Monday, April 30, 2012

Random wanderings on Monday

Random gardening is a hereditary trait.  Plant what you love where you want it to go.  Done by me, my Mom and her mother before her.  Plants are like furniture.  It's OK to move it to a new spot if it seems crowded or out of place.  Unlike furniture it may resist your move and die on you--bitter / sweet? 50/50 chance.  These are my random thoughts after gardening with my Mom. 

Glad to be home again with BW tempting me with the chase game.  I blog on.

Peaceful Monday to you.  Listen for the birds singing.  There may be a time when their music can't be heard by you.  Drink it it.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

You have a rampart

Latvia and France have now clicked on my page.  A co-owner from Bluffton Street Antiques is from Latvia so maybe it's not a coincidence.  The French folk are viewing on normal time since that's what my page is set for--if you missed that post- I tried unsuccessfully to set the time on my blog--no luck--decide to acclimate the brain and body for my trip to France--it's not yet scheduled.  Still waiting for someone to read this and give me a humanitarian award for writing about the Hooch and my garden--takers?

Inside now after a round of hellos and water on all my plants.  Re potted a couple of plants that the windstorm got last week.  They shall be happy again soon.  Attempted to make a rain barrel from an old trash can--the one the opossum ate the lid off--an old screen and a bungee cord.  Not enough bungee in that cord so I will have to resort and develop plan B--stands for Bigger Bungee. 

Bird boycott still in progress for the red bowl in the garden tub.  Maybe birds don't like red?? I'm not giving up yet.  I put fresh water out for them--little hot towel rack and some casteel soap--just kidding.  I do want them to feel welcome


(The Lord) will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
                                                                                  Psalm 91:4 (NIV)

Friday, April 27, 2012

Ruffled feathers

The front garden bird-sized tub got a makeover last night.  Now there is a beautiful red bowl adorning the ancient waterfall like $5 bargain bird bath.  One problem--I think the birds are not sure about it. 
Chirps from the crepe myrtles are---"what is she thinking??" "too glitzy for my taste", "who bathes in a red shiny bowl--too slippery" "our family has washed our feathers of dusty in concrete shallow dishes for centuries" "and they call us birdbrained". 

  I am not giving up yet.  The water is still in the bowl this morning.
   I haven't had to fill it twice before 8AM!!

Peace and unruffled feathers to all of you this wonderful last Friday of April.  Looks like rain on my garden today.



Thursday, April 26, 2012

Scandalous garden behavior

I didn't need my jacket this morning when I took BW out but since I still had on my jammies I wore it anyhow.  Please don't tell my Momma that I was in the yard--you  can not use the word "garden" with such tacky behavior--- in my pajamas.  This is evidently a huge faux pax and I make it a lot.  My neighbor is swore to secrecy about my behavior.  As a child there was a woman in my neighborhood who frequently had on her pajamas in the yard--sometimes even after lunch.  She had beautiful pjs too.  I remember dreaming I'd buy those kind one day.  They were the silky kind with lace on the pocket and big collars.  She also smoked which was pretty scandalous and cool in those days.  Plus she had a pool in her yard. Oh my, ...she had it all.  Did I mention the Cadillac? 

Back to the reality of my pjs.  They are not the Ms. A. variety so quit trying to locate my house on the Internet map for a view.  I have also been know on Saturdays to be in the yard after lunch with them still on. ( I try to stay in the back yard when I'm not in my gardening attire. Even though my pjs are much nicer than some of my gardening get-ups.)  I also don't have a pool--I do have the Hooch--a step up.

Odd the things that intrigued us as children. 

I'm listening to a bird call to me from my blueberry bushes.  He doesn't know he should be nervous about the shiny thing twirling near his head.  Rats.  My bushes are full of berries.  Maybe I will get a couple on my cereal this year. 

Peace to you on this last Thursday of April.

One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got into my pajamas I'll never know.
Groucho Marx

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Beautiful day in the neighborhood

There is a strong singer trying to get that sun up outside.  Wants to show off those feathers.  Probably one that got them washed in the front garden tub last evening.  Maybe trying to wake me to put some water in their basin.  Spruce up their Wednesday look.

Scripture this morning, "love God, love your neighbor as well as you love yourself."  The morning of reflecting, reading, connecting, praying, garden wandering, allows me to give away better love during the day to the neighbors I'm meeting.

Mr. Rogers, "it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...would you be mine?"  Put on that sweater and your walk around shoes and get out there.

Birds with dirty feathers flock together

Tired tonight.  Watching "Dancing with the Stars".  Max is my fav no matter who he dances with.  Laura Ingles Wilder is hard to take seriously as a dancer--she needs to be rolling down a hillside of wildflowers. 

Filled my birdbath with water twice today.  Four birds came to bathe while I stood close by on the porch.  It was fun to watch.  Looked like kids running through the hose pipe on a hot day.

Have a good night.  Happy birthday to Ms.M.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Short path to a friend's house

Monday morning on the river.  Heat was blowing when I wandered down to make coffee.  Chilly on my right arm but I only have the window open a crack.  Can't really hear the birds over "Morning Joe" holding court in the den. 

Great evening last night with Ms. M.  We laughed, bemoaned throwing away "treasures", walked, and weeded--just a little.  So refreshing to my soul to spend time with a good friend.  We shall celebrate her 80th birthday tomorrow by attending a fundraiser for the Pastoral Institute in Columbus. 
               Old enough to be my mother and young enough to be my friend.

This is a recent frolic at Ball Ground, GA at Gibbs Gardens.  We are the ones in the hats.




Peaceful Monday to all. 

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Rollin on the river

Thought I'd get to meet some of y'all down the Hooch from me up close and personal last night.  Duke boy beat the slop out of me at Canasta (BW was in his lap)during that storm last night.  BW was trying to tell us something with all that vibration yesterday morning.  We humans are so dense sometimes.  I will post a picture of the Hooch later today--right now it's muddy and swift.

All flowers in the yard are now doing the happy dance.  Transplanted a hydrangea from Easter--it may explode the blooms are so full.  Its roots may be in China by now. 

Ms. Louise, my MIL, has a robin nest on her porch.  It's perched on the top of  a wreath on her window.  I  climbed in a chair yesterday to gaze at the 3 huge sleeping heads.  Mom and Dad have fast tracked their flight school applications so they can have some empty nest relief.  When we finished our visit with Ms. Louise one of the flight school candidates had his head up, leaning on the side of the nest, eyes closed, and mouth opened.  Reminded me of feeding Hedge girl in her high chair when she'd be almost asleep but wanted that last bite. 

Church is usually an indoor activity just in case this abundance of rain hasn't passed.  See you there.

Enjoy those showers of blessings.



Saturday, April 21, 2012

Laughing and playing in the garden

Our weather barometer is vibrating--it's BW--she got under the bed and wouldn't come out this morning.  Somewhere there is a thunderstorm.  She is not a fan.  She's not even playing the "catch me" game today.

Make haste to the garden before that testy weather arrives. 

My hope for your city is :

"Old men and old women will come back to Jerusalem, sit on benches on the streets and spin tales, move safely with their canes--a good city to grow old in.  And boys and girls will fill the public parks, laughing and playing--a good city to grow up in."  Zechariah 8  The Message

My view

Wanted you to see my view of the Hooch. 

Hosta, hydrangea, hope, happy garden thoughts

Our gardens are beautiful.  I don't have sweeping vistas like the magazine.  I have the wander around the yard and go --hurrah--I have 5 hostas today!! I only had 2 yesterday.  Look at those 3 super cute pink Gerber daises on really long stems.  Wow! We have tons of yellow shorty day lilies. Wait for the plethora of hydrangea blooms soon.  I'm so excited I'll be eating those gazillion blueberries on my cereal soon.  And---those devil thorny vines are nearly gone for THIS week. That's how the conversation went as Duke boy and I wandered the gardens at dusk.

Ok, I just reread that and I probably didn't say plethora--Ok, I didn't.  But isn't that a great word.  It seems a shame to only use it when referring to weeds. Actually, I didn't say "we" on the day lilies--I said "you" .  Those are HIS! A gift from a member of a previous church. 

 If the rain holds off we shall be out there tomorrow moving around the things we planned tonight while having a brag fest about our garden on the patio. 

Gardeners are never bored during such beautiful weather.

Peace to all and a happy dirt digging Saturday to you.

The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Barney songs and rain--good things

My piece of the world didn't get much rain yesterday so I'm about to have to water.  When I water I have the gift for making rain.  Wear your plastic rain hat today.

 Had to fill the Parisian bird bathing facilities in the front garden last evening.  Not sure if the feathered guests splashed out all the water or if there is a level leaking spot. 

BW is snuggling with Duke boy and he is singing the "Barney song" to her.  Smiles.  No game of
" catch me" this morning for me.

Peace to all of you this day.  Thanks for your time to read my mind's wanderings.



"Don't be weary in prayer; keep at it; watch for God's answers, and remember to be thankful when they come."     Colossians 4:3 TLB

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Watching for God's answers

"The time of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord."    Act 3:19 KJV

Scripture in 3 places this morning about God's presence after awakening
                           from an unrefreshing night of worries. 

"Don't be weary in prayer...watch for God's answers..." . Colossians 4:2 TLB

The Holy Spirit speaks to me through scripture and other books of devotion that I try to surround myself with in the morning before gardening.  Until I surround my back garden with lights solace isn't found in digging in the wee hours.  Rock Man,my neighbor, will have trouble sleeping then too if I resort to such pursuits.

"...Don't get discouraged.  God, your God, is with you every step you take."
                                     Joshua 1:9  The Message

Time for breakfast now with my calmer spirit.  Peace be unto thee this wondrous Wednesday.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Looking in the wrong place for brightness?

If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives.  
                                     2 Corinthians 4: 10 or so  The Message

Having an unadorned clay pot kind of a morning?    I am because I just wrote a brilliant paragraph and then hit the wrong button.  Gone to cyberspace ...

We are clay pots so no one will confuse us with God.  STTTTRRREETTTCCHHHHH.  Yea, me too.

In my yard the clay pots require the most water but often they hold some of most beautiful plants.  hmm?
                            Can be used with cracks in them
 make great shards for holding in the dirt when they are past their usefulness to hold flowers. 

Don't miss the brightness today as you go out into the world.
                         Unadorned peacefulness be unto you.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Just a quick check in before jumping in the shower to go to my paying job.  Gardening this morning was amazing---3 sets of clean, vine free, no reason to fall down unless you just lose it, stairs.  It takes 1000 steps just to water my yard...Used a pedometer this morning just for fun. 

Peace be unto you.  (from a sign on my kitchen door)

Sunday, April 15, 2012

The soul of every living thing

Duke boy & I just completed our garden tour which we do most pleasant Sunday mornings.  We have a new bird with a really strange call that we heard last night and again this morning.  He is  in a neighbor's tree so I haven't spotted him yet.  We spent yesterday digging, moving, pulling, mulching, and every other "ing" that you have to do to stay ahead of the weed invasion in springtime. 

Yes, we did level the birdbath.  We used the caveman method because if we own a level it's below "see level" in our garage.  Cave men probably dug with rocks and used force to get things level. It works.  Saturday night bird baths were on the house--actually in front of it. :)

Thanks to my new garden gloves my middle fingernail was much easier to clean last night in the shower.  Smiles to Ms. Sunny.

BW is trying to get me to play the game again this morning.  She is pouting now.  She is a tease.

Job 12:7-10 - But now ask the beasts (cattle) to teach you, and the birds of the air to tell you; or the reptiles on the earth to instruct you, and the fish of the sea to inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of God has done this? In his hand is the soul of every living thing, and the life breath of all mankind.

BW encouraged me to look that one up.  Peace and love to all God's creatures.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Morning games

Little BW is playing the" lap game" with me this morning. She comes to my chair puts her paws on the cushion looking all pitiful and needing a lap---then when I go awee and go to pick her up she bolts back and gets silly and playful.  I fall for this every time.  She will play this as long as I will.  It reminds me of the "drop game" from the high chair when Hedgie girl was little.  Remember it?  Spoon on the tray, the look you get of mischief then oops--so you pick it up and then you pick it up and pick it up and pick it up --then you say- oh, this is the "drop game? 

BW has left me now because the heat kicked on.  Probably because I have the kitchen door open--I wanted to hear the birds sing.  I will let her enjoy the heat vent for a few moments before I turn the heat off. 

Duke boy is running, the birds are singing, and I'm blogging.  Time to get out and garden!!  Ms. Sunny sent me some new gardening gloves..How sweet are you!!  Thanks.  Can't remember if I blogged about wearing two left handers because the middle finger was gone from both of my pairs of righties.  I always break the right flip flop first too.  Maybe this phenomena occurs with you lefties too in the reverse?  Glad I'm just sistateered connected with Ms. S. so my manicure will last for another week.  Now on week 2.

BW is back and not happy that I'm typing and won't play the lap game again.  She knows I'm writing about her.  I know she knows because of the intent RCA dog look in her eyes.  You have to be a 50s child to know what that means.  Peace,  I will give BW a lap for a minute or two since her favorite lap is out running.

"Love is a tree, each person a branch. And a pile of cut off branches doesn’t make a tree. Love can only be comprehended in community. You need imperfect people in your life to perfect your practice of love."   from http://www.aholyexperience.com/  I don't know how to add her button to my blog or I would.  She is a very inspiring blogger.   She has lovely pictures and even a book.  Impressive.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Valley High Rocks

     Missed blogging this morning because I was in a tizzy to get to a health fair.  I'm guessing that's an oxymoron or maybe just a plain ole one. I wasn't thrilled about having to spend more morning inside on such a lovely day but after spending three hours talking with teenagers and watching them walk in groups, I was really glad I went.
      Some of them looked so grown up that I thought they were teachers and I had to ask them if they were students.  Everyone I met today was totally respectful and kind to me and their peers.  Sparky, the little fire truck dog ,was squirting people with his fire hose while pretending he was going to take their picture.  It was all very good natured fun .  Thanks Valley High for the great experience today.

1 Timothy 4:12
International Standard Version (©2008)
"Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for other believers in your speech, behavior, love, faithfulness, and purity."

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Where are my long johns?

Crashed last night after a day of feeling out of sorts.  Decided it was because of a tetanus shot on Tuesday afternoon.  I have a knot on my arm, which I will get checked out if it doesn't go down today.  Just read on "Smart as a doctor" on-line that this happens to some people.  (Not really a website--I made that up.)

I'm listening to my heat kick on.  I didn't cover my plants since I was hunting for my own comforter last night.   We've been sleeping with the windows open and a light quilt for the last couple of weeks. Our quilt, a wedding ring, made by Duke boy's momma, wraps you in just the right temperature of love for spring nights.

Hope you have a peaceful day.  I shall venture outside in my coat after the sun comes up to check out the damage from the Linsey-Woolsey britches weather, aka, the last time to need your long johns this year.

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers...don't you think he'll attend to you."  Matthew 6:29  The Message

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Hello Malaysia

Amazing how much more knowledgable I am since starting this blog.  ...I did not say smarter.  I just read about Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia--look it up.  Someone there--are you reading this?---clicked on this page.  Does that amaze you as much as it does me?  See I'm one of those who goes to our local Wal-Mart and thinks--who are all these people?? and why don't they open another check out line?
Bottom line--thanks to all of you who continue to click on this page--it's very inspiring.

Cover up all those baby plants tonight---35 degrees, really? The birds are a little quieter this morning.  Probably trying to find their sox.  I knew I hadn't bought plants yet for a reason--  paying taxes a main reason--I don't count my 3 tomato plants, my lettuce on the back porch, my zinna seed in all my pots. I NEED blooming things.  My hydrangea from church is a spectacular shade of blue with those lovely mop head blooms.  Perhaps it won't get that cold tonight???  Beware gardeners.

Ecclesiastes 3:1  to everything there is a season..  This is what happens when we get ahead of our seasons. 

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Convertible Therapy

Psalm 19 (New Revised Standard)

1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork

    That's a big ole AMEN!

Traditionally Duke boy and I take off on Easter Monday to enjoy the day.  Since he preaches when he's not cooking my meals or digging holes for me, the Lenten season is filled with activities at the church which keep him pretty busy.  Oh, don't forget March Madness--that's all that basketball stuff--it's another couple time stealer.  I've tried to enjoy basketball on TV, actually I haven't tried that hard, OK sometimes I watch the last few minutes of a game or I step in to see the score. 

Back to yesterday---we stopped and filled up the tank on the Cruiser with that solid gold fuel and set out for lunch at the Callaway Gardens Country Store.  We are still veganing so we split the Veggie Burger--I didn't eat the cheese.  Forgot to mention the top was down, the windows were up, and I had a jacket on.  After lunch the windows came down too.  What a perfect day for cruising.  The rhododendrons, native azaleas(orangy), irises, and delphiniums are gorgeous now.  We also did the short hike on the LBJ Wildflower trail.  It's a good hike if you're not disabled in any way--a few steps and up and down hill.  We learned some names of things in our yard that maybe we won't pull up next time--oops. 

Drum roll!!!!!!!!!!!!!I didn't buy a single new plant yesterday.  We stopped at THREE plant places--all our usual haunts -- and I just "looked with my eyes".  Donnie bought a peony bulb and a small pot of verbena. Please put these on your pray list.  We are lousy with both of these plants.  Of course, in our golden years I have been know to grow things from seeds.  Do NOT tell my squirrels.  They think I gave up on that idea so they don't know to come on my back porch or in the front garden anymore. 

Another great part of the day was the free passes we had to get in the gardens.  Thanks to those loyal Callaway volunteers, the Davis family.  Thanks y'all.

I couldn't make that bold go away so I went with it.  Hope all of you have a marvelous Easter Tuesday.

Easter Tidings a little late

This was too cute. This was done by my Hedgie girl. 

Monday, April 9, 2012

Let down the nets

"Master, we've been fishing hard all night and haven't caught even a minnow. But if you say so, I'll let out the nets."
                                      Simon Peter  Luke 5   The Message

It's Monday and next Monday taxes are due, I've worked hard all night in my dreams.  Time to let out the nets for another week.  The good news is I've got a couple of days off to find a buried treasure in my garage that I can put in my booth at Bluffton Antiques in Lanett for someone to take to their home and love.  On Friday I took some silver dollars to Belcher's to cash in but they were closed.  Boo hoo.  Really wanted some weekend $ since my real money was promised to taxes.  Walked just next door to Bluffton and a man was looking at the coin booth near mine.  We exchanged pleasantries and he asked me if the coins were mine.  No, but... a few moments later he was smiling about his new purchase and so was I.  Think that might have been a God moment.  Unfortunately, if burglars are reading this I don't have any more silver.  Less than 30 pieces, way less, on Good Friday. 

My garden is also calling my name today.  Duke boy and I toiled all day on Saturday.  He put 20,000 steps on his pedometer and I put a bizillion ups and downs on my garden stool.  Told Duke boy to remind me on Sunday when I mentioned the ER and possible heart attack that I'd pulled vines that Tarzan would have loved to have swung on from my flowers beds.  English Ivy or perhaps Boston, one of those, is bad news unless you have full time staff in your garden.  I'm grateful that my Sunday arm pain wasn't a heart attack because he remembered that conversation when I complained. 

                          Let down your nets...an have a fabulous and full Easter Monday.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Easter sparkle

Time for my afternoon nap.  Wonderful beautiful day with two worship services and a delicious lunch at Duke boy sister's house.  The best part of the meal was the "sparkle" cookies aka iced sugar cookies with sprinkles.  My great niece deemed them "sparkle" cookies.  She was definitely right.

Peace and love this marvelous Easter day.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Blue happy feet

I will have to keep my sox on today in the garden.  Got my toes painted robin egg blue yesterday.  Hedgie girl made fun because I'm usually opposed to colors that resemble fungus but since I only have an Easter purse and not a new frock, why not??  Hope it's warm enough to wear sandles to church. :)

Duke boy toiled in the garden yesterday and made a new bed for our Ginger lilies.  Perhaps they'll bloom this year instead of looking like untassled corn in the back flower bed.  Today maybe we can level The Chatt Pool so the diving board area will have some water.  Currently the kiddie pool is the only place for the birds to waller .  My Cardinal is a frequent guest and doesn't mind staying in the shallow end. 

Missed our  Good Friday church service because one of our nursery babies came to me before service and said "Happy Feet".  I took that video to the nursery awhile back and we play it for dancing.  I picked up her red suckered sticky self and she and I went to the nursery to see "Happy Feet" and color Noah and the Ark pictures.  Heard the service was lovely but I was "stuck" :) with great company and had a ball.

Hope all of you find some great company to be "stuck" with this lovely Easter eve day.  Find a spot on Sunday to worship and sing of the Resurrection. I tried to get all internetty and put a link to a song.  Y'all are so lucky that I couldn't figure it out.  I shall listen to Marian Anderson singing "Were you there?" and hear it before days end. 

Know that you are always welcome at Shawmut United Methodist in Valley, AL where Duke boy will be delivering a wonderful resurrection sermon tomorrow.  We meet at 11 ET.  I will be the one with the blue toes.

Friday, April 6, 2012

The Chatt Pool is open

"Bring a gift of laughter, Sing yourself into his presence."
"We're his people, his well-tended sheep. "  Psalm 100 excerpts from The Message

I was sad while looking out my kitchen window into the river garden because I was thinking how brown my azaleas are now. 
Then I went to the front door to my house garden and looked at my lovely apricot colored iris, pink Gerber daisies, and of course my leaky bird bath. 
               Whence forth it shall be called: The Chatt Pool. Sounds more inviting.

This is the time of year when it's easy to remember to "sing yourself into his presence".

Good Friday changed the world.  We are forgiven.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Warbling sweet arpeggios in the Garden

I want y'all to know that from now on if you call me a "bird brain" that I won't be offended.  While I was resting on the patio yesterday listening to my birds sing I read an article in Duke Magazine , page 34,  research on birds and their songs and how it may assist in a treatment for Huntington and Parkinson diseases.  Birds brains are evidently pretty similar to ours in many ways.  DO NOT TRY TO FLY without purchasing a ticket today! I noticed evidence of this intelligence yesterday while sitting in my dining room observing a cardinal .  I believe it was trying to tell "get out of that chair and put some water in this leaky, wop sided excuse for a birdbath".  He did look like at me with his little head cocked to the side for several deeply concentration filled moments.  I am not making fun.  It was a deeply connecting moment.  Today I shall fill that leaky bath again! 

Today you are invited to worship at Shawmut UMC at 6PM as we remember Maundy Thursday.  

Listen for the songs and remember your connection through your Creator today.

"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 ."  Song of Solomon  2:12  

"Spring warblers are filling the forest with sweet arpeggios."   Song of Solomon from The Message.

I just tried to look up "the voice of the turtle" and was a little disappointed that I could only find information on rock bands and journals.  Those of you who know these things need to send me a comment on turtle noises.  Is there such a thing?  Will one talk to me on the patio soon?  I want to be prepared. 

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Gentleness on Wednesdays

Poor little BW has a terrible fear of storms.  She only weighs 14 pounds so when I felt the couch shaking I knew she was scared. (She already received a dose of anti-fright meds otherwise she'd have been running around the room jumping and panting.)   I picked her up, moved her close, covered her up, and kept my hand on her.  She calmed a little and the storm moved on.  Most of the time all that is required is a gentle loving spirit of calmness with all of God's creatures.  Please don't try this on anything uncaged at the zoo! 

Be mindful of your children, friends (spouses fall in friend category),  and others in your path today and remember to use a gentle spirit. 

My birds are singing a happy tune.  Time to take my morning walk around the gardens at Chatt-a-while.

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 1 Peter 5:7 (AMP)

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Stock up on kindling

The United Methodists crossed the Hooch yesterday to worship and eat together.  It was good.  A full sanctuary during the middle of a work day is something that is usually reserved for a funeral so it was an encouraging experience.  The opportunity to cross the river and worship with fellow Christians is available all week all over the valley.  I hope more of you will join us.  Today Duke boy is preaching at Lanett 1st UMC. 

"Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled the light."  Albert Schweitzer

John Wesley, the father of Methodism, believed we all contained a divine spark.  Perhaps that's why worship together is so lovely.  It gives us the opportunity to have our spark rekindled. 

OK, time to listen to the birds.  I hear at least 4 distinct songs.  A robin checked out the new bathing facilities in the front garden yesterday morning.  Thinking of installing a tiny heated towel rack??

Have a great day.  Go rekindle some light.



Monday, April 2, 2012

April Foolishness

Je t'aime.  ( I love you.)  Paris is so beautiful but very rainy and chilly.  Cruising on the Seine requires a coat and an umbrella.  My spirits shall not be dampened!

OK, so I am there in my mind and on the Internet.  It is on my bucket list.  I have a very deep bucket and a very shallow bank account.  Surely there is a pulpit swap in Paris where Duke boy could go?  I don't have any readers in France yet .  Russia and Germany only, so far.  A Parisian experience could be great for those of us in the fast lane for 60.  Think of the joy of living on the Hooch for the summer if you did a house swap in Paris with us? 

Back to the reality of Monday on the Hooch.  If you are a local Bluffton Street Antiques has some great goodies for those Easter baskets.  My booth (#19) even has some baskets with grass for you to fill with imaginative finds for your sweeties.  Good sermon and free lunch at First UMC of  West Point today.
Check out the Pastoral Institute at http://www.pilink.org/ for all the happening there this month. 

"Each day, and the living of it, has to be a conscious creation in which discipline and order are relieved with some play and pure foolishness. "
                May Sarton

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Hello Paris

Wahoo!  Unexpected lottery winnings have given me that trip I've only dreamed of.  Leaving tonight for Paris .  Tomorrow I plan to strut down the Champs Elysees and visit Cartier for a little bling.  Napoleon was never as decked out as I plan to be.   Most of the week will be visiting all those little shops and cafes on the Seine.  Goodbye Weigh Down Alabama and hello pastries. 

No time to write now.  Gotta pack.  Maybe I'll learn how to post pictures so I can share the joy when I return.