The Beatles, the Beach Boys, and the soundtrack of our lives

I've been enjoying reading all kinds of comments recently. (The Hobbit House post will continue taking comments, well... so can everything else since they all come to me to moderate.) :)

I love the comment reminding me of... Mr. Conductor!!! Why didn't I think of that? Christopher loved Thomas the Train Engine, especially the original episodes with Ringo. So, I know I'm not a complete failure as a homeschooling mother because I do remember telling him about the Beatles at that time. He doesn't remember. Of course, he also doesn't remember any of the grammar and sentence structure we studied during that time either.

There were two instances last week I asked him who his homeschool teacher and why she didn't teach him the important things of life. One was the said conversation about music, if I remember the other was about movies. Obviously we needed to review curriculum, perhaps we should have added "20th Century Culture"???

Although, we did chat yesterday about "what group or person was the musician of a particular decade" in the 20th century. I remembered reading it was Frank Sinatra in the 40s, Elvis in the 50s, the Beatles in the 60s (although I'd split that decade and pick The Beach Boys the first part of it and the Beatles the second... but whoever made the list didn't ask my opinion), John Denver represented the 70s and I think it was Garth Brooks for the 90s.

I couldn't remember who represented the 80s but Christopher thought it would be Michael Jackson (whose only song I liked was Rockin' Robin and even then I preferred the 1950s version).

Going back to the Beatles... imagine going through life and not knowing the haunting lyrics to Yesterday, or Something, or the delightful When I'm Sixty-four. Then there are all their songs just made for philosophical debate... like Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds... as in... what were they smoking when they wrote this... catchy beat, though.

While a certain nineteen year old says he doesn't know who the Beach Boys are, he has certainly heard their music in this house. Guess he didn't associate the name with the song... sigh. How many times has he heard his father sing Help Me Rhonda and ask that very important historical question... was it the Beach Boys or Jan and Dean who sang Little GTO?

Although hubby and I were not raised in the same town (we just barely went to high school in the same decade), we had one thing in common... summers with our radio tuned to WLS in Chicago! I think it's now talk radio all day but back then it was.... magic. It was a different time and place when the radio was king (and the music was, for the most part, clean).

You do notice there was no confusion over John Denver... or Elvis? Other favorites like Johnny Cash (whose songs tell the soul of America) should be well known in this house. Having been raised by Southern parents, my nostalgia is definitely found in the already mentioned Johnny and the music of Willie Nelson.

My mother-in-law hated country music but she owned Willie's Stardust album... what's not to love? Then there is the cowboy music of George Strait and Marty Robbins or the angelic bluegrass songs of Alison Krause.

It all has to be the fault of those ear plugs. When Stephanie was home, the house was filled with music. Steph was our song bird and she had (has) the loveliest voice. Christopher tells people there's a reason his original i-pod songs were mostly show tunes and contemporary Christian music from the 1990s... the influence of his big sister.

There was the year she was in a chorus that performed Beauty and the Beast. I wonder if Christopher remembers her singing the entire musical to him over and over when he was little. We did have a cassette player but who needed it when we had his sister at home?

So... all this to say it's all the fault of those ear buds and earphones and having our songbird move away. No one wants to hear me sing. I haven't a clue why...

May we wax poetic over the music of our youth... we haven't even gone down the road of Yo Yo Ma, yet... or the Carpenter's... or the Fifth Dimension... or the music of the Jesus People... or Frank and Dean... sigh.

I know there are wonderful contemporary Christian and Gospel songs as well as the "old hymns of the faith" but sometimes I just love to hear the best the secular market has to offer. That music which is lovely (at least to individual preference), not that which defiles the imagination.

While writing this, I remembered a post written back in 2006 where I pondered "music, technology, and the soundtrack of my life". It can be found here...

Great places to visit

Sally (Clarkson) does sit again. What a beautiful post about living life and making a beautiful home. There is a reason I think of her as a twin separated at birth (well, fraternal twins as one is blond and the other used to have black hair).

What a joy to have her as a friend, a true gift from God... even if one of us (moi') gets so busy we don't take time to e-mail precious people. Click here...

It doesn't get any better for me then showing pictures of my grandchildren. Stephanie hasn't been able to post on her blog for quite awhile... as mothers of preschoolers know, life has been so busy that I only hear from her when she's traveling to the grocery store, doctor's office, or Bible study!

Not only are there grandchildren pictures but she's showing her "before" and "after" pics from working out and watching her diet. (She took part in Amy's challenge.. Amy is one of our very favorite bloggers.) Steph and I both put on weight easily and have to work hard to take it off.

My husband was tall and too thin until he turned 60 a couple years ago. Now he's normal (well, weight that is... the jury is still out on the rest of him). Christopher will put on a few pounds and take it off in one or two workouts at the gym. Sheesh... Anyhoo, click here to see precious grandchildren.

If you haven't commented on the I Heart Hobbit Houses post, please do! Even if you don't want to leave a comment... be sure to read the wonderful lists of books (and a few films) that others have recommended. I am so excited about this list... here.

I know I've given you lots of places to visit, not to mention my post about Spring Cleaning is less then twenty-four hours old. However, I'm going to be busy with yard work for a couple of days so I won't have a new post until Thursday or Friday.

I should also send out a reminder that the Dayspring 20% off code is still good for the rest of April, even if the give away is over. I took the back off the tray (it comes off like the back of a picture frame) and placed a pretty floral drawer liner paper under the glass. There is still room to store the four beautiful liners that come with it (with different artwork and words) if desired to use later.

My imagination has run wild, thinking of seasonal gift wrap and even cloth to use under the glass. So pretty! Not to mention the beautiful teapots, teacups, and stationary. Debra, I'll get the car on Friday to go to the Post Office. Congratulations, again and I'll e-mail soon! The original post, which contains the discount code, can be found here.

Spring cleaning

I'll have another post soon about the all the lovely book ideas from last week's, I heart hobbit houses. If you want to read the comments or add another (as I'm gong to be checking back as long as I'm getting more ideas from you all), you can click on the above link. I've seen a few old friends (authors and titles) but I'm also excited there are unread volumes to discover. :)

The past few weeks have found me on a schedule of work and rest and work and rest. It's amazing what one can accomplish a little at a time.

I thought I had a sinus infection but my doctor tells me I've developed seasonal allergies. I talked to him during my usual three month diabetes appointment and A1C blood draw (that sounds horrible) on Friday. He gave me samples of allergy medicine that have worked (so far). Yesterday I could actually breath and my head didn't ache as much. :)

We try to deep clean and declutter twice a year, in fall and in spring. By the end of winter, we are paying for our squirrel-like tendencies to accumulate and keep everything that has come in over the past few months. It has something to do with the cold and dark that comes with the season. That and the cold garage where we quickly take an item out, scurrying back into the warmth of the house.

Spring brings with it light flowing in through windows. It tends to land on those corners where books and papers are stacked, literally bringing to light winter's clutter. There is also something that wakes up inside of us, shaking off the need to hold "things" close, exchanging it for a desire to shed excess. When one lives in a small house without a basement... that is a good thing.

If you came to visit us during this time you would have found stacks of "stuff" on the dining room table, on the floor, in our bedroom, and bookshelves all askew as I'm deciding what "has to go". Yes, it has been a mess that has caused a twitch every time I walked in the door.

I have to admit, this is the part of "keeping house" I don't like at all. This whole process of sorting and deciding what stays and what goes... it gives me a headache without the allergies. I enjoy organizing things... just not all this major deep cleaning and decluttering.

I took my husband on a little tour this morning, showing him everything that I'd accomplished. (I loved it when Laine said she did this with her husband as they often don't recognize the effort after it is all complete.)

The garage is next but it is not as bad as last year. We've been able to keep the pantry area sorted and my other garage shelves remained rather unscathed this winter. That's not to say there isn't work but I think we can get through it the same day. Now that we have warmer weather, I will also take everything out of the deep freeze to check what needs to be used soon and take inventory.

Most of the filters have been changed... the well filters in the crawl space, the incoming well filter underneath the sink, two of the three Culligan filters, and the furnace filter. The rocking chair has been moved to the front porch, along with a couple real plants and the silk geraniums (washed free of last year's dust). The two small deck tables are still in the shed, awaiting their washing.

Perhaps we'll find ourselves remembering fondly when the cold winds blew against the windows, making it necessary to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea. Perhaps someday but not now... I'm enjoying the warmth and light too much and I'll take the work that comes with it. :)

Note: My apologies to mothers of preschoolers who can no longer remember what it was like to clean and declutter... and have it stay that way for more than five minutes. I have been there. That season does pass. Honest. Really.

Sunday Afternoon Tea

I've so enjoyed reading the comments on my last post (I Heart Hobbit Houses). Please read and comment if you haven't already! Well, after you read this. I love the suggestions and I'm finding new authors and titles to enjoy.

If I had a description of my ponderings this week, they would have the title "The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and the Pharaoh who didn't remember".

It all started last Sunday when Christopher arrived home from visiting a friend's church. He was telling us about their praise and worship team, finding the way they muffle the drums quite interesting. So... his dad started talking about drums and drummers... most specifically famous drummers.

He mentioned the name of Ringo Starr to which my nineteen year old son said....

"Who?" "Um... Ringo Starr... The Beatles". "Never heard of them." "You're joking, right?" (He wasn't.) "The Beatles... Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo?"

He told us he'd heard of Paul McCartney and he knew John Lennon was a famous musician who had been shot. Never heard of the others.

This little question and answer time went on just awhile longer, long enough to find out he also had never heard of the Beach Boys (one of his dad's favorite groups).

How did this happen? I don't know, perhaps because we tend to listen to our music with earphones on rather than on the HiFi like we did when we were younger. Not that I have any Beetles music but there are one or two Beach Boys CD's on the shelf.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised. My husband is seven years older than me and the Beach Boys were "oldies but goodies" by the time I was in high school. Still... I was shocked to find out this generation didn't know who the Beatles were.

As I thought of it later in the day, I was reminded of the many times in the Bible that we're told of a new generation who didn't know those who had come before them. It always amazed me that a Pharaoh could arise who didn't know about Joseph. How could that be?

I thought of the following scriptures:

Deuteronomy 4:9

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Deuteronomy 11:19

Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

In this fast paced world in which we live, especially as society has changed so much since I was a child and not always for the better... how important it is for us to make that effort to pass on the old ways... the good ways. As is written in the scripture near the top of this blog, one of my life's verses... "look and ask for the ancient paths".

There are things that must be carried from one generation to another, that which may not seem important at the time. Those which we realize were the gold standard but only after the people who could have passed them on have gone to their rewards... family history and stories, beloved recipes, interesting traditions, and most of all... the spiritual heritage of God at work in the past years, giving hope and faith to children and grandchildren. Not only teaching our children God's Word precept by precept but sharing Him as a Person, one who leads us, guides us, and most of all... loves us.

Not to mention the music. Excuse me while I put some music on the CD player... vintage John Denver, perhaps Elvis (okay, so I'm an Elvis fan)... Oh, right, this is Sunday. Let's dust off those Selah CD's and set aside the itty bitty i-pod as we enjoy beautiful music from one generation to another. Until someone complains and then I'll remember why I have headphones... sigh.

I Heart Hobbit Houses

My favorite parts of any book or movie are those which describe houses... or food. Which is probably why The Wind in the Willows is one of my favorite children's books, or The Lord of the Rings, or Peter Rabbit, or Anne of Green Gables... so many to choose from which offer literary delights to the senses.

I've been known to watch the beginning of The Return of the King just too view the inside of a Hobbit House again (as well as Whose Got Mail for that delightful vintage apartment of Meg Ryan's character).

I'm trying to find other books (they don't have to be kid's books) that have excellent descriptions of warm and cozy rooms or equally delicious descriptions of tea time, dinners, picnics... or food in general.

Any suggestions?

Picture: Hobbit House designed by architect Peter Archer

It's not easy being green... and conservative

Don't ya just love Kermie? In our home there was a word that was, well... not to be muttered. It's a joke especially between Stephanie and me. We call it the "M" word. She tried to tell me Kermit wasn't real. She said Kermit was a... pardon the expression... Muppet. Wash your mouth out with soap, girl! Next thing she'll be telling me is that King Friday and Queen Sarah Saturday are the "P" word. Anyway, I do digress...

If you've been reading my ponderings for any length of time, you may have heard the expression I've shared quite often, "The best friend of the far left is the far right, they just don't know it". I first realized this when being part of a health food co-op (the president for a couple of years so I dealt a lot with the people in Iowa City... the far left) and later as a homeschooler.

I was thinking of this yesterday as I watched a favorite show on the Fox Network. The host was making fun of Earth Day. While I admit there are some outrageous people and statements among environmentalists, it does Conservatives (and Christians) no good to act as if there is nothing wrong with this world's ecosystem. We can disagree on what may be causing our environmental challenges but we show a lack of wisdom when we argue there is no problem.

There are great voices out there, representing the Christian viewpoint without fearing science. I remember reading Crunchy Con by Rod Dreher and nodding my head most of the way through the book. I looked like a conservative bobblehead as I found a like minded soul (we truly do read to know we're not alone). Not that I agreed with everything in Crunchy Con but a lot of it.

As I've mentioned before, the people who had the greatest influence on my life... through their books, tapes, film, etc... were Francis and Edith Schaeffer. I want to have tea with Edith in Eternity (although she is still alive!). I would have tears of joy as I shared tea and brought her a bouquet of flowers whose colors I have yet to see in this world. Without Edith's influence, I would be a far worse wife and mother.

If you've read the collection of books by the Schaeffer's, you will know they cared deeply about environmental issues. It comes through Edith's books about homemaking in a very practical fashion. Francis wrote an entire book about the subject titled Pollution and the Death of Man, which is still in print twenty-five years later.

I can't save the planet but I can do my own part to respect God's creation. I compost (for entirely selfish reason, it creates beautiful dirt and it helps save my septic system), I recycle newspapers, cans, and plastic, I save plastic bags and drop them off once in awhile to the Mission thrift store where they reuse them, I've only recently started carrying cloth bags with me to take to the grocery store, I reuse plastic containers at least once whenever possible, I buy used a lot which helps my budget and the environment, I use Charlie's Soap as well as other natural methods of cleaning, and... well, you get the idea.

We should never have a fear of Science or learning what is Truth. God can handle it. If we have the attitude of "it's all going to burn someday, anyway" we are doing a disservice to our children and grandchildren should the return of our Lord be later than we think. This comes from a former Jesus People type person who thought the return of Christ had to be in the 1980s. :)

I'll do my part in beautifying the earth today since it is finally nice outside again. I'll take the container from underneath the sink out to the compost pile. I'll help my husband remove the top layer of black gold from our former compost pile before planting our rhubarb (it has been too wet to plant it earlier). I've already turned off lights and unplugged recharging cords... little actions of environmentalism.

I have leftovers in the frig to turn into a meal. Nothing huge... no action taken that will immediately affect pollution or feed a child in Africa... but showing respect to the planet our Father made. And... yes, I am a conservative, evangelical, Christian who is green.

Pantry Talk - gaining experience and skill

I think the part of simpler living I've found both enjoyable and the most difficult (depending on the day) is staying at home a lot more. By staying home, I have more time to keep the house better organized, to get the maintenance work done so I still have time and energy to get creative, to plant and keep an eye on flowers and a few veggies in the garden. I even have time to cook a stew and bake a cake from scratch once in awhile.

At the same time, if I don't have what I need at home and the car won't be available until much later, life becomes far more complicated. I've found from keeping a pantry most of my married life that some items are essential, these become the most important items to purchase when I have the ability to stock up.

Learning what is essential didn't happen overnight. It has been over years of trying recipes, deepening the pantry, and trying what worked and didn't that knowledge was gained so that I usually know what to prioritize and have on hand.

Each family will be unique in their pantry needs according to personal taste, health issues, space available, number of people in the family, if they grow their own produce or purchase everything, etc. Our own pantry needs have changed over the years.

I do use basic ingredients the most... those which go together to make baked goods or a meal. I've tweaked that over the years. For instance, before I developed a chronic illness I made my own "cream of" soups but now I use the canned soup to save time and effort. However, to be a frugal cook the best knowledge we can have is how to make items "from scratch" so we can do so when necessary.

It is always good when we can plan ahead with our own convenience foods prepared and in the freezer or pantry. However, there are times we may have to purchase convenience items. It is a good idea to try any convenience product to see if we like it before stocking up. A few convenience items I keep on hand... instant potatoes, canned soups, canned pork and beans, cold cereal, cake and brownie mixes, the occasional Stouffer's meal in the freezer (purchased on sale)... and lemonade mix for the Hospitality Pantry.

How valuable, though, to be able to put together a soup or stew, using leftovers in a casserole, checking what is available in the garden and planning a big stir fry dinner, experimenting with using a variety of leftover cheeses to form a cheese sauce for mac and cheese... those areas where creativity can be frugal... are all important skills which lead to saving money and stretching what is in the pantry.

Each month I also peruse the latest coupons available in the newspaper and online which put favorite food and toiletry items within my budget. I also keep a note tablet on my refrigerator (the kind that has a magnet on the back) where I not only write down needed grocery items but those pantry foods I'm out of... or I think should be added for a particular recipe.

Like anything else, the more we work at something, the better we become. Keeping a pantry is no different. We gain experience to fall back on and new skills in shopping, cooking, creating, perhaps gardening and canning what we grow, making our own jelly and jam... generally become more proficient at whatever skill we need for the life we have chosen.

Such skills and knowledge are as good as gold for us and for our children.

Here are two blog posts that led to these lines of thought...

Falling Like Rain:
Questions ... a great post about deepening the pantry. Click here.

Down-to-earth:
Simple living - getting started... lots to think about and learn from. Click here.

I always find something interesting at both these wonderful blogs. :)

Picture: Housewife- Price Administration posters: allposters.com

Birthdays, baking, and ready for spring

Happy Birthday Granddad

It is another "tucked in" day here as the outside world is cold and wet by any standard but especially for a later-in-April day. I've been taking advantage of the cold chill by continuing our cold weather favorites for dinner. Christopher called to let me know he'd actually be home for a couple of hours yesterday which was another way of saying... feed me.

I had some Laura's Beef in the freezer (love it but I can only afford it on sale) so I quickly defrosted the beef and assembled the ingredients for Holiday Spaghetti. It is a casserole recipe my mother-in-law found in a cookbook we gave her as a gift when Stephanie was little. That's how long it has been a family favorite. Yesterday I made it with whole grain spaghetti and we all had seconds. It's suppose to feed a family of six... yeah, right.

While it was in the oven, I made a quick trip to the grocery store. Working with one car makes it necessary to take advantage of any opportunity the car is available. We must communicate appointments, extra classes, Christopher's work hours, etc. My mother-in-law never learned to drive so she depended on a very deep pantry and an extra refrigerator-freezer in the basement. I understand completely. :)

This is a birthday month for our family. My son-in-law recently celebrated a birthday. He is now... older. Baby Matthew turned two so I guess that means I can't call him Baby Matthew. Hubby's birthday is today. I don't know how he is getting so old when I've stayed thirty-nine all these years. :)

The above picture is Granddad fixing the fence in the back forty last week. Okay, so we don't have forty acres, we have slightly less than one but it feels like a lot when keeping up the maintenance. Christopher and I were quite impressed that he was able to make the fence look as good as new. It blew down in a winter storm and split off right at ground level.

The rest of the day is to be spent doing laundry, working on a couple organizing projects, and baking... an oatmeal cake for hubby's birthday and a Kentucky Derby Pie to give my brother-in-law tomorrow (per his request). If you haven't eaten one of these before, it's like a giant chocolate chip cookie pie, so easy to make and very rich.

The original recipe has a shot of Kentucky bourbon in it (which I have never included, not having it on hand). I'll probably give hubby's brother a few pieces of the oatmeal cake, too. It will bring back memories of his mother's cooking and baking. Both recipes keep well and since he's travelling, that will be necessary.

Isn't it wonderful how just the aroma of certain foods bring back memories of loved ones? I think of my mom whenever I make fried chicken (after all, she was from Kentucky!) or make her vegetable beef soup.

Now... there is lots to do today. Tempus is definitely fugiting.

His Name Is Jesus by Max Lucado, a review

This is a gorgeous book! I normally am not "into" gift books as I find them often to be... shall we say... less than deep. However, I enjoy Max Lucado's writing so I chose this book to review from Thomas Nelson.

As I usually do when a book is delivered, I stop what I'm doing to look through it. Most often I set it aside to view a little deeper at another time. This book was such a stunner to all the senses that I stopped what I was doing to look at it, read it, even feel its' luxury.

Lucado has told the life of Jesus from his birth through the Resurrection. Anyone who is familiar with his writings knows his prose is... well, poetry. The images his words create will bring the life of Christ alive to the readers. The visual richness of each page provides a background to Lucado's words, giving it a feeling of a Renaissance painting.

It would particularly be good to give as a gift to a new Christian, or someone we would love to learn more about Jesus. It would also make a great gift for someone who enjoys displaying coffee table books (although this is much smaller than the usual coffee table book size).

Highly recommended as a gift book!

Hotmail e-mail address

I figured out the problem with my Coffee Tea Books & Me e-mail account.

It dawned on me I had almost three years of "saved" e-mails in the Inbox so I deleted all but the last four or five. Who knew I was an e-mail hoarder?

I'd forgotten how many lovely e-mails I've received through the years... sniff, sniff. :)

Anyhoo, I can now be reached through Coffeeteabooksandme@hotmail.com once again.

Sunday Afternoon Tea

I've been thinking a lot this week about contentment. I have so much to be thankful for... trying a new recipe, hearing Sasha snoring next to me on the sofa after her mini stroke last week, enjoying a late breakfast "out" with Christopher as he updates me on his life, chatting with Stephanie on the cell phone ... and temperatures in the 70s!

Then why is it that I felt uncomfortable when my husband's former fraternity brother picked him up for a day on campus? Would I have felt the same if he had come to the door of our former house, the large two story colonial? For the most part, the furniture is the same and like that house we have a pretty front porch. The only difference, this house is quite small and I knew he lived in a mini mansion.

My husband's friend had followed a very similar college and career path but there the similarities ended. Instead of losing many jobs over the years (at times due to the economy, often because of his illness) like my husband, his friend had been with the same company his entire life... receiving promotions and retiring early with money, position in the community, and power. The very stuff of life to which we once aspired.

I was quite surprised by the reaction I felt as they left for the University. I thought I was past those feelings... inadequacy, coveting another's way of life, getting tired of counting pennies as I watch others spend hundreds of dollars without thinking... so much that comes with health and money challenges.

There, buried deep within, were emotions hidden for sometime but obviously still simmering below the surface. For all I'm normally content in my lovely little house filled with books and tea stuff, comforts of soft furniture and inherited antiques, daffodils and violets, watching Last of the Summer Wine late at night since the antennae was installed, enjoying my quiet times in the early morning... good things... the truly best life has to offer.

The fact I even noticed those ugly emotions rising to the surface is proof I've come a long way from those days when I was working for money, position, power... the things this world has to offer. Not that it is wrong when we are given those things as gifts from God. I know lovely people who wear money and power well... people who have the ability to balance power with humility, wealth without greed.

I suppose what is tested during these times is... am I truly content and do I honestly trust the path God has given? That is a question we all must ask ourselves as we travel through life, walking the cobblestone path of God's Will.

For it is in the looking past that we know contentment today and faith for tomorrow... knowing those times we thought we were walking alone and in darkness, He was there all the time. Would I want to change anything? Not at all. For every challenge made Him more real... pure gold rather than the sugar candy I was after... that which is just illusion and glitz and glitter... that which melts in the rain.

For I have learned to be content on the cobblestone road of life and appreciative of the good stuff He gives along the way.

In which she indulges in a little rant about politics and such

I don't talk much about politics and all that. I've "been there and done that" and long ago decided to let others be on the front lines. Instead hubby and I do our little bit in the background now (and he was once featured on the front page of a major newspaper during the 1980s for his political work).

It's just a different season of life. These days my passion is sharing how we (and friends) have learned to live on less with a little beauty thrown in. As a recovering yuppie, it took me a long time to learn there is a better life than long hours at work and being able to afford anything I want at the Mall. I didn't want to make that change... it was all God arranged through unwelcome circumstances (at the time). Of course, now I am quite thankful.

If I were blogging twenty years ago, this would be a political blog... or a foodie blog... probably a mixture of both (although how that could be accomplished would have been interesting to see). Now it's about tea time, beauty, frugality, lots about books... and an occasional cuppa at Starbucks or Panera when I can. My recipe blog is all about... food (go figure). So the foodie part is still there.

I hesitate to say much that would detract from my message now as I know there are differences even among fellow Christians about such things as the Tea Parties and how involved Christians should get in politics. I do share now and then when it is part of my life, like last week's Tea Party at the county seat.

I've also chosen to laugh more at the lunacy of some people rather than getting upset. I was watching a video clip this morning of a famous actress and comedian (of course, acting and doing stand up comedy makes one an expert) calling the people who took part in these Tea Parties rednecks, uneducated, and the other usual suspects of put downs by those who think people who value their faith and are conservative politically must be brainless.

What makes me truly giggle about such rantings and ravings is thinking of the people in my in my own church. That is, if you judge who is stupid by the rantings of this type of person. For the per capita number of PhDs in my conservative congregation would boggle any statistician. Obviously they purchased their degrees online from The University of What's Happening Now.

Isn't it interesting how we can formulate opinions about people who think differently from us? Sometimes when these people are actually very good friends? Many years ago I was having a chat with liberal friends who are very close to my family. They started talking about the "religious right" as if such people had two heads and were from another planet. I reminded them by every definition, I was a member of the "religious right".

They looked at me with the proverbial "deer in the headlight" stare as if they had forgotten my religious and political leanings. Why? Because it is far easier to formulate wrong ideas about people we don't know as opposed to say... a friend and neighbor. We still like each other many years later. I saw a sign at the Tea Party against the gathering so I slipped away from where I was standing to see if it was one of our friends. :)

I recently watched a few minutes of a PBS show which was originally broadcast in Great Britain. The show was produced by and about atheists and how education and becoming generally more informed about the world makes a far better person than those who (stupidly) follow a religious belief. Anyone who has been educated would not follow such nonsense.

Uh, huh... let's see... in my own immediate family there are Bachelor's degrees, a Master's Degree, and one PhD. That's not to count all those who married young and didn't finish their degree but who are well read (like moi').

For the amusement of those of a Judeo-Christian and/or Conservative persuasion, I will leave you with a few quotes from said actress... (while the author of this blog rolls her eyes and, as her dear friend in New Mexico often says, "Get your giggle" for today).

Wisdom according to Miss Garofalo:

“Let’s be very honest about what this is about,” she said. “It’s not about bashing Democrats, it’s not about taxes, they have no idea what the Boston tea party was about, they don’t know their history at all. This is about hating a black man in the White House. This is racism straight up. That is nothing but a bunch of teabagging rednecks.” (This past week)

"The reason a person is a conservative Republican is because something is wrong with them. That's science — that's neuroscience. You cannot be well adjusted, open-minded, pluralistic, enlightened and be a Republican. It's counterintuitive."

Garofalo also discussed former Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin saying, "She's small-minded and mean-spirited...There's definitely something wrong with her." "I don’t know if you heard me talking to Jenny a while ago, but I was saying that first you have to be an #@*^# and then comes the conservatism. You gotta be a #@*! to cleave onto their ideology." (During an interview in 2009).

Yes, really... lots of people believe this. Amazing.

A way of seeing... frugal beauty and answered prayer

I plan to answer some comment questions but there are so many gotta do's both in the house and outside right now. I will answer some soon! We finally have a dry and sunny day, I'm about three years behind in laundry, and I let the dishes pile up in the sink. When my husband said something, I reminded him that what he sees undone is what I normally do each day. :)

I recently went to the only food pantry I visit each month. It is the food pantry where one has to be recommended based on income by the Salvation Army and it is by appointment only. They have a section where the clothes are free for anyone to take home. I look through it each time I visit because I believe in keeping an eye out for God's blessings.

There... among the free coats... was a gorgeous all weather coat in my size. Yes, it was exactly what I needed since my old one finally fell apart! Now my only clothing need is a pair of SAS summer sandals. (I check Goodwill quite often.) How amazing that the perfect all weather coat in my size was there on the one day that month that I'd be picking up groceries. Definitely a "God thing".

On the way home, I was thinking how being frugal is not only about "not shopping" but knowing where to shop (and when, as in keeping my eyes on a Spring baking sheet at Target and checking to see if it was on clearance after Easter... it was). I'm thinking of actually creating a price book as my memory gets fuzzier each year and it was never that good to begin with.

As you know, I truly believe having beauty in the home becomes even more important as there is so much bad news and uncertainty around us. I thought I'd share some results of my looking for inexpensive ideas for the house (as in... placing myself in a position to be blessed with little money).

I've loved the "look" of English homes for a long time so I had an eye out for a silver tea service. I found this one at an antique mall for $25.00 one year that I had a little extra to spend. It was tarnished but it shined up quite nicely. It looks just like I wanted, as if it came out of the pages of Victoria.

The matching tray is much larger than this one but I switched to this round tray so it would make room for the other items. This tray came from Goodwill, as did the cut glass and silver jars (which actually were purchased for Stephanie). The larger teacups came from Goodwill and garage sales, the tiny teacups were purchased when we went to visit friends in Amish country in Northern Indiana last year... full price but cheap. The lavender flowers were purchase at a garage sale and the red flowers from Goodwill.


I've mentioned that I love primitive country as well as English country. This cabinet used to sit under the window but when hubby brought home the "buffet" from his sister's place, I moved this to the other wall in the dining area.

The vintage sewing machine once belonged to my husband's grandmother. It had not worked for years so when I inherited it from my mother-in-law, I cut it out of the table it came in and it has been a piece of beautiful art on this table for years. The little plate was a gift from a friend who reads this blog. :)

Stephanie called me from a New England tag sale last summer, asking if I'd be interested in a folk art tree and bird just like the one in the cottage we'd stayed in Lancaster County. YES!!! I just love the way it looks with the sewing machine. Once again, two different decorating styles but they look lovely together. At least I think so. :)

I stole the above picture from Stephanie's blog. So many of the items in this picture came from tag sales in New England, garage sales here in the Midwest (I gave her the silver bowl with Christmas balls in it... garage sale!), and Goodwill. If I remember, her dining table and buffet were purchased through e-bay at a very good price.

This picture is worth clicking on to enlarge!

Since I was committing theft anyway, I thought I'd share this collage picture she put together for her blog. It is SO "cottage style" and I just love it. I see some items purchased at Brimfield when we went together (one of my favorite days) and a couple from a garage sale we attended the last time she visited here. There are two or three objects she took with her from our home when she married. I love what she did with the quilt behind the old window.

What you can't see is almost everything here is displayed very high... out of reach of small hands. I know she will forgive me for swiping a couple of pictures as I did want to show you how cottage style can be accomplished with little money, too. :)

Whenever I look throughout my house, I see God's love and compassion. He has "made my boundary lines to be in pleasant places". Sometimes I find things free or very cheap. Sometimes He provides through gifts (like my lovely Anchor Hocking jars), the camera that makes it possible to share with you, and even the computer I am using here on the sofa. Other times He has provided money to pay for an item on sale ("never pay full price" is the family motto).

But it all comes down to "a way of seeing" (as is the title of an Edith Schaeffer book). It's about expectations... putting ourselves in a position to be blessed instead of complaining about not having more money... by "shopping" thrift stores, garage sales, knowing what grocery store sells what we need at the cheapest price, watching for sales, looking through the "free bin or racks", knowing which aisles at Goodwill will have tea cups or baking dishes, and finding inexpensive books in lots of places.

I keep a list of needs and Godly desires and as I see a "possibility" (like a couple of old Victoria magazines on the free magazine rack at the library or the expensive roasting pan I noticed on a bottom shelf before leaving Goodwill one day), I know Someone has taken me there for that time and that place and I am content as He provides each need.

How Anchor Hocking saved my marriage

Pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them...

Years ago, back when the wonderful Virtue magazine was still alive, I read an article by Emilie Barnes about how easy it is to solve those minor irritations in our life. It was a simple and practical article and... life changing. I mean, really, why didn't I think of these ideas myself?

She had one go through their house and think of those little things that drive us crazy but can be solved with little time or money. For instance, when one needs a pen or scissors and they are never to be found. As she said in the article, it doesn't cost much (especially during the back to school sales) to have plenty of either throughout the house.

That simple one page article still crosses my mind from time to time, especially when I find a pen or a pair of scissors easily (except my sewing scissors, they are in my sewing basket and the family knows never to use them on paper!).

I have many such sanity savers throughout the house, especially in the kitchen. I also have what I call.... marriage savers. You see that Anchor Hocking jar, filled with brown sugar? Well, I quite often serve oatmeal for breakfast and my hubby drove me nuts when he'd scoop brown sugar from the large jar with a wet spoon. When I went to scoop out brown sugar for a recipe, it was so hard I had to chip off the amount needed.

Thinking of Emilie's article so long ago, I knew my solution was easy... place a small canister in clear view of said hubby. Of course, being me and all, it had to be pretty. A few weeks ago I was at Meijer's and placed this little beauty in my grocery cart.* It worked and this marriage was saved. Anyone who has been married more than five minutes understands.

* In my part of the country, these AH jars are available at Meijers (small sizes) and Target (large size only). Ruth Ann of Sugar Pie Farmhouse (formerly Warm Pie Happy Home) has an article about them on her website... here. She says they are available on Amazon. I'll have to remember that the next time I have a good amount of Amazon credit (THANK YOU to all who order through my widget... or those of my blog friends).

They are amazing jars! The large size is a little pricey but oh, so worth it. Except for the little jar I just bought, I used a Target gift card and a Meijer's gift cart to purchase mine. I think of both these gifts when I use them. :)

A different kind of tea party

I went to a tea party today. Not one with pretty china and dainty sandwiches. Unlike the original Boston tea party, the participants did not dress up like Indians (aka: native Americans). Also unlike that tea party, this was not about taxation without representation.

This tea party was outside and it was cold, really cold. So cold we could only stay an hour and hubby decided to turn the heat in the car on high to defrost us. (This is April???)

Twenty years ago I would most likely have been on the board to put together such a party. We worked a lot in politics and other organizations (as in Concerned Women For America). My son still calls me "Miss American Revolution" because of my respect for those who came before us (many of the history books on my living room shelves are about this time period).

When we were young, we used to say we were in the "most likely to be martyred" group as we were both outspoken for our faith and conservative beliefs. A chronic illness and some of life's hard knocks have left me too tired to do anything but support others, it is their turn to speak Truth.

I wondered how many would show up at our county seat. When we had to park a few blocks away, I knew there were quite a few. Then when we found ourselves walking on sidewalks with dozens and dozens of people going in the same direction, I knew there would be many. There were many... a large crowd of people that kept growing despite the cold winds.

This tea party was covered by a number of media. Cameras were everywhere. A helicopter was hovering over the crowd. I teased my husband on the way home (only half joking after that Homeland Security Report was leaked this morning) that some of the photos were to keep faces on record by the government. :)

It was about far more than taxes for us, or even government spending. Although the amount of foolish spending (especially when they don't READ what they are voting on) is beyond belief. No, for me it was standing in the cold wind and looking out, realizing this is what we saw possible twenty years ago... this is where it could lead.

I'm glad we went, if nothing else to be reminded we are not alone. There are many others who are uncertain where this country is heading.

Sigh... I think I'll re-read Atlas Shrugged soon, very soon.

God's provision and grace

I was not looking forward to Saturday morning. I dropped Christopher off at his job and returned home to start the "last trip". Hubby made certain everything was out of the Dynasty and pulled out onto the county road with me driving the Buick behind him.

We traveled county roads and highways, through small towns and passing farms and ranches. I tuned the radio to K-Love and enjoyed music while keeping an eye on the car in front of me part of the time. Our destination was a junk yard, the only one in our part of the state that offered $150.00 for a car if it is driven to the yard.

Now, the way we came to be able to drive it was definitely one of those "God moments". I had planned to drive the Dynasty into town a couple of times but something stopped me. Each time I had this feeling that I really should stay home. My husband was driving it to the church small group we belong to when it literally fell apart, losing a spring.

A guy in a pickup truck was driving behind him who had mechanic's skills and had (just happened) to have the same thing happen to his truck recently. Hubby went home with him and then returned to the car where the guy inserted a piece of wood where the spring had been so it could be driven.

It seemed such an inconvenience at the time but looking back we realized it was a sign of God's compassion.

We did get an estimate but it would cost far more than the car was worth to fix it so... thanks to guy who helped my husband, we were on this Saturday morning journey. My husband drove into the junkyard and handed the title of the car to the man in the office, leaving with a check but first stopping by to pat the hood of the car... arriving back at the Buick with tears in his eyes.

I understood completely, that car had been with us a long time and well, men get attached to their cars. We decided to stop being sad and in honor of a car we paid $6,000 in cash for back in the 1990's, we'd use some of the money received to go out to lunch. We knew at one time there was a mom and pop diner-bakery in one of the towns we passed through so we drove by to see if it was still there... how good to know something was the same.

We enjoyed an excellent lunch without guilt, thanks to the small amount of money received for what they considered "junk" and we thought of as a once reliable but old family friend. We also talked about the miracle of the car breaking down during one of the few times my husband drove it recently... and that "just the right person" was behind him on a country road. God's "coincidences"...

We gave up one family friend but God gave us back another. Sasha had a mini stroke on Friday. Having gone through it with her sister, we now know what one looks like. We prayed, asking for more time with our beloved furball. The vet had told us Storm must have had a few of these little strokes and had recovered so we knew it was possible.

Friday evening she was not looking too good and had trouble walking. Saturday morning she jumped on our bed and meowed in my ear, telling me it was her Fancy Feast morning. She looked completely well. We had been given further time with her. We know at age eighteen, she's lived a long life but we'd like a little more time.

One goodbye... one prayer answered... one celebration of the Risen Christ Easter Sunday. All in God's will. :)

Scenes from Easter Sunday

Setting the table

Congratulations to the winner of the teapot and teacup. The name is in the previous post, just scroll down. I used one of those random generators to find the number.

We had a quiet Easter with a very early dinner served so Christopher could study most of the day on campus.

I love using "great grandmother's china" every Easter, just as my mother-in-law did when she hosted Easter dinners. I love this china, especially in Spring. The flowers are from my back yard.

It's funny to me what a beautifully set table will do to make a Holiday special. My son had so much studying to do that he originally said he would have to eat leftovers in the evening instead of staying home for an Easter "dinner" (really a lunch).

I set the table with Great Grandmother's china and placed the platters and other serving dishes where they would be located. He changed his mind and studied in his room until dinner and then drove to campus for a quiet study room. (Oh, for the days when Spring break was still during Easter week.)

Tradition is lovely and when it involves food and a pretty table... even a young man will change his plans. The Easter bunny almost forgot to give him his basket. Yes, we do the "Easter bunny thing".

I'm so much like Miss Potter, I talk to inanimate objects and animals... the family has considered counseling but they figure it's harmless... or so they hope.

Although I saw a great quote on a church this week, "The Easter Bunny did not raise from the dead". Which put everything in balance. :)

The winner is!

Everyone who posted a comment or sent an e-mail (I posted a comment for you) was entered and here is the number that came up.

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

19

Timestamp: 2009-04-13 14:23:07 UTC

Comment #19 is...

Friend Debra said...

I too, love the tray. I am so happy you have been posting often.

Debra, e-mail me with your address and I'll send the teapot and teacup to you!

It was fun reading all the comments. There are so many of us who love all things "tea time". Thank you for taking the time to enter.

Dayspring tea time products and give away

Click on all pictures to enlarge

I'm so happy to share these items with you. I was contacted by Dayspring (the Christian division of Hallmark) to review the products and I told them I'd also be happy to share in a give away.

I chose not to put any advertisements on Coffee Tea Books and Me with the exception of the Amazon widget (which lets me share my favorite books and brings me a little book credit!). However, in this case, I wanted to share these lovely products with you because they are pretty and so reasonably priced.

Just last week I was looking at china products at Macy's (I had a couple hours until I had to pick up the guys) and was aghast... that's a great word, aghast... at the prices. One teacup cost $60.00!

Not only are the Dayspring prices reasonable but they are offering a 20% discount off the total purchases when you order. (I am not receiving any kickbacks, hehehe..) I'll share pictures of a few of their products and then you can follow the link to see what other "tea time" pretties they offer (just in time for Mother's Day and Spring events!).

Here is their tea tray (Tray with Inserts) that I've shown propped up against my vintage sewing machine (which will give you an idea of the size). I not only loved the inside picture but guess what? The bottom of the tray is removable and it comes with four different tea time inserts but you could also display your own pictures or "scrapbook" a design.

It is very sturdy and deep enough to hold a teapot and a few teacups safely. Plus... it has glass over the picture insert which makes it easy to clean. I can also see putting pretty vintage lace linen napkins over the bottom (especially if using one of my floral teapots). Can you tell I love this tray??


Next is their beautiful little "Pink Floral Tea for One" that is so petite and feminine. It makes me smile.


Dayspring is famous for their beautiful cards which I've purchased for many years. I especially like to go to the local Christian bookstore to find a Dayspring card for my husband on Father's Day and our anniversary. Below are a couple pictures of their Teacup Boxed Note set... so feminine and like the rest of the products, a good price even when a sale is not offered.


Of course they offer pretty teacups and teapots.... and guess what? That's what you have a chance to win! They are a beautiful blue and white with the scripture "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it".


Here is what the teapot and cup look like together.


All you have to do is leave a comment between now and Monday. I'm using this time to take a little blog break and give you time to peruse the Dayspring tea time website should you want to take advantage of this sale they are offering you.

To enter to win the teapot and teacup, just leave a comment on this post. Perhaps how you would use the teapot and teacup?

If you decide to purchase any tea time items on their website, to receive an additional 20% sale price just use the coupon code SPRING09. This sale expires May 1st, 2009. Yes, you even get to take an additional 20% off sale items by using this code.

To view the Dayspring line of tea time products (there are a lot more than I have reviewed), click here. There are two "pages" of items so be sure to check out everything. As I said, I'm not getting any kickbacks from Dayspring, I'm just happy to participate.

Have a very blessed Passover and Easter my friends. I'll announce the name that gets pulled out of the basket on Monday. :)

Pictures tomorrow (Thursday)

Thank you for your prayers and well wishes for Christopher (if you're just reading, the last two posts were about his hospital adventure). Even though he was tired when he finished his classes today, he was feeling better already. He dropped me off by home and got ready to study with friends tonight. He has just a few weeks to catch up and the University is holding his acceptance until he finishes his Calculus class. He's even going to do a little fencing tonight, something he hasn't made time to do for awhile.

Oh my friends, I truly wanted to get the pictures taken today but I'm just too tired. The Dynasty has bitten the dust so we're working with one car. Today we had multiple errands to run since we've decided Wednesdays and Fridays are the days we can drop Christopher off at the college and use the car. We will stop by the shop where the Dynasty is parked to clean it out and give the title to the people there. They are going to coordinate getting it to a junk yard, the closest is in another town.

It is very sad to give up a car, it's always been difficult for us and this one has been with the family since Christopher was little. However, it was getting to be a safety issue so its' time had come after giving the family years and years of good service. All that to say... I didn't arrive home in time to get the pictures taken.

However, Thursday is to be an "at home" day (God willing and the creek don't rise). I'll take the pictures and give a review of the items and then show you what I'm giving away. It's actually my favorite of the items Dayspring sent but it's something you all will love. I'm so happy I agreed to review these products. It was the first time I accepted a non-book item (that I can remember) but hey... they are all tea time inspired!

So, I'll be back Thursday with reviews, a give away, and pretty pictures.

Oh, and yes... I forgot who asked if Christopher liked banana bread but I had thought of that very thing. I've already told him I plan to make him a few loaves. I sent two bananas with him today and another friend gave him one for lunch. I hope there is no such thing as potassium overload. :)

May I add... a very, very blessed Passover to my Jewish and Messianic friends.

Wednesday morning and all is calmer

Isn't it wonderful that His mercies are new every morning? Yesterday was so scary and I had trouble sleeping just because I was emotionally (and physically) worn out. Christopher said he had trouble sleeping, too. However, we were both much better this morning.

I believe it is the phosphoric acid in soft drinks that leaches the potassium from the body the most (as it does with calcium). The doctor at the ER told him caffeine does the same thing. He would not only drink Mountain Dew at night to stay awake to study but an occasional energy drink. The doctor said energy drinks are one of the worst things you can drink, they are so bad for you. I don't think he's touching another energy drink and I'm hoping just looking at Mountain Dew will cause him to break out in hives.

Of course, the symptoms would not have been so severe immediately if it weren't for the trauma surgery brings to the body but over time they also cause illness. I have gone through two series of diabetes education and nutrition classes taught by four or five different nurses. I learned that the one "food" we ingest that could cause one to develop Type 2 diabetes were soft drinks. (An overall bad diet can lead to Type 2 diabetes, too.) They're not positive what causes Type 1 like I developed but they are pretty certain in my case that I had a "perfect storm" of trauma, stress, and an infection or virus"

I can't drink non-diet pop at all (a small can is often kept for those times I have seriously low blood sugar since it immediately causes blood sugar to raise). I don't know how many would be bad for the average person but each can is said to have the equivalent of eight teaspoons of sugar (in the form of high fructose corn syrup which is what the nurses told me is what the body has difficulty absorbing... whatever those new commercials say!).

On a brighter note, I need to take a few pictures of some pretty tea things to share later today and then tomorrow... plan to sign up for a give away! All I can share is this... Dayspring sent some pretty things.

I didn't plan my day this way

I don't know if I've mentioned that Christopher has had a terrible time recovering from the surgery. He's had the strangest symptoms (muscle aches, dizzy, numbness in his hands and legs) and he's not been able to catch up his college work. Although he has had a sinus infection, these severe symptoms didn't seem to have anything to do with that.

This afternoon I dropped him off at the college as he didn't feel like driving. He was to go to a class and then give a tour. After the class he called to tell me he was very ill and someone else was going to take the potential students on tour so I left Barnes & Noble where I'd been perusing (not coveting, no... not I) books. Before I made it to the college, he called again saying we'd have to head to the emergency room. He was having a difficult time walking.

We ended up spending hours in the ER as they did blood tests and a CAT scan on his brain. I have a niece and a nephew who have M.S. and they were quite concerned about that. As it turns out, he has a potassium deficiency which is probably causing the symptoms. They believe it is caused by the "trauma" of surgery combined with (I told him so, uh huh, I did) all the pop (aka: soda in other parts of the country) he drinks at times. It can be very dangerous if not treated.

They still want him to see a neurologist, just to rule out M.S.... especially with two cousins who have it. In the mean time, they gave him mega doses of potassium and let him come home. While going back to the hospital with no insurance was no fun, we are quite relieved as it seems this is the reason he has been so ill. He feels better tonight than he has in weeks.

I'll be back tomorrow with news of a give away (starting on Thursday). I'll leave it up Thursday through Easter day and the winner will be announced on Monday. It's all about... tea things. Check back tomorrow for the information and Thursday to leave a comment.

Now, I'm worn out from all of today's excitement. Sasha is curled up next to me snoozing (I heart my laptop, thank you again to the sweet giver of this gift). Sasha lessons are a good thing, no one knows how to relax like her. She has a PhD in napping and sleeping. :)

The Great Eight by Scott Hamilton, a review

I didn't know what to expect from this book but I accepted it to review as I always enjoyed watching Scott Hamilton skate.

It turned out to be a very interesting and motivating story of how Scott has grown as a person and a Christian through the adversity he has had to deal with starting in childhood. The subtitle is: How to Be Happy (even though you have every reason to be miserable). I think that says a lot about the book!

It is easy enough for older kids who are good readers but will inspire those who are older and feel their life is behind him. Scott encourages us to never give up, no matter what the circumstances. I read it through in two sittings.

There are many who would enjoy this book... those going through chronic illness of any kind but especially cancer, parents who are raising children with a chronic illness, anyone who loves to watch figure skating and would love to read "behind the scenes" stories, and generally readers who enjoy a good biography that inspires one to keep going when the road gets rough.

Highly recommended in these difficult days.

Collision of Angels by Michael Carver, a review

The premise of Collision of Angels is a group of Christian Midwestern "movers and shakers" get together to groom a younger man to run for president. The book starts with us getting to know the man who will later be running for president and his family. Throughout the book, we also become more familiar with each of the men in the group.

This is the first book of an upcoming trilogy. It's a little choppy as are many first novels I've read (if you remember, I had to encourage some people to keep up with Joel Rosenberg's books as they became easier to read with each book!) but if you like lots of conversation and an interesting plot (with a little supernatural thrown in) then it's worth reading.

Good story with an interesting plot, especially if you like politics.

Snowfall in April

If you haven't already, please read my morning post and click on the link for Freddie's blog. The people in Italy need prayer and my brother in Christ can use your encouragement as he ministers to the hurting.

I think that which I love most about the blogging world is getting to "know" people from all over the U. S. and the world. As Lewis put it, "We read to know we are not alone". The world wide web certainly has that ability to draw us closer to each other even if we never meet face to face this side of Glory.

We awoke this morning to another round of snow on the daffodils. I was thinking how different April snows are than say... November snow. For in November, the snow appears fresh and new and we're excited about the changing season as snow settles on colorful leaves, pumpkins, and corn drying in straight rows on farms.

Sigh... April snow is looked at with disgust as it falls on Spring flowers for it is now a reminder of brutal cold, icy roads, and cabin fever. That which was at first lovely has now grown old. How fickle we are as a people. Even in March I don't complain (much) when the snow falls but by April... well, lets' just say Winter has worn out his welcome.

I drove into town with Christopher today to shop at the Aunt Millie's outlet store while he took a Trigonometry test (we are now a one car family!). I bought one loaf of cracked wheat sandwich bread, two packages of whole wheat hot dog buns, two packages of whole wheat hamburger buns, and three little packages of carrot cake... all for a little less than $5.00.

I don't know why it took me so long to take advantage of these stores. My mother used to shop the other bread store in town. I don't serve hot dogs or hamburgers often but I do like having the buns in the freezer plus I use them for other recipes (hamburger bun pizzas or garlic bread made with hot dog buns).

It's always nice when saving money is easy.

Picture: Ducks Unlimited, allposters.com

Please pray for Italy Earthquake Victims

I received this comment from Freddie today. I had already seen the News Alerts about the earthquake this morning but it becomes personal when it involves someone you know.

Ciao Brenda,
please we need prayers! One of our friary has collapsed last night because of an earthquake; the brothers are all alive, but in shock, and about 50.000 people have lost their homes; one mother died protecting her two little doughter, and many other have not been found yet; sorry for this comment; but I know you would understand.
ciao
br.freddie

Please follow this link to Freddie's blog to view pictures. Our prayers are with you!

Photo: Fox News

Sunday Afternoon Tea

During my morning quiet times this week (which I've managed to accomplish most days), I've been reading through Psalm 27 and a little of the book Reliving the Passion by Walter Wangerin, Jr.

The book was sent to my husband from a friend who had taken a class from Wangerin and fell in love with his writing. Me, too... loving his writing that is.

This particular Psalm is speaking to me where I live today. It reminds me of a statement made in an apologetics class I once took. The teacher was talking about the challenges people make to the Gospel and living the Faith. One of the accusations often made was that Christians use their faith as a crutch. We were then taught to refute that statement, which seemed fine at the time.

However, thirty plus years later I have a different answer then that suggested by the teacher. My answer? You betcha! Perhaps not great grammar but definitely Truth. Having met various trials and tribulations through the years (more than the average bear), I have come to realize it is only through using Jesus as my "crutch" that I'm able to survive. Forget the crutch... he's been my walker and wheelchair! Why is having a crutch a bad thing?

Psalm 27 has reminded me of this with words like, "The Lord is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?" and "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.". Once again... faith, patience, experience, and hope... all because I can lean on Him, holding on for dear life when the winds blow.

Wangerin's book has also led me to the cross, as it was intended. How lovely are his descriptions of that week... the most important in the history of the universe. Angels held their breath. All creation groaned. What is happening? Did anyone else know the Plan other than the Trinity? One wonders.

This book was to be read one day at a time starting on Ash Wednesday. I didn't steal it until last week. He may get it back someday although I never did return The Valley of Vision. There was one particular paragraph that took my breath away and came back to haunt me in the hours which passed.

"The difference between shallow happiness and a deep, sustaining joy is sorrow. Happiness lives where sorrow is not. When sorrow arrives, happiness dies. It can't stand pain. Joy, on the other hand, rises from sorrow and therefore can withstand all grief. Joy, by the grace of God, is the transfiguration of suffering into endurance, and of endurance into character, and of character into hope-- and the hope that has become our joy does not (as happiness must for those who depend upon it) disappoint us."

I will put together a small Easter basket for a young man. I will bake a ham (I wondered once to my Jewish friend why we Midwestern Christians serve pig at Easter... she just smiled). I will do that which Mothers for a thousand years have done preparing for that Day.

But in the early morning next Sunday as the sun is coming up... I will consider. I will Remember (Do This in Remembrance of Me). That week. The week. Holy week.

Dish Love

I've been tweaking my china cabinet. :)

Sorry for the dark pictures. If you click on each one, you do get a better glimpse.

Thank you to my dear blog friend who gave me their "old" (very good) camera. I've been able to show you part of my life rather than just describing it.

A comment was left recently, asking if I have a hard time finding matching saucers for my china cups. YES! It's probably my greatest frustration with Goodwill although I find my best prices there when the saucer is on one shelf and the teacup on another.

I only buy the teacups without saucers if I'm going to use them to display in my china cabinet or on the shelves over the windows in my bedroom (pictures can be found in the side bar under Favorites - My Home).

I'll take some pictures of the rest of my collection again when I have better light! In the meantime, here is the picture I took last year...