Reminiscing! 

(From years ago to five days ago)

I visited Rachel’s Mother. I went to bless her….took some pictures of Rachel along. You know how that is; you leave and realize you are the one that received the blessing! 

We were reminiscing about the many days I was in their home spending time with Rachel in my early teen years! We ate together, played together, and prayed together. The time went by quickly for Mary and me as we remembered, together.

Mary will be 99 in October!!! Her mind is SO clear! She gives the glory to God.

 

 

 

 

 This reminiscing is from about a year ago. Reba (the smallest friend) offered a “tea certificate” for our school benefit sale. We ladies had the blessing of her hospitality and delicious meal. Her joy is contagious. I love looking at my pictures to keep this time of fellowship a dear memory.

 

 

 

 Doretta, on left, is VERY careful with her sugar intake! That’s what made this scene enjoyable to me. I think someone was giving her a hard time that she took THREE pieces!

 

 

 

 We were outside enjoying Reba’s flower beds. This is my niece, Gwenda on the left and my daughter, Barb, in the center.

 

 

 

 

 This finds me reminiscing about a month ago. While their Mother and oldest brother went school shopping, I asked if they would help me tame these kittens. They were born in our shed (we don’t have indoor pets) and therefore don’t have hourly contact.

There is no question of the beautiful difference between little boys and little girls as they play with trucks or dolls. But I saw it in the way they played with kittens!!

I think someone is scheming – something!!

 

 

 

 Her first ride in a wagon! She even seemed to enjoy it. But it wasn’t too long ’till I heard a sliding sound. I decided to investigate…….the kittens were on blankets (required by grandma) and were on a fast ride that went in circles!!

 

 

 

 Seth and Darin – we found other things to do after the kittens went back in the shed….before they got motion sickness!

 

 

 

 

This lovely friend is celebrating her 60th birthday! This reminiscing comes as recently as last week!

 

 

 

These ladies met ahead of us at the restaurant and sat at the table awhile. Erma thought she is meeting Nancy and me to celebrate her birthday. We told her it is time to catch up in each others’ lives. Erma said goodbye to a son and daughter-in-law who moved to Maine in mission work and Nancy said goodbye to her mother who went to her Heavenly Home.

My stomach was in knots when I stopped by Erma’s home to take her along to the restaurant. I love surprises but let’s get there quickly and make it happen!

Nancy, Erma, and I happened to meet someone elderly right outside the door of the restaurant who knew ALL of us – the ladies inside, included. They talked with us awhile (I was getting more knots in my stomach) – and then the dear man said, “There are ladies waiting inside for you!!!!!!”

Well, these happen to be some of the “dear ladies!”

Dorinda’s (on right) cell phone rang about two hours into the meal and it was her husband Ken. In conversation she told him we are still at the restaurant. “You’re still THERE?!!” was Ken’s reply!  You just can’t rush a good thing, Ken!

 

 

 

Meet Julia, my dear, dear prayer warrior.

 She wasn’t hiding from my camera; I don’t remember what was said that brought this reaction.

 

 

 

 

Marian is the oldest in our group today but truly young at heart. She works so hard in her garden as they sell produce. I learned today that she enjoys it. From early produce to late, they have it. Another lady I have learned to love dearly.

 

 

 

 Well, these were to be the original ladies in Erma’s mind to have a time of sharing over a birthday meal! When we were told “there are ladies in there waiting for you” I didn’t dare look at Nancy and quickly said  – something – I’m not sure what anymore!! Surprised or not, Erma made the day special for the rest of us! Happy Birthday Friend!

 

 (Theda, it felt like you should be here today! May the Lord bless you as you serve Him in Grenada.)

 

 

 

 

 

 Sara was also at Erma’s birthday celebration but I failed to get a picture of her!

The above picture brings sweet reminiscing from five days ago! She blessed me by inviting me to lunch to celebrate my birthday! It was the first time for Sara and me to do this. It’s good no one was keeping tabs on our time at the table as we talked, and talked, and talked!

 

 

 

 

 She bought my meal so even though I AM a dessert person, I didn’t want to order dessert. Sara said, ”We must have dessert at birthday meals!” Oh, my kind of friend!  This restaurant is known for their chocolate cake so we shared this as I truly was getting full.

 

 

 

 In the same parking lot where the restaurant is there is an antique store. Sara asked if I enjoy antiques so we decided to spend some time in there. Reminiscing was what happened big time in here as we saw items that our grandmas had….and items our mothers had in their kitchens. Do you like this canister set?

Thank you Sara for new, fun, and meaningful memories for this birthday!

 

 

 

 Last but not least…………

 

Do any of you remember this quote in an earlier picture I showed you? It was early Spring when we were at a cottage enjoying a Christmas gift from our daughter and her husband.

“Enjoy the little things in life for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things!”

At that time of posting I said, “I would love to find this in a store – it’s a wonderful reminder to keep relationships a priority.”

 

Oh my! Oh my! Several weeks later there was a bag above our church mailbox. It was securely closed so I started pulling it open because I couldn’t remember anything that was to be coming. I had only a little bit open when I saw what was inside. I wish I could have seen my eyes! I couldn’t believe it! The very words that I longed to have in front of me!!!!!

And I have NO idea who gave it to me as there was no name included! I long to thank someone for your dear kindness and leave you know how much I appreciate this gift! I would love to do that in person – but for now, I hope you will read on here how precious this gift is to me. Thank You!

 

 ALL IS WELL!

My time away from xanga was not expected to be this long!!!

I had things to catch up with and before I knew it, I’m turning my calendar page for July!

I have really missed my visits with so many of you.

  

In the meantime……. 

 

Five of us older ladies (from young Mother age to Grandma age) had a special evening with our youth group girls. Afer our meeting they served Mocha Punch. This is so very delicious! You bring to a boil instant chocolate drink mix, sugar, and instant coffee granules. After that is cold, you mix it with vanilla and chocolate ice cream and stir until milkshake consistency. Yummmmmm!

Nevin and I had the joy of having just a little time with Brieanna and Tanya as they prepared for their special wedding day. They were a real pleasure to work with as they arranged their wedding music.

 

 

Two extra special sisters – Anna and Esther…..one enjoying the farm and the other enjoys sewing and teas! The Lord has blessed them with different gifts and they use them for His glory.

 

 

 A lovely day for a very special couple uniting their hearts and vows. It was an honor to be guests at their wedding.

Kirby and Joanna – this was taken with Joanna’s family. The five girls are sisters.

 

 

 

 About 34 years ago, a young couple rented their home from my grandparents. Linda and her little daughter, Traci,  would visit my grandparents and it was then she discovered that Nevin and I had a little girl their daughter’s age. She contacted me and we became friends. For several years we spent time together and then they moved from our local town. I hadn’t seen her for a very long time. Two years ago we spent a day together and just enjoyed catching up in each other’s lives.

This year she called me and said she has a new puppy……she has a hair cut appointment for her not too far from me. We scheduled that day to spend time together again. 

Our first stop was to take Sophie for her scheduled appointment.

  

 While  Sophie was starting her “beauty treatment,” I was observing a puppy who was about to have a bath! 

 

 

While Sophie was being taken good care of, Linda and I took this time to have lunch together. She is a very special lady and blesses those around her. She is God’s hands and feet to those who need a kind touch. After lunch, we went back for Sophie; she just looked sooo cute!! 

 

 

 I would like you to see her “before look” above……..

 

and her “after bath and hair cut!”   Do you agree she is just too cute?! In this picture she is five months old. She only weights 7 1/2 lbs.  I could enjoy a house dog like Sophie!

Thank You, Linda, for blessing me with cookies again!

 

 

 

We celebrated anniversaries and birthdays in this time. This was  Seth’s birthday evening. We played  ”Whoonu” and had lots of laughter and fun! It was my first time to learn of this game.

   

 

 

This game requires reading so Barb is telling Darin the options and asking for his answer. 

 

 

Jere is acting out something for the game . I thought I better post a “good” picture of him following this one! 

 

 

Do you wonder if any of their boys might have tricks up their sleeves!!  

We celebrated Jere’s 40th birthday in April!

 

 

 

You might remember that several cousins, sisters, and aunt spend a day together each Spring. We all look forward to this so much. Sandy is the smallest one in our group – very small. Yes, this is a head just above the patio furniture! I was concerned she would run into someone!

 

 

Sandy is very, very frugal. After she saw this patio furniture, she debated what to do. The price was amazingly low and they did not have furniture yet. When I saw her “eyeing up” the different pieces, I reminded her I did not have very much room in the back of our van. You see that did not bother Sandy!  

Kathy somehow got the job of stacking and packing! Look at her face; she is studying……..

 

 

 

 …and rearranging!That is Sandy to the left….with another patio piece!!

 

 

 

 

 Kathy did it!!

 

 

 Sandy is the smallest but she eats the most. (We had our lunch at Shady Maple.) Sometime I should take a picture of her dinner plate! She is the front left (lives about two hours from here.) Next is my sister Connie and my youngest sister, Dawn. Aunt Leah is behind Sandy and you met our great packer, Kathy!

 

 

 

 

You met Brieanna on an earlier picture serving Mocha Punch. Nevin and I were happy to do the sound system for their wedding.  ~Another lovely wedding

 

 

The groom’s mother is on the left; the bride’s mother on the right. 

 

 

 

 

I’m choosing some highlights of these months that I was “quiet!” I may have been quiet on here but extra busy in life! I needed to balance xanga life and daily life! Nancy, on left, was soon to turn 60 and we couldn’t leave it go without doing something special for her. She was to come to my house and spend our annual day going to green houses with Jo (on right) and me. (Jo lives two hours from Nancy and me.) Without her knowing, we included three other dear friends to her and rearranged her day. She had her list along of things she wanted at the greenhouse!

We started with a mini tea at my home.

 

 

Some of you have visited Hershey Chocolate World. We took a trolley ride today. That was really enjoyable.

 

 

Erma is full of fun and inspiration! She is really laughing here…wish I could remember what she said as she is just a joy to be around.  We decided to make a few stops at several outlet stores in Hershey. None of us are “big shoppers” so this turned out to be very special.  Three of us bought the same skirt. Erma is a precious prayer warrior.

 

I’m sure you read this before:

~In the Cookie of Life

Friends are the Chocolate Chips!~

 

 

I love you Nancy. I hope you have many special memories from today.

 

 

 

 

(You might want to take a break from reading!! )

We received a Christmas gift from our daughter and son-in-law for a day and night get-away at Tranquil Moments Cottage. Oh my, it was just so beautiful and inviting inside. The couple who own it decided to fix up this little place and make it available for people to “get away from the demands of life and be refreshed.” That is exactly what happened.

 

 

I would love to find this in a store…..it is a wonderful reminder to me to keep relationships a priority. It was by the fireplace. When we arrived it was raining and cool so we enjoyed the privilege of using it. 

 

 

 

We took our food along for our meals. I enjoyed preparing special items on ahead that I don’t make on a regular basis at home. There were several paths to hike but because of the rain it did not work out. We both enjoy hiking so we walked on the road with an umbrella!

 

 

June 11 

This evening was set aside to visit with Nevin and Theda. They are leaving in a week to serve the Lord in Grenada for three years. Two Sunday School classes gathered together – each couple bringing one item for our dinner. What a wonderful time of fellowship. 

 

 

 

After eating we had a time of visiting and sharing. Before leaving for the night, we had a prayer circle – everyone given the opportunity to have a short prayer for Nevin and Theda. I will remember this for a long time. I cherish the gift of praying friends. (Many of you know that as you have prayed for me in the past.)

 

 

 Nancy saying goodbye….I am so thankful we girls had this time together for Nancy’s birthday!

I have always appreciated Theda’s thoughts and her spiritual life. We were in a prayer group together and I will miss her very much.

 

 

 

 This was a hard goodbye for Lucille and Theda as they are very close friends.

 

 

 

 

HOW DO I TALK ABOUT THIS………….. 

Yes, All Is Well as I started this post – but when all is well it is sometimes a long journey also and maybe a hard one. Do you remember Rachel? There is a picture of her below that I showed you before – Valentine’s Sunday. The picture above I took the day after her 60th birthday in May 2009. Two months later she was diagnosed with leukemia. Previous to this she had been very tired, had gone to the doctor, but nothing had been discovered until July. I am so grateful to have this picture. 

 

 

 

She had chemo treatments and a bone marrow transplant. She was doing really well here in May.  Then it came back with a vengeance. They gave her two weeks to two months to live.

 

 

 

This picture is after Dave and Rachel knew the time she has remaining here on earth. We were leaving to visit our Colorado family. Nevin felt strongly that I should visit Rachel before we leave. Lucille’s (left) youngest daughter is a nurse and encouraged us to take photo albums to reminisce. Oh did we have a wonderful time remembering and laughing. As in Anne of Green Gables, Rachel and I were bosom buddies growing up. In our wedding, she was my maid of honor; Lucille was one of my bridesmaids.

When I called Rachel and asked about visiting she knew that I was given a tea kettle for my 60th birthday. She asked if I would bring that along and have tea together. Lucille took cookies.

 

 

 

Rachel knew we were leaving for Colorado. When she hugged me goodbye, she said in a gentle tone of voice, “ I might not get to see you on this earth again.” I cannot thank Nevin enough for giving his opinion about visiting Rachel before we leave….two days after our visit we left for Colorado and one week later Rachel was in Hospice.

 

 

 

This was a precious moment; as I prepared to take a picture of Dave and Rachel together, she looked at him, touched his cheek and said, “David,did you shave?”

We came home on a Monday evening. Tuesday I put things away. Wednesday I called Rachel’s oldest daughter-in-law, Donna, to ask her if she thinks it would be appropriate to visit Rachel at Hospice the next day. I called her at 5:30pm. She told  me, “Rachel passed away today at 3:30.” Thank you, Thank You, Heavenly Father for this time Lucille and I had with Rachel and Dave. 

Remember that fireplace picture – “Enjoy the little things in life…..for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.” 

 

 (The Lord allowed us to be back in time for Rachel’s funeral service on July 5th; I was very thankful.)

 

 

 

~I’ll post at a later time about our special visit in Colorado. 

 

 

 

 This was my morning song to my Heavenly Father.  Singing it to Him was a beautiful lift to my day.

 

“I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,

And it told Thy love to me; But I long to rise in the arms of faith,

And be closer drawn to Thee.

Chorus: Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, To the cross where Thou hast died; Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, To Thy precious , bleeding side.”

 

 

About a month ago a neighboring church sent out  an invitation  to join them for their annual Women’s Spiritual Retreat.  This year their speaker was

 www.jennifersands.com  (listen to her video clip)

I would really encourage you to visit her website. What a precious experience I had as I listened to her in our morning session titled – “From Tragedy to Triumph: By God’s Grace and for His Glory.”

Her life was drastically changed on 9/11 when her husband was killed in the World Trade Center attacks. At that time she was not a believer in Christ. God used that tragedy to bring her to salvation.

We had lunch in their fellowship hall and then had an afternoon session – “Today’s Menu Special: In the Kitchen with the Master Chef.” She has a lovely way of expressing herself and you do NOT get sleepy or bored!!

I was so very impressed how she gave God all the glory when praise was turned her way. She carefully and wisely does this.

In “A Tempered Faith” she shares her emotional and spiritual struggle after losing her husband.

“A Teachable Faith” she passes on the lessons and biblical truths that God taught her through her everyday experiences. She amazes me - not knowing the Lord before her husband’s death and not attending church.

“A Treasured Faith” Jennifer tells of her continuing biblical growth and shares her recent battle with breast cancer. You do not need to read the books in the order she wrote them.

I hope you will have the privilege to hear her speak in person.

 

As I view the cross on all three books, it reminds me of something I just read. With the cross in front of you, I want to leave you with this Easter reminder and blessing. “Easter is just God’s way of saying “I Love You Forever.”

I wish you a meaningful Easter day. ~Cordy 

 

 

 

Sunday, February 14

“Make me a blessing, make me a blessing, to someone today!”

I thought about this song a lot after we were home from our meal and fellowship at Steve and Martha’s home…..

 

Steve and Martha were that blessing today…….

 

 

 

 

We enjoyed a  wonderful  meal!

Do you remember my friend, Rachel, who is walking the road of Leukemia?  Martha told Rachel to choose the menu today. How special is that?! Rachel isn’t up to extra cooking so this was really special for her.

She chose roast beef, mashed potatoes, and lima beans. Martha added delicious homemade bread, baked corn, and glazed carrots. Her mother (my aunt) brought cranberry sauce and Joanne made a cranberry salad. Is your mouth watering yet?!  Rachel’s husband, Dave, is next to her and is Martha’s brother.  

 

 

 

 

Dawn is my sister;  Glenn is my brother-in-law with the brain tumor. He has not had a seizure since September 2009 and we are rejoicing for each additional day!!

We’re having fun here….Dawn is telling us how Glenn gives her advice as SHE drives!  Because of past seizures, he is not allowed to drive as of yet.

At some point in our conversation, Martha praised each of these couples (a third one yet) for holding onto Jesus throughout their battle with cancer. On this Valentine’s Day, she honored each of these with a very special meal. It meant so much to me to see this very thought-out kindness.

 

 

 

This cranberry salad is wonderful! Back to the subject….Joanne is the third one dealing with cancer. The young man (Tim) is Steve and Martha’s son. I can understand why he still lives at home – the cooking is w-a-y too good to leave!

 

 

 

 

A closer picture of Joanne. Martha’s kitchen is so cheery with lots of light shining in…making it a room that beckons you to come in and enjoy your time there. We were surrounded by relatives today – Nevin and Joanne are first cousins.

 

 

 

 

This picture really struck me how much mother and daughter look alike! Marian passed on her love of cooking to Martha and  her skill! (Marian and my Mother are sisters.)

 

 

 

It just blesses me to watch good fellowship with men!  I remember so well when I was first married and one of my friends, a  single girl who was about 34, told me she would much rather sit in a room  with men and listen to their conversation as ours….

“You ladies just talk about having babies and children!” She was always pretty forthright but kind! (Those qualities can go hand in hand!)  

Martha and Steve were in Alaska doing work with Samaritan’s Purse.  Steve, Nevin, and Gerald are looking at those pictures. Gerald is Joanne’s husband.

 

 

 

This table represents, to me, a lot of love put into this Valentine’s Day. The kind of love that I see as  laying up treasures in Heaven. I was so grateful to be included in this meaningful day.

 

P. S. One of our desserts was homemade vanilla ice cream! Yummmm!

 

 

 

WE’RE OUT - 56 hours later!!

 

 

The snow arrived about 4 pm on Tuesday evening and Thursday night just a bit before midnight I saw lights flashing……it was a V-Plow!! (Our home is on the right.)

 

Notice the stakes….Nevin had doubled them – using duct tape to keep them together so the snow plows could see where our lawn started. The road is to the left of those stakes! You can see we were going nowhere for awhile!

 

 

 

I found myself going to the bow window, often, in hopes of equipment opening our road. I saw this beautiful flurry of snow…..

 

 

 

…..it was our neighbor, opening their lane. It was super windy today….causing huge drifts.

 

 

 

When Nevin opened our garage door to clear our driveway, this is what he saw!

 

 

 

There was a snow drift on our porch and walk.  I knew the exercise would be good and thought it would also shortened Nevin’s workload if I help. Because of the strong wind, it was r-e-a-l-l-y cold!   Nevin stopped his tractor and insisted he takes a picture. I told him I’m not dressed for a xanga picture!  He didn’t care!  

 

 

I had company!

 

 

I don’t know how many times I heard Nevin say how thankful he is for this blower!

 

 

 

 

As you saw on the first picture, we had only one lane traffic for awhile on Friday. That morning I didn’t get a lot accomplished for some time as I enjoyed watching three pieces of equipment working on our road. The V-plow is in our driveway waiting for the tractor and blower to pass.

Last week we had a snow storm of 21 inches; this week we had a blizzard amounting to 15 inches. I can enjoy snow storms; blizzards feel dangerous. I felt for anyone who had medical needs or mothers due any time with their baby.

 

We went for groceries together this evening as they are calling for MORE snow on Monday. If I could give a vote, I’d say we have had enough!

I trust that wherever you live,

 you are finding God’s grace bringing joy to your heart.

 

 

 

 

I received an email today that read “Summer’s Almost Here!”

 

 

Really?

 

Friday evening at 4pm our snow started and lasted until around noon on Saturday. What a beautiful picture! I found myself walking to the windows very often to take in this lovely scene. When it was finished, we had 21 inches of this white stuff!

 

 

For our devotions this morning at church, our minister asked us to sing this song reminding us of the wonderful privilege we have of bringing our sins to our Heavenly Father and receiving His forgiveness.

Would you  like to sing with me…..

“Tho’ your sins be as scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Tho’ your sins be as scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Tho’ they be red like crimson, They shall be as wool! Tho’ your sins be as scarlet, Tho’ your sins be as scarlet, They shall be as white as snow, They shall be as white as snow.”

 

 

This snow is the cause for taking a quick break from my Reminiscing theme and going on a walk down Memory Lane…..Summer memories. I need a reminder about now of that warm, warm weather that I might tend to complain about.

I wish I was a Literature teacher at this point. Then I could better explain what I felt in my heart. I’ll try to take you on a tour through the five senses given to me by my Heavenly Father. 

 

Tea of Blessing!

Mother wanted to bless her daughters and granddaughters; she asked Lois if she would have a tea for us. Earlier Lois had her mother-in-law, Marian, and Marian’s sisters (which included my Mother) for a tea. My Mother was so blessed by Lois’ gift from the Lord just flowing through each touch and wanted to pass this blessing onto us. 

 

 

 

If you look closely, the yellow hand fans have a little flower pot and blossom for a handle. Our menu is listed on here. At the very top it says,

“Tea of Blessing with Family, Friends, Sunflowers, Peaches, and God’s Goodness.”

It was exactly this!

We were given the white doily to take home.  I love recalling these memories when I see mine. Above is my mother…..no, this isn’t her normal attire but we girls decided to pull out the little girl hats for this day.

 

 

 

Some of Lois’ family helped with last minute touches and then serving. This is Lois’ sister-in-law, Kathy. (She also arranged the flowers.) She is giving a Fruit Bouquet to Wendi. Lois’ oldest sister, Becky, is behind Kathy. My sister, Dawn, is to the left. You will probably remember it is her husband, Glenn, who has the brain tumor.

 

 

 

Lois’ daughter, Jessica, is helping to serve the “Pretty Peach Soup” in an ice bowl. I tried to get a closer picture to show you.

 

 

This was not only pretty but very delicious! The recipe is in our church cookbook. The flowers pressed into this were beautiful.

 

 

 

We enjoyed Apple Harvest Tea Sandwiches, Chicken Salad served in a DayLily, Cucumber Sandwiches, Ham and Cheese Spirals, and Turkey Malibu Wraps! Ummmmmm – my mouth is watering just remembering!

Today I was very grateful for the gift of sight – the beauty in each prepared “food gift”….the lovely, lovely prepared gazebo located on the lawn between the house and the barn, nestled next to green bushes, pine trees, and tall trees.

 

 

 

Gwenda had excused herself a bit earlier to use the restroom. She is now posing the statement/question to anyone within listening range – “My candy is missing!” Look at Wendi’s face – she does not know what happened to it. Now look at Beth’s……..she knows!  Next to Beth’s glass of water is a glass container with a lid. That is where our candy is – listed on our menu as “Mint and Sweet Endings.”(They were!)

 

 

 

The guilty one!!   

My very favorite Barb! She’s about to remove Gwenda’s candy from her glass container!

The gift of hearing – the warm welcome by Lois….the laughter of loving family….the prayer Mother gratefully gave to our Father before we started our tea….Thank You, Lord, for the blessing of hearing.

 

 

 

I don’t have hardly any pictures of Connie, Lisa, and baby Heath. It was easier to take pictures to my right, as you noticed. This is Orchard Peach Sorbet. It is in just a slightly frozen peach and so very refreshing. You can see the Sweet Endings a bit clearer, here.

 

 

 

Lois made sugar cubes in the shape of butterflies. We had the choice of Huang Shan Sunset Tea or Mint Medley Tea. We then had Lemon scones and Sunflower scones. Yummy!

The gift of smell – the flowers on the table beckoned a nose put close….the hot tea lifted to drink brought an inviting aroma…in the flower pot we  found a lavender sachet  in a white hankie. This was a very clean, warm scent – one we took along home to enjoy.

 

 

 

 

Yes, these three girls again. Mother was to my immediate left and I saw later I don’t have ANY pictures of her except the first one and group pictures afterwards!!  I was so intent on capturing  pictures of all these food items before we devoured them.

Dessert:  Almond Butter Balls, Chocolate Mousse Tower, Fluffy Lemon Squares, Lamingtons, and Raspberry Bars.

Where do I begin to express gratefulness for the gift of taste?! It falls in the same category of sight. How does one truly express what the eye sees? How does one express the pleasure of food which you see was lovingly prepared by your hostess? Today loveliness and wonderful taste go hand in hand. 

 

 

The gift of touch…was receiving the hugs given in love and appreciation for each other as family. It was a time away from routine and enjoying the fellowship.  Touch was also a feeling of gratefulness to the Lord as we felt  the restfulness of the two hours surrounded by Lois’ warm hospitality.

This Tea of Blessing has an added meaning to it when you find out that Lois prayed for us and this day. She uses her gift from the Lord to bless others. And that she truly did.

 

       It looks like I may have to refer to these special memories again and again this week as they are calling for

more snow tomorrow evening!!!

 

 

 

Continued……

 

Remember I said Mrs. Hahn loves animals. I don’t remember this detail - somehow ROSIE found her way to Hahn’s Haven and we are in the process of puppy training! Guess who is at the other end of this leash?!

 

 

 

Kelly just loved Rosie. This was early morning and cold! Kelly never played with a puppy before who owned a sweater! She’s trying to cover more of Rosie’s body!

 

 

 

After yesterday’s fishing, we got into a good conversation with Melody Ann. She was telling us the difference in fishing like we did yesterday and creek fishing. She very willingly put on sneakers and went out and showed us. She’s quite the lady.

 

 

 

Donna took this picture of Brian. Wanted to show you an up close picture of the son we miss! (And his wife and children!!)

 

 

 

She is showing the importance of the way the line is cast.

 

 

 

I want to introduce PATSY and CLAIRE to you. These three were having a great time! Bradley had just thrown this stick into the creek and Claire is already retrieving it.

 

 

 

You already met Rosie; Tori claimed MUNCHIE!

 

 

 

 

 

 Kelly is on the way to a steep bank to get to the top and take her little treasure into the house. Two happy campers!

 

 

 

 

 

Claire is not allowed outside in the creek often as Mrs. Hahn said she has arthritis.  As you see, she is well taken care of.

 

 

 

 

We did not plan as many activities today because we are leaving in the afternoon for Brian and Donna’s home. We all voted for this slide and the Hosler family loved it. It was soooo much fun watching their faces as they came flying down to the pool. Kelly was the exception….she is only getting used to enjoying the water so she played in the pool only.  Kelly’s grandma would rather find a good mountain trail and hike – so she guarded the snacks!  (And took pictures.) Nevin was going to try it but just after we arrived the sun went behind the clouds and it was cold! We both had jackets on! You had to walk to the top of that slope to start the slide and you can imagine how that felt!  Since a hot springs feeds this swimming pool, it was rewarding when they reached the bottom of the slide and “landed” in the pool. 

 

 

 

Nevin captured these expressions.

 

 

 

Kelly always kept the wall in sight!

 

 

 

 

One time all four of them came down together – speedy traveling! (I had Kelly.)

 

 

 

 

Leave me tell you a little story behind this picture. It will help you understand the various ways Mrs. Hahn blessed us. As I mentioned earlier, this is a bed and breakfast. Donna made Cheesy Hamburger Soup back home (many other items also which we kept in an ice chest) for today’s meal. She asked Mrs. Hahn if she minds if she plugs the crockpot in the kitchen in the morning so it is ready when we return. She knew we were planning to eat outside at her picnic table. When we returned, she had the table set beautifully and we were to eat our soup there instead of outside. It was so special of her. We definitely did not expect that.  Donna surprised Nevin and made an ice cream cake for his birthday. Yes, Dairy Queen’s are good but this is r-e-a-l-l-y good!   After this it was time to pack and drive back home.

 

 

 

First we needed to give our goodbyes!!

 

 

 

Brent and Patsy

 

 

 

 

Now you know where my profile picture was taken! Can you see the snowcapped mountains. Xanga friend cerwindoris’ camera   would have a clear, beautiful picture of this scenery! She gets great results with her camera!

I wanted to tell you this is the man I love!  How very grateful I am to him for the privilege to visit our Colorado children to allow memories to be made! After leaving Hahn’s Haven, we drove back to where Brian and Donna live, packed, played games, read stories, got just a few hours of sleep, and drove to the Denver airport. We left their home around 2am.  Brian and Donna set their alarm clock to say their goodbyes to us. I told Tori not to get up; I thought it would be easier for her to not have to say goodbye again as we gave our hugs and kisses to all four grandchildren at bedtime. But she did. We got one more hug from her!

In Heaven there will be no goodbyes!!

 

 

Reminiscing…..

“Count your blessings, name them one by one…..” as the song says.

I chose three blessings from 2009 to highlight. Did you ever find yourself, in the middle of dusting your furniture, stopping and enjoying a few minutes (quite a few minutes!!) going through photo albums? That’s what I’m doing today; I’m not dusting but enjoying some experiences through memories and pictures. Hope you’ll enjoy walking alongside me as I reminisce.  

 

You will remember we visited our Colorado family in May. We had time together at their home and then we try to do one or two extra special things with the grandchildren. Last year was their first full year in CO. Since it was our first visit we thought it would be nice for Brian, Donna, and the children to get away from chores and for all of us to relax away from home. Brian and Donna did the searching for us and found a wonderful little place in Westcliffe. If you’ve been in Westcliffe, you know how breathtaking it is….snow-capped mountains in June! Brian and Donna heard of a hunter’s cabin there.  Would you believe he is our neighbor here in PA!   We stayed there for 2 1/2 days…cost $40. a night for eight of us!! It was so very special and therefore we thought we would try this “time away” again this year.

 

 We asked Brian and Donna if they would search again. They found places that sounded really special, like ranches, etc., but the prices were very high. Donna came upon a Bed and Breakfast – Hahn’s Haven. It really caught her eye as that is her maiden name. After some research they were impressed and found the price very reasonable.

I must tell you as we were driving and getting closer and closer to our new destination, I was becoming more nervous. Our grandchildren are precious but are  very, very energetic, precious grandchildren. I was trying to imagine four ALIVE children IN a Bed and Breakfast for two nights and three days!!! The Bed and Breakfasts I have seen were not really childproof! May I tell you, it was Father-planned!!  (This is the innkeeper’s house  and creek behind our family.)

 

 

 

Melody Ann Hahn has four dogs in the house and we brought four children!  EVERY waking minute, except for watching one DVD and eating meals,  the children played with these dogs taking them for a walk or throwing sticks in the creek for the two larger dogs to retrieve. We were welcomed and blessed by this dear innkeeper! She had leashes for the two little dogs. The children were dressed early in the morning and out the door taking these dogs for a walk and playing with the large dogs. (Our grandchildren do not have a dog at home.) I truly think the dogs missed them when we left for home.

 

 

Mrs. Hahn loves animal – all sizes, shapes, and forms! The above picture is a kitten she rescued and as you see it is surviving by being bottle-fed. She saw Kelly’s gentleness and allowed her to enjoy this feeding time.

 

 

 

Friday morning we left the dogs behind as all of us looked forward to the day ahead – fishing and hiking. I was captured with the beauty around us! Today, this first Sunday morning of the new year, our sermon was about creation and my mind went back to this beauty – displayed as far as the eye could see.

Grandpa is assisting Bradley.

 

 

Bradley chose this spot.

 

 

 

I know a fisherman endures challenges weather-wise, etc. I was wondering how long Brent would use this small rock as his seat.  The fish were not biting well so that took some of the joy away for a young fisherman although I was impressed the way the children persevered.

 

 

 

Isn’t this scenery beautiful!

And I love His creation through His gift to us by the name of Tori.

 

 

 

Donna enjoyed catching up with a good book and taking pictures!

 

 

This is just one of my favorite pictures - the view of the mountains, Brian in the foreground, and Kelly sitting on her little green chair to fish!  (I guess most of them are favorites or I wouldn’t have them on here. )

“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. (Oh, I am so grateful for this blessing!) Psalms 95:1-7

 

This is what we did when Kelly grew tired of fishing! This was my joy!

The weather was very interesting – we would have sweatshirts on for awhile and then they were off…..soon back on again. I hear that is quite typical of Colorado.

 

 

Brian was the only one who had the joy of a catch – 12″ rainbow trout.

 

 

 

After some snacking for lunch, we headed for this trail some distance away. I was hoping you could read this as it is an interesting story.

 

 

The children were in the foreground leaving the oldies in the dust…..

 

 

…..except Kelly! She kept asking her Daddy to carry her. Some of those rocks you needed your hands to balance! I love hiking; the beauty around us just added to the joy. Then to be with Brian, Donna, and the children made it extra meaningful. I miss them; it is fresh on my mind having just come through Christmas. I know some of you experience loved ones’ absence also.

 

These are our “active” grandchildren I was talking about!   That was a steep climb but all the more fun for them.

 

 

After returning to Hahn’s Haven, Nevin and I wanted to leave the family have some time to themselves so we did some driving in the direction of this old ghost town. Most of the way was dirt road.

 

 

 

The sign above the door says, “Bed and Breakfast!” I’m thankful we can go back to Mrs. Hahn’s home!

 

 

 

Someone is around here although when we were there it was deserted. The hummingbirds are being taken care of. There was another feeder with six or more hummingbirds enjoying their liquid meal.

 

 

 

 

We had our supper planned around Mrs. Hahn’s campfire. Since she advertises as Bed and Breakfast, we did not want to ask to eat inside. And we all enjoyed this outdoor meal. We did have a healthy supper as Brian did some grilling but the children looked forward to the smores.

 

 

It was soon time to think about sleeping as we had another full day ahead of us but we enjoyed talked with Mrs. Hahn as she has traveled a lot and told many stories of her experiences….. a very interesting lady. She just blessed us. She offered the children to sleep on the floor in their sleeping bags and air mattress’ - therefore did not charge for them….only for their breakfast. I was so impressed how this place turned out to be a wonderful blessing for Brian, Donna, and the children. I’ll continue a bit later with our Saturday activities.  Don’t you praise the Lord for your camera!! Pictures bring to mind, in a moment,  joys experienced! Sad to say, I can forget to be thankful for my camera.

 

 

 

Our Christmas card to you…..

(We celebrated our 40th anniversary in the Smoky Mountain area.

This was taken at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N. C.)

 

Merry Christmas

Dear Friends!

Christmas is a special time to praise the Lord for the gift of His love that binds our hearts through every season of the year!

 

It is soooo good to be “back on the air!” Some of you have been praying for me and not even sure why the Lord was laying me on your heart. Thank You! I have always enjoyed writing letters in the past; that joy has spilled over into xanga entries. That doesn’t even include the joy of fellowship on here through encouragement and the power of prayer that we give to each other. But I have been struggling with good, better, and best for several months. I can’t seem to juggle everything – good things! Several weeks ago I saw a sign at a church which read: “Beware of keeping Christmas – but loosing Christ” I pondered that over and over. I love this time of year recalling the Christmas story and sharing His love with others. But over the last couple months some days my quiet time with the Lord has been pushed until later in the day because I have spent time on here. Occasionally it has been bedtime until I sit and visit with my Father. I also enjoy doing my entries after the day’s chores but then I don’t get the sleep I need. I enjoy having guests in for meals and that is not happening. Here I am – 60 this year and struggling with a schedule!!! Figure that out! Nevin has been a wonderful blessing in my life (as usual!) helping me when I get on behind. I know the enemy will try to take even something good (xanga fellowship) and allow it to become a stumbling block in my walk with the Lord. I have missed you all so much but I KNOW I need to come up with some kind of schedule - so I have victory! My quiet time is very important to me. This is what some of you have been praying about  Thank you! Thank You!

Enough about me……………… 

 

I want to share with you one thing that happened this month that I journaled into my “I Spy” notebook. An “I Spy” is seeing the Lord in my day in a way that I had not expected. I do record those “happenings” as it strengthens my faith when I look back over those experiences the following year and years.

 

You’ll enjoy hearing about this fellowship  – straight ahead my friend Becki and on the right, Reba. We are combining  fellowship today with Jehovah’s Witness, Mennonite and Brethren! Now how is that for a grand mixture!!   Becki works hard and long and was ready for some “round the table” talking.

 

 

 

Becki said, “Can she or can’t she?!”    It was huge!!

 

In July we also had plans to have a meal together which included Rachel….all four of us went to school together from first grade until graduation. Some of us don’t see each other for a very long time. The week before we were meeting for a meal in July, Rachel discovered she had leukemia. From then until now she has been receiving treatments and is planning on a bone marrow transplant the beginning of January. (I know she would appreciate your prayers.) On this December day, after  our meal together, I was planning to visit with Rachel – only my second time. (She was my maid of honor 40 years ago!)

I was not even planning on mentioning that information with Becki and Reba; not because I didn’t want to just because it didn’t seem necessary  BUT as we sat around the table in conversation I said  that  I was going to be stopping with Rachel after our meal.  One of the girls said, “Let’s all go.” (For awhile Rachel wasn’t having many visitors simply to protect her health. But  she is feeling really good right now and has more friends stopping in.)

 

 

I wish you could have seen Rachel’s face!! She was expecting only me.

This doesn’t do justice to the moment! She hasn’t seen Becki  and Reba for several years! Can you see why I call it an “I Spy” in my day?! It just changed her day!! We sat and talked for quite awhile. I was so very grateful to my Heavenly Father that those words came out of my mouth (I am visiting Rachel.)

 

 

 

Becki stopped by her house before meeting at Rachel’s and brought some sand tarts, pepper jam, and applesauce she had made!! (She had given sand tarts and pepper jam to Reba and me.)

 

 

 

 

This is our Rachel – as I mentioned she is feeling good right now. This expression is so much her! Becki is trying on a wig Rachel has on hand although she said she is not sure she is going to wear it. It was one of those precious moments bringing lots of laughter which was good for all of us. “Thank You dear Father for the memories this day brought – that none of us had planned at the start of our day! A day where Rachel was very blessed!”

 

 

 

This was taken before we stopped by Rachel’s home.  Becki had made the note at her home and wanted the picture to go with the note which she was planning to give to Rachel  after her surgery.

 

In closing -

“With glad hearts let us remember the true meaning of Christmas…

The love born,

the hope to be had,

the joy to be shared!”

Love from our hearts to yours!