Sheila’s Place..........

Mom & I leave tomorrow afternoon for Florida.  We plan to spend two weeks packing up and loading her car with what we can bring back.  We were going to drive down, but with gas prices so high....was cheaper to catch a USA3000 flight into St. Petersburg/Clearwater airport and ride to her house by the Pony Express Van than drive.  Got a one way ticket for $99 each.....not bad.  While there, she is going to place her house on the market to sell......hopefully, it will sell right away instead of sitting there forever and a day. Roger keeps telling me "you should just go get a trailer hitch put on her car and rent a small U-haul trailer and bring as much as you can." I told him that I know I could probably drive the car pulling the trailer alright....but no way could I bring it to her house and back that thing up into her drive way.....& if we had to un-hitch it or something....no way!  If I just pulled it up by the curb & her drive......long way to haul the boxes and load.  So, probably just put what we can in her car to bring and then when the house sells or when Wayne goes back,  will get the rest of her stuff then.  Frankly......I'm just looking forward to some nice sunny & dry weather.  We've had so very much rain and storms.....it's awful. 

Had a very lovely day for Mother's Day........spent some time with my son & daughter-in-law.....they are really fixing their home and yard up nice......very beautiful, I think.  Even Roger said the same thing.

Well, I've got to go searching online for some more "Hank The Cow Dog" books for a young girl at church whose birthday was last Saturday.......she asked for book #17.....so, I am off to see what I can find for her. (smile)

Have a great day!

According to forecast.......everyday has rain in it.  Mom & I leave Tuesday for Florida....hopefully, it will be nice & sunny there.  I am beginning to feel water logged here.  Mold is over 25,000......allergies are really bad.

I don't have just one Baltimore Oriole.....I have three according to my husband who saw them sitting in the tree. WoW!

Off to fix our supper and watch Survivor

Finally.......after much work and several re-set  attempts.....we now have programming back in our living room. I talked to the man at DirecTv about my TiVo maybe being the problem......he said that sometimes that's it, but it will correct itself.  I then talked to him about upgrading.....which is something I will probably have to do in the near future because of the problems I keep having.......either that or call where I purchased our TiVo and talk about our model.....I don't think it should be having all these problems when it's only about four years old.  It seems that this is the way it goes for me, though, when I venture out and buy something out of the norm......it ends up being a "lemon" (LOL!!!)  I think I may have to purchase a new dryer......one of the inside paddle things came off and now, it doesn't dry the clothes very well.  My brother-in-law told me that it wasn't good to use it like that......soooooooooo........another on going drama with my laundry......hahahahaha   First, the washing machine.....which is still giving me problems....it's not balanced & now the dryer.  I give up!  

Got to see our new little niece last night while up at the cottages.........she was born last Friday after they induced labor beginning around nine in the morning and she came an hour later.  WOW........when they induced my labor....it was started at seven in the morning and he finally arrived at 4:24 in the afternoon (smile).  Guess she was in a hurry to get here.  She is a doll....lots of dark hair & can be very "LOUD" when hungry...(smile).  They named her "Linsey Dawn" which I thought was pretty.....seem to fit her.  Their little boy is 3 & 1/2 and his name is Blake.  He is quite a hand full.....very talkative and energetic.  I hadn't seen my niece or her family in some time.....so was nice spending some time together and I appreciate them getting out with the new baby (she had just got out of the hospital on Sunday afternoon.)  I held Linsey twice and was nice to hold a wee one once again even though she was very tiny....I forgot to ask what she weighed & all the details.  We all were in the middle of grilling hamburgers & getting our supper ready between two cottages....going back & forth.....didn't remember to ask all the technical questions.

We've had several thunderstorms and heavy raining off and on since around ten thirty this morning........they said we had a chance of between two and four inches of rain which is not going to be good as the Mississippi is rising already and all this water runs off into the Meramec River which runs into the Mississippi.....as well as some of the other small rivers around the area.....they said this new water is not going to have anywhere to go except out of it's banks.  We can only hope and pray that it doesn't get as bad as it was a month and half ago....... The storm that came earlier today knocked out my power.....I did finally call our electric company and they came and restored my power about two hours ago.  But, I still have no satellite tv yet.  I ran through all the steps.....it's only in the living room,  bedroom tv is working just fine......seems I am having this problem more and more when our power is off for some reason,  so will just let alone for a while longer.....if nothing,  I will then call the tech people and see what we can accomplish.  I just hate to do that because they always want you to unplug this and unplug that......very difficult with our set up. I'm certain when Roger comes home,  he is going to want to go through it all, he's a t.v. junkie.

I have this Baltimore oriole that is coming frequently to my hummingbird feeder and drinking nector;  I had heard or read somewhere that they love oranges....so I sliced off some and threaded it down the hanger of the feeder....now, he comes and drinks nector and eats orange, too. (smile)  He is a very beautiful bird.....lots of bright orange with black trim. 

It's hard to believe, but all of a sudden, I find myself extremely busy of late.  Today....I spent most of the day with my Mom...we went out for a late breakfast, then I took her by the local vet so she could pick up some Frontline Plus for Dayze.....then to Dollar General as she wanted a dish cover for using in the Microwave....they didn't have them, so went down to the local (very small) Walmart store & found one there......I ended up buying two hanging baskets of Double Begonias (red) for my pots on front porch.  We then went over to the Mobil station across the street because I had seen a Do-Rag in there the day before with smiley faces on it (plus, I was thirsty & wanted something to drink) & I wanted to buy it for my nephew (not that he would wear the do-rag, but he collects stuff with smiley faces).  We then came back to my house where I did a little bit out in the yard and we fed Fritz & she gave them some of her Cappachino (Dayze begs for this as soon as she sees you with the cup).  I then took her and Dayze back over to their house & we finished an "on going" Super Scrabble game of which she won......she doesn't win very often, so she rubs it in when she does, :).  I ran over and changed our church's sign out front and came home.  Going to make us some Fettuccine Alfredo here in a bit and go back over for supper.  Roger's entertaining customers and Wayne's gone to Ky. Lake to fish and to also get his boat out of storage and bring home.  I feel like I am running around everywhere and not getting anything done!

Tomorrow, I have to get my nails done at 9 AM and then we have our Ladies Spring Banquet at 1:00 till 3:00. Thankfully, this year we are having it at Sybbil's Restaurant, so there isn't much for us to do like before.  We always worked for a week leading up to our banquets doing a lot of fancy decoration stuff.  Since neither one of us had much time for that this year, we decided to make it simple, but elegant.  It's theme is "True Beauty" (focusing on inner beauty) & we have one of her lady friends from St. Louis coming to speak.  Her husband is going to speak at our Church on Sunday morning.   I think we have about 18 ladies and  three young girls.  After this......I  plan to be home in time to watch the  Kentucky Derby (I haven't missed a one in I don't know how many years). So all of this will take up tomorrow.....then on Sunday there is church......& I've been spending Sunday afternoons with my mom, so don't know when I will get around to getting anything done at my house. :) :) :)  And....Mom & I plan to leave for Florida a week from Monday, so that means next week will be extremely busy, too.  I think Roger said something about his brother and sister-in-law dropping by one day that week, too.  Something about their daughter (my niece) having her second baby (I didn't even know Sharon was pregnant again!!!) & they (Randy & Donna) will be going down there to be with her.  Well, that's only about 2 & 1/2 hours away.  So, we shall see........it's always something around here.  Better go & get the supper stuff started.  Maybe I can get a bit done here at the house before going over to Mom's.

Hey everybody.......thought I would write a few words before getting off the computer.  I love Mondays......it's the beginning to a whole new week......lots of possibilities to start anew.  I know those who go to work don't like Mondays.....but, to me......it's all fresh....you can start over or make up.....whatever you need to do.  Just Get Started.....that's the main thing. :)

We are experiencing a cool spell.....here it is almost the 1st of May & we are only in high fifties with the possibility of some frost tonight.  Had a light rain shower a while ago, but the sun is semi-shining for now.  I believe it is suppose to warm back up to the seventies by Wednesday.  Mom and I are leaving for Florida soon.....we haven't set a time yet....I wanted to leave next Monday, but for some reason, she thinks I should stick around for Mother's Day.  So, we shall see.  I think she is going to want me to help her get things together where she can close up her house and put it on the market....then she is going to drive her car back following me.  We can bring most of her clothes, jewelry, & other little stuff in both vehicles that she is wanting to bring up here.  She's about decided that she really doesn't need a lot of her stuff....we'll just sell it or give it away.  Wayne & I think that she is happy being up here because it is so peaceful where down there at her home, always a lot of noise and traffic.....children running around all hours of the night & the neighbor girls come over several times a day to see "Dayze" they say (I told Mom she needs to talk to the mother and put a stop to that).  The girls are mentally challenged, so to speak.......not little, but older.  I don't care that Mom wants to come back up here.....I am enjoying having her here by me.  Our Sundays are beginning to go something like this now......we go to church, come home........I drop her off and come back here to change clothes, go back over and she cooks bacon & and we have BLT's for our lunch and play Super Scrabble all afternoon until time to go back to church. (smile)  Now,  we have a new hobby......she has lots of birds, so we bird watch out her kitchen sliding doors.  They have a large Red Bud tree that the older woman living there before built a deck around....it's been in full bloom for the past week and a half.  Lots of birds come (could be because we put out some food like the old woman did).....hung a hummingbird feeder in the tree, too.  Yesterday, there were Baltimore Orioles getting nector out of the blossoms along with some Goldfinches.  Mom is loving this as she wasn't able to have the birds where she lives in Florida because of the neighbor's cat.

Well........I am out of here.....so much to do and the day is getting away from me.  Oh......to update.....I did finish that new book I mentioned previously & loved it so much.  The other's in that series dealt with the history of the American Indian (mainly Cherokee & the Trail of Tears) & slavery leading up to the Civil War.  This book introduced the history of the Quakers and it's history as well as their place in the Underground Railroad along with Indian history at the close of the war.  I never knew much about the Quaker religion or how it tied into helping to free some of the slaves through the Underground Railroad......I was fascinated & once I began reading, it was hard to put the book down (& it was over 600 pages).  

The morning began with thunderstorms........Fritz wasn't too happy about going outside, but we managed sort of in between rumblings of thunder.  Soon, the clouds cleared out and the sun is now here and it is very beautiful outside. I've opened up my windows and back door off the deck.  Hardly any wind blowing....I LOVE it!  I noticed for our next four day forecast....all thunderstorms, so hoping they will be like today.  They will come in and go out fast. 

We had a wonderful Ladies Bible Study last night. This one will be our last one until September......normally we have one more in May,  but this May is just extremely busy, so decided to pick up where we left off next fall.  We are studying a lesson on Prayer......it has been very good for us, indeed.  Many things we knew but needed reminding....some things we tend to overlook......some things we needed our hearts pricked by the Holy Spirit about......& lots of good discussion. Last nights lesson was all about husbands & children.......we had much discussion about both.  Some ladies have a hard time dealing with the "submission" part.......& it's really hard to teach to children because of how today's media portrays husbands and fathers has "bumbling idiots" to be laughed at rather than strong roll models to their families.   Or....because there are so many single mother's raising children today. Think about it.......have you seen any shows at all on today's television such as "Father Knows Best"?   There is "Leave It To Beaver" as well as "The Andy Griffith show.....but where do you see that in any of today's drama or comedy shows. & it's been this way for quite some time now.  Some may ask, "What does this have to do with Prayer?"  The answer is "lots" because children learn a lot by the examples placed before them......they should have some strong spiritual male roll models in there lives....men who aren't afraid to be "humble";"have a giving spirit";"who aren't afraid to pray anytime or anywhere if the need arises";"who will take them aside & teach them about God's love" & so on.

Sunday morning's service was awesome.....we got to see God's Love in action........I am not going to go in to detail.....it was a picture of the "prodigal son" portrayed by someone today......a young man who had "fallen" & was "restored" (I have never witnessed a WHOLE church get up out of their pews in the middle of the sermon and go forward and hug the young man and tell him they loved him and was there for him).....what a picture of the heavenly Father's Love for us.......even when we have done wrong.......awesome!

Well......my day is slowly getting away from me here......I'm trying to get some laundry done up so I can get Roger packed....he has to head to Kansas tomorrow for some business the rest of the week.  Which works out great for me since a new book arrived yesterday and I am really "restraining" myself from diving right into it until he is gone. (smile) It's the third book in a series I started reading a while back that deals with the Indians, Slaves, leading up to the Civil War and this one Christian family living in Maryland who will end up having sons fighting on both sides....they actually freed their slaves and told them if they would stay with them, they would be paid & treated fairly with better housing, taught to read & write as well as other education of which they had to do all in secret as well as allowed to have church.  Also, they eventually became a part of the Underground Railroad on the way to the North.  I really love this author because of his historical facts.......I learned quite a lot more about the Indians & how they were treated than our history books taught us in school.  Anyhow.....I am now off to pursue other things........I do hope everyone enjoys the rest of the day and I will leave you with something I saw on a church sign not far from here....................................

A church is a hospital for sinners......not a museum for the saints!.

This past week three different people have either spoke to me face to face or by email about Oprah & how she has turned all New Agey the past few years.........well, this following poem sort of sums up how I feel about the whole situation (I especially like the last two paragraphs, they're my favorite part) & people like her will one day have to bend their knee & proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior.  I am saddened though, to think of all those who fall "hook, line, & sinker" into her web.

~He Is God~

He is the First and Last,
The Beginning and the End!

He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be ...
unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him,  and The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and "Oprah" can't explain Him away!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.

His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
the power of the powerful,
the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and is to come. And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.

His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
never forsake me,
never mislead me,
never forget me,
never overlook me and
never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
  When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody everywhere, every time, and every way.

He is God, He is faithful. I am His, and He is mine!

My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...

He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side,
and that means all is well with my soul.
 

Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!

  

What would you like to do more of?

Without a doubt......"READ"!

It has been a very lovely day today.  A little windy, but still lovely.  I think we have storms and rain coming back in tomorrow through Saturday.  So, I've enjoyed the sunshine while it has been here.  I saw some mid-70's for next week, so am anxious for those, :)

Am cooking a nice meatloaf for supper.  Roger & Wayne really enjoyed the last one I cooked and asked me to remember how I made it and make another. :)  I did everything like last time, so hopefully, it will be as good.  Thought they might like it for a change. I'm not much on meatloaf, so probably won't eat.  I cooked a huge pot of Jambalaya on Monday night......of which no one but mom & I ate, so am taking a nice large bowl to church tonight to give to a woman whose husband loves it & I had promised to make him some.  He doesn't come to church.....has had a lot of medical problems the past few years & he and his wife live on a very limited income....she substitute teaches in the fall and works at one of the local river rafting companies in the summer just to help supplement their income.  I know they will appreciate it.  Roger won't eat it any more as he is still sticking to the lo-carb diet & Wayne doesn't like it.

I know I've not been on line much.......been going through some personal issues & feeling a little "sorry" for myself......not in much of a mood for computing, :). Decided that this was a waste of my time & life is too short.  I've also been busy helping my mom shop for furniture (I love having my mother close by now, missed out on so many years with her being in Florida).  I think we've found what will be good for them, just not sure they will buy.  It's a bit more than they talked about.  I found a nice Lazyboy sectional that I like and it sat really good for a short person like me......am thinking of a way to talk Roger in to going and looking at it.  It wasn't as high as the sofa and loveseat mom had picked out. :) 

Well, it's church night, so best go and get supper finished up and get myself presentable to leave here in a bit.