Each morning I go out to my back patio to check on my vegetable plants. It had been a long time since I made an attempt to plant a vegetable garden. In May of this year, I decided to try my hand at growing a patio vegetable garden. Mine consists of several buckets of various sizes set out on the brick patio. One has a wire trellis for the cucumbers (small cucumbers are already maturing) to grow upon. One has a stake to hold up the yellow pepper plant (which has already yielded 2 peppers). The other planters contain okra, green onion, parsley, and mint plants. All are really doing great. The okra has started to produce small okra pods and I've harvested the green onions twice thus far. The parsley and mint are used whenever I need these herbs in food dishes.
Each afternoon around 4:30 I am out there watering the thirsty plants. As it's been really dry lately...they need water every day.
I would probably try squash, zucchini, eggplants, and tomatoes if I could convince my husband that it would really be great to have one-third of our patio filled up with more buckets. I had a hard time convincing him that the few I have would be worth the effort. For now, I'm content to care for the few I have.
We have a friend that grows a large garden a few miles from our house. He is so generous! We pick cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants, squash, and zucchini from his garden anytime we need some. So why do I want to bother with a garden? Because I enjoy seeing things grow and it's challenging to grow a vegetable patio garden.
When my children were very small, my father-in-law had a truck farm...which was a huge vegetable garden. I would help him hoe, plant, water, and harvest the vegetables. My children grew up with fresh vegetables from that garden. They have very fond memories of digging for potatoes; picking carrots, washing them and eating them "on the spot"; eating green snap beans from the vines; coming into the house with a head of lettuce and halving it between the two of them; and running up and down the rows and rows of fresh vegetable plants.
Yes, growing a garden is hard work and demands a bit of your time, but the rewards are many for those who are not afraid to work and you reap a good harvest in the end.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
BUSY MONTH OF MAY
Last month, my daughter remarked to me that she really didn't think about it when she decided to get married in May, twenty-three years ago. She said that no one said anything to her about it being so busy, much less having a wedding to plan with college graduation included. She was speaking about the many things that came during the month of May and how busy people were during this time.
I guess I didn't really give it much thought at the time; but, yes, it was a busy time, as I recall. I do recall "shopping" for wedding dress, veil, shoes, cakes, flowers, and all the other required articles during the course of the year before the wedding day. Every Saturday of that year, she and I shopped the stores. I can still recall thinking how it was great that I had a whole year to prepare.
May is a very busy month. There are graduations, birthday parties, anniversaries, memorial day parties, cruises, and yes, weddings and honeymoons...and so many other events to prepare for and attend. I guess that's why they chose May for the month of Mother's Day...only mothers would put up with all the hustle and bustle of so much going on at the same time and still be able to hold their head above water. They answer to the duties of motherhood. Mothers wouldn't have it any other way, though.
Laughingly my daughter said she was going to let her girls know that May was out of the question for setting their wedding day. But I know when the time comes, she'll do like so many of us have done and smile and remark, "the month of May, huh? I'll be busy, but that's ok. What do you need me to do?" March on, good soldier.
I guess I didn't really give it much thought at the time; but, yes, it was a busy time, as I recall. I do recall "shopping" for wedding dress, veil, shoes, cakes, flowers, and all the other required articles during the course of the year before the wedding day. Every Saturday of that year, she and I shopped the stores. I can still recall thinking how it was great that I had a whole year to prepare.
May is a very busy month. There are graduations, birthday parties, anniversaries, memorial day parties, cruises, and yes, weddings and honeymoons...and so many other events to prepare for and attend. I guess that's why they chose May for the month of Mother's Day...only mothers would put up with all the hustle and bustle of so much going on at the same time and still be able to hold their head above water. They answer to the duties of motherhood. Mothers wouldn't have it any other way, though.
Laughingly my daughter said she was going to let her girls know that May was out of the question for setting their wedding day. But I know when the time comes, she'll do like so many of us have done and smile and remark, "the month of May, huh? I'll be busy, but that's ok. What do you need me to do?" March on, good soldier.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
READY, SET, GO
Since Easter week, it seems that I've been going, going, and going. Strange how we allow ourselves to become so involved with situations that we have a hard time stopping and taking a look at our life's path and, take time "to smell the roses".
I recall as a young child playing ready, set, go with friends. Seems I always had to do everything "full steam ahead"...couldn't do anything slow or halfway.
Aging teaches us great lessons. I now find myself unable to go, go, and go with all boilers running in high gear. I move at slower paces (arthur visits) and find I enjoy sitting around observing people and God's other wonderful creations. One of my favorite past-times is relaxing on my back patio with a good cold root beer in hand and listening to the birds sing.
Another past-time is going to our camp at Toledo Bend and relaxing on the front porch, again sipping on a good cold root beer and watching as the hummingbirds come up to me and buzz around in hope that I put out their feeder (I stopped putting out the feeder as the ants and "black bugs" created such a mess on the porch). Other birds come to eat at the feeder we put up in our front yard oak tree...cardinals, blue birds, mocking birds, blue jays, doves, and purple martins. Their little bodies cross the blue sky and water back and forth providing us with such beauty. Only God can provide that kind of entertainment! Since the hurricanes, the beautiful butterflies and mosquito hawks have also made a come-back into our yards.
Yes, aging settles you down to a more relaxed atmosphere; however, we still must continue on our journey's path and take care of the necessary things of life. Today, I put a pork roast in the oven for supper, have early morning hair cut appointment, need to press my clothes (didn't get to them yesterday as planned), check on my friend at the hospital, check on my mother, check with my daughter (we have book conference in Houston Saturday), and go get a few things from the grocery store....did I say aging has taught lessons in slowing down...guess the old grey mare may not be what she use to be...but she still goes strong. Hee-Hee.
I recall as a young child playing ready, set, go with friends. Seems I always had to do everything "full steam ahead"...couldn't do anything slow or halfway.
Aging teaches us great lessons. I now find myself unable to go, go, and go with all boilers running in high gear. I move at slower paces (arthur visits) and find I enjoy sitting around observing people and God's other wonderful creations. One of my favorite past-times is relaxing on my back patio with a good cold root beer in hand and listening to the birds sing.
Another past-time is going to our camp at Toledo Bend and relaxing on the front porch, again sipping on a good cold root beer and watching as the hummingbirds come up to me and buzz around in hope that I put out their feeder (I stopped putting out the feeder as the ants and "black bugs" created such a mess on the porch). Other birds come to eat at the feeder we put up in our front yard oak tree...cardinals, blue birds, mocking birds, blue jays, doves, and purple martins. Their little bodies cross the blue sky and water back and forth providing us with such beauty. Only God can provide that kind of entertainment! Since the hurricanes, the beautiful butterflies and mosquito hawks have also made a come-back into our yards.
Yes, aging settles you down to a more relaxed atmosphere; however, we still must continue on our journey's path and take care of the necessary things of life. Today, I put a pork roast in the oven for supper, have early morning hair cut appointment, need to press my clothes (didn't get to them yesterday as planned), check on my friend at the hospital, check on my mother, check with my daughter (we have book conference in Houston Saturday), and go get a few things from the grocery store....did I say aging has taught lessons in slowing down...guess the old grey mare may not be what she use to be...but she still goes strong. Hee-Hee.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
EASTER TIME
One of the best times of the year, for me, is approaching...EASTER! This holiday has always been my favorite. It reminds me of new life and the resurrection of Our Lord. I so enjoy the butterflies, fresh leaves on the trees, birds chirping, new buds on the bushes, and the sweet smell of Spring...and knowing that my Lord and Savior has risen as he said.
For the past few years we've celebrated Easter at Toledo Bend. Our children and friends come in their campers to North Toledo Bend State Park. Opa and I stay at our camp about 25-30 minutes south of the park. Each day is filled visiting with everyone around a campfire, walking through the park, and sharing a meal, with blessing, in the evening together. We have bar-b-ques, grilled steak and potato nights, fish fries, and other delicious meals around the campfire.
This year one of our friends and her husband won't be able to attend as she has been ill (please remember her in your prayers). They will be missed.
At this time, I would like to wish everyone a very Blessed Easter. We are blessed with such good friends and family. A BLESSED AND HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!
For the past few years we've celebrated Easter at Toledo Bend. Our children and friends come in their campers to North Toledo Bend State Park. Opa and I stay at our camp about 25-30 minutes south of the park. Each day is filled visiting with everyone around a campfire, walking through the park, and sharing a meal, with blessing, in the evening together. We have bar-b-ques, grilled steak and potato nights, fish fries, and other delicious meals around the campfire.
This year one of our friends and her husband won't be able to attend as she has been ill (please remember her in your prayers). They will be missed.
At this time, I would like to wish everyone a very Blessed Easter. We are blessed with such good friends and family. A BLESSED AND HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
GREEN EGGS AND HAM
There are many children (and adults) who remember and can relate to Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham book. In the book, Sam wants others to like green eggs and ham here, there, and everywhere. After a while of promoting his green eggs and ham, he finally convinces his friend to try them...and the friend finds that he really likes green eggs and ham!
We are all a bit like Sam's friend about trying things we aren't familiar with or don't quite understand. I recall the first time I was introduced to a computer. My first thought was that this was something that required a lot more skill than I had. A friend of mine helped me along; and as I watched and learned the process of the computer, I became amazed at how easy it was (as long as my memory did me good) :). One day, as I was struggling with learning more and more about the computer, it occurred to me that it wasn't having to learn the computer that was so scary, it was having to develop the idea that I could and would be able to accomplish the feat. I recalled back in high school how learning the typewriter was so overwhelming...and I had triumphed over that. So, I decided from that day forward that NO MACHINE was going to stop me in my endeavors to learn more...and learn I did.
At times we come across things such as food that we are unwilling to try. We immediately look at a dish of food and determine whether or not we've had that before. And we decide right then and there if we'll have some of it. Children, on the other hand, observe their heroes' eating habits...their parents and other adults that play a big role in their upbringing. They tend to eat what their heroes say is good.
This reminds me of a recipe...................
There are many children (and adults) who remember and can relate to Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham book. In the book, Sam wants others to like green eggs and ham here, there, and everywhere. After a while of promoting his green eggs and ham, he finally convinces his friend to try them...and the friend finds that he really likes green eggs and ham!
We are all a bit like Sam's friend about trying things we aren't familiar with or don't quite understand. I recall the first time I was introduced to a computer. My first thought was that this was something that required a lot more skill than I had. A friend of mine helped me along; and as I watched and learned the process of the computer, I became amazed at how easy it was (as long as my memory did me good) :). One day, as I was struggling with learning more and more about the computer, it occurred to me that it wasn't having to learn the computer that was so scary, it was having to develop the idea that I could and would be able to accomplish the feat. I recalled back in high school how learning the typewriter was so overwhelming...and I had triumphed over that. So, I decided from that day forward that NO MACHINE was going to stop me in my endeavors to learn more...and learn I did.
At times we come across things such as food that we are unwilling to try. We immediately look at a dish of food and determine whether or not we've had that before. And we decide right then and there if we'll have some of it. Children, on the other hand, observe their heroes' eating habits...their parents and other adults that play a big role in their upbringing. They tend to eat what their heroes say is good.
This reminds me of a recipe...................
GREEN EGGS AND HAM
3 eggs 1 T. flour
1 1/2 c. grated cheddar cheese 1 c. squeezed (frozen & thawed spinach)
1 c. cottage cheese 1 pkg. deli ham (round-very thin slices)
4 dashes hot sauce
Spray medium size cups (muffin tin) with Pam.
Line cups of muffin tin with 1 deli ham slice each.
Mix together eggs, cheeses, hot sauce, flour, & spinach.
Put mixture in each muffin tin cup evenly.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Makes 12 medium muffins.
When I first made these, I brought some out to the campsite where some of our friends were camping. They tried them out and loved them! I could tell that at first they weren't too sure about taking one. But I really was proud of our friends. They tried them and enjoyed them. In fact they wanted the recipe so they could have them more often. These friends were all adults...I'm sure children would have questioned the "green" stuff-spinach in them...but the oohs and aahs from the adults and the name of the recipe would have probably encouraged the young to at least try them.
Yes, the tried and true is what we do, but to venture out into the unknown has its benefits, too. How else would we learn new things or use our God-given talents?
Friday, March 6, 2009
Nature-Patience
"Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Adopt the simple way of life with the ability to wait and endure without complaint and you have followed the words of Emerson. Many times we find ourselves hurrying through life without thought of slowing down. I know that I'm one of those people. Trying to get things done to be prepared for the next hurdle in life causes me to literally race through my activities. Then I find myself complaining instead of quietly waiting and enduring silently. I've always tried to be patient with others, but never quiet accomplished it entirely. Of course, a long time ago I quit praying for patience...and prayed for understanding (knowledge) instead. When I was working (as a secretary) for the church, I was called upon many, many times to have patience with fellow employees, parishioners coming to the rectory door, phone calls from marketing people, charity cases with and without cause, and so many other things. I found out that patience comes much easier when you're younger. As age creeps up on you, understanding begins to play a role in your life and you begin to not have as much patience with others. You may still excuse young children for not knowing any better, sick people for not being able to help themselves, physically and mentally handicapped people for being incapable of doing for themselves...but the rest, you find as being too lazy, too arrogant, and too unfeeling to be excused. The lenten season is the perfect time to practice being more patient again. But try as I may, knowledge gets in the way lots of time. So I continue to struggle with my hurried world and lack of patience at times, but with the knowledge that one day I may again be able to have more patience as age catches up with me and I become "as a little child" again.
Adopt the simple way of life with the ability to wait and endure without complaint and you have followed the words of Emerson. Many times we find ourselves hurrying through life without thought of slowing down. I know that I'm one of those people. Trying to get things done to be prepared for the next hurdle in life causes me to literally race through my activities. Then I find myself complaining instead of quietly waiting and enduring silently. I've always tried to be patient with others, but never quiet accomplished it entirely. Of course, a long time ago I quit praying for patience...and prayed for understanding (knowledge) instead. When I was working (as a secretary) for the church, I was called upon many, many times to have patience with fellow employees, parishioners coming to the rectory door, phone calls from marketing people, charity cases with and without cause, and so many other things. I found out that patience comes much easier when you're younger. As age creeps up on you, understanding begins to play a role in your life and you begin to not have as much patience with others. You may still excuse young children for not knowing any better, sick people for not being able to help themselves, physically and mentally handicapped people for being incapable of doing for themselves...but the rest, you find as being too lazy, too arrogant, and too unfeeling to be excused. The lenten season is the perfect time to practice being more patient again. But try as I may, knowledge gets in the way lots of time. So I continue to struggle with my hurried world and lack of patience at times, but with the knowledge that one day I may again be able to have more patience as age catches up with me and I become "as a little child" again.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Keep A-Fishing
If you strike a thorn or rose,
Keep a-goin'!
If it hails or if it snows,
Keep a-goin'!
"Taint no use to sit an' whine
When the fish ain't on your line;
Bait your hook an' keep a-tryin'-
Keep a-goin'!
These words of Frank L. Stanton (born 2/22/1857; died 1/7/1927) reminded me of our camp at Toledo Bend. Fishermen are out in their boats riding the rather "rough" waters in order to try and catch their limit of fish. We are just beginning to see signs of Spring, and already, the fishermen have lowered their nets. Spawning season is here and the fishermen can't wait to try their hand at the first catches of the new year. In spite of the cold, wind, and rain, they "Keep a-goin'!"
We are presently in the Lenten Season. As I try to find things to read for this important season of the church year, I begin to get the urge to jump forward into Spring. I try to slow down the pace and take in all the beauty that has been given to me by God...buds on the redbud trees, tassels on the oak trees, flowers on the azalea bushes and bridal wreaths, and birds of the air coming back to their old familiar places...they, too "Keep a-goin'!"
Today, I read that getting lost with God is like getting lost on the road. It often leads to unexpected encounters and events, but gives us new ways to reach our final destination. My daughter and I have found this to be so true in some of our travels together. As we travel to various places and get "lost" on our way, we find all kinds of adventure awaiting us on our wrong turns in the roads. We have managed to see and do things not found on maps as we "Keep a-goin'!"
As the new year unfolds, I am reminded of the many things I have planned for the year. A trip to Missouri for one of my grandsons' basketball tournaments, Easter week at North Toledo Bend State Park with family and friends, a trip to take one of my granddaughters to see some of the grandeur of the United States out west, a trip to Hodges Gardens to view all the splendor of flowering trees and bushes, and the many trips to relax at our camp at Toledo Bend...I, too "Keep a-goin'!"
Yes, there are many bends in our journey here on earth, but if we "Keep a-goin'!" even when the going gets tough, what a blessing we'll find at the end of the long traveled road.
Keep a-goin'!
If it hails or if it snows,
Keep a-goin'!
"Taint no use to sit an' whine
When the fish ain't on your line;
Bait your hook an' keep a-tryin'-
Keep a-goin'!
These words of Frank L. Stanton (born 2/22/1857; died 1/7/1927) reminded me of our camp at Toledo Bend. Fishermen are out in their boats riding the rather "rough" waters in order to try and catch their limit of fish. We are just beginning to see signs of Spring, and already, the fishermen have lowered their nets. Spawning season is here and the fishermen can't wait to try their hand at the first catches of the new year. In spite of the cold, wind, and rain, they "Keep a-goin'!"
We are presently in the Lenten Season. As I try to find things to read for this important season of the church year, I begin to get the urge to jump forward into Spring. I try to slow down the pace and take in all the beauty that has been given to me by God...buds on the redbud trees, tassels on the oak trees, flowers on the azalea bushes and bridal wreaths, and birds of the air coming back to their old familiar places...they, too "Keep a-goin'!"
Today, I read that getting lost with God is like getting lost on the road. It often leads to unexpected encounters and events, but gives us new ways to reach our final destination. My daughter and I have found this to be so true in some of our travels together. As we travel to various places and get "lost" on our way, we find all kinds of adventure awaiting us on our wrong turns in the roads. We have managed to see and do things not found on maps as we "Keep a-goin'!"
As the new year unfolds, I am reminded of the many things I have planned for the year. A trip to Missouri for one of my grandsons' basketball tournaments, Easter week at North Toledo Bend State Park with family and friends, a trip to take one of my granddaughters to see some of the grandeur of the United States out west, a trip to Hodges Gardens to view all the splendor of flowering trees and bushes, and the many trips to relax at our camp at Toledo Bend...I, too "Keep a-goin'!"
Yes, there are many bends in our journey here on earth, but if we "Keep a-goin'!" even when the going gets tough, what a blessing we'll find at the end of the long traveled road.
Friday, February 13, 2009
I Did It!
After several hours of reading and trying to interpret all the instructions for upgrading my AT&T home page and e-mail, I finally was able to do so. The new homepage update lets me choose colors, content, and views that I enjoy. It also allows me to move the catagories around for my own enjoyment.
This morning I'd come to the conclusion that I'd have to end up calling AT & T about how to accomplish this feat, as I found myself unable to follow ALL their instructions and...not be able to use my homepage or e-mail. But, I just can't help but accept a good challenge. So I proceeded to try to get the homepage to respond, and I finally did it! But my e-mail was still a problem. After researching some more, I found my e-mail client needed to be updated also. So off to another challenge. More research and BANG, I was able to update the settings. Pays to read all instructions included when these updates come around!
I will now grant myself some relaxing time sitting outside on my back patio enjoying some root beer. When my children were small, I'd make a big pitcher full of sweet root beer for us to enjoy (especially after meeting a challenge of sorts on a hot summer day). Seemed that the bottom of that pitcher presented itself much too soon. Now I drink it out of a can! Times sure have changed.
Another challenge accomplished! Wondering what the next one will be.................
This morning I'd come to the conclusion that I'd have to end up calling AT & T about how to accomplish this feat, as I found myself unable to follow ALL their instructions and...not be able to use my homepage or e-mail. But, I just can't help but accept a good challenge. So I proceeded to try to get the homepage to respond, and I finally did it! But my e-mail was still a problem. After researching some more, I found my e-mail client needed to be updated also. So off to another challenge. More research and BANG, I was able to update the settings. Pays to read all instructions included when these updates come around!
I will now grant myself some relaxing time sitting outside on my back patio enjoying some root beer. When my children were small, I'd make a big pitcher full of sweet root beer for us to enjoy (especially after meeting a challenge of sorts on a hot summer day). Seemed that the bottom of that pitcher presented itself much too soon. Now I drink it out of a can! Times sure have changed.
Another challenge accomplished! Wondering what the next one will be.................
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
My Blanket
I'm anxiously awaiting Spring to arrive.
I'm anxious to be able to sit outside and drink a cold root beer (my favorite) on the back patio and hear sounds of springtime.
I'm anxious to watch the butterflies and birds dip up and down across the lawn in search of food.
As I recall springtimes of my past, I remember vividly going outside my parents' home and spreading a large blanket out on the lawn. My friend and I would lay on the blanket and listen to the outdoor sounds and smell the sweet aroma of a nearby baby magnolia tree. We would spend hours lying down on that blanket and talking.
Lemonade was the drink of the day at that time. My mother would make us some lemonade and we would enjoy a tall cool glass of freshly made very sweet lemonade.
When my friend's mother would call her home, I'd lay on my blanket and entertain myself with a good book...mostly fairy tales, as money was short and I didn't buy many books. The one I remember best was a large fairy tale book that one of my aunts had purchased for me in payment of babysitting her son for her. I also recall a Doris Day coloring book that same aunt bought for me for having babysat her son on another occasion.
As I got older, time was spent on a blanket in the summertime. With getting older, boys became a topic of our conversations. We became aware of cars that occasionally passed by blowing their horns. Our clothes began to take on a new look, too. No more ratty pants and shirts. Out came the short shorts and bathing suits. No longer did my friend and I lay on the blanket to pass the time, sunbathing became a must do, especially if you'd just gotten a new bathing suit.
Other times, friends in the neighborhood would join me on the blanket and we'd talk and laugh for hours. We discussed things of the past and plans for the future. The present was lived and we didn't get bored. Time would pass by and we'd all be so disappointed when our parents would call us to go inside.
Yes, much can be said about a girl and her blanket. My blanket proved to be a most useful article during my childhood days. It attracted many friends, many shared stories, lots of laughter, and so much comfort when you had nowhere to go.
I'm anxious to be able to sit outside and drink a cold root beer (my favorite) on the back patio and hear sounds of springtime.
I'm anxious to watch the butterflies and birds dip up and down across the lawn in search of food.
As I recall springtimes of my past, I remember vividly going outside my parents' home and spreading a large blanket out on the lawn. My friend and I would lay on the blanket and listen to the outdoor sounds and smell the sweet aroma of a nearby baby magnolia tree. We would spend hours lying down on that blanket and talking.
Lemonade was the drink of the day at that time. My mother would make us some lemonade and we would enjoy a tall cool glass of freshly made very sweet lemonade.
When my friend's mother would call her home, I'd lay on my blanket and entertain myself with a good book...mostly fairy tales, as money was short and I didn't buy many books. The one I remember best was a large fairy tale book that one of my aunts had purchased for me in payment of babysitting her son for her. I also recall a Doris Day coloring book that same aunt bought for me for having babysat her son on another occasion.
As I got older, time was spent on a blanket in the summertime. With getting older, boys became a topic of our conversations. We became aware of cars that occasionally passed by blowing their horns. Our clothes began to take on a new look, too. No more ratty pants and shirts. Out came the short shorts and bathing suits. No longer did my friend and I lay on the blanket to pass the time, sunbathing became a must do, especially if you'd just gotten a new bathing suit.
Other times, friends in the neighborhood would join me on the blanket and we'd talk and laugh for hours. We discussed things of the past and plans for the future. The present was lived and we didn't get bored. Time would pass by and we'd all be so disappointed when our parents would call us to go inside.
Yes, much can be said about a girl and her blanket. My blanket proved to be a most useful article during my childhood days. It attracted many friends, many shared stories, lots of laughter, and so much comfort when you had nowhere to go.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Our Camp
We'll be going to our Toledo Bend camp this weekend. I so love to go there.
Now that we've completed the repairs, we can now sit back and enjoy the facilities as well as the scenery.
Our children and older grandchildren enjoy going to the nearby community launch and putting in their boats to go fishing or riding innertubes pulled behind the boats. The younger grandchildren enjoy walking the road that loops around. Opa and I enjoy sitting on the front porch or back patio and watching the birds or fishermen in their boats.
Once while visiting there, our son went fishing early in the morning. As I glanced out of my front picture window, I saw a huge white mass following my son's boat on the water. At first, I couldn't understand what it was and then I was shocked when I realized what it was. I called out to Opa and one of my son's daughters to come see the sight. As my son fished and moved slowly along the shoreline of our cove, hundreds of white swans had landed behind his boat and was following him. As he turned the boat and drifted zigzaging along the water's edge, so went the trail of white swans. Then suddenly more and more swans began landing in the water behind the swans already following his boat. It was as if my son was pulling a huge white banner across the beautiful water in our cove. How great the artwork of the Lord!
Another visit, my son came in from a fishing trip and was really anxious to tell us what he'd seen that morning. Of course, my first thought was that the fog was so thick...how in the world did he see anything at all. He proceeded to say that as the fog was thick that morning, he was allowing himself to drift in his boat to allow time for the fog to burn off, so that he could get to his fishing. He heard something and looking up saw two eagles with claws locked together and tumbling up and down in the air as they performed their love dance. He said he'd read and heard about eagles doing this, but never expected to see this in his lifetime.
In April, I go to the camp with my daughter and the older granddaughters. We take in Hodges Garden, then we go to Natchitoches and shop. We try to make this an annual event. Then at Easter and Thanksgiving time we travel to the camp as we spend a week or so at North Toledo Bend Park. Opa and I commute between our camp and North Toledo Bend Park, while the children and grandchildren stay in their RV and Pop-Up Camper in the park. We meet with family and friends each day and play cards, play dominos, take walks, gather around the fire ring, and share laughter, recipes, and a community meal. It just doesn't get any better than this.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Cotton Fields of Home
I recall as a young child, going to spend summer months at my godmother's house in the country. My cousin and I would get up early in the morning to get started doing some of the "chores" that my godmother would let us do for her. Memories of going with my uncle out in the cotton field behind their house comes back so clear. Once he let us go out to the fields and "pick" cotton. Of course, my cousin had already done that before, so she knew the "ropes". We picked for about an hour or so, and then we were ready to quit...but, catch was, you had to weigh in your cotton sacks to be paid. Being young and not having picked very much cotton in only an hour or so...my cousin showed me how to add the not-so-ready to pick cotton in my sack. Wow! that made the sack really heavy. When we arrived for my uncle to weigh our sacks, he was surprised we had gotten so much picked in so little time. He weighed the sacks and OPENED them. We were not prepared for that! He poured out the sacks in front of us and saw the unopened cotton bolls mixed in with the cotton. THAT was one of my first lessons on how cheating never works out...only a good hard honest day's work pays off.
I remember having to bring in the water from the outside pump to fill the water jug on the kitchen counter, reaching under the soft warm bodies of chickens to gather eggs, using the outhouse behind the house when nature called, helping pluck feather off the chicken for supper on the outside porch, riding on horse saddles hung in the barn pretending we were cowgirls, bathing in a large washtub (no bathtubs) set in one of the smaller rooms of the house, chasing each other...the rooms all connected by doors...and having to jump over the couch that was placed in one doorway, sitting on the front porch (screens were all busted out) and feeling the cool breeze, picking pecans in the orchard, and so many other things we did on that farm.
Yes, those were the days of my youth. Looking back I realize how all that shaped my life. I lived in town away from the farm. I was blessed to have experienced both country and city life. My wish would be for all people to be able to witness some of the experiences I was fortunate to enjoy.
Country living taught me many things. One was patience, listening, and to work for what you get. I learned that you got out of life what you put into it. Henry Longfellow once wrote in a poem: A Psalm of Life
Let us then be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.
I remember having to bring in the water from the outside pump to fill the water jug on the kitchen counter, reaching under the soft warm bodies of chickens to gather eggs, using the outhouse behind the house when nature called, helping pluck feather off the chicken for supper on the outside porch, riding on horse saddles hung in the barn pretending we were cowgirls, bathing in a large washtub (no bathtubs) set in one of the smaller rooms of the house, chasing each other...the rooms all connected by doors...and having to jump over the couch that was placed in one doorway, sitting on the front porch (screens were all busted out) and feeling the cool breeze, picking pecans in the orchard, and so many other things we did on that farm.
Yes, those were the days of my youth. Looking back I realize how all that shaped my life. I lived in town away from the farm. I was blessed to have experienced both country and city life. My wish would be for all people to be able to witness some of the experiences I was fortunate to enjoy.
Country living taught me many things. One was patience, listening, and to work for what you get. I learned that you got out of life what you put into it. Henry Longfellow once wrote in a poem: A Psalm of Life
Let us then be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.
Abou Ben Adhem
A poem by James Henry Hunt:
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An Angel writing in a book of gold:
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the Presence in the room he said,
"What writest thou?" The Vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord
Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"
Replied the Angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still; and said, "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow-men."
The Angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,
And, lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest!
Friday, January 23, 2009
It's Howdy Doody Time!
The first network kids show to air five days a week, first show on air each day, first television show ever broadcast in color, first show ever to air more than 1,000 continuous episodes was the Howdy Doody Show. Buffalo Bob and Howdy and friends entertained us (American children) back in the 40's & 50's.
I recall my parents getting us our first television. We use to go next door and use the neighbor's television before we were able to afford one of our own. My brother and I would sit on the floor directly in front of our television set and wait for Buffalo Bob's greeting - "Say, kids. What time is it?" We would join in from our living room with the aprroximately 40 kids that squeezed each day into the studio's "peanut gallery" and shout out: "It's Howdy Doody Time."
That little puppet dressed up in a cowboy shirt, blue jeans, gloves and bandana would grin at us and we would laugh out loud and rock back and forth on our folded legs. His blue eyes, red hair, big ears, and freckles kept you focused the whole time he was talking. Of course, as I look back, Buffalo Bob (ventriloquist) was not bad looking either.
Today, while shopping, I came across a DVD of 20 original episodes of the Howdy Doody Show. I was so happy to be able to buy this collection intended to reintroduce America's most beloved children's show to kids young and old. And I only paid $5.00 for it. I couldn't help but feel very proud of this part of my childhood, when I saw on the DVD case "IT'S YOUR DODDY" on top of Howdy's picture and underneath his picture "VOTE". Probably back then, we weren't too interested in voting, but they planted the seeds whenever and however they could.
I want to share with you, words of a poem by Henry Holcomb Bennett:
Sign of a nation, great and strong
To ward her people from foreign wrong:
Pride and glory and honor,---all
Live in the colors to stand or fall.
Hats off!
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums;
And loyal hearts are beating high:
Hats off!
The flag is passing by!
I recall my parents getting us our first television. We use to go next door and use the neighbor's television before we were able to afford one of our own. My brother and I would sit on the floor directly in front of our television set and wait for Buffalo Bob's greeting - "Say, kids. What time is it?" We would join in from our living room with the aprroximately 40 kids that squeezed each day into the studio's "peanut gallery" and shout out: "It's Howdy Doody Time."
That little puppet dressed up in a cowboy shirt, blue jeans, gloves and bandana would grin at us and we would laugh out loud and rock back and forth on our folded legs. His blue eyes, red hair, big ears, and freckles kept you focused the whole time he was talking. Of course, as I look back, Buffalo Bob (ventriloquist) was not bad looking either.
Today, while shopping, I came across a DVD of 20 original episodes of the Howdy Doody Show. I was so happy to be able to buy this collection intended to reintroduce America's most beloved children's show to kids young and old. And I only paid $5.00 for it. I couldn't help but feel very proud of this part of my childhood, when I saw on the DVD case "IT'S YOUR DODDY" on top of Howdy's picture and underneath his picture "VOTE". Probably back then, we weren't too interested in voting, but they planted the seeds whenever and however they could.
I want to share with you, words of a poem by Henry Holcomb Bennett:
Sign of a nation, great and strong
To ward her people from foreign wrong:
Pride and glory and honor,---all
Live in the colors to stand or fall.
Hats off!
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums;
And loyal hearts are beating high:
Hats off!
The flag is passing by!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog...I'm still in the process of learning about blogging. As Winter is still upon us and Spring not approaching until March 20, I find myself still hibernating. I retired in 2007 after many years working for my church. The year of 2008 brought many relaxed, happy moments for me. Of course, along with happy memories come not so happy ones, but they are what we make of them. I choose to accept them and add them to the many memories of my life. I hope that I will be able to share some of my memories as well as what's going on in my world with you as I find my way through the blogging process.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
