I believe Spring has sprung here in Central Kentucky. I thank the groundhog for his prediction of an early Spring. It almost reached fifty degrees yesterday while walking the dogs for the first time in 2011. They predict in the fifties today and an unbelievable 65 tomorrow....what? I can't wait. Then, I think I saw about four days in a row of rain, but then, isn't that what Spring is all about? I better get the last of the bulbs planted, I'm a procrastinator, remember?
Mark and I had a really fun and nostalgic trip to Bowling Green over the weekend. Our Bowling Green circle of friends finally had a kid get married. Years ago, we had a cookout and the guys proudly held their little babies while we looked into the future and saw lots of wedding parties ahead. Well, we finally had our first. These kids wait so much later to get hitched these days. All our kids are nearing thirty now, the ages of us parents when we had them. All in all, it was a great time! We always enjoy celebrating with old friends. FYI, the couple was actually married in Las Vegas on 8-9-10 at 11:12. The reception was a Las Vegas theme at the Corvette Museum, really neat!!
I hear the Grammy's were given out Sunday night. I don't watch those awards any more. Too much of a spectacle for shock value. Many of the artists are more interested in outdoing each other by being more outrageous in appearance and behavior. Have they forgotten that it's supposed to be about the music? It was nice to see that Barbra Streisand was performing and that so many country artists were up for overall awards. This is a growing trend that I am finally happy to see come around. It was nice to see Lady Antebellum win for the Best Song, I Need You Now. It's a great song. Nice to see Rap receive awards in their own category only. Is that really music?
Valentine's Day has come and gone. Nice to have a day to remember all those you love, not just that special someone. I hope everyone felt loved and showed love to others on that day, as well as every other day.
This time of year, I'm thinking about taxes. Not pleasant, I know, just part of life. Good luck with getting all of yours done.
If you watched the UK/Vandy game on Saturday, you saw the Wildcats continue to spread happiness throughout the SEC. Thankfully, last night's game against MSU was at home in Rupp. It didn't look like our typical home games, where we go out to a comfortable lead, only to let the opponent get close near the end. No, this time we managed to remain behind the entire first half and finally went on a 15-4 run that put us up for good, although still leaving the door open for the Bulldogs in the final seconds. I hope they do something about this one and done method of using college basketball merely as a springboard for the NBA. These teams of Kiddycats are killing me.
I hope you're experiencing an early Spring in your part of the country. Before I blog again I hope to unpack a box from our 2008 move, get those bulbs planted and start our 2010 taxes. You have a great day, luv, Susan
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
TRUE LEADERS......................24/7
Ding, ding!! Yesterday around noon, we started the umpteenth round with our good friend, falling snow. It really came down beautifully this latest time. All the wet, white flakes seemed to join hands in friendship clusters as they plummeted to the ground. When I was safely home, I took great delight in just watching it all fall from the sky. I think a lot of it melted on impact. After several hours of snowing, we only ended up with a couple inches of accumulation. But, thanks to the plunging temperatures, it was rather slick out there this morning, school in Scott County was canceled again. I am glad I'm not one of these parents trying to figure all this out. Bless their hearts.
I had to get my atlas out today and check out the map of Texas. After watching that outstanding Superbowl game, Sunday night, they really had me confused. Was the football stadium in Fort Worth, Dallas or finally, Arlington? Well, yes, it was in Arlington, which, turns out is actually closer to Fort Worth than Dallas, from what I could tell. But from looking at the map, it appears that Dallas and Fort Worth have actually grown together now. Not like when we lived in "Cow Town", when a trip to the "Big D" was, what seemed to be a rather long distance of a lot of nothing in between. Well, unless I'm mistaken, Six Flags Over Texas, was somewhere around there, but if we were just going to Dallas, it seemed like a long drive of nothing, for a while, until we could see Dallas's skyline in the distance.
But enough of geography, wasn't it a great game? I loved it!! I didn't jump on the Packers bandwagon until my Illinois team, da Bears, got beaten by them. Even then, I was kinda rooting for them, as Tim Masthay, our former UK Wildcat punter, was on the team from Green Bay. But, it wasn't until I realized I couldn't, in good conscience, root for the Pittsburgh Steelers with a leader like Ben Rothwhatever. It didn't take me long to then realize that there was more than a former UK punter on the Packers that would give me a reason to be a cheesehead. ( I realize you're thinking that I've always been a cheesehead....this, however, is different.)
I read an article about Aaron Rodgers the morning of Superbowl Eve. I was very impressed reading about his God-centered life and his celebrity crush on Taylor Swift. Don't we all love Taylor Swift? It also didn't hurt that he looks like a younger version of Mel Gibson or like he said, Jake Gyllenhaal. It was easy to support a team from Wisconsin that has a super guy like Tim Masthay and a great, cute, Christian leader. I found an old green and yellow football jersey and had a neighbor join us to cheer on the pack. It was a good night to be a cheesehead.
I knew that Tim Masthay was a special guy when I noticed him in a slide show presented at a homemakers international banquet two years ago. He was in Ghana, Africa on a mission trip there, helping build classrooms for African children. He's always easy to pick out of a crowd. Just imagine a tall, lanky leprechaun. It's really fitting that his NFL team turned out to have green jerseys. It's been nice reading about him and his wife and how they had struggled nearly a year between when he was released by the Indianapolis Colts and picked up by the Packers. It seems that both Tim and Aaron have followed a rather long, difficult journey chasing their dream. Glad to see their dream come true Sunday night. I hope to see them again playing next season.
I just happened to see Aaron Rodgers on Letterman last night. He mentioned that he likes to lead by example. Previously, he was quoted as saying that he takes his role as a role model seriously. Like Drew Breez, young football players have another great person they can emulate on and off the field. Now,I just hope that Tim Teebow's career takes off this coming season as well.
Kentucky plays Tennessee tonight at Rupp Arena. I hope we can really give Bruce Pearl the welcome back to SEC play that he deserves. It's kinda funny that he has gotten himself in hot water due to recruiting violations. Illinois fans will be quick to point out that he reported a recruiting infraction made by an Illinois Assistant Coach years ago when he was an assistant at Iowa. That didn't exactly do wonders for his career. He coached for years at a Division II level school, University of Southern Indiana. We would watch him and the screaming Eagles outscore their opponents game after game. I always wondered what he could do in Division I. Guess now we know.
It's been really nice today to see the sun coming out. I hear we may have some warmer temperatures next week. I hope you are keeping warm and dry in your part of the country. The dogs and I are doing our best here in Central Kentucky. Take care and have a safe week, luv, Susan........................Go Cats!!!
I had to get my atlas out today and check out the map of Texas. After watching that outstanding Superbowl game, Sunday night, they really had me confused. Was the football stadium in Fort Worth, Dallas or finally, Arlington? Well, yes, it was in Arlington, which, turns out is actually closer to Fort Worth than Dallas, from what I could tell. But from looking at the map, it appears that Dallas and Fort Worth have actually grown together now. Not like when we lived in "Cow Town", when a trip to the "Big D" was, what seemed to be a rather long distance of a lot of nothing in between. Well, unless I'm mistaken, Six Flags Over Texas, was somewhere around there, but if we were just going to Dallas, it seemed like a long drive of nothing, for a while, until we could see Dallas's skyline in the distance.
But enough of geography, wasn't it a great game? I loved it!! I didn't jump on the Packers bandwagon until my Illinois team, da Bears, got beaten by them. Even then, I was kinda rooting for them, as Tim Masthay, our former UK Wildcat punter, was on the team from Green Bay. But, it wasn't until I realized I couldn't, in good conscience, root for the Pittsburgh Steelers with a leader like Ben Rothwhatever. It didn't take me long to then realize that there was more than a former UK punter on the Packers that would give me a reason to be a cheesehead. ( I realize you're thinking that I've always been a cheesehead....this, however, is different.)
I read an article about Aaron Rodgers the morning of Superbowl Eve. I was very impressed reading about his God-centered life and his celebrity crush on Taylor Swift. Don't we all love Taylor Swift? It also didn't hurt that he looks like a younger version of Mel Gibson or like he said, Jake Gyllenhaal. It was easy to support a team from Wisconsin that has a super guy like Tim Masthay and a great, cute, Christian leader. I found an old green and yellow football jersey and had a neighbor join us to cheer on the pack. It was a good night to be a cheesehead.
I knew that Tim Masthay was a special guy when I noticed him in a slide show presented at a homemakers international banquet two years ago. He was in Ghana, Africa on a mission trip there, helping build classrooms for African children. He's always easy to pick out of a crowd. Just imagine a tall, lanky leprechaun. It's really fitting that his NFL team turned out to have green jerseys. It's been nice reading about him and his wife and how they had struggled nearly a year between when he was released by the Indianapolis Colts and picked up by the Packers. It seems that both Tim and Aaron have followed a rather long, difficult journey chasing their dream. Glad to see their dream come true Sunday night. I hope to see them again playing next season.
I just happened to see Aaron Rodgers on Letterman last night. He mentioned that he likes to lead by example. Previously, he was quoted as saying that he takes his role as a role model seriously. Like Drew Breez, young football players have another great person they can emulate on and off the field. Now,I just hope that Tim Teebow's career takes off this coming season as well.
Kentucky plays Tennessee tonight at Rupp Arena. I hope we can really give Bruce Pearl the welcome back to SEC play that he deserves. It's kinda funny that he has gotten himself in hot water due to recruiting violations. Illinois fans will be quick to point out that he reported a recruiting infraction made by an Illinois Assistant Coach years ago when he was an assistant at Iowa. That didn't exactly do wonders for his career. He coached for years at a Division II level school, University of Southern Indiana. We would watch him and the screaming Eagles outscore their opponents game after game. I always wondered what he could do in Division I. Guess now we know.
It's been really nice today to see the sun coming out. I hear we may have some warmer temperatures next week. I hope you are keeping warm and dry in your part of the country. The dogs and I are doing our best here in Central Kentucky. Take care and have a safe week, luv, Susan........................Go Cats!!!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
FIRST SIGN OF SPRING?
I can't believe we're already in February of 2011. This continuing frigid weather must have me frozen in place as time marches on. I am pleased that Ponxatully Phil, or whatever his name, did not see his shadow and we will have an early spring. Hallelujah to that! I'm always reminded of the Bill Murray movie, Groundhog Day, this month. I think most of us have seen it and agree that it is quite an annoying premise, having to wake up day after day to the same, exact scenario unfolding around us, as we repeat the same day over and over. As I've embraced the constant theme of Christianity...that is loving and serving others, I've noticed how this movie can really show us an example of the best lived day in a Christian life. Just think about that next time, if ever, you get the chance to watch this movie. Try noticing how the main character begins by thinking totally of himself and his human needs. Eventually, he learns that his self-centeredness never brings true happiness or inner peace. It's not until he begins to really love his fellow man and begins to put their needs above his, that he becomes the person that God meant him to be. How awesome it would be to really get to live each day over until we got it right, before we are allowed to move on. Maybe we could try to live today how God wants us to live it, the first and only time we are given.
I had a great week last week. Not only was I able to go see the third Narnia movie, I was also able to go see one of my favorite country bands in concert. On more than one occasion I have been spiritually moved upon hearing a Rascal Flatts song. Their Broken Road and Everyday are two of the most awesome songs I know that express how God works in our lives. My sister actually won VIP tickets to the concert, so I was so happy to get to tell the guys, first hand, how much I truly appreciated their strong Christian influence on country music. Of course, they made light of how they took a lot of flack for letting Joe Don Rooney expose his backside during one of their videos, but they sure made their Christian roots known during their performance. It's always refreshing when big stars remind their audience that they are Christians first and foremost.
I'll be watching Gameday on ESPN soon as they'll be previewing tonight's game between UK and Florida. I hope our Wildcats can get their acts together by then. We have simply been spreading happiness throughout the SEC as we have traveled from Georgia to Alabama to Ole Miss this season. It's good to see happy SEC fans celebrate as they storm the court and embrace their teams after much needed wins against a ranked opponent. I just hope we can decide to spread some of that happiness our direction once in a while. I think we've now reached the point of a much needed win.
I've always been a Pittsburgh Steeler fan. This began with the adoration of a certain number twelve quarterback named Terry Bradshaw. I loved watching him play and devoted myself to his team and their seasons. I'll never forget the Immaculate Reception made by Franco Harris and the improbable finish of that game in the snow flurries so many years ago. I remained a Steeler fan even after Bradshaw moved on to his second career as a TV sports analyst and personality. I was happy the last time they won the Superbowl, seemed their city really needed it. However, I made a huge leap this post season as I became attracted to the Green Bay Packers. Their quarterback really fits the mold of the type of player I enjoy seeing lead their team. I'll be rooting for Aaron Rodgers and his team. Big Ben still needs to do some work on his character before I can feel good about cheering for the Steelers again. And speaking of quarterbacks with character, I'm thrilled to hear that our former standout quarterback, Andre Woodson, is coming back to UK to finish his degree and will be helping coach our three young quarterbacks while he's a student this coming year.
Well, I hope that has me caught up for 2011. I am still enjoying my current book, Choosing to See about the Steven Curtis Chapman family and their struggles and triumphs. I can't wait to get one of his current CD's. I have an older one that I enjoy immensely nd really look forward to hearing some of his newer works. His family is really an inspiration in this broken world in which we live.
I believe, like the groundhog predicted, Spring is just around the corner. I saw, what I believe to be, the first sign of the upcoming season this week while driving to town. How does the song go?......Dead Skunk In The Middle Of The Road? Yep, the little guys are out and about looking for love in all the wrong places. Guess it was about a year ago when I had four little white fuzzies get sprayed in the front yard...ah, memories.
I hope you have a great day and wonderful weekend. Go Cats.....Go Pack....stay warm and safe, luv, Susan
I had a great week last week. Not only was I able to go see the third Narnia movie, I was also able to go see one of my favorite country bands in concert. On more than one occasion I have been spiritually moved upon hearing a Rascal Flatts song. Their Broken Road and Everyday are two of the most awesome songs I know that express how God works in our lives. My sister actually won VIP tickets to the concert, so I was so happy to get to tell the guys, first hand, how much I truly appreciated their strong Christian influence on country music. Of course, they made light of how they took a lot of flack for letting Joe Don Rooney expose his backside during one of their videos, but they sure made their Christian roots known during their performance. It's always refreshing when big stars remind their audience that they are Christians first and foremost.
I'll be watching Gameday on ESPN soon as they'll be previewing tonight's game between UK and Florida. I hope our Wildcats can get their acts together by then. We have simply been spreading happiness throughout the SEC as we have traveled from Georgia to Alabama to Ole Miss this season. It's good to see happy SEC fans celebrate as they storm the court and embrace their teams after much needed wins against a ranked opponent. I just hope we can decide to spread some of that happiness our direction once in a while. I think we've now reached the point of a much needed win.
I've always been a Pittsburgh Steeler fan. This began with the adoration of a certain number twelve quarterback named Terry Bradshaw. I loved watching him play and devoted myself to his team and their seasons. I'll never forget the Immaculate Reception made by Franco Harris and the improbable finish of that game in the snow flurries so many years ago. I remained a Steeler fan even after Bradshaw moved on to his second career as a TV sports analyst and personality. I was happy the last time they won the Superbowl, seemed their city really needed it. However, I made a huge leap this post season as I became attracted to the Green Bay Packers. Their quarterback really fits the mold of the type of player I enjoy seeing lead their team. I'll be rooting for Aaron Rodgers and his team. Big Ben still needs to do some work on his character before I can feel good about cheering for the Steelers again. And speaking of quarterbacks with character, I'm thrilled to hear that our former standout quarterback, Andre Woodson, is coming back to UK to finish his degree and will be helping coach our three young quarterbacks while he's a student this coming year.
Well, I hope that has me caught up for 2011. I am still enjoying my current book, Choosing to See about the Steven Curtis Chapman family and their struggles and triumphs. I can't wait to get one of his current CD's. I have an older one that I enjoy immensely nd really look forward to hearing some of his newer works. His family is really an inspiration in this broken world in which we live.
I believe, like the groundhog predicted, Spring is just around the corner. I saw, what I believe to be, the first sign of the upcoming season this week while driving to town. How does the song go?......Dead Skunk In The Middle Of The Road? Yep, the little guys are out and about looking for love in all the wrong places. Guess it was about a year ago when I had four little white fuzzies get sprayed in the front yard...ah, memories.
I hope you have a great day and wonderful weekend. Go Cats.....Go Pack....stay warm and safe, luv, Susan
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Books, Old Friends and Snow, Snow and more Snow
My Mom is totally awesome! She can read more books each week than anyone I know. I don't know how she does it. She never even took a speed reading class. I, however, slog through books at a painstakingly slow pace. It's not that I don't like to read, I do, but I'm just not made to sit still reading for long periods of time. Therefore, if I can actually finish a book every two weeks or so, I'm doing well.
I really enjoyed the last book I read about football player, Jim Kelly and his wife, Jill's son, who struggled his entire life of nine years with an incurable disease. It was a wonderful testament to the strong faith the couple eventually shared and the love and devotion to their son and finally, each other that kept them together through really dark days.
I also managed to complete a wonderful compilation of stories about miracles, angel encounters and answered prayers. My periodontist loaned it to me. We had so much fun discussing it, he loaned me another one. My current book, however, is about another family that struggles with the loss of a child. This is a topic very dear to my heart, as I've had close friends walk this painful road.
Choosing To See is the story of Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman. He is a very popular Christian songwriter and performer. They have three biological children, all nearly grown, and had adopted three beautiful Chinese girls. Their family seemed so perfect, with the blending of the older big brothers and sister and the precious, yet precocious little preschoolers. Then, in a minute, it all turned tragic, when one of the little girls managed to stray into the path of the family SUV, with one of her older brothers at the wheel. Their perfect story wasn't perfect any more.
I'm enjoying this book, learning about how this couple met and how they began their lives together. I'll let you know how it goes. I already have four books lined up to read after this one. I'm really looking forward to reading the book written by Mark Krebs, the Kentucky Basketball player who's mom struggled to live to see his senior day activities at Rupp Arena. Another I've been wanting to read for years, I finally ordered from Joseph-Beth, Lord, Save Us From Your Followers. Always thought that sounded like a good one.
But, enough about books. We are having our weekly Wednesday snowfall. Last Wednesday, I was driving around Lexington in that white stuff, hoping to get home before our driveway was impassable. I had hoped to get out today, the jury is still out on that one.
The weather has made getting together with old friends particularly difficult. Our monthly get togethers with our fellow Class of '74 alumni have ground to a halt. It's impossible to plan things like that with this type of winter. I miss seeing my friends. It's always so great reminiscing about old times and catching up on everyone's lives now.
Because I'm very active in planning our reunions, I'm always hoping to see new faces each time we meet. Sadly I learned yesterday that one of those classmates will never make a reunion. It's always such a shock when you see an obituary for one of your schooltime buddies. I hate it that I missed the chance to catch up with my junior high school buddy, Wesley.
My house was turned into a dog grooming salon yesterday and this morning. Five fuzzy white dogs got their baths and their coats brushed out, kinda. I'm still working on it.
I hope you're staying warm and safe. We're doing our best here. Take care......luv, Susan
I really enjoyed the last book I read about football player, Jim Kelly and his wife, Jill's son, who struggled his entire life of nine years with an incurable disease. It was a wonderful testament to the strong faith the couple eventually shared and the love and devotion to their son and finally, each other that kept them together through really dark days.
I also managed to complete a wonderful compilation of stories about miracles, angel encounters and answered prayers. My periodontist loaned it to me. We had so much fun discussing it, he loaned me another one. My current book, however, is about another family that struggles with the loss of a child. This is a topic very dear to my heart, as I've had close friends walk this painful road.
Choosing To See is the story of Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman. He is a very popular Christian songwriter and performer. They have three biological children, all nearly grown, and had adopted three beautiful Chinese girls. Their family seemed so perfect, with the blending of the older big brothers and sister and the precious, yet precocious little preschoolers. Then, in a minute, it all turned tragic, when one of the little girls managed to stray into the path of the family SUV, with one of her older brothers at the wheel. Their perfect story wasn't perfect any more.
I'm enjoying this book, learning about how this couple met and how they began their lives together. I'll let you know how it goes. I already have four books lined up to read after this one. I'm really looking forward to reading the book written by Mark Krebs, the Kentucky Basketball player who's mom struggled to live to see his senior day activities at Rupp Arena. Another I've been wanting to read for years, I finally ordered from Joseph-Beth, Lord, Save Us From Your Followers. Always thought that sounded like a good one.
But, enough about books. We are having our weekly Wednesday snowfall. Last Wednesday, I was driving around Lexington in that white stuff, hoping to get home before our driveway was impassable. I had hoped to get out today, the jury is still out on that one.
The weather has made getting together with old friends particularly difficult. Our monthly get togethers with our fellow Class of '74 alumni have ground to a halt. It's impossible to plan things like that with this type of winter. I miss seeing my friends. It's always so great reminiscing about old times and catching up on everyone's lives now.
Because I'm very active in planning our reunions, I'm always hoping to see new faces each time we meet. Sadly I learned yesterday that one of those classmates will never make a reunion. It's always such a shock when you see an obituary for one of your schooltime buddies. I hate it that I missed the chance to catch up with my junior high school buddy, Wesley.
My house was turned into a dog grooming salon yesterday and this morning. Five fuzzy white dogs got their baths and their coats brushed out, kinda. I'm still working on it.
I hope you're staying warm and safe. We're doing our best here. Take care......luv, Susan
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
1000 DAYS
I'm a baby boomer. My childhood memories are all those Ozzie and Harriet/Leave It To Beaver type memories. Things were so much simpler then. It was a wonderful time to be a child in the fifties and sixties. Well, it was wonderful, up to a point. Tomorrow marks the fiftieth anniversary of the inauguration of John F. Kennedy. He was in office for 10000 days. The clock is ticking.....fifty years ago. We will be living through the golden anniversaries of each and every day of his presidency. I don't know what your recollections are of this time in our history, but mine are very vivid. I adored President Kennedy and his wife and children, in fact, the whole Kennedy clan. I thought they were perfect. In hindsight, I know that he wasn't perfect, nor was the family. But, as an American child watching this idyllic chapter unfold on TV and in the many magazines, like Look and Life, I saw a perfectly ideal story. I thought Washington and the White House were truly magical places. What a difference from today, although, I do think our current president and his wife and family actually come closest to the fun and promise of the Kennedy family. Like I said, I will be paying special attention these next 1000 days to how the media remembers the Kennedy era. I'm getting ready for a roller coaster ride of remembering.
We have had rain these past two days. I saw only a few small mounds of snow left along the driveway and across the street. I believe it is supposed to get colder and we can expect more snow in the weeks ahead. I'm keeping busy with trying to tie up loose ends regarding 2010.
You may be aware that the Kentucky basketball team has a very young team. I believe our three top scorers are all freshman. SEC road games can be difficult to say the least. After the lesson at Georgia, I had hoped that we would handle the Alabama Crimson Tide early on, thus taking the high decibel student following out of the mix. Well, the Wildcats did try to get on track, but the previously weak three point shooting tide decided to hit most all of it's three point shots. It was amazing. We were rattled to say the least. It doesn't help when your own players manage to tip in opponents rebounds. I was, however, happy to see that the young cats could gather themselves together for a comeback. It was an exciting game, I know the Alabama crowd enjoyed it immensely. The Big Blue Nation, not so much. But, we did see a good game and the grit and determination of a band of freshmen and other upperclassmen. Stay tuned.
I hope you're warm and dry in your part of the state. Have a wonderful and safe day. luv, Susan
We have had rain these past two days. I saw only a few small mounds of snow left along the driveway and across the street. I believe it is supposed to get colder and we can expect more snow in the weeks ahead. I'm keeping busy with trying to tie up loose ends regarding 2010.
You may be aware that the Kentucky basketball team has a very young team. I believe our three top scorers are all freshman. SEC road games can be difficult to say the least. After the lesson at Georgia, I had hoped that we would handle the Alabama Crimson Tide early on, thus taking the high decibel student following out of the mix. Well, the Wildcats did try to get on track, but the previously weak three point shooting tide decided to hit most all of it's three point shots. It was amazing. We were rattled to say the least. It doesn't help when your own players manage to tip in opponents rebounds. I was, however, happy to see that the young cats could gather themselves together for a comeback. It was an exciting game, I know the Alabama crowd enjoyed it immensely. The Big Blue Nation, not so much. But, we did see a good game and the grit and determination of a band of freshmen and other upperclassmen. Stay tuned.
I hope you're warm and dry in your part of the state. Have a wonderful and safe day. luv, Susan
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
SNOW, BLUEBIRDS AND FLAT TIRES
Good morning from Central Kentucky! The snow continues to fall here for the second day. Actually, it's hard to tell if it's falling or just blowing around. Unlike the previous snow accumulations, this time it is really light and powdery and the wind has been blowing it around, rather than letting it accumulate and stay put. I must add though, that it is cold out there. My cheeks stung yesterday after spending time out with the dogs and shaking the deer feeder and filling the birdfeeders. The larger deer can simply paw at their feeder out back and allow the corn to travel down the chute. The five smaller deer who visited yesterday morning, didn't seem to be able to do that, so it took a good pounding on to get the corn down in the tray. I'll have to check this morning to see if the tray is still full.
Birds are such an enjoyment for me. I had just mentioned to Mark that there were certainly a lot of bluebirds noticeable on Sunday. Not only do I enjoy seeing them around, but in the Spring it is especially fun to watch them pair up and go house hunting. Because we have many windows, it is a common problem for birds to whack into them, mistaking the reflection for the sky. Depending on the impact, they often simply fly away, but on many occasions I have picked up dead cardinals, hummingbirds or other species, when they haven't recovered from the initial hit. It appeared a cardinal had met his end over the weekend as his red feathers can still be seen buried in the snow on the deck, really sad.
Tuesday I heard a thump at the front of the house. Upon investigation, I saw a female bluebird lying on the front steps. I could see movement, so I decided to keep her warm while she shook off the blow. It was only a matter of hours before she was active in one of the dog kennels. I was perfectly delighted to see her fly into the trees upon her departure.
Monday was a difficult day for me. For Christmas, I asked for fencing to keep the dogs from wandering into danger. I should have asked for new tires. Because I've had two previous flat tires, I kinda knew that when I pulled into a driveway, what I was gonna find. Yep, the back passenger side tire was indeed flat. Because my phone was dead and I knew I needed to replace the tires anyway, I decided to drive my car precariously back home so I could call the Amen House where I volunteer. Thankfully, I made it home safely and was able to learn my fellow volunteers had everything under control. So, I merely called Mark to let him know of the predicament. He's such a "why wait til tomorrow sort" that he had the tire changed and new tires on just hours after he was home from his busy work day. Yes, I'm spoiled, I must admit.
Let me say, I have tried to change a tire. Twice I tried. First time I was in Bowling Green and my friend, Jerri and I did everything we could to get the bolts off that hold the tire in place. Finally, some friendly WKU students across the street came over and did it for us. Second time, I was making an attempt at changing a tire on Mark's truck, when some nice sanitation workers in Georgetown offered to do it for me. So, this being my third such opportunity, I chose to drive home on the useless tire, rather than try yet again, this time in not so ideal conditions. In other words, Monday was really cold!! I'm just thankful I have a husband who understands and takes care of that car thingy stuff for me.
I recently posted my belief that you can be as close to God as you want to be. Well, you can't be close to Him unless you seek His word and His guidance daily. This mornings UpperRoom verse is one of the best, for sure. I'm not surprised that it is underlined and noted in my Bible. Although it lists Romans 10:10-17, I prefer to back up to begin at verse 9, "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This is an awesome truth that we Christians hinge our faith upon. Because of what Jesus did, He made it so simple for us to confess our sins and then accept Him as our savior. He did all the work for us. He has done the hard part. He loves us so much, He spoils us, so that we don't have to do all that suffering. Thank you God for understanding us and taking care of all that difficult stuff for us.
Yes, I'm spoiled by my husband, my parents and my God. You can be too, simply by accepting His son as your savior. I am actually enjoying the snow this time of year. I will appreciate the beauty and take the time to be thankful for all my many blessings. I hope you stay warm and enjoy a safe and wonderful day, luv, Susan
Birds are such an enjoyment for me. I had just mentioned to Mark that there were certainly a lot of bluebirds noticeable on Sunday. Not only do I enjoy seeing them around, but in the Spring it is especially fun to watch them pair up and go house hunting. Because we have many windows, it is a common problem for birds to whack into them, mistaking the reflection for the sky. Depending on the impact, they often simply fly away, but on many occasions I have picked up dead cardinals, hummingbirds or other species, when they haven't recovered from the initial hit. It appeared a cardinal had met his end over the weekend as his red feathers can still be seen buried in the snow on the deck, really sad.
Tuesday I heard a thump at the front of the house. Upon investigation, I saw a female bluebird lying on the front steps. I could see movement, so I decided to keep her warm while she shook off the blow. It was only a matter of hours before she was active in one of the dog kennels. I was perfectly delighted to see her fly into the trees upon her departure.
Monday was a difficult day for me. For Christmas, I asked for fencing to keep the dogs from wandering into danger. I should have asked for new tires. Because I've had two previous flat tires, I kinda knew that when I pulled into a driveway, what I was gonna find. Yep, the back passenger side tire was indeed flat. Because my phone was dead and I knew I needed to replace the tires anyway, I decided to drive my car precariously back home so I could call the Amen House where I volunteer. Thankfully, I made it home safely and was able to learn my fellow volunteers had everything under control. So, I merely called Mark to let him know of the predicament. He's such a "why wait til tomorrow sort" that he had the tire changed and new tires on just hours after he was home from his busy work day. Yes, I'm spoiled, I must admit.
Let me say, I have tried to change a tire. Twice I tried. First time I was in Bowling Green and my friend, Jerri and I did everything we could to get the bolts off that hold the tire in place. Finally, some friendly WKU students across the street came over and did it for us. Second time, I was making an attempt at changing a tire on Mark's truck, when some nice sanitation workers in Georgetown offered to do it for me. So, this being my third such opportunity, I chose to drive home on the useless tire, rather than try yet again, this time in not so ideal conditions. In other words, Monday was really cold!! I'm just thankful I have a husband who understands and takes care of that car thingy stuff for me.
I recently posted my belief that you can be as close to God as you want to be. Well, you can't be close to Him unless you seek His word and His guidance daily. This mornings UpperRoom verse is one of the best, for sure. I'm not surprised that it is underlined and noted in my Bible. Although it lists Romans 10:10-17, I prefer to back up to begin at verse 9, "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This is an awesome truth that we Christians hinge our faith upon. Because of what Jesus did, He made it so simple for us to confess our sins and then accept Him as our savior. He did all the work for us. He has done the hard part. He loves us so much, He spoils us, so that we don't have to do all that suffering. Thank you God for understanding us and taking care of all that difficult stuff for us.
Yes, I'm spoiled by my husband, my parents and my God. You can be too, simply by accepting His son as your savior. I am actually enjoying the snow this time of year. I will appreciate the beauty and take the time to be thankful for all my many blessings. I hope you stay warm and enjoy a safe and wonderful day, luv, Susan
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Priority One
This is starting out to be a really awesome year. My hope is that you are also experiencing a good start to 2011. I've enjoyed the remnants of the holidays and now it's time to get them put away til after Thanksgiving. Instead of dwelling on the miraculous birth of Christ, I will again direct my attention to the cross. It has been there, looming all along, simply being upstaged by the manger in the stable and the joyous birth of our savior. The cross now takes itself center-stage, once again, as the means by which He saved us.
Our snow was gone in about two days. Because the temperatures skyrocketed from, say, 15 to 51 in about thirty six hours, it didn't take long for the snow on our hill to become a raging little river at the bottom of the property. It was unusual to hear the rushing water and see the flowing currents when there wasn't even a drop of precipitation. I know the ground welcomed the refreshing drink after the drought we experienced in late summer.
I've certainly got my work cut out for me this month. I hope to make the basement more pet friendly for the dogs. In other words, it's time to go through all the boxes and remove them from the premises. This may take longer than a month. I hope I can do it all without employing one of the professional companies that has targeted this endeavor or one of the reality shows that features many of these poor misguided hoarders living in their cluttered abodes. We'll see.....
As this new year marches on, I will continue to do the one thing that I have made my life's calling several years ago. That is to try to be closer to God with each passing day. I once read that we could each be as close to God as we wanted to be. Because His desire is always to be closer to each of us, we merely have to be willing to put Him at the top of our priority list each day. When we do that, we will find our lives becoming more in line with how He intends for us to live, thereby growing closer to Him. Nuff said.
It is a beautiful sunny, yet cold day in Central Kentucky. I should get started on the things that need to be done here. You have a wonderful and safe day, luv, Susan
Our snow was gone in about two days. Because the temperatures skyrocketed from, say, 15 to 51 in about thirty six hours, it didn't take long for the snow on our hill to become a raging little river at the bottom of the property. It was unusual to hear the rushing water and see the flowing currents when there wasn't even a drop of precipitation. I know the ground welcomed the refreshing drink after the drought we experienced in late summer.
I've certainly got my work cut out for me this month. I hope to make the basement more pet friendly for the dogs. In other words, it's time to go through all the boxes and remove them from the premises. This may take longer than a month. I hope I can do it all without employing one of the professional companies that has targeted this endeavor or one of the reality shows that features many of these poor misguided hoarders living in their cluttered abodes. We'll see.....
As this new year marches on, I will continue to do the one thing that I have made my life's calling several years ago. That is to try to be closer to God with each passing day. I once read that we could each be as close to God as we wanted to be. Because His desire is always to be closer to each of us, we merely have to be willing to put Him at the top of our priority list each day. When we do that, we will find our lives becoming more in line with how He intends for us to live, thereby growing closer to Him. Nuff said.
It is a beautiful sunny, yet cold day in Central Kentucky. I should get started on the things that need to be done here. You have a wonderful and safe day, luv, Susan
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