Number 32

It is hubby's birthday. 

Thirty-two years today.

Lo-Key celebration. 

Cantaloupe smoothies for breakfast. 

Pad Thai with chicken for lunch! 

And for dinner ...

a hot dog roast followed by some marshmallows

...if the weather will allow it.

I am thankful for all life, but of course, I am particularly grateful for the mate that God planned for me. 

Fish and Chips?

Saturday was a busy and tiring day, so after two rounds of tract blitzing, hubby suggested that we go for his birthday dinner that evening instead of on the day of when he would be working anyway.  There was still work to be done around the house, but by 6:30 we were on our way to the Red Lobster.  Hubby ordered the Fish and Chips and I ordered the Popcorn Shrimp - and in honor of a birthday, we split an order of Lobster Nachos!  The waitress asked me for my side dish choice and then turned to hubby to ask for his.  Of course he replied, "I get a another side with the Fish and Chips?"  Knowing that I love rice pilaf, he ordered the rice.  When he received his meal, it was ... Fish and Rice ... no chips!  We laughed at the misunderstanding and asked the waitress to correct the problem.  She agreed to get him some chips/fries at no cost.  About that time (8:30 or 9), I had bottomed out after a few bites of shrimp, so the waitress brought me some to-go boxes and the bill.  The chips? ... well, they never appeared. 

Before you feel too bad for the birthday boy, a church friend took us for a birthday lunch on Sunday ... The Fisherman's Feast ... and there were ... FRIES!  Also, if you live in the Shelby area ... The Fisherman's Feast is better than the Red Lobster .. and a better deal!

Break

Today, I am thankful for a break from the extreme heat.  The a/c is still running today, but it is not running non-stop yet and it is 1:00!  I am also thankful that the weather is only supposed to be high 90's on Saturday when the church is doing some tract distribution throughout Shelby.  I am also thankful for an additional two piano students this week - my count is up to 6 consistent students on Monday and 2 additional probables!  God's provision is best. 

Melting!

It is another HOT day!  At last check the very uninsulated trailer was up to 88*.  I am watching a large storm roll in and so hopefully the temps will be dropping shortly.  I did not particularly help the temps in the trailer today.  I started early by baking a peach-plum pie.  Then I had to take care of a mountain of cucumbers which became pickles.  Then I had a pile of "Dry cleaning" which I do in the dryer and then ironing.  Not particularly cool activities.  No hot meal tonight ... I think it will be egg salad sandwiches!

In between things, or as I waited on projects, I have been reading a book by David Cloud entitled Dressing for the Lord.  So far it has been a good read and thought provoking.  This book is primarily concerned with women's dress styles.  So far, I surmise that he is a dress- and skirt- only promoter.  While not there yet, I think I become closer as time passes.  The book presents the opinions of men who express the effect that women's clothing has on them.  The book presents Biblical standards of modesty and separation as well.

Promises that come with Actions

Psalm 31:24

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart,

all ye that hope in the LORD.

This is an awesome promise.  I know that God keeps His promises.  He will give strength to a weary, fainting heart.  But it is reliant on my actions - taking courage and hoping in Him ... that is the hard part.  It is easy to spout in theory, but hard to practice.

Watermelon Coolers

It seems to be HOT everywhere.  Our high today is supposed to be 96* with a heat index over 100*.  I am in my cool office (the library).  We have recently discovered an easy, refreshing blended drink for these hot days.  We had one this morning with our brunch!

Watermelon Coolers

2 1/4 c frozen watermelon cubes

1/4-1/2 c water

2 T honey

2-3 T lime/lemon juice

Blend in blender and serve immediately.

Makes 2 juice glass size portions!


Update:  These are also good frozen as POPSICLES!
YUMMY!

A Pleasant Visit

Token Tourist Pose







Pictures in the Rose Gardens



A picnic before the visit



I wasn't blogging during the month of May, so on this "Thankful Thursday" I will be thankful for the time that I got to spend with my niece in the month of May.  We met her at the top of VA on May 14 and she stayed with us until May 27th.  It was a pleasant adjustment to have someone to talk with all day long.  She came to learn and practice different sewing skills and by the end of the two weeks she was much more confident in that area.  She sewed two skirts, a jumper, and a dress.  She enjoyed our "early" strawberry season knowing that she would also get to enjoy the season in NY.  We took a trip to the Biltmore (our last trip on our season passes).  She made quick friends with the girls and church which also helped her adjustment from a very busy house to a quiet little trailer.  Oh - and who could forget the fun of climbing in the trees around our little trailer.  She also got in on a little bit of tree clean-up from our spring storms (she doesn't get much of that at home with 3 brothers!)



God's Holiness

Psalm 30:4

Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his,

and give thanks at the remembrance

of his holiness.

I never realized that there was such a debate over the holiness of God versus the love of God until this past year.  It seems that some people want to emphasize God's love, but downplay His holiness.  I can see where this would be the comfortable thing to do.  If I emphasize God's love, then my sin does not look as severe for God will forgive me and love me in spite of it (which He will if I repent.)  But if I emphasize God's holiness, then the severity of my sin is real to me.  This verse jumped out at me this week.  Give thanks for His holiness.  Instead of downplaying this all-important attribute, I need to be thankful for it!

Happy Fourth!

Happy 235th Birthday, America! 

We are blessed to live in this,

the greatest nation in the world. 

We have much to be thankful for.

I am enjoying the patriotic music on a Greenville, SC radio station this morning.  I love the marches and the focus on God and country.  The traditional celebration of our nation's birthday consists of family picnics and gatherings.  Ours will be no exception.  Hubby is at work this morning while I clean and prepare food.  Then this evening we will head to church for a picnic (hopefully as the day cools).  I am thinking all things watermelon this morning.  Watermelons were on sale at the local grocery and provided the inspiration for my potluck offerings. 

Creamy Watermelon Pie

1 pkg (3 oz) watermelon jello

1/4 c boiling water

1 carton (12 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed

2 c cubed seeded watermelon

1 graham crust (9 in)

In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water.  Cool to room temp.

Whisk in whipped topping; fold in watermelon.

Spoon into crust.  Refrigerate 2 hours or until set.

*Update:  this pie was not as good as we expected. 
It was a pretty pie,
but the jello and cool whip were so much sweeter
than the watermelon that in our opinion it was not a keeper!

Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

1/4 c honey

1/4 c limeade concentrate

2 tsp poppy seeds

1 c halved strawberries

1 c cubed pineapple

1 c fresh blueberries

1 c cubed watermelon

1/4 c slivered almonds, toasted

Combine honey, limeade concentrate and poppy seeds in small bowl.

Combine fruit in serving bowl.

Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat.

Sprinkle with the almonds. 

Serve with a slotted spoon.

Update:  This was a good salad for those who like the sweet/tart blend.
And yes, it can be made with any combination of fruits.
I made my salad without the poppy seeds or the almonds.



April and June Storms

Two fierce wind storms whipped through our area in the month of April.  Supposedly they were not tornados (Though the tornado siren was sounded during both storms), but were a result of straight-line winds.  The pictures below are from the first storm.  The second storm did much of the same and claimed a few more of the beautiful, but weak, Bradford pear trees that are so beautiful in the spring. 

This tree just missed the car!

Just half a tree.  Now just a stump.

We dragged the trees into an empty lot after the first storm.  The second storm was cleaned up af the end of May.  This week we have been cleaning up at church after a storm toppled more than 1/2 dozen large trees and removed much of the roof (shingles) on the back of our church building.