Oh, I love to read! I can't think of anything I would rather do than to curl up with a good book. I have been that way since I was a little girl. My parents had a set bedtime for me but I would get a flashlight and read under the covers. Nancy Drew, Hardy boys and the orange covered biographies of every famous person around. Then, of course, the Library was the source of all my books. I remember the summer the librarian recommended "A Star-Spangled Summer" -my first teen romantic book - and I read the whole series. Very tame nowadays!
In my life I have had three stages of acquiring books. First and longest - the public library. Thank you Mr. Carnegie! Then came the bookstores - Borders, Barnes & Noble and the many small independents. Unfortunately, many of them have closed. Today, I choose my books on the Kindle app of my iPad. My love of reading has not changed and it is nice to take my library wherever I can take my iPad. I will share just a couple of my favorites from the last couple of months.
"The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd. Wonderfully written and the kind of book that stays in your memory for a long time. It is the story of a young black girl who is born a slave in Savannah, Georgia and is given by her owners to their daughter of the same age. We follow the two girls as they grow into adulthood.
"The Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown. I discovered a portion of history that I did not realize existed. In Hitler's Nazi Germany, this brave and bold team of rowers represented the United States in the Olympics held in Munich. Wonde
rfully written, it covers a time in sports history that I did not know much about.
"The School of Essential Ingredients" by Erica Bauermeister. If you love cooking and interesting characters, you won't be able to put this book down. Each chapter deals with an individual character and a recipe or meal that they make in this cooking school. I can't wait to read her next book!
My love of mysteries has not changed since the Hardy boys and Nancy Drew. I manage to read as many mystery or detective novels between my other novels as I can. Some of my favorite authors are Michael Connelly, John Sanford and Daniel Silva.
Happy Reading.
Thanks to anyone who leaves comments. I love hearing from you and I like the input.
Can I Make A Difference?
Can I Make A Difference?
I'm just one person. There are so many things that are beyond my control. Each day when I read the newspaper or listen to the news, I'm overwhelmed by the enormity of the problems in our world. What's a person to do? It seems beyond my grasp.
Last Sunday, while sitting in church, an answer was presented. In our sermon, Father Sam talked about a visit he made to the National Museum of Science in Chicago years ago. He heard a talk by Buckminster Fuller, the noted architect. He was talking about ocean liners. They are so large that you cannot use a single rudder to turn them. Instead, they have three rudders. A small one that makes a small change in direction. This moves a larger rudder to make another turn which finally allows the large rudder to begin turning the liner.
Fr. Sam compared this to trying to change events in the world. We as individuals cannot change events (famine, disasters, war, etc) but we can be the small rudder which causes a minute change. That is our cause. Do not say I can't change anything. Do a small thing that you can accomplish. Be a small rudder.
Thanks to anyone who leaves comments. I love hearing from you and I like the input.
Last Sunday, while sitting in church, an answer was presented. In our sermon, Father Sam talked about a visit he made to the National Museum of Science in Chicago years ago. He heard a talk by Buckminster Fuller, the noted architect. He was talking about ocean liners. They are so large that you cannot use a single rudder to turn them. Instead, they have three rudders. A small one that makes a small change in direction. This moves a larger rudder to make another turn which finally allows the large rudder to begin turning the liner.
Fr. Sam compared this to trying to change events in the world. We as individuals cannot change events (famine, disasters, war, etc) but we can be the small rudder which causes a minute change. That is our cause. Do not say I can't change anything. Do a small thing that you can accomplish. Be a small rudder.
Thanks to anyone who leaves comments. I love hearing from you and I like the input.
The End Of A Friendship
Goodby My Old Friend
I have a friend – I've known her for many, many years. In fact we met when I was pregnant with my first child, Scott. At first we used to get together maybe every three or four years. But now she comes to visit at least every year and sometimes several times a year.
When we're together it's amazing! We stay up late at night and have all kinds of fun drinks and treats. We go out for dinner and order fancy, elaborate meals. We love to have cinnamon rolls for breakfast, greasy french fries for lunch, and of course dessert every night. My friend went with me on our cruise in January to Tahiti. She helped me sample all the different foods that they offer.
I have come to the conclusion that after a long friendship, I may need to cut this friend off. I've been working on it - I haven't returned her calls even though she calls me quite often, especially late at night. I've tried to stop any kind of communication with her and hang out with new friends. I've tried this before with mixed results. I'm hopeful that this time I can really do it.
Oh, by the way my old friend – well she's changed her name several times too. First I knew her as five pounds, then ten pounds and recently she's gone by fifteen pounds. I'm hoping to just remember her fondly and all the good times we had, but not renew our friendship again.
Wish me luck!
When we're together it's amazing! We stay up late at night and have all kinds of fun drinks and treats. We go out for dinner and order fancy, elaborate meals. We love to have cinnamon rolls for breakfast, greasy french fries for lunch, and of course dessert every night. My friend went with me on our cruise in January to Tahiti. She helped me sample all the different foods that they offer.
I have come to the conclusion that after a long friendship, I may need to cut this friend off. I've been working on it - I haven't returned her calls even though she calls me quite often, especially late at night. I've tried to stop any kind of communication with her and hang out with new friends. I've tried this before with mixed results. I'm hopeful that this time I can really do it.
Oh, by the way my old friend – well she's changed her name several times too. First I knew her as five pounds, then ten pounds and recently she's gone by fifteen pounds. I'm hoping to just remember her fondly and all the good times we had, but not renew our friendship again.
Wish me luck!
The Chocolate Caper
It began innocently enough.... a gift to the couple letting us use their condominium. My sister Meg and I were going to put together a gift basket with wine, cheese and, at my suggestion, a wonderful box of chocolates. Since Meg was getting all the food for Galveston, I offered to bring the wine and chocolates. I chose a box of 18 chocolates at Cocoa Dolce in Wichita before we flew to Galveston.
Our first night there, we had a wonderful dinner of grilled salmon, asparagus and salad. As we sat on the deck with our glasses of wine, Meg confessed she had forgotten to bring anything for dessert. After thinking about this for a short time, we both looked at the box of chocolates. "Maybe we can ease the wax seal off the box and just have one", I said! Using the knife underneath the seal, it went pretty well until a big piece of the box top came off with the seal. "Well, we can buy some glue tomorrow", said Meg We each had a piece, taking the total to 14.
All went well until a break in our bridge game the next night. We had forgotten to buy glue and we had a craving for more chocolate. Down to eight chocolates. Okay, someone (no names mentioned) had more than one. Well, to make a long story short we ended up taking the remaining chocolates back to Houston with us and finished them off.
The moral of the story is... don't expect me to bring you chocolates and really give them to you.
Galveston, Oh Galveston
Galveston, Oh Galveston. I remember that song so well!
This time I think it could have been Galveston, Windy Galveston!
Lovely condo on the beach with Charlie, Meg and Bruce.
Bruce and Meg with Sophie. Charlie and me.
Lots of bridge. Fine seafood. The best red snapper ever.
We had a wonderful time!
Then on to Houston for my eye appointment.
Back in July for surgery.
Easter Sunday, April 20th.
We were alone today as Scott and his family had to cancel their visit. Scott had to leave for Lexington and then on to Sweden. Since I had no little kids to hide Easter eggs for, I thought about hiding dog biscuits but decided maybe that was stretching Easter a bit.
We had a lovely breakfast and church service to follow at St. Matthews. Charlie and I went out to the land later in the day, and cut down a number of the small trees around the pond that were growing up. It turned out to be a very nice afternoon.
Happy Easter!
Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God.
We were alone today as Scott and his family had to cancel their visit. Scott had to leave for Lexington and then on to Sweden. Since I had no little kids to hide Easter eggs for, I thought about hiding dog biscuits but decided maybe that was stretching Easter a bit.
We had a lovely breakfast and church service to follow at St. Matthews. Charlie and I went out to the land later in the day, and cut down a number of the small trees around the pond that were growing up. It turned out to be a very nice afternoon.
Happy Easter!
Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God.
Today
Outside my window... Dark clouds are threatening. Perhaps another rain like we had early this morning. We can certainly use it! Our farm pond is slowly filling up.
I am thinking... About a friend who is going through a health crisis and sending prayers her way.
I am thankful for... My siblings. Two weeks ago all five of us were together in Green Mt. Falls Co. We had a wonderful time. So glad that family means so much to each of us.
I am wearing... My walking clothes. I took the dogs out for a nice, long walk and have never changed.
I am remembering... As a child and all while I was growing up picnicking at the rocks in the above picture. We called it Colorado's "Top of The World" and always went there for family gatherings. I think my parents discovered it in college. Sadly, when we went there this summer, it had been found by the general public and had trash and litter all around. We picked up a trash bag of litter for the picture but doubt we will return. All the magic was gone.
I am reading... In the Shadow of the Banyan. A novel about Cambodia during the time of the Khmer Rouge and is told through the eyes of a seven year old girl.
I am hoping... That the rain stays away long enough for me to play golf at six.
From the kitchen...last night I took fresh spinach and sautéed it in a little butter. Then beaten eggs topped with tomato and cheese. A yummy omelet will always make a good dinner!
One of my favorite things... having my friend Jan over. Today she came and helped me rearrange my living room to include a beautiful desk I inherited from my Mother. Jan has such a decorating sense.
From my picture journal... A Western Tanager taken by Charlie. It is the first we have ever seen in Colorado or Kansas!
Signs of Spring
On a walk with the dogs I was so happy to see the signs of spring everywhere.
Kindergartners walking durning their recess time. They all wanted to pet the dogs and wanted us to go with them on their walk.
Our most prolific Kansas Spring flower! The dandelion.
I got a good picture of the Baltimore Oriole on our feeder. We fill the feeder with grape jelly and they come to feed all day long. Their song is beautiful too!
Hope spring has come to you too!
Until next time.
Our Trip To D.C.
Brrrr... Back from D.C. and I was expecting warmer weather. After five days the dogs were excited to see us and I sure missed them. I have two shadows now as they aren't too sure about my long term stay.
We had a wonderful time on our trip and got to have dinner with a high school classmate who was best man in our wedding. I love it when you can reconnect and it seems like you pick up where you left off; no matter how much time has elapsed.
We made a special trip to Arlington to visit my cousin's gravesite. He was ahead of me in school and was always my hero. Probably because he was so nice and didn't tease me when I wanted to "hang around" the older kids. I had been to Arlington once before but this time it took on a more personal feeling. As you look across the fields of white headstones sparkling in the sun you feel almost overwhelmed. Some of the headstones are larger and they represent groups of men who died at the same time. There are also spouses and of course veterans like Johnny. That doesn't count the men and women who were returned to their hometown cemeteries. I put together this picture in Instagram and sent it Johnny's son. I thought it was a good way to show the pictures since when his family was there for the service there was no marker or sod placed.
This post took on a more somber tone so I will try to be more uplifting in the future. I will end on a lighter note. My new favorite quote: "If Dorothy can click her heels together and get to Kansas, why can't I click my flip flops together, and get to the beach?" Enough cold weather for this Kansas girl!
We had a wonderful time on our trip and got to have dinner with a high school classmate who was best man in our wedding. I love it when you can reconnect and it seems like you pick up where you left off; no matter how much time has elapsed.
We made a special trip to Arlington to visit my cousin's gravesite. He was ahead of me in school and was always my hero. Probably because he was so nice and didn't tease me when I wanted to "hang around" the older kids. I had been to Arlington once before but this time it took on a more personal feeling. As you look across the fields of white headstones sparkling in the sun you feel almost overwhelmed. Some of the headstones are larger and they represent groups of men who died at the same time. There are also spouses and of course veterans like Johnny. That doesn't count the men and women who were returned to their hometown cemeteries. I put together this picture in Instagram and sent it Johnny's son. I thought it was a good way to show the pictures since when his family was there for the service there was no marker or sod placed.
This post took on a more somber tone so I will try to be more uplifting in the future. I will end on a lighter note. My new favorite quote: "If Dorothy can click her heels together and get to Kansas, why can't I click my flip flops together, and get to the beach?" Enough cold weather for this Kansas girl!
Better Late Than Never
Just found this in my saved but not published box. We were leaving for D.C and I didn't finish it. Oh well, better late than never (: BTW still in DC. Lovely weather. On to my April post now up in May.
A new cover look for Spring! It is 9 in the morning and it is already 61 degrees. YEA! Good morning Monday.
Yesterday at church we recognized a program that our church holds every Tuesday. It is a Payee program where the volunteers write checks for bills and food expenses each week. The client's money usually comes from Social Security disability benefits. I have been a volunteer for over 12 years now and it is so rewarding. Several of my clients are college grads but at some point reached a time in their lives where they could not cope any longer. One was in in an abusive marriage but is doing well now. They all would be challenged to handle their own money. Almost all our clients are on some meds that help them make it through each day. Part of our time is spent just listening and being a friend. I am always thankful for the blessings in my life after being there. I always take Jordy, my golden lab who is a service dog. The clients love him - showering him with hugs and (ugh) kisses.
A new cover look for Spring! It is 9 in the morning and it is already 61 degrees. YEA! Good morning Monday.
Yesterday at church we recognized a program that our church holds every Tuesday. It is a Payee program where the volunteers write checks for bills and food expenses each week. The client's money usually comes from Social Security disability benefits. I have been a volunteer for over 12 years now and it is so rewarding. Several of my clients are college grads but at some point reached a time in their lives where they could not cope any longer. One was in in an abusive marriage but is doing well now. They all would be challenged to handle their own money. Almost all our clients are on some meds that help them make it through each day. Part of our time is spent just listening and being a friend. I am always thankful for the blessings in my life after being there. I always take Jordy, my golden lab who is a service dog. The clients love him - showering him with hugs and (ugh) kisses.
For Today - Sunday, April 21
Outside my window... Trees blowing in the Kansas wind but the sun is shining!
I am thinking... About the beauty of the outdoors. Today at the land we saw wild turkeys; deer and raccoon tracks; new wheat coming up and a variety of birds - ducks on the pond, meadowlarks and hawks.
I am thankful for... Having the opportunity to own some land away from town.
I am wearing... Moccasins - my favorite footwear.
I am remembering... How my Dad was my first teacher of nature. He took me fishing and hunting and I cherish those memories.
I am going... To have a busy week coming up. Many of my board meetings and obligations fall on the fourth week.
I am reading... another Jo Nesbo novel. Harry Hole is a complex character.
I am hoping... for even warmer weather (:
On my mind... Sorting through all my mother's sewing containers. A dear friend is coming Wednesday to help me.
From the kitchen...nothing today.
One of my favorite things~ baking. Hoping some of our fruit trees produce.
From my picture journal... Deer track at the land!
For Today, Wednesday April 17
Outside my window... The rain falls gently, then suddenly erupts into a brief hailstorm.
I am thinking... Of the things I have put off today to read. I'll blame the rain.
I am thankful for... My husband who likes to do the same things I do and the fun we have together.
I am wearing... A dog on my lap as I sit here. Muffet fits the name lap dog to a "T"
I am remembering... The people in Boston. The victims, the doctors and nurses and those who are praying for them.
I am going... To put on my rain boots and run some errands.
I am reading... Lecture notes on Greek history. I am taking a class through Coursera. An online offering of schools across the country. It is hard but I am learning so much.
I am hoping... The rain keeps up so our farm pond fills up some more.
On my mind... The need to exercise...the need- not the will.
From the kitchen... leftovers - "Cream of Tuesday" as I would tell the kids.
One of my favorite things~ sunsets, and we have some great sunsets in Kansas.
From my picture journal...
I am getting ready to leave for Book Club. This month we read "Life In A Jar" by Jack Mayer. It is the story of 3 high school girls in the little Kansas town of Uniontown.
History Day is a big event at Uniontown High. Mr Conard's student's have won many History Day competitions and a high standard has been set over the years.
Here begins the story of Irena Sendler, a largely unknown Polish woman who saved over 2,500 Jewish children by organizing a network to spirit them out of the Warsaw ghetto. Parents gave their children to her in order to save their lives. Oftentimes it was only days or hours before the Nazis came for them.
This is an incredible story of Irena and the girls who brought her story to life. I know we'll have a great discussion.
For Today
Outside my window... It is very windy and getting colder. Where did spring go this time.
I am thinking... Of my Mother. Today was her birthday and I miss her so much.
I am thankful for... The time Charlie and I spent at the land Saturday.
I am wearing... Warm socks!
I am remembering... Mom's last birthday celebration when she turned 87. I made a cheese soufflé which was her favorite.
I am going... To update the church website as soon as I am finished with this.
I am reading... Nemesis by Jo Nesbo. A detective from Norway.
I am hoping... To get just one "clean up"thing accomplished today.
On my mind... Charlie's four rules for life. 1. Be impeccable with your word. 2. Always do your best. 3 Don't take it personally. 4. Don't make assumptions.
I sure have trouble with the last two.
I sure have trouble with the last two.
From the kitchen...doing a crock pot roast. The easiest way to fix dinner.
One of my favorite things~ a good book.
From my picture journal... Our mallard couple who visit often. Hoping for babies.
Off to a New Start
I realized that I needed to just post something. Everytime I would log on, I would try to think of something clever, pictures, etc. and then would post nothing. So here I am: no picture, but we have a beautiful snow. Nothing clever: but we did get a juicer so I am excited about eating better. Thst's all for now - Charlie just walked in for lunch!
For Today
Outside my window... the trees shedding their leaves, ankle high in some places. Time to get the rake out again.
I am thinking... of my friend Mary Anne and how well she does under pressure.
I am thankful for... my friend Julie who donated 3 bags of yarn from her shop for our prayer shawl ministry at our church. It touches so many people with our prayers and the offering of a shawl.
I am wearing... my new sweater I got on sale and pants from church. Soon into jeans to rake leaves.
I am remembering... when the boys were little and they used to rake neighbor's yards and then bring the leaves home so they could jump in them. Now the trees are big and so are the boys.
I am going... to be in Colorado at the cabin for Thanksgiving and can hardly wait. My favorite place on earth.
I am reading... Mennonite in a Little Black Dress for our Book Club. Just starting.
I am hoping... to accomplish lots this week. Finish my current prayer shawl, clean up more leaves, get in lots of bicycle time if the weather holds and work on the basement. Should I put Christmas list there?
On my mind... my friend Jan who just lost her brother.
From the kitchen... beef stew tomorrow in the crock pot.
One of my favorite things~ tailgating with friends at a fall football game. Especially when we win!
From my picture journal... Halloween with Linden (Pumpkin Fairy) and Maebry ( Death Bride)
I am thinking... of my friend Mary Anne and how well she does under pressure.
I am thankful for... my friend Julie who donated 3 bags of yarn from her shop for our prayer shawl ministry at our church. It touches so many people with our prayers and the offering of a shawl.
I am wearing... my new sweater I got on sale and pants from church. Soon into jeans to rake leaves.
I am remembering... when the boys were little and they used to rake neighbor's yards and then bring the leaves home so they could jump in them. Now the trees are big and so are the boys.
I am going... to be in Colorado at the cabin for Thanksgiving and can hardly wait. My favorite place on earth.
I am reading... Mennonite in a Little Black Dress for our Book Club. Just starting.
I am hoping... to accomplish lots this week. Finish my current prayer shawl, clean up more leaves, get in lots of bicycle time if the weather holds and work on the basement. Should I put Christmas list there?
On my mind... my friend Jan who just lost her brother.
From the kitchen... beef stew tomorrow in the crock pot.
One of my favorite things~ tailgating with friends at a fall football game. Especially when we win!
From my picture journal... Halloween with Linden (Pumpkin Fairy) and Maebry ( Death Bride)
Balloon Festival
We boarded a train at 3:30 am in Newton to travel to Albuquerque for the Balloon Festival. We arrived at 2:00 after having breakfast and lunch on the train. It was quite good and very relaxing. We traveled with two other couples from our high school class and got to hang out in the club car, playing cards and talking.
We met 3 other couples from our class who had flown or driven there. Up at 4:30 am Sat. to leave for the festival. The first event was called the Dawn Patrol and it was beautiful! The balloons lit up as the propane flared and they went up into the dark sky.
After that, over a period of several hours, hundreds of balloons were launched. The sky was filled with the beautiful colors - all sent up in a very organized progression.
The evening events were never able to take off due to winds, but it was still a spectacular event.
We drove to Santa Fe on Monday and had a wonderful time walking around the square and shopping. Visited the Georgia O'Keeffe museum which was great. Back on the train at 2:00 pm on Tuesday for the trip home. Good food, good friends and a memorable time.
Kansas Sunflowers
We drove out to our land yesterday and I took this picture of our field of sunflowers. Unfortunately, when you walk up to take the picture, you don't get the whole field. I should have climbed on top of the car!
We passed lots of fields of sunflowers on our way back from Colo. - they are a very popular crop right about now.
Today's Thoughts
Wednesday~September 23
A picture shared...
Mom and I drove out to Colorado last week. My sister, Meg, met us there and we shared a wonderful four days. The main purpose was to take Mom to see her very best friend from college days who had recently lost her husband. Mom got together with Mary and some of their college friends for lunch and they had a wonderful time!
A picture shared...
Mom and I drove out to Colorado last week. My sister, Meg, met us there and we shared a wonderful four days. The main purpose was to take Mom to see her very best friend from college days who had recently lost her husband. Mom got together with Mary and some of their college friends for lunch and they had a wonderful time!
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