Summer Small Talk

painting by Frank Benson of his daughters

'Cross the summer meadows

Waft simple pleasantries,
Soft whisper 'tween the tall grass
And the passing breeze
Where crickets call to June bugs
And swaying willows sigh ---
Beguiling summer small talk
To charm the passers-by.

Round a rippling millpond
Rise murmurings of frogs
Who've gathered there to gossip
On old mossy logs.
And dabbling ducks go quacking
Amidst these duckweed sprays ---
Just idle summer small talk
To pass the time of day.

Chatty wrens and warblers
Commune in serenades,
Enchanting rustic rhythms
Eloquently phrased.
And to these summer places
I'm helplessly allured;
Enthralled by summer small talk,
I hang on every word.

~ Lon Myruski ~

It's verrrry cold here but with the snow glistening in the sun, I just had to take camera in hand and go for a walk :o)

In temperatures of 16* F and a slight wind, my hands were so cold that they almost hurt by the time I arrived back home!

The scenes captured are just off a pathway in the woods near the top of one of the roads in our area . . . we are blessed to be very near town as well as having nature to view and enjoy, so it's the best of both and we are only a hop, skip and jump to the entrance to the main highway to the city!

Blessings,

Puttering Brings Memories to Life

"Puttering is different from tidying up. Puttering is really a time to be alone, to dream and to get in touch with yourself.

When I'm tidying up, I can always use an extra pair of hands, but when I'm puttering I like to be on my own ...

When I putter, I make new discoveries ... I sort through belongings I've gathered around me. I'm reminded of aspects of my life, and the memories are brought into the room."

~ Alexandra Stoddard

Both paintings are copyright 2009 - Susan Rios

All in a Summer's Day

CLICK to ENLARGE

I'm not sure about the weather where YOU live, but we have been having an unusual summer all 'round.

Take a close look at 3 of the pix inside the mosaic and remember that it's July and not December!

When I was in the grocery store this afternoon, I heard something pounding on the roof and turned around to see what it was . . . big hailstones or ice pellets were falling everywhere and it lasted about 10 minutes.

By the time I left the store, the sun was shining a little and the temp outside was about 20 degrees Celsius [not sure what that is Fahrenheit - about 72ish?] but the pellets were still frozen and sitting on the porch, certain spots on the lawns and under my neighbour's downspout.

It was SO heavy that it caused flower buds and leaves to be whipped off and blown all over!

I'm thankful that I wasn't outside when it struck :o)

Blessings,

The Cups are Waiting :o)

Made at Big Huge Labs Mosaics

You can tell what I enjoy, can't you?!!

And, you're all invited :o)

"The teapot is on, the cups are waiting,
Favourite chairs anticipating,
No matter what I have to do my friend,
There’s always time for you.”

Blessings,
A few of these teacups are my own but most are from online sources such as:
* Google images
* Ebay
* Country Living magazine

A Bright, Sunshiny Day

My Front Yard

My spirea is in full bloom, the grass is green and much healthier than last year and my bleeding heart bushes are delightful ... a bright, sunshiny day filled with pleasant errands and a barbeque at supper to top it off :o)

My antibiotics were never changed or added to last week, but I am feeling much better in relation to my infected sinuses ... I can breathe out of both sides of my nose now and after 5 weeks of NOT being able to, that's something I don't think I'll ever take for granted again :o)

I don't believe I ever had impetigo at all but rather cold sores because I also got 2 on my lip. When I noticed that, I decided to put some of my anti-viral ointment around my nose and that's the moment it started to heal . . . no wonder the antibiotics didn't help it at all -- it was not a bacterial infection like the sinus problem!!

I still have a couple more days of the antibiotics and then I should be back to normal once again, whatever that is!!

I was informed by the post-transplant nurse that *sometimes* people in my situation need STRONGER antibiotics for a LONGER TIME than non-transplant people because of our immune systems being suppressed ...

I'm on my way out the door to do a few errands and to buy my mom's early birthday present because she's coming to visit us at the end of July and it will be easier to keep it here for her than sending it across the country!

This morning, I put up a small strawberry hummingbird feeder in my front yard under our big maple tree and how it all came about is really sweet.

We have a couple of *things* hanging from the tree that I can enjoy from my kitchen sink window ~ one is a long red twirler and the other is a small wind chime that my husband repaired by adding a small red butterfly clip on the end of the string that would catch the wind and then help make the chimes tinkle.

As I was washing some dishes last week, I noticed a gorgeous emerald green hummingbird first try the red twirler and then actually try EACH side of the red butterfly clip to get something to eat!

She must have been so disappointed to find neither of them gave anything and I felt so badly that she graced me with her presence and I had nothing out there to offer. They must be attracted to red because she didn't try the other wind chime!??

Hence, the new feeder this morning :o)

Trust you all have a blessed day,

Stress-free Days

My cold has been lingering these past couple of weeks so I haven't been enjoying all my regular activities during this time or blogging as much as usual.

I'm not sure how doctors can tell if a person has a sinus infection, but if things haven't changed by the end of next week, I'm going to set up an appointment to find out :o)

My husband is just finishing his 1st week of 2 week's vacation and we aren't planning on *going away* -- he finds just staying home and puttering about as well as enjoying some of his favourite activities WITHOUT the stress and travel back and forth to work -- holiday in itself :o)

Yesterday after he had his eyes checked for new glasses, we enjoyed a leisurely drive to the to the city for some shopping at a couple of our favourite stores.

Later, we met dear friends for supper and conversation. Afterward we walked the short distance back to their home where we spent a delightful evening sharing stories about our grown children as well as our lives and how the Lord has dealt with us in the past and is dealing with us in the present.

It was encouraging and enjoyable all the way around and Lord willing, we hope to do it again in a couple of months :o)

On our way home, we stopped in a store where we found a fabulous deal on a round steel, tempered glass table, umbrella and 4 - 4 positional hi-back chairs that can not only be left on our deck in all kinds of weather, but proved this afternoon to provide enough shade in the heat of the day so that we can actually enjoy sitting out there and not squint the entire time.

I think that means that we'll enjoy more meals outside, as long as my husband has taken his allergy med 1st and we can manage with citronella tealights to keep the bees, wasps and mosquitoes away from us as we munch :o)

I wish all my American friends a special Memorial Day!

Blessings to all

Pearls Slipping Off a String

I can't believe the past week has flown by :o)

I've been busy with the basics by keeping care of our family and our home and keeping things running as smoothly as I can; with the addition of a car oil change; doctors' appointments; grocery shopping, etc ...

"... the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but those that bring simple little pleasures, following one after another softly, like pearls slipping off a string." ~ from ANNE of AVONLEA by Lucy Maud Montgomery

I've been working on my daughter's afghan which is especially beneficial to me when it's a chilly day or evening since it's getting long enough now to keep me warm as I'm crocheting!

I've made several new cards and purchased some more acrylic stamps as well as card stock. I've got a few items for my Wish List now including a 2.5 - 3 inch scalloped circle punch as well as either a 2 inch scalloped or plain round circle punch so I can experiment making my own card embellishments.

When in the city last week for my annual post transplant check-up, I was able to stay with friends. They had recently moved there to be resident managers of a large apartment complex and the bonus for me was that the hospital was only a 10 minute walk . . . especially welcome by me because of not wanting to inconvenience them to drive me there for 6:30AM :o)

Once the hospital tests were completed, we were able to spend time visiting and one of the things that I was able to enjoy with them was the music of Jeff and Sheri Easter, a Christian couple that, believe it or not, I'd never heard of before [you'd almost think I hadn't lived on planet Earth the past several years or something!!!].

Many of their songs really touched my heart and one of them was *She Loved*, a song that I think Sheri wrote with her own mother in mind. She also says that this is how she'd like to be remembered after the Lord calls her home to Him.

I'm sure it's very familiar to most of you, but here are the beautiful words and Sheri singing for you to enjoy once again :o)



This is another song I heard for the 1st time called *He's Alive* and I found a version of it being sung by Dolly Parton ... her emotive voice is beautiful in this song ~ I'm sending this link to my daughter because she has just recently finished reading about Peter's experience in the Gospel of Luke and I told her this song will really make her understand what Peter may have felt!



Blessings,

A Delight to the Eyes

In browsing online for pictures for some blog posts, I discovered a wonderful photographer named Michael Paul who took the following fabulous artistic shots and I thought they were a delight to the eyes :o)













Don't you just love his artistic photography!!?

I literally always have a dishcloth on my crochet hook *in the works*. I'm also working on a crocheted white lacy baby blanket as well as continuing with my daughter's afghan.

I've made several more cards as well and just love the idea that no two are alike!

I went to another one of our dollar type stores that carries acid-free; lignin-free paper and bought a few sheets as well as some *embellishments* ... I had the store almost all to myself and enjoyed a delightful hour browsing :o)

I've finished setting up STILLMEADOW COTTAGE, where I'll be sharing some of our family's favourite recipes.

I trust that everyone is enjoying these *last* days of winter! Or, in my case, I should say, these last WEEKS of winter for we had another snowfall yesterday and our temps are still freezing ...

Blessings,

Joy in Simple Things

My older grandson's latest enjoyment

comes from the stairs in their *new-to-them* home!

He didn't have them in his previous home
so running up and down
and climbing through them as in this photo,
are now his newest and most exciting activity :o)

His little brother smiles *JUST BECAUSE*
and that is so sweet and precious!

May your weekend bring smiles to your heart :o)

Simple Blessings

I found this teeny-tiny vase many years ago in a Thrift Shop and it is just perfect to hold the few carnations left from the beautiful Christmas floral arrangement that my Mom had sent to us 2 weeks ago. Their lovely fragrance helps to make them one of my favourite flowers!

The small white doily is one that I crocheted last week as a gift for her along with some home baking that she has promised to eat *carefully* because she has diabetes :o)

They both went with my daughter via plane on Tuesday and IF she remembered to put them in the freezer when she arrived home, [the baked goods NOT the doily!!] they should taste fresh when she takes them over to Grandma's house!

Trust each of you are enjoying a splendid winter's day in your little corner of the world,

A Whole Day at Home

This has been a very busy week for me!

Yesterday I was thrilled to be able to spend a whole day at home with NOTHING on my calendar that required me to leave the house, because I had lots that needed doing right here:

• washed my hair
• cleaned the bathroom
• made some boiled chocolate-peanut butter-oatmeal-coconut clusters
• did the preparations for scalloped potatoes and ground beef + pork meat loaf for supper
• wrapped a couple of presents that need to be sent away
• received and made a phone call
• all sorts of daily things that others do all the time too :o)
  

I had the latest Karen Kingsbury book from our library and it's only on a 7 day loan but I didn't have any time to sit down and relax and read it, so that's on my weekend agenda :o)

Wednesday afternoon I had lunch with a dear older friend and her husband at their house, a place I enjoy spending time and always leave feeling encouraged and refreshed.

That evening, it was a ladies-only dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate this same friend's birthday, and we all had a delightful time :o)

This afternoon I've been invited to another friend's for a cup of tea and afternoon visit and because I haven't been there since July, I'm really looking forward to it.

Pondering simplicity and having priorities and sticking to them, I am going to be more aware of whether it's ME wandering out the door and going places or whether it's the LORD who wants me to do those things at those times ... I want my direction to come from Him.

My scriptural priorities from the Lord are: my husband first, our own family second and any others He brings across my path next.

When things are being asked of me, remembering this order will help me decide to *accept* or *say Yes*, or whether it's just not appropriate at that time because it will rob someone in those other areas of my life.

Blessings,

I Love Teacups

Tea Time Wall Tapestry by Sandy Clough

I love teacups and tea!

Mind you, the tea must be piping hot or it just won't do :o)
How about you?

Lady Hamilton by Royal Albert,
inherited from my maternal grandmother

My maternal GR-grandmother had these Apple Blossom
tea cups by Royal Albert and I always loved them!
Found this photo at flickr under Creative Commons License

When I saw this photo on ebay,
I loved the pattern instantly
because teacups with an *inside* pattern
are even more lovely and special,
at least in my mind :o)

Don't you just love these heart shaped ones?!

Dancing in the Rain

Rainy Day Pals by Donald Zolan

"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness,
has never danced in the rain!"

~ Author Unknown ~

A Cozy Rain

Sunday Tea Time by Stephen Darbishire

"The best kind of rain, of course, is a cozy rain.
This is the kind the anonymous medieval poet
makes me remember,
the rain that falls on a day when
you'd just as soon stay in bed a little longer,
write letters or read a good book by the fire,
take early tea with hot scones and jam
and look out the streaked window with complacency."

~ Susan Allen Toth, England For All Seasons ~

This is what we're experiencing here this evening! It was sunny yesterday afternoon although in the morning, the temperature had dropped to freezing. Right now the mild air because of our *cozy rain* is rather a pleasant change.

I keep thinking that we'll have an earlier than usual snowfall this year!

Blessings to each of you,

A Special Day

Tomorrow promises to be a special day!

My husband has been off work the past couple of days so we're going into the city to attend the 20th Anniversary of the Heart Transplant Program.

As far as I know, the event is to begin with presentations by some of the cardiac surgeons and doctors and will be followed by a buffet sandwich - lunch table and we'll be able to meet and greet up to as many as 120 heart transplant recipients and their guests as well as many of the nurses and other specialists who have been an integral part of our care over the duration that we were in hospital.

Because that main event finishes about 2pm, I'm fortunate that he already guessed that I'll want to go to my favourite Thrift Store on the way home :o)

I'm glad that he knows how much I enjoy it and will likely wander off to browse the used book section while I look for treasures.

Other than fighting traffic, we should be home by supper and will most likely stop into our favourite fish and chips place and bring some home so we can eat together with our son.

After that, it's off to a special ministry meeting where the truths of Scripture are being rehearsed with regard to the local church testimony here in the scene of time.

We attended the 1st of the series last evening and were blessed beyond measure! The next 3 evenings and Sunday afternoon promise more of the same so we are thankful to have that to look forward to.

This morning I was able to take another friend to her doctor's appointment and then drop her off somewhere else on my way to get gas ~ which FINALLY dropped about 10 CENTS in price with a change expected tomorrow again, but who knows whether that will be UP or DOWN?!

My husband has been trying to record 10 more MPs from music and lyrics that he has written since his last CD and he's been using his days off to get a good start.

Yesterday afternoon for a little, while we stopped in to see our brother-in-law who is into his 2nd week of chemo after being diagnosed with stomach / adrenal gland / lymph / pancreatic cancer.

He says he doesn't want to give up easily and wants the doctors to try whatever they can and that he's going to do whatever he has to do to try to beat this ~ if the Lord lays it on your heart, we'd appreciate any prayer on behalf of him, my husband's sister and the children.

May this phrase: "Be still, and know that I am God" [Psalm 46:10] have an impact on you as you go about the moments of your day,

The Magic Spell

Melinda Byers - Words of Wisdom

Have you ever told a story
To a little child of five
And watched her eyes grow bigger
As the drama comes alive?

Have you ever felt her quiver
With excitement and delight
When the wicked king is vanquished
By the good and noble knight?

And when the story's over
Do you wish you needn't leave
This lovely land of fantasy
This world of make-believe?

Well, that's because,unknowingly,
You've cast a magic spell,
Not only on the little child,
But on yourself as well :o)

~ Alice E. Chase ~

This was often how my children felt when we read stories together and it's often how I still feel as an adult, curling up in my favourite chair, either reading a new story or an old familiar one!

Some books are so real that you feel a part of them :o)

Does anyone else remember the magic of stortelling to a child or the feeling of becoming one with a book they have read?

Blessings,

Let the Rain Kiss You

Summer Thunder by Donald Zolan

Let the rain kiss you.
Let the rain beat upon your head
with silver liquid drops.
Let the rain sing you a lullaby.

~ Langston Hughes ~

It wasn't until a friend's mother
told me she wasn't allowed out to play
because it was raining
that I ever realized other families
didn't have the luxury of playing in the rain
and having lots of fun!

Does anyone else remember times in childhood
when you loved playing outside
in ANY weather!

Blessings,

September Song

Happy September to Everyone!

I have away put my window fans but not my portable ones
because in my part of the world,
we can have very warm Septembers!

I've left them out because I can begin perspiring
at the drop of a hat
and never know when they're going to come in handy :o)

September Song by Diane Romanello

"The golden-rod is yellow;
The corn is turning brown;
The trees in apple orchards
With fruit are bending down.

The gentian's bluest fringes
Are curling in the sun;
In dusty pods the milkweed
Its hidden silk has spun.

The sedges flaunt their harvest,
In every meadow nook;
And asters by the brook-side
Make asters in the brook,

From dewy lanes at morning
The grapes' sweet odors rise;
At noon the roads all flutter
With yellow butterflies.

By all these lovely tokens
September days are here,
With summer's best of weather,
And autumn's best of cheer.

But none of all this beauty
Which floods the earth and air
Is unto me the secret
Which makes September fair.

T'is a thing which I remember;
To name it thrills me yet:
One day of one September
I never can forget."

~ Helen Hunt Jackson, September ~