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
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
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
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
Thursday, August 23, 2012
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
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
Thursday, July 12, 2012
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!
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!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
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
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
Saturday, June 16, 2012
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
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
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
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!!!
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!!!
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