Day by Day

A Christmas Pledge

2011-12-01T10:59:00.001-06:00

In Honor of Christmas and all the season represents,

I pledge to vigilantly protect my ears from...

ANY song about SHOES!

Will There Be Cake

2011-12-01T10:10:00.001-06:00

A New Tradition

2011-11-26T08:35:00.001-06:00

It's always fun to work "new traditions" into your holidays. This thanksgiving, I made the Sweet Potato Rolls I found on one of my fave sites, The Fresh Loaf. These will definitely be on the table next year and for many thanksgivings to come! Yum!

Since we had ham this year instead of the traditional turkey, the sweet potato buns made excellent "hamburgers" for later...*: ) Wild rice onion bread is on the menu for next week...can't wait!

Making an Impression

2011-11-07T16:08:00.001-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/lettermpress

Virtual Printing Press for Mac

Jungle Noises

2011-11-07T12:46:00.000-06:00

Well, it's here and on my Mac, but the jungle noises are coming from me, not OSX Lion! Maybe it's a VICTORY roar 'cause I conquered the Lion...

When I finally got Lion on and running…it was really a disappointment for all the work! There are several worthless apps added in for confusion's sake. The email change is the only plus outside of the new iCloud app which I will NOT be using most likely. I down loaded the Lion app from the App Store for $29.99, a good price. Then I found out I couldn't install it because of my hard drive set up…*: ( After checking with the support forum, I realized I would have to change my partition set up…*: ( The forum said to erase the entire hard drive to make a single partition that could be reformatted with Snow Leopard, then Lion applied with an afterward redo of BootCamp, adding Windows back…*: ( Lucky me, after erasing my Windows BootCamp (unnecessary sad move), I found out it wouldn't let me erase the main boot drive…Thank you very much! But, I could repartition it without erasing it because it was a really big partition so I made two partitions out of it, a smaller one for the restore/recover feature and a larger one for the actual main boot drive (using the disk utility, click the partition and make a slidy move till both sides are the size you want.) So now I have 3 partitions, Lion HD, Lion Recovery, and a blank BootCamp waiting for my Windows 7 installation. Since I did not/could not erase my main HD, the Lion Update did not wipe any of my files YEA!

So far it is running just fine, just don't know that it was worth the hassle. As I use it I'm finding a few more perks, nothing that is amazing though. which leaves me...

Knowing more about mac than I wanted…
Somewhere in Texas

Bear Hugs

2011-10-28T14:40:00.000-05:00

Once the bear's hug has got you, it is apt to be for keeps.

--Harold MacMillan

Isaiah the Visonary

2011-10-28T11:22:00.000-05:00

God's Eternal Plan Will Not Fail
Much heaviness comes upon the heart of Isaiah when he is given a vision of the state of Israel. They have drifted far from the word of their God, into a state of egregious evil, chasing after the gods and practices of the nations they failed to expel from their midst. It is sure that they will not escape the heavy hand of the Lord God of Israel, for His wrath has been sparked against them. In the foretelling of the dark days that lay ahead for them, God, remaining true to His character, has Isaiah speak forth glorious visions of the HOPE to come, breaking through the darkness with brilliance, as fireworks sprinkled through a darkened heaven. The God of Israel is compassionate in His dealings with His chosen nation; He will not be angry with them forever...Over and over again death strikes a blow...repentance calls unto God...and God's mercy is seen once more!

Malachi 3:16-18New Living Translation (NLT)
The Lord’s Promise of Mercy
16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name. 17 “They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. 18 Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

Hebrews 10:15-17 New Living Translation (NLT)15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says, 16 “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” 17 Then he says, “I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.”

Chasing the Wind

2011-10-14T17:07:00.000-05:00

Father: "Where have you been daughter of mine?"
Daughter: "Out chasing the wind!"
Father: "Did you catch it yet?"
Daughter "No, but it was a glorious adventure!"

After reading Ecclesiastes, I am left sad...Surely God never meant chasing the wind to be meaningless...but full of joy!

Sure we will not change things so very much, but add the love and the companionship He actually intended and chasing the wind can be a wonderfully, imaginative and glorious adventure!

True Life given in abundance blesses the recipient with joy unbounded!

The First Blogger?

2011-10-01T17:12:00.000-05:00

Blogging Athens' Style

Paul goes to the Areopagus in Athens and engages a group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers with his "post" on AN UNKNOWN GOD. As with most "posts," some sneered and others wanted to hear more...a few even became followers...*; ) The Christian blogosphere...not such a new idea.

Interacting with the Ancient

2011-09-27T18:07:00.000-05:00

OK, I'm past Google-Eyed!

*8 ) the Google-Eyed Girl

Learn Something New

2011-09-27T16:43:00.000-05:00

I've had PSE for quite awhile now and decided I might actually learn something new and begin to use it. My iMac came with iPhoto and I still haven't learned all about that editing system, so I have put off trying out the PSE possibilities. I have a rather large project I promised my sisters so I'm trying it out now! I created this in PSE and then edited it further in iPhoto. Callie is the perfect subject. Except for DH, I'm forbidden to use human family members in creative endeavors that might end up on my blog of fame...someday when I'm really famous, they'll be sorry...

Higher Education

2011-09-26T16:23:00.000-05:00

With current questions popping up in the news about the value of higher education, I thought this just might be appropriate timing for a re-post from a few years back...

Ever thought about going back to school after retirement? What exactly should that higher degree cost? We need to know the truth...we have been misled in so many areas. With our savings and retirement accounts nearly gone, we are all trying to cut corners where we can. Father Guido Sarducci gives us the truth about higher education in an effort to save us some cash in these difficult times.

So you'd rather be an artist? Here Father Sarducci outlines the perks. I've found these to be excellent benefits. Years after my art education, I'm still reaping the blessings...*; )

Scorpion Defense League

2011-09-24T15:21:00.000-05:00

We have a dual layer defense system for the detection and removal of the Texas Bark Scorpion. Unfortunately for DH, both levels appeared to have failed this morning.

Level One Outdoor Patrol: Quick, decisive, totally eradicates the enemy.

Level Two Indoor Alert: Points to the problem

with alerting behaviours to indicate the presence of the enemy,

but far less decisive and complete on follow through.

Blessings from Heaven

2011-09-22T08:34:00.000-05:00

My Hubby cooks! And then he lets me snatch his breakfast for a photo shoot

because unfortunately...I ate mine before I thought of photos...*: )

Using Google Scribe

2011-09-20T17:01:00.000-05:00

I did it! I used Google Scribe just to get an idea of how it would interact with my typing skills...*: ( It does fine in keeping up with the typing, however when you decide not to use the word suggested, you have to back up to make sure you have removed all trace of the word interjected without leaving your literary creation peppered with numerous half words or errant letters...*: (

Microsoft's auto correct feature is just about the same, only instead of interjecting words in front of your typing it runs along behind and reworks your thoughts. A good many years ago, I created an interview piece for my nephew. He had been tasked to interview someone who had lived through the turbulent 60's for a school project. He sent me his questions and I wrote up the interview. Auto correct was engaged and I let it run its course only going back to read the piece for edit. It was so funny! Culture changes drastically it seems, from decade to decade and the typical words and phrases of the mid 60's were no longer the ones chosen by spell check/auto correct of the mid 90's. This might explain how text book publishers, who outsource for production and edit in tech savvy countries that know nothing about history in the good old USA, might easily seem to rewrite our American history without even trying!

Just in case you're wondering, here's the piece I wrote. You might notice that Sarah was a bit tongue tied when she tried to mouth Reagan's words by heart, but I'm not totally sure if it was her fear, or due to my ten weapons of mass communication aided by Google Scribe...

The bears were back, in far greater numbers. Sarah had desperately called for help. Steven had warned her she was in immanent danger and should pack up and get out while the proverbial getting was good. She could still hear the concern in his voice when they last spoke, "Leave Sarah, leave now! Bear threat is nothing to trifle with!" Had she waited to late? Fear began to rise in her throat, but she would never give in to the bears! This was her America! Taking up her gun she prepares for the fight! With the taste of failing enamel on her tongue she silently begins to mouth the words of Reagan:

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the blood stream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for then to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States when me were free.

The Funnest Thing EVER!

2011-09-17T17:34:00.000-05:00

Google Scribe! Now you don't even have to write your own blog...you have your very own built-in scribe! Now you are totally exonerated from incidental/accidental plagiarism. If anyone confronts you, you can truthfully say..."Who me?" I'm going to use it right away and see how clever they are at choosing words...

*8 ) Google-Eyed Yet Again

Come Fly with Me

2011-09-17T11:31:00.000-05:00

Golden Elms

2011-09-13T11:52:00.000-05:00

As falling leaves of brilliant gold drift past our windows like golden rain drops, I can feel the sadness in the trees. After a summer of riotous dance, with the temps returning to well over the hundred degree mark and no rain in sight, it's almost as if the trees have finally given up and are no longer able to hold on to their leaves. The leaves begin to cover the ground as if in silent mourning for the friends they lost in the Bastrop fires. While the brilliant gold and the gentle sprinkling of leaves is an every year occurrence in our small forest, the timing for this year's event is far too early for Texas.

Let's Share Fair

2011-09-10T17:27:00.000-05:00

Guardian Angel by: Denshchikov Vladimir

2011-09-10T14:10:00.000-05:00

He Qi Arts

2011-09-08T21:56:00.000-05:00

Recently I have been checking out photos of iconic/religious art such as the ones above and started finding several with a more modern flair, by He Qi. I finally took the time to investigate a bit further and found this wonderful site. Click here to see his amazing gallery! You're sure to find yourself a fan as well.

The Gates of Hell Shall NOT Prevail!

2011-09-08T09:18:00.000-05:00

In a community as small as Bastrop, there is no one who has not been touched by this fire....Our church is now serving as a community shelter and many of the displaced are among our own church members.

In the face of such disastrous conditions, our church gathered together yesterday evening and did what Christians do....We glorified God casting our praises far and wide into the heavens to proclaim to all the earth and every principality how great and glorious our Savior God is! The joy of the Lord is our strength!

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NLT)

8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.

We stand with our neighbors

We're from Bastrop

We are TEXANS

WE ARE CHRISTIANS

2 Corinthians 4:16 (MSG)

16-18So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.

When Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

2011-09-06T12:12:00.000-05:00

Take a line from Dr. Who and...Run!

Those who can multi-task,

pray and run at the same time!

While we haven't had to run yet, we are praying for our friends who have. This isn't the first forest fire that Bastrop has seen, but it seems to be underscored by the many fires across Texas not only this year, but in our recent past. This holiday weekend has been exceptionally bad for the Austin area, which has been ringed by fire for days. While Governor Perry has been on the scene promising the soon arrival of FEMA to help rebuild...our church, along with other churches in the Bastrop area, are major players here and have access to the only resource that can rebuild LIFE!

We Remember Nuremberg

2011-09-01T17:12:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, we don't remember the beautiful Nuremberg as seen above...*: (

We remember the inside of the hospital where DH left his gall bladder...*: (

I personally remember the back of a very large Volvo station wagon and the front of my very small car all over the road, during a rain storm, at night, as I tried to navigate my way back to the hotel, using a large tower as my landmark, after the surgery...*: (

After the surgery was also when I found out how many look-a-like towers there are in Nuremberg, a walled city...*: (

This is also when I learned how nice the Nuremberg Politzei were, when they contacted the military MP's to take me back to the hotel without writing me the ticket I fully deserved...*: )

This was the night that I fell asleep thanking Jesus for locating the lost and bringing them safely to their destination no matter where that might be...*: )

Time and Rememberance

2011-08-24T09:34:00.003-05:00

During the "fairy tale years," we lived in Germany in a little town near the Mosel River. Down in the valley and across the Mosel was a German store named Globus, their version of say Super WalMart. The trip to Globus took you down a winding forest road into Zell and then across a bridge and up the other side. The first time I laid eyes on the Mosel Valley, from a turn in the road, as we drove up the winding roadway...it took my breath away! With wonderment the thought hit me...did the people of this valley (the ones who had lived there always) see it the way I did? We lived in this area for six years and on one trip to the Globus...on returning home with my groceries, I realized I hadn't noticed the valley...

If this were a printed page...it would be spoiled with a tear drop.

Time Travel

2011-08-23T20:38:00.004-05:00

Here we travel back in time some twenty (20) years to remember our visit with Jap & Sonnie Klut! Just before visiting the windmills @ Zaanse Schans, we walked through the Keukenhof Gardens. Now there's a place that knows how to "Paint the World with Flowers!"

Good Morning

2011-08-23T11:04:00.002-05:00

Psalm 5:3 (NLT)

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.

Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

Miss Molly's New Do

2011-08-22T15:47:00.003-05:00

A Song for Miss Molly

2011-08-18T18:39:00.003-05:00

Camera Works

2011-08-17T15:49:00.006-05:00

I think I need a new digicam with a telephoto lens. During this heat spell, we have had water set out for the wildlife in and around Hope Garden and it has drawn many and varied critters. While DH and I can sit by the window and watch their interactions, they disperse too quickly when we venture out with camera in hand. Now if I leave the camera inside during my walk-abouts the little buggers come close enough to reach out and touch...but even the slightest movement sends them scurrying into the dry grass and shadows where I can't nab the shot! Satan in an all out attempt to thwart my God given photographic talents has caused our car to need an expensive repair just when I was about to ask DH for the said camera equipment! Bummer! *; (

Ms. Daisy is Now in CR

2011-08-11T22:17:00.003-05:00

Hope Garden has had the saddest summer ever. This evening we found Ms. Daisy had moved on to Chickie Rest...the flock is getting rather large in CR....The heat is predicted to continue through the month of August without let up or hope for rain.

Great Quotes to Remember

2011-08-11T09:25:00.003-05:00

Yesterday evening I was engaged in children's check in activities at church so I missed much of the sermon. I slid in next to my sweet DH just in time to hear the following "great quote."

"God hides treasures for you, not from you."

I really LOVE a good treasure hunt, don't you? Thank you Pastor Scott!

Proverbs 25:2

New Living Translation (NLT)

It is God’s privilege to conceal things
and the king’s privilege to discover them.

Destroying Boundaries

2011-08-10T09:56:00.005-05:00

Excerpt from The NeverEnding Story

Are we cursed when we move ancient boundary stones? What if we don't actually move them to another location, but only spin them around a bit? If we have been paying attention we might have seen this movement applied to some rather foundational "stories/stones" in our Bible recently. Are we making room for the "Nothingness" if we destroy ancient boundaries...does it really matter?

Questioning the story of Adam and Eve

We are sad...

2011-08-04T23:15:00.005-05:00

The Texas heat claimed another victim yesterday. Our beautiful Bonnie is the newest resident of Hope Garden in Chickie Rest. Miss Molly and the remaining Chichi Sisters asked me to place a memorial video on the video page and in honor of her favorite plant...the cucumber...I made a memorial jar of spicy sweet pickles...

Questions for a Wash & Wear Cat

2011-08-01T14:44:00.002-05:00

Should I just use hand soap or is there a special product I could buy?

Thank You Billy!

2011-07-26T10:44:00.004-05:00

When searching for a contractor to remove the large garden tub from our master bath, Billy was recommended by friends. Not only did he lay the most beautiful laminate flooring, he also demoed the bath, replaced the sub-flooring, added bead board wainscoting with new baseboard all around and installed the new vanities we had ordered. All I can say is WOW! The estimation interview was very informative. Billy explained the type of flooring and the reasons for and advantages of his suggestions. Their carpentry work is excellent! Billy and crew went over and above any of our expectations and brought this job in on time and on budget. With 25 yrs experience in flooring installation his insights are educational and really helpful in making the decisions for a excellent project. I was VERY pleased and even had enough money left in the budget to purchase my new linen cabinet...Yea!...*: ) *: )

I Will Look Up and Place My Hope in God

2011-07-25T16:42:00.002-05:00

Matthew 6:30-32 New Living Translation (NLT)

30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

Blood, Sweat & Tears

2011-07-25T16:30:00.002-05:00

I think I WOULD cry if my tears hadn't dried up!

Chicken Distress

2011-07-22T12:26:00.002-05:00

Even the chickens are distressed over the dearth of produce from our little Garden of Hope...or is that our Garden of Little Hope...*: (

The College Car

2011-07-21T11:28:00.003-05:00

I believe my dad got this little gem around 1964. It will always be remembered as the "college car." The car industry had actually evolved to the automatic a few years before the first of our "Little Band of Sisters" learned to drive, but when we went off to school, we were each in turn gifted with this car. The stories of fun and adventure I had in this darling white car with the backward opening doors will hold a place in my memory forever!

Once, while still endeavoring to transfer my driving skills to this non-automatic, a friend who was with me on a short drive-about, when I killed the car at a 4-way stop with no other cars in sight, piped in with, "Nancy, a 4-way stop does NOT mean stop and wait for four more cars!" At least that time it wasn't raining! The darling always stalled out in the rain due to a cracked distributor cap that for some reason never quite got fixed...maybe it was a parts issue. If I recall correctly, it was the last of the "Little Band of Sisters" that finally did this darling in....Oops! Maybe I just drove a bit too far down memory lane...*; )

Investing in Gold & Silver

2011-07-18T10:13:00.004-05:00

Should we invest in gold and silver? Seems there are many financial counselors who think so, but I have a problem with that advise...am I missing something here?

Ezekiel 7:19

Zephaniah 1:18

Matthew 10:9-10

James 5:3

Revelation 18:11-12

In the Time of Shaking

2011-07-14T11:29:00.007-05:00

The Church is called to be a blessing...are you prepared?

Hebrews 12:26-27
The Message (MSG)

25-27So don't turn a deaf ear to these gracious words. If those who ignored earthly warnings didn't get away with it, what will happen to us if we turn our backs on heavenly warnings? His voice that time shook the earth to its foundations; this time—he's told us this quite plainly—he'll also rock the heavens: "One last shaking, from top to bottom, stem to stern." The phrase "one last shaking" means a thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered.

This is how LOVE WINS!

Promises of Renewal

2011-07-13T17:38:00.004-05:00

On these days when the scorching afternoon sun sears the earth,

hope blooms scatter across our little corner of the world each morning.

Isaiah 49:10 (NLT)

¹⁰ They will neither hunger nor thirst.
The searing sun will not reach them anymore.
For the Lord in his mercy will lead them;
he will lead them beside cool waters.

Miss Molly Gets A Smile

2011-07-13T16:49:00.002-05:00

Since her promotion to head greeter here at Hope Garden, Miss Molly has been requesting an actual face. Unfortunately her "plastic" surgery was less than successful. While visitors are sure she's amiable, her head has taken on a rather odd shape. Luckily with the advances in medical technology she can request a new face...her plastic surgeon is at this very moment investigating the possibilities...

Robber Flies

2011-07-06T15:55:00.003-05:00

After squishing the aforementioned and photo-opted subject...I used Google to discover if he was friend or foe. Unfortunately for the subject and the photographer...he turned out to be friend of the gardener...*: (

The revision to my no kill philosophy will remain intact however.

squish first...
carry out photo-op...
check Google...
repent if necessary leaving future subjects unmolested...

YIKES-More Dead Wildlife

2011-07-06T14:36:00.003-05:00

As you can tell by the guts on this guy's back

my no kill philosophy has undergone a bit of revision...

Free is Good

2011-07-05T09:45:00.004-05:00

It's always great to find free stuff!

*BB and The Cloud

2011-06-29T10:35:00.004-05:00

Just when you think Google has gone over the top...they raise the bar. The Google YouTube channel is SPOOKY! Now you can have a Chrome Notebook and never make entries....They already know all your info and of course they keep it SAFE! Now isn't that special!

*BB = Big Brother

Google for Chickens

2011-06-29T10:11:00.000-05:00

A Question of Ladders

2011-06-22T14:51:00.002-05:00

As you can see, we have a ladder. What you can't see, is that it has been here since oh, about March. Someday I'll deal with the ladder, but not today...*; ) My dilemma is, while not today, should I just put it away or deal with the source that generated the ladder...?

Catspaw

2011-06-15T11:28:00.003-05:00

Callie enjoys her new spaw...*: )

It's Not That Easy Being Green...

2011-06-02T12:15:00.002-05:00

Kermit was a very lucky little critter to have missed the game of "Chicken Tag" yesterday!

I Write the Songs...

2011-05-27T18:34:00.001-05:00

REJOICE!

2011-05-27T10:00:00.002-05:00

Philippians 4:4 (Good News Translation)

May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice!

Chocolate Pie

2011-05-21T18:41:00.003-05:00

This chocolate pie paired with the "Plate of Fame" just insisted to have it's picture taken. Hope your Saturday nite is as yummy as ours!

*: )

Best Boiled Egg Tip Ever!

2011-05-12T13:01:00.002-05:00

Eggs fresh from the hen are almost impossible to boil and peel. Recently I heard Rachel Ray give a GREAT tip for peeling boiled eggs. After they have been boiled, shake them in their pan to crack the shells up a bit before cooling them. I have used this on my very fresh eggs and have had excellent results obtaining smoothly peeled eggs for garnishes or stuffed egg plates. Thank you Rachel!

In the Year the Trees Danced

2011-05-10T10:00:00.011-05:00

This spring has been a real scorcher even during the previous drought years we have had at least a little spring rain....Sadly it is missing this year. What we do have is an unusual amount of wind. The winds have driven wildfires across acres and acres of Texas destroying much. Each day when the sun sets here in our little quarter acre wood we are grateful for the common grace extended that has left our forest standing in such fierce conditions.

The canopy of leaves that extends across our quarter acre wood is fully leafed out in a deep restful green, belying the crisp grasses, stick and leaf litter under foot; it looks much like the picture below:

Walk-a-bouts are conducted under such lovelies as these most evenings....But, this year is different as they wave in a fiercely happy dance bending and swaying violently in a wind choreographed ballet. In desperate times for our state and the nation...why such riotous unbridled praise? Do they know something we don't know?

Psalm 96 (New Living Translation)

1 Sing a new song to the Lord!

Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!

2 Sing to the Lord; praise his name.

Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.

3 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.

Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.

4 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!

He is to be feared above all gods.

5 The gods of other nations are mere idols,

but the Lord made the heavens!

6 Honor and majesty surround him;

strength and beauty fill his sanctuary.

7 O nations of the world, recognize the Lord;

recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong.

8 Give to the Lord the glory he deserves!

Bring your offering and come into his courts.

9 Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor.

Let all the earth tremble before him.

10 Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!”

The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.

He will judge all peoples fairly.

11 Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!

Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!

12 Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!

Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise

13 before the Lord, for he is coming!

He is coming to judge the earth.

He will judge the world with justice,

and the nations with his truth.

On Another Walk-About

2011-05-09T21:21:00.004-05:00

I'm not afraid of snakes, really I'm not,

but this little guy does give you pause...

here you see him...

Here you don't...

We stood there and watched whilst he

shimmied into the leaves and disappeared!

(Look closely in the upper right corner.)

Here he came back to the surface!

Giny, our Red Star, a good snaker, found him and sounded the alert!

This guy and a mate were under our green tractor trailer.

By the time DH returned with the camera,

I couldn't see the other and thought

she had just crawled away. Maybe, maybe not...

Like I said we watched this snake shimmy

down under the leaves with only a bit of shaking.

She might have shimmied up the tree or was still hiding

when this guy sped away into the forest!

Now the BIG question...are they friend or foe?

I'm sure Google will know so I'll just ask them

and post an update when I find out...

Note: This is a hog-nosed snake. A funny creature who has been known to feign death to avoid danger....They will actually roll over, hang out their tongues and appear dead...how funny! Ours is very much alive and well and has returned to the place last viewed hopefully staking out the frolicking mice in the vicinity...Mr. UB Smith is a bit neglectful at the moment being he's lost his two upper teeth...*: (

Here our returning friend appears with an additional friend cloaked by the tree...

Lord, Please Send the Rain

2011-05-08T10:53:00.003-05:00

Zechariah 10

The Lord Will Restore His People

1 Ask the Lord for rain in the spring,

for he makes the storm clouds.

And he will send showers of rain

so every field becomes a lush pasture.

Whoo Hoo - Olé

2011-05-07T14:55:00.005-05:00

The sobbing is over and done...

The sound of dancing is heard once more...

My mirrors arrived quickly and more important...

PERFECTLY!

Hats off to La Fuente Imports!

Evening Walk-About

2011-05-07T11:07:00.004-05:00

Miss Molly is taking her new promotion

to head greeter quite seriously. Good job Molly!

Little Miss Daisy thinks she will hatch some eggs...*: (

The others vie for the position of "Top Chick".

Looking up I discover the source of scary rustlings...

OMG! It's the squirrel from hades!

This walk-about is done!

Bummer...*: (

2011-05-05T13:46:00.003-05:00

Back They Go!

Sniffle...

Sobbing Somewhere in Texas...

Songs of Note for Everyone

2011-05-05T13:31:00.003-05:00

As Darkness Approaches...

2011-04-28T09:22:00.003-05:00

We will remember your light David!

³And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:3, King James Version)

The world will miss David Wilkerson...he shone brightly for our Lord!

Where's My Stuff?!?!

2011-04-28T08:12:00.004-05:00

Hey! HOME DEPOT! Where's my stuff?

Still waiting...Somewhere in Texas...*: (

Seeking The Star Maker

2011-04-26T12:22:00.002-05:00

The Mountain from Terje Sorgjerd on Vimeo.

Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name: (Amos 5:8, King James Version)

Communion

2011-04-24T16:56:00.002-05:00

And More Wabbitz...

2011-04-23T09:13:00.003-05:00

Peter and friends have moved into the Garden of Hope and are circling the newly set buffet tables...*: ( I'm not sure, but I think they are all brothers. The family resemblance is so strong I can't really tell them apart...there are five...must be "quints".... They all look like the one on the far right above, except but much bigger and hungrier! They're hoping for a nibble...here's to hoping that they don't--Somewhere in Texas...

And Then He Captured the Keys!

2011-04-22T08:48:00.003-05:00

Revelation 1:18 (New International Reader's Version)

¹⁸ I am the Living One. I was dead.

But look! I am alive for ever and ever!

And I hold the keys to Death and Hell.

*******

OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!

Bears

2011-04-18T12:39:00.002-05:00

Where were you?

2011-04-08T10:42:00.003-05:00

Job 38:7 (New King James Version)

When the morning stars sang together,

And all the sons of God shouted for joy?

What to Do?

2011-03-31T11:03:00.006-05:00

Today is a beautiful day with bright sunshine and all the accoutrements that are usually packaged with early spring. This would be a wonderful time to hunt for photographic opportunities. Just moments ago I looked out to see our deer population out on the front lawn just anticipating my camera snap. I left them completely at ease as I surveyed the rest of the kingdom and plotted out possibilities for the day...

Miss Molly, having been moved away from her support system for mowing opportunities is face down in the garden...she really hates that pose...maybe I should give her a hand at watering.

The Chichi Sisters are REALLY hoping I clean their house...being it IS time for spring cleaning and them without hands and all....What to do...what to do...

Like I was saying, today is a great day to clean the Chicken Palace....*; (

The Watchers

2011-03-28T11:06:00.001-05:00

Hope Renewed

2011-03-15T09:32:00.004-05:00

When the Bottle Tree bursts into bloom, Hope garden begins to call for renewal. Yesterday afternoon Miss Molly and the Chichi Sisters gave DH an enthusiastic hand with the new garden preparations. When heavy lifting ensues, Nancy quickly disappears returning with the camera crew...*; )

Mark 4:28 (The Message)

Never Without a Story

26-29Then Jesus said, "God's kingdom is like seed thrown on a field by a man who then goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows—he has no idea how it happens. The earth does it all without his help: first a green stem of grass, then a bud, then the ripened grain. When the grain is fully formed, he reaps—harvest time!

Hope Garden waiting to sprout...Somewhere in Texas...

The Purse Lane Purloiners Return

2011-03-01T10:03:00.006-06:00

Ever vigilant after their recent "Case of the Vanishing Purse Lane", Poirot and Agatha, camera at the ready, sneak up on the purloiners casing the joint...

The Slumber Party

2011-03-01T09:53:00.002-06:00

Callie boogies with the bears at her recent slumber party.

A Birds Eye View

2011-02-25T09:28:00.007-06:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day to stop and smell the pansies!

While touring the premises our Ms Sweet Pea

made a sudden frightened jump and flutter.

I hurried over to see what had caused her alarm

and this is what I found!

Parables

2011-02-21T09:29:00.004-06:00

Matthew 13:10-16 (GOD’S WORD Translation)

¹⁰The disciples asked him, “Why do you use stories as illustrations when you speak to people?”

¹¹Jesus answered, “Knowledge about the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you. But it has not been given to the crowd. ¹²Those who understand these mysteries will be given more knowledge, and they will excel in understanding them. However, some people don’t understand these mysteries. Even what they understand will be taken away from them. ¹³This is why I speak to them this way. They see, but they’re blind. They hear, but they don’t listen. They don’t even try to understand. ¹⁴So they make Isaiah’s prophecy come true:

‘You will hear clearly but never understand.
You will see clearly but never comprehend.
¹⁵These people have become close-minded
and hard of hearing.
They have shut their eyes
so that their eyes never see.
Their ears never hear.
Their minds never understand.
And they never return to me for healing!’

¹⁶“Blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear.

When Blind Eyes Are Opened

2011-02-17T12:23:00.003-06:00

Isaiah 35:5 (New Living Translation)

And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind

and unplug the ears of the deaf.

----------------

When we finally see the light might we say

that things begin to be "Untangled"

Let's Eat Across Texas

2011-02-08T16:33:00.002-06:00

Texas: Where even the grocery store is kick'n....

but education...uhhh...not so much...*; )

Morphed-2-Fly

2011-02-08T11:19:00.005-06:00

This bit of wisdom was found on the back

of our church bulletins this past Sunday.

Changing Me and Changing You

2011-02-08T10:48:00.001-06:00

Rolling Blackouts Hit the Lone Star State

2011-02-03T07:45:00.003-06:00

Elderly woman resorts to desperate measures during a read-a-thon when state wide rolling blackouts take a deadly three (yes, that's 3) hour turn...*: (

Happy Surprise!

2011-01-27T11:47:00.003-06:00

This morning as I started the wash, I found a happy surprise! While this certainly isn't the most beautiful flower, I was surprised to see it. I bring this plant inside each fall and it usually goes through molt much like my chickens. This year it is in the laundry room which gets much more sun. A surprise on a frosty morning...it's a GOOD thing!

A Texas Garden

2011-01-23T16:16:00.001-06:00

Fractal Art

2011-01-22T21:00:00.001-06:00

Elected by Grace - Purchased by Blood

2011-01-21T11:14:00.002-06:00

Deuterocanonical Apocrypha

2011-01-16T15:19:00.003-06:00

This year in addition to my regular reading through the Bible, I am reading the "Deuterocanonical Apocrypha". Most recently I have finished reading the books of Tobit, Judith and Wisdom of Solomon. While I have read bits and pieces of these books in the past, I thought it a good project for this new year to actually read the books and find out first hand what these books are about...*: )

The Little Brown Dress

2011-01-14T21:40:00.003-06:00

It's been years since I first read about the little brown dress and today I ran across this video...just had to share...*: ) If I ever decided to embark on a little dress project, mine would definitely have to be YELLOW!

Seattle Channel Video can be played in Flash Player 9 and up

Judith and Holofernes

2011-01-13T10:15:00.002-06:00

When women know their place...

Bible Reading Plans

2011-01-07T10:36:00.005-06:00

Why so many plans out there just to get through the Bible? Why do we want/need to accomplish a goal that is in the minds of many sooooo gargantuan? Do we need to know more laws of dos and don'ts? Do we need to be wiser than the average bear? What's the point?

What's it all about? Getting to know the Father...your Father... His character... His way of doing things...His voice! It's about reaching through time and space to touch the face of God!

Austin's Best Organic Urban Farm

2011-01-06T10:09:00.004-06:00

Boggy Creek Farm from Rachael Schroeder on Vimeo.

Author extraordinaire Carol Ann Sayle, along with husband Larry, owns and farms five acres right in the middle of an east Austin neighborhood! Check out the link to their site under my "Green Planet" listing at left. Be sure to read Carol Ann's News of the Farm and take a side trip to visit the Hen House. Her stories are delightful and her chickens 'bout the most personable in all Texas....outside of the Chichi Sisters at Hope Garden that is....

When Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

2010-12-27T09:14:00.002-06:00

2010 will soon be a memory and we are looking forward to a new year! This has been a "year of smoke" for us, but we can rejoice that the ending is far better than the beginning! When smoke get in your eyes...close them...you'll see the Son.

Ecclesiastes 11:7 (The Message)

Before the Years Take Their Toll

7-8 Oh, how sweet the light of day,

And how wonderful to live in the sunshine!

Even if you live a long time, don't take a single day for granted.

Take delight in each light-filled hour,

Remembering that there will also be many dark days

And that most of what comes your way is smoke.

A Son is Given

2010-12-25T08:06:00.005-06:00

Isaiah 9:2 (King James Version)
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light:
they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
upon them hath the light shined.

St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow

2010-12-23T11:44:00.004-06:00

The bright domes and spires of St. Basil's Cathedral. Public domain.

There are some things we just never get tired of looking at! Excellence in architecture is one for me! For more info check the following link.

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/russia/moscow-st-basil-cathedral

How Glorious is His Name

2010-12-18T20:55:00.005-06:00

Psalm 29:2 (New Living Translation)

Honor the Lord for the glory of his name.

Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

Awesome in Splendor

2010-12-16T11:34:00.003-06:00

Habakkuk 3:4 (New Living Translation)

His coming is as brilliant as the sunrise.

Rays of light flash from his hands,

where his awesome power is hidden.

iLove Mac

2010-12-15T16:59:00.001-06:00

New Apple Friend Bar Gives Customers Someone To Talk At About Mac Products

A Question of Frippery

2010-12-11T10:58:00.005-06:00

Shortly after returning the dictionary to it's proper place and directly after reading my most recent post, DH and I enter the question of frippery...

frippery |ˈfripərē|

noun ( pl. -peries)

showy or unnecessary ornament in architecture, dress, or language.

• a tawdry or frivolous thing.

Photos 1-5 are definite frippery...photos 6-10 are of definite non frippergistic content!

Now that that IS settled...I must admit that DH while he is unable to distinguish the frippergistic from the non-frippergistic...still knows when to hold 'em, knows when to fold 'em, knows when to walk away and...knows when to run....*; )

Interesting Tidbits

2010-12-07T14:07:00.003-06:00

My DH is an avid Indian hobbyist and has made numerous pieces of beaded *frippery. The two pieces shown above were constructed many, many years ago and when he accessed them this morning we were both surprised to see what had happened to the one on the right...They were, when constructed identical! Since I have recently become acquainted with chocolate diamonds (I do watch TV) my comment was, "Wow...that's kinda like chocolate diamonds!"

*I can use this word because DH has no idea what chocolate diamonds are...or what frippery means...*; )