Wednesday Hodge Podge ... say bye to February!

It's that time of week, again!  Thank you, Joyce :-)


1.  When were you last facing an ocean? Using just ONE word, describe how you felt as you faced that ocean. 

The last time I faced the ocean was back in October; Ocean City, MD.  One word?  small

2. What are three sounds you hate to hear?

Children wheezing with asthma; very loud claps of thunder; sirens at night. 

3. This question comes to you courtesy of some real life friends. Hi real life friends! When you shop for yourself, do you try everything on in the store before buying or do you buy, try on at home, and then return what you don't like or what doesn't fit?

I do a little bit of both. Sometimes, I am just not in the mood for trying on, so I hold it up and try to judge. I can get away with this for tops but usually not bottoms. A couple of weeks ago, I got away with both!

4. February 26th is National Pistachio Day...are you a fan of the little green nut? Do you use them in cooking and baking or prefer to eat them right out of the shell?

Munch, munch, munch; salted and right out of the shell! I don't like pistachio ice cream, though. 

5. When did you last have to compromise with someone?  Were you happy to reach the compromise or slightly irritated it was necessary? 

If you're married, then you have compromised! Probably it was vacation details...do we stay in a cheap hotel where we get points or try a new place that looks great online? (last week) We were both happy! However, what type of new living room sofa do we buy? (two weeks ago)  Two big stores but couldn't find "my" color, but we really couldn't wait much longer! Honey liked the reclining sofa in the color tomato red and I was ok with it. But now we'll have to get a new rug, new curtains (already on the list) and 2 end tables :-)

6.  Have you ever written a letter to an elected official? Did you get a response?

I wrote to my state representative regarding the closure of a hospital; the only hospital in the county (where there are two ski areas and a major interstate highway.) The county to the west also had their hospital close 10 years before. He was very concerned and shared my sentiments but supposedly the #'s spoke for themselves, but that is another story....   He's a nice guy, though, and we're facebook friends. 

7. We 'March' into a new month at the end of this week...what's something on your March calendar guaranteed to make you smile?

My next encounter with an ocean :-)  See? I'm smiling already!  We're headed to the east coast for about a week, taking in the boardwalks on Virginia Beach, VA and and Ocean City, MD.  If the extended forecast does not look warm enough to us, we'll head for Myrtle Beach, SC instead. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Can't wait to find the first peek of springtime!  We'll spend about 7 - 9 days enjoying the ocean, some family and friends: 

From this ...

...to this!

Well, I'm a few days late, but ... here goes!

1.  This week marks the beginning of Lent...will you be giving something up or adding anything to your life during this season of the year?  

No to Lent. Yes to adding a day and a night away with my sweetheart.

2. The day before Lent is Shrove Tuesday... tradition states you eat pancakes on this day. In some parts of the world Shrove Tuesday is actually known as 'pancake day'. How do you like your pancakes? Or don't you? 

Real maple syrup OR hamburg gravy.

3.  I'm sure there are many, but what's one love song you really love? 

Wow!  Lets go way back to our engagement:  "Just You and Me" by Chicago


4.  What are some things you do to let others know you love them? 

Tell them! Bake, cook, buy presents or cards, too.

5.  Roses...red, pink, or do you prefer another color? Can you recall the last time someone gave you flowers? Given your choice would you like to open the door and see a dozen red roses, a dozen purple tulips, or a dozen pink peonies?

Yellow roses are my favorite but NOTHING can beat the fragrance of a dozen peonies!

6.  President's Day will be celebrated in America next Monday. Does US Presidential history and trivia interest you?  Many Presidential homes are open to the public and offer guided tours...Monticello (Jefferson's home), Mount Vernon (Washington's home), Montpelier (James Madison's home), Hyde Park(FD Roosevelt's home) and The White House (home to the sitting President) to name just a few. Of those listed which would you be most interested in touring?  Why?

I suppose the White House since so many presidents have lived there ... I really enjoyed Mt. Vernon.

7.  Are you good at keeping secrets? 

Pretty good. Better than when I was a kid! HAHA!!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I love how my husband and I celebrate Valentine's Day! We look at each other and say "I love you." ... oh, wait, we say that EVERY day!  Well, sometimes we make it an excuse to eat some candy... and once, on Valentine's Day we went to the movies and two of our three adult children tried to call us and couldn't find us at home and then called each other and got all worried that something had happened to us ....  YEAH, like, we went on a DATE, Kids!!!! 

A Repeat of a Favorite Poem

Playing In Winter 

Snowsuit stuffing
Huffing, puffing;
Boots too big for little feet

Mittened fingers;
Fuzz balls linger
at the tips where fingers meet

Scarf wrapped 'round;
Hat pulled down;
Two eyes, one nose now showing

All ready for
the opened door
to meet cold wind now blowing!

It might be 11:00 PM but it's not too late for ....

1.  Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 10th, and 2013 is the year of the snake. When did you last see a snake?  Are you okay around snakes or do they give you the shivers? 

Snakes only give me the shivers when they slither up my leg; happened once upon a time when I was about 14 years old.  Never felt it til it got past my sock....  I let a scream out of me and shook my leg so hard the snake flew off and landed across the road, bouncing once.  I didn't stick around to see if it even survived the landing.  Last time I saw a snake was autumn of 2010. It was curled up in the sun near a bale of hay. I left it alone and it left me alone, as well!

2. The color red in Chinese culture usually means good luck.  Do you believe in luck? 

No. I believe all things happen for and with a purpose. 

3. sledding-ice skating-building a snowman...if given a choice, which activity would you choose?  Which of the three have you done most recently?  

Not enough snow this year, yet, but a Snowman would be 1st on my list. It doesn't take a lot of time to make and lasts a long time ... unless there is an early spring.  Sledding is a VERY close 2nd. I've been known to just whip out our grandkids' saucer and take it for a spin down the hill by our house! You are never too old for sledding :-)  Ice skating was always a favorite but I'm a bit afraid of falling. 

 

4.  Ralph Waldo Emerson is credited as saying, "The years teach much which the days never knew."  Where have you seen this quote played out in your own life?  

I suppose lots of places, but mostly in parenthood...somewhere along the line I learned how to be a parent. One year led to another and the next thing I knew, the kids were grown up and there wouldn't be any more;  Which was too bad, because I finally had it all figured out :-) 

5. When was the last time you ate a cupcake?  

Right after Christmas. My daughter-in-love, Kristen, makes the BEST cupcakes! 

6. What's something you can't say no to?

I can't say "No." to the grace and mercy provided me by God through Jesus Christ!  I also can't say "No." if Bill wants to go out to dinner! 

7.  Are you a doodler?  

I'm a bit of a doodler but not very artistic. I used to doodle more when I was a kid.  Incidentally, my nickname as a little child was "Doodles" but it had nothing to do with drawing and everything to do with another child not being able to say my name! 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  

We're finally getting a snow storm! That's what the weatherman says :-)  I love snow and except for about 8 inches back in December and some little 1 and 2 inch squalls lately, we have had nothing to blog about!  They say at least 9 inches ... I'm hoping for a bit more. I hope my back yard and my granddaughter looks like this: 

 

Wednesday Hodge Podge to the Rescue!

1.  In the USA this coming Sunday millions will be watching as the Baltimore Ravens take on the San Francisco 49's in the Superbowl.  What was the last event you attended that could be described as super?

Well, I'm not one for big crowds of screaming people so, I think the wedding of some dear young friends this past summer can be considered a super event! Congratulations, Andrea and Tom! You guys are super in my book!

2.  Share something you're a fan of these days? 

A fan devotes time and energy to something they really like.  I'm definitely a fan of Biblical Christianity and though the question asked for "something" and several things I am adding:  marriage, parenthood and chocolate. 

3. How do you feel about wings?  In case anyone is confused, I'm talking the edible appetizer kind.  What's your preferred seasoning on a wing-hot, mild, teryiaki, sweet and sour, other?  Do you make your own or is there a favorite place you like to go for wings?   

We seldom have wings and I have never made them. However, we have a favorite restaurant in the summer time where wings are often on the appetizer menu *mouth waters* and for the most part, I like them mild...maybe a touch of honey.

4.  As long as we're talking sports today...have you followed the Lance Armstrong story?  Did you watch his interview with Oprah and if so what was your reaction to his confession and subsequent remarks?  

I did not watch Lance Armstrong's interview with Oprah, but watched news clips after the fact. What I heard left me feeling very sad, mostly for him. His confession was not with remorse. He appearance while giving this confession (what I saw of it) was one of resignation at being caught not being sorry. I understand he apologized to his charity... now nice of him. I don't make it a point to put people on pedestals and it's a good thing. 

5.  What's a question you hate to be asked?  

"Have you lost weight?"   No! I haven't! I've gained weight! If you think I look thinner now, what on earth did you think I looked like the last time you saw me!!!!   

6. The coaches in this Sunday's big game happen to be real life brothers.  Jim Harbaugh coaches the 49er's and his older brother John Harbaugh coaches the Baltimore Ravens.  Were you and your sibling(s) competitive?  In what way? Are you still?  If you're an only child how did you handle competition growing up?  

I wasn't an only child but was the youngest (by 8 years) and did not have any competition in the family. Even with a nephew the same age as me, we did not compete.  However, I did compete with the other kids in my neighborhood and we all had our strengths and weaknesses.  As little kids, I was the hula hoop champ. As a teenager, I managed to land all the baby sitting jobs... no one else wanted them, so no competition there! As a cheerleader in high school, I had to compete with many other girls. It was hard not to win a spot on the JV team as a Freshman and I cried terribly. I managed to get on as a sub for my Sophmore JV year, and also my Junior year on Varsity, finally making it to the team "for real" (3rd from the top) my Senior year.  As an adult, my only competition has been musically with a women's barbershop chorus. We had lots of fun and I don't even remember where we placed, but it wasn't near the top!

7.  What's your favorite game involving a ball and when did you last play?   

My favorite game to play would be softball and I honestly can't remember the last time I played. I think it was several years ago with my church. A bunch of us would get together on the school's diamond and play whomever showed up. Lots of fun! If one team or the other was short one, we would "loan" or "borrow" a player!  Oh... wait a minute... I forgot I played catch with my little granddaughter last summer; that should count, right?!  I think playing catch is my favorite, now....  

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Sports are important to children but I think "awarding" kids for simply being on a team is not a good idea. Awards are supposed to be special; for those who win, not for those who just participate.  A certificate is ok, but I've seen kids sports where everyone gets a little trophy... what?  No one wants to hurt a child's feelings.  Well, this is where they learn how to handle those feelings!  Not everyone wins. The incentive should be to try again next year, next week, whatever the time frame is. We should not be awarding or rewarding our children for every little thing they do. Simple praise from their coaches and the love and support of their families should suffice.  ... that is, if their families care to be involved... but that's another random thought...

It's time for Wednesday's Hodge Podge!

1. The popular saying, 'All is fair in love and war' is originally credited to English writer John Lyly. Is he right?

I've never given that quote much thought, really. The word "All" can be disturbing ... someone trying to steal away another's spouse in the name of "love" would not be fair or proper, though it is done all the time. It would appear this problem has been around for a long time, though... War is something that involves death and destruction and there is nothing "fair" about that.

2. Are you a cereal eater? What's your favorite kind?

Mmmmm... as I listen to my husband munch away on Frosted Mini Wheats ... :-) I believe, today, this is my favorite!

3. A five year old in Pennsylvania was recently given a ten day school suspension for talking with a friend about shooting one another with a Hello Kitty Bubble gun (the gun blows bubbles). She did not have the gun with her at school. A psychological evaluation was also ordered and the incident was recorded on her permanent record. The suspension was later reduced to two days and her parents are suing to have the incident removed from her file. Your thoughts? (If you missed the story click here for details)

I just checked on this story and it is utterly ridiculous! Water pistols and super soakers are meant to be aimed and shot at each other. If all the child did was talk about shooting it and not about killing there should have been no problem. Psych eval? That should have revealed something ... Suspension? How about some counseling instead! Even counseling sounds a bit weird to me... It's OK to have video games with shooting, TV programs with shooting, then we need to let the kids speak about it in school. They better start watching little boys when they play with their Lego Men... Really, this country needs to get a grip on what is important and makes sense at the same time. I didn't find the link to the story in the question, but here it is: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/01/kindergartner-suspended-over-bubble-gun-threat/

4. Whatever happened to_____________________________?

Uh, oh. I read an answer on another blog ... and I have "Common Sense" on my mind. If only the rest of our world, especially politicians, could have it on their minds as well.

5. January 23rd is National Handwriting Day, billed as a day to reacquaint yourself with a pen and pencil. Do you like your handwriting? Do you prefer to print or write in cursive? This date was chosen because its the birth date of John Hancock. What's the last thing you signed your name to?

I like my cursive handwriting but it begins to deteriorate in 3 - 5 sentences. I used to enjoy hand writing letters to friends, but typing is so much faster! I like to print as well. I probably won't be celebrating National Handwriting Day with a letter, though. The last thing I signed my name to was my time sheet for work. I even remember thinking that my signature looked pretty nice for the time it took! I know, I'm strange!

6. Speaking of John Hancock...ever been to Philadelphia? Do you have any desire to visit the city of Brotherly Love?

I've been there but never to sight see. I have family just outside of Philly and that was where we spent our time. I suppose it would be nice to take in Independence Hall.

7. Share something funny you've heard a child say.

I've spent the last 24 years in elementary education and raised 3 boys, too. I have a ton of funny conversations tucked away in my brain but none of them are coming to mind!

What did pop into it, was "Shishyhock" ... This was a term our oldest son used when he was barely 18 months old. The first time, we could not figure out what on earth he was talking about but whatever it was, it was on the other side of the gate that barricaded the living room from the rest of the house. "Shisyhock!" he yelled...over and over, and the emphasis would be on "hock". We had no clue. We finally took the gate down and he barreled down the hall, into his bedroom and came out with his... shoes and socks! He wanted to go next door to visit his grammy and he was in his bare feet; problem solved!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

If we can't have a good 'ol fashioned snow storm, than I will focus on Spring. It is coming. The temperatures might be in the negative this morning, but without a doubt, we WILL have warmer temperatures in the not too distant future!

Where Oh Where Did Christmas Go?

Well, so much for for my Thanksgiving post! I haven't a clue how time flew by so quickly, but flew it did! I stand in awe of my blogging friends who, even with babies bouncing all around, can still find the time to blog! Christmas has come and gone with nice memories of family gatherings; celebrating with newly engaged Kelsey and Steve! Christmas Cantata performed at Sacandaga Bible Conference that complemented their superb banquet; choral selections that enhanced a wonderful program on Christmas Eve; and one of my favorite things of the season...celebrating my husband's birthday! Every time his birthday rolls around, his mom and I get together and figure out what funny thing we can do to his cake that hasn't already been done :-) In the past we have decorated with simple things like a tiny level on top of a dancing Santa's head...to commemorate the occasion of Bill getting knocked out while helping a friend build a stockade fence...long story, funny, now, hahahaha! Oh, and there's the time we put lots of little deer all over the cake and Bill had to figure out which one was "Robo Bambi"...which was easy, 'cause just like the decoy deer for work (as the game warden) it had an antenna and it's poor little head was almost off. (The robot decoy because of an illegal hunter, the decoration because of a very sharp knife!] Let's not forget all those little deer who made a return appearance to thank the gamewarden for all his hard work the year he retired...who couldn't figure out what the tag on the back of his jacket was for ...and why he was carrying a rifle hahahaha! I'm sorry, I shouldn't laugh so hard at my own jokes but this stuff has been going on for almost as many years as we have been married! This year was more cute than funny. There was a long legged snowman holding an open Bible and a congregation of reindeer and gingerbread men :-) You see, Bill will be a guest preacher for a local church for the rest of winter and part of the spring. I am very excited for him as he loves the Lord very much and cares deeply for these people! I had the opportunuty to go with him this past Sunday since my choir at our home church was on a break. I'll get to join him about once a month. Well, that's the excitement from this neck of the woods. I would have posted a picture of his cute little cake, but all those candles made it one big blur =-O I'm adding a sentence because I see that this appears to be all one paragraph, complements of Android. *sigh*

Something Different This Year

Every year we send Christmas greetings via a card of some sort, usually with a letter that contains some pics of our family and the usual information of the goings on in our busy lives.  Occasionally we have enclosed a regular picture and one year, took the time to print cards at home using our own photographs.  This year we are bowing to peer pressure and ordering a photo card from Shutterfly. It was easy to 'create' and as not as expensive as I thought it might be.  We managed to get free shipping, so that was a plus :-)  Here's a preview: 

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

In the meantime, I'm working on a Thanksgiving post or as I may call it: A Thankful Giving post :-)

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1.  What creeps you out?

Creepy people. Every once in a while, I'll meet someone, usually a man, who simply gives me the creeps.  I'm always on guard; having had a creepy man bother me when I was little.  Fortunately, my mom was also creeped out by this man and nothing happened.  

Spiders also creep me out.  If they come in the house they are goners!  

2.  What's your least favorite candy?

I love candy!  However, if there is the slightest taste of coconut, it, too is a goner!  

3. Are you a fan of scary movies?  What's the scariest movie you've ever seen?

No!  Not sure of the name of it, but the canopy on the bed came down and smothered the woman!  

4.  What part of life confuses you the most?

Trying to understand why, when given great opportunities, some people just pass them by; choosing a life of degradation or crime instead, dragging their children with them.  

5. Pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, poppy...your favorite seed?

Sunflower seeds. Mmmm!    

6. Imagine your life ten years from today...what's changed?

I've gotten grayer, slower, thinner (wishful thinking) but will still be enjoying our adult granddaughter and our teenage granddaughter!  YIKES!  Perhaps there will be another grandchild in there somewhere, as well!  Hopefully, we'll be traveling in the winter to avoid the cold temperatures!

7.  What do you a) love most and b) like least about the Hodgepodge?

I just started up with Hodgepodge last week ... I like everything about it!  There is nothing I dislike ... except that I have to remember when it is Wednesday!  

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I didn't think anything could be worse than waiting these last few weeks for the elections to be OVER; and then came Hurricane Sandy.  My heart aches for those who are suffering so.  

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I'm not sure if I was driven by laziness or fascination, but I have decided to join the Wednesday Hodgepodge Q & A bloggers. Started by Joyce from http://joyce-fromthissideofthepond.blogspot.com/, I first encountered this concept via Mary Ann at http://ajoyfulchaos.blogspot.com/ whom I admire very much, for many reasons. A few other fellow bloggers have joined and I've decided to add to the fun.

Now, sometimes, these Wednesday Hodgepodge entries can be of a serious nature, but most of the time they are lighthearted and can be quite entertaining.  This is my first attempt at answering Joyce's questions and I sure hope I have followed the rules to posting because I really don't like embarrassing myself in public :-)  Here goes:

 

1.  So, do you like beer? 
No, not really... The first sip has a unique flavor that I like but then it's gone. My husband and I chose to not drink alcoholic beverages many years ago, but occasionally he will have a non alcoholic beer and give me the first sip. He's sweet like that!

2.  What's your least favorite repetitive task? 
Hmmmm... I had to think about this one. I really dislike cleaning house in general and perhaps it would be mopping floors.  I always have a good feeling when the kitchen floor is clean, but it just doesn't motivate me to want to mop again and again!

3.  When was the last time you rode a bus?  Where was it headed? 
  Oh, boy! The last time I rode a bus was in my line of work. I substitute for teachers and teacher aides in several school districts, one of which has Pre Kindergarten where the children come in and go home on a school bus.  The aides ride in with the PM class of children since they are the only ones one the bus and each time I sub for the aides, I get to ride the school bus!

4.  What song from your childhood or from your own children's childhood could make a parent's nerves stand on end? 
Our family was one who sang a lot and our children loved to sing their camp songs all the way home from camp.  Camp was 3 hours away......   We used to have to put an end to the song, "Blind Man" even though it had great content, the tune just dragged.  We would even cringe when the young people at church would want to sing it.  Shame on us.  

5.  The US Presidential election cycle is drawing to a close (can I get an AMEN??), and the third and final debate was held last night...what was the last thing you 'debated about'?
AMEN!!!!!
My husband and just returned home from vacation and I suppose we debated about what time we should leave... actually, neither of us wanted to but we had to.  I really wanted to leave later, but ... he won.

6.  Can a person make too much money?  How much is too much?
No, I don't think a person can make too much money. As long as they are earning it legally and paying their taxes and other bills, it's no one's business how much they make, really.  How they spend it is their business, too, but I would hope those who make too much money, if it were possible, would invest wisely.

7.  Pop-soda-coke-something else...what's it called where you live?
Soda. However, we live very close to the "border" of sorts that separates the Soda from the Pop. I just learned last year that in some areas, all soda is called Coke ... I found that interesting. Good plug for Coca Cola, I suppose, but as a family we prefer Pepsi products.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Random thoughts are tough ... forces me to be somewhat creative and the creative juices have not been flowing, lately.  I wonder if a photo would be acceptable?   :-)   Our vacation was awesome! We spent time with new friends, old friends, great family and even some time alone! Alone (as in just the two of us) on Hilton Head Island, SC was my favorite time alone; very little noise, just enough people to make it friendly, the ocean water was SO warm and in the late afternoon, the pool at the resort was also warm and very inviting.  Here's our sunrise:  

School-day Sillies

A re-post from April 2011 --- I just had to...

Oh, what do you do when the sillies come

and you have to go to school?

Do you pack them in your back pack

or your lunch box to stay cool?

Do you hide them in your pocket

or sneak them in your sock?

Do you disguise them with a shirt and tie

or tape them to the clock?

Don’t let them get away from you

to go running down the hall;

and please make sure they keep their

dirty fingers off the wall.

Perhaps they’ll bring their manners

and you’ll have no need to hide

the sillies just as long as they

behave ‘til you’re outside!

Lessons Learned From Little Ones

I remembered an old lesson during a conversation the other day. Every time my friend tried to talk to an adult, her little one would say, "Mama!" or "Mama?"  My friend had mentioned this phenomenon to me earlier in the week and I simply nodded and remarked that I remembered my own doing it, and there were stories of my sister, too...but what I witnessed was an incredible show! It started with, "Mama!" Then louder, "Mama!!"  Then louder, still, "MAMA!"  Now we yank on Mama's clothing and use the word mama as a question, "Mama?" Louder, "MAMA??"   I could hardly contain myself!  Normally, she is not allowed to interrupt but if you are a mama, then you can picture this scenario. Sometimes you just get used to hearing that word: "mama!" I'm not sure how long she had been saying it but I definitely heard "MAMA" 5 or 6 times and finally, her mama stopped talking, dropped her head down to simply look at her daughter. Daughter didn't realize she now had her mama's undivided attention and continued to yank and call, "MAMA?" There was a slightly audible sigh as my friend gently stroked her daughter's head and quietly called her by name and said, "R------, what?"  "R------ stopped saying, "MAMA?", looked up at her mama and smiled...no clue remained in her pretty little head of what she wanted her mama for :-)  Every nearby mama smiled. It was Mother's Day and each one knew that this mama loved her little one and the little one knew it, too. This is the way it should be.

Today I had another opportunity today to witness mama love but no mama was present. You see, S---- is in pre-kindergarten and when asked what his favorite thing to do was, immediately had an answer "I like to play on the grass outside with my mommy."  He told me all about playing with "Mommy" and drew a nice picture in his journal where I helped him write his sentence. He circled his 'high frequency words', "I", "to", "on", and "the" and I went on to the next child at his table of little friends. Some time later, while sitting on the carpet area of the classroom, waiting for children to settle down, S----, with a happy little face, asked me, "Do you know mommy loves me?"  I could feel my smile spreading from my lips to my cheeks to my eyes and beyond..."Yes, S---- I know Mommy loves you."  He, still grinning from ear to ear, said, "You do?" I nodded my head and he nodded his.  He carries his mommy's love with him to school each day. This is the way it should be.

Thank you, ladies. You know who you are and you are setting such good examples for your children and you are the BEST role models for other mamas/mommies!

I have another blogging friend who is a new mama/mommy and I know you would like to read her latest entry. She doesn't have the time to write like she did before her little Mister was born, but she made up for it with this newest one:  http://www.themennobrarian.blogspot.com/2012/05/mommy-style-tongue-in-cheek-look-at-who.html  Thanks for the encouraging words, Monica; you are SO on your way to being one of the best moms!

Self Control and Cookies

I sit here with a package of chocolate chip cookies. This is not good. There are not many left. It was not opened just this morning, but that is small comfort. You see, I am not exercising self control. I should. I've done it before. It's expected of me. It's not like the Lord has not graciously bestowed a measure of it to me ... so what is the problem? Plain and simple. Sin. We are all afflicted and affected by it.

I am so aware of this problem because not only have I read it as part of my Sunday School class (we're in the book of Titus), but it just happened to be where my daily reading has me (Titus 2) and our discipleship class on Sunday nights is now in a new book and we are tearing apart the book of ... you guessed it, Titus! This week it was chapters 2 and 3.

Can God be any more in my face without me actually seeing him face to face? That will happen someday, but hopefully not because of my lack of self control.

Titus 2: 3 - 5 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderersor slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

Now some people would look at this and say, "oh he was talking about more than just food!" True, but I know conviction when I feel it and God was speaking to ME! Yes, I have confessed this and have asked to be forgiven so please pray with me to this end: That I not cave in to delicious food just to delight my palate, but to nourish my body and enjoy the experience. That's a tall order for all of us; you to pray for me and me to practice self control.

Now that I have so many to be accountable to, it may be easier or it may not but I'm now setting a visible example, and though I will be reaping the rewards of a healthier me, I will be a living testimony to my Lord ... and I want it to be a good one!

Peggy Rambles: Spring is in the Air...

...but what happened to winter? I remember last spring. It was an early spring as well, warm, wet and gave way to a summer of the same nature. Summer left us with memories of a hurricane and tropical storm a week apart that flooded our area of NY and suddenly it was autumn. Autumn was refreshingly beautiful and warm but having an early spring made me think we might have an early winter. Areas of the northeast were a bit surprised to have a foot of snow show up in October, but NY was spared. In fact, NY was spared until early December and then it didn't snow again until late in January! (We don't count the snow squalls and lake effect snows since they don't amount to much more than 4 or 5 inches) February came and almost went without much more than a few below 0 nights, when 7 inches arrived on Leap Day ... and melted within the week. March came in like a lamb and we have absolutely no idea how it's going to go out, but we have been enjoying 60 and 70 degree temperatures and it isn't even spring, yet! Spring arrives tomorrow but we've been enjoying it for several weeks, now :-)

The end of winter always brings certain obligatory rituals. We took our "Let's Find Spring" trip to Virginia Beach and we found it right on the beach were the air temp was 75 and the water temp was ... oh ... around 50, but we splashed in it anyway! There's the makings of a bonfire out behind our house; pine limbs from our boundary pine trees, some dead trees from the tree farm and our Christmas tree that has been waiting just over the railing of the back deck where it landed when we gave it the heave ho in January. The wind this winter, though pretty strong was only a bit unkind. Walking around the tree farm today, I found the usual end of winter collection of assorted plastic bags, paper, pieces of flashing torn from our house (again) in the last big wind. I was happy to count out 67 baby trees that made it through the winter. The medium sized trees that were trimmed last summer are looking pretty good and after a good trimming this summer should be ready to sell at Christmas this coming year. The large trees are well beyond our reach as far as trimming goes but they are simply beautiful because of all the care they've had long before our purchase of this land. The flashing will have to be replaced, again.

I went searching for signs of spring in the flower beds. I was surprised that I couldn't find my crocuses. Not one single blade is showing and I don't know why. They are usually the first things awake each spring; followed by daffodils and tulips. I think I found one daffodil and the only other signs of new life are the tiger lillies that grow on the south east side of the house. I guess I'm rushing this a bit but it may have something to do with the 73 degrees today ;-)

Tomorrow will be a repeat of today ... so I need to decide: do I substitute teach or do I stay home and spring clean? This is a tough one. I don't get into the cleaning mood (or mode) very often, so perhaps I should take advantage of this sudden urge of "gotta get those windows clean" and "now that the clothesline is up, what needs airing out?" I'm almost afraid to breathe the words "clean OUT." The basement is calling me and so is the attic over the garage. Before I know it, my cleaning time here at home will be taking 2nd place to clearing time up at Grandview Mini Golf where downed tree limbs and many branches await.

Grandview Mini Golf has been a family project since our oldest son and daughter-in-law took it on a few years ago and passed it on to us at the end of 2009. It's exhausting, it's not a money maker, but it's fun! We love meeting new people and greeting old customers year after year. Last year was a bit difficult, though and then made worse by the likes of "Irene" and "Lee" leaving us a bit weary and wary. This year we will be tightening our belts by opening later in the day instead of raising prices. It seems the price of everything has gone up but not at Grandview Mini Golf!

Speaking of prices, I almost had a heart attack grocery shopping with Bill the other night. Only the two of us and we spent over $100 for about 2 weeks supply of groceries. We splurged on a jar of cashews and 3 frozen pizzas and frozen entrees for my school lunches. We still need to buy milk, butter, veggies, fruit and bread but at a discount grocery store. I'd use coupons but we usually buy store brand items. I'm back to comparison shopping like I did when the kids were little. They thought it was great to visit 3 different grocery stores and a discount "Rock Bottom Prices" store on shopping day... I'll stop here so I don't begin whining.

As a member of the music committee at church, it is my job in the month of March to find people willing to take on "special music" for our Sunday evening service. It's like pulling teeth. Bill and I sang special music for church this past Sunday evening and last week we demonstrated a "Walk Through the Old Testament." It wasn't musical but it was fun! We highly recommend it. www.walkthru.org/ Next week is taken care of by a talented friend and the first week was, too. I I'm so glad I don't have to search for volunteers but for twice a year!

Last week at Bible Club, I had the kids help me make "Trail Mix" or at least a kid version of it with M&M's, pretzels and cereal. They had to share it. It wasn't really tied to their lesson of Jesus walking on the water and I couldn't even use it to make a bridge to the reality of Salvation but they enjoyed the sharing and the eating and that was loads of fun! This week they got to act out Jesus calling the first of his disciples, telling them they could be "fisher's of men." They liked that and were very cooperative which can be difficult since Bible Club occurs after school and the last thing these kids want to be is cooped up in a building when it's sunny and 73 degrees!

I am also a substitute Sunday School teacher and though it did not sit well with another teacher/parent, I am DEFINITELY going to reward my borrowed students next week with candy. This is not a bribe... I am REWARDING them with candy if they can answer questions. Sheesh! Give this sub a break!

I've been subbing a lot at our local elementary schools this year. I really enjoy this and look forward to each day. I'm never sure what to expect because classroom dynamics can change from week to week and I never know when I'm going to get called. My biggest challenge and greatest reward has been working in Kindergarten for a friend who, between her own sickness and then the death of a parent, was out for the better part of 2 weeks. Seventeen boys and six girls and I'm still smiling :-) see? Oh, and these kids are rewarded by NOT having their name placed on the "lose recess" list.

Soon spring break will be here and before you know it, summer! Here's praying that this summer will be warm, not too wet, not too windy but just right for enjoying the great outdoors. I hope to gather my wits about me and maybe get my creative, poetic juices flowing again. If I do you'll be some of the first to know!

Happy Spring, everyone; it arrives tomorrow!

Always Interesting

A blogging friend of mine is always finding interesting things to take pictures of, write about and share with her online friends. Her latest treasure is a book of remedies that Amish have practiced over the years. She does not follow these practices or use their remedies but found the book to be very interesting and thought her readers would, too. She has a VERY interesting blog to read...a VERY interesting story to tell. I would love for you to meet her if you haven't already: http://ajoyfulchaos.blogspot.com/2012/01/giveaway.html Start at the beginning and work your way to the present. Truly a gifted writer and soon to have the first of 3 books published!

Meanwhile, I'm working on my next thought, never mind a book!

...Almost Christmas

What brings you the "Christmas Spirit?" Is there really such a thing? Some people "need" snow to "feel" Christmasy; or need to "hear" certain songs of the season. As Christians, how are we supposed to "feel" at Christmas time?

Many years ago, I found that only things that pertain to my faith in Jesus Christ really gave me anything that resembled the "Christmas Spirit." So called "Christmas Music" playing in department stores the day after Halloween doesn't cut it for me. Neither do the decorations that soon follow. Salvation Army bell ringers are annoying and I pay them to stop ringing for just a few seconds ... (kidding!)

I had a long talk with myself about the things that make up "Christmas" for my family, years past and present, prayed about them and asked the Lord to help me sort out what was for His glory and what was just for my love of the winter season. So far this is how I've been lead:

1. Writing a Christmas letter to my friends and/or designing our card = Christmas Spirit
2. Searching for the perfect tree out on our tree farm = Love of Winter
3. Organizing gifts I've purchased all summer/fall to be wrapped = Christmas Spirit
4. Checking the mailbox/side steps for online purchases that have been delivered = Christmas Spirit
5. Art projects with children at elementary schools this time of year = Love of Winter
6. School concerts; especially my granddaughter's and daughter-in-law's ...where they still sing of the birth of Jesus Christ! = Christmas Spirit
7. Choir practice; cantata performances = Christmas Spirit
8. Planning the meals/get-togethers with family - Christmas Spirit
9. Baking - Love of Winter
10. Opening cards/letters from friends - Christmas Spirit
11. Decorating the outside and inside of our home - Love of Winter

...and the winner is: Christmas Spirit, sprinkled with doses of Love of Winter - sanctioned by God through His Saving Grace, first seen by shepherds who had none of the above but left the manger praising Him; and who has blessed us here in the northeast with the winter season to be enjoyed but not worshiped.

I am reminded of the portion of a verse in Corinthinans: "and these three remain, hope, faith and love; but the greatest of these is love." We seem to focus on "love" and neglect the other two. Why? I don't know... anyone can have "faith" by definition, but the Christian faith is the only one with real "hope." No other religion can provide the hope of a happy "ever after." Some allude to the possibility of one ... if you work hard enough in this life and the next; but Christianity is the ONLY one that offers it free and clear, just for the trusting and asking. It's Biblical. It's real. It satisfies the soul as no other religion can do. I learned this years ago and hope you, dear reader, have this understanding, too.

Been riding on the coat-tails of your parents faith? Let go, step away and begin this walk on your own, right now! Find the Real Christmas Spirit that is waiting just for YOU... a personal gift from God through Jesus Christ. The very best way to celebrate Christmas! Not sure how? Message me @ppitcher@nycap.rr.com

Merry Christmas to all of you and may the light of our Heavenly Father shine upon you this holy season, reminding you of the Cost of Christmas. It cost Jesus everything so everyone, thank him right now!

Home, Sweet Home!

We had an amazing trip to Costa Rica! It was not without it's foibles ... pushing us to truly rely on God for answers since man did not seem to be coming through!

An uneventful drive to www.pillars2.com to stay with our friends, Nancy and Lamont who graciously fed us and took us to the airport after breakfast.

Our flight was on time when we arrived but by boarding time, it was obvious it wasn't going to stay that way. The plane was there and everyone had disembarked, we thought. For some reason, there were still elderly people on the plane and I'm guessing only one skycap to escort each one off? The cleaners couldn't begin their job (not that they did a very good one) until the last passenger was off... meanwhile, we waited.

Finally boarded and waited again! Then a thunderstorm delayed us and by the time we arrived to meet our plane in Atlanta, our 1 hour layover turned into a "missed our plane by 25 minutes." ... or so we thought. No one seemed to know! Our next flight wasn't even on the monitors! After MUCH discussion as to who was to blame, the airline or the weather, we were finally given hotel and meal vouchers and then they realized that our flight had never left, but was postponed til the following morning! However, even that was messed up as one person said the flight was 5:45 AM and another said 7:00 AM ... So we got to the airport 2 1/2 hours early (international flight) and found out it was a 7:00 AM flight ... we could have stayed in bed and asleep for longer than 3 hours. BIG SIGH! This was all a not so gentle reminder that "it is not about us." Many others were inconvenienced as well ... we made the most of it; making friends with a woman who spoke no English and making sure she got to her hotel and turned her over to people who spoke Spanish better than us :-)

We managed to get to our conference JUST in time for Bill to speak! He had just enough time to pull out his laptop, go over his notes, find a translator and begin. He did a very good job! He spoke on police ethics and it was well received. I spoke next with the wives of police officers, and Bill was told I was "over the top." ... I guess that means I did a good job :-)

We thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The hotel was a classic, old style but nicely maintained. www.hotelamericacr.com Great food and pleasant staff. We were on the 2nd floor. The rooms have no AC but each had a fan and open louvered windows way up high ... you needed to keep them open but then you could hear all that goes on in the hallway... and they could hear you!

While we were there on Saturday, Bill's 92 year old dad (back in the States) had the opportunity to fly to Washington, DC to see the WW2 Monument!! Richie Lindmark, a former Sunday School Student of Dad's, helped organize the local contingent and "chaperoned" the group down and back. He posted pictures on Facebook and we got to see them Saturday night. We were both in tears and found ourselves having to explain it to our friends with our limited Spanish! YIKES!

When the conference was over, we rented a car and bravely made our way out of the city of Herredia (near San Jose) and over the mountains and down the west coast along the Pacific Ocean, traveling to Quepos/Manuel Antonio National Park to www.hotelparador.com Wow!

Met with a cold washcloth for our faces and a cool passion fruit drink (non alcoholic) to sip ...we followed our bellhop to our upgraded room overlooking the monkey trail/ocean view and immediately saw the monkeys playing in the trees :-) It was raining but we didn't care! In fact, it rained all but about 6 hours for the two days we were there and we still didn't care! Good food, good music, a nice pool (for when it only misted out) and pretty neat hiking trail that was absolutely soaking wet (but we had umbrellas) and did I mention the food? We hiked down to the beach when the rain stopped for a few hours and swam in the Pacific Ocean ... warm water with cool currents (probably from all the rain) .. did I mention the food? :-)

I was concerned with all the rain; mudslides we saw on the way down ... and sure enough; we had to wait in traffic on the mountain for over 2 hours for them to clear a BIG one ... 12 ambulances left the mountain but only 3 had their lights on. We're not sure how many were hurt/ killed but he rocks were HUGE; one the size of our living room. We did not see any damaged cars, so figure only the workers were affected. Prayed a long time for these workers.

The same rain that poured on our conference and vacation is the same rain that eventually formed Hurricane Rena. We were home by then with very minor delays and a warm welcome back at www.pillars2.com a delicious supper, great company and a good night's sleep! We slept in the next morning, breakfasting with our friends and returning home later in the afternoon.

It was a great week sharing with other Christians, encouraging them in their walk with the Lord and in the Word!

Excitement!

Such plans we have! Bill will be a guest speaker in Costa Rica at a Christian Law Enforcement conference and I will have a few minutes to speak with the wives of the police officers, as well. This means we have to pack.

1. No checked baggage - we just don't want to deal with it
2. Buy new carry on for me - Bill gets the old one :-)
3. Cram stuff into every nook and crannie - I'm good at this
4. Soap the zipper on the old one to make it run smoother - Hey! It worked!
5. Sit on Bill's suitcase to close it - good thing I have not reached my desired weight
6. Find time to brush up on Espanol - Uh oh
7. Clean house so if we die no one sees how messy I really am - double Uh Oh
9. Try to figure out TSA's rules about liquids/gels/aerosols - what is my lipstick considered?
10. " " " " " - what is my deodorant " ?
11. " " " " " - what is my sun screen stick " ?
12. Wait patiently for Bill to come home from work - I'm getting antsy
13. Remember where in my gigantic bag I put the Dramamine - (_____left blank intentionally)
14. Pray for good health, good travel, open hearts and relaxing schedule - should be #1, eh?

Thank you, Lord, for this opportunity to share with other Christians in Law Enforcement and help us to be good ambassadors for You.