What? Again? My spouse looked at me in alarm and said, "My car keys are gone!" How could that be? This time, it wasn't his spare key, but those with other important keys on them!
Though frustrated, I began the search. Clothes hamper, nothing. Under and around bed. Not there. Remove sofa cushions from where we had sat watching TV the night before. Useless. Not only once did I do that, but later went through the routine again!
Re-checking pants pockets was futile. By this time, I had worked myself into a frenzy and was exhausted. Finally I gave up and collapsed on the sofa. Just then Howard came in with an incomprehensible look on his face. What now, I wondered.
"My keys were in my jeans pocket!" he announced flatly. The ones he was wearing!
Exasperated, I exclaimed, "How could that happen?" He explained they were in the bottom of the pocket under a packet of cards he carried.
"Would you like to go out to eat?" Howard offered as a consolation. No, I already had supper planned, and if we ate at home we could make it in time for church tonight.
We rarely get out after dark on the curvy roads, but the daylight was lasting a little longer now, so we got to church just in time. We were so glad we came, leaving refreshed and thoughtful of the pastor's message as well enjoying seeing friends.
The solar-powered light on our porch flashed on in greeting as Howard inserted the key in the door!
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Monday, March 2, 2020
Fortuitous Find!
Today Howard finally got to go see the donkeys! I stayed home and caught up on some chores, including doing laundry. One load in the dryer kept making a metallic noise that thumped every few minutes. A metal button on a pair of my husband's jeans, I figured. Finally tired of the racket, I went to remove the offending noise-maker.
Then a thought struck me. Could it be? No, probably just a hopeful wish. Quickly I pulled out the contents of the dryer, though, and there it was! The lost car key! The one we'd been searching for for days! Apparently it was in the pocket of a pair of jeans!
It looked like the other key, but it had a metal tab snapped on it. Howard's key was like that, I remembered, except for a short cloth tab. I lost no time in calling my spouse, who was obviously at the coffee and do-nut shop by now, judging from his muffled response.
"Do you have your car key with you?" I questioned, since he was riding with Steve, our son-in-law. I wanted to make sure the one from the dryer wasn't his regular key.
"Yes, why?" he answered over his do-nut.
"Because I think I found your lost car key in the dryer!" I exclaimed.
He about choked, then. He couldn't believe his ears! He laughed and thanked me over and over! Even exclaiming that he would bring me a do-nut! Seriously, though, a replacement key would have been quite expensive, and we had searched for it for several days, calling lost and found at Walmart, checking with our local manager at our neighborhood store, and going through every pocket in the house. (Except for one at the bottom of the laundry hamper!)
"I prayed for that this morning!" my relived husband exclaimed when he got home. Yes, we had prayed for it many times, searching between the car seats, in door pockets and all over the car. Thank you, God, for the lost is found!
Then a thought struck me. Could it be? No, probably just a hopeful wish. Quickly I pulled out the contents of the dryer, though, and there it was! The lost car key! The one we'd been searching for for days! Apparently it was in the pocket of a pair of jeans!
It looked like the other key, but it had a metal tab snapped on it. Howard's key was like that, I remembered, except for a short cloth tab. I lost no time in calling my spouse, who was obviously at the coffee and do-nut shop by now, judging from his muffled response.
"Do you have your car key with you?" I questioned, since he was riding with Steve, our son-in-law. I wanted to make sure the one from the dryer wasn't his regular key.
"Yes, why?" he answered over his do-nut.
"Because I think I found your lost car key in the dryer!" I exclaimed.
He about choked, then. He couldn't believe his ears! He laughed and thanked me over and over! Even exclaiming that he would bring me a do-nut! Seriously, though, a replacement key would have been quite expensive, and we had searched for it for several days, calling lost and found at Walmart, checking with our local manager at our neighborhood store, and going through every pocket in the house. (Except for one at the bottom of the laundry hamper!)
"I prayed for that this morning!" my relived husband exclaimed when he got home. Yes, we had prayed for it many times, searching between the car seats, in door pockets and all over the car. Thank you, God, for the lost is found!
The Road not Taken
Feeling under the weather yesterday, I missed church, much as I wanted to go. I went back to bed, and later, my hubby made lunch! He made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. (He never cooks!)
Still feeling wobbly, I lay down after lunch and went to sleep for a long nap, only to be awakened by my spouse saying, "Get up! We're going to see the donkeys!"
Somewhat reluctantly, but feeling better by this time, I got ready for the ride. Usually, my wanna-be farmer husband goes out to this magnificent farm he raves about with our son-in-law, Steve, but he was not available. It seems the owner has two little donkeys he wants to give away, and Howard wanted to show them to me.
The ride on this beautiful afternoon was refreshing, as along the route we saw children going out to play on swing sets, throw balls, or just meander around in the March 1st sunshine! Mesmerized by the scenery, I was enjoying the outing, but getting a little tired.
The roads on this mountainous, Tennessee terrain are as winding as a snake and never ending, only to lead to other winding roads. Unfortunately, we were obviously on the wrong road (s)! After at least two hours of endless curves and adjoining roads, we finally came upon a residence with people getting out of a car. At last, maybe someone would give us directions! By this time, we only wanted to know how to get home, which we finally did!
I was reminded of the poem, "The Road Not Taken," by Robert Frost:
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And be one traveler, long I stood; Looked down on one to where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, though just as fair, and having perhaps the better claim, because it was grassy and wanted wear. Though as for the passing there, had worn them really about the same. And both that passing equally lay in leaves no step had trodden black. Oh I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.
Well, since Steve took Howard to see the donkeys today, I doubt if he will ever come back!
I was reminded of the poem, "The Road Not Taken," by Robert Frost:
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And be one traveler, long I stood; Looked down on one to where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, though just as fair, and having perhaps the better claim, because it was grassy and wanted wear. Though as for the passing there, had worn them really about the same. And both that passing equally lay in leaves no step had trodden black. Oh I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.
Well, since Steve took Howard to see the donkeys today, I doubt if he will ever come back!
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Ups and Downs!
I was on a roll this morning! Fixin's for a good lunch of chicken gumbo on the stove, and then the bright idea to make a lemon meringue pie!
I had a couple of lemons on hand, a pie crust, and plenty of eggs for the pie and topping. Getting organized, I sat down at the table to squeeze the juice from the lemons. They were very juicy and their pungent scent made my mouth water. Finished squeezing, I was carrying the juice to the counter when I dropped the bowl! The kitchen was engulfed in a cloud of lemony fragrance! So much for the pie!
Settling my nerves while the gumbo bubbled, I sat down at the computer. Looking at vignettes of cute kids' activities and videos I wanted to share, I was disheartened that my computer was not audible! No sound came out no matter what I did! My phone was the same way. This was not turning out to be my day! Giving up on the computer, I had to admit that lunch was delicious, however.
Still frustrated, I thought of the feature on my phone that gives all kinds of information, and searched it. Sure enough, several helps were given, but none uncomplicated enough for me. Disconsolately glancing down at my keyboard I noticed tiny buttons with a speaker motif. Pushing one of them I couldn't believe it when the sound came on! I was back among the living!
The only thing still hanging over our heads now is the disappearance of Howard's spare car key! No amount of searching or contacting lost and found possibilities have been successful. It's discovery will be the key to family harmony!
I had a couple of lemons on hand, a pie crust, and plenty of eggs for the pie and topping. Getting organized, I sat down at the table to squeeze the juice from the lemons. They were very juicy and their pungent scent made my mouth water. Finished squeezing, I was carrying the juice to the counter when I dropped the bowl! The kitchen was engulfed in a cloud of lemony fragrance! So much for the pie!
Settling my nerves while the gumbo bubbled, I sat down at the computer. Looking at vignettes of cute kids' activities and videos I wanted to share, I was disheartened that my computer was not audible! No sound came out no matter what I did! My phone was the same way. This was not turning out to be my day! Giving up on the computer, I had to admit that lunch was delicious, however.
Still frustrated, I thought of the feature on my phone that gives all kinds of information, and searched it. Sure enough, several helps were given, but none uncomplicated enough for me. Disconsolately glancing down at my keyboard I noticed tiny buttons with a speaker motif. Pushing one of them I couldn't believe it when the sound came on! I was back among the living!
The only thing still hanging over our heads now is the disappearance of Howard's spare car key! No amount of searching or contacting lost and found possibilities have been successful. It's discovery will be the key to family harmony!
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
The Walking Stick
"Where is my cane?" my husband queried as we got out of the car after grocery shopping. I helped him look for it, but it wasn't in the car or the trunk. Not again! Had we left it in a shopping cart while unloading?
The next morning Howard called Walmart to see if his cane had been turned in. It hadn't. We couldn't believe his favorite cane was lost again! He held on to my arm as needed until he could get to the store to buy a replacement.
He was due for a check-up at the doctor's office a couple of days later, and afterward we had to go to the pharmacy to get a prescription filled. "Do you sell canes?" I asked the pharmacy clerk, to which he answered, "There may be a few left back there," directing us to the handicapped accessibility area.
We checked and were soon examining and trying out different metal, adjustable canes. They were not too suitable, and quite expensive, too. Resignedly putting one in our cart, Howard said, "On second thought, let's go back to Lost and Found and ask once again if my cane might have been turned in."
We waited behind interminably slow customers, as they shifted positions while the attendants took care of refunds and returns. Finally it was our turn, and Howard asked if his cane might be there. After describing it to the clerk, she wordlessly headed to the back and came back with a shiny, highly-polished wooden cane! Our cane! Praise God! We quickly handed over the one from our cart that we would not be purchasing!
What if we had not gone back there? I thought of the scripture in the Bible that says in Matthew 7:7-8: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you;
"For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth ; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."
A good object lesson for us, and a great scripture Jesus taught from "The Sermon on the Mount"!
The next morning Howard called Walmart to see if his cane had been turned in. It hadn't. We couldn't believe his favorite cane was lost again! He held on to my arm as needed until he could get to the store to buy a replacement.
He was due for a check-up at the doctor's office a couple of days later, and afterward we had to go to the pharmacy to get a prescription filled. "Do you sell canes?" I asked the pharmacy clerk, to which he answered, "There may be a few left back there," directing us to the handicapped accessibility area.
We checked and were soon examining and trying out different metal, adjustable canes. They were not too suitable, and quite expensive, too. Resignedly putting one in our cart, Howard said, "On second thought, let's go back to Lost and Found and ask once again if my cane might have been turned in."
We waited behind interminably slow customers, as they shifted positions while the attendants took care of refunds and returns. Finally it was our turn, and Howard asked if his cane might be there. After describing it to the clerk, she wordlessly headed to the back and came back with a shiny, highly-polished wooden cane! Our cane! Praise God! We quickly handed over the one from our cart that we would not be purchasing!
What if we had not gone back there? I thought of the scripture in the Bible that says in Matthew 7:7-8: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you;
"For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth ; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."
A good object lesson for us, and a great scripture Jesus taught from "The Sermon on the Mount"!
Monday, February 24, 2020
Spring Awakening
Rat-a-tat-tat! Rat-a-tat-tat! I heard from a tree in the yard. A woodpecker! "Its a sign of spring," my husband said as we got into the car. Maybe so, I'm so ready for spring!
I do love woodpeckers! Their resounding staccato in the trees or posts are like a signal to the forests that they are here.
I once saw a large, white bird with red. black and white feathers on a telephone post as we passed by on the highway. I realized it was a woodpecker, but the biggest I had ever seen. It looked like the comic book character, Woody Woodpecker!
I once saw a large, white bird with red. black and white feathers on a telephone post as we passed by on the highway. I realized it was a woodpecker, but the biggest I had ever seen. It looked like the comic book character, Woody Woodpecker!
Later, I learned it was a pileated woodpecker, referring to the crest on top of its head. These interesting birds are useful in God's creation. When hammering out a cavity in a tree, they are leaving a nesting spot for birds who frequently make homes inside a tree. The woodpeckers, however, do not nest there.
Thinking of birds bring back memories of when I was a little girl, maybe 4 or 5. A nest of blue-jays was in a tree in our front yard, and as the little birds were learning to fly, several dropped to the ground. Attracted by the cute little birds, I picked them up one by one and lined them up on the fence. I was so proud of my treasure, when mama bird flew down and flogged me on the head! Not like a woodpecker drilling, but pretty close!
Years later, my husband and sons built a deck attached to our house, leaving an opening for a sapling in the corner. As time went by, the sapling grew and harbored a bird nest. Soon, little blue eggs filled the nest from which I later heard tantalizing little cheeps. Curiosity got the best of me, so I put a folding ladder on the deck and climbed to peek in the nest. Wrong! Mama bird got me again! I was just glad it wasn't a woodpecker!
Thinking of birds bring back memories of when I was a little girl, maybe 4 or 5. A nest of blue-jays was in a tree in our front yard, and as the little birds were learning to fly, several dropped to the ground. Attracted by the cute little birds, I picked them up one by one and lined them up on the fence. I was so proud of my treasure, when mama bird flew down and flogged me on the head! Not like a woodpecker drilling, but pretty close!
Years later, my husband and sons built a deck attached to our house, leaving an opening for a sapling in the corner. As time went by, the sapling grew and harbored a bird nest. Soon, little blue eggs filled the nest from which I later heard tantalizing little cheeps. Curiosity got the best of me, so I put a folding ladder on the deck and climbed to peek in the nest. Wrong! Mama bird got me again! I was just glad it wasn't a woodpecker!
Friday, February 21, 2020
Stamp of Approval
What a difference a day makes! Yesterday was gray, snow falling thick and fast, transforming the landscape and roadside woods and trees! But today has cleared off beautifully, with hardly a trace of snow, except from our walkway.
We wanted to go to the mailbox for the mail, so we went out through the back porch, avoiding the slippery, still snow-covered walk. Walking on the driveway toward the car, Howard reached in his pocket, then announced that he didn't have the car key! Since he needed the prescribed exercise anyway, he decided to walk with me down the considerable length of driveway to the mailbox.
The whole episode was created because my husband couldn't locate a book of stamps he bought last week. We had gone to the post office to mail a birthday present for our little great-grandson, Kaden. (Much as I fretted that the box I had fashioned might not hold together, it was received intact exactly on the little guy's two-year-old birthday!) I distinctly remember that Howard had bought a ten-dollar book of postage stamps from the Postal agent that day, but it was no where to be found today, when he wanted it for some correspondence.
Well, we missed the mail-out, but there's always tomorrow. I got to thinking, though, about the importance of postage stamps. About how things were sealed in yesteryear, with the stamp of a ruler's ring embedded in wax for confirmation.
It's as if when we receive salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, we receive His stamp. His stamp is embedded in our heart, mind and spirit. Just as a bride receives a ring when she is married, one day we will be "stamped" eternally with our heavenly bridegroom.
Revelation 19:7 "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him, for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."
"And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." Revelation 19:8.
May we always carry His stamp in our hearts and His image in our person!
We wanted to go to the mailbox for the mail, so we went out through the back porch, avoiding the slippery, still snow-covered walk. Walking on the driveway toward the car, Howard reached in his pocket, then announced that he didn't have the car key! Since he needed the prescribed exercise anyway, he decided to walk with me down the considerable length of driveway to the mailbox.
The whole episode was created because my husband couldn't locate a book of stamps he bought last week. We had gone to the post office to mail a birthday present for our little great-grandson, Kaden. (Much as I fretted that the box I had fashioned might not hold together, it was received intact exactly on the little guy's two-year-old birthday!) I distinctly remember that Howard had bought a ten-dollar book of postage stamps from the Postal agent that day, but it was no where to be found today, when he wanted it for some correspondence.
Well, we missed the mail-out, but there's always tomorrow. I got to thinking, though, about the importance of postage stamps. About how things were sealed in yesteryear, with the stamp of a ruler's ring embedded in wax for confirmation.
It's as if when we receive salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, we receive His stamp. His stamp is embedded in our heart, mind and spirit. Just as a bride receives a ring when she is married, one day we will be "stamped" eternally with our heavenly bridegroom.
Revelation 19:7 "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him, for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."
"And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." Revelation 19:8.
May we always carry His stamp in our hearts and His image in our person!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)