Bits & Pieces

Yesterday and today were those real life scenarios of great frustration mixed with thankfulness and joy. Most days I deal with chronic illness quite well, taking each day at a time. Then there are those days when I just cannot accomplish what I want due to fatigue and weakness. After I stomp my feet and complain before God, He listens and reminds me that "each day has enough evil so get over it" (my translation).

Then He blesses me with answers to prayer as He did yesterday at Goodwill. If you have been reading my blog, you may remember I've been wanting "Thanksgiving dishes" (similar to those Martha Stewart has on her Thanksgiving DVD but not necessarily the same). Well, I walked into Goodwill yesterday and there...on the cart... ready to be put on the shelf...the perfect dishes for Autumn/Thanksgiving. They are English and have the most charming Autumn scene on each plate. I purchased the six plates (99 cents each) and also found two American Limoge tea cups in a soft peachy/pink for 98 cents each (49 cents for each cup, 49 cents for each saucer) to add to my collection. They are slightly more sturdy than my bone china tea cups, perfect for little granddaughters to take tea with Grammie (or take to their own home if they like them).

Whenever I find exactly what I've desired within my budget, especially in the midst of frustration or anxiety, I know it is a gift from Above. He reminds me this world has trials and sorrows but if I watch for His fingerprints along the way...there can be joy in the journey.

Last night my husband went with me to a library sale at one of the local libraries. This was very much a show of love as he much preferred to stay at home. My son is my usual library sale partner but he had a fencing tournament to attend. I found quite a few good books. There were a couple of cookbooks, as if I needed any more but I will make room! I purchased three paperbacks, each having four Grace Livingston Hill novels. I haven't read them for years but I've been reading excerpts on Anna's blog, which has me wanting to add them to my collection again. They will make perfect reading when I want something to "get away from it all" on cold, Winter days.

I also purchased Rise to Rebellion by Jeff Shaara in paperback. I have the sequel, in hardback, purchased on clearance at Border's. I decided to continue keeping an eye out for the hardback version but to purchase the paperback so I can begin reading it this Winter.

My son asked me to look for additions to his library. I found The Life of Samuel Johnson by Boswell, which I'd been wanting to read and I thought would be great for him. I also purchased Love and Honor by Randall Wallace. I haven't read any of his books but he wrote Pearl Harbor and Braveheart so I have a feeling my son will like that book, too. I went back for a couple of hours today (it was crazy and packed last night) and had time to look more carefully, finding a few other gems, including an Elisabeth Elliot book I hadn't read.

For my son, I found The Oxford History of the American People, which after looking through it, may have to get lost in my bookshelves (too bad I've already told him about the purchase). I'm also looking forward to reading The Reluctant Prophet by T. Davis Bunn. It contains both The Warning and The Ultimatum in one volume. I read the first book many years ago so I may skim it before reading the sequel. I thoroughly enjoy shopping for books when they are $1.00 each.


I finished making the vegetable beef soup this afternoon, it is simmering on the stove (the aroma is wonderful) so all dinner preparations are finished. Although...I may bake one of the quick breads I printed from Patty's wonderful recipe blog. Her recipes are perfect for this time of year...anytime of year come to think of it.