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!
Thursday, February 27, 2020
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!
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Marvels of the Snow
A beautiful snow fall is covering everything outside today! Earlier, we debated on whether to go to town to pick up a prescription, but there were only little melting drops then, and when we got back, it was a winter wonderland!
Now the trees are loaded with a mantel of white, the evergreens scalloped like a lacy scarf, and the bare limbs of the forest outlined in perfect symmetry. Graceful cedars are holding out their arms in welcome, as they are draped in shawls of lace. Every branch and twig of a humble bush or sapling is white-coated and transformed into a tangle of wonder!
Earlier, we had thought to eat in town, but the increasing fluff falling from the sky made us reconsider; we would have lunch at home. We found the steps to our door were covered in the deep white stuff and looked forbiddingly risky, so we went in the back under the shelter of the porch. Of course, we'd made the mistake of picking up too many groceries, but we were glad when I served a delicious, home-made repast in the warmth of our kitchen.
Kids love snow. Every time it snows here in Tennessee, our little great-grand kids ask in excitement, "Is it Christmas again?" or they announce happily, "It's Christmas!
I remember when our youngest, Jamie, about 12 at the time, came in and remarked: "Snow is my favorite kind of weather. You can play in it, make a snowman, throw snowballs, and when you come in, you feel like you've been swimming!"
Job 38:22, asks, "Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?"
In Psalm 147:16-17, it is written, "He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. (17) He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?"
I do love snow, but I hope this is the last one for this season!
Now the trees are loaded with a mantel of white, the evergreens scalloped like a lacy scarf, and the bare limbs of the forest outlined in perfect symmetry. Graceful cedars are holding out their arms in welcome, as they are draped in shawls of lace. Every branch and twig of a humble bush or sapling is white-coated and transformed into a tangle of wonder!
Earlier, we had thought to eat in town, but the increasing fluff falling from the sky made us reconsider; we would have lunch at home. We found the steps to our door were covered in the deep white stuff and looked forbiddingly risky, so we went in the back under the shelter of the porch. Of course, we'd made the mistake of picking up too many groceries, but we were glad when I served a delicious, home-made repast in the warmth of our kitchen.
Kids love snow. Every time it snows here in Tennessee, our little great-grand kids ask in excitement, "Is it Christmas again?" or they announce happily, "It's Christmas!
I remember when our youngest, Jamie, about 12 at the time, came in and remarked: "Snow is my favorite kind of weather. You can play in it, make a snowman, throw snowballs, and when you come in, you feel like you've been swimming!"
Job 38:22, asks, "Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?"
In Psalm 147:16-17, it is written, "He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. (17) He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?"
I do love snow, but I hope this is the last one for this season!
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
T for Trevor
What a blessing and great time we had when our son, Trevor, came from Texas for a few days' visit with us and his sister Julie's family in Tennessee! Squeals of delight echoed as Uncle Trevor tickled and rough-housed with the little ones, our great-grandchildren. The granddaughters had prepared a wonderful meal for all, over which conversation and laughter ruled, followed by guitar-pickin', singing. and a ukulele performance by the teenage daughter in the family.
The next day, Trevor was introduced to the historic district of Jonesborough, the oldest town in Tennessee, where, after a pharmacy visit for Howard, we met up with Julie's family for lunch in our favorite eatery, Main St. Cafe. By then, the sun had come out, perfect for a foray into the mountains, courtesy of our driver, son-in-law Steve.
As always, the scenery was breath-taking the higher we went, wending our way to steep elevations of mountain crags and thick forests, trees standing tall and denuded of leaves except for the evergreens and pines. Back into civilization, sights were pointed out, especially the imposing church where Julie and Steve had served so many years, teaching, preaching and serving the needs of the community.
We were especially excited the next day to introduce Trevor to "The Birthplace of Country Music" in Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia. After spending an impressive few hours in the Smithsonian Affiliate Museum, we had a great lunch at a unique restaurant called "Quaker Steak and Lube," followed by donuts and coffee at the "Black Bird Bakery," all recommended to us by granddaughter Bethany.
Today was Trevor's last few hours with us before catching a plane back to Dallas. But first, he took us to a wonderful breakfast at Cracker Barrel, where Howard bought me a beautiful wall plaque of the song, Amazing Grace, with every verse written on the staff. Now, every time I look at it, I will be reminded of our son's sweet visit here!
The next day, Trevor was introduced to the historic district of Jonesborough, the oldest town in Tennessee, where, after a pharmacy visit for Howard, we met up with Julie's family for lunch in our favorite eatery, Main St. Cafe. By then, the sun had come out, perfect for a foray into the mountains, courtesy of our driver, son-in-law Steve.
As always, the scenery was breath-taking the higher we went, wending our way to steep elevations of mountain crags and thick forests, trees standing tall and denuded of leaves except for the evergreens and pines. Back into civilization, sights were pointed out, especially the imposing church where Julie and Steve had served so many years, teaching, preaching and serving the needs of the community.
We were especially excited the next day to introduce Trevor to "The Birthplace of Country Music" in Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia. After spending an impressive few hours in the Smithsonian Affiliate Museum, we had a great lunch at a unique restaurant called "Quaker Steak and Lube," followed by donuts and coffee at the "Black Bird Bakery," all recommended to us by granddaughter Bethany.
Today was Trevor's last few hours with us before catching a plane back to Dallas. But first, he took us to a wonderful breakfast at Cracker Barrel, where Howard bought me a beautiful wall plaque of the song, Amazing Grace, with every verse written on the staff. Now, every time I look at it, I will be reminded of our son's sweet visit here!
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
The Box Saver
Venturing out despite the misty, disagreeable weather yesterday, we were determined to go to the Post Office to mail a birthday present for almost-2-year-old great-grandson, Kaden. The gift of a toy car was a little awkward to get into a box, just tall enough to not fit into any of my selected cardboard array.
Finally, I constructed a container of cut-down shoe boxes with plenty of wide plastic tape, looking like a taped-up accident victim. Seeing the U.S. Mail professional-looking boxes being carried in by others at the P.O. made me wish I had simply bought a box!
By this time, Howard and I were hungry and headed for Burger King. Howard waited at the counter while I got our drinks. The food was good and satisfying on such a dreary day, and the big-screen TV with all the political news got my attention. I glanced up when the manager approached our booth.
"Here," she said, "A man asked me to give this to you." She handed us a gift card for $10! When asked why, she said she didn't know! Later, Howard thought maybe the man overheard or saw him giving a scripture card to an employee, which he said he did while I was getting our tea. Any way, the card was a nice gesture. One never knows who might be paying attention unobserved!
Back to the boxes. I have always been a box-saver, stashing them away for various uses, but since we moved several months ago, nothing as superfluous as collected boxes came along. My husband is a saver: he saves mail, magazines and fliers that come in the mail. But most importantly, as a retired pastor, his main interest is reaching out to people, endeavoring to save souls!
Finally, I constructed a container of cut-down shoe boxes with plenty of wide plastic tape, looking like a taped-up accident victim. Seeing the U.S. Mail professional-looking boxes being carried in by others at the P.O. made me wish I had simply bought a box!
By this time, Howard and I were hungry and headed for Burger King. Howard waited at the counter while I got our drinks. The food was good and satisfying on such a dreary day, and the big-screen TV with all the political news got my attention. I glanced up when the manager approached our booth.
"Here," she said, "A man asked me to give this to you." She handed us a gift card for $10! When asked why, she said she didn't know! Later, Howard thought maybe the man overheard or saw him giving a scripture card to an employee, which he said he did while I was getting our tea. Any way, the card was a nice gesture. One never knows who might be paying attention unobserved!
Back to the boxes. I have always been a box-saver, stashing them away for various uses, but since we moved several months ago, nothing as superfluous as collected boxes came along. My husband is a saver: he saves mail, magazines and fliers that come in the mail. But most importantly, as a retired pastor, his main interest is reaching out to people, endeavoring to save souls!
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