"These happy golden years are passing by, these happy golden years." Laura Ingalls Wilder

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Call It A Night


This is New Year's Eve afternoon. I have about zero energy. Do I plan on staying up late tonight? Probably not. I just can't shake off my tiredness. I've even switched allergy meds which has helped a bit. Tiredness and hives are not a nice mix of ailments. But it's better than other maladies so I won't complain.

Tonight we have been invited to a neighbor's home a few doors down. Just Mr. Mac, Nathan, Ann & myself. No big party ... and we'll probably leave by nine PM. They have become good neighbor friends of late and have taken an interest in Nathan. So it's nice to be invited somewhere that he will feel welcomed.

This will be an interesting new year. So much uncertainty. And yet, there is certainty for people of faith in Christ. Be a sharer of your faith to those that have lost hope.

Happy New Year

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Don't Cast Your Irons Aside


Do you have a few cast iron skillets sitting idle in your kitchen cupboard? Have you used them in the past decade? Well, before you put them out for a yard sale this spring, why not dust them off, re-season them and start cooking like grandma used to. Yes, they are heavy ... but in their defense, they retain and can take the heat (unlike today's non-stick pans). From stove top, oven, broiler or campfire, cast iron is a sure bet. My grandma 'B' used black cast iron skillets and cooked everything from squirrel :) (no kidding) to fried chicken and in between. Libby 'B' was quite the homemaker with skills of canning her garden goods, making feather beds, raising lots of kids, and cooking up a storm when we visited her. Just ask my pop.

This past year I've been itching to get my hands on a Dutch oven (DO) to cook in outside by the campfire. For Christmas I received a cookbook with all the how to's and what not to do's listed, along with many tall tales and bonafide recipes. To start practicing for when the snow melts and I can once again find my backyard, I'm planning to use my flat bottomed DO inside this winter. It won't be the same, but practice makes perfect. The photos show my newly seasoned DO and a newly acquired 12" beauty of a skillet after their final seasoning. Also shown is the aforementioned cookbook.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Alive ... barely


I have been re-cooperating from our Christmas celebration. Hanging around the house in comfy jammies and slippers, wrapped up in warm blankets snoozing by the fire. If the Lord had fashioned me after anything other than Himself, next in line would be a bear. Not the grouchy association of the creature, but its hibernating habit. Just give me a warm cave to hunker down in til the snow storms pass and let me wake up to a wonderful spring day. Wishing you and yours a safe passage into the New Year!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Mrs. Mac ... over the edge

On a recent hike up to my neighbor's property (just above mine) to check on their home ... they are snow birds and I am their property manager... Needless to say, I jokingly told them they don't pay me enough any longer to make house calls in these snowy conditions. Just look at what happened on the way over Friday. Thank goodness Mr. Mac was along for the 'hike' or I just might still be swallowed up in this snow bank,

Saturday, December 20, 2008

It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas


Christmas at home this year will be here before I know it. Now as I type, the neighbor kids are using the common part of the driveway as a private sledding hill, and I may just have to join them in a bit. With the exception of Patrick, all will be home Christmas Day. He is finishing up his last two months of military service and then plans to move home in February and get established in our area. Today was sunny, clear, and cold. But the scenery was awesome! Nathan and I got out for a bit and took a drive around the lake after taking a few turns on the sled. Hoping you are warm.

Hugs from the North Woods,

Photo: View from my driveway 12/20/08

Friday, December 19, 2008

An Early Christmas Vacation


The schools are closed again today ... so now we are officially in Christmas Vacation mode. Sleeping in until 8:00 A.M. and getting dressed at noon. I just hope neighbors don't drop by unexpected before I am put together.
Christmas! 'Tis the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial fire of charity in the heart.
Washington Irving

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Town Closed For The Day ...

Update: We had 32 inches of snow with the last storm!

... Stay Home! That is the general message the news media and emergency personnel are telling everyone today. The airport is shut down, I-90 is for emergency responders only, and most side streets are not going to be plowed for a few days. Fortunately for us, we live in a small town with our own plow equipment. Our street was plowed before sunrise. The snow has been falling since yesterday morning at a rate of 1-2 inches per hour. At 3:00 AM I woke up to take a peek outside. By 4:00 AM I was up making coffee and watching the news reports about school closures. Finally by 5:00 AM it was announced we would have a snow day for our school district. It takes quite a pile up of snow to close down the local schools. The temps are in the teens (F) ... but by tomorrow, we're in for a blast of cold air from the Arctic. Any plowing needs to get done today while the snow is powdery. By tomorrow, everything will be frozen solid for quite some time. So far, we've gotten ahead of the plowing and will be quite busy once again in a few hours. What great exercise ... just pushing the snow blower. Its mantra this morning was ... "I think I can, I think I can" ... as it chugged through my driveway. Hoping you are all safe with this crazy weather ... keep dry and warm and stock up on supplies if needed.

How's the weather in your neck of the woods?

Hugs from up North,

Sing hey! Sing hey!
For Christmas Day;
Twine mistletoe and holly.
For a friendship glows
In winter snows,
And so let's all be jolly!
~Author Unknown

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

It's Been Hectic


We are just over an arctic blast and now have snowy weather in the teens during the day. The teens seem warm compared to minus zero temps. I have been busy taking care of my little grandson the past two days; Nathan has had a ruptured ear drum and home from school; and just keeping up with clearing the driveway is my exercise routine for the day! Yesterday I made chocolate fudge and peppermint bark for Christmas goodies. This is so much easier than baking oodles of cookies. I'm just about finished with my Christmas shopping ... and my New Year's greeting card can wait until January. My son Patrick's Christmas package went out at noon so now I can sigh a bit of relief. Aaah. How are you holding up just days before Christmas?

Amid the hustle and bustle ... we have to stop and give thanks to the Son of God that came to earth so very long ago. None of this pre Christmas rush can compare to the simple truth of the Christ Child, Jesus. Let's not just remember him in the manger as a babe, but what he came to earth to accomplish, and conquer. May his Peace reign among the nations and in your hearts.

Hugs from the North Woods,

Saturday, December 13, 2008

... "Walking In A Winter Wonderland" ...


... Old Frosty the Snowman paid us a visit (finally) yesterday. The Mr. and I got up early and used our new snow blower on the driveway. It works so much faster and better than having to use our four wheeler and plow. Just watch out if you're on my naughty list ... cuz the jet of snow this new blower throws has pretty accurate aim ... just ask the Mr :) OK, so I got a little carried away! The weather is that arctic blast (Miss Terry sent) from Canada. We're not supposed to be much above zero degrees by tomorrow. The dawg will be so happy she can live in the basement for a few days. She stood outside at my French door in the dining room with a pitiful look on her face all morning. Mr. Mac just headed off to Santa's workshop for a little charity gig at the airport. He was dressed as a keystone cop and had an important flight to catch with some needy children up to the North Pole. Will hopefully post a picture tomorrow. Have a toasty warm weekend inside by the fire. Hugs.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

No Stress Christmas



The older I get, the less and less I want to do in the 'merry making' department at Christmas. Don't get me wrong. I still enjoy Christmas. I still put up a tree and bake cookies. I still have children at home. But, I've come to a place in life that gives me permission to pull back and examine exactly what Christmas means. Christmas, as in December 25, is most likely not Christ's true birthday. One could go on and on about how Christian's converted pagan feasts into Christian 'holy days' as a way to convert pagans. This being said, Christmas has become so foggy of an idea that it's now both secular (Santa) and religious (Christ). Whatever His true birthday is, Christians need to live each day as if it's a special day from God. The Christmas 'industry' (commercialism) is driven by a year end frenzy to buy, buy, buy. In reality, God gave the perfect Gift in a humble setting without all the glitter, garland, paper and bows. Take time this season to examine your motives of this celebration. Christ's birth was simple. Are you up to making Christmas more simple?

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2-8:12 (NIV)

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Simply Put


Remembering the humility of Christ. His birth and death have changed the world. May we keep his simple message at the forefront as we yet, again, celebrate his birth.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Almost a Teen


It's hard to believe that my Nathan will be a teenager in March. He is very tiny and the thought of him being 13 just blows me away. Today when I picked him up at the bus after school, he told me he wanted to invite a girl to Mama's house. Now mind you, anyone not tuned in to his language would not have picked up what he was saying ... but, this mom knows his heart and babble to understand him quite well. Maybe over the Christmas break, he can have a very supervised visit as they were caught kissing in the pumpkin patch on a class field trip in October. It's gonna be a rough few years ahead, I can already tell ;)

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Soporific Rest


The turkey doldrums hit me on Black Friday. Who in their right mind would want to fight the mobs to save money on Christmas gifts. Stand in long lines before sunrise, shivering in the cold wondering if you might get mobbed or even lose your very life to save a few bucks. Not I. My Black Friday rest was partially induced from the feast on Thursday and the work involved to cook the meal. Taking an allergy pill put me in a near sleep induced coma on the couch for a few days. I viewed just about every cheesy Lifetime and Hallmark Christmas movie and made a permanent dent in my sofa. I can spot sewing batting used for snow scenes and computer animated snow flakes from my finely tuned eyes. Decorating for Christmas will be a slow process; a breather is needed to put some space between the two holidays. Perhaps I need some anti-depression meds to snap out of it ... na, another cookie will do the trick!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS


From our home to yours, May you remember the Lord and celebrate all He has blessed you with each day, and tomorrow as we celebrate Thanksgiving as a nation blessed by God. Enjoy your family, friends, and strangers as you prepare or take part in sharing your abundance.

Blessings,

Mrs. Mac

Monday, November 24, 2008

Political Correctness Gone Mad


As seen in my local op-ed pages this past Sunday:

PC: 'Turkey Day' a bone in the Gullet ... "On Nov. 27 our nation will look back on its history, look around the table and celebrate Thanksgiving. But not the folks at the bank in the Prairie Shopping Center. Their billboard substitutes the words "Turkey Day" for this national holiday. I called and asked why. The answer: Using the word "Thanksgiving" might be offensive to someone. Their preference is to substitute the commonly consumed main dish for the name of the holiday. What's next, Happy Boxed Chocolates Day for Valentine's Day? Happy Fruitcake Day for that other holiday "PC" people shudder to mention? If you think "Happy Turkey Day" is more of an insult than "Thanksgiving," please let all food-naming-substituting businesses in town know that North Idahoans are still in favor of gratitude on November 27." by: A.H. CDA Press 11/23/08 Coeur d'Alene

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Saturday's Menu

  1. sleep late (the Mr. had Nathan duty last night, PTL)
  2. visit the library with Nathan and throw in a trip to McDonald's
  3. clean house
  4. take a nap
  5. read a book
  6. take a bubble bath
  7. do some laundry
  8. read the paper
  9. make dinner
  10. go to bed
As you can see, I have a very 'productive' day planned. I was happy to read that Cheryl received our very valuable Sisterhood Scarf. To all of you with snow, enjoy it, play in it, make snow ice cream while it's still clean and white. Have a great weekend. Hugs

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Things That Go Bump and Hiss in The Night



Question: How far (is too far away) from the back door should the outside trash can be?

Answer: When things go bump and hiss and scare the bajeebers out of ya and you have to walk a ways in the dark ... is too far for me!

Living in the North Woods away from city lights affords a person great star gazing opportunities. It also makes for a scary trip to the trash can after dinner in the dark autumn sky. I must first turn on all outside lights, mind you no flood lights, and still there is a path with forty feet of darkness on the nightly trek. Nerves must be mustered up and eyes must adjust to the lack of sunlight to scan the woods for wild and woolly creatures hiding in wait to do .....what? Last week it was a strange horse snort of a sound coming from behind the garden plot. I presume this may have been a moose and turned back inside. Last night, I called in the dawg for her supper and nightly bedie bye routine only to find her sad little face with a few gashes below her eye. This I presume came from one of our neighborhood hissing does (as in female deer). I know you're thinking I could take out the trash in the morning, but by the end of the day it stinks. If I leave the bag in the garage, the dawg will have a midnight snack. So you say, just move the trash can near the back door ... but then it would be too heavy come trash day to wheel it through the landscape rock in the backyard. Hubby is working the night shift. So I'm just about outta options. Tonight I just might be packin a pistol ... sshhh.

I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of wild beasts so that they may live in the desert and sleep in the forests in safety.
Ezekiel 34:25

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

What's Cooking?





This week I've been in the kitchen making batches of delicious beef jerky. The process is very simple and with my convection oven's drying setting, takes very little time. I usually wait until I can purchase London broil on sale to use. The meat is sliced thin, then marinated 24 hours. From Cabella's I have purchased stackable drying racks for oven use.

Chicken stock is easy to make also. When I purchase twin packs of whole chickens from Costco, I cut up the meat and repackage in smaller portions for the freezer. The chicken backs are saved and frozen separately as well. When there are at least eight backs, they are turned into a delicious stock by simmering with celery, onions, carrots and herbs. The liquid is strained and defatted, then stored either in freezer containers or canned for the pantry shelf.

Photos: chicken stock simmering, beef jerky piled high for brief high heat temp for food safety.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Truly Thankful



Here it is almost one week before we Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. Yesterday I was watching the food channel to get some ideas for preparing dinner next week. It struck me funny (in a sad sort of way) that the host was sitting around his table telling his friends he was thankful for being so 'lucky' ... on and on about his good luck. Now this host might have actually meant blessed ... but because he's on TV used the word luck (let's hope so). To have luck means you have no faith in God; you just happen to fall into good space at a good time in the universe. With the way secular values are becoming predominate in our society, we need to be shouting out each and every blessing God has given us. Don't let our collective Christian voice be snuffed out in the 'new world' ... these are fighting times.

"The LORD is known by his justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.
The wicked return to the grave, all the nations that forget God. "
Psalm 9:16-17 (NIV)


Sunday, November 16, 2008

Sunday After Thoughts

Three weekends ago, the Mr. and I went to a local church we've visited before. Mr. Mac actually attends there somewhat regularly. I went there a few years ago and left bawling as there was not a place for Nathan. So on our visit we stopped in the 'cafe' after the service for a coffee drink (seems coffee and Christians go hand in hand these days ;) ... there I met a mom with a special needs daughter that hangs out in the cafe during the service. The worship and message are piped in and there's a TV screen too. She encouraged me to come back with Nathan ... so today was the day to give it a try. He was not willing to go in for worship ... too loud ... so we sat on a picnic table outside in the cold until that was finished. Then Mr. Mac found a booth/table where Nathan became comfortable and we were able to listen to the Bible study. A little bit of bribing was involved to get him inside ... but he managed just fine. God is always so good.

Sunday Thoughts

I'm wondering if Barack Obama is having second thoughts about what he's stepping into. I'm also wondering if John McCain is a little bit relieved that he didn't get elected. What a financial mess the new president will assume once in office. He's not my choice for president, but he surely needs all the prayers he can get. Take time today to pray for our country's leaders both outgoing and incoming. Pray for the jobs that will be lost in the current financial tsunami and that we collectively learn from this debacle. Pray for our troops in far off lands serving our country. Pray for God's wisdom and peace to reign.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Just Clean Up Your Own Messes


Here's what I found out on the counter this morning ... after going to bed with everything in its place. I wonder who ..........

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

House Keeping Survey

Update below
Just out of being plain nosy ... how easy or difficult is it for y'all to keep a clean house? I know we live in a lackadaisical society ... you can see signs everywhere from the way we dress, keep up our cars, style our hair, etc. Did you grow up in a clean or messy environment? Were your clothes, sheets, hankies ironed each week? Did your family have a cleaning routine? For example: Monday..washday, Tuesday..shopping, Wednesday..bathrooms/floors, etc. Our lives are more complicated now even though we have more gadgets to make it easier (dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, etc.).

I am a full time, stay at home wife, mommy, grandma and my cleaning chores are endless. I can only imagine how these chores get piled up for those of you that work outside the home AND have families to take care. In our disposable, get all you can get society, do you think that less is more?

Tomorrow I'll share the way it was when I was a child and we can compare notes.
November 13, 2008
Today I made a conscience effort to 'put away what I got out' ... and clean up each and every mess as I made one. You know what ... even with interruptions ... watching grand baby ... running errands ... etc., when I thought about the whole process of being tidy and acted on it, everything fell into place today. I grew up in a home that was organized and cleaned by schedule. Pop was a drill sergeant and kept us on our toes. Grandma was set in stone for routine but made her work seem effortless. Never complaining ... just had a job to to and did it. Sometimes I find myself needing to clean off some of my 'plate' to allow the proper time to make my homemaking skills count and be consistent. Hubby will be pleasantly surprised to not find one cup in the sink when he gets off work late tonight. Let me see come morning what 'junk' he leaves setting around when I get up. I may have to get tough!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

WWII Letter to H.K. in honor of Veteran's Day


3-3-45

United States Navy

My Darling Daughter H.K.,

Haven't had a letter from you for quite a while, so better get busy and see what's the matter with you. I got the one you sent me with the pictures in it ... and I think they are swell. How did your skirt fit and did you like it? Tried to get one that had the anklets and bracelets to go with it but couldn't find one. Why don't you sit down and write me a nice long letter about how you are coming along in school and about your dancing school. It's so hot here it's hard to write without sweating all over the stationary. Grandma C wrote that she sent you a picture. I had one taken with a friend of mine so will send it to you. It isn't so good, but maybe you can make out who it is. Tell mother I will write her too. I won't be able to write as often from now on, at least for a while. The other fellow in the picture is our quarter master and lives in New York. I showed him the pictures of you and he thinks you are some kid. How's Betty and Aunt Junie and Art? Tell mother I had a nice long letter from Uncle Earl not long ago and Lynn had been sick but is better again now. Haven't a lot of time to write now, but will write you again as soon as I can.

Love to you and all,

Daddy

(Letter written by my maternal grandfather to my mother when she was nine years. Grandpa was serving our country during WWII in the South Pacific on the LST 1000)

Monday, November 10, 2008

Itching To Get Out



Since Nathan was home sick with a cold all last week ... unfortunately the Mr. caught it and has been hacking non stop ... then I watched the little grandson three days in a row, so today was a much anticipated day to myself. A little rainy outside ... but I had a wee bit of spare change to get the economy going once again. While out, I picked up a snow blower ... last year we could barely keep our driveway cleared using our ATV 4x4 with attached snowplow. While this winter isn't supposed to be as historic with record snowfall, I wanted to be more prepared. A mega-warehouse was also on my list; this time I purchased a new set of stainless steel pans. When my daughter Elizabeth got married two years ago, I gave her my vintage classic Faberware pots and pans, replacing them with some inexpensive annodized non-stick ones ... Most times I use my handy cast iron skillets ... and I'm not too sure how safe the coated pans are ... supposedly you're not to heat them screetchin hot. After stopping by a friend's place for tea and pumpkin empanadas, it was time to make my way home. Did I mention how much fun it is to go shopping alone? ;) The Mr. is working tonight ... so no cooking either :0)

Photos: My driveway last winter ... style of new pans

Saturday, November 08, 2008

Our Special Day

November 8, 1980:
Happy Anniversary Sweetheart! Remember when we just started out in our married life? Full of such promise ... yet living on a shoestring budget. You have always made me feel safe and protected. Never once have I doubted that the Lord would provide us a home through your hard work...Thank you for sharing the memory making process we have both lived through. We're not quite ready for the rocking chairs ... but just in case you want to sit a spell, let's meet on the porch after dinner to try them out. You bring the hot cocoa, and I'll bring a few quilts. Our love for each other will take the chill right out of the night time air.

All my love,

Babydoll

Photo: vintage 1983 photo of Mr. & Mrs. Mac & Mac Jr.

Saturday Minutia


After spending at least five hours yesterday working into the wee hours of this morning on transferring HOA info into my brain and onto paper, today will be a must have nap day. It's raining out which is always good weather for a snooze. My washing machine is humming away with two loads to go, and I'm just about to make my way down to the kitchen from my upstairs office to put on a pot of coffee. Nathan has military cadence music drifting up to my perch; he's sure to be dancing circles in his room. Mr. Mac must have his earplugs in or a pillow over his head wondering why he ever gave the little fella that particular CD. Today is also our twenty-eighth wedding anniversary so the Mr. and I are dining out here tonight. Did I mention he likes his new job now? It was touch-and-go for the first few weeks ... making me wonder if he could find his groove once again in law enforcement. Hugs.

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Hold On To Your Bonnets


The American people are in for a wild ride. While a lot of blame can be laid at the feet of George W. Bush, he alone did not get our country into it's current funk. There are many political and economical factors that have contributed to his disdain. It's always easy to blame the guy at the top of the pig pile, but he has been held up there by members of both parties. There is no perfect politician ... and THE ONE that is being ushered in may be charming, smooth talking, good looking, but he has a mysterious and daunting past.

The shift in America ... moral issues, corruption, deceit, deviant lifestyles are shoved in the faces of God fearing people who have been told they are hateful homophobes, bigots, zealots for protecting unborn life above the right of a woman's choice. How has evil become good? How can darkness creep in and take root in our society? When evil becomes good ... good people become evil by hiding. If you have Judeo/Christian beliefs .... now more than any recent time ... LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 14:16 (NIV)

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Regular Post Resuming Soon


Stay tuned for a new post hopefully by Friday ... I'm 'nursing' my election 'hangover' away ... plus wearing my many hats this past week. See you soon. Hugs

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

When My Kids Grow Up ...


My motto for years was: "When My Kids Grow Up" ... this meant the time for me to get back in the workforce outside the home. Slowly the years have crept by. One at a time ... adding up to several decades now. Time still spent at home. No longer do I wait for these years to pass by ... there will, most likely, never be an opportunity to work outside the home. Some of my children have left the nest. Another will leave in a few short months after college. Yet another will most likely be my charge for many more years to come. Now I'm cycling in a grandchild to watch a few days a week. He's already stolen my heart and I couldn't possibly send him off to day care (not on my watch). Suddenly, I'm becoming the matriarch of our family. I am starting to like that title. It's a protective, full of wisdom type of title. Not many women can call themselves the Matriarch of their families. I've come full circle ... and I am thankful to be a child of God, sister of many friends, daughter, mother, grandmother, wife, secretary of our HOA ;) ... my job titles are too many to list. I may not get paid monetarily ... but hugs, pats, and oatmeal kisses are not too bad a form of payment.

Photo Art: A Mother's Encouragement, 06/08 by Mrs. Mac

Monday, October 27, 2008

On The Lighter Side Of Life


I'm here for a pick-me-up. I think chocolate may solve my problem ... would you like a piece too? I went and volunteered to be our home owner association's secretary/treasurer. Why, why, why!!! (pulling out my hair). Flash backs to junior high when I took minutes and typed reports, etc. came to mind as I raised my hand. I have time said I in my head. Vultures swooped in and quickly nominated, seconded the motion, wham, bam, thank you mam, you're in lady. Now I'm up to my eyeballs sorting out tax forms, missing documents, running around town, etc. Today I met with an accountant to help get things in order ... she wants articles of incorporation ... blah, blah, waaaaa, ... I want my mommy. Send help.

There's No Hiding



.... from God. In years past, I have been a magnet for depressed souls. Being a Polyanna optimist has its flaw in that the severely depressed seem to be attracted to me in an overwhelming number. My initial response is to help fix problems. Most people don't just look me up in the phone book under Miss Sunshine, but are lead to me by divine intervention (I presume ;). Some have been inherited through hubby's guy friends in the form of wives. Others from my past home schooling networks. However they find me, turning them away from a listening ear, a cup of tea, or an outing out has not been in my nature. Add to that the pressure of being the mom of child with his own special needs, it's not hard to understand how after moving to a new state, with a new start, has made me steer clear of forming attachments. Just last night I commented on a friend's blog about how I am 'hiding from God (in jest) considering myself not available to this 'outreach' He has bestowed upon me. No more than ten minutes had gone by from hitting the 'send' button for my comment when the phone rang. I picked it up to hear a familiar voice, from another state, just wanting to make sure she hadn't lost touch with me. This after 18 months of no contact. She being one of the ex-wives of hubby's childhood friend. I took this to be a sign from God that there is no hiding from Him. Just too coincidental. Am I alone in doing this 'hiding'?

Saturday, October 25, 2008

After Dark


Tonight night we (four couples) traveled to Spokane's Bing Crosby Theater (aka the Met) to see this guy. Before the concert we were supposed to eat at the Old Spaghetti Factory ... but who knew it was parent's week at Gonzaga University and the town was busy ... at five PM, the wait time was an hour ... so we went here instead. Had a wonderful evening returning to our youth ... at least in our minds. What a trip ... no drugs were involved. Really!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Come On Over <<<<<<< That A Way

I'm over at the Sisterhood Scarf site today ... you should pay a visit. (That's traveling scarf site ... not sisters scarfing website ;)

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Ruby Tuesday - American Style





























Take a journey with me to some American events and 'hot spots' ... Heroes, driveway parades, baseball and car shows. Every picture tells a story about lives lived and honored, children, places of interest ... the fabric of American life.

(click photo for larger view ... all photos are from Mrs. Mac's personal family album)

Monday, October 20, 2008

Grammy X's Terrible Twos


S
sshh, it's nap time. Both for this grammy and her grandson. When he rests, I rest. Amen!

I forget how long the terrible twos last. Any idea. My home is not too child friendly, so I'm kept on my toes until nap time.


Photo: sleeping 'baby' Jacob ... 11/07

Sunday, October 19, 2008

The Quiet Man


My Pop has always been a quiet man. Behind the scenes, taking care of business, not needing recognition, but always the humble servant of the Lord. He's a man of few words, and doesn't expect a thing in return for his deeds. At home, he's the inspiration behind my 'can do' spirit of getting a job done. This he has passed along to his children, without a formal, sit-down lesson on how to do a job. He teaches by his gentle manner, yet always with a wrench or hammer at hand. Willing to lend a hand to neighbor, friend, church, or stranger. A former Marine, nearly eighty years of age, yet still buff in muscle, and sharp of mind. A man of few words ... and those words he chooses to let loose are apt words of meaning. I have teased him over the years about his show of emotion. For him, this appears as a little tremble of his bottom lip. Not often displayed, but an uncontrolled response connected to his heart strings. I'm sure he displayed a little quiver on Friday night as he was honored Person Of The Year at his church. He would rather not receive the praise of man and be put in the spot light, but Pop ... it's OK to accept this recognition for a job well done. Thanks for being all you are to your family and community. You are loved.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Autumn Fire





The bon fine in the autumn is warmth to the bones. Last night was such a toasty evening with family and friends sitting round the fire ring savoring coffee, peach pie I baked up from my freezing frenzy this summer, laughter, and good conversations. Hello autumn!

Photos: Top - Mangy Moose Lodge decorated for fall

Middle - Mr. Mac, the dawg & friend Bob

Bottom - Mr. Mac & grandson Jacob

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
Ephesians 5:8