Sunday Afternoon Tea

I have my words back but if they at times do not make sense... blame my fuzzy head.  I had to get out yesterday and had the constant sensation that the world was moving faster than my thinking, as if I would walk off a steep embankment at any moment.  Hopefully my thinking is clearer than my walking...

Actually, these ponderings were what I had planned to write last week before the plague hit and my world became a dream-like state of sleep and wake.  Ironically, I had been thinking how the constant infection and subsequent antibiotics had sent me to Plan C.  (Plan A was long since ditched, Plan B was just holding on.)  Last week I entered Plan D.

While working in Organization Development in my former life, I had a boss who constantly told me one often goes through Plans A-Z in corporate life and then must start all over again.  Yes, this has been one of those days, weeks, months, years... lifetimes?

However, what I was actually pondering... those words that were flying around my head and trying to find an appropriate landing place in the fog... was the realization that my Plan A was never God's plan for me.  After decades of walking with Him, it has become apparent that God deals in the latter part of the alphabet.  He often brings us to Plan Z (not to mention the starting all over again part).

I suppose it has a lot to do with that whole "my ways are not your ways" thing, Him being infinite and my finiteness making Plan A seem so very good.  When looked at from the Heavenly Places of Eternity... my Plan A was too small for Him.  He wanted to take me (at times stomping my feet and complaining) through the entire alphabet of plans knowing it is in the journey that all of us become what He wanted all along... His Plan A.

I think that's why we look back now with remorse and regret when... at the time... we didn't have a clue as to what our life was all about.  We thought we were on the straight path when it was crooked, we thought we had it all together when we were falling apart, we thought we were godly when we were just following the rules. 

It is in the latter part of the alphabet, when we arrive at Plans past G and H and I... that we start to become real.  He allows disappointments and hurts, trauma and pain, success and rejoicing, walking in a fog through narrow valleys and sharp hills, brief glimpses of sunshine and glory, not often knowing but coming to understand... His ways are not our ways.  He changes our plans to form us into that which will be beautiful for all eternity.  We want an easy Today.

Yet, we ask of Him... not our will but Yours be done... thinking ahead of that Time and Place when we all come into perfection.

I think I'm going to live :)

Sigh... talk about getting hit by a Mack truck.  This stuff was horrible.  I'm still incredibly weak but for the first time since Sunday, I could walk in the kitchen with the coffee pot ready to go and not head straight for the sofa. Having slept through most of the week, it is good to be awake. 

I think it was Vee who asked if my husband cooked?  Hehehe hohoho hehehe... ummmm... no.  Neither does he know how to make coffee.  When he was young, boys took shop classes and girls learned to cook and sew.  Some men later learned to cook... not him.  Well, he does make his easy over eggs each morning.  I think he can make toast.  He was very good at bringing crackers and orange juice when I slept through lunch and developed seriously low blood sugar... twice. 

He also drove into town to buy a cheeseburger one night and KFC on another and didn't complain about using gas to drive for fast food.  I think he was hungry.  Isn't it strange what you crave when you are very sick?  While I can eat cheeseburgers almost any time (I craved guacamole cheeseburgers when pregnant), I must be in the mood for Kentucky Fried Chicken.  Who knew such moods included being so sick?

I don't know about you but spring has never been so welcomed.  March can be cold-ish.  March has been known to bring ice and snow storms.  However, March also brings hope with the first very warm days here and there.  We know April follows March... and then May.  HOPE...  :)

I don't think my brain is up to a Sunday Afternoon Tea, yet.  The words are swirling around in my head, trying to become complete sentences... but they are having trouble landing in such fuzzy thinking.

I'm here

Today (Thursday) is the first day I can sit up and type much since Saturday.  Last Friday I was feeling better from the whole "antibiotic thing".  On Saturday morning, I started coughing and feeling a little congested and by Saturday night, I was so sick I fell asleep at 9:00 pm with at least eighteen people in the house playing video games!  (Christopher was having a LAN party.) 

Poor Stephanie... by the beginning of the week, I couldn't get off the sofa to pick up either phone and she didn't know I was alive until I answered the cell phone with one word... "later"... and hung up.  :)

Will be back as soon as I gain some strength.   This cold-flu-bronchitis was the worst I have known in years.

I closed comments only because I don't feel strong enough to sort the good stuff from the ever increasing spam.  Thank you for all your prayers and good wishes.

Cough, cough, sneeze

Christopher gave me his bad cold.  Wasn't that nice of him?

I am miserable.

At least there was about a half an hour between stopping the antibiotics and this.

There is nothing common about the common cold.

My quiet time basket

I'm feeling better today, so much better that I can (finally) write one of the posts I promised long ago.  When I mentioned having a quiet time basket, many people asked how I set it up.  Mine has changed a little through the years.

I think it was in an Emilie Barnes' book that I read about her quiet time basket and I originally set mine up much like hers... a Bible, a devotional book, a journal, letter writing materials, tissues, etc.  I've had really big quiet time baskets with more stuff than necessary.

My basket now contains my NIV Bible, My Utmost for His Highest, The Valley of Vision, a notebook, and whatever "teaching or inspirational" book I'm reading at the time. I have enjoyed many devotional books through the years but I keep coming back to My Utmost for His Highest.  The Valley of Vision?  Pure delight.  It makes my heart sing.  I also like Devotional Classics, which contains the work of many church fathers (and mothers).

I no longer keep "extra" stuff in the basket like letter writing materials or tissues.  I have found it very helpful to have a "teaching or inspirational" book kept just for quiet times. These are quite often my teachers and mentors in the Christian walk.  The best are those which can be read one chapter and set aside, then another chapter later, perhaps rereading a chapter now and then... by gifted teachers.

The book I am just starting is A Shelter in the Time of Storm: Mediations on God and Trouble by Paul David Tripp.  In the past, I have tucked numerous books by Elizabeth George, W. Phillip Keller, and John Piper in the basket.  I think the book that has the honor of returning to the basket most often is Holy Habits by Mimi Wilson and Shelly Cook Volkhardt... it speaks to me.

I like an occasional Phyllis Tickle book, especially the Farm in Lucy series (and yes... I know she is not of a conservative persuasion but she also speaks to me).  Sally Clarkson's book Dancing With My Father (in manuscript form) was a very good quiet time book last year.  Although with that book, I couldn't leave it just for quiet times... I read it through quickly.  :)

My current basket was a thrift store purchase, obviously having been originally sold for Valentine's Day.  But I like red.  It fits nicely in the cabinet below the old TV in the living room, close to the table where I most enjoy taking my first cup of coffee and pondering.  Human nature is such that quiet times are accomplished more if we make it easy.

It's so easy to keep nearby or take out to the deck in nice weather... sunshine, warmth, flowers... someday. :)

I still heart my pillow

There are rays of sunshine pouring onto the sofa, a very rare sight this winter.  It gives hope that... in spite of the weather forecast of two more snow storms on the way... spring and sunshine are just around the corner.

I was curled up and sleeping on the sofa but now I sit.  Miss Victoria decided to curl up (how I don't know) between me and the back of the sofa.  Said kitty did not move a whisker as I had to figure out how to get up without sitting on her or falling on the floor.  Same said kitty is now stretched out in the middle of the sofa, taking up more real estate than one her size should be allowed.  Have I mentioned that she is cute... and spoiled?

My days have set into a pattern since on this last round of powerful antibiotics... get out of bed later than usual, take pillow to sofa and find a throw and go back to sleep... take pillow to bed because sofa gets uncomfortable and go back to sleep... stay awake long enough to fix some dinner and do dishes before returning to sofa and pillow to watch the Olympics... be awake at 2:00 a.m. when Christopher texts me and shock him by returning an "ok". 

One more day and (hopefully) life becomes more normal.  :)

A beautiful true story

This story has been linked to by bloggers I enjoy.  Why would I want to read another birth story?  So... I didn't follow their links... I should have known better.

Finally this morning, curiosity got the best of me and I decided to "take the time" to read.  Oh, my...  how wonderful.

You must read this.  It doesns't matter if you are a woman or man, grammie or teen, whomever... read a story of unconditional love...

here.

You will be blessed.

Looking at life from the sofa

I'm finding getting the everyday stuff of life accomplished each day a bit like running on sand.  Only nine more antibiotic pills to take... sigh.  There is much hope that I'll feel better once they get completely out of my system.  I love the word HOPE so much that it has been spelled out with Scrabble tiles on my breadbox for a long time.  :)

As the "catch up-to do" list gets longer each day, I have been taking advantage of sofa time to watch the Winter Olympics.  While the Summer Olympics have never held my attention, there is something about the events in Winter that I love to watch.  Not to mention the scenery there in Vancouver.  I had no idea the mountains were so beautiful.

Isn't it fun to learn the stories behind each person?  I'm sure there were many of us holding our breath last night as the Chinese husband and wife team skated their final performance and rejoiced with them when they won gold... all because we learned of their story.  :)

I wonder if the "great cloud of witnesses" lean over the balcony of Time and rejoice with us as we keep going in spite of the trials and tribulations of life.  Each of us has a Story. 

Sigh... I continue to be way behind on most e-mails (especially those which require thinking) as well as writing anything which requires putting one thought after another (like the next pantry post).  I do have hope...

Sunday Afternoon Tea

Re-reading Hidden Art has me contemplating the importance of beauty in our lives and the reason we have within us an overwhelming desire to be surrounded by that which is lovely.

As Edith says in her book... many times and in various ways... Christians more than anyone should live a life that reflects beauty and creativity as we are made in the Image of a creative God.

Never perfect, of course, as only God is perfect.  Every attempt we make to bring beauty and creativity into our life will result in imperfection.

However, in this fallen world we find ourselves living... accepting the imperfections in people, places, and things is better than never trying at all.

It has been such a good weekend to be pondering a creative God... and us in His image.  I woke again Saturday morning to a thick layer of sparkle on the forest after another night of Hoar frost.  Soon I was throwing my flannel housecoat on and locating my boots at the bottom of the closet to stand on the front porch and snap away... the zoom lens allowing some great pictures without stepping into deeper snow.

 Light flurries were falling, which I found later is actually called diamond dust in a Hoar frost... as they are not actual flurries.  Diamond dust... now that is a lovely gift from the Creator on St. Valentine's Day weekend.  Especially when one did not have to drive on icy roads last night. :)

It has always been easy for me to see the beauty in God for He has poured out such loveliness to us in this world.  I mean, really, He didn't have to create that which makes chocolate or fine cheese or chewy loaves of french bread.  It is He who created the world which makes possible my morning coffee and afternoon tea.

He brings to us that which is seasonal... strawberries and rhubarb in spring, melon and tomatoes in summer, pumpkin and apples in autumn, and peppermint everything at Christmas... well, perhaps not everything... but enough.

How much we reflect the creativity of our Maker when we spend an afternoon in the kitchen baking a pie, roasting beef with mushrooms, mashing potatoes, steaming green beans, and putting on the pot of coffee when the snow is falling outside... or... creating tiny cucumber sandwiches, miniature lemon scones, and pouring pink lemonade in pretty teacups for a summer tea.

I fondly remember the picnics with my kids when we... at the last minute quite often... would assemble cheese and fruit and stop by the grocery for good bread on the way to the park.  Nothing which required any special creativity, other than the purchase of a vintage picnic basket at a garage sale during the summer, with such a picnic in mind.

It is God who placed us in a world of beauty which can leave us breathless... whether falling diamond dust on a Midwestern forest, the alps of Edith's home as she wrote, the amazing colors of a New England autumn, the calm waves of Lake Michigan in summer, the paprika coloring of the earth where my New Mexican friend lives... all the colors of the rainbow to make up the earth and sky and water which surrounds us.

Hubby surprised me yesterday with yellow roses.  He has been particularly generous this year (he knows I have not been feeling well since starting the powerful antibiotics).  Part of me wanted to tell him he should not have spent the money but the wisdom that comes with a long marriage caused me to bite my tongue and say thank you.  I carried yellow roses on our wedding day.  While I do love red roses and pink roses and lavender roses... my preference is always for yellow roses.  Looking at yellow roses makes me happy.

So, the next time I'm displaying pretty china, polishing the silver, dusting beautiful (inherited) antiques, admiring the large paws and pretty nose of a kitty, picking the freshest of green beans and tomatoes from the garden, listening to the music of birds or Bach, searching for treasure at the thrift store, walking beside the duck pond at the park, or feeling refreshment and strength as I read the Palms of King David... I will ponder the One who loves us enough to have placed us in such beauty.

And it isn't Heaven, yet... can you imagine?

I need a nap

I awoke to our local meterologist saying it was 4 degrees, found out later here in the country it was actually -2 degrees.  Not that the six degree difference would feel all that balmy.  The forest was breathtaking in the sparkle left behind after a night of hoar frost (aka: ice fog).

Christopher had called me at 3:00 in the morning (yes, you read that correctly... AM!) after studying almost all night and then walking one of his study partners to her dorm.  Neither of us had expected heavy ice fog but that is what met him in the parking lot.  It must have been there awhile, he had a terrible time scraping the ice off the window.  He asked if I'd stay up until he arrived home so he could let us know if he ran into trouble since visibility was near zero.  Yawn... sure.

I was quite relieved when he walked in the door, so was he.  He was met with a cup of hot tea (Lipton's Bedtime Story).  I felt somewhat like Peter Rabbit's mother having chamomile tea prepared for him.  I vaguely remember chatting while sipping tea and then falling back into bed... I heart my pillow.

Both of my kids knew they could call home at any time of the night although what level of parental alertness meeting them could not be guaranteed.  We lived closer to campus when Stephanie attended the University and she had less very late nights... mainly when important design projects were due (which became more common as the semesters came to an end).

Collegiate sleep deprivation is famous... infamous... with science and engineering students. 

I had already stayed up late finishing The Scent of Water, which I enjoyed very much.  I'm thankful for the many recommendations that I "must read" that book during my "month of Goudge".  It is definitely on my "re-read" list.  One of the aspects of Goudge's writing I love is her ability to show life as it can be... difficult at times with various levels of suffering... and turn it into a story one would call "lovely".

I have started re-reading my ancient copy of Hidden Art (The Hidden Art of Homemaking in paperback) for my shortened "Month of Edith Schaeffer".  I first read this book as a bride and have re-read it at least once every year since then.  I was in high school when the book was written by Edith in a Swiss Chalet and now I'm a grandmother to four and a half.  As I read the familiar words this morning, I was again inspired to remember God as the Creator... we were made in His image so that we must create.

Some people have told me the book is dated.  Yes... one can certainly say that.  But I still feel it is one of the best books about Christian living, creativity, and making a home available nearly forty years later.  The message is timeless.

I felt well enough this morning to have a late breakfast with my husband at our favorite restaurant in our old neighborhood.  He asked what I wanted for Valentine's day and it was... breakfast out.  As this restaurant can be packed on weekday morning, we decided Friday would be much more relaxing.

I delayed taking my morning antibiotic so I'd enjoy our time together.  By the time we had run two errands, I was staying in the car with my eyes closed just wanting my sofa.  I let him go into Wal Mart alone.  I never let him loose in Wal Mart alone.

This round of antibiotics had better work!

Picture: Over the kitchen sink... taken last week

On behalf of old books

New "old" books have now been added to my Wish List on Amazon (which I use mainly to "park" book recommendations) after yesterday's post.  I appear to be in a season of "Older British Literature"... which is fine since the books are absolutely delicious.  A literary equivalent of watching Jane Austen DVDs when stressed (albeit these books are of a later date than the Regency period).

While some of the books are still in print, I use Amazon credit to purchase old hardbacks which are at least in "good" condition, always check the book section of thrift shops, and the "Old Books" table at the library sales. 

There is something about the romance of an old book which makes me wonder who read it and loved it at an earlier time.  A couple of the Goudge books I read had the uneven pages representative of quite old books.  The older I get, the more I have learned to value imperfections... especially in this cookie cutter world.

I have mentioned long ago hearing an interview given by two book collectors (as in real collectors who spend more than $5.00 or $10.00 as I do).  They said their most asked question, when someone walks into their home and sees all those books, is "Have you read all of them?". 

They both look appalled at such a question for obviously the questioner does not understand the collecting at all... for it is not in reading all the books that there is value but just having the books available... the knowing that at any time they may take the book off the shelf, retreat to their favorite reading place... and enjoy.  For both of the men, it was in the collecting they found joy and not what the book may be worth at a later date.

Old books have character, much like looking in the face of a kind, elderly person and having the realization the wrinkles have a story all their own.  They have a beauty when lined up on the next to each other on home and library shelves. 

There is an instant camaraderie when one old book lover meets another.  One will gaze at the library of their companion and give a knowing nod as words are not necessary (even among people who love words).  This person understands and no explanation is needed.

I'm not sure one is born loving old books although one can rub off on children and grandchildren.  When I was quite young, I was more interested in the latest Nancy Drew book and all that was shiny and new (not coming from a bookish family).   Old books became more important as I read through the years.  I suppose if I had grown up with a home library, appreciation would have come earlier. 

On my coffee table in the living room is the old library copy of The Scent of Water.  This third round of antibiotics knocked me out so much I had trouble reading (gasp!).  I'm hoping today will be better and I can finally read this book and then my "month of Edith Schaeffer"... half way through the month.  As my friend, Cheryl (Coppers Wife), says... hold onto your plans loosely.

Your prayers are appreciated.  A serious infection is hard to beat for any diabetic and especially for one who is a Type 1 Diabetic (as blood sugars are even harder to control when ill and the high blood sugars feed the infection).  As I lay on the sofa with only a couple of "good" hours each day, I remind myself this medication is to kill the infection and not moi'.  :)

Picture: Stephanie reading to David (my Hobbit) and Faith (my Tigger)

More peeks into the book shelves

Today we have an occasional light snow shower with filtered sun breaking through once in awhile.  However, wind gusts continue over 30 mph and the snow is soft and fluffy... can we say heavy drifting?  More snow is possible this weekend.

Did you hear Chicago had an earthquake?  Even the sod beneath us is tired of all the snow.  :)

Yes, I love to see what people have on their bookshelves.  In yesterday's picture, all the D. E. Stevenson books that I own showed up except for Miss Buncle's Book (which is hiding by Mrs. Tim Christie).  Now you can see them in this picture.  Both of those books were gifts from like minded blog friends.  I found the others at thrift shops. I can't wait to read the Stevenson books next month and I'm hoping to find a couple more at the library.

Lark Rise to Candleford and (the sequel) Still Glides The Stream are autobiographical books by Thompson which were recent purchases with Amazon credit.  I love old books and was very happy to find inexpensive copies in great shape through a used book dealer (although Lark Rise is still in print).  For Stevenson fans, yes... there is a Still Glides the Stream on the bookshelf written by Stevenson... same title but different authors.

Lanier has a beautiful post about Lark Rise... here, which will explain more about them.  I first read about these books in the old Victoria magazine.  There is a BBC series based on the books.  I've heard they are based on the books but do not follow them closely.

Here is a glimpse of another section of bookshelves...

... and another section.

Another little peek?  Two Patrick Taylor books are hiding on this shelf.  (His first two, which were gifts from another blog friend along with the English diaries which I believe are hiding, too.)  It's just a good place to prop the Christmas present Steph gave me a year ago.

Okay, you talked me into one more...

... not to mention books in the kitchen.

Lots more books which escaped the lens of the camera this time... and to think Christopher's friends don't believe we've given away more than we own now (there are bookshelves in both bedrooms and the little office).  I guess some people don't understand downsizing.  :)

How did we build our library?  Book sales, thrift shops, garage sales, gifts... over many years.

The weather outside is frightful... inside it is delightful

 Miss Victoria finds all that snow fascinating

My son switched his student parking pass from his car to ours and loaded the back seat with clothing he would need for at least two days.  He called today to let me know he had arrived on campus this morning just fine (we had a few inches of snow already) but the parking lot had already been plowed enough that he couldn't get out if he wanted to come home.

Winter storm and blizzard warnings continue throughout the State (the closer one is to the Lake, the more likely there will be blizzard conditions).  Winter continues...

 

The German cup I recently found for 99 cents

As for me... there is something about being snowed in that causes one to relax and enjoy the moment.  I mean, really... what else can you do?  It is at times like this, I'm glad my neighbor owns a Hummer and I have access only to Christopher's little Japanese car.  I'm at home.

The blue and white English teacup 

is another recent 99 cent Goodwill find.

(I must admit it is rare I find great teacups at my store.)

 
A third round of antibiotics (this time three a day... ugh) and two Benedryl knocked me out for a few hours.  That's okay, I'm not going anywhere and there are no toddlers in the house which require constant attention.  Well, except Victoria.

Rose glasses with 

matching rose pitcher (kept elsewhere).

Waiting for a summer day on the deck.

I've promised my husband I'll make lentil stew today or tomorrow.  There is ground beef that must be turned into "something" (hmmm... meatloaf perhaps?).

Yes, tea and books are the plan for tonight...  I'm not going, anywhere today... and that's okay.

Pictures:  Should one be (like me), really nosy... pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Calm before the storm

Another big snowstorm is on the way with the first flakes beginning this evening, getting heavier as the hours progress.  Sigh... think green, think pretty flowers on the deck, think spring.

These pictures were all taken yesterday after two days of sunshine had melted a lot of snow.  Even then the scene was beautiful.

 

The snow is still deep enough we can't tell where the gravel lane ends and our driveway begins... and more on the way?

At least one can try to appreciate the beauty.  The county road looks so peaceful.

The forest in winter always amazes me by its' stark beauty.  The trees and brush are so thick at other times of year, one can't see into the forest at all.

I often think of the pioneers who settled this area.  How difficult it must have been to forge trails and clear a home and garden in those days... much less stay warm!

The forest always wants to take back the land it lost, especially in our back yard.  :)

Sunday Afternoon Tea

A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge,
       but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

Proverbs 22:3 (NIV)

My ponderings this week have been on the subjects of fear and preparing and difficult times and the economy and... I think you get the idea.  I've been pondering them as I am thinking of a new pantry post, reading articles online, watching the commentators discussing the recent stock market losses, and discussing the economic and political future of the United States with favorite people (like my daughter).

One of the articles I was reading included a statement which I thought profound, especially as I had just been talking to Stephanie about the trouble our school systems are all in due to the cutbacks from the State.  The author of the article wrote, "The States are the canary in the coal mine" and most states are in deep trouble.  (This saying comes from the past when the coal mines would keep canaries in the mines, should the canary die then they knew they had to immediately leave the mine as there was a build up of fatal gasses.)

Personally, I don't fear the future.  I truly believe God puts each of us in the generation... the place... the time... even the neighborhood where He wants us.  I choose to make decisions as if life will go on as normal for dozens of years, as in encouraging my son's decision to study to be a computer scientist.  At the same time, the part of me who has expected "the end of the world as we've known it" since I was eleven or twelve years old believes in praying for the best but preparing for the worst.  How do I prepare?

I must first prepare spiritually... I don't care how much we prepare for the possibility of economic failure, natural disasters, etc. if we operate in fear and trembling we won't help ourselves or become salt and light to those around us.  An important part of that preparing is spending time in the Word and chatting with He Who Created Me each day.  I tend to talk to Him all day because I need Him all day.

I'm going to write more very soon about my quiet time basket but it helps me very much to have everythiing ready which I need to spend time with Him each day.  Morning is best but sometimes my day starts in such a way that I've been up a couple of hours and haven't stopped running since my feet hit the floor.

As one who has gone through numerous trials which took the breath out of me, when life was so painful I woke up in the morning sorry to see the coming of another day... as if I had to remind myself to breath... I can assure you the faith built during those times was only because it had a foundation to cling to.  I already had the habit of listening for God's voice through the years, knowing He leads us today just as He did from the time of the Ancients.

I must be part of a community... now I know one could remind me I stay at home a great deal and at this time of life I have less (in person) community than ever before.  However, we do have friends and family even if these days we must rely on quality rather than quantity.  Having gone through a severe trial when living away from close friends and family, I can assure you it is far easier when one has people around them whom they trust... whether it is family, a church or synagogue, neighbors, or friends... we need each other.

I must prepare for the worse as I can... and leave the rest to God.  I'll write more about this in my pantry post I'm writing but there are lots and lots of links on my sidebar to my own past posts as well as excellent posts and articles at other sites.

Personally, I find by deepening the pantry and making certain the house and car has necessary maintenance updates... I feel calmer.  I truly believe (and I've talked to lots and lots of people who agree) that God is calling many to be as Joseph to stock up while times are good.  Anyone who has lived on an unemployment check will tell you how helpful it was to have items on hand and purchased already.

I must prepare my children... rather than keeping our kids completely naive to the world around us (age appropriate, of course), I'm convinced God is raising up his own Josephs and Daniels and Ruths and Esthers... fully and uniquely prepared for the time in which we live and serve Him.  If we believe stories read from past generations, the families that went through severe trials (the Great Depression, war, weather disasters, etc.) were those where the children felt a part of the solution... those who knew how to pray and trust God as they walked IN the trial... and trained in a theology of trusting Him in the bad times as well as the good.

(Did anyone watch the Duggar's recent show about their preemie baby when all the little kids were in prayer?  Daddie Duggar said we must praise God in the bad times as well as the good times?  Amen, brother... )

I must choose simplicity now... rather than forced simplicity later.  Those individuals and families who have chosen to learn the basic skills of the past such as cooking and baking "from scratch", bread making, gardening, sewing, canning and other preserving, knitting, household repairs, etc. will be blessed and a blessing should circumstances require a simpler lifestyle.

When we were without an income for a year and in a place with few friends and no family, I can't tell you how much it helped to have good books to read (what we owned and supplemented with a library card), favorite DVDs to watch once in awhile, board and card games to enjoy, and to have plenty of homeschool materials already on hand.

No one person can do everything, which is again why community is important.  I can also assure you as one who has gone through the lean years... the simpler lifestyle can bring rewards far beyond being prepared for any economic downfall.

Of course, there will be times when we think of the possibilities the future holds as the economy is unstable, war drums continue to sound in other parts of the world, terrorism is always a possibility now anyplace in the world, we see earthquakes and tsunamis, etc.

God is in control... now as in the past.  He always will be in control.  I love the above verse as it reminds us God warns His people we live in a fallen world where trouble happens but in the long run... all is well.  Should we go through difficult times, He asks no more than we take one minute... one hour... and one day at a time... for He gives us new mercies every morning and grace for the day.

Snow, fraud, and even more snow

Snowstorms do something strange to people.  I know that because I had to stop by the grocery store while in town yesterday afternoon and the lines for each cash register were four and five deep with carts and cranky people.  When hubby and I chatted with the manager who was running a cash register, he said it had been like that all day.

Yes, there is something about snowstorms that make people want to hunker down... and eat.

The storm was delayed a bit, a very good thing as I had to wait at the usual spot (McDonald's on campus) while Christopher attended his early class this morning.  He was called yesterday by the fraud division of Mastercard to ask if he was spending over a thousand dollars in Pennsylvania on his debit card.  Ummm... no.  It is amazing how the computer scientists have come up with ways to alert "those watching" that purchases may be fraudulent.  He has no idea how someone in Pennsylvania found his debit card number.

Anyhoo... we were told to stop by our branch bank as soon as we could this morning and talk to them.  So far all is well and the fraudulent charges were all caught in time.  Both he and the bank are tracking them for awhile.  In the meantime, he's not to use his debit card.  Yes, there was great relief as he had all of his grant money in his checking account.  He told me a specialist in computer fraud taught their class anyone at anytime is only about 30% to 40% safe when it comes to their private information such as credit card numbers.  Yikes!

The snow began while we were in the bank and by the time we arrived home, the roads were already slick.  He had to return to campus and I would look out the window all day, wondering if he'd make it home or have to stay with a friend.  Thankfully, he made it home just as the sun was setting... saying the roads were horrible.

Once we four were snug as a bug inside (three humans and one feline), my thoughts were all about nesting and food.  The chicken noodle soup had been simmering for hours to be served with grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner.  Chicken and hamburger were removed from the freezer, to defrost in the refrigerator overnight.  Butter is now setting on the kitchen counter to soften for baking in the morning.

Laundry has been washed, dried, folded, and hung where it all belongs.  Dishes are soaking in hot and soapy water... waiting until I finish writing.  The tea kettle will soon be filled with fresh water and brought to a slight boil (for I am having decaf Candy Cane Lane tea and one should not make green tea with fully boiling water).  Very soon I will find a pillow and a throw and curl up on the living room sofa with tea and Goudge... and perhaps a cat.

One looks at snowstorms differently once everyone is home safe and there is no place one has to be for a couple of days.

Food talk

I spent a rather pleasant time Sunday afternoon printing out quite a few recipes (from favorite recipe blogs and websites) that I want to try soon.  A few cookbooks are being read for ideas.  It is the culinary equivalent of perusing seed catalogs while it snows for a gardener.

I need a little excitement in the kitchen... something other than the same old/same old.... recipes that are healthy and can save me money... or decadent desserts done on a dime (say that three times).  I'll share them on the recipe blog if they work out well.

I thought I'd share this link to a recipe from Mennonite Girls Can Cook for Buffalo Chicken Dip... here.  Just in time for football parties this weekend.  Christopher and his friends love Buffalo chicken wings but they are very expensive to purchase (and have you noticed how the price of wings at the grocery store has gone up with their popularity?).  I bought the ingredients to try this soon.

Rachel Ray has a similar recipe that she makes with a rotisserie chicken and pours some blue cheese dressing over before serving.  I may use a rotisserie chicken but the blue cheese would have to be "on the side" in my house.

Stephanie sent me a recipe for chocolate peanut butter whoopie pies this morning.  Her friend made them and she tells me they are delicious.  I have all the ingredients and may try them soon, too. 

Somewhere... on a friend's blog but I forget WHO... I read about the book Well Preserved; a Jam-Making Hymnal.  I was able to buy it with Amazon credit in January and I've enjoyed reading through it SO much... highly recommended!  (It is out of print but there are a few used books on Amazon and I expect at the usual used book sites.)

What a lovely book, a combination of prose and recipes (I love those).  I'll definitely be trying a few of these recipes.  One of my culinary goals this year is to make my own jam and jellies again.  I don't purchase those in the store made with corn syrup and the others are quite expensive.

This book is a keeper!

Books, questions, answers, and a thank you

I made up for all that sofa time by running a few much needed errands yesterday, slowly but surely as to not overdo my first day out.  At the top of my list were visits to the grocery store, Post Office, and library.   In the midst of the necessary errands, there were a couple of fun asides like quickly looking through Goodwill and the used book room at the library.  It was a good day, especially for finding inexpensive books and a gorgeous German teacup (no saucer but I have others that will look just fine with it... no one will notice).  Details and pictures available later.

I had to stay in town to take Christopher home after his last class-lab of the day (he had chosen not to drive in the morning as he had to take heavy duty allergy meds).  He had told me to meet him at the McDonald's on campus but "bring a book".  I know what that means... he is in a lab which could take an hour or two hours.  I took along a Nigella cookbook I'd found at the used book room in the library, purchased a snack wrap and a senior coffee.... and waited... and waited.

As it turned out, his lab project yesterday was to program a mission to the moon and back for an Apollo spacecraft.  Hmmm... quite interesting.  Next time I'll bring a novel.  He had just enough time for a quick shower before returning to campus for something having to do with Microsoft.  A side benefit of having your children at home while attending University is chatting about what they are learning.  I must admit to being slightly more interested in Stephanie's Interior Design work than Calculus 3... but this space travel project was fascinating.

I had planned on reading The Scent of Water by Goudge and only set it aside as I ran out of time.  After the recommendations in comments, I placed Gentian Hill back on the shelf (as I own it and will find it easy to slip into my reading stack at a later date) and brought home The Scent of Water from the library.  I will start it (hopefully) later today.  I know, February is to be Edith Schaffer's month but knowing how cold and dark and at times... damp or snowy... the month can be, there should be plenty of reading time to nudge another Goudge into the mixture.

Regarding the Amazon widget, yes... you only have to click on one of the books and enter Amazon through a blogger's widget.  They receive credit even if you do not purchase any of the books listed on their blog.  (A small amount on each product and less when ordering through a used book seller... but it all adds up.) Credit is received on everything (books, media, household supplies, coffee and tea, appliances, Kindles...) you purchase on that visit.   I can't say thank you enough for those who remember to enter Amazon through my widget and those of fellow bloggers.  My own son forgot last week when ordering a couple physics books.

I am way (way) behind on answering e-mails and reading through comments.  All energy recently was spent on keeping my household duties from getting too far behind.  Hubby is great about helping (he has taken over vacuuming and I have not cleaned a tub or shower since we have been married) but I do understand his aversion to doing dishes.  I don't let either of the guys near the washer and dryer.  Clothing is too expensive.

And... thank you very much to my "Dear Tracey" for the following award!  It is an honor.  :)

You may notice I don't usually acknowledge awards here (although I do try to give a thank you on the giver's blog and I've even missed that recently as I was ill).  It is only because I began to have too much of a good thing.  I LOVE getting awards but I was receiving so many that I'd miss someone and remember another!  This way I don't hurt anyone's feelings.  However, I had to share the picture on this award.  Does it say Valentine's Day or what?

The desktop computer is back home again so I'll soon be typing away at the Book Recommendations post.  It will be time for another by the time I finish this.  However, you'll love having the list of books, authors, and film.  Tracey's book, Frugal Luxuries, is one I have read SO many times... given away... bought again... and still love to curl up with it either on a cold Winter's night or to take it out on the deck with iced tea and a snack when the weather is warm.  Frugal Luxuries by the Seasons is equally as good.  You know a book is a treasure these days when it has stayed in print.

Along with the Book Recommendations post, I have another Deepening the Pantry post flying around in my mind... hoping to land soon.  I have some new recipes to try and I'll share those which are "keepers" on my long neglected recipe blog.  Not to mention daily ponderings.  I think there is job security.

Picture: Memories of summer on the deck

Happy Birthday Elisabeth!

Little did I know the day I became a grammie 

that the baby girl would become such a lovely little lady so quickly.

I love going to tea rooms with you when we can visit. :)

Through the years

I'm a little stronger today... working through pain to wash dishes and fold laundry.  Thankful that I have the energy to get the little household tasks accomplished and for the opportunity to take an afternoon nap.  (Note to self... never fall asleep while watching a Star Trek episode again.)

Debra made the comment that I can write what I do because of the trials.  Oh, definitely.  Everything I am and we all are is the sum of all which has come before us.  As much as I can let my limitations frustrate me at times, I have often prayed that God's Will be accomplished and not my own for I want to finish well.

I can see the results of having to cling to He Who Created Me, knowing what I was like in earlier years.  Which got me to thinking... what would I have blogged in previous decades.  Hmmm...

Teens - I was radically "saved" and found a relationship with the Lord.  I'd have a radical Come to Christ blog... which may not be a bad thing.

Twenties - Probably a mommy blog as I was passionate about early childhood education... and gourmet cooking.  I would have found a way to combine the two while working full time.  Can we say... high energy years?

Thirties - Well, that was the decade I was most active politically so I would have had a political blog.  I would have made Glen Beck appear calm.  That was before I became a disgruntled Republican (which is what I put on my Facebook page).  Then I had a later-in-life baby and we went back to early childhood education, whole foods, and enjoying my pre-teen daughter... a different kind of mommy blog.

Forties - Except for a few years on staff at a church, I'd say that a blog during this decade would concentrate on Charlotte Mason homeschooling and raising an ADHD boy... and enjoying very much a high school and college age daughter (God's gift to balance the boy).  I became a grandmother.  I started writing for the Internet on an emergency preparedness forum.  This was also the decade I developed a serious illness and life changed forever... lessons learned that later became this blog

Fifties - Well... we're still working on that decade (and #60 is far off!) but I have had to become accustomed to having no child-type children at home... only a six feet tall twenty year old college student.  As well as getting used to having my husband home all day... most days (can we say serious twitch?).  :)

But it all comes together to create someone who has always loved books and coffee... but not tea (I hated tea until a few years ago... but that is another story).  Having gone through all of life's challenges while realizing more each year the importance of choosing beauty... learning to love the things of the Lord... still enjoying cooking and home and family and furry friends... all coming together to form who I am today.

I guess I'll not complain about a little pain and fatigue...  :)