Stay safe and take care.  luv, Susan

FALL AND FOOTBALL

October is here!!  It is now okay to put out your pumpkins, ghosts and Halloween decorations.  I have a problem with jumping the gun on holidays, especially Halloween.  Can't we just enjoy September for it's own merit.  It is the beginning of Fall and school, harvesting and apple picking.  Do we really have to pass all of that by and start displaying witches and giant spider's webs on our front porches?  I know many say that Halloween is their favorite holiday, so they get a little carried away.  I have to admit, it's not my favorite, even though I've enjoyed my fair share of trick or treating, costumes and Halloween parties.  I think we've gone way too far with the dark aspect of the holiday.  It used to be cute and lighthearted. Today, there are way too many exploitations of the evil associated with the day referred to as all hallowed's eve.  My first real awareness of this was when we took our small children to what I thought was a "fun celebration" called Boo at the Zoo in Evansville's well known zoo.  After filing by cages filled with chain saw killings and maniacal scenes of gore and vile, I immediately realized, this was no place for me or my young children.  Don't be fooled by the glorification of the dark things of this world.  Halloween can still be fun and carefree, make thoughtful decisions about how you celebrate this season.

If you weren't in attendance at the latest UK football game, you missed one of the most exciting first halves of a David taking on Goliath examples ever.  It was a really wild time watching these mostly young freshman take on a very experienced and highly rated Gamecock team.  After our defense put on an amazing first defensive three and out possession, we were hopeful that this game might not be so terrible after all.  However,after we lost our very talented and capable starting quarterback, Maxwell Smith, on our second offensive play of the game, I thought we were in for a bloodbath of a one sided game.  It was stunning and totally exhilarating to be part of the experience when our true freshman quarterback came into the game.  Jalen Whitlow was able to lead our team to the most amazing first half ever and we went into the halftime with a lead over the sixth ranked team in the nation.  Wow, it was awesome.I don't have a lot to say about the second half, but I'm looking forward to more of the first half performance this coming Saturday as the Wildcats take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Commonwealth Stadium at noon.

I've been so blessed to be back in Central Kentucky.  It's wonderful to be able to see my family and hometown friends on a regular basis.  This coming Friday night I'll be going to see Paris take on Frankfort at Blanton Collier Field.  I don't expect to see a repeat of the 1973 game between the district foes, when Paris won by a field goal kick and eventually went on to win the Class A State Championship, but I do look forward to seeing more friends and former classmates cheering on the Orange and Black.

I hope you're enjoying the glorious season of Fall while it's here.  I'm not ready to even think of what's yet to come.  Please don't jump ahead to the next season without truly experiencing this one.  Take care and stay safe.  luv, Susan  

DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT

It has been eleven years since the Twin Towers of NYC fell and my wish for everyone remembering that time today is to think back to what that day taught us.  We became closer with our families, our friends and as a nation.  As the World Trade Towers crumbled to the ground with all those souls with them, we suddenly realized that the most important things in our lives are not our homes, jobs, careers, cars or possessions.  The most cherished things in our lives are our relationships we have with each other.  Be it our families, our friends and neighbors, our church families, and our fellow countrymen and women.  Are we still reflecting that in the way we live our lives?  I hope we can say we are.

I can say that it has been a beautiful September day, just as it was on this day in 2001.  Walking with Riff and Pudge was a wonderful way to pass an hour and then some this morning.  During the past weeks, the doggies have, on occasion, not wanted to go on the walk due to the heat.  I, of course, let them stay home when this occurred.  Thankfully, I only went one day without either of them.  I actually thought it would be easier for me, not having to keep up with them and their leashes, their potty breaks and their other distractions that pull me off in all sorts of different directions.  I was surprised to learn as the walk progressed that I was having difficulty coping with all sorts of aches, pains and discomforts.  It just made me realize how important it is, in our daily lives, to be concerned about all of those making their way through this world along side us.  So, whatever you're doing, try to include someone else along because it's so much easier to share the trip and be concerned for more than just yourself. 

I'm glad football season is back.  I'm a fan of high school, college and pro football.  I usually latch on to a team due to hometown ties and stick with them through thick or thin.  And as these players venture on, I'll often support them and their future teams as well.  These past football seasons have been difficult for my high school Alma mater.  It has been sad seeing a long tradition of doing well in Class A Kentucky football become season after season of struggling for even one win.  I am happy to say that this trend has begun to turn around.  My fellow classmate, Bill Alverson, told me a couple years ago that he had a vision that Paris football would return.  I believe he and others have worked tirelessly these past years getting support for the struggling football program.  With the Greyhounds starting off with a 3-0 record, we are hoping for another win this Friday night in Paris as we go for win number four.

And, I'm happy to report that after a disappointing loss to UofL, the University of Kentucky Wildcats were able to do well knocking off Kent State by a score of 47-14 on Saturday.  The first quarter was a nail biter, but by the time the second half started, even the defense was able to step up and we had a much needed revival of sorts with our strong offensive effort led by our super sophomore, Maxwell Smith and a veteran receiver, Aaron Boyd, a Henry Clay graduate and the rest of the receivers and the offensive line.  The disappointment of the night, which turned out to be perfect weather for a game, was that so many fans decided to be no shows.  I can't imagine what could have been more enjoyable than tailgating with friends at Commonwealth Stadium on a beautiful afternoon and watching the Cats rack up touchdown after touchdown.  The poor "Wildcat" mascot was worn out after doing his one handed pushups after each score.  I actually think they put in a sub for him.  UK plays Western this coming Saturday.  It would be so nice to see the stadium closer to full capacity again.   Go Big Blue!

I've always been a fan of Jeff Foxworthy.  When he hosted the Country Music Awards show, he did the best job I've ever seen for the program.  His Blue Collar Comedy Tour is always funny and his show about Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader is cute and fun to watch as well.  But, I have to say that his newest creation, beginning this season is hilarious, educational and touching.  It is called The American Bible Challenge.  Jeff Foxworthy is a hoot and the categories for the Bible questions are so clever and imaginative.  Just imagine "tweets" that Bible characters might send or a segment of CSI concerned with one of the many deaths found in scripture.   The contestants represent churches and charitable organizations that are hoping to win prize money for their efforts.  So far I've found it on Thursday afternoons on the Game Show Network.

As we continue to commemorate this day and remember those who were lost in New York City, Washington DC and that field in Pennsylvania, let us also remember our priorities in life.  Take care and have a great day.  luv, Susan 

HAPPY LABOR DAY

It's September in Central Kentucky and our weather, again, has become the topic of choice.  What had previously been hurricane Isaac down in the gulf has now been downgraded and become merely a slow moving and slow arriving formation bringing much appreciated rain to our area.  We had been told that it would be a wash out for the entire weekend, however, Saturday turned out to be dry and partly sunny.  We wondered Sunday, if in fact, Isaac would ever arrive with it's potential to bring the drenching rain we greatly needed.  It was a blessing, during the late afternoon to see the pouring rain as it pounded the dry and thirsty earth.  Thank you, God!

I'm not sure the crowd at Papa John Stadium in Louisville had the same appreciation for the late afternoon deluge, but I believe most in Kentucky breathed a sigh of relief for the shower.  Unfortunately, the Cardinals were also in the midst of their own type of shower.  They poured forth their own deluge of offensive yardage on our Kentucky Wildcats during the first half of the game between the interstate rivals.  We had hoped the tide would turn in the second half as Kentucky recovered an onside kick to start the second half.  But, it just wasn't meant to be, as Kentucky lost it's second straight game to Da'Ville.  I am going to stay positive and take the things from the game that I saw that looked promising.  Maxwell Smith looked comfortable and racked up  a lot of passing yards.  The Cats did well with it's no huddle offense and, as earlier mentioned, the onside kick recovery at the beginning of the second half was impressive.  I look forward to the next two games at Commonwealth Stadium as this very young team learns to hang on to the ball and the defense shows improvement in stopping our opponent.

Because it is the Labor Day holiday weekend I thought it appropriate to mention the Bible verses we were discussing in our Beth Moore Study yesterday morning.  As I've mentioned, we are studying the Psalms of Ascent, which are Psalms 120 - 134.  With each Psalm we study, we are ascending the steps that lead to the Temple in Jerusalem.  The women of that day could not ascend these steps to the next level, but in our new age of equality, we feel women are indeed allowed to make their way up these steps that lead to a more fulfilling and closer relationship with God.   Our current verse from Psalm 127 begins by reminding us that laboring without God's involvement and direction, is laboring in vain.  This is so true in the lives of Christians.  If what we are doing is not in His will, nor giving Him glory, then what is the point of doing it.  We can spend an awfully lot of time, energy and efforts in many of our endeavors, only to realize at the end that it was all simply a waste of time because it wasn't what God was wanting of us in the first place.  But, due to human nature, we fall into this trap time and time again.  I pray that we look to Him and His will for our lives before we take on any time consuming labor and that all our labors are going to glorify Him.

Because it is a rather gray, gloomy day outside, we haven't felt like taking our walk.  The doggies and I are being a bit lethargic so far, but we are hoping to do the things that will make God smile when we think of them.  I hope you are having an enjoyable and not so laborious Labor Day.  Take care and stay safe. luv, Susan

SUMMER DAYS

As usual, this summer has certainly been flying by.  Our weather keeps hitting ridiculous records for heat, drought and surprisingly, now we are about to set a record for the most days in August with lows in the fifties.  I consider that natural air conditioning and my windows are wide open to let the cool, refreshing morning air in, because I know, the afternoons will allow the sun to heat our house up like an oven.  Thankfully, the coolness of evening and the late afternoon shade of the trees has kept the indoor temps low enough to keep the artificial air conditioning from kicking on.  I always celebrate our natural air conditioning when I receive our monthly electric bill.

We escaped the Kentucky heat late in July and early in August by heading north.  We vacation each year on an island off the coast of Rockland, Maine.  It's our annual family retreat as all the Libby boys have reestablished the tradition and we have the awesome opportunity of seeing the majority of the Libby clan as we all invade this small island, where their father was born and raised.  During our time there, it seems we are at the ferry landing umpteem times either meeting a Libby and family, or bidding them farewell.  This year was especially enjoyable as we had bid the suffocating heat farewell for the time we were there, and thankfully, Kentucky had cooled off considerably by the time we returned.

Our neighbor was looking after the place while we were gone.  I had hoped we'd have something to harvest from our garden by the time we got back, but things just didn't take so well this year.  Good thing I have generous friends and neighbors who have kept us supplied with tomatoes, zucchini, squash, cucumbers and tomatoes since we got back .

The Morning Glories I planted to replace my Hollyhocks have covered the trellis Mark placed out front for them.  Unfortunately, however, it's mostly leaves and very few blooms.  I know I need to try using some fertilizer, but just haven't done it as of yet.  I do still have large, colorful Gerbera daisies opening on a regular basis, which I am thankful for. And as much as I hate it, the bluebirds never did come back for a second time with a new birdhouse full of babies.  I think the flycatchers pretty much staked this yard out as their territory.  I have enjoyed the cardinals, indigo buntings, hummingbirds and some occasional oriole sightings.

With cooler evenings we've resumed our time spent in the evening watching for the deer in the pasture across the street and we haven't been disappointed.  It has become a nightly ritual for the mama deer to bring their babies out into the meadow, just like in the Bambi movie.  But instead of hunters scaring them off, we witnessed something really absurd a couple nights ago.  The horses in the pasture, who usually just ignore the presence of the deer, decided to stampede toward the deer as they were making their way down the tree covered hill and into the open.  From what we could see, the deer took the threatening horde of horses as a serious threat and disappeared back into the woods that evening.  Usually, when we hear the thundering hooves of the stampede of three, we just figure they're bored and looking for some attention from the dogs, but this particular night, it  really seemed that they were getting tired of all the deer taking over their space.

We also witnessed some strange behavior from a flock of turkeys a week or so ago.  Mark has cleared a trail around the perimeter of our yard, just inside the dog fence.  It seems the turkeys have used the trail to make their way up and down the hill behind the house.  We watched this unusual turkey parade one afternoon as about a dozen of the birds went up the hill, then decided to do an about face and headed down, then again, went back up.  Eventually the dogs got whiff of what was going on and the parade was over and the participants dispersed over the fence in a matter of seconds.

I hope your summer has been going well.  I can't believe that UK football is just around the corner.  I am hoping for the best this season and preparing for the worst.  It's also going to be interesting how Tim Tebow does with the Jets.  My Sunday School class continues our Beth Moore Bible Study on the Psalms of the Ascent and my church has really taken to our new minister and his wife.  We've had regular almost monthly family gatherings for birthdays and holidays and I especially have enjoyed spending time with my kids and other family  during these special celebrations.  This looks like it's shaping up to be another beautiful day in Central Kentucky, it'll be a great morning to take the doggies for their walk.  You have a great day and stay safe.  luv, Susan

 

WAITING ON SOME RAIN

This has absolutely been the hottest summer that I can remember in Kentucky!  I believe we had temps over 95 degrees for over ten days, and most of those were over 100.  Adding to that, the fact that we had no rain during that time, this area has been scorched.  I realize that we have dodged much of the disastrous weather regarding fires and floods that so much of the country has endured, thankfully all of my family out west did fine, but it has sure been a sizzling summer to the say the least.  I've continued to do my walking, though earlier in the morning.  Thank God for shady roads.  And whereas we were enjoying sitting under the deck most evenings, I'm afraid that weather conditions didn't allow for that to be an option most nights.  In fact, we moved a TV into the basement and retreated most nights to the cool of the partially subterranean part of our house.  I've thanked God for air conditioning on more than one occasion, for sure. 

We lost three of my favorite TV sitcom stars in the past weeks.  First, I was shocked to see that Don Grady, who played Robbie Douglas on My Three Sons, pass away at the age of 66, I think he had just turned that.  Of course, he played the middle son, originally, until the oldest son, Mike, disappeared and  little Ernie was adopted.  Then it became Dad Steve, played by Fred MacMurray, Robbie, Chip and Ernie.  I always thought that it was funny that in real life, Chip and Ernie were real brothers, but on the show, Ernie had just been a good friend of Chips who needed a new home. Checking out Don Grady's website, I learned that this former Mouskateer had recently been working on some music that he thought we baby boomers might enjoy.  Too bad that cancer took his life before he could make it available to us.  I was a big Mickey Mouse Club fan.

Another former sitcom star that passed away recently was Ernest Bourgnine, who was an oscar winning actor in movies and later found his part of a life time playing Lieutenant Quenton McHale on the hilariously funny McHale's Navy.  Turns out he really was in the navy for many years and I'm sure we especially enjoyed the antics of his crew, including the always outrageous, Tim Conway, because my Dad had also been in the navy.  He always seemed to think that they had so much of that series spot on the truth of what really went on during the war.

And, finally, we lost one of the very best of the best of early television royalty, Andy Griffith.  I know I could watch the early episodes of The Andy Griffith Show over and over, and already know many of them by heart.  Outside of The Dick Van Dyke show, The Andy Griffith Show about the small picturesque town of Mayberry has to be my favorite.  And, apparently, I'm not alone.  I think you can watch the reruns just about any day of the week on some channel somewhere.  We remember the antics of Andy, Barney, Gomer, Goober, Aunt Bee and Opie above any other program in history.  I was a fan of Andy Griffith's when I first saw the movie, No Time for Sargents.  I believe it was the prototype for Gomer Pyle USMC, which was spun off of The Andy Griffith Show, and became popular in it's own right.  In recent years, I was not surprised to hear that many of the episodes of The Andy Griffith Show had been accumulated and used as the basis for a Bible Study.  The study is called Finding The Way Back To Mayberry and was written and introduced by Joey Fann and Brad Grasham back in 1998.  I was delighted to check it out and find Joey Fann's website easily on Google at BarneyFife.com.  It's a worthwhile site to visit.

I'd also like to add that my favorite country music star, Brad Paisley, also was an Andy Griffith fan.  Andy sang a lot of gospel music and also played the guitar often on his show. Evidently Brad had a great deal of respect and love for the character and the actor.  When he wanted to make a music video of one of his most poignant and true to life songs, Waiting On A Woman, he asked Andy to play the part of the old man sitting on a bench in the local mall, who gives the young newlywed a lot in the way of words of wisdom.  It turned out to be a great way to remember our old friend, Andy, as he sits on a white bench, in his white suit apparently in Heaven, as he remains, waiting on his woman.

Not a lot going on here in Central Kentucky, we're mostly waiting on rain.  I had hoped to have the bluebirds occupying their little house and working on family # 2, but even though we see them occasionally, don't think they have the second family started as of yet.  We've had to put up with critters over the past weeks, seems the raccoons have really enjoyed, not only the birdseed we keep stored in a trash can out back, but also packages of dog treats that I had left out on the table under the deck.  After weeks of not knowing for sure what happened to the sealed packages, Mark did, finally, find the torn apart and emptied packages back in the woods.  We're still looking for the tupperware pitcher that we use to scoop out the birdseed.

Our Beth Moore Bible Study is continuing and we're sure enjoying discussing the material that we've covered each week.  Next time, we'll know that Beth Moore studies take one week for the discussion and another week to watch her presentation.  We feel no need to hurry through the study, especially in this summer weather, don't feel like hurrying at all.  I hope you enjoying your summer and have managed to keep cool and hydrated. Stay safe and take care, luv, Susan    PS, I was lucky enough to get to go see Josh Turner at Lexington's Red White and Boom.  If you're unfamiliar with this amazingly talented young man, check out his website as well.  He is awesome!

Weather Extremes

This past week of early summer has been dominated across our nation with nature's fury.  With out of control wildfires out west and threatening tropical storms in the gulf, it has been a week of extremes for this country.  Between families losing their homes to the fires from record high temperatures to those losing theirs to the unrelenting winds, rain and eventual flooding that follows, it has been a tough week for many.  Our state has seen many record temperatures already this year, but we've been so blessed to not see the damaging aspects of Mother Nature's wrath yet this year.  As I have cousins on the Gulf and more family out in Colorado, I need to be checking to see how everyone's doing.  

This week has been dominated with dogs.  It was time to give the dogs their summer grooming and because things went well when I attempted this on my own before our Spring trip to Florida, it was time to give everyone their hot weather-do.  They weren't particularly thrilled to be put under the clippers, but after several days of plopping them on the picnic table under the deck and trimming away the majority of their cool weather coats, I must say, they are ready for the warm weather that awaits.  And as typically as it usually happens, we have a nice crisp morning today in the low fifties, so I have four shivering, shaking and shaven malti-poos.  I'm going to enjoy this refreshing morning because once it reaches highs around eighty today, I believe we are headed for a heat wave where our highs will be in the nineties for the foreseeable future.

We are also getting close to drought conditions here in Scott County.  I've been watering each evening and our water bill reflects my efforts.  Hopefully, we'll eventually have some produce from the vegetable garden, though it appears to be a slow process of growing this year.  And, although I had to eventually cut down the majority of my poor hollyhocks that did not survive the rust fungus, I did plant some Morning Glory seeds and they are coming up nicely.  I believe there are still three of my hollyhocks that survived and I'm not sure what will be in store next Spring for them. The flowers I'm most enjoying now are the varying shades of purple petunias and the peachy colored lilies my friend, Billy brought over last year.  Yes, I call them Billy's lily's. I'm also hoping my hydrangeas will add some blooms and I have a few little bulbs to try planting that my sister gave me....we'll see what happens.

The birds continue to entertain and exacerbate us.  I occasionally see the bluebirds, the first brood of five, and also the parents as they make a decision to start brood number one at their little house.  And, we continue to be under siege by the Summer Tanager pair, though not quite as often.  We are especially enjoying the hummingbirds under the deck.  Never tire of them.

We've had some recent encounters with deer on our last several walks.  We were not surprised to hear a deer startled and spooked last week as we passed by, but it was a surprise to hear what sounded like someone doing a cannonball off the diving board into a pool, as it apparently jumped right into a roadside pond.  It was a shock hearing that and I did get to see it as it climbed up from the water.  Several days later, another deer decided to run across the road, just in front of us.  I'm just glad we weren't a car or that he didn't run us down in his haste to get to his destination.  On the home-front, I did get to see my first glimpse of a mama deer and her little fawn.  I've known they've been close by as Pepper has managed to come home covered in fawn poo where he enjoys rolling around in it. 

At our little church we have bid farewell to our former minister, Andy, and have welcomed our new minister, Jeremy.  It's always difficult to have change, but as a small church, we are a learning ground for newly graduated seminary students to spread their wings and learn to fly.  We enjoyed our flight with Andy and it looks like Jeremy is off to a great start.  He is an Okee, though not from Muskogee, and he looks like Doogie Howser, aka Neil Patrick Harris.  Andy's wife, Laura was an integral part of our women's Bible study on Sunday morning, and we'll miss her terribly, but it was so nice having Jeremy's wife, Meredith join us.  We've decided to start the Bible Study from Beth Moore on the Psalms of the Ascent once more.  One session for each weeks worth of material was not enough, so, after viewing the DVD's during our hour the first time around, these next six weeks will be spent on discussing the material.  We're all looking forward to that.

And as the sun has climbed in the sky, I realize that the sooner we get out for our morning walk, the better.  I hope you have a great day.  Stay safe, luv, Susan  

  

Happy Father's Day 2012

I'm feeling strange today.  My son is turning thirty!!  I'm not taking it so well and he's not taking it so well either.  If you know Dustin, just wish him a Happy 29th Birthday, so as not to send him into a tailspin.  Most of my friends have been going through this same event during these past years, not like I didn't know it was coming.  Just seems like it got here way too soon.  Weren't kids supposed to be married and starting their own families by thirty?  Well, mine don't seem to be in any hurry, and I'm not complaining, but I have to admit, even I have bought a couple things for the first of the grandchildren, if we are so blessed, but, please don't tell my kids.

And speaking of grandchildren, I am happy to report that I have a new grandpuppy.  No, Taffy and Pepper aren't at it again, this is a new kind of grandpuppy.  Christina and boyfriend, Joe, have added a new Blue Great Dane puppy to their household, which previously, included two cats.  Beulah has been over a couple of times and has warmed up to her cousins, the malti-poos.  They have even been playing and running around the yard.  She can make it around the yard in about thirty leaps and bounds and it takes them each about three hundred running steps. We look forward to many ridiculous playtimes in the future as she continues to outgrow them.

Today was not a good day for walking.  Even though it started out well, as Pudge, Riff and I walked with one of our neighbors, Helen, it turned ugly when we were met up the road by a Rottweiler.  I thought I had seen this dog before and it had checked us out and had gone back to it's house.  Unfortunately, this was a recently adopted rescue dog and it was her first encounter with us.  She did not take kindly to Pudge, as she ran toward us and easily picked him up by the back of his neck and shook him.  You can imagine the hysteria of my screaming, Riff's barking, Helen's yelling for the owner and Pudge's yelping.  It was not pretty and I thought  the Rottweiler  had killed him, but once the owner appeared and yelled, she ran off and Pudge seemed to be shaken, but otherwise okay.  Later, however, I realized that he was bleeding at the top of his chest from a small puncture wound, so after calling the vet, I cleaned and treated the area.  We're hoping it doesn't become infected.  Poor Pudge has been resting since he went through the original ordeal and the follow up trauma of having me clean the spot three times with peroxide.  It was reassuring to talk to our neighbor and make arrangements so this, hopefully, won't happen again.

Last week brought me several disappointments in the sports department, as the Celtics went down in game 7 against the Heat, I'll Have Another was unable to compete for the Triple Crown and Henderson County's Baseball Colonels got beat in the Championship Final of the State Tournament.  I think I'm over it, but was disappointed not to even make it to one game in Lexington to visit with Henderson friends.  Hopefully, they'll be back in years to come.

Tomorrow is Father's Day!  Mark and I are so very blessed that each of our fathers is doing well.  My dad is still in Paris, Kentucky, where he's been since 1965. Mark's dad is in Jupiter, Florida, where he has been retired for over twenty years.  Both dads were in the Navy during World War II.  We are so very proud of them  and wish it wasn't such a long trip down to Florida.  Thankfully, Mark gets to talk to his dad frequently and Dad's familiar  with the computer for emailing and facebook and we do get down there at least twice a year.
 
We travel to Maine every year because that is where Dad Libby was born and raised, on an island fifteen miles off the coast of Rockland, Maine.  We used to have a grand old time each summer while our kids were growing up.  They used to get a big kick out of all the Libby "island traditions" including picnics on Lane's Island, erecting the Libby Flag, seaweed fights, clamming, fishing for mackerel, visiting the quarry for a swim, picking blueberries, visiting smaller islands, going seal watching and doing all the wonderful things that are available on a little island off the coast of Maine.  We really miss that Mom and Dad Libby are unable to make the trip up each year, like they used to.  It's not the same up there without them at their camp for the summer, but we Libby's still have our reunions with this younger generation.  Maybe someday we'll even have a grandchild join us and all the grandpuppies.

I hope you're able to enjoy Father's Day tomorrow.  I know some of you may be missing your dads and I hope you'll be able to recall fond memories and recollections of good times.  I'll wish my Dads both a Happy Father's Day and look forward to having a fun day Sunday as we celebrate fathers and birthdays.  Take care and be safe, luv, Susan    

PICTURE PERFECT WEATHER ( So Far Today)

Okay, I've been playing with some of the icons on this blog site.  I don't know if I'll be able to actually indent paragraphs now, but I may have figured out how to ad color to my posting.  We have continued to ride on the roller coaster weather right up til today.  It gets hot, it gets cold, it gets mild, it rains, I never know what to expect.  We may have the air conditioner on one day and Mark mentions turning on the gas logs the next.  I just hope we have plenty of mild days this month so I can have a lower electric bill and not use the gas logs at all.

The dogs and I took a wonderful walk this morning.  The weather, in fact, is perfect so far today.  We encountered a couple of deer crossing the road in front of us.  At that point, I needed roller skates on my feet, and they would have simply pulled me up the hill.  I understand their excitement, but I wish they could keep from barking when they see the deer, because that pretty much assures we won't see any more.

I was hoping that I'd be able to go to Lexington this morning to see the KHSAA State Baseball Tournament, but I had other commitments, in addition to taking the dogs for a walk.  My former hometown of Henderson has won their regional tournament and is playing at Whitaker Park as I type.  I would be listening to the radio, but there is evidently no coverage of the games.  I wish them luck and hope I can make it to one of their games, maybe the championship final.

The Bible Study I'm helping with is moving right along.  We are making our way through the Psalms of the Ascent (Psalm 120-127).  We are currently in the midst of 127.  Because these are the "songs" that were sung as the pilgrims made their way back to the temple, I am reminded that I am also a pilgrim, making my way back to a closer relationship with God.  Each Psalm is a reminder to us of how God's relationship is an integral part of our life. I so look forward to the remainder of the study and also am hopeful that we'll have the opportunity to do another Beth Moore study in the near future.

I wish I could say that God has blessed all of my days this Spring with many beautiful flowers and blooming shrubs, as well as my other gardening escapades.  Sadly, many of my plants and flowers are just barely holding on.l  I had such high hopes for my attempt at Hollyhocks, that I positioned them right in the front of the house so everyone could see them when they drove up and walk by them as they passed by going to the front door.  As it turns out, I am so embarrassed whenever anyone comes by for a visit because my hollyhocks look so awful.  After the rust fungus took over and killed about 99% of the leaves, it left the 2-4 foot stalks with nothing left on them but a few little leaves at the top and flower buds that are struggling to bloom.  Mark finally placed a green lattice behind them to give the illusion that there is more to them than there actually is.  I'm not giving up, but things aren't looking good right now.

Mark and I finally went to the local nursery that's out our way.  We've been meaning to go for, dare I say, years now.  Anyway, we went Saturday and because they are basically between seasons for most gardners, we were able to get some bargains.  We brought home some lavendar petunias, multicolored impatiens and even some coleus plants.  So, after picking up some gerbera daisy plants, I'm almost able to say that most of my gardens are finally planted.  Please remember, I am queen of the procrastinators.

Also, I'd like to report that my newly planted Mimosa tree is doing well since Mark placed it not far from the bluebird house, but I'm afraid it also looks kinda pitiful, as a deer must have made a snack of the majority of the newly sprouted fronds.  Thankfully, there is one remaining and I hope and pray that this little tree makes it.  In the meantime, it's surrounded by a tomato plant guard.  And speaking of the bluebirds, I did see the first brood across the street on the fence around the horse pasture.  I counted five birds, most looked like the young ones.  Now I'm looking forward to the parents getting ready for brood # 2.

Because I am a birdwatcher, I was excited to see a pair of Summer Tanagers in the backyard last week.  It was rather odd how they would fly from the back yard to the deck railings and back.  Finally, they decided to start landing on the ledges beneath our large windows on either side of the rock fireplace.  And, now at this point, it has become an all out assault on our six large windows that make up the A of our A-frame house.  These two nutty birds have been attacking our windows for days now.  They start as soon as it's light and continue til nightfall, and at this time of year, that's a long day of birds banging into the glass.  I've known male cardinals to do this, thinking it's another male they're seeing reflected in the glass, but I've never had something like this continue with a pair of birds.  Thankfully, this morning I allowed the dogs to stay on the deck while they had breakfast, and I think the birds decided to wage war elsewhere, at least I hope.

It was sad to see the UK baseball, tennis and softball teams end their seasons without going farther, but it was fun keeping up with their seasons as they made it to their respective year ending tournaments.  I hope you're enjoying a beautiful, but mild day where you are.  Stay safe and have a great one.  luv, Susan    ps  Go Celtics!!!
 

SUMMER'S HERE

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!! Yes, it is almost here..............long awaited Summer is starting this weekend. Spring has been really unusual this year, like I mentioned previously, it's been like a roller coaster with near record highs and lows. Finally, we were able to enjoy some really nice mild springtime weather. We've been taking our walks and it has been nice. But, it looks like the weather is going to again hoover near record highs in the coming days as we are expecting temps in the nineties to start out the summer season. I hope you'll be enjoying your holiday weekend somewhere that includes shade or water, hopefully, plenty of both. I got the doggies in for their preseason veterinarian visit. They were tested for heartworm, all negative, and put on their heartworm medication for the summer. They were also weighed. Pudge is my largest malti-poo at 15lbs 8oz and daddy Pepper is the smallest at 6lbs 8oz. It's always amazing to me that little Pepper's son is so much larger than he is, I hadn't realized Pudge was nine pounds heavier. What a brute. We got well into our Beth Moore Bible Study at church. We are studying the Psalms of the Ascent, which are the fifteen "songs", Psalm 120-134, which pilgrims sang on their way back to the temple at Jerusalem. It is relevant for us because we, in many ways, have been away from our God due to busy lives and our reluctance to seek Him out on a daily basis. How rejuvenating it is to find myself again on the pilgrimage to reconnect with and reestablish a closer relationship with God and other pilgrims from my own "tribe" in the process. I am disappointed with my bluebird watch. Mark and I were aware that Mom and Dad Bluebird had been busy taking care of their little nestlings in the birdhouse. However, while I was away last weekend, the babies evidently left their nest, as there is no activity at the house this week. I have spotted the parents a time or two, but haven't yet been able to identify the entire brood in any particular tree or area of the yard. I am hoping they will all eventually come visit one of our birdbaths or at least become visible when we are enjoying down time under the deck. We are also enjoying the return of the hummingbirds. Mark told me that while he was watering the garden the other day, a little hummingbird flew through the spray near him, not once, but four times as it showered and enjoyed the refreshing spray. The vegetable garden is coming alive with many plants of green growth, I can't wait for green beans and cucumbers. I've been disheartened with many of my flowers, however. After waiting an entire year for my hollyhocks to bloom, I am now in a struggle to try to save them altogether. Seems a fungus has infected the leaves of the plants and I believe it will be up to me to spray them with the right fungicide to insure their survival. I was also hoping to have three pots of petunias by now, after sprinkling seeds from last year's blooms over the soil. Sadly, only one pot has flowering plants, one other has a few teeny tiny growths and the third has one plant and a lot of ants, sigh. I am indenting my sixth paragraph, since blogspot redesigned their format, I haven't been able to figure out how to manipulate the right maneuver to signify a new paragraph. Anyway, it was a wonderful time last weekend in Henderson. I was able to attend my little neighbor and friend, Katie's graduation party in my old neighborhood. It was so good to see my friends, neighbors and prayer partners there. When Katie was four, I had a preschool in my walkout basement for her and four other little friends and neighbors. It was a memorable year and it is just so hard to believe that all that time has flown by and these little ones are now highschool graduates. I can't wait to see the wonderful things God has planned for their lives. I hope you enjoy your Memorial Day weekend and any graduates you may have in your life. Please stay safe and have a great day, luv, Susan

MOTHER'S DAY

The past couple weeks around here have been rather dull. I don't think I've made the time to blog because there hasn't been a lot going on. But, I am happy to report that things are picking up. Aside from the all day deluge of rain, the Mother's Day Weekend went well. We had an enjoyable Mother's Day Buffet at the Red Mile Clubhouse. We try to pick a new place every year and this was really nice. I especially enjoy it because it includes my mom,my daughter, my sisters and step-nieces and this year my daughter's best friend. It's too bad the weather wasn't nicer, we usually like to do some sort of walking activity. Last year we met in Frankfort for lunch, then walked around the capital and Governor's Mansion gardens. We also enjoy the art show at Gratz Park, but preferred not to attempt that this year due to the weather. The important thing was that we were able to all get together. It is a nice girl's day out for all of us, as we celebrate being mothers. Sunday was also a special day because we started a new Bible Study at church during our Sunday School hour. I've mentioned in past blogs that I enjoyed going to women's Bible Studies at Porter Memorial Baptist church in Lexington. I think I participated in four of them with the same group of ladies before I stopped. After having a fender bender on New Circle Road, I started thinking that I should try to participate more in studies at my own church. After a couple years of hoping to do another women's Bible study, a friend asked me if I wanted to help her with one at our little church. Sunday was the introductory session for a Beth Moore Bible Study entitled "Stepping Up". This is actually one of the studies I did at Porter Memorial. I enjoyed it so much that we're borrowing their DVD's to do the study at Mt. Gilead UMC. I'd love to do one of her studies that I haven't done, but for the first one, we thought this would be a good place to start. We hope to have good participation and continue with more of her studies in the future. If you haven't ever heard or read something from Beth Moore, I highly recommend her teachings and books. We are making it through Spring, even though the weather either wants to be hotter than normal, or colder. Today, it is just about right. I'm enjoying the bluebirds as they go back and forth feeding new babies in the birdhouse. I've spotted several other birds in the yard as well. For the past several years, we've also had Orioles nesting nearby and we always have flycatchers, carolina wrens and cardinals. It's also time for hummingbirds, we've had several visits to those feeders as well. Hopefully, we'll get in the habit of filling our finch feeders, we usually have a backyard full of goldfinch and indigo buntings. We've managed to start our garden. Looking forward to some tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, zucchini, yellow squash and green beans. It looks like all the Iris have just about finished blooming and I'm hoping to see some day lilies appear soon. One of my friends at church brought over bags and bags of some from his yard last year and they have made it through and appear to be ready to start blooming any time. I'm also happy to see that my hydrangea survived and is all leafy and growing, as are some petunias that I scattered seed from last year's flowers. And, my best friend gave me a mimosa tree that is now planted down by the bluebird house. I'm so thankful to friends with more gardening experience helping me along. The flowers and trees given by friends make them even more enjoyable. I did manage to take Pudge and Riff for their walk this morning. I hope to get into a good routine with walking now that we're heading towards summer. I hope you have had a great spring so far and enjoyed a nice weekend for Mother's Day. Stay safe and have a great day, luv, Susan

BRAIDED FAITH

Boy, I sure did cover a good part of Kentucky last month. I know I mentioned that I'd be visiting with friends who have helped shape me, especially, those Christian friends who have been key in guiding and directing me during difficult times in my life. Of course, I know that God was doing all of this. When you are surrounded by friends who have a strong faith in God, you will have a great chance of staying very close to the path that God has paved for you. It was so much fun going to Morgantown, Bowling Green, Paducah and my old hometown of Henderson. I have a back way of traveling from Georgetown to the Bluegrass Parkway. It's not easy for me to explain, but it involves going on Wisenberg Mill Road, Old Frankfort Road and Pisgah Pike. It is one of the loveliest drives I've come across and there are some beautiful country roads in Central Kentucky. I saw on the news a barn burned on the Wisenberg Mill Rd. I hope it wasn't too serious and that no animals or people were hurt. It was fun going to the Annual National Quilt Show in Paducah. I am amazed at what these men and women can do with fabric and thread. I think this was my sixth visit to the show. I have wonderful memories of most of the trips, wish I had more pictures of all the friends that went with me. This year, I did get a great picture of my friend and former next door neighbor, Lori. Because of Lori and her husband, Mike, I felt like Alice Through the Looking Glass as I left their beautiful home in Paducah and arrived at their previous beautiful home in Henderson. Because they were so happy with the house they built across the corner from me on Dogwood Lane, in Henderson, some twenty years ago, they built the exact same house in a rural subdivision in Paducah. It's exact, that is, except for many minor details and one major, the house had to be built completely in the reverse because of how the lot was positioned. Talk about being weird. Even their kids get a kick realizing that this house exists that is a mirror image of their own. I told my friends and neighbors I visited, that I was so happy to be able to come and visit them. They got me through some rough times, as I know I helped them get through even tougher times. I shared with them that one day while walking in our neighborhood, I felt the need to ask God for a Bible verse. I had never done this before or since, though I rely on my Bible a lot. This was different and just then, I received Ecclesiastes 4:12 in my mind. Wow, as a fairly new Bible reader, I didn't know what this book was even about. I was excited to look it up when I finished my walk. It didn't surprise me one bit when I turned to the chapter just after Proverbs and read Ecclesiastes 4:12, which says,"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Because I had been involved in a neighborhood prayer group, it was not hard to understand that God wanted me to know the importance of my relationships with my prayer partners and Christian friends. Our lives through the days, months and years had become so much more than merely living side by side. We had become entwined in each others lives, joys and trials. Our faith was strong because we supported each other and God, who tells us that where two or more are together worshiping Him, He will be there also. We have all experienced many blessings and miracles of healing by God's hand in our lives. In fact, we continue to experience His wonderful healing each and every day. Things aren't always perfect, but we know that God is using us for His purpose, which is "always" good. I'm so happy to report that after nearly five years in Georgetown, I have many close friends, neighbors and even those who I consider prayer partners. God is good. It was a perfect morning for a walk early today. I also walked yesterday, and knew that it would be too hot by 10:00. Over the past two days, I have enjoyed so many of my neighbors flowers and trees, not to mention seeing deer and even helped a little turtle get safely across the road. I especially enjoyed seeing the young buck lying in the brush and tree cover just ten to twelve feet from the fenced road. He had a very small velvety rack and was just watching me as I went by with Riff and Pudge. I was surprised they didn't smell him. Today they smelled and heard some that were not happy when we interrupted their quiet morning. First I saw a white tail as one leaped away. Then I heard the familiar stamping and blowing as the resident buck let his displeasure be known. Later, as I received a call from my daughter, a neighbor politely turned off his lawn mower as I walked by. I, in turn, stopped to thank him and chat a bit. Turns out I was wrong about the Black Locust tree having beautiful blooms. It's the Honey Locust that has beautiful blooms and the Black Locust has the thorns. He didn't lose any of his honey locust blooms. We figure it's because he's at the top of the hill and I'm at the bottom.......story of my life....ha. I'm supposed to have dinner guests tonight, so I best get busy. I hope you have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan

FAVORITE THINGS

I have to say that the month of April has just about flown by. When I last posted, UK was about to play the University of Louisville in the NCAA Tournament. Wow, it all just seems like a blur, looking back. Of course, UK beat Louisville and every other team that was in their way as they rolled on to the NCAA National Championship Title. I considered it a perfect birthday present and was able to receive many t-shirts for my birthday earlier this month. I also got out the box that contains previous years' championship t-shirts for 1996 and 1998. Whether the Final Four took place in NYC, San Antonio or New Orleans, I now feel able to wear them all again. As much as I loved Tubby Smith as a person, teacher and mentor of young men, it was difficult to accept the level of basketball excitement that we, in the Big Blue Nation had come to expect during the Pitino era. Yes, we finally feel that Kentucky Basketball is back where it belongs, and we're hopefully going to chip away at the record that UCLA holds at the top of the list of most NCAA championships. Though no one that enjoys college basketball, wants to see players leave after one year, it has become apparent that this is the way it is. So, shall we make lemonade from this sour trend of one and done. We in the Big Blue Nation will support our coach and his method of taking outstanding, talented recruits and getting them to believe in themselves and the philosophy of what's best for the team, is ultimately, best for them as individuals. A fond farewell to Darius, our beloved senior Kentuckian, Terrence and Doron, who both stayed one more year to achieve gr8tness as a team, and our amazing freshmen, Anthony, Michael and Marquis. We wish them all the success in the world as they head on to the next chapters of their lives. I've been blessed over the years to have amazing people in my life. God has given me friends, family and neighbors that have helped, through their loving examples, to mold me into the person that I am. I was even made aware of a special Bible scripture that, I felt, represented the Psalm for me. In Psalm 16, it states that the "saints who are in the land, are my glorious ones in whom is all my delight". I am so happy and thrilled when opportunities present themselves to spend time with those individuals who have been so special to me throughout the years. This Spring has opened up opportunities to spend time with many of those who I consider to be some of those saints. And speaking of saints, I finished Tim Tebow's book, Through My Eyes. As he reflected in the final chapter how God is in charge of his life and he will use whatever platform he is given to glorify Him, I was just amazed to know that God has given him the latest, largest platform available in our country, New York City. I know he will do awesome things with each and every opportunity God gives him. Our weather has been crazy. I think March started out feeling like summer, then winter returned. We got several early morning killing frosts one week. After that, I realized that it had taken a terrible toll on, not only the early blooms of the Black Locust trees in my yard, but also, the wisteria vines. I enjoy both these flowering clusters of fragrant blooms, so much and I am really missing having them in my yard. I'm hoping the wisteria can bounce back and survive as their vines have not produced the blooms as yet. But, out of the many Black Locust trees in my yard, I've counted only two that have surviving white blooms at the tops of their limbs. These are such unusual trees, many of which you need to be careful of, as they have painfully sharp thorns growing from their trunks and branches. Amazing that they also produce some of the most beautiful and fragrant flowers. I did enjoy finishing my Lent study as it culminated it's readings of Holy Week. Next year I'll strive to be more disciplined in the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday. I'm afraid there were a lot of distractions this year. Now my attentions have turned to helping with a Beth Moore Bible study for my own church. I had enjoyed taking such studies at Porter Memorial Baptist Church in Lexington and the time appears right to finally get one going at our little country Methodist church. If you haven't heard Beth Moore do a Bible Study, you should try to experience one. She is an awesome Bible teacher. Today looks to be sunny and heading back to average April temperatures. I hope to visit a quilt show over the coming days. Would love to rekindle my love of quilting. It's been a while since I've done that. Quilting ranks right up there with birdwatching and taking country walks on my list of favorite things to do. And, we do have a pair of bluebirds setting up housekeeping in our bluebirdhouse out in the yard. I look so forward to seeing them start their first family. I just hope the recent appearance of bluejays in the yard, doesn't cause any problems. Bluejays can be vicious. The UpperRoom daily devotional readings these past few days have included two of my favorites. Luke 6:41 states, "Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?" And today, Leviticus 19:18 states a theme that is repeated over and over in the New Testament, "you should love your neighbor as yourself". I think if we can all practice these two main focuses of Jesus' teachings, we will have a much greater impact on those around us. I hope you have a great day and enjoy some of your favorite things. luv, Susan

BACK HOME

Mark and I recently returned from our Spring trip to Florida. Since his parents retired to the Sunshine State approximately twenty five years ago, it has been one of our vacation destinations. In recent years, we've been able to venture down twice each year, Spring and Fall. I especially enjoy the trip down and back this particular season of renewal, because it gives me the opportunity to see all the beautiful bursts of colors from the trees and flowering plants along the way. If you recall my over the top infatuation with wisteria blooms, you can appreciate how exhilarating it is for me as we pass through Georgia, especially between Atlanta and Macon. Whereas, the Kudzu used to dominate the roadside scenery, now, it seems, that wild wisteria is overtaking vast stretches along the highway. I don't know if Georgia did something to replace the Kudzu with Wisteria, but seeing the lavender clusters of blooms covering tree after tree is awesome.

Now that we're back in Georgetown, I was motivated to check out the two local Wisteria vines that I've taken note of each year at this time. Both sites were just behind their Georgian counterparts in maturation, and I hope the occupant of the home downtown with the amazing climbing, blooming vine, didn't mind my snapping a picture yesterday as I took a walk around their block.

We here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky are experiencing the Perfect Storm of basketball phenomena. Not only are the University of Kentucky Wildcats in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament, but we will now play our in-state rival, the University of Louisville, who's coach is our former beloved coach, and some say now "vile traitor", Rick Pitino. Because I've been a fan of Pitino, since his Providence days, I still hold him in high regard, though many in the state have considered him enemy #1 since he moved into Da'Ville. Oh, and did I mention that our Women's Kentucky Wildcats will play in the Elite Eight of the Women's NCAA Tournament tonight as well? We're hoping they can knock off the UConn Lady Huskies and make it to their respective Final Four as well. May I say, "WOW".

While I was in Florida, I was reading my Tim Tebow book, Through My Eyes. Apparently, something happened concerning Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos that had a slight impact on Tebow's future playing days. Seems that this farm raised Florida football quarterback has been traded to the New York City Jets?! My biggest concern is, what will happen to his dog, Bronco? I know Tim will do fine wherever he goes, and apparently, he's very excited, so he said 45 times, during his first appearance as a Jet. All I can say is that I hope Joe Namath can try to be more welcoming and that it all works out. I might add, God does work in mysterious ways.

I am, again, trying to place my focus back on this time of year. It is, after all, the Lenten season. This coming weekend includes Palm Sunday, followed by Holy Week, including Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. I'm still muddling through my Lenten Study, although I have had my distractions. I'd like to say that I've managed to be successful at giving up sweets during this time, but I'm afraid I've failed miserably. My Mainiac father-in-law has a sweet tooth and a love of after meal desserts. Yes, I can call him a Mainiac, because he's from Maine. I'm afraid that we share the sweet tooth and what could I say when presented with a chocolate ice cream cake to celebrate mine and Mark's 34th wedding anniversary. It was the first step into the dark side of sinful sweets. As long as I had indulged in that, I figured it didn't much matter if I indulged in Razzleberry fruit pie, Rocky Road cream pie or enjoyed that stop for hot fudge sundaes and an afternoon at the pier with Dad Libby, as well. I might add, that since coming back to Kentucky, I've done great at avoiding sweets and we really did enjoy the trip to the pier.

It looks like it's going to be an absolutely beautiful day. We were warned last night of a potential frost, so I'm gonna go out and check on tulips and lilac blooms. I hope you will have a great day. luv, Susan

MARCH..........., REALLY???!!!!

If I didn't know better, I'd think that we were being punked here in Central Kentucky. Early last week I was out weeding my garden full of tulips, daffodils and hyacinth, all coming up, and watching the bluebirds twitterpating their way through the treetops. Later, last week, Mark and I were making our way down to the basement due to tornado warnings in our area. Parts of the state had previously had touchdowns on Wednesday, but Friday, they really hit hard. Now, today, March 5th, we are dealing with a Christmas Card worthy scenario consisting of six inches of still "a coming down snow". It's beautiful, but, really?!, this is just unbelievable.

The news of all the tornado damage and devastation all around Kentucky and the rest of the region has been mind numbingly reminiscent of Joplin, Missouri and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It is just staggering to realize that these towns of West Liberty, Kentucky and Henryville, Indiana are not that far away. We are thanking God here around the vicinity of Lexington to have dodged this wave of destruction. Especially heart wrenching is the story of the little fourteen month old girl, Angel, who was found in a field, not too far from her home. Her parents and small siblings were killed. Apparently, Angel longed to be with her family, as she too passed away over the weekend. The rest of the family is finding some comfort in knowing that this young family is now together.

Through many news telecasts, one woman could be heard praying for God to move the monstrous, destructive clouds away from her home and town. Mercifully, her home was spared, her town was not.

Because of the unexpected snow, I have the day off. I hope to get caught up on some things. One of those things is my Lenten Bible Study. Another is putting away the Christmas stuff that has been hiding behind the sofa in our loft. Because the loft should now be readied for March Madness and all that it brings, it's time to put the festive yuletide reminders in their storage space and arrange all the Go Big Blue paraphernalia about the space.

I have to mention that I'm watching The Amazing Race again this season. I was a bit disheartened when I first saw the two guys who were representing Kentucky. It appeared that they tried to find the two most red-necked hicks they could find from Clay County. If you know Kentucky basketball, you'll remember that Richie Farmer was from the Clay County Tigers and became a Kentucky Wildcat just prior to Rick Pitino's arrival. It became a running joke that Richie and Rick could not understand each other through their own heavy accents. We all had fun with that. Now, Bopper and Mark have turned up on the CBS reality show. They talk in the familiar heavy Eastern Kentucky accent and act kinda silly. After three shows, however, their wonderful, warm, friendly, cooperative, intelligent and resourceful natures are making them a show favorite. I applaud the show for picking these two best friends, Bopper, who is white, and Mark, who is black, to represent the Commonwealth of Kentucky for this season. However,I might just ask Bopper, to please keep his teeth in....purty please.

I hope you're having a great day and have avoided the wicked weather that we've seen here in Kentucky. Take care and stay safe, luv, Susan

LEAP INTO LENT AND MARCH MADNESS

Happy Leap Day!! Not exactly sure how we're supposed to celebrate, but it's amusing having this day every four years. I think I have one friend who's birthday is today, so I don't want to forget to wish her a great day. Can't imagine only having so few actual birthdays to celebrate.

After my last post on Ash Wednesday, I did go to the Upperroom website to check out their lenten study. Unfortunately, to take part in the study required a forty dollar fee, so I thought I'd go another direction for a Lenten study. Because we did one last year during our Sunday school time, I decided to try getting more from that study. After an hour or two spent looking for it, I'm pleased to say that I have immersed myself in the beginning pages of Shadows, Darkness and Dawn, A Lenten Journey with Jesus. Much of it is coming back to me and I'm looking forward to spending the remaining days of this Holy season exploring how I can share in on this journey.

I understand that most Lenten studies are loosely based on the book of John, which is written by "the disciple Jesus loved", as he wrote it. This book is John's first hand account of Jesus' life on earth between his baptism by John the Baptist and his final days up to and including the crucifixion. John also includes the miraculous account of the empty tomb and the appearances of the resurrected Savior before his disciples and followers. The primary focus of start of this Lenten study is the forty days that Jesus spent in the wilderness being tempted by Satan. These days of Jesus in the wilderness are covered in the other gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. We are to examine our lives and question our wilderness and our temptations. An important part of lent is to practice self denial, thus giving something up for lent. Jesus went forty days prior to his earthly ministry going without food or physical contact while the tempter tormented him with one seductive suggestion after another. Jesus was victorious over the persuasions of Satan. We can always take heart in using Him, alone as our shining example.

Yesterday was a practically perfect day as weather goes. I think it hit around 71 and was sunny and mild. I've taken two of my doggies for walks the past two days. We enjoy getting out again after the cold days. It was even wonderful sitting outside later in the afternoon and working in my garden. I'm hoping to rid my flower beds of weeds and then put down mulch to prevent further re-infestation. As nice as the weather has been, I believe we're in for a real roller coaster these next few days. Today brings tornado watches for our area, as well as thunderstorms. I believe there is also predicted cold spell in the coming days to get through. I just hope and pray all these beautiful flowers and new blooms will be able to survive into the first week of March.

And speaking of March, we Kentucky fans are ready for March Madness to begin. After Kentucky men and women Wildcats each clinched their respective regular season SEC titles, we are looking forward to an amazing tournament time. I was very fortunate to see the Senior night festivities for the women at Memorial Coliseum. I'm looking forward to the last away game for the men at Florida on Thursday night and the men's basketball team's Senior Day festivities and Senior game against Georgia at Rupp.

I hope you enjoy this coming week of the Lenten season as well as the beginning of March Madness. Take care and stay safe, luv, Susan

ASH WEDNESDAY, The Beginning of Lent

Today is Ash Wednesday. In years past, it was traditionally recognized by Catholics as a day to go to church and get the priest to administer the ashes upon your forehead. I always showed my ignorance at the hospital where I worked as the first person would come into the door of our Accounting office and I'd, like an idiot, tell them they had a smudge on their forehead. It seems that year after year I managed to do this. Would I ever not show my continued ignorance of this day that marks the "official" beginning of the holiest of times for Christians?

Well, I'm still in the dark somewhat about this holy day. The church I've attended all my life has begun to embrace recognizing this day as well. I have been able to attend an Ash Wednesday service from time to time and had the ashes placed on my forehead, in the shape of a cross and been told to remember my baptism. I believe the ashes are made from burning the palms of the previous years palm branches used in the Palm Sunday service. I'm not clear on all of the specifics of the ritual, but because I do want to prepare myself for the Holy season between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, I'm going to make an effort to learn.

As I was thinking about just how to go about learning more about the Lenten season, I noticed on my UpperRoom devotion page a suggestion to go to the UpperRoom website and see their Lenten Study Guide. Perfect! I will be doing that as soon as I'm done here.

Kentucky fans really got rangled last night watching the Cats play the Dogs down in Starkville, Mississippi. Could our Cats have looked any more clueless as to what they were doing in the opening minutes of that game? It was shocking to see these players throw up one futile shot after another in an attempt to close the growing gap between the bulldog point tally and the wildcat score. Thankfully, they got their heads together during halftime and began playing like the elite team that they are. Big Blue Nation made a collective "WHEW" in the latter part of the second half of the ESPN latenight game.

I have to confess that, not only will I be giving up sweets for lent, but also speeding. I've always managed to allow myself the permission to go faster than the speed limit on so many occasions because I was intending to use my time to do good and helpful things. Always figured that God was watching over me and protecting me and my lead foot. Well, the protection ended this past Friday when I was pulled over after leaving my volunteer job and driving across the downtown area to make a deposit for my homemaker's club. I was running behind and still had to make a delivery to recycling and pick up dogfood before I could get back to my little country church for a 1:00 United Methodist Women's meeting. I didn't even try to explain all this to the very serious young officer who gave me my ticket for traveling at a "high rate of speed". So, I'm gonna give myself more time to get to where I'm supposed to be and slow down and pay closer attention to the speed limits. Still trying to figure out how to come up with the $165 to pay the ticket for going 11 miles over the posted limit.

The weather today is supposed to be Springlike, so I am looking forward to getting out for a walk with the doggies. I hope you're also able to enjoy being outdoors today and take a couple minutes to remember your baptism and the beginning of this special time of year. Stay safe and have a great day, luv, Susan