Friday Fave Five

You can find the link at Susanne's here.

Thankful for all the rain we have received. Things are green and we are out of drought mode. Not sure how I will feel when the mosquitoes start coming back. 

Thankful for quick blood test results. All is okay except for my cholesterol. I need to take my medication on a regular basis. I still have pain in my leg, but I can still walk. Motrin really helps. Thankful for good insurance! 

Thankful for being able to create things on the computer to share with others. Our life group is going to a women's shelter. Each woman had contributed items towards a gift bag I am putting together. I am making a personalized bookmark for each woman. We are also providing toys and games for the kids. We are all so fortunate to have what we need. It is a blessing to share with others.

Thankful to be able to meet with a friend to work on our Bible journals. There is a church near us that has a coffee shop. We enjoyed our time together and shared how God was moving in our family.

Thankful that all my grands are doing well. On my previous entry, I shared how my granddaughter sang with the worship team at church. Later in the day my grandson had it drum recital. This was him after he was finished. Maybe he will play for church in the future!

Happy News for Today and Tuesday 4

                                   

Outside my window... Sunny, blue skies with a white cloud.

I am thinking... about sitting outside, maybe going in the spa.

I am thankful for... Pain medication.

I am remembering...how I walked 9 miles last fall and now it my knee hurts when I walk.

On my mind...How proud I am of my grandkids. My granddaughter sang on the worship team Sunday. She has been playing keyboard for them the past 10 months. I am a happy Mema!!!

I am pondering these words...

 From the learning rooms.... Studying verses on the Good Shepherd and sheep.

 From the kitchen... Lots of leftovers. My daughter brought over food.

 I am wearing...jeans, t-shirt and sweatshirt.

 I am creating...crafts for my next Bible journal class.

 I am going... to exercise in spite of the pain. X-rays didn't find any fracture and just mild arthritis.

Doctor has ordered a nerve study. She is sending me back to physical therapy.

I am reading...Several books about the Shepherd and sheep. I have done both of these study books. I am reviewing parts of them to prepare for my next Bible journaling group. The teacher in me likes to take in as much information before my class. I pass out a Bible verse page on the 

 I am hoping...the pain in my knee/thigh goes away by May when I go to Texas.

 I am hearing...Worship songs on Pandora Music.

 Around the house...mostly picked up. I need to clean my ceiling fan and change sheets.

 One of my favorite things...Bible journaling.

 A few plans for the rest of the week...Life group on Tuesday, Meet with a friend for coffee,

bloodwork on Thursday, visit a women's shelter on Saturday with my life group. We are making each woman a gift bag and the children will get goodies too. We plan to do a few crafts with them.

 Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Home Sweet Home

Home Sweet Home

 Welcome!  It's time again for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

How would it be if we talk about some things related to home?

1. What styles of décor do you like?  Mid Century?  Colonial?  Contemporary? I like several styles, but we have contemporary comfortable!

2.   What makes your bedroom comfortable? Mostly my bed. It has lots of cushion for my aching bones. I like to change the bedspread/comforter seasonally. Going from a winter soft chenille to a floral watercolor with yellow flowers on a white background with hints of grey and black.

3   What do you think makes a home comfortable and welcoming? We have comfy and practical. We gave our nice, big coffee table to my sister and bought a long ottoman that has storage and we can put our feet up. We have a basket of blankets to use when we are cold. Several pictures of the grands and a basket of dog toys make it nice for all. I gave up being a perfectionist and enjoy my time.

4. Do you share your home with pets? Would you tell us about them please? We have a mini black, long haired doxie named Reina. She is one spoiled dog. Hubby put in a doggie door so she can go in and out when she wants. Funny to see all 3 doxies(2grand dogs) all go out that door! Rey, Coco and Minnie!

Friday 5 and Saturday 9

Saturday 9 is below Friday Fave Five

1. Thankful that my doctor's appointment went well on Wednesday. My doctor tool the time to listen to my concerns. She was pleased with my weight gain, though we both agree that I should not gain anymore! We went over my eating habits, and I need to find a way to get more protein without eating so much meat. She wants me to continue physical therapy. She sent me to physical therapy. My x-rays same back on my knee and shows mild degeneration, but no break. I hit it 4 weeks ago and it still hurts when I walk in it. I still need to get blood drawn to check a lot of things! That can wait until next week!

2. Thankful for sunny, warmer weather! It was 63 today and I got to sit out in the sun and enjoy the birds singing. The grass is green from all the rain and so are the weeds!

3. Thankful to be able to watch Bible study online since I was not feeling well Tuesday and it was pouring outside. We are studying Daniel. 

4. Thankful for all the resources there are online to help me prepare for my April Bible journaling group. We will be talking about the Good Shepherd, and sheep. I look for verses to use in a handout and guide for our Bible journaling packs. 

5. Thankful that I can still color my hair and I my hair color was on sale at Sprouts!

Saturday 9: Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head

1) In this week's song, BJ Thomas sings that he knows it won't be long until he finds happiness. What are you looking forward to today? What's going to make you smile? I plan to color my hair today. Not seeing the grey will make me smile.

2) BJ Thomas met his wife Gloria at a bar. She was there with his drummer, but BJ let his friend know he felt a connection to Gloria and was going to drive her home. BJ and Gloria were married for 50 years, until his death. Have you and a friend ever found yourselves attracted to the same person? If yes, how did you handle it? 

When some new boys came to our youth group back in 1973, I let the girls know I was interested in the one with the cute smile. But several of the guys including the guy I liked, had their eyes on the cutest girl. Our group went on an outing to the Skating Ranch. When it was girl ask boy time, I went to "Smiley" Another guy asked Cheryl to skate. I asked Smiley what his family called him and he said Jr because they called his dad Smiley. After that, Jr came to my house. His friend came with him and was talking to my sister. And so we started dating. 18 months we were married!

 

3) This song is from Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid, which has been called "the most entertaining Western ever made." Do you enjoy Westerns? I enjoy some. I do remember seeing this movie.

4) Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is one of the most popular movies Paul Newman made, but he liked to say his "favorite role is philanthropist." He raised an amazing $500 million for children's charities through his Newman's Own brand. The most popular Newman's Own product is salad dressing. What flavor of salad dressing would we find in your kitchen right now? Balsamic, Ranch and Olive Garden Dressing.

 

5) Burt Bacharach won the first of his three Oscars for this song. Yet 20th Century Fox originally wanted to cut the song from the movie, maintaining that that song and the famous "bicycle sequence" between Paul Newman and Katharine Ross were anachronistic and made the movie too long. Burt and the movie's director George Roy Hill fought for it, insisting that it helped define the optimistic character of Butch. Tell us about a time you were glad you stood your ground. \

Probably discerning character in someone and not letting someone else influence me.

6) Edith Head also won an Oscar for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. She said that Robert Redford, who played Sundance, presented a wardrobe problem. His jawline is too strong, so she had to create special wider-brimmed hats to balance it. If you could magically change one of your physical features, which would you choose? And which feature would you never change? 

I would change my rear and make it more muscular. I like my hair though it is grey now, it has body from the curl. It has also done better now that I am eating better.

7) In 1969, when this song was a hit, The Beatles played their last concert on the roof of Abbey Road Studios. When did you last climb onto the roof? Back at Christmas time 2014. I was putting Christmas decor outside the front window landing. We moved to a single story after that.

8) Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries sold at a brisk pace at Christmastime 1969. They're still popular today. Were you a fan? I read the Trixie Belden Mysteries.

9) Random question: Do you consider yourself old fashioned? 

My kids think I am, and I agree to some extent. I believe in traditional values. I like comfortable/traditional furnishing and the kids like contemporary. They are in their 20-40's and I am a few years from 70!

Tuesday 4 Spring Cleaning and Crafting

I am writing this on Monday evening. Today is the first day of spring and we are getting two days of rain. We do need as much as rain as possible, but I hate driving in it. I have my Lifegroup meeting and then we are going out to lunch to celebrate March birthdays. 

1. Spring cleaning is a very old tradition.  Some say it began with Passover and removing leaven from the home and the fact that windows begin to be thrown open.  What Spring cleaning do you do? 

A lot of things! Hubby and I need to work in the kitchen one day. Blinds, over the stove, cupboards and baseboards. I think I will ask the grands to help since my grandson is tall. A little cash is always a great incentive for them. My granddaughter loves books and my grandson likes cash for spending money after school with his friends. They like to go to Starbucks or McDonald's.

2. Does daylight saving time make any difference in your life for good or bad? 

It doesn't really bother me, but it bothers my husband and dog. I hope they get rid of it.

3. Do you have a spring reading/watch list or perhaps a 'to do' list?

I don't have anything set in stone. I usually study when I am going to teach to my Bible journaling group. In April our theme is the Shepherd/lamb. So I read all I can to get a deeper understanding. Last year the focus was on Passover and the last Supper. The significance of atonement and Lamb of God. I also studied some of the Jewish Festivals. Last year Passover and Good Friday landed on the same night. I am thinking of reading the Left Behind series again.

My husband and I are currently watching The Crown. Then we plan to see Chosen.

4. The "peepers" are back here by the water. There are thousands of this itty bitty frogs(the size of a finger nail) peeping like loud birds. What signs of spring are showing up in your neck of the woods and what Spring flower is your favorite to see blooming? 

The bush in the backyard is slowly showing new growth. Some birds have made a nest in the middle of the asparagus fern. A few of the roses have roses now. I am not sure when my plumerias will grow. I hope they don't get messed up from all the rain we have had. The weeds sure have grown like crazy!

Hubby has started weeding with the help of our grandson. I am busy creating and preparing for my next Bible journaling class. Here is a challenge project along with another one for my crafty group.

I want to add the word blessed the bottom right of the picture page.

Sunday Stealing Facts about Me

One song that describes my life. You Say, Lauren Daigle.

Two things I wish I had more of in my life, muscle and years.

Three ways I relax, Bible journaling, watching tv and reading.

Four of my best accomplishments Being the first in my family to get a degree from a university.

staying married for almost 49 years, having 3 kids after 3 miscarriages, becoming a Christian.

Five things I am looking forward too. Easter, Bible journaling April meet up. Visiting my friend in Texas in May My next birthday and our family trip to Hawaii on the fall.

Six things I am grateful for. My relationship with Jesus, my kids, my grandkids, my extended family, my dog and my church friends.

Seven facts about me. I will be 68 but feel like I am a lot younger. I got a degree but end up working at the post office part time so I could be home in the day with my kids. I was a tomboy growing up and loved it.

Eight things I can see from where I am sitting.  I am in my bedroom, the tv, a bookcase, a clock, a picture of my family, my dresser, the window, the carpet and a wall shelf and my bible.

Nine words I would use to describe myself I am short, 5 feet. I have dark curly hair that I have layered. I color my hair every 6 weeks, I wear glasses and  have cataracts, I have gone to the same church for 30 years, I grew up in church and loved singing in children and youth choir. I met my husband at church. I have osteoporosis. I have to do strength training 5 days a week. I love to Bible journal. 

Ten little things that make me happy. Waking up every morning, morning coffee with hubby and my dog. My kids, my grandkids, my grand doggies, my church friends,

Bible journaling, teaching Bible journaling, studying the Bible and listening to music.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: The Rocky Road to Dublin (2008)

 

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about a young man who leaves home to seek his fortune. How old were you when you first moved out on your own? When I got married. I was 18 when I got married and turned 19 two days later. 

2) He leaps onto a ship, but the captain makes him sleep in the hold with pigs. Have you ever taken a cruise? (If so, we hope you had better accommodations.) I have been on three. a 3 day Ensenada cruise. 7 day Alaska cruise and a 7 day New England cruise. I would like to take another cruise.

 

3) This recording of the song is by The High Kings. Well established in Ireland, their career reached new heights in March 2012. Right after playing for the Lord Mayor of London's St. Patrick's Day celebration, they flew to Washington to perform for President Obama at the White House St. Patrick's Day concert. Tell us about a time when you were so happy, you had to pinch yourself to make sure you weren't dreaming. After having my first son. I had 3 previous miscarriages and almost lost my son. I stayed in bed most of my pregnancy. I had a long hard labor and end up having a C Section. When they finally put him in my arms, I felt so happy and thanked God! It was a dream come true that I got to experience two more times. 

4) This song was chosen because Friday was St. Patrick's Day. Do you celebrate this holiday?

I wore a green shirt. Hubby cooked lamb and I made a cabbage dish. We also had rib eye, broccoli and rice.

 

5) Leprechauns are a symbol of St. Patrick's Day. These small Irish fairies are said to live in the forest, guarding their gold. Do you often wear gold? I mostly wear silver and white gold. 

6) McDonald's has made Shamrock Shakes a St. Patrick's Day tradition. McDonald's began adding the drive-thru window to their restaurants in the 1970s. Would you rather order from the restaurant counter or the drive-thru? I prefer to go in when possible. My husband uses the drive in more than I go. 

7) A four-leaf clover is considered good luck. Do you have a lucky charm? I have this cute siggie.

 

8) Thinking of Lucky Charms, they are magically delicious. What breakfast cereal is in your kitchen right now? I don't buy cold cereal. We have oatmeal.

  

9) Random question: Think of your upcoming week. Which day will be the busiest?

 I have my Lifegroup on Tuesday. We are going to lunch after our meeting to celebrate the March birthdays. I have Bible study Tuesday night. 

Later today we will be celebrating my daughter in loves 40th birthday. She is having her family and my family over for dinner. I hope to get an updated family picture. 

Friday Fav Five

Linking to Susanne for todays post,

1. Thankful for the joy in Bible Journaling!

2. Thankful for my family. We had a nice time at my daughter's home last Sunday.

All 3 dogs had fun too and thankfully there was a doggie grass area!

3. Thankful for my church. This is our prayer wall.

 Putting initials for those we are praying to be saved.

4. Thankful for Facebook Memories.

This is a picture from March 16, 2003 Carpenteria California

We stayed in 2 campers on the beach. We even had a church service on the beach!

We were celebrating Lissa's birthday(front right)

Sorry for the blurry picture. When this was taken, only of us had grandchildren. Now we all do.

Debbie on the left front went with the Lord because of Covid.

5. Thankful for funny things I find online that make me laugh.

Tuesday 4 St

Since Saint Patrick's Day is March 17, it might be nice to talk about it.

1. Do you celebrate the day and is it more secular or religious for you? It is not a religious holiday for me. I usually wear some form of green if I am going somewhere. No plans that I know of yet.

2. Americans eat corned beef and cabbage but it's not traditional in Ireland at all.   In my house its Colcannon and Beef Stew or Cottage pie (shepherd's pie made with beef instead of lamb).. which is more realistic and far less salty.  Do you make special meals for holidays?  What will you make for St. Patrick's Day? I would love to eat a traditional Shepherd's pie! Here is a meal we had last year. Lamb, cabbage and bake potato. I think I would like the same thing this year! I will have to put my request in to the chef,,,,my hubby!

3.  Do you have much green in your wardrobe? Does the color look good on you? I look good in green. I have few t-shirts and a pair of green exercise pants that I will probably wear.

4. In school we put up giant green shamrocks and Leprechauns. We made green paper chains to decorate our
classrooms.  What do you do to decorate? I do have a box of decorations in the garage. I need to look for them.  I have my Life Group in the morning. Rain coming in too. 

My previous page has my snowman page. We don't get snow in my city, drove to a lower mountain town to see it.

 

Friday Fave Five

On my March 3 post for Friday Fave Five, I posted pictures of what our So California mountains looked like with all the historic snowfall have received. As of now, some people are still being rescued from their homes. Sadly, one elder was found dead. This is taking place at the higher-level resort communities, 6000+ feet. My daughter wanted to take her kids up to Oak Glen which is 4500 feet high. They got lots of snow, but roads were open. I am thankful that we could have a few hours of fun. We enjoyed a nice lunch at Apple Annie's and we could even take our mini doxie in with us. She had the pup special burger. The lady at the Apple Annie's said they were happy to get all the visitors and the late snow season. 

2. Thankful to be able to sleep in on Monday. My daughter was off work and could take her kids to school. Hubby and I caught up with a few shows and a few episodes of the Crown. I was also able to work on my current study called Return to me. It focuses on the verses on practicing the Sabbath.

3. Thankful to meet with my Bible journaling group. It is really nice to see how they are really enjoying it.  I provide them with things they can use that go along with the topic which was house/houses. I like how each woman creates her page.  The house is taped to the right corner and can be opened to read the words. Journaling Bibles have margins to do art work for writing. We all have regular Bibles we study out of. So if the words in the journaling Bibles are covered, we are okay. Also for Tuesday night study. We started the book of Daniel.

4. Thankful to get a rebate on our electricity bill! The gas bill was a bit lower, but still twice as much as the same time last year. The water bill is much lower since we turned it off back in December. We have had plenty of rain and more is do for the weekend.

5. Thankful to have this blog. I need to get more things moved over here from my website. Thankful for the many friends I have made here. Thankful to be able to journal when I can. Have a great weekend!

Tuesday 4

Time flies and weeks just seem to fall by the wayside faster and faster.    We all have time on our hands at some point and we all find that time gets away from us at other times.  It takes a lot of work to manage your time because it seems to be at odds with freedom and creativity in some ways.  

Perhaps we might talk about time and how we use it.

1.  Early to bed, early to rise?  Do you have usual times to go to bed and get up in the morning? How do they work out for you?

 I am a night owl. I have more energy and attention in the later hours of the day and night than the morning.

2. Ecclesiastes says "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven."

How much time is devoted to work, housework, hobbies? What about religious pursuits like study, prayer, services? In other words, how is your time apportioned?

 I do what I have to do to keep my house tidy. I am not a neat freak anymore. I am blessed to have a hubby that now does most of the cooking. We both clean. I love to read my Bible and work on my Bible journaling. I enjoy my craft group. I spend time preparing for my Bible journaling group. If I have fussy cutting, I will do it while I watch tv with my hubby, or while he is driving. I pray in the morning and evening and during the day as I feel led to or get a prayer request.  I get to most Sunday church services and watch online when I can't. Same with Tuesday night Bible study too. Tonight, we start the book of Daniel. I was supposed to go to Senior fellowship on Wednesday, but our grandson is sick, and I will go stay with him. Good to be able to adjust when needed.

A Time for Everything Ecclesiastes 3:

1. There is a time for everything,

    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2     a time to be born and a time to die,

    a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3     a time to kill and a time to heal,

    a time to tear down and a time to build,

4     a time to weep and a time to laugh,

    a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

6     a time to search and a time to give up,

    a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7     a time to tear and a time to mend,

    a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8     a time to love and a time to hate,

    a time for war and a time for peace.

3. Do you think you manage your time well or would you like to improve? How would you improve?

I am not good at managing my time. My ADD always gets in the way. Sometimes I don't go to bed when I need to and it can throw me off. I was up late finishing my things for my class. That is why I am just getting this page done now. But I am doing better. If I don't feel I can relate to a meme, I won't do it. I used to try to blog every day and I would be up late. So, if I have to choose a study over a meme, that is what I have to do. Sometimes I just need to rest. I am a work in progress!

4. Do you think time travel is possible? Why or why not? 

I doubt it. My time travel will happen when I get to heaven and live for eternity.

Susan