Beauty in a time of trouble

I'm still smiling thinking about yesterday's royal wedding and all the festivities.  There has been discussion on various TV news programs about the amount of money spent while the world is in a recession (albeit the Royal Family and the bride's parents paid for most of the cost).

I truly believe there are times when such lovely breaks in bad news are necessary, a million dollar version of purchasing flowers instead of bread when the soul needs a lift.  When all is done there will continue to be natural disasters, wars, governments falling and rising, the need for children's hospitals, and our terrible horrible ugly April weather we've been experiencing.

Speaking of weather and flowers... I made my way to our backyard with great apprehension yesterday.  The second azalea bush had just begun to bud last weekend but since then we have had very heavy winds, rain, and even a tornado warning.  How relieved I was to find the bush in full bloom and safe!  It is tucked up against the deck, which probably saved it.

The raspberry pink colored flowers are now in my kitchen and dining area.  As beautiful as the lilac azaleas had been, we really love this color.   The blooms don't last very long with our rather stormy springs but the few days we have them are so gorgeous they take a prominent place in our yard.

Miss M brought me Easter lilies for our dinner last week.  I also had a bouquet of lilacs from my friend Linda's back yard and tulips from mine (they are rather droopy now!).  Those were the only two tulips that bloomed this year.  There were also pure yellow daffodils displayed in my mother's favorite vase... the only remaining blooms from our backyard.

Today I need to get some housework accomplished, throw a couple loads of laundry in the machine, and clean the kitchen.  I was going to make a cake before my husband told me we were out of eggs.  I almost put the other ingredients away and then I remembered... somewhere in my recipe cards was a recipe for crazy cake (also known as Depression cake) which used vinegar instead of eggs.

Wallah!  A very nice chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream butter frosting (using some of the last of the butter from the freezer!).  The guys will love it, as I did the little piece I had to try (quality assurance you know).  ;)

Bleary eyed but loved the wedding!

The alarm went off this morning on my cell phone (so as not to awake hubby very much at 4:00) and my first thought was of starting the coffeepot!  Christopher was asleep on the sofa, awaiting my wake up call for him after only four hours of sleep.  He was on the road by 5:00 to meet his friends to continue studying for finals. 

Before he left, we shared some chuckles over the guests' hats, at least the flying saucer hats... and the blue hat that was shaped something like a rhino's horn???

At least I could slowly sip my coffee, curled up on the Lazy Boy chair switching from Fox News to BBC America.  I ended up staying with BBCA until the kiss on the balcony was over.  Just liked the understated British coverage the best.

I absolutely adored this wedding!  Such pomp and circumstance, beauty, and the music... the gorgeous hymns of the Church.  The ceremony itself is so Christ honoring, too.  I am always saddened when watching these events (royal weddings or funerals) at the amount of Truth which was once a part of the very fiber of the Mother Country and now how few are among the Faithful.

If Stephanie and the little girls were here, I would have made cambric tea and have Stephanie bring her famous scones.  As it was she received cell phone texts from me while she slept soundly.  :)

In Memory of David Wilkerson

I knew something was out of the ordinary when the e-mail sitting in the Inbox had the title... Press Release.  Instead of coming back to it later in the day, I followed the link to his website only to read the news that a very beloved Christian leader had suddenly passed away.

Now... the news has hit the mainstream media with numerous stories available online to read.  David Wilkerson was killed in a head on car crash near Dallas yesterday.   The pastor voted one of the 100 most influential Americans had gone to the Reward for which he had worked for so many years... now meeting the Lord whom he had served.

I can't think of any pastor, Bible study teacher, or Christian leader who had a more profound and long lasting affect on my life.  I first heard of Rev. Wilkerson in the book The Cross and the Switchblade (later made into a movie starring Pat Boone).  His ministry in New York City and subsequent founding of Teen Challenge may have been my first introduction but it was in his decades of sermon newsletters that I came to really "know" him.

When the familiar envelope would arrive, I would open it and slip the latest teaching in my Bible... or on the coffee table... or perhaps make a cup of coffee and take it with me to the front porch to sip coffee (or tea) and soak in the teaching immediately.  Quite often it found its' way into the most recent book I was reading as a bookmark to be reread over and over.

David Wilkerson taught about suffering and God's faithfulness.  He was also, what my husband called this morning, "America's prophet Jeremiah".  Truly one of the few voices even among Evangelicals who were raising concerns over the moral decline of America decades ago.

Below are the final words of his last blog entry...

To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, “I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.”

Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.

He will be missed...

My prayers go out to all those touched by the tornado outbreak last night.  We had numerous warnings but from what I have heard on local news, only one or two very small tornadoes touched down and no injuries.  Serious flooding continues, though, and we can definitely use a change in this wet and stormy weather.

Ponderings about children inspired by a friend

My granddaughter a few months ago  (she will soon turn one!)

Welcome to the new readers who came over from my friend Sally Clarkson's blog.  Sally is such a precious friend, even though we have only spent time together once (when our two families took over met at my daughter's house), I smile when I see an e-mail from her!  There are some friends who make my life better just by breathing on this planet... and she is one of them... she is a kindred soul.

I have mentioned before my first memories of Sally... back when Christopher was a little guy playing in a park while I listened to a tape by Sally about homeschooling.  I loved every book she wrote and would often remark to Stephanie that I finally found another family "a lot like us" (well, except I am not musical at all)... another bookish family who loved all things British, good coffee, and spending time together... they even knew what it was like to have moved a great deal!

Stephanie and her hubby attended Joel Clarkson's graduation concert in Boston recently and our conversation the next day was all about how God places children in just the right family for the bent they are given.  All the Clarkson "kids" (now young adults... even Joy!) are exceptionally creative like their parents.  How amazing to find that combination of child raising and gifting and genetics to form... a family.

It was around this same time that Christopher and I had one of those late night conversations about life's challenges and how God allows us to gain strength emotionally and spiritually in those areas which we will need later in life.  My own childhood was at times filled with trauma and quite unsettled (literally) but the lessons learned then were necessary for the challenges faced as an adult.  My son is already finding how childhood challenges have made him stronger and wiser for the world he faces.

That is one reason I have written so much about families coming together in challenging times.  The society in which we live tries to tell us our children will not grow up to be emotionally secure adults if they face serious trials in childhood. 

The truth is just the opposite... when a family works together to face the trials and tribulations of life, the children grow up having experienced God's provision... whether groceries, or relief from the dangerous fever, or gas money for the car, or a new job, or wisdom for the exam, or the grace to go on when the answer is not what we desired.

Whether we are parents or children, aunts or uncles, a close friend of the family, a teacher or ministry leader, or a sibling... we all can inspire the next generation and encourage them toward their "bent" for which God created them.  Today's children and adolescents are growing up in a world I never could have imagined and how they need someone to come along side them to teach and encourage.

We don't have to be in the same town to be a part of a child's life.  We live 1,000 miles from our grandchildren and see them once a year but we take full advantage of our time together... and correspond with Elisabeth and David.  I still have a little book about trusting God sent to me by my mother's sister when I was just a little girl growing up in a non-Christian home.

When I see how much Faith loves flowers, I remember my father sharing his love of flowers with me when I was little.  Elisabeth takes cookbooks with pretty pictures with her to read in bed... like moi'.  I can see so much of my son-in-law's mother in Elisabeth, too. 

How much fun it was to see the boys playing baseball with Granddad last October, sharing his love of sports (although my husband will continue to be appalled that his grandchildren are being raised New England Patriots fans).

My children fully understand the need for second breakfast or afternoon tea ... and it is wonderful to know the next generation will know those truths... and that there are others who feel the same.  :)

Ready to build an ark?

Great Grandmother's china, Easter last year

This has been such a soggy spring!  We've been under flood warnings for weeks and I haven't been able to plant anything in the garden, even the lettuce seeds which can go in a few weeks before the last frost.  So far in the herb raised bed, I have seen thyme, the Italian oregano, and the apple mint is healthy and spreading.

With the rising cost of food, I'd like to extend our garden this year.  I wanted to serve asparagus for Easter dinner but it was just too expensive (the sale price was $2.99 a pound).  

Speaking of Easter... we had a very nice time with Miss M. joining us this year.  I thought we were going to be alone but the two young people changed their plans, having an afternoon holiday meal with us instead of traveling with her parents. Christopher had to go back to campus and study Sunday night.

The table looked lovely with Great Grandmother's china and my Noritake smoked goblets which actually match my wedding china.  The traditional Easter meal was served that I've made for years and Miss M. brought a green bean casserole (which is one of hubby's childhood favorites). 

A very generous friend shared her extra memory card with me (and a couple other goodies for the kitchen!) so the camera was available... but I FORGOT to take pictures until the table had been cleared.

I blame it on sleep deprivation, I've been staying up late and/or getting a call around 3:00 to 4:00 in the morning when Christopher is starting home from campus.  He has firm instructions to call us if he is very sleepy when driving.   Since he plans to share an apartment with two of his best friends next school year, I may not have the "joy" of finals weeks again.  Stephanie had many late nights at the end of semesters, too!

An update on my computer bugs... it appears they have all left the laptop and I had no trouble starting the computer this morning.  When I told Christopher about the screen which appeared when I started the computer, he (being a computer type person) was very concerned the bugs had damaged the hard drive... so you can imagine my relief when that Windows insignia appeared.

War has been declared once again with the ants!

Birthday boys and bugs

The two birthday boys, October 2010

We had two family birthdays this past week, one was my hubby (who got another year OLDER) and the other our sweet Matthew... another year CUTER!  Matthew is so sweet and gentle, I told Stephanie that I know he will grow up to be "all boy" but I hope he keeps that loving spirit about him.

To tell you what my husband is like... I had my computer sitting on the floor tucked away the past couple of days.  When I opened it this morning, it had little ANTS all over the inside and I had to start it in safe mode.  Thankfully, it seems to be working fine but I keep having little ants coming OUT OF IT as I type.

Instead of panicking as I did in case they damaged the computer, hubby kept talking about my computer bugs... sigh.  You would think one would learn after many years of marriage when their wife is not amused.  ;)

I knew we were already in our annual spring battle of the ants when I saw some on the bathroom floor but this is the first time they've been in the living room for years... and never before in the computer... which will not be stored tucked under the bench for a long time.

Picture: Taken at Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts... the snowy background is fake and yes it was autumn!

Easter break

Taking a computer break to 

concentrate on The Risen Savior!

  

May you have a very blessed Easter.

(Comments off on this post only...)

Comments and e-mails (answered kinda')

Thank you again so much for all the encouraging comments and e-mails.  They are all welcome, even if I may never be able to respond!!!  Consider yourself hugged...  :)

Now, to answer some questions.  Please don't take offense if I don't answer your question, some are buried in comments and e-mails and I can't even remember them.

Non-food stock up... Yes, I did purchase cookware and a few other items when I was still able to work part-time.  I remember a lot of talk at the time about the importance of keeping our equipment updated when possible, as well as continuing doctor and dental updates, maintenance on the cars, house, etc.  I haven't written much about that lately but thanks for the reminder!

Some non-food items I make a priority are TP, dishwashing liquid, tall garbage bags (since our trash pick-up service requires all trash to be in garbage bags), kitty kibble (for obvious reasons), and Charlie's Soap for the laundry.  I need to add a backup media card, too, for the camera.

What is it about salt?... The emergency preparedness sites all recommend storing large amounts of salt for pickling and curing of meat.  I only purchase extra kosher and sea salt right now but I should buy some pickling salt for... pickling.  I'll leave meat curing to those on a farm.

What will be in short supply?... I only know what I hear on the business news and on a few websites.  I don't trust the media in general because they have been wrong too many times.  If you connect the dots, you can figure out some things for yourself.  If wheat fields are in trouble then everything made with flour will go up... the last I heard, half of our corn (or more) is going to fuel so if corn is in short supply for feed, meat prices will go up... etc.

Transportation costs are once again going through the roof which causes everything to rise.  The dollar is falling in value which affects everything but especially all that is imported... coffee, most sugar, European olive oil, bananas, etc.

Alexandra Stoddard... Yes, she is on the "spiritual" side in her writings but I can overlook it with no problem.  There was only one book of hers that I took back to the library without reading all of it and it was entirely about spiritual influences.  Otherwise, she is SO inspiring and provides many ideas.  After reading her decorating books, I find myself "decorating by puttering" around the house.  :)

Paying off debt or stocking up... I had an e-mail from a blog friend about this.  It's hard to say because each family's circumstances are different.  Off the top of my head, I'd say try to do both but just a little at a time as you can, writing out your priorities for the pantry as I just wrote about.

Budgeting... If you have high interest credit cards and such, it would be a good idea to contact a reputable organization to see if someone can help you lower your payments and even more important... lower your interest rate.

When we went through long term unemployment, such an organization was able to help us have the interest go down substantially (it may have been eliminated, can't remember) and a payment plan set up for paying it off.  Of course, we had to cut up the card but that was how we kept our credit rating good.  These days we don't have a credit card... too tempting!

I know at least two large churches in our area which provide financial advice but at the time, I believe my husband talked to someone at Crown Ministries, although that ministry has changed some since Larry Burkett passed away.  There is also Dave Ramsey.  Just beware the agencies with TV ads who ask for upfront money to help you get out of debt... is it just me or is that weird?

We have our utilities on a budget payment plan to make budgeting easier.  We pay everything upfront when the Social Security check comes in.  Even the bills due at the end of the month go in the checkbook as paid immediately.  If you can't make a payment, call the creditor and let them know what is going on.

If you have been out of work or had another reason for getting late on bills, write a letter explaining the situation to each national credit company.  That's what we did (that and keeping creditors updated each month) which saved our credit rating during extended unemployment.

Dish soap container... I use a bottle originally intended for olive oil and I found one entirely different than the bottle I DO use for olive oil... so as not to get a soapy salad.  I use a plastic spout and when empty, I fill it about one third full of water and then pour in the 7th Generation... it stretches the dishwashing liquid a little and makes it easier to come out of the spout.  If you do this at night and put the water in first, it tends to combine the water and dish soap overnight without shaking and causing mucho many bubbles.

Taking care of wood furniture... Layers of wax buildup can be removed by using a furniture cleaner, I know Formby's makes one... here... they suggest trying it out on a small part of the furniture first to see how it reacts.  My husband always liked Formby's products when he was doing refinishing.   There must be natural recipes to try, too.

I use lemon oil on my dining table with no problem.  I just let it dry completely and make sure I use either a tablecloth or placemats for a couple of days (I tend to use them all the time, anyway) after rubbing the lemon oil in the wood.  Of course, different brands of lemon oil are more or less natural.

I have used olive oil on all kinds of surfaces with no problem, too, especially items like my cutting board.  But I have used it on the table.  Olive oil is amazing!

Maternity fashions... Oh, I do so agree with Karen Andreola.!  I remember when Stephanie was expecting (David I think) and I tried to find a cute top for her as a birthday gift.  I couldn't find anything in the stores!  I haven't figured out this fashion trend of expecting women wearing tight clothing...???

College Basketball... We're not bringing up that subject in this household after our team fell apart at tournament time.  Although we did love it that Butler made it to the finals again... wish the little Midwest school was able to pull off the victory over the big, bad, Eastern college (hehehe)... in Christian love, of course.

Books and such... I did use to review for publishers but gave it up when I had no more time to read for fun.  Writing a book... I will leave that to my talented friends like the Clarkson ladies but thank you for saying nice things about my writing.  At least with blogging, I can write on my own schedule.  Recommendations... LOVE your recommendations, that is how I found many of my favorite books and authors.

Wheat grinders... mine is an older electric model which is no longer available... well loved I may add.  I would highly suggest getting an electric grinder if you plan to grind daily... check out info on The Urban Homemaker... here.  Having said that, if I had the funds to purchase a really good nonelectric grinder, I'd buy one of the large jobbies at Lehmans... here.  I have read they work well and don't take as much effort as the little grinder I had eons ago... and they don't depend on electricity being up and running.

Coupons... I have not watched the new TV show about Extreme Couponing.  I admire people who can save money but I don't have the energy to go that far... and I admit to having enough of a challenge just keeping my coupons from the paper and internet organized!  :)

It is certainly amazing how they can pull all those coupons and offers together, isn't it?

Okay, this is as far back as I can go to answer questions... puff, puff... need a cup of tea and to REST.

Pantry Talk... Priorities when stock up money is available

Last week I was sitting in the kitchen at a friend's house, sipping coffee and chatting about such lighthearted subjects as the condition the world is in these days, food shortages, rising gasoline prices, and inflation.  Thankfully coffee, a few tea cookies, and good company made such topics easier to swallow... literally.  :)

My friend asked me given the fact I can only stock up when we have extra income (such as tax refunds or when hubby gets a week's work at the bookstore), then what are my priorities.  I thought for awhile and named a few items but then I had to tell her that was a great question that I'd have to think about and turn into a post.  Here I have written on the subject of deepening the pantry since the mid-1990s and I couldn't think of a list off the top of my head.

I did tell her that I prioritize those items I know are quickly going up in price because they are imported... like coffee, various sugars, etc.  I would make sure I'm stocked up with flour regardless of inflation but I do keep my ear open to Fox Business News when they talk about inflation and shortages and there is a lot of talk now about the wheat crops suffering this year... so wheat and flour become a priority (remember just two or three years ago when wheat products went sky high due to bad weather and poor crops?).

Even though I grind wheat, my son and I like a little unbleached flour in the mixture when I make bread.  My husband?  He could eat sawdust, which is what we call the Ezekiel bread he buys from the health food store on Senior Citizen Discount Day.  A former doctor recommended it to him for his health... blech.

I shared with her a few things I do when I know I'm going to be able to stock up a little.  First, I have a priority list already written out and ready to remind me of some items when I make my grocery list, it is in my scrapbook journal but it has also been taped inside a kitchen cabinet before.  I use that basic list as I look at what I already have on hand and what needs to be replaced (such as old spices) or repurchased (those essential items I'm out of or have just a few left).

The second thing I do is to look through newspaper insets to see what is on sale at the various stores.  For instance, I look to see what is on a 10 for $10 sale (especially frozen veggies that cost a lot) and buy-one-get-one free sales.  A reminder here... it is not a good idea to stock up on anything before trying it once.  Ask me how I know?  When I'm in town close to where the discount bread store is located, I like to stop by and see what they have... at huge savings.  If wrapped carefully, bread freezes well.

The third thing I do is to look through the recipes I'm making the most in the current season.  I told her I always need to have canned tomatoes on hand because they can be used to make all kinds of recipes.  The same with high quality pasta (I've had dried pasta last two years when stored properly), some soups, canned fruit, canned and dry beans, and even items like salsa (which can be used in more ways than just Mexican food).  That list will be unique for each family.   If I have everything I need to assemble various recipes, then my pantry is servings its' purpose.

I also prioritize money for those items I can only purchase in a particular season.  I try to buy all my honey at one of the two local farmer's markets in summer or early autumn.  Most of it from the "Honey Guy" we've purchased from for years at the main market but we also purchased last year from an Amish couple at the smaller farmer's market (along with maple syrup from their trees).  I'm hoping to do some freezing and canning of fresh fruit this year if possible, purchasing in season.

Another reason I plan by seasons when I can stock up is preparing for holidays and birthdays (especially important when one does not have a weekly income).  During Thanksgiving and Christmas, so many items used for baking go on sale so I will budget money on these more than any other time of the year.

I am so happy we purchased a chest style deep freeze when I was still able to work at the beginning and end of semesters.  There were three sizes available and we bought the middle size (I'd suggest the larger size for any family with children and/or a big garden).  Chest style freezers are still comparably inexpensive and it is so good to be able to purchase meat on sale when I can do it.  I have read they are the most energy efficient, although a stand up refrigerator style freezer is easier to keep organized (or so I've heard).  :)

Even given our recent financial drought, I still have some whole chickens in the freezer, a few packages of veggies, and I just used the last of the bread I'd bought on sale.  I have friends who store their grains in their freezers.  In colder weather, I like to have everything needed for soups, stews, etc. in the freezer and in hotter weather I am more likely to stock up on deboned chicken breasts and such when on sale.  I also buy butter on sale and freeze it.

Another area of stocking up we should always consider is a true emergency preparedness food stock up... those things to keep on hand which would be available if there is no way to get to the grocery store and an assumption is made that there is no way to cook (such as after a natural disaster) as well as water.  My husband teased me when I stored a few gallons but he wasn't laughing when we were without electricity for awhile and our well pump couldn't work...

There are always the usual foods like crackers, graham crackers, peanut butter, Nutella, nuts, granola bars, etc. but I've also learned to think out of the box in this area for items like salsa, summer sausage (goes on sale during and after holidays), canned meat, etc.  I'm always writing down what I see that would be good for the pantry.  There are so many more choices of shelf stable foods these days than ever before, from taco shells to milk to tofu (have you ever tasted soft tofu whipped up with melted chocolate???).

These days I've been thinking of substitutes for more expensive items and what can be left out of a recipe and still have it taste great.  For instance, I love dill pickles on my sandwiches and recently I switched from my favorite Vlasic brand to Great Value and didn't notice a difference on the sandwiches.   I've found most store brands and most items at Aldis to be very good.  I do prefer the better qualities of pasta but on sale they are the same price as the cheap stuff.

Recently on a frugal living blog, the writer mentioned they had found a great coffee and the reader wouldn't believe what it was... we were very skeptical.  But the next time I ran out of coffee we purchased the Great Value 100% Colombian coffee at Wal Mart she recommended and we could not believe it either... it is good!  It is far better than the other cheaper brands and "almost" as good as the pricier coffee.  As I've mentioned before, most of the time I make coffee in the regular coffeemaker and use the K-cups only when I can find them on sale... albeit the K-cups makes the BEST coffee.

Thinking through our pantry purchases also helps us prepare the containers for storage if needed.  I can assure you if I have a container ready to pour wheat into, it will be done quickly.  If I don't, the wheat will sit in the garage until I need to open it and/or I'm appalled to see little teeth marks in the bag... shiver.  We won't even think of it.  Just trust me on that one and have any containers you need ready (from food grade plastic pails to Zip Lock bags!).

The price of food can only go higher and from what I've been reading... there will be shortages of some items.  Using limited funds to deepen the pantry saves so much money in the long run and as I always say... it is insurance you can eat.  Even if you can only put back a little extra (like us), it is worth it.  My pantry is not very deep but it still helps to save money.  If you haven't made a pantry shopping list, do so soon.  It will help you prioritize!

Remember... for much more information I have lots of places you can go to under Pantry Links on the sidebar.

Please excuse any typos, I'm working quickly to post this today.  :)

For the love of Victoria

Victoria watching Wild America

This picture was taken a little over a week ago.  She loves the TV show Wild America and I actually remembered it was about to come on that Saturday.   I turned on the old Sony and set it to that channel where the show was to start... and curled up on the sofa with the camera.

Look at those BIRDS!

Are you laughing at moi'?

One of our dear friends lives in the desert in New Mexico... so what does that have to do with Victoria and the TV.  Well, stay with me and I'll get there.  We used to chat on the phone about our delightful pets... me with Sasha and Storm and Kathy with her multiple cats, dogs, cow, horse, and many "off again-on again" menagerie.  (She really does live out in the boonies in the desert of New Mexico.  You couldn't pay me to live anywhere where one has to watch for rattlesnakes when walking in the yard... shudder.)

Almost every time we would communicate, she would talk about our animals being "cheap entertainment".  Although I think our cats were cheaper than her livestock. One year we were doing well financially and they were in a season of lack, we were thrilled to offer to pay a veterinarian's bill to save her beloved kitty... whom we called Pudge the Pirate because he had to wear a patch over one eye.

Pudge was especially dear to this household as our Storm had a long distance "thing" for Pudge the Pirate... no kidding.  We never figured out how she did it but often when I was talking to Kathy and mentioned Pudge, Storm would come running and put her face up to the phone and meow!

Pudge and most of Kathy's other kitties, her dog, and even her pet cow... as well as our Sasha and Storm... all have passed on but the good memories are all there.  Even now we'll laugh about something one of our animals had done when they were with us.

Now my friend enjoys hearing about the new kitty on the block and how the Maine Coon is more entertaining alone than the former two sisters were together.   Victoria is presently sitting in her favorite spot, looking out the window of the door leading to the deck where she can view the cardinals nest in the distance as well as a variety of birds, squirrels, and even a chipmunk or two meandering across the deck.

My husband says she reminds him of me watching cooking shows.  Hmmm... I'll have to put some thought into that... or maybe not.

Added note:  I actually went through and changed some words (like the fact I sat on the sofa and not the TV) but for some reason, those changes didn't save!

Sunday Afternoon Tea

For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required... Luke 12:48

There are various words which I do not welcome in my vocabulary for they remind me of weaknesses within my very soul... like the word waiting.  I was never very good at it, although practice is making it easier (if not welcome).

Recently I've been pondering another word which I've tried to hide from, walk around, leap over, and dig tunnels through for the past forty or so years.  That word is.... shudder... limitations... the curse of the finite being.

I remember the first time I really felt the limitations of mind, body, and soul... in this case the mind.  When I was growing up, I always loved science and read about all fields of science.  I was particularly interested in space travel (probably the affect of Star Trek).

Science classes were just fine until I hit chemistry and quickly realized my lack of math skills were now in the way of my science studies.  When I say lack of math skills I mean... really lacking... my brain has never been able to wrap itself around advanced math.  Okay, I had trouble with math once we started multiplying fractions.  I had to drop out of chemistry as well as physics the next year.  Perhaps it is a good thing to make it to your high school years before hitting a brick wall because of limitations?

There were limitations along the way which came from good things happening in life... marriage and motherhood being two of them.  Although motherhood didn't stop me much until Christopher was born in my thirties.  Hubby and I took Stephanie just about everywhere with us, which is probably why she could converse quite well with adults at age six.  :)

Just as I've learned waiting is a necessary part of life as I've become older, so are limitations.  Instead of complaining about them... well, very much... I've learned to work around them.  After a winter of being a couch potato, my energy level (which is not high these days, anyway) has been abysmal as I worked to rake layers of leaves off of the raised beds in the garden.  It took two days to rake them off and I only gave a quick glance to the dead perennials needing attention in the yard... limitations!

Edith Schaeffer writes a great deal about limitations in her books.  Except she talks about the finite-ness of our lives.  For instance, she reminds us every time we choose to spend money in one area... we are choosing to not spend it in a variety of others.   Time spent in one activity automatically means there is no time for others.  (Probably the deepest subject on which she writes but what can you expect from a woman married to one of the greatest Christian theologian-philosophers of the 20th century?)  But you must admit, it makes you pause and think...

Limitations have been a source of frustration in my life as the affects of time and illness have prevailed.  There is so much more I have wanted to do that I cannot and no amount of wishing makes a difference. How I missed what I used to be able to do and that which I could accomplish.

But years ago during a quiet time, the above verse just popped out at me in a way you would not expect.  There came a peace that truly passes understanding as I felt God Himself opened my eyes to a Truth I had been missing.  For if He requires a great deal from one whom He has given much... He also is compassionate and understanding to those who are now lacking.

We can only do what we have the resources to accomplish and when there is a lack of health or finances or time or energy for whatever reason... He understands and does not expect what He does from one who is able to do more.  We do our best with what we have, never stomping our feet and giving up... but knowing full well when enough is... enough.

When we are faithful with the little, He knows and understands.  It is only when we choose to do nothing at all that we fail Him and ourselves.   If it takes two days to clear the garden beds... so be it.  If we can only pray and not go or do... so be it.  If we only have a few dollars to send to the emergency relief... so be it.  If dinner must be sandwiches and cut up veggies... so be it.

To whom much is not given... not as much is required.... and that is a source of great peace to the one who is weary or broke or ill or brokenhearted and leaning on the everlasting arms of God.  I have learned to do the best and be the best with what I have been given and not fret over what I have not.

Tweaking the top of the buffet

Click on picture once to enlarge, twice to get a really good view...

Thank you so much for your kindness with comments, e-mails, and promises of prayer.  I will put unkind comments behind me and move on... writing from the heart instead of second guessing what people may read into what I'm writing.  I'm certain subconsciously I will still do that for awhile.

I read an article by a well known ministry leader recently who talked about criticism in the age of technology... how easy it is for anonymous sources to leave instant criticism that remains permanently in our minds (and others).

I took the above picture before the memory card broke.  One of my favorite ways to redecorate is to move objects around (and it is free!).  The top of the buffet needed a little something so I took the small cake stand out of the corner cabinet where it was holding a teapot and hoped it was big enough to set the little tea service on it... it was!  I think that is the sweetest teapot, creamer, and sugar bowl... a Goodwill find a couple years ago.

That buffet was an answer to prayer, some may remember when my husband brought it back from his hometown when his sister moved to a smaller apartment.  It provided both needed storage space and a place to play with seasonal vignettes.

The silk lavender was found at a garage sale when Stephanie visited two (or three?) years ago.  We happened upon a neighborhood garage sale on our way "into town" and both of us found lots and lots of wonderful items really cheap.  The lavender had been tied together to look more formal but I fluffed it up a bit.

The pink silk flowers spent the winter on my bedroom closet shelves, waiting patiently to be pulled out and admired again in spring.  Silk flowers are one of those items that cost a great deal retail but are readily available at garage sales and thrift stores in my area.  Don't they look a lot better than the old plastic flowers of my mother's generation?

The lavender azalea plant in my backyard is blooming, I wish I could take a picture for you.  I clipped some stems to put on my dining table and in the little bottles on my window kitchen sill.  The young homemaker who owned this house before us loved the color lavender (so do I).  :)

More about comments....

Cheryl left a comment about my post to clarify our financial position...

Sorry, but I agree with Beth. As someone mentioned it might be more beneficial if you put something in your bio or on the front page of your blog instead of constantly reminding that you live on a low income. Was there really a need to bring her comment to the attention of all your readers? It's like you are looking for reassurance. I feel badly for Beth for sharing an honest feeling. You previously mentioned a relative saying something too. Perhaps there is a bit of truth here?

Although you may live on a lower income, many do the same, including myself. By looking at the pictures of your home and yard, and mentions of all that you receive from friends, family, etc. (whether it be gift cards, a vacation, or help) I think you are doing better than a lot of lower-income people.

I will clarify this one last time and let it rest.   I have worked hard over the years to write and to share with readers the best I can.  I will continue to mention once in awhile we live on a limited income because... well... I don't want to sound snarky but the nice thing about blogs is we can just stop reading if something the blogger writes makes us uncomfortable.

I don't remember what I wrote about a relative saying something as none of my relatives (except my daughter and sometimes my husband and son) read my blog.  I did have former neighbors (in our old neighborhood) who thought we were rich because of the way I decorated our house.  I loved showing them what one could buy at garage sales!

I do receive gifts from friends, mostly at Christmas and a few on my birthday.  Sometimes a friend will surprise me out of the blue because they are just sweet people and not because I have asked for anything.  We are fortunate to live in an area of the country where one can purchase a house in a rural area for very little compared to the rest of the country.  Our house payment is less than what one would pay for rent "in town".  When my husband went on Disability, we qualified for a low income mortgage.

We have beautiful stuff but you must understand we've been married 30+ years and part of it is an accumulation of a lifetime (especially part of our love of thrifting and garage sales) and part of it is inherited.  Unfortunately, we have lost both sets of parents long ago and we remember both every day by the antiques which were left to us... and will go to our kids.  Some items like my mixer were purchased when my husband was still able to work as an engineer (and even then he said it was my birthday and Christmas gift for a couple years).  :)

My daughter and her husband pay for us to visit them once a year.  Partly because they are the most giving people I've ever known (and not just to us) but also because they know that with our health, we will not always be here.  Each year we make memories with the grandchildren is extremely important.  God has gifted us with the most amazingly wonderful kids.  It is cheaper for my daughter and son-in-law to pay our gas and food costs to visit them then it is for them to bring five kids here.

The books and small gifts I've been able to purchase with Amazon credit because lovely people take the time to enter Amazon through my blog is a blessing beyond anything I can say.  I want to reach out and hug each person.

The truth?  Oh, my... if I give you the truth about how little we live on then I do risk sounding like I'm asking for pity.  I need for people to understand that I have believed for years that God has allowed us to walk this path so we can help others as they find themselves in unexpected financial conditions and as I've said before... to share that you can live a beautiful life with little income.

I want people to understand that God takes care of people, that each time I put a meal on the table and gas in the car is a miracle!  Being able to purchase our house years ago was a miracle!   We lived for two different years with no income at all and it was a miracle that God brought us through in such a way we were still able to purchase this small-ish house in the country because our credit rating (while not perfect) was decent.

The only way I can keep blogging is if I don't have to second guess everything I write.  If I have to be afraid of offending someone (whether in what I say, books I recommend, or the fact I love Science Fiction TV shows) then I will no longer have the time or the energy to write.  I'm afraid that what you see is what you will continue to get.

As it is, I can't tell you how close I have come to just pulling the plug on Coffee Tea Books & Me because of comments.  Cheryl, most of the time I do not bring to the attention of others such comments.  I just delete them and go on.  But when someone questions my very reason for writing then I feel I must respond.

One of my favorite bloggers stopped allowing comments years ago because one comment ruined an important family day for her, she just could not get it out of her mind.  Remember... on my blog and on that of others... written comments have the same affect as telling someone the same thing to their face.  Am I asking for reassurance?  Of course!  There are real people writing real posts on real blogs. 

I adore the people who regularly read this blog, those I have come to know through comments, e-mails (although I am still terribly behind in responding!), and some who have their own blogs.  There are so many lovely people all over the world.   I don't want to see any readers leave but I must warn people... the blog will have to stay the same or I'll have to give it up.

The truth?  After we pay the very basic bills and our medical bills (which thankfully were reduced a great deal by the hospital), we have about $20.00 a month left over in cash and we have chosen not to use credit cards.  (We do things like pay cash for the stove when the old one stopped working and put in the raised bed garden with the money my husband earns four weeks a year at the beginning and end of semesters at the bookstore and the few handyman jobs he can find.)

That... my friends... is why my life is a miracle.   This will be the last post about comments (at least for now)...

My current favorite cookbooks

Kristi saw the little bookshelf where I keep most of my cookbooks.  Both of the pictures I'm showing today were taken in the past so the books are a little different today.  My new memory card has broken already, the old one had lasted for a year... go figure.

I gave away many of my cookbooks years ago, all of them that were more gourmet.  Just not into that these days!  I still have lots of favorites (so many purchased at library sales).  I think everyone should have a basic cookbook like the original Betty Crocker.  I still go back to it for reference.

Picture taken last year

The above red wire basket holds my current favorite cookbooks that I love to just read through (although all have recipes I have marked to try soon).  The basket now sits on the old sewing machine table.  To the right of the books (in the basket) are booklets that have great recipes.

Being a rather nosy interested person myself, I thought you might like to know my favorites that are in that basket.

Tyler Florence Family Meal is my newest fave cookbook.  I had perused it at the bookstore over the winter and I was so happy to find it at a great price on Amazon (using credit... thank you!!!).  Except for using credit for family gifts (especially for grandchildren's birthdays), it gets used for my homemaking library.

This book reminds me of Jamie Oliver's books with a concentration on fresh, local foods but the recipes are more like what I'd cook for my family (not being British and all).  It contains many delicious family friendly recipes as well as a small section of more complicated bistro style.

It also has lots of pictures, which I prefer these days.  I've tried the hummus recipe and found it easy and yummy (and healthy!).  I have his wife's meatloaf recipe marked to try as well as his recipe for grilled pizza.

I'd seen The Pioneer Woman Cooks on a lot of blogs so when Amazon had it at a very low price, I used credit to purchase it a few months ago.  I absolutely love this cookbook, the recipes are very similar to the Midwestern-southern style I grew up with.  Most are not at all expensive to make.  There has been come criticism as to the amount of fat and calories for many of the recipes but I'd say many are what I'd make for Sunday dinner or celebration meals when I know I don't want diet food.

With Ree's typical use of pictures taken in the entire process of cooking, this makes a great beginner cookbook.  I gave it to my nine year old granddaughter (hmmm... either her birthday or Christmas which are within weeks of each other) and she enjoys it.  She reads cookbooks just like Grammie.

I bought The Reluctant Entertainer with credit after bringing it home from the library and being sorry I had to take it back.  While not a cookbook exactly, it does contain many excellent recipes.  I already have a few marked to try soon... her zucchini noodles and the chocolate chip date brownies, not to mention the watermelon salad when that season comes around again... which is why it now rests in the red wire basket. 

I'm an experienced "entertainer" but Sandy's book taught me a lot that I had never thought of before.  This book is fun to read, it is like chatting with a good friend.  It would make an excellent gift for a bridal shower or a person moving out on their own for the first time... and it's surprisingly inexpensive.

I also adore The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen!   I had purchased it when it first came out but gave it to Elisabeth when she visited that year (as I said, we both love cookbooks with pictures).  I was able to purchase it again at a nice price third party at Amazon (although it is now available in paperback).   This book is a combination of recipes and vintage decorating ideas... it makes me happy.

I have the butterscotch pie recipe tagged to try, it reminds me of the pies available at our favorite cafeteria that three women in my family have loved (my mother, my daughter, and moi)... okay, the guys loved it, too.

I've had the Get-togethers with Gooseberry Patch cookbook and Coming Home With Gooseberry Patch for awhile now but I find myself constantly going back to them.  They are permanently in the red wire basket.  The pictures are vintage style and beautiful, they also make me happy.  But... in typical Gooseberry Patch style from their spiral books... the recipes are tried and true and all fairly easy... and yummy!

They are a nice combination of seasonal recipes, mostly "from scratch" but also some recipes with such shortcuts as cake mixes.  I absolutely love these two books and you'll find them on my coffee table in mid-winter when I need cheering.

It would take forever to mention all of the cookbooks that remain on my shelves but I have to say most are either there because they've been "tried and true" over the years, contain lots of recipes for herbs and vegetables, or like those in my basket... they are just fun to read when I need a pick-me-up (like the wonderful Susan Branch books!).

My cookbook collection covers over thirty years but what book have I gone back to the most?  The cookbook my in-law's Lutheran Church put together long ago... it contains many of my mother-in-law's family recipes... and since she left us in the mid-90's, I check that recipe book to see if one of our favorites is there.  :)

Pictures of my "vintage" kitchen

The red bookshelf was in my husband's boyhood room holding his favorite books.

It has been a crazy week around here with Christopher getting ready to leave for a robotics competition with a group from the University.  To miss a week of classes, he has been getting about five hours of sleep a night (arriving home around 3:00 each morning) to get homework and projects finished.

He is representing the University at the competition as the president of the national student computer organization.  Two vans will be leaving today and return next Sunday or Monday... I appreciate your prayers for safety!

I did get a chance this morning to take some pictures of my newly scrubbed and shining kitchen.  Hope you like them!

The daffodils are sitting on the little kitchen island...

My work space...

I removed a few items from the shelves and moved some around...

I love having the dish washing liquid in something pretty...

The top of my refrigerator...

I spared you pictures of the breakfast dishes in the sink!  :)

Most of the vintage items were found at garage sales and thrift shops for very little money.  Of course, the fun is in the search to find old fashioned accessories with red or yellow colors.

Sunday Afternoon Tea

For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; 

The flowers appear on the earth; 

the time of the singing of birds is come, 

and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; 

The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, 

and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell.

Song of Solomon 2:11-13 KJV

I must admit my ponderings this week were not inspired by Scripture but by the talented pen of Alexandra Stoddard.  Although my thoughts did drift from time to time to the above Scripture... how could it not?  The rains are not over but the early flowers, the singing birds, and the buds of the trees have all appeared.

Alexandra inspires us to make the rituals of our daily life as pleasant and beautiful as possible. How delightful it has been to do dishes while looking at yellow and white daffodils this week, the window open for the first time on those days it was warm enough to enjoy the breeze.  I feel the life returning to my soul in much the same way the earth is renewing in Solomon's poetry.

Like many women, the kitchen sink in my home is its' own kind of altar.  There I enjoy the hot sudsy water while washing dishes in cold weather, rinse vegetables from the garden in summer, and return often for life giving water throughout the day.

In this everyday place of rituals, it could become easy to feel bogged down with the constant work of keeping a family fed as the never ceasing cooking, baking, washing dishes, chopping veggies, washing dishes, making coffee, washing dishes... well, I think you get the idea.  I've often told Stephanie that I think my dishes reproduce on their own in the sink.  :)

Inspired long ago by Stoddard's books, the kitchen is a haven of the stuff of my life... intentionally surrounding myself with  the sights, sounds, and aromas I love.  The hot water and suds in the never ending cycle of dish washing provide aromatherapy when breathing in the scent of Seventh Generation Lavender Floral & Mint... not poured from the original squeeze bottle but from a beautiful glass carafe originally meant for olive oil.

Cooking requires a constant washing of the hands, all made lovely by the rotating aromas of Method hand washing soap... right now enjoying the aroma of sea minerals with the equally beautiful french blue color of the liquid soap

The kitchen received its' first deep spring cleaning in years yesterday with hubby performing the scrubbing of the floor and the pulling out of the refrigerator and other kitchen objects to make cleaning the floor easier.  As he scrubbed the floor, I washed the other items, the window, the shelves, dusted off canisters, and soaked nicky knacks in soapy water.  He even scrubbed the top of the refrigerator which I didn't realize was so scummy... he being the tallest in the family and the only one who can see the top of the refrigerator!  Everything is clean and fresh...

Alexandra writes about Grace Notes... those little things we can do to surround ourselves with Beauty.  I'm not the kind of person who enjoys streamlined kitchen counters.  I like to see my stuff.  Three crocks hold often used kitchen utensils, two of the crocks were rescued from my in-laws garden shed years ago. 

The oils, matching salt shaker & pepper grinder, and my two most often used Mrs. Dash seasonings all have a home in an antique wooden drawer sitting between two crocks and near the stove.  Of course, Precious (my big red Kitchen Aid stand mixer) and the cute red Kreuger coffee maker are nearby as I slice and chop on my favorite cutting board... purchased long, long ago and moved an amazing number of times.

Dishes are dried in the red dish drainer, always on the counter and ready to accept pretty vintage china as well as the often used red and green plastic plates.  The old yellow utility cart holds my Crock Pot as well as the thrifted stock pot and old granite ware colanders snuggle next to my white Goodwill electric juicer.  The red wire basket holding my most-used cookbooks now sits on the old sewing machine table next to the vintage yellow pantry. 

A delightful combination of old and new... red and yellow and deep blue... all coming together to provide the background of the necessary rituals of daily life in the heart of the home.  So thankful for writers who remind us of Beauty in our everyday rituals such as Alexandra. 

Absolutely giving praise and thanks to God that the time of the singing birds has returned again as it has for thousands of years... perhaps appreciated even more so after a long and snowy winter.

Books read in March

Thank you for your overwhelming nice comments!  I hope people realize I do have to mention we are on a tight budget once in awhile for new people.. just to make sense of what I am writing.

For instance, when I write a Deepening the Pantry post, I like to mention why I can't keep a deep pantry at this time but then write about what I do stock up on when I can (butter and TP make a strange combination, don't they???).  ;)

I'm a little late with the March reading list but here goeth...  all book titles provide a link to Amazon for further information if you click on them.

Extraordinary Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family by Condoleezza Rice

What a wonderful book!  I have been fascinated by Dr. Rice for years now and this book answers so many questions.  It begins with her writing about her grandparents and ends with her father's passing away during the Florida recount.  In between it truly is the story of her parents and how they influenced her to accomplish so much.

You do come to realize in this book how much she did long for marriage and children.

This book will especially encourage homeschool parents and all others who care deeply about education.  It is also a very good read!  I can't wait until she writes the next part of her story.  Highly recommended!

Similar book I love... Gifted Hands by Ben Carson and any of his later books.  Also, the made for TV movie Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story is very good.

While Dr. Rice's family were highly educated to begin with, Dr. Carson's mother was illiterate (although learning to read and gaining a degree later in life) but still able to encourage her boys to great things... one being one of the world's leading pediatric surgeons and the other an excellent engineer.  Both Dr. Carson and Dr. Rice grew up during the events of the civil rights movement.... Rice in the deep South and Carson in inner-city Detroit.

I Saw the Angel in the Marble by Chris & Ellyn Davis

This is one of the books I used Amazon credit to purchase, it has been on my Wish List for ages.  It will soon be sent to Stephanie to enjoy.

So many of us who homeschooled when The Elijah Company was sending out their catalog looked forward to it just for their wonderful articles about homeschooling and raising children.  This book contains many of those articles.  Since the articles were from various catalogs, each chapter is self contained making it easy to pick up and read a little at a time.

Chapter titles include: Searching For the Ancient Paths, Determining Your Child's Real Needs, Choosing Teaching Materials, Knowledge of the Holy, Creating a Learning Environment, Homeschooling Is Not About Education, Homeschool Burnout... just to name a few.  I have read that they have another book coming out soon containing more articles.

This book is excellent but you will find some articles just a little dated as there are many more resources available then there were when these were written (believe it or not... there were no blogs!).  :)

However, it is still valuable and inspiring reading... especially for homeschool parents needing encouragement... which happens by the beginning of Spring each year.

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed By a Relentless God by Francis Chan

This book has a great message, that God is "crazy in love" with you.  Pastor Chan also asks Christians if they truly love Christ and if not... why?  In the midst of much encouragement there is also a request for serious soul searching and a challenge to make Christ central in your life.  A small book with a big challenge.

Dawn's Light by Terri Blackstock

I had read books one and two in this series but when hubby brought this title home from a library book sale, I went ahead and read it... even though it is book four (and the final title in the series).  I haven't even seen book three anywhere, one of the only things I don't like about series!

This series is absolutely fascinating.  In the first book, the entire world loses electricity and society is suddenly taken back to the 19th century when no technology is available.  The story centers around one upper middle class family and how the skills needed to survive in the 21st century were suddenly worthless when there were no grocery stores, no transportation, no appliances, etc.

It was interesting seeing how the family learns to garden and provide the basics of life's necessities, the way the neighborhood and the community reacts, and most of all... how it change their relationship to God and each other.  I'm sure most libraries have Terri Blackstock's books... maybe they will even have all four in the series.  Very good and thought provoking.

Living a Beautiful Life by Alexandra Stoddard

I pulled this off the shelf to reread for the six hundredth time (more or less).   This is one of my favorite books by Stoddard and it is so full of wonderful ideas for living a life filled with beauty in all areas.

While Alexandra obviously is more affluent than most of us, she inspires us and gives so many ideas for decorating beautifully on a budget.  She reminds us it really is so much about our attitude and the art of creating beautiful rituals in those little things we do everyday... like brushing our teeth and washing dishes!

My reading right now... Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy .  Will review it next time.  :)

Am I asking for pity?

Beth left the following comment to the last post...

I enjoy reading your blog, but one thing troubles me so I must ask you...Why do you feel the need to regularly remind everyone that you are living on a fixed income? Are you seeking pity? There are many of us living on a limited income and each year the purse strings get drawn even tighter.  Beth

I thought I'd answer it since I've found if one person asks... more may be thinking the same thing.  It also tells me I've matured a lot since I first started blogging.  At one time a question like this was asked, I stopped blogging for awhile!  

I try to be careful what I share so much that when I mentioned in a blog post we depended on food pantries for part of our food, there was a comment from a new reader blasting me that I was taking food from people who needed it... another reason that I mention from time to time that we live on Social Security

My husband is on Disability after bipolar symptoms made it impossible for him to work as an engineer.  He even tried working at a Lowe's store for awhile and couldn't handle it.  His symptoms are so severe, he was accepted for S. S. Disability within months of applying (very rare).

Although I did work outside the home for many years and paid into Social Security, since I had homeschooled for ten years when the Diabetes and Thyroid disease worsened, I didn't qualify.  However, homeschooling was worth it!

In my real life human existence, I am a very private person and opening my heart on this blog does not come easily.  I've been blogging about five years now, I'll start my sixth year this summer.  Long time readers will know that the core message of Coffee Tea Books & Me has been that you can live a beautiful life on a very tight budget and I share what I've learned through the years. 

It's not at all about wanting pity...

Spring fever...

I was looking out the kitchen window yesterday when I saw the most beautiful sight... a deep red cardinal sitting on the fence, just above yellow daffodils (my favorite color combination... red and yellow).  I ran outside to take a picture and thought I'd missed the bird until I uploaded the pictures to the computer.  While not the best view... you can still see how pretty it looked.

Just waiting for warm weather...

I was able to get out to the garden yesterday for the very first time this spring, stopping by the garden shed first to pick out a rake.  I can only do a little at a time so yesterday I raked the layer of wet leaves off the garden beds.  There was the smell of fresh DIRT, a wonderful aroma after a long and snowy winter.

These beauties took me completely by surprise!

When I was taking pictures of the pretty bird, I saw the view of the deck and house which can't be seen from the window.  There were dozens and dozens of daffodils along the deck and then these beauties near the back of the house (you can tell I have yet to cut back dead perennials, too). 

The flowers had been beaten down during a hail storm a couple nights ago but they were just fine in a vase.  :)

These daffodils are white and yellow

These daffodils are two shades of yellow

Living on a fixed income (and really getting hit hard by inflation!), it is such a joy to have a house full of flowers... free!  How like our God to give us these yellow flowers when nothing else is blooming.