Treasures....

During a week-end of a Youth Dinner and Silent Auction at church, we brought home these treasures -

As you can see, the Nuremberg Spice Cookies have been enjoyed!:-)

These will be made when needed.  Yum!

Lest you think that food is the only thing on my mind, we also brought this home -

Just in time, too, as it seems that spring has finally arrived!  March is going out like a lamb here.

Last day for comments indicating an interest in this giveaway -

Announcement tomorrow!

A reminder....

This is a Monday morning reminder that tomorrow (Tuesday) is the last day to comment if you are interested in this giveaway:

This giveaway is for the entire set together.  

I hope your week is off to a good start!  Will March go out like a lamb or a lion where you are?

Sunday, March 29, 2015....Palm Sunday

We find these words in Mark 11:8-11 -

                            "Many people spread their cloaks on the road,

                                and others spread leafy branches that they

                                had cut in the fields. 

                             Then those who went ahead 

                               and those who followed were shouting,

                              'Hosanna!  

                                       Blessed is the one who comes in the

                                       name of the Lord!

                                       Blessed is the coming kingdom of

                                       our ancestor David!

                             Hosanna in the highest heaven!'

                             Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple;

                                and when he had looked around at everything, 

                                                 as it was already late,

                                he went out to Bethany with the twelve."

From the 2015 United Methodist Women Prayer Calendar, the Mission Focus for today is Friendly Center in Toledo, Ohio.

May this be a day in which you feel yourself surrounded by love, joy, and peace.

Reviewing...

'Twas a busy week here as it involved an out-of-town trip.

Arriving in time for a mid-morning breakfast, this is what greeted us -

After attending the program, we returned to this area for lunch.

Tables were prepared for us for this part of the day.

I am an alumnus of Emory and Henry College, and it is always a pleasure to be back on the campus.  

A more enjoyable stop was made to visit with Muncho Mom, Macho Man, and the Munchkins. :-)

We had expected some snow flurries overnight, but there are none here.  The temperature was 33 degrees early this morning, and the wind kept the frost away, so the peach blossoms are safe for now. We may not be as fortunate tonight.

Remember - a giveaway is underway!  Comment by Tuesday, March 31!  Winner announced on Wednesday, April 1!

Gooseberry Patch is awaiting someone!

Easter reading....

Are you looking for something to read to children for this season?  Here are a couple of suggestions.

Have you heard of this one?  The story was copyrighted in 1956, but Scholastic issued their first printing in 1993.

The major question has to do with that enormous egg!  Look what hatched!

There is quite an entertaining story about the experiences with this surprise!

A favorite of mine has long been this story -

I love the story, of course, and these illustrations are magical!

Follow up that reading with a video!

Yes, it is a VCR tape - a bit dated, I know - though it is my favorite telling of this lovely story.

A classic for all of us to enjoy is this one -

Peanuts is always good!

With the weather playing tricks on many of us, perhaps this week-end is a good time to stay indoors and read.

One reminder - there is a giveaway currently in progress.  You have until next Tuesday to comment if you are interested in this one.

Good luck!

Appearing....

Seems to be the time for these to be appearing -

Definitely looking like "bunnyland" around here.  Thinking spring for all of you, especially those of you who are still dealing with winter!

A different kind - Cookbook Wednesday....

On this Cookbook Wednesday, I have a different kind of offering for you.  A giveaway!  

This entire set of Gooseberry Patch cookbooks will be given away to one lucky person!  If you are interested, just say so in your comment, and your name will be entered in the drawing.  This giveaway is in effect until next Wednesday, April 1, 2015 - and that's no April Fool joke!  The winning name will be drawn next Wednesday morning and annouced on the blog that day.

Good luck to you, and have a wonderful Wednesday!

Spring....

Just a few signs of spring here with these trees in bloom!

If weather conditions stay as they should, we may have a peach or two on these trees!  Yum!

A "sneak preview...."

A new option for grocery shopping is opening in our area.

We attended the "sneak preview" last Friday.  The suggested donation per person was to benefit a local food bank.

Whole Foods is all about good environmental practices.  If a shopper brings in reusable bags for grocery purchases, a credit of 10 cents per bag is given on the grocery total!

In this goody bag that we received were some attractive items.

The 365 is the store brand for Whole Foods.  This would be a good start to the day!

 

There is always a need for pasta sauce, but it will be best with -

For a vegetarian, this is all that is needed for the meal!

Coupons are always good!

With this map of the store it will be easy to find what we want!

I predict a large crowd will be present for this event!

Sunday, March 22, 2015 - Fifth Sunday in Lent

From John's gospel we read these words -

                                        "Jesus said, 'I am the vine;

                                          you are the branches.'" 

                                                                        - John 15:5a

From the United Methodist Women Prayer Calendar for 2015, the Mission Focus for today is Epworth Children and Family Services in St. Louis, Missouri.

I send along wishes for a blessed Sunday.

Reviewing....

Yes, I know.  The blog has been "silent" for a day or two.  Sometimes it seems like "things" get in the way.:-)

Before I go further, I must first send birthday wishes to Country Man, who celebrated a birthday yesterday!  His birthday begins our spring round of birthdays, so there will be more to come in the next two months.

We have been fortunate to attend a couple of performances of really great music!

This is the program for an orchestra performance at a high school in a nearby town.

My college choir came to our area for a performance.

This is the program chosen by the new director, the first woman to direct the choir.  

This program, also in a nearby town, was a lot of fun!

Some of you may have one of these markets in your area.  This one will open on Tuesday, but we were able to enjoy a "sneak preview," bringing home this bag of goodies.  This deserves a blog by itself.

There was a really good opportunity for worship with other members of our District United Methodist Women.  

Monday, March 23 has been set as "A Day of Giving," encouraging gifts to The Legacy Fund in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the United Methodist Women in 2019.  

So - it has been a busy time here, and it doesn't appear there will be any slowing down very soon.:-)

As I close this post, I want to enclose a picture that came from the Internet. I wish I could remember now about the source.:-(  All I know is that we were encouraged to use this image how we pleased.  If I remember, I will update you about the originator.  

The calendar does say spring has arrived!

Just what I needed....

....another cookbook!

Actually, I'm sure I probably didn't need another cookbook, but how could I resist this one?

With this Table of Contents....

....and these lovely illustrations, how could I walk away?  Did I mention that it was also on sale?:-)  That will do it for me everytime.:-)

So - what are some things I will try from this one?

These scones sound delicious....

....as does this salad.

Leaving you today with some more pictures....

....now to get busy with some of this deliciousness!