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?

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!

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.

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!

O Where O Where Has the Little Month Gone?

 Ah!  May has disappeared.

May typically blows by in a blur.

It is usually a roller coaster of activities and emotions

and this month was no different.

May is a month that reminds me that the plan God has for me is different than that of most others.

This reminder usually comes with tears as well as a renewed trust that God is in control.

Verses of God's goodness and His trait of only doing good become more and more dear.

May also comes with a birthday.

Hubby celebrated me with two party weekends.

We shopped for flowers for the yard and the planters.

We visited a favorite local eatery and tried a new-to-us gluten-free bakery.

Of course, we enjoyed long walks to celebrate another year of life.

We have enjoyed the local WKU campus for walks

and recently enjoyed a new greenway in Clarksville, TN.

We enjoyed our first "non-family" overnight guests this month making room for 7 extras!

We may not be related by blood, but a bond in Christ can be as strong or stronger than family bonds.

We have also seen God's protection through 2 or 3 large storms complete with a tornado in at least some part in B.G.

So I have been absent online, but am still here.

I am thankful for a God who is my strength.

I am thankful for a God who protects.

I am thankful for a God who has given another year of life.

Enjoying a Saturday

I just love this quote and the sentiment behind it.

There are many times that I am tempted to feel bad because I am not so"busy."

There are times when we hear busyness equated with great ministry and service for God.

But there is also a blessing in stillness, in quiet, in a slow pace.

There is something to be said for a quiet day with a loved one.

I shared a pleasant day with hubby today.

Some Saturdays start with early morning men's prayer meetings.

Some Saturdays have a planned wedding or party.

Some Saturdays have a to-do list as long as your arm.

Today was all "FREE."

We started the day with a run and walk at a local park.

Hubby had had a lot of travel and had not completed all his workouts,

so he ran with me today.

My interval today was a 5-minute run, 3-minute walk, 5-minute run, 3-minute walk, 5-minute run.

We finished and he enjoyed the "fitness court" while I walked some more.

Then we came home to wash the car.

Yes, even that is enjoyable with some company.

I also spent some time adding some organic matter (old plants) and potting soil to my early birthday gift.

Do you see the two new pots that will soon contain some "Sunpatiens?"

Next was lunch at Blaze - pizza and a salad.

We had the whole patio to ourselves (possibly because of the strong wind.)

Then onto Belk - a local department store that had 70% off of some great clearance items.

Then we stopped at 2 of the "ritzy" nurseries to look at plants and lawn ornaments.

We cleaned up when we got home,

enjoyed a coffee, tahini, cauliflower smoothie,

and then we enjoyed a leisurely Bible time.

It is allergy season, so we are in for the rest of the night,

but I have enjoyed a quiet day and feel refreshed by the break.

Designed for A Particular Spot

 Last Saturday, hubby built me a shelf for the Living Room.

It will house some general everyday supplies,

some throw blankets,

a plant (or 2 or 3 or ...),

and our printer which has been homeless since we moved in!

Currently, it sits in the garage waiting for a certain woman to paint or stain or stain and paint.

I think I want to experiment a little on some extra wood for a new type of finish, but we will see.

I look forward to seeing it in its new home and having the fun of decorating it.

I enjoy making my home unique and making our home meet our needs.

Do People Still Do That?

 I recently began a new homemaker project - 

and one that I never thought I would do.

I have recently taken to darning socks.

Hubby's work boots appear to "eat" socks, especially at his big toe.

For a while, the bad ones just became cleaning rags.

They were perfect for staining wood or applying polyurethane.

But, then it seemed like I was making sock purchases too often.

Hubby suggested darning the socks.

How hard could it be?

Turns out,

it is not hard.

With a doll head to keep the hole spread and some thicker thread,

the holes were soon fixed.

While it won't be my favorite pastime,

and no one will show my work as a model,

it is prolonging the life of a few socks.

We Didn't Forget to Celebrate

 As all faithful readers know,

Saturday was "Donut Day" here.

22 years ago, hubby and I shared our first date at an Italian bakery in Latham, NY.

Since then, we have celebrated each anniversary in February with a donut or two.

Sometimes, I wish that first date had been a bit healthier ... but we have made adjustments as necessary.

Donuts from the freezer section

homemade donuts

Benny's Donuts - Corvallis, OR

Groovy Gus Mini Donuts - Bowling Green, KY

Hubby was actually working out of town on Friday and Saturday.

It seems that the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisvills has slated "Donut Day" each year as one of their show dates (I guess they are not faithful readers).

I did join him at the show on Saturday afternoon with a lunch salad in hand.

He wrapped up his responsibilities around 6 pm and we headed for home.

We arrived home around 8 pm ready to clean up and relax.

Not to miss the celebration,

I prepared the "Donuts."

Due to the lateness of the evening

and some health needs,

the donuts got REALLY healthy this year.

This year, they were apple ring donuts drizzled with almond butter.

Hubby's had a drizzle of chocolate syrup too.

A couple of the "donuts" even had some unsweetened coconut flake sprinkles!

There is always a way to remember the special events.

Life may get busy.

Diets may change.

Don't forget to celebrate the ones you love!

My Favorite Gifts

 Many years ago, hubby and I stopped exchanging large physical gifts.

This is a bit hard for my hubby whose love language is physical gifts,

but I can only wear so much jewelry, right?

In their place, we gift EXPERIENCES!

We make memories together and they are my favorite gifts.

When we lived in Seattle, we attended the Messiah 3 times for Christmas.

In North Carolina, we were not able to see the Charlotte Symphony because they often performed on Wednesday nights, but we did see it once at Bob Jones University.

We made it to one performance of the Messiah by the Portland Symphony before Covid took outings like that away.

Last year, life just got away from us and the tickets were sold out before we got to them.

But this year ...

we got on it early.

We heard the Nashville Symphony this year.

Hubby bought the tickets and bought me a new dress

and we greatly enjoyed a trip into the city (our first to downtown Nashville since moving).

We also shared the night with 2 families from church.

The music of the Messiah is magnificent,

but the text ... pure Scripture praising our Savior whom we celebrate this season.

Hubby has also spent many evenings this year trying to find Christmas lights in town with me.

Downtown B.G. is lit up and tonight we will look around some neighborhoods for some more displays.

So it looks like some folks try to visit as many National Parks as possible,

and maybe I am trying to hear the Messiah at as many different cities as possible.

Maybe next year, we will try the Louisville Symphony :)

We are trying one more experince gift tomorrow.

Stay tuned ... I don't know when I will post about it,

but I will share ... I promise!

Fun Discoveries

 The past 3 months have had a lot more travel for us than usual.

About half of the time, I was traveling by myself,

but hubby made about half of the trips with me.

On one of our last trips,

we were going to need to stop for dinner.

While many people wouldn't think twice about that,

with an allergy or two, it is not as easy as stopping at any Mcdonald's.

With a lot of travel, we have also tried to limit the stops to Chick-fil-A.

So on the last trip,

hubby asked me to look around a certain exit for a gluten-free pizza place.

Well, I looked and ran across something that I knew hubby would like even better.

The restaurant was called CoreLife Eatery.

It specialized in healthy eating and balanced nutrition.

Each dish had veggies and protein and grains.

There were probiotics and prebiotics.

The dressings were hand made.

So we stopped.

It was delicious.

I revamped an Asian-inspired Sesame Ginger Tofu bowl by switching the tofu to chicken.

Hubby had a bowl that had kimchi, cabbage, and Korean Chicken.

...and we splurged for special drinks.

I LOVED the Vanilla Cinnamon Apple Fig drink that tasted like apple pie in a glass.

Hubby tried a beet lemonade that was also very good AND beautiful.

See the beets, broccoli, kale, carrots

look at that beautiful beet lemonade

So ... if you are traveling or happen to live in a town with one of these establishments ...

give it a try.  (Yes, Vestal and Indy both have one!)

I recommend ordering online so that you can see all of the options for changes and substitutions ...

and definitely try the Vanilla Apple Fig drink!

It's OK to Change it Up

 Thanksgiving 2023

This year, we did not start our Thanksgiving Day with our own personal Turkey Trot.It is a little tradition that we enjoy that prepares us for what is normally a more sedentary day.

But this year, we changed it up.

We are in a different season of life anyway,

so we removed some of the busyness of the holiday by simplifying the day.

On Wednesday,

I made a turkey.

Yes, just a turkey - no gravy, no stuffing, no mashed potatoes, not even a pie!

And today,

we trekked to the Cumberland Falls - 

also known as the "Niagara of the South."

We enjoyed turkey sandwiches outdoors with an apple and some chopped veggies.

Then we hit the trails to hike the day away.

As always, we expressed thanks to God for our family,

our health,

our friends who are like family,

and this year we were surrounded by God's beautiful creation

and were even more thankful for His power, design, and creativity.

When the Engine Breaks ...

 Visit the Giants

We were planning to take a "leaf peeping" train ride on Saturday.

That was the plan.

On Friday, we were told that our ticket price was refunded because the train engine was not working.

So, we made another plan.

Instead of driving east,

we headed north ...

to the Bernheim Forest just south of Louisville.

The arboretum is known for its "Giants" sculpted or constructed of wood.

We followed the short path to see the 3 giants

and then found a few other paths to follow and enjoy.

One path was called the Iron Ore Loop - but felt more like the Iron Man Loop.

We followed that with the Meditation Loop which was much easier.

And we ended with the Nursery Trail which also was a storybook trail (my personal favorite - who wouldn't want to read a story about a polite garden slug while enjoying a walk?)

The day was just beautiful.

While the "main attractions" were man-made,

we enjoyed the work of our Creator in the forest around us.

We enjoyed the pleasant breezes,

the warm sun,

the scent of warm pine trees and hardwood leaves,

and wandering new paths.

Take a Hike

 Saturday was solar eclipse day,

but we had a cloudy day and were not able to see it.

Saturday was also men's prayer breakfast at church.

Prayer breakfast is at 7.

So we need to leave at 6.

So we sit down to Bible study at 5.

So prayer breakfast days mean we get up like a normal work day.

Because of this, it is sometimes hard to get motivated to support it ...

... but we try to "habit stack."

We link another activity with it.

Last time we had a prayer breakfast,

hubby finished the prayer meeting and we went to the greenway right near the church.

This time, we planned to go to the Greenway in "local" Springfield, TN.

We had hiked it last year on October 15.

It was a warmer day, and I was still recuperating from surgery and lugging around a new cast.

This year, though not as sunny, was more pleasant.

The path is marked in 1/4 miles.

We hiked the 3-mile path out,

wandered Springfield a bit,

hiked the 3-mile path back,

and then enjoyed a lovely picnic lunch in the park at the trail head

(well it was lovely to be together, but it was a bit cold).

About the time we sat to eat,

it got quite dark behind the clouds,

so I think that we did experience a bit of the eclipse :)

The Scarecrow Trail

 Last year, we discovered a local fall activity.

It is not really large, but does pull a crowd.

It is a scarecrow walk.

Some local businesses get advertising by decorating a scarecrow in a theme that matches their business.

They line a local walking trail that we enjoy from time to time.

The walk started October 2 and will run through October 22.

Not knowing what else we would find to do in the coming weeks,

we visited the walk today.

It was a beautiful sunny day with temps around 65.

I think the sun warmed us a little more than that,

but it was a pleasant day for a stroll.

Here is a sampling of some of the "ads" we saw.

Parker Lord deals with industrial parts and made their scarecrows out of those parts.

I didn't know DIXIE products were made by Georgia-Pacific in Bowling Green!

This display was so traditional and celebrated fall so nicely.

Just a cute display advertising a farm that is a local venue for events.

It Just Makes Me Smile

 There are just some things that make me smile,

Recently, green grass has made me smile.

I am excited to see that the yard has filled in and is looking healthy.

It is encouraging when an investment of time and money pays off.

These little fruits - Rambutan - made me smile in the store.

They look like little little monsters or critters.

I saw them in the store ... and I just needed to try them.

They were yummy,

probably not worth the price,

but definitely an experience.

This little chubby scarecrow has been cheering me as I do the dishes.

Just a cheap Hobby Lobby trinket, a little piece of fall that makes me smile.

And of course, an essential oil for fall.

This "Autumn Wreath" oil smells like apples

and fills the house with such a pleasant scent.

When the Duds Have a Date

I am a homebody!

Truly there is no place that I would rather be.

My home is a sanctuary to me.

Because I love home so much,

we often have dates at home.

That could possibly give me the title of "a dud."

But home dates save money,

I get to bed on time,

and all of the food is gluten-free!

When we do go out on a Saturday,

we are usually home before dark to rest and to relax at home.

BUT...

On Wednesday or Thursday,

I heard that the builders of our home were sponsoring a "Symphony Stroll" in a "neighboring" town on Friday night.

(The town was about an hour and 15 minutes away.) 

The Owensboro, KY Symphony would have a few small symphonic groups performing down on the river's edge.

I asked hubby if we could go.

It might be great, it might be a bust.

He said "YES!"

We went and we were so glad that we did.

The riverfront park was simply beautiful,

we enjoyed walking along the river,

and we listened to beautiful music as the sun set and the moon rose.

It was a clear night, with a full moon

and the bridge would change colors.

An epic success!