Wow, I can't believe so much time has passed since my last posting about Christina and Joe's Island Wedding. I've been reliving the trip with pictures and sharing memories with friends and family members for the last two months. And, Saturday was the Frankfort reception that we planned for friends and family members who were unable to make the trip to Maine. I'm so pleased to say that it all went well, even though it was quite a push to the finish line for Joe and Christina as they put all the necessary finishing touches on their totally reconstructed home that was a great fixer upper for Joe's talents as a carpenter and a contractor. The house, not far from the state capital and downtown, had suffered major fire damage from it's previous owners. This previously fire damaged shell of a house, as we had once seen it, was painstakingly turned into a beautiful, open and updated, lovingly crafted in every detail home with a fenced in back yard and an awesome child safe deck and beneath it a bricked patio. To see the transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Joe, Christina and their friends, volunteers and workers did a great job getting it ready for the reception just in the nick of time .
My job was to bring some of the decorations from the Vinalhaven wedding reception to Frankfort and help recreate some of the oldstyle ambiance and charm that we had at the farmhouse barn. With the help of my sisters, Pam and Kathy, my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rich and Les, and Joe's mom, Amy, I think we were able to do just that.
Christina had previously put out the invitation on facebook, so we could have expected as many as seven hundred or so guests. I had invited some friends and family that weren't on facebook, so that made it over the possible 700. We tried to plan for a little less than that as the responses on facebook trickled in. Ultimately, I'd say we had close to 150 or so make it to the Open House-style reception which started at 2:00 and was still going strong when we older foggies left around 9:30.
In addition to watching the video of the Lane's Island wedding ceremony both inside on one of the walls and later, outside on a big screen, like a drive-in movie, Joe's two different bands provided entertainment out on the deck. It was wonderful. I hope all their neighbors are music lovers!
I, personally, was so happy to have family attend from Illinois. My mom's brother, Junior and wife, Shirley, came from Maroa and her youngest two sisters, Linda and Carol, came from Argenta and Forsythe. Also, my cousin Betty, Linda's daughter made the trip, driving them to Frankfort. I don't get to see my Illinois family often enough, so this made it very special for us all. All in all, just like the wedding in Maine, everything went beautifully. Having Mark's oldest brother there and friends making it from Henderson, also made it special. I hope you are having a wonderful day, computer problems are telling me it's time to finish up for now. Take care and be safe. luv, Susan
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Saturday, August 10, 2013
DREAM WEDDING.............CHECK!
I recently made a post on my Facebook page that I was a very grateful person. I actually try to live my life in that frame of mind. God is good. He is good all the time. Even though our present circumstances may not be pleasant, we have to realize that He is with us and He's working things out for our good. We just have to trust, remain faithful and be patient, knowing that He's in control for our ultimate good.
Getting ready for my daughter's wedding was a bit stressful for me. Mark and I had a spur of the moment type of ceremony in the Florida Keys. We simply piggybacked our wedding plans onto our annual Springbreak camping trip with close friends. No fuss, no stress. It worked and we've been married for 35 years. However, my daughter, Christina is not me and she likes to share her joy and happiness with her friends, family and loved ones. So, I wasn't surprised when she announced that her dream wedding would be on the island of Vinalhaven, Maine. After all, we've been dragging our children to this almost surreal place, tucked safely from the rest of the world in the Penobscott Bay for the past thirty years. So, last November, it was decided, we would be having her dream ceremony during our annual trip to Maine.
Wedding planning is not my forte, so I immediately called my dear friend, Jerri. She had always said she'd love to help me with Christina's wedding when the time came, so I knew I could count on her. She also planned to eventually return to Vinalhaven after visiting there with us on a trip many years ago. I also thought of another dear friend, Jim, who had at a family gathering last year, mentioned that he was becoming the island photographer, taking pictures at local functions on the island. He and his wife owned the darling cottage where Mom and Dad Libby had stayed for many years. They are part of our family. So, with the help of our two special loving friends, a bride and groom willing to roll with the punches, and wonderful family members and friends ready to step out of their comfort zones, Mark and I felt like this was something that we could set into motion. To make a long story short, Christina and Joe were married on the small nature preserve of Lane's Island, which adjoins Vinalhaven by a small bridge, on August 1, 2013. It was wonderful!
So, we are home now and I will share some more details of our trip and the wedding in the weeks to come. Right now, I just want to share my deep feelings of gratitude to God and all those who helped make Christina and Joe's dream wedding a reality. I'm not saying everything was perfect. We were unable to have all our family make the trip, it's not an easy trek to make, after all. But, we did have the blessings of our families in this decision for an island wedding and we want to share all the wonderful memories and pictures that we have with them all.
I still have so much to do since arriving back in Kentucky, so I'll close for now. I hope you are having an awesome August as well. Take care and stay safe. luv, Susan
Getting ready for my daughter's wedding was a bit stressful for me. Mark and I had a spur of the moment type of ceremony in the Florida Keys. We simply piggybacked our wedding plans onto our annual Springbreak camping trip with close friends. No fuss, no stress. It worked and we've been married for 35 years. However, my daughter, Christina is not me and she likes to share her joy and happiness with her friends, family and loved ones. So, I wasn't surprised when she announced that her dream wedding would be on the island of Vinalhaven, Maine. After all, we've been dragging our children to this almost surreal place, tucked safely from the rest of the world in the Penobscott Bay for the past thirty years. So, last November, it was decided, we would be having her dream ceremony during our annual trip to Maine.
Wedding planning is not my forte, so I immediately called my dear friend, Jerri. She had always said she'd love to help me with Christina's wedding when the time came, so I knew I could count on her. She also planned to eventually return to Vinalhaven after visiting there with us on a trip many years ago. I also thought of another dear friend, Jim, who had at a family gathering last year, mentioned that he was becoming the island photographer, taking pictures at local functions on the island. He and his wife owned the darling cottage where Mom and Dad Libby had stayed for many years. They are part of our family. So, with the help of our two special loving friends, a bride and groom willing to roll with the punches, and wonderful family members and friends ready to step out of their comfort zones, Mark and I felt like this was something that we could set into motion. To make a long story short, Christina and Joe were married on the small nature preserve of Lane's Island, which adjoins Vinalhaven by a small bridge, on August 1, 2013. It was wonderful!
So, we are home now and I will share some more details of our trip and the wedding in the weeks to come. Right now, I just want to share my deep feelings of gratitude to God and all those who helped make Christina and Joe's dream wedding a reality. I'm not saying everything was perfect. We were unable to have all our family make the trip, it's not an easy trek to make, after all. But, we did have the blessings of our families in this decision for an island wedding and we want to share all the wonderful memories and pictures that we have with them all.
I still have so much to do since arriving back in Kentucky, so I'll close for now. I hope you are having an awesome August as well. Take care and stay safe. luv, Susan
Saturday, June 15, 2013
BE BATTLE READY: Part Two (The Armor of God)
Today I am doing what all grandma's do, I'm babysitting. Okay, so most grandchildren have two arms and two legs and can be cradled in your arms, if they're really young, or sit and do puzzles with you, if they're older. My granddaughter, at one year of age, probably weighs as much as me and has four long legs, no arms and answers to the name of Beaulah, the blue Great Dane. Christina and Joe have had her over a year and she's beautiful. Mark and I enjoy her immensely. My four little white furballs, however, do not.
It was a difficult week for me, especially after Monday's battle. But, I did want to add my thoughts about that. As a bluebirder, I must remember to be ready to protect these little birds entrusted to my care at all times. Because i had a guard around the pole, I thought they were safe. Now, we have reinforced our bluebird house, and in addition, I will have the weapons necessary to take care of predators if that time comes.
We, as Christians, need to be prepared to be battle ready at all times as well. Ephesians 6:10-19 are wonderful verses of the Bible that tell us how to put on the Armor of God and prepare ourselves to do battle with the evil of the world. It reads as follows, in the closing paragraphs, as Paul finishes up his letter to the Christians of Ephesus:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. NIV
Tomorrow is Father's Day and we will be celebrating with my Dad and also having a birthday party for my sister, Kathy, and my son, Dustin. Mark will be giving his Dad a call to Jupiter, Florida. We are truly blessed to have these two special fathers still very much in our lives. I hope you are able to spend Father's Day with dads, children, grandchildren, grandpuppies, and all those special people in your life that have given you love, support, wisdom and guidance. I am also thankful for a loving God who does just that every day of our lives. Have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
It was a difficult week for me, especially after Monday's battle. But, I did want to add my thoughts about that. As a bluebirder, I must remember to be ready to protect these little birds entrusted to my care at all times. Because i had a guard around the pole, I thought they were safe. Now, we have reinforced our bluebird house, and in addition, I will have the weapons necessary to take care of predators if that time comes.
We, as Christians, need to be prepared to be battle ready at all times as well. Ephesians 6:10-19 are wonderful verses of the Bible that tell us how to put on the Armor of God and prepare ourselves to do battle with the evil of the world. It reads as follows, in the closing paragraphs, as Paul finishes up his letter to the Christians of Ephesus:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. NIV
Tomorrow is Father's Day and we will be celebrating with my Dad and also having a birthday party for my sister, Kathy, and my son, Dustin. Mark will be giving his Dad a call to Jupiter, Florida. We are truly blessed to have these two special fathers still very much in our lives. I hope you are able to spend Father's Day with dads, children, grandchildren, grandpuppies, and all those special people in your life that have given you love, support, wisdom and guidance. I am also thankful for a loving God who does just that every day of our lives. Have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
ALWAYS BE BATTLE READY
June is here and I'm loving it! Each day is a little bit longer than the one before and I'm usually outside enjoying the daylight as long as it lasts. I wish I could say that I've been enjoying the recent days watching the bluebirds and having occasional sightings of the deer, but it has been such a busy time that I've rarely been able to do so the last couple weeks. I blame the Henderson County baseball team for my lack of leisure time. Because they played so well this past season, they made it to Lexington for the state tournament played at Whitaker Bank Park. I attended Monday, Wednesday and Friday enjoying time with friends that I hadn't seen since before leaving Henderson over five years ago. It was wonderful catching up with them and their families and I wouldn't exchange it for bluebird watching. The team got beat in the semi-finals, so they were a couple games short of winning another state title, but I hope they make it back in the years to come as I have two young Colonels for whom to root. Go Jace and Tyler!!
We also had family visiting this past week as Mark's oldest brother, Rich and wife, Leslie, visited while in the state for a family funeral. It was great seeing them and we look forward to seeing them again in a couple weeks when we hope to see them and the rest of the Libby's at Mom and Dad's 65th Anniversary celebration. Should be a great time!
I'm continuing my country walks, usually getting in three five mile walks a week. The flowers and critters that I see provide me with many picture taking opportunities. I've got lots of iris, roses, peonies, wisteria, snapping turtle, lunar moth and many, many horses that have been my subjects.
Since my last post, we have discovered that our feisty mama doe has not one fawn in our yard, but two. They usually come out late and do their romping around in the grass while we're all sleeping. But, occasionally, we see them out or hiding in the tall grass of their "corner" of the yard. We try very hard to give them their space and keep the dogs from intruding on their turf. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to get a picture of them romping together before they make the leap over the fence in the weeks to come.
The bluebirds started laying eggs for their third brood right after the Memorial Day weekend. I was really looking forward to seeing the parents go back and forth feeding the nestlings in the box, but I'm afraid we will have to wait for another time, as all hell broke out here yesterday afternoon when I saw a snake wrapped around the top of the bluebird house, making a meal of the bluebird eggs. My first reaction was to yell, scream and throw big rocks up at him. This did nothing. My second reaction was to run up the hill to the garage to find something like a shovel. I found a paint roller on a pole. I pounded the top of the house with the roller, thus knocking him into the house. Not what I had planned. I then pulled the whole house on a pole out of the ground, leaning it over til he finally spilled out onto the ground and slithered beneath our rock wall. This was not going well at all!
I wanted to look into the birdhouse to see if there were any eggs left so I walked back up the hill to Mark's building and got a big step ladder. As I came back down the hill with the ladder, I noticed the snake was slithering up the pole toward the birdhouse. I ran, again with ladder, and used the bottom rung to knock him back to the ground. Back under the rockwall he went. There must be some eggs left for him to make a second attempt. I prepared to climb the step ladder but it didn't go so well. After just about taking me, the birdhouse with pole and the ladder out completely when the bottom sunk into the soft ground, I was able to reposition it and check what was inside.......one little blue egg in the nest. It was now my job to make sure he did NOT get this last little egg.
As all of this mayhem is taking place in my yard, the bluebird pair and their juvenile babies are flitting above trying to figure out what to do. At this point, I now know what to do. I go again to Mark's building, taking the ladder back. I choose my weapons, a garden rake and a shovel. I figure I just have to sit under the deck and watch and wait for my opportunity. When I see some movement, I check the binoculars and sure enough, he's making his move from atop the rockwall to the pole and begins his way up. However, this time before he even makes it to the snakeguard, apparently useless against a four foot snake, I use the garden rake and knock him to the ground and pin him down with it. Then, with the shovel, I am able to finish the job. I told him that he messed with the wrong bluebirder.
Once I know I've completed the kill, I run back up under the deck and watch the inevitable writhing and twisting while his body continues it's final struggle with death. I check once, from a distance, just to make sure, once all movement has ceased. I let Mark, who gets home hours later, dispose of him and put the weapons away. I'm just glad it's over, not my favorite chore, not at all. The bluebirds are still checking over the situation. They even land on the house, though they don't go in. I believe the one little egg is still in there, but the parents can't bring themselves to go back in the house to finish the job of sitting on it til it's hatched. It was a rough afternoon.
Today after my walk I spotted the deer and one of her fawns in the tall grass in their corner of the yard. I'm still seeing the bluebirds flying here and there from tree to yard to get insects. I don't think they've gone back in their birdhouse. Maybe Mark and I will take it down and put up a new one in a different spot and see what happens. It's still a beautiful day and the hummingbirds have been visiting their feeders. A pair of carolina wrens were checking out the area between the patio ceiling and deck above. It would be nice to have baby wrens. I hope you are enjoying the springtime wildlife in your area. Have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
We also had family visiting this past week as Mark's oldest brother, Rich and wife, Leslie, visited while in the state for a family funeral. It was great seeing them and we look forward to seeing them again in a couple weeks when we hope to see them and the rest of the Libby's at Mom and Dad's 65th Anniversary celebration. Should be a great time!
I'm continuing my country walks, usually getting in three five mile walks a week. The flowers and critters that I see provide me with many picture taking opportunities. I've got lots of iris, roses, peonies, wisteria, snapping turtle, lunar moth and many, many horses that have been my subjects.
Since my last post, we have discovered that our feisty mama doe has not one fawn in our yard, but two. They usually come out late and do their romping around in the grass while we're all sleeping. But, occasionally, we see them out or hiding in the tall grass of their "corner" of the yard. We try very hard to give them their space and keep the dogs from intruding on their turf. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to get a picture of them romping together before they make the leap over the fence in the weeks to come.
The bluebirds started laying eggs for their third brood right after the Memorial Day weekend. I was really looking forward to seeing the parents go back and forth feeding the nestlings in the box, but I'm afraid we will have to wait for another time, as all hell broke out here yesterday afternoon when I saw a snake wrapped around the top of the bluebird house, making a meal of the bluebird eggs. My first reaction was to yell, scream and throw big rocks up at him. This did nothing. My second reaction was to run up the hill to the garage to find something like a shovel. I found a paint roller on a pole. I pounded the top of the house with the roller, thus knocking him into the house. Not what I had planned. I then pulled the whole house on a pole out of the ground, leaning it over til he finally spilled out onto the ground and slithered beneath our rock wall. This was not going well at all!
I wanted to look into the birdhouse to see if there were any eggs left so I walked back up the hill to Mark's building and got a big step ladder. As I came back down the hill with the ladder, I noticed the snake was slithering up the pole toward the birdhouse. I ran, again with ladder, and used the bottom rung to knock him back to the ground. Back under the rockwall he went. There must be some eggs left for him to make a second attempt. I prepared to climb the step ladder but it didn't go so well. After just about taking me, the birdhouse with pole and the ladder out completely when the bottom sunk into the soft ground, I was able to reposition it and check what was inside.......one little blue egg in the nest. It was now my job to make sure he did NOT get this last little egg.
As all of this mayhem is taking place in my yard, the bluebird pair and their juvenile babies are flitting above trying to figure out what to do. At this point, I now know what to do. I go again to Mark's building, taking the ladder back. I choose my weapons, a garden rake and a shovel. I figure I just have to sit under the deck and watch and wait for my opportunity. When I see some movement, I check the binoculars and sure enough, he's making his move from atop the rockwall to the pole and begins his way up. However, this time before he even makes it to the snakeguard, apparently useless against a four foot snake, I use the garden rake and knock him to the ground and pin him down with it. Then, with the shovel, I am able to finish the job. I told him that he messed with the wrong bluebirder.
Once I know I've completed the kill, I run back up under the deck and watch the inevitable writhing and twisting while his body continues it's final struggle with death. I check once, from a distance, just to make sure, once all movement has ceased. I let Mark, who gets home hours later, dispose of him and put the weapons away. I'm just glad it's over, not my favorite chore, not at all. The bluebirds are still checking over the situation. They even land on the house, though they don't go in. I believe the one little egg is still in there, but the parents can't bring themselves to go back in the house to finish the job of sitting on it til it's hatched. It was a rough afternoon.
Today after my walk I spotted the deer and one of her fawns in the tall grass in their corner of the yard. I'm still seeing the bluebirds flying here and there from tree to yard to get insects. I don't think they've gone back in their birdhouse. Maybe Mark and I will take it down and put up a new one in a different spot and see what happens. It's still a beautiful day and the hummingbirds have been visiting their feeders. A pair of carolina wrens were checking out the area between the patio ceiling and deck above. It would be nice to have baby wrens. I hope you are enjoying the springtime wildlife in your area. Have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
Saturday, May 25, 2013
DANGER: MAMA DEER NEARBY
It's Memorial Day weekend! You wouldn't know it from the weather, it's in the forties outside this morning. Spring has been crazy. We have always enjoyed this time of year and are aware of the new life that surrounds us out here in our country setting. Each year we delight in the bluebirds, as they multiply their number, and we enjoy any sightings of newborn fawns around our home. This year, however, we've managed to incur the wrath of one particular mama doe.
We first started noticing our dog, Pudge, playing some unusual games with this particular deer. He would be on his side of the small fence surrounding our expansive yard and the deer would simply stand on it's side, just staring him down while he barked incessantly at it. When we would intervene, the deer would bound away and we'd carry Pudge up to the house. I figured it was some sort of game at first. Then I noticed the deer apparently stalking us. It would come out of the heavily grown over areas and peer across the yard to see what we were up to near the house. Okay, I figured, this was a mama doe and she must have a baby somewhere near. We'd be on the lookout.
Then it happened! I was sitting under our deck on Mother's Day evening reading a book when I heard a commotion out front in the driveway. As I turned to the left to see what was going on, this mama doe came right around the deck posts in hot pursuit of poor Pudge, who was running for his life! He had to run around the patio, which is also contained by a small fence, and enter in the opening at the back of the deck. Thankfully, Mark encountered the attacking mama deer in the back yard and shooed her into the woods at the back of the house. Pudge was relieved and shaken by his encounter. He had two muddy hoof marks on his back and backside. Apparently, she meant business. Mama doe was seen stalking around the house the remainder of the evening.
For now, Pudge is not allowed freedom in the yard. As I was taking him on his before bedtime walk in the yard, I noticed something at the top of the driveway to Mark's new building. It was the fawn that mama doe had been , apparently, riled over. How unusual to see it right there in the open, curled up in front of the building. By morning, it was gone. Mama doe continues her stalking and we continue to keep Pudge tethered during his outings in the yard. Yesterday, the fawn was again left out in the open near the building, but again, was later gone. I believe this is the first year that a mama doe has had her baby within the confines of our little dog fences. It has sure made Spring a lot more exciting. I'll be glad when the little one learns to clear the fence so things can get back to normal around here.
As far as other happenings, the bluebirds are already working on their second brood. After only one set of babies last year, this is a wonderful blessing for us. I'm working at our flower and vegetable gardens. The gerbera daisies and morning glories from last year are doing well. And, finally, it looks like I'll have beautiful hollyhocks, after two unsuccessful years of anticipating the colorful blooms.
We continue our Esther Bible study and hope to have a summer class for this, in addition to our Sunday morning class. I've been reading a C.S. Lewis book, which I hope to reveal more about at a later time, as it's been a very curious journey which has led me to this particular book. And I might add one last thought that I have concerning the UpperRoom devotion readings. God continues to enlighten me with the verses highlighted each day. I was especially enthralled with the focus of Thursdays reading, which reminds us to not become like the Pharisees of Jesus' time. We must be careful to remember that the reason for the law was to bring us closer to God. If we lose sight of God's overall purpose of loving others, we are getting ourselves off track, just as those woeful church leaders had gotten dangerously off track.
It looks to be a beautiful day, though cool outside. I'll be remembering the services and sacrifices of our military families and those we've lost protecting our freedoms. Have a blessed holiday weekend. Stay safe. love, Susan
We first started noticing our dog, Pudge, playing some unusual games with this particular deer. He would be on his side of the small fence surrounding our expansive yard and the deer would simply stand on it's side, just staring him down while he barked incessantly at it. When we would intervene, the deer would bound away and we'd carry Pudge up to the house. I figured it was some sort of game at first. Then I noticed the deer apparently stalking us. It would come out of the heavily grown over areas and peer across the yard to see what we were up to near the house. Okay, I figured, this was a mama doe and she must have a baby somewhere near. We'd be on the lookout.
Then it happened! I was sitting under our deck on Mother's Day evening reading a book when I heard a commotion out front in the driveway. As I turned to the left to see what was going on, this mama doe came right around the deck posts in hot pursuit of poor Pudge, who was running for his life! He had to run around the patio, which is also contained by a small fence, and enter in the opening at the back of the deck. Thankfully, Mark encountered the attacking mama deer in the back yard and shooed her into the woods at the back of the house. Pudge was relieved and shaken by his encounter. He had two muddy hoof marks on his back and backside. Apparently, she meant business. Mama doe was seen stalking around the house the remainder of the evening.
For now, Pudge is not allowed freedom in the yard. As I was taking him on his before bedtime walk in the yard, I noticed something at the top of the driveway to Mark's new building. It was the fawn that mama doe had been , apparently, riled over. How unusual to see it right there in the open, curled up in front of the building. By morning, it was gone. Mama doe continues her stalking and we continue to keep Pudge tethered during his outings in the yard. Yesterday, the fawn was again left out in the open near the building, but again, was later gone. I believe this is the first year that a mama doe has had her baby within the confines of our little dog fences. It has sure made Spring a lot more exciting. I'll be glad when the little one learns to clear the fence so things can get back to normal around here.
As far as other happenings, the bluebirds are already working on their second brood. After only one set of babies last year, this is a wonderful blessing for us. I'm working at our flower and vegetable gardens. The gerbera daisies and morning glories from last year are doing well. And, finally, it looks like I'll have beautiful hollyhocks, after two unsuccessful years of anticipating the colorful blooms.
We continue our Esther Bible study and hope to have a summer class for this, in addition to our Sunday morning class. I've been reading a C.S. Lewis book, which I hope to reveal more about at a later time, as it's been a very curious journey which has led me to this particular book. And I might add one last thought that I have concerning the UpperRoom devotion readings. God continues to enlighten me with the verses highlighted each day. I was especially enthralled with the focus of Thursdays reading, which reminds us to not become like the Pharisees of Jesus' time. We must be careful to remember that the reason for the law was to bring us closer to God. If we lose sight of God's overall purpose of loving others, we are getting ourselves off track, just as those woeful church leaders had gotten dangerously off track.
It looks to be a beautiful day, though cool outside. I'll be remembering the services and sacrifices of our military families and those we've lost protecting our freedoms. Have a blessed holiday weekend. Stay safe. love, Susan
Thursday, May 2, 2013
WISTERIA OR LILACS? I LOVE THEM BOTH!
I love Spring! I always said that Summer was my favorite time of year, but when Summer rolls around each year, I've already started to feel a bit anxious about what is coming. It all starts with the first day of Summer being the longest day of the year. I just know that each day after is counting down to Winter and that alone just sends shivers up my spine. So, now I realize and declare that Spring my favorite season. As each day progresses, I know that the days continue to get longer and longer, no reason to fret over the coming seasons. I rejoice over all the signs of renewal that remind us each day of how our God loves us and is with us. We can compare all the difficult times in our lives as Winters of sorts. They're dark and cold, we feel abandoned and alone, but when we realize that God gives us hope and the opportunity of a new beginning, we can feel that joy that comes with renewal and reawakening of our spirit. Amen for that!
I made my second annual trek across the state of Kentucky recently. It is my plan each year to visit Henderson and visit friends and former neighbors. As I've always said, I love my neighbors, and just because I move away, that never changes. It brings me such joy to visit them! After a day in Henderson, I travel to Paducah for the Annual AQS (American Quilters Society) Quilt Show. Last year seemed to be a long drive to the far western portion of the state. This year was so much different. My friend, Ann, made the trip with me. We had a great time catching up with each other's lives since my move to Georgetown almost six years ago. Hopefully, next year, we'll even have one or two more join us on the trip.
When we arrived in Paducah, we drove to my friend, Lori's house. If you read last year's blog, you'll remember that she was my next door neighbor in Henderson. She and husband Mike built the house catty-cornered from us. When they moved to Paducah, they built the same house, only the mirror version. Anyway, Lori made us feel so welcome and even packed us a nice lunch for the quilt show. Wow, the quilts were amazing and we had a wonderful time viewing the handiwork of so many talented men and women. I especially love the handquilted and traditional quilts. Sad to say, the trend is towards machine quilting and non-traditional, but still, the quilts are amazing! In addition to the annual quilt show, Paducah also hosts the Dogwood Festival and the AQS Quilt Museum, which houses all the previous grand prize winners of the show. I'm already looking forward to next year.
I've finally been able to resume some nice long walks with the improving weather and also working out in the yard. I've been enjoying lilacs on my walks and also cutting and arranging them, thanks to generous friends with overflowing lilac shrubs. In addition to lilacs, I've been especially enjoying a sighting of a previously unnoticed wisteria vine that has overtaken an old car frame located in the driveway of a house I pass on my walks. Again, if you've read my previous springtime blogs, you know I experience a terrible case of not only lilac envy this time of year, but also wisteria envy. Hopefully, this year I'll figure out how to obtain some of the early blooming wisteria to go with the late blooming wisteria that grows up some of the trees in our woods.
I've been feeling somewhat anxious lately about "wedding plans". I've asked God to help me with these feelings and this morning he gave me the answer to my anxiousness. Thanks to the fruits of the spirit that come with being a Christian, I've been blessed with patience in most aspects of my life. God has reminded me to use that patience and to place my relationships with other people above my desire to help plan the "perfect wedding" for my daughter and her fiance. I will continue to use His guidance as I go forward with the plans. Jesus performed his first public miracle at a wedding and I know He will be with me as this special day approaches.
It is beautiful outside and it will be a busy day for me. I hope you're enjoying your day and if you haven't lived the Springtime of spiritual renewal in your life, today could be the day for you to celebrate the joy that comes when your savior, Jesus Christ, becomes the center of your life. Have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
I made my second annual trek across the state of Kentucky recently. It is my plan each year to visit Henderson and visit friends and former neighbors. As I've always said, I love my neighbors, and just because I move away, that never changes. It brings me such joy to visit them! After a day in Henderson, I travel to Paducah for the Annual AQS (American Quilters Society) Quilt Show. Last year seemed to be a long drive to the far western portion of the state. This year was so much different. My friend, Ann, made the trip with me. We had a great time catching up with each other's lives since my move to Georgetown almost six years ago. Hopefully, next year, we'll even have one or two more join us on the trip.
When we arrived in Paducah, we drove to my friend, Lori's house. If you read last year's blog, you'll remember that she was my next door neighbor in Henderson. She and husband Mike built the house catty-cornered from us. When they moved to Paducah, they built the same house, only the mirror version. Anyway, Lori made us feel so welcome and even packed us a nice lunch for the quilt show. Wow, the quilts were amazing and we had a wonderful time viewing the handiwork of so many talented men and women. I especially love the handquilted and traditional quilts. Sad to say, the trend is towards machine quilting and non-traditional, but still, the quilts are amazing! In addition to the annual quilt show, Paducah also hosts the Dogwood Festival and the AQS Quilt Museum, which houses all the previous grand prize winners of the show. I'm already looking forward to next year.
I've finally been able to resume some nice long walks with the improving weather and also working out in the yard. I've been enjoying lilacs on my walks and also cutting and arranging them, thanks to generous friends with overflowing lilac shrubs. In addition to lilacs, I've been especially enjoying a sighting of a previously unnoticed wisteria vine that has overtaken an old car frame located in the driveway of a house I pass on my walks. Again, if you've read my previous springtime blogs, you know I experience a terrible case of not only lilac envy this time of year, but also wisteria envy. Hopefully, this year I'll figure out how to obtain some of the early blooming wisteria to go with the late blooming wisteria that grows up some of the trees in our woods.
I've been feeling somewhat anxious lately about "wedding plans". I've asked God to help me with these feelings and this morning he gave me the answer to my anxiousness. Thanks to the fruits of the spirit that come with being a Christian, I've been blessed with patience in most aspects of my life. God has reminded me to use that patience and to place my relationships with other people above my desire to help plan the "perfect wedding" for my daughter and her fiance. I will continue to use His guidance as I go forward with the plans. Jesus performed his first public miracle at a wedding and I know He will be with me as this special day approaches.
It is beautiful outside and it will be a busy day for me. I hope you're enjoying your day and if you haven't lived the Springtime of spiritual renewal in your life, today could be the day for you to celebrate the joy that comes when your savior, Jesus Christ, becomes the center of your life. Have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
I'M FIFTY SEVEN !! ( Much better than the alternative )
The last two weeks have been busy for me. I turned 57 and my friends and family have spoiled me with fun greetings and celebrations. I am very blessed. As my friend Mildred says, "If I stink, it's because I'm so spoiled!".
Easter has come and gone. I always enjoy our Easter services at church. It's wonderful to see our little country church practically full. Thankfully my sister, Pam has Easter dinner at her house, so I only need to show up with the green bean casserole and some candy and cards for family. We always have a fun time together. This year we finally put an end to the 20-40 something grandkids having an Easter egg hunt, thank goodness for that. I actually looked at little Easter baskets that were on sale after the holiday for next year, but decided I had til the following Easter, at least, to be concerned about making up any little Easter baskets.
Our weather, as everyone knows, has been nuts. Sometimes it's hot and humid, then it's cold again. My flowers and budding trees don't know what to do. I would like to say that I've begun routine walks again, but haven't even been able to start doing that. It has been nice seeing the bluebirds tending to their nestbox. I'm hoping to find a wisteria plant or tree or vine in the coming weeks and plan to sow a bunch of flower seeds in some of my gardens.
We are progressing with some wedding plans for Christina and Joe's island wedding. Again, I am thankful to my friends because neither Christina nor I have a clue when it comes to such affairs.
The University of Kentucky made it through March Madness without winning the SEC Tournament or making it to the NCAA Tourney. We also managed to lose our first game in the lowly NIT Tournament. Angry, disappointed fans made a point to fill the social media and letters to the editors with their opinions of our team. I was just upset that we managed to give away home court advantage for our NIT game, thus making a difficult situation for our young team "down near impossible". I prayed for these young men that God would protect them and keep them safe with all the media hype and fan hysteria over our lackluster basketball season. Years ago, I learned the valuable lesson that Kentucky Basketball is just a game. God has given us sports to enjoy, use athletic abilities for His glory and learn valuable life lessons. And, yes, I did root for the Louisville Cardinals, both men and women. I was sorry to see UConn women beat UK's Women and then again when they beat UofL's women. They have a freshman player that looks pretty much unstoppable, but I thought that about Brittany Griner.
I must say the UK Football Blue and White game was awesome. Unlike so many of our home games this past season, the parking lot was full of tailgaters and cars. The stadium was practically full and rocking. Much different than that cold, drizzly Saturday when we capped off a painful home season with a loss to Vanderbilt. Looking forward to a new era of Kentucky Football with our new head coach, Mark Stoops, and his staff. Go Big Blue!! And as important as the turnout for the game, for me, I was able to visit with some special Henderson friends before and during the game.
Our Sunday School class is making our way slowly through our Beth Moore Bible study on Esther. It's amazing how much we can get out of such a seemingly short book of the Bible. Hopefully, we'll have a couple more join us for the summer break.
I hope you are enjoying this special season of renewal. The past couple days have been difficult for this country and the city of Boston. Deaths related to wars and terror attacks are all so sad. I pray for recoveries and peace for all concerned. You have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
Easter has come and gone. I always enjoy our Easter services at church. It's wonderful to see our little country church practically full. Thankfully my sister, Pam has Easter dinner at her house, so I only need to show up with the green bean casserole and some candy and cards for family. We always have a fun time together. This year we finally put an end to the 20-40 something grandkids having an Easter egg hunt, thank goodness for that. I actually looked at little Easter baskets that were on sale after the holiday for next year, but decided I had til the following Easter, at least, to be concerned about making up any little Easter baskets.
Our weather, as everyone knows, has been nuts. Sometimes it's hot and humid, then it's cold again. My flowers and budding trees don't know what to do. I would like to say that I've begun routine walks again, but haven't even been able to start doing that. It has been nice seeing the bluebirds tending to their nestbox. I'm hoping to find a wisteria plant or tree or vine in the coming weeks and plan to sow a bunch of flower seeds in some of my gardens.
We are progressing with some wedding plans for Christina and Joe's island wedding. Again, I am thankful to my friends because neither Christina nor I have a clue when it comes to such affairs.
The University of Kentucky made it through March Madness without winning the SEC Tournament or making it to the NCAA Tourney. We also managed to lose our first game in the lowly NIT Tournament. Angry, disappointed fans made a point to fill the social media and letters to the editors with their opinions of our team. I was just upset that we managed to give away home court advantage for our NIT game, thus making a difficult situation for our young team "down near impossible". I prayed for these young men that God would protect them and keep them safe with all the media hype and fan hysteria over our lackluster basketball season. Years ago, I learned the valuable lesson that Kentucky Basketball is just a game. God has given us sports to enjoy, use athletic abilities for His glory and learn valuable life lessons. And, yes, I did root for the Louisville Cardinals, both men and women. I was sorry to see UConn women beat UK's Women and then again when they beat UofL's women. They have a freshman player that looks pretty much unstoppable, but I thought that about Brittany Griner.
I must say the UK Football Blue and White game was awesome. Unlike so many of our home games this past season, the parking lot was full of tailgaters and cars. The stadium was practically full and rocking. Much different than that cold, drizzly Saturday when we capped off a painful home season with a loss to Vanderbilt. Looking forward to a new era of Kentucky Football with our new head coach, Mark Stoops, and his staff. Go Big Blue!! And as important as the turnout for the game, for me, I was able to visit with some special Henderson friends before and during the game.
Our Sunday School class is making our way slowly through our Beth Moore Bible study on Esther. It's amazing how much we can get out of such a seemingly short book of the Bible. Hopefully, we'll have a couple more join us for the summer break.
I hope you are enjoying this special season of renewal. The past couple days have been difficult for this country and the city of Boston. Deaths related to wars and terror attacks are all so sad. I pray for recoveries and peace for all concerned. You have a great day and stay safe. luv, Susan
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