Monday, March 31, 2014

What was that whizzing by?

It must have been the week-end!:-)  It is said that time passes quickly when you are busy, and I was certainly busy on this week-end!

Beginning on Friday, the Women's Chorus presented our program once again (the fifth time).  We sang for an "independent senior living" facility, and quite a number of the residents came to listen.

Saturday morning, we were up bright and early!  Our church is involved in a Capital Funds Campaign, and a Prayer Breakfast was on the agenda for Saturday morning.  From there, it was a mad dash for me to travel an hour away for the District UMW Day Apart event. 

On Sunday evening there was a special benefit organ concert at church.  City Girl was in the area and was able to attend with us.  She spent the night, then was off early this morning on her way back to her place.

It wasn't a good week-end for anyone supporting Tennessee basketball - either men or ladies.  Sadly, both teams didn't make it past the first game in the Sweet Sixteen.:-(  Now we hear reports that the men's coach is being considered for a position at another school!  He has been here only three years.

I believe I need a Monday to rest!  How was your week-end? 

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Sunday, March 30 - Fourth Sunday in Lent

A few weeks ago, I included words from one of Charles Wesley's hymns.  Today, here are the words to the first stanza of "Jesus, United by Thy Grace," as printed in the 1989 edition of the United Methodist Hymnal.

                             "Jesus, united by thy grace,

                                     and each to each endeared,

                              with confidence we seek thy face

                                   and know our prayer is heard."

                                                               - Charles Wesley, 1742

The Mission Focus as listed in the United Methodist Women Prayer Calendar for 2014 is Henderson Settlement in Frakes, KY.  Our Conference UMW sponsored a work mission trip to Henderson Settlement last October.

This is the fourth Sunday in Lent, observed as One Great Hour of Sharing in the United Methodist Church.  Offerings collected on this date are earmarked for administrative expenses.  This enables 100% of all funds donated to United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to go directly to relief efforts.  

I send along wishes for a blessed Sunday.


Saturday, March 29, 2014

Is it too early?

Happy Saturday!  Do you have some good week-end plans?

I've spotted these here at the house.

A basket full of bunnies!

Is it too early for these bunnies to make their appearance?  We haven't seen any outside yet, but these seem just about ready to jump out of the basket!  In fact, I believe they pushed something else out!

Sweet little lambs!

Do these little lambs seem to be a bit sad?  Perhaps there is a special basket that belongs to them.  The search is on!

The basket in the above pictures is a Longaberger Easter basket from 2000.  Collecting the Beanie Babies when they were first released was not my custom.  I have picked these up through the years at various locations - when the price was right!:-) 

This is a big NCAA basketball week-end!  Are you supporting a favorite team?  There are lots of games on TV this week-end.

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments.

Friday, March 28, 2014

One for the children....

Happy Friday!  The week-end draws nearer and nearer!  Hopefully you have some good plans for the week-end, and good weather will help you enjoy the time ahead!

Here is a book that children may enjoy!  I recently shared it with Little Munchkin, though she actually could have read the story to me!:-)

A favorite book by Margaret Wise Brown.

The runaway little bunny will be found by Mother Bunny, even though he becomes a fish in the stream.

......even if he is at the top of the mountain....

.....even if he becomes part of the flower garden....

....and the book proceeds through several scenarios, each one with Mother Bunny finding the Runaway Bunny!  What a special way to let children know that Mother is always going to be there for them.

I also especially enjoy Goodnight, Moon, also by Margaret Wise Brown.  I consider these books classics to have in your own library, if children are going to be around your house! 

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

At the library....

Happy Thursday to you!  One day closer to the week-end, for those of you who are still in the work force looking forward to some time off work. 

Recently I was visiting our local library and received a special surprise!  The mother of a former student was there as well.  I have blogged about this person before and featured her books, which were fiction.  I had read that she and her husband had written a book together, this one non-fiction.

I am happy to add this one to my library now!

In conversation, I mentioned that I was going to have to miss the book signing that had been publicized in the newspaper.  It was a distinct pleasure for me that she actually had a copy with her, and I was able to purchase it from her!

Some examples from the book follow:

Table of Contents

Easy (where I would be)

 Moderate

Strenuous - Really?  We hiked this one summer when I was at church camp.

If any of you are inclined to plan a trip to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this book would be a wonderful help, should you wish to plan a hike.

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Quote for the day....

                                       "That's March!"

                                                       - The Husband, 2014

Complete with illustrations!

March 25 - 5:30 p.m.

Snow on the garden.

Snow on the trees.
We had near blizzard conditions for awhile on Tuesday afternoon.  The snow was coming down sideways!  The wind had been fierce much of the day, along with falling temperatures. 

Shortly after the above pictures were taken, the sun appeared, just at the time it would be setting!  The snow that was on the garden spot disappeared. 

We have a couple of peach trees that have had blooms.  The blueberries have had buds.  Last night's hard freeze (predicted 22 degrees F low temp) was not welcome!:-(   We may be buying our blueberries this summer and looking for good peaches!

The bunnies from yesterday's post are just going to have to wait awhile longer for spring weather to really arrive!

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments. 


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Watching......

.....and waiting.

Taking position.
It appears that these bunnies are watching and waiting for spring to really arrive.  They want nothing to do with more snow!

In the background, the table seems to be waiting for that complete table setting, too.  China - Brookdale by Lenox; Crystal - Glamour Green Mist by Fostoria.  Looks like the table is waiting for flatware to be added!:-)

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments.

Monday, March 24, 2014

The week-end....

Happy Monday to you!  How was your week-end?

We spent some time "on the road" as we went to visit City Girl.  Things appeared to be more springlike where she lives, and we saw blooms on the Bradford pear trees in her area.

Time for lunch!

A tasty menu!

We took some time to go out to eat lunch on Saturday.  The weather was really nice, and we ate outside on the patio of the restaurant.

Meanwhile, this was happening "back home."


The Vols won their first two games in the NCAA Tournament, and they have made it to the "Sweet Sixteen!"  Next  up?  Michigan on this coming Friday in Indianapolis!

More basketball success!

The Lady Vols also won their first game in the NCAA Tournament.  They will be playing St. John's tonight.  A win with the next one will also send them to the "Sweet Sixteen."  We will be watching that game on TV!

We currently have some sunshine here, though the weather forecast sounds a bit ominous.  Anyone ready for a chance of snow?

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Sunday, March 23, 2014....

When I was a college student, I sang in the college choir.  A favorite anthem was from the following scripture.

                               "Create in me a clean heart, O God,

                                        and renew a right spirit within me."

                                                                              Psalm 51:10

This seems to me to be an appropriate thought for the third Sunday in Lent.

The Mission Focus for today as listed in the UMW Prayer Calendar for 2014 is Hawthorne Hill, Des Moines, Iowa.

May you have a blessed Sunday. 

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Short for Saturday....

How is your Saturday looking at this point?  Are you anticipating something enjoyable during this day? 

A bit of history here.  When I was in elementary school, before middle school was on the scene, our school included grades 1-8.  There was a basketball team, and it was announced there would be a tryout scheduled for cheerleaders.  It is hard for me to believe this now, but I tried out and was one of four who were selected in the 8th grade.  That is what began my interest in basketball, and it has endured through the years.

So - March Madness is a great time of the year!  There is an opportunity to see some really good college basketball on TV!  It becomes a bit more exciting if the Vols happen to be selected to play in the NCAA tournament.  Well, that happened this year!  On Wednesday night they won a play-in game with Iowa in Dayton which gave them the opportunity to play in Raleigh yesterday!

Now, I know I'm taking a risk here.:-)  It isn't my intention to annoy any of my Massachusetts followers.  However, it was very exciting to have the Vols win the game on Friday afternoon!  Now they will move on to Sunday when they will play Mercer.  Mercer surprised a lot of people on Friday by winning their game with Duke. 

You can be sure that I will be paying close attention to that Sunday game!

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Once again....

Happy Friday!  How was the first day of spring where you are?  It was a beautiful day here, though the long range forecast has a winter tone to it.

I want to mention that I have been unable to keep up with some of your blogs or make comments on some of them.  Blogger has not been cooperative at times, though I have kept trying.  If I am absent from your comments, it is not from lack of trying.  Hopefully that will improve soon.

Once again, it is time to bring out some favorite books that bring thoughts of spring with them.

This one is a classic.

Also, a video to enjoy!

Yes, I still have those VCR tapes!  I suppose that gives you an idea of the era from which I come.:-)  Seriously, these two versions of the classic The Velveteen Rabbit are my very favorites - the best I have seen.  I plan to include time in my schedule to enjoy both during this spring!

Do you have some favorite books that remind you of spring? 

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

This is the day!

Today is the day that so many of us have been anticipating - the first day of Spring!  At least, according to the calendar, that is.  That may be difficult for some of you to believe, especially with your ground still under feet of snow! 

We are ready to greet the new season!

We've been waiting for you!

Of course, we just heard on the long-range forecast that next week may have more winter-like temperatures.  This winter just doesn't want to quit, it seems.

Also, this is a special day for another reason!  Today is Country Man's birthday!  Happy Birthday, Country Man!  We are really happy to have you in the family!

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments.


Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Typos, proofreading, and projects underway....

Happy Wednesday to you!  Hopefully the week is going well for you.

It was late in the day yesterday when I realized I had a typo in my blog title.  The word "sight" had been misspelled.  Because the proofreading for yesterday's post was not done thoroughly, it was posted with that error.  I just want you to know that I do know better!:-)

One of last week's post told of a recent visit with the Country Couple.  You may remember this which was on the blog shortly after Christmas.

A gift from the Country Couple to The Husband.

A design that was in progress when we visited the Country Couple.

This was the gift from the Country Couple to the Husband.

When we visited last week, this project was underway.

Another gift for someone.

I don't think I've "let the cat out of the bag" on this one, for I'm sure the recipient of this one doesn't follow this blog.:-)

Now - next in order is to proofread!:-)

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments. 

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Barely out of sight....

Those leprechauns were barely out of sight when I turned around and spotted these!

Peeping around the lamp!

Prancing about the sugar bowl and cream pitcher!

We have seen no bunnies out and about around here at this point, but it seems they are definitely appearing indoors!

Have a happy Tuesday!

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Top o' the morning to ye!

To be true to my Irish ancestry, I give you Happy St. Patrick's Day greetings!

My wish for you!

I would be remiss if I didn't also mention an anniversary!

The Country Couple!


It was two years ago that we welcomed Country Man into the family!  Happy Second Anniversary to the Country Couple!

I've no plans to go searching for the pot of gold that is said to be at the end of the rainbow today, though I do hope to enjoy some corned beef and cabbage!  What about you?

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments.


Sunday, March 16, 2014

Sunday, March 16 - the second Sunday in Lent....

John Wesley, the founder of the United Methodist Church, had a brother, Charles, who was the writer of many hymns.  "Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies" appears in The United Methodist Hymnal, 1989 edition.

                   "Christ, whose glory fills the skies,

                        Christ, the true, the only light,

                    Sun of righteousness, arise,

                         triumph o'er the shades of night;

                    Dayspring from on high, be near;

                          Daystar, in my heart appear."

                                                                 - Charles Wesley, 1740

As listed in the 2014 UMW Prayer Calendar, today's mission focus is the Mercy-Newberry Association, Chicago, Illinois.

Blessings to each of you on this Sunday!

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Preparations....

Happy Saturday!  The week-end is here!  Have you made preparations for something enjoyable for this time?

This is something that is being prepared here.

It is time to set the table for St. Patrick's Day!  Don't look too closely!  I'll just go ahead and tell you that my green cloth comes from my Christmas closet, but it is still green.:-)

Doesn't she look proper?  It is a good thing she is in charge of those little men that appeared yesterday!  I do have a weakness for Belleek.:-)

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments.



Friday, March 14, 2014

Little things....

Sometimes it's the little things that bring pleasure.

A "small" collection.

Each one of these is full of that usual Irish wit/humor.  Good wishes from Irish Wisdom are expressed this way: "May you have warm words on a cold evening. a full moon on a dark night, and the road downhill all the way to your door."  Celtic Myths and Legends gives us these words that come from an Old Gaelic Prayer -  "Deep peace of the running waves to you.  Deep peace of the flowing air to you.  Deep peace of the smiling stars to you.  Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.  Deep peace of the watching shepherds to you.  Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you."  I love the way these good wishes are expressed!

Also, look what I have spotted!

There they are!

I wonder what kind of mischief they may be pondering!

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments.


Thursday, March 13, 2014

Looking for green....

Winter seems to be giving us a "return engagement."  How long has that green grass been covered by snow where you are?

You may be looking for some green.  Here is some of what I have found around my house.

Isn't she a cute Irish lass?

Happy to be Irish!

Is that a look of innocence?  Who?  Me?

"Anywhere I hang my hat is home!"

Uh, oh!  Where is that leprechaun?  Has he left his hat behind - or - did has he hidden somewhere in the house?  

Have a good Thursday! 

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

I did it!

Happy Wednesday to all!  Are you having a good week?

Do you remember this?

Doesn't it look luscious?

I posted this back in February and had no idea if, or when, I might try this for us here.  Well, the time came this past week-end! 

Now, my final product will not look like the above picture.  I had no plans to plate it to display as the food stylist did here.  As I was not serving it to a large group, I opted not to decorate it with whipped cream.  The recipe comes from IDEALS Sweetheart edition, Volume 43, No. 1.

STRAWBERRY BAVARIAN SPONGE TORTE
2 (3-oz.) packages strawberry gelatin
1 cup boiling water
2 packages frozen sliced strawberries, slightly thawed (I used one 16-oz. package)
1/2 pint heavy cream, whipped
1 sponge cake, cut in cubes (I used a Sara Lee frozen pound cake)
Whipped cream to decorate
Fresh berries to decorate
- Dissolve gelatin in boiling water.  Add berries and allow to partially thicken.  Fold in 1/2 pint whipped cream.  Toss with cake cubes and place in a greased springform or large mixing bowl.  Chill torte overnight.  Turn out on platter and frost with whipped cream.  Garnish with whole strawberries. Serves 10 to 12.

This is my version.

Pretty in the bowl.

After a serving.

It would truly be an impressive dessert molded in the springform pan, then turned out and decorated with whipped cream!  I will remember this one for the future!  In fact, I already have an idea of when I will make it again!

The strawberry theme of the dessert puts me in mind of spring.  After all, the first official day of spring is a week from tomorrow!  Thoughts of spring may be a bit premature, however.  We have a very wintry forecast for overnight tonight!  Thursday's high temperatures are predicted to be at least 30 degrees colder than Tuesday's!  Winter just doesn't seem to want to let go.

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

A trip to the country....

Happy Tuesday to you!  I hope your week is off to a good start.

Our Monday included a trip to the country to visit with the Country Couple.  It was a beautiful day, and we enjoyed being outside with them.

Just one patch of daffodils!

I took several pictures of all the daffodils that were blooming.  I may add them at the end of this post, if it isn't too long.

There are several sugar maple trees on the property where the Country Couple live.  They tapped the trees a few weeks ago and have been blessed with lots of sap!

Ready to remove the tap from this tree.

They have been boiling the sap down to syrup.  Here was the set up today.

When we arrived.

After several hours.

Country Girl prepared a very tasty lunch for us to enjoy while we were there.

Oops! Excuse the shadow!

Chili and cornbread!  What could be better eaten outside?  The day was gorgeous, and it was just perfect for eating outside.

We were kept company by some of the animals.

Diesel, the "outside" cat.

Diesel is very fluffy and was really loving rolling in the sun today.

Lone chicken.

Very tame.

The lone chicken is the only one remaining from a flock of several.  The others became prey for wild animals.:-(  City Girl has christened this chicken "Cupcake" because of her reaction to a cupcake that City Girl had in her hands.  In the above picture, The Husband had been feeding Cupcake bites of walnuts.  Cupcake would peck them off his leg, then later she would peck them from his hand.  This chicken isn't too spoiled!:-)

I hope your day will be full of whatever brings you joy!

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments.