I Thought I was Living in the South

It has been a long 2 weeks.

There was the dreaded buildup to a storm predicted to do ANYTHING!

Then there was the 2 days of weather activity.

And now over a week of "thawing."

"Fern" produced 3-4 inches of snow followed by an inch of ice.

The south is not equipped to handle snow, but less able to handle an inch of ice.

We discovered following this storm that we are on a "D" route for plowing.

Because of the extent of the storm, our little cul-de-sac never got plowed.

The storm started out beautifully with glistening trees.

But the novelty has worn off and I am ready to have clear sidewalks and walks outside. 

I am ready to feel the warmth of the sun and to walk outside in flip flops.

1 week after the storm (Monday 2/2)

We chipped ice rather than shoveling snow.

Tuesday 2/3

Wednesday 2/4

a little patch of road showing just at the end of the driveway

Today 2/5

Finally some clear patches on the road!

We chose the south because we like warm.

We like VERY short stints of snow, cold and winter.

I think that this is the longest stretch of snow I have seen since leaving NY in 2003 unless we have been visiting in NY.

This little episode has reminded us that we are no longer northerners.

I for one am looking forward to some 60 degree weather soon (as in next week).

We did have electricity the whole time for which we are thankful.

We are thankful for a new car that rides a little higher as we passed over LARGE ice chunks and unforgiving ice ruts in the road.

We are thankful that the greatest casualties were a bird bath and the tip of my garden shovel.

But oh the reminder of the beauty of God's creation in the snow and ice.

Oh, the reminder of His ability to stop everything with one weather event.

Oh, the reality that He is so powerful!

Keep the Way Clear

 A year ago,

our bathtub drain got stopped up.

Of course, it was while we were hosting some overnight guests.

I have many posts of "murphy's law" when we entertain!

When we could focus on the problem,

we surmised that there was probably some construction rubble in the drain.

This was a bathtub we don't use often enough to clog with hair or soap,

but there was something that completely stopped the drain.

Because of it's infrequent use, the red clay, wall mud, and any other mess just hardened to a brick in the drain lines.

As we researched how to clear it without the expense of a plumber,

Hot water was repeatedly listed as a cure and a prevention.

This led to a new Cleaning Day ritual.

On Mondays, I pour a teapot of boiling water down each drain - 

two showers and three sinks.

The drains have never been cleaner.

I never have to clean black mold from the sinks and s traps,

The pink mold in the shower scratches and drains is non-existent.

I also take the ice that is in the freezer to boil for the drains.

Why ice?

As a family of 2,

we don't go through a lot of ice.

When the icemaker backs up,

the water lines freeze and the ice maker ceases to make ice.

So 2 birds, one stone.

I keep freezer water line AND drains clear.

That's a win for me!

Back in the Saddle

In August, I was given the opportunity to return to the classroom.

I am now teaching the 3-5 year olds at church.

For months, it has been a group of  5 year olds,

but we have 2 joining us this month from the nursery.

I always enjoy the challenge of teaching and classroom control.

I love to see little people learn new things and assimilate facts.

I love to see how many different aspects of learning I can fit into the brief 30 minutes.

They are a great bunch and I am enjoying the class immensely.

I tried a new classroom trick with this bunch at the beginning to help with sitting nicely in class.

I gave each child one or two plastic coins.

I told them that they had to hide them under their feet.

If I saw them, I would take them.

Guess what?

Far less wiggles!

The idea was an adaptation of a trick that another teacher used for teaching girls to sit modestly.

She gave each girl a quarter to hold between their knees.

If the quarter did not fall,

the students could keep the quarter.

It worked for her girls,

and it worked for my wiggle worms! 

All Because it Snowed ...

 In Kentucky,

and perhaps where you are,

we are in the middle of "Snowmaggedon."

For days, the locals have been hoarding milk, bread, eggs, and toiletpaper.

When I visited the store on Thursday, it looked like a lot of folks were making BIG pots of chili

for the beans and tomato aisles were looking sparce too.

We are probably inside for a few days ...

so why not blog?

We have enjoyed watching the snowfall all day and are now listening to the mixed precipitation and freezing rain.

As the storm approached, I was reminded again of so many things that I have to be thankful for.

I am thankful to live within city limits. (GASP!)

My roads will be plowed early.

If the power goes out, it will also be restored quickly.

I am less than a mile from the highway.

I am thankful that my January snow decorations look less out of place on a snowy day.

I am thankful for an efficient home that holds heat well.

I am thankful for suburbia and a short driveway to shovel when the snow falls.

I am thankful for a gas stove.

It was not on my home "wish list,"

but if the power goes out,

I can still heat up something to eat.

I am thankful to share my home with my bestfriend.

I am thankful to be able to be "stuck" with someone I can laugh with.

I am thankful that he will do walking workouts inside with me.

I am thankful to share devotions together.

I am thankful to blog side by side.

I am thankful for a break from the norm.

I am thankful for the peace of a snowfall.

I am thankful for the beauty of God's creation 

and the show of His power when the ice "cripples" us for a couple of days.

What are you thankful for today?

How Can It Be?

 

And there's really nothing more to say ...

Time to Catch Up?

 Sometimes, when you get out of a habit, it is hard to get back to it.

So I will do a brief winter catchup to hop back in to blogging.

We celebrated Thanksgiving with family in Indiana this year.

We took the turkey and contributed a few other items 

and enjoyed seeing some of the clan that we had not been able to truly visit with for awhile.

Early in December, we took our yearly pilgrimage to hear the "Messiah."

This year we enjoyed the Louisville Orchestra in a smaller venue.

We were disappointed that it was only the Christmas portion,

but what was done was beautiful.

We also discovered a fusion restaurant with fabulous Fried Rice!

We tried another Christmas orchestra concert experience in Louisville.

This was a candlelight concert.

Unfortunately, the music was not played well and we left before it was all over.

We did enjoy the setting and made the most of our time together with a trip to PF Changs afterwards!

We enjoyed hosting our church family for a candlelight Christmas Eve service.

We were pleased that more than 60 people came -

(and we were glad that we had asked to use the church).

It was a special night and we were asked to make it a yearly tradition.

Christmas was spent at home with "family that we make."

We had a family from church who has little extended family up for the afternoon.

They joined us for our holiday walk and we played games and had a nice meal.

Continuing our trips to the symphony ...

we took in a harp and strings concert in between a few business trips this month.

The harpist was outstanding.

The first two pieces were not quite beautiful, but well executed.

The last piece was more enjoyable.

And Donut Day!

Yes, we have just passed 2/17 and we celebrated with a new donut.

We visited Parlor Doughnuts this year.

Unfortunately, their gluten-free donut was not great,

but the coffee with lavender syrup was good,

and it is always great to celebrate the day that started it all for us!

And this week, we are nursing the flu.  

It has gripped us strongly,

but God had given us a light week,

a week of snow,

and little responsibility, 

so there has been no excuse not to rest and sleep 

and rest and sleep

and rest and sleep.

Curiosity Killed the Cat ...

 ... but not me!

About a week ago, hubby and I went for a walk after dinner.

There was nothing new about that,

but the builder in our neighborhood was having a grand opening of the new Model Home.

I love seeing the latest in home designs and decorations,

so I asked hubby if we could stop in.

We took a quick tour of what they were labeling "The Barbie Home."

As you can imagine, there was a lot of pink.

It was definitely not decorated to my liking.

But, as we left, they took my contact info.

Normally I would not share this,

but technically they already have it

and I have already purchased what they are selling.

Today they called and told me I had won a $50 Amazon card.

So curiosity may have killed the cat,

but a 5-minute self-guided tour made me a few dollars!

Sweetest Day - a "step" by "step" narrative

We don't always remember,

but this year we did.

We don't always celebrate,

but this year we did.

It really didn't look much different than any other day together,

but it is fun to give it a label.

Saturday was Sweetest Day.

Hubby and I enjoyed the day together.

We started with one single lap at our favorite park (just for a few steps).

Then we headed to the downtown area for the Harvest Festival.

We wandered a few craft booths,

enjoyed the fall decorations,

and mad our way up to our favorite Cafe.

We enjoyed a huge harvest bowl - 

quinoa, sweet potato, roast chicken, apples, cranberries, pumpkin seeds.

I think we could have split one, but we didn't realize how large they would be.

We wandered town for a few more steps,

and then because hubby was such a good sport about the festival,

I bought him an iced coffee at Dunkin Donuts.

With coffee in hand,

we went down the street to another local park to walk the Scarecrow Trail.

This was our second visit this year

and our third year to attend.

As we got back to the car ...

I hit 13,000 steps - my goal!

Now to head home to just relax.

Click.

Click.

Oops!  The battery was dead.

Firestone about 3/4 mile down the road - no battery in stock.

Discount tire about 1 mile - we don't stock batteries.

We decided to trek to Walmart to get the battery.

3 miles ... one way!

We got out battery

and after a long walk back (especially for the one carrying the battery)

we were up and running!

How many steps for the day?

Well, it was my record for the year 27,000!

What a blessing that it was a beautiful day!

What a blessing that we did not go dead in a more remote location!

What a blessing that our daily workouts made that jaunt seem feasible!

It wasn't the afternoon that we expected,

but we did enoy spending the WHOLE of Sweetest Day together

and creating a new, crazy memory.

Oh!  

And hubby is going to listen to that little voice that tells him 

we must be getting close to needing a new battery.  

The old one was 6 years old this month!

Time Away

 There is nothing like time away.

Time away from the regular work of the day

(for me that means no cooking!)

Time away from the work phone ringing.

Time to enjoy something new.

Almost 2 weeks ago,

hubby and I set out on a trip north for a family wedding.

This one was in Wisconsin,

so we decided to detour on the way into Chicago.

Since hubby had been in bootcamp in that area,

he wanted to return to the Aquarium located up there.

The setting was lovely.

The weather was lovely.

Of course, the aquarium was full of marvels of creation.

We tried something new and packed a very small lunch because we did not know how long the aquarium would take.

We each carried a tuna/quinoa salad, some apple sauce, crackers, some nuts, and 2 water bottles.

It was simple, but healthy and less expensive than the aquarium offered.

We had the morning free on the morning of the wedding.

Our airbnb wasn't as fabulous as the "wedding chapel" from last August in NY,

but it was right on a walking trail,

so we walked about 6 miles - a welcome stretch after sitting in the car.

We also found a fresh, healthy restaurant in our "back yard" and walked to lunch.

Fall is almost upon us and we are looking forward to some more "explores" as the weather cools and the leaves change.

Something "Out of the BLUE"

I often blog about changing ministries.

I often remind myself and others that sometimes ministries need to change.

Sometimes ministries involve creativity.

I am not currently teaching,

I don't have an abundance of music responsibilities,

but since our time in NC, I have had a heart for college students.

 Within the next few day,

I hope that there are some very happy college students.

I organized a collection to send out boxes to 11 students and one airman.

The only stipulation was that the items had to be blue - or at least wrapped in blue.

The church came through and we filled 12 of the USPS large boxes.

The boxes were light enough that it was cheaper for me to wrap the boxes 

rather than paying the "one rate" price.

Here are 6 of the 12 boxes.

The other 6 had already been delivered to the post office.

'Tis the Season

 The weather may not be cool yet,

but when the calendar hits September,

I am ready for fall decorations.

So this past weekend in the heat and humidity,

hubby and I worked on some autumn decorations.

The neighborhood is hosting a decorating contest.

We will in no way win,

but I wanted to contribute something clean and wholesome to the darkness all around us.

We decided on trying a blend in the large pots.

mums, asters, kale, ornamental peppers, and the "tall thing"

and the browning lemon grass, pumpkins, mums, celosia, and cockscomb

A festive garland with lights above the door

and inside - the same garland with lights

When the days get shorter, we like the twinkly lights inside

From September to March we will have some sort of garland and lights around the living room window.

22

22 YEARS!

Another anniversary to celebrate.

A few years ago, I read a book that talked about how your home decorations should be more than pretty.

They should inspire discussion.

They should say something about you.

And I thought of how I might do that in our home.

This year hubby got me a decoration that fit the bill.

It tells our anniversary.

It uses Scripture.

It shows the places we have lived - independently and as a couple.

You can't see, but there are three colors - Hubby (silver), Me (rose gold), and Couple (gold)

When I look at the scattered pins,

it reminds me of all the miracles that had to occur to bring us together

and all the miracles and provisions that have occured as we added more pins together.

Happy Anniversary to my dear hubby!

And may our prayer always be ...

"...cause me to know the way wherein I should walk."

 

Manna Doesn't Come in Bulk

 I have been listening to an audiobook and was fascinated by this idea.

Manna doesn't come in bulk!

I like to know what is coming.

I like to be in charge.

I like to know that the future is secure.

I want to know that things will be done decently and in order.

I like to MAKE things happen.

But, God doesn't always work that way.

His mercies are new every morning.

He provides "daily bread."

I should be content with that.

So on this "Thankful Thursday,"

I am thankful for the blessings of today.

I woke beside a man who works hard each day.

I ate a good breakfast that strengthens me.

I woke in the protection of a cool house.

My legs carried me on my morning walk.

I may not see the month's worth of blessings,

because manna doesn't come in bulk!

Room for More

The HOA gave me a good excuse for more plants!

Recently, the HOA decided to crack down on exposed trash cans.

The bilaws say that trash cans must be inside, out back, or hidden from the road.

We often keep our trash can in the garage,

but

sometimes the heat of the summer can make the trash a little intolerable.

So hubby built me a planter / screen.

The center plant is supposed to be evergreen (or yellow) - so hopefully will still look beautiful all winter.

The side plants are red day lilies.

Since hubby built it,

I could stain it to match the garage header.

And hubby made it strong enough (and heavy enough) 

to survive any B.G. storm.

I am enjoying an overcast day with not such a crazy heat index.

It was the perfect morning for yardwork.

When the Temperature Climbs

 

By the end of the day, it is easy to be grumpy when the temperature climbs.

The day starts early so that the outside work and any baking can be done by 8 or 9.

Running and/or walking, strength workouts, yardwork can all be unsafe in the high heat of the day.

My quiet time this week has reminded me to focus on God's nature.

The Psalms are full of reminding me of His mercy, His care, His protection, His strength.

I am thankful that He is faithful regardless of the temperature.

I am thankful that when the heat "zaps" me, His strength is unchanged.

I am thankful for His provision of a cool home (even 78 feels cold after being outside).

I am thankful that hubby is no longer in a hot mechanic shop when temps are high.

I am thankful for His provision of water and cool meals.

Make it Fun

Laundry is one of those jobs that seems to never end.

Even with just two family members,

the laundry builds up quickly.

With the high temps,

it seems even more so because every workout, walk or run deems an outfit worthy of a wash

and even the good clothes can't make it beyond a day.

I use wool balls in the dryer.

They are supposed to help things dry faster.

They can add scent if you put a few drops of essential oil.

They keep the laundry from clumping up so that it dries more quickly.

My last dryer balls were falling apart,

no longer removed static,

and were just begging to be replaced.

So I added some fun to my chores.

Now these little penguins greet me when I finish a load of wash.

Doesn't that make you smile too?

 

Enter Thy Closet

Today I am thankful for quiet times

and the creation all around me.

 Some folks have to have a literal closet to have Bible Study and Prayer.

My house is usually so quiet, that I have my choice of locations.

Both today and Tuesday morning,

I chose to have my time with the Lord on the back patio.

On Tuesday morning, it was COLD as I watched the sun come up during my time.

Today it was warm with a cooling breeze as I enjoyed the shade in the afternoon.

I love being outside - 

to hear the rustle of the plants,

to hear the birds,

to watch the insects,

and repeatedly I have read this week - 

I am the LORD, there is none other

I am the LORD, there is none else

Who else is there?

Great and Marvelous is our Lord.

Who else could create such a beautiful creation?

Who else could create the beautiful sunrise?

Menu Monday ... And Another 30!

 Yes, I did complete another 30-minute "run" this morning,

but 30 refers to 30 different plants each week.

I have been reading a few different health books recently 

(Whole Body Reset and Forever Strong)

and they both are stressing a little more protein and 30 different plants a week.

Maybe that seems crazy - but the protein is needed to prevent muscle loss as one ages

and the plants help to keep the gut healthy.

So we have been trying to keep a variety of plants in the diet.

Quinoa, rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes

red pepper, yellow pepper, green pepper (yes, each pepper has different health benefits)

blueberries, strawberries, blackberries,

broccoli, radish, cucumber,

apples, peaches, bananas, grapes, cherries

chickpeas, lentils, black beans, navy beans

cucumber, tomato, carrot, celery

avocado, artichoke hearts, 

spinach, spring mix, sprouts ...

There's 31 without too much effort.

Challenge yourself this week - 

even coffee counts and herbs too!

Our lunch on Saturday knocked quite a few off the list.

We tried a "new to us" restaurant in the middle of our Saturday walk.

We also enjoyed their beautiful patio.

My bowl had quinoa, carrot, sweet potato, zucchini, summer squash, avocado, broccoli, cauliflower, greens and lemon tahini dressing.

That's at least 11 in one bowl!

This week's menu:

Fast Food Friday:  BLT's and Strawberry Milkshakes

Saturday AM: Smoothies and Seven Sundays Sunflower Cocoa Cereal

Saturday Lunch:  New Restaurant Burger & Bowl

Saturday Dinner:  Red Lentil Pasta, Sauce and Italian Sausage

Sunday AM:  Smoothies

Sunday Lunch:  Leftover Pasta

Sunday Dinner:  Eggs, turkey sausage and toast

Monday AM:  Smoothies

Monday lunch:  Quinoa Deli Salad

Monday Dinner:  Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Salad

Tuesday AM:  Smoothies

Tuesday Lunch:  Chef Salad with leftover grilled chicken

Tuesday Dinner:  Salmon, rice, Asparagus

Wednesday AM:  Smoothies

Wednesday Lunch:  Salad with chicken tenders and eggs

Wednesday Dinner:  Eggs, Turkey Sausage, Toast

Thursday AM:  Smoothies

Thursday Lunch:  Green goddess Salad with shrimp

    Thursday Dinner:  Beans and Rice

Friday AM:  Smoothies

Friday Lunch:  Perfect Burger or Sardines

What's 30 Minutes?

30 Minutes!

It can be a "lifetime" or it can be a "blink of an eye."

To me, public speaking for 30 minutes is a lifetime (at least in front of adults).

To me, 30 minutes of extra sleep can be a lifesaver.

30 minutes can be the time it takes to make a batch of muffins.

30 minutes can be all it takes to burn dinner.

30 minutes can be one encouraging podcast.

This week, I reached the final "week" of the couch-2-5K program for the 3rd or 4th time.

This week, 30 minutes meant 30 minutes of jogging/running with no stops.

I don't think I ran quite a 5K in that time,

but I did succeed in sticking with it.

30 minutes this week is meeting a goal.

30 minutes is an investment in my health.

And if you are interested in the challenge,

I recommend the "Just Run" app.

It is just that:

It starts at week one with simple intervals

and works to week 9 with a 30-minute run.

The app includes no music, just a simple timer and a voice to tell you when to walk or run!

Every Job is Different

 This past month, I enjoyed a refreshing perspective and reminder.

It is easy as a homemaker to lose focus.

The article I read this was based on a question posed to the writer:

Should a wife work outside of the home?

I have struggled with this when people ask what I do.

Sometimes I feel judged as lazy or undisciplined.

I have wondered if I should do more to "help" the family?

The author's answer was based on the title "helpmeet."

Should or can a "helpmeet" work outside of the home?

Her answer was simple ... and for me, encouraging!

Am I the best help for my husband if I am working out of the home?

Some wives can be the best helpmeet and have an external job.

Every time I consider an extra job, I find myself saying, 

"If I do this, hubby might have to get his own lunch."

"If I do this, hubby might have to help with ___."

Not every wife needs to research recipes for certain health needs.

Not every wife needs to exercise each day.

Not every wife needs to keep their home quite so quiet and tidy.

Every husband is different.

Therefore every couple has to answer the question for themselves.

My hubby is very independent and capable.

He is super tidy.

He can clean better than I can.

He is able to cook and follow recipes.

He could easily do many of the jobs I do,

but I can help him by doing them so that he has time to study,

to minister to others,

and even to spend more time with me.

I can do things that help him with his health and wellness goals.

So I was encouraged.

Every job is different.

Every home is different.

Every helpmeet has different work to do.

It is OK if I work at home!