Monday, August 27, 2012

Cup cake truces and counting chickens

240 cupcakes came out of our oven today. 
We are still married and no one died.
 I only got one pan--24 in a pan--a little too brown--not burned.

This was the beginning of a whine on Friday.

  Give me  240 cupcakes over peeling 16 dozen  boiled eggs any day.    Some of those eggs were very resistant to being peeled.  Guess they weren't ready to give up the idea of being a chicken yet.  Counting chickens before...you know the rest of it.

Speaking of a countdown to our Tuesday fundraiser.  Duke Boy smoked 100 pounds of brisket yesterday thanks to a wonderful loaner smoker from Grills and Frills in Valley,AL.  200+ people are joining us for lunch to hear about the War Eagle wedding and to cheer on the other teams --I won't go into all the teams represented except to say Roll Tide.  The money we raise supports our Hope Fund so that counseling can be affordable.

Pray that Isaac will not harm those in his path. 

Peace to all from the Valley.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Living creatively

Live creatively, friends.  If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself.  You might be needing forgivenes before the day's out....Each of you must take responsibilty for doing the creative best you can with your own. life.
                    Selections from Galatians 6:1-5  The Message

                                       Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
                                                                 Proverbs 18:21  NKJV
This week I'm preparing for my annual fundraiser for my office.  I believe the above scripture are good wisdom for the stressfilled moments of the next few days.

The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are. 
                                          C.S. Lewis
  I express stress through lack of sleep, over eating, and bossiness.  Others have less kind words for the way I behave. I am fortunate that I live in a circle of wise friends as recommended by C.S.Lewis.  My circle has offered prayers, encouragement, reminders of how things are alway fun at these...,plus they've sold tickets, begged for door prizes, and will show up next week to help cook, decorate, serve, and clean up. 

Then it will be nap time and not even Sunday.  Hurrah!!

                                                    Jesus loves me, this I KNOW!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Back to School Emotions

I also write news articles for the local paper here in my little town or actually for the Valley--that means Chattahoochee Valley--the towns are West Point, Lanett and Valley.  I decided to share one today that I sent to the paper yesterday.  It was a big day for Hedgie Girl as she ventured into a new job. She will be great with those kids and they will all learn something new. 
Peace from the Valley.

Back to School Emotions
I have a vivid picture in my mind and in a scrapbook of my daughter’s first day of kindergarten.  She is smiling, looking adorable in her little blue jean shirt, and sparkly top. Her shoes are Velcro since we’d failed hopelessly at shoe tying 101 over the summer.  Isn’t that why God made Velcro?  She is all giggly on the ride to school which I’m thinking must indicate nerves—she really didn’t need to use hers because I had enough for both of us.  You must know that she wasn’t even going to new school.  She was going to attend a private school at our church.  My husband was the supervisor of the new headmaster.  Her teacher was also her Sunday school teacher.  Lucy loved Mrs. Daily, and so did I. 
Well, those are facts but these are the feelings:  She was just four, well, five in two weeks.  Remember this was a private school and they knew she was capable of doing well in K-5.  I only worked part time and the mornings were some of our most fun times together.  We snuggled in the bed after Daddy went to work.  We fixed breakfast and ate together food that she often served me from the Fisher Price kitchen that stood in the corner of our family kitchen. 
Just two months early Mrs. Daily had reminded me that Lucy will need to be on time every day for K-5.  Like I said earlier we were drop –ins for K-4.  When I dropped her off “on time” for her first day of K-5 she wanted to walk in by herself.  I kissed her at the classroom door.  She turned, walked in, and never looked back. 
I found my husband and had a good cry over a cup of coffee.  He has continued to comfort me over the years when developmentally I wasn’t ready for my child’s next milestone.  Where will your comfort come from this week, month, over the years as you watch your little ones venture out into the world of education? 
That same girl begins her first day at Lanett High School today…She will supervise students in the AP Distance Learning classes.  I pray that there will be other Ms. Dailys there to assist her in her new duties.  She is fortunate to have a sweet husband who helped her organize the computers in the room for the first day of school.  They make a good team.  She is excited today and probably didn’t look back as she headed out for her first day at her new school. She is a graduate of Lanett High so it’s not so new.  She most likely is wearing something sparkly.
It’s important to stay connected to family, friends, ministers, counselors as the needs of your child and your family change.  You have to stay educated while you send your little ones out to be educated.  Your job is 24/7 for a long while but you don’t have to do it alone.  
Here is that sparkley girl all grown up on her first day of school.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Napping

Never underestimate the power of a nap--especially a Sunday afternoon nap.  Mine was so wonderful that it made the sun come out !  After lunch I thought I'd have to put my head on the table and now--ah the possibilities....

Hope you are resting on this beautiful Sunday.

Peace from the Valley.

Painting--weeding--life

I am sitting again after a day of painting--priming the room.  I'm really liking that primer color!  I usually like painting but I just am not into it any more.  Not sure why.  Think it's called life--too many other things to do.
Weeding ,for instance, I did take five minutes to deal with the mayhem in my front garden.  Thought I was gonna have to call Allstate on the hummingbird vine. 

Yes, I was wrong about the cable guy. He fixed my problem--well most of them.  I can DVR again--whew. 
I just have some fuzzy pictures left upstairs.  He says those 10,000 miles of cable wire in my basement need redoing.  Too many splits.  He's going to make a suggestion to my cable company for how to fix it.  Wow-thanks. He was very nice. 


Sleep tight --watch out for those nasty bedbugs. 


Saturday, August 18, 2012

To do list while waiting for the cable people

Weeding or painting???Would love to weed but I gotta get my room painted. Duke Boy got the grass cut yesterday.  Just in time since BW was starting to get lost out there.  We've both been so busy it's been difficult to get organized.

Today I can't stray from the house again because the cable people are coming.  We'll see...as my Mom would say.  I stayed home yesterday and they didn't show.  I have the word of the woman on chat line that he will come today.  Beware of those connections with those who we only know by their first name for a few moments.  She seemed very nice.  I'm hoping this time it will work out.  Of course, the definition of insanity is "doing things the same way while expecting different results".  Here I go again. I am determined to get some things done while I wait.  Yesterday it was filling the truck with recycling and making a path for the pest control man to walk in my garage. 

OK, I will quit whining.  Go to Bluffton Street Collectibles and Antiques  in Lanett, AL and check out my new booth.  It has lots of cool stuff that you probably need in your home.   Actually the entire store has cool stuff.  Bring a large car or truck. 

Have a groovy Saturday.  Including those in the Ukraine--thanks guys. 

Monday, August 13, 2012

Mary or Martha?? and dreaming in chocolate

I have lost my list but I think China is a new viewer.  Welcome.

I've been sitting in my chair for a little bit this morning making myself settle since this week promises to be a whirlwind.  My scripture today ...Martha and Mary, I'm guessing this is a message .  I've always identified more with the Mary side since cooking and cleaning aren't in my first set of skills.  However, my weekend was more focused on my Martha side so I'm glad to renew my Mary.  Don't get scared..there was no cooking involved in my weekend... I cleaned up, set tables, and welcomed guests. 

Painting... another task this weekend.  Amazing what a fresh coat of paint does to a wall.  I'm thinking I may just go with primer.  Of course, the sun is just now coming up so I haven't really gotten a good look at the wall yet.  Notice I said "the" wall.  Most rooms have 4.  Whew.  Also 2 windows and 2 doors in this one. Watch out when you buy a bargain, lovely armoire for your dressing room.  Fruit basket turnover.

Peace to all you Mary & Martha's this weekend.  The Lord bless and keep you.
Day 1 "the great wall of Hooch"

I couldn't make myself paint over this or take it down YET!

Friday, August 10, 2012

Let's go down to the river and pray

It was wet enough here today to just step outside for a baptism  but this young man and his Daddy chose the Chattahoochee instead .  He leaves to join the Marines on Sunday.  Keep him and his family in your prayers.  The new canoe, kayak put -in steps built by our neighor, Mike Crook, gave this preacher a good place to walk folks right in.
Baptism on the Hooch today
Andrew Hall, future Marine
Donnie Erwin-Brown,current preacher


Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Joyful radiance


May the Lord bless and protect you; my the Lord's face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favor, and give you his peace.
                                             Numbers 6:24-26  The Living Bible

Isn't it great to know that the Lord's face radiates with joy because of you even when you are just too tired to try anymore? 

It's only Tuesday here and it feels like Friday already.  I'm giving thanks today for rain on the flowers, kind friends, and a loving family.  I'm counting on God's radiance over my face helping make the day a little easier.  What a gift to know that he is joyful over my face.   There is a makeup mirror at my Mom's house that  has an 8x magnifier on it.  I am rarely joyful when I use it.  Today I shall--my garden word, be mindful that God's face is radiating with joy because of me and I shall hold that image to give me peace today.

Prayers continue for the families touched by loss today in this Valley.   May they feel God's presence and peace today. 

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Courageous women and men

Posts #132 and 3004 hits.  Hope post #3000 enjoy the moments at the Olympics.

Prayers for families suffering loss this morning.  The Valley lost one of its courageous men yesterday. Amazing to watch the strength of courageous women and men during such trials. 

"help of the helpless, oh, abide with me."  Wisdom of the ages this morning from my 1892 Episcopal Protestant Hymnal.

Peace to all this day.  Thank the Lord for the blessing of rain yesterday. 

Friday, August 3, 2012

Go USA

How about our Gabby at the Olympics.  Isn't it something to watch all those girls.  They are amazingly beautiful.  Women's rowing was cool to watch too.  They need to come to the Hooch.  Might have to portage a little--isn't that what it's called when you have to carry the boat? 

Time to make the donuts this morning.  Stay as cool as possible.  It was actually breezy and pleasant on our patio last night. 

Peace and go USA.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Rainy day people

More rain songs are in order---"raindrops keep falling on my head", I know you think of Paul Newman when you hear that one.  Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.  Great movie.  Robert Redford too.  What a combo. 

"Rainy night in GA."  Hope you get to sing it again tonight, Gladys. 

Thinking of a great time at the beach a couple of years back with my mother, sister, and me at the beach.  We were walking at night singing songs from categories that we'd name.  It started with the moon because it was beautiful moonlit night and ended up who knows were. Try it next time you have a gathering.  Mom had some great songs from the 40s while my sister and I chimed in with other years.  A flashlight makes a great microphone or spotlight.  If you do a Gene Kelly on beach chairs be prepared to walk funny the next day. 

Peace and more rain please.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Emmaus to clean sweep

"Oh my goodness!"--Shirley Temple moment yesterday.  We had rain.  I didn't even bother to get my umbrella when I left the house.  Not that I had to worry about it messing up my hair--I know, I could hear some of you thinking that!  I was tempted to do a little Gene Kelly--"singing in the rain"...Wonder how many more old movie moments I can coax out of this rain theme??  I am freed from watering this morning so I have a little time to tell you how to manage your day.    OK, here goes....Wish I knew. 

I do know my scripture this morning was from Hebrews 10:24.  It stressed the importance of encouraging each other and worshipping together. Can I get an Amen?  Yesterday at the end of the day we had a shredder explosion in our office.  We had a good laugh while I was womaning the broom as I shared this Vacation Bible School story from last year.  I asked the group of they'd ever heard the word, "Emmaus"  as in Jesus' walk to.."  One precious little Southern girl said, "Yes ma'am, my momma says that about my room all the time."  We had a great laugh and didn't feel as discouraged by the event that kept us from a clean exit.  No pun intended but  I know you appreciated anyway.

Today is Wednesday. "You is kind. You is good. You is important."  The Help.  Had to get in one more movie.  I'm looking forward to the new Merle Streep & Tommy Lee Jones movie about marital therapy.  I'm really hoping the therapist doesn't come off like a dope or a violator of boundaries.  I love both of the actors and I'm hoping it'll encourage folks to call for an appointment.

By the way ---USA Gold --Women in Gymnastics--also Swimming---wahoo!

Peaceful day to you.