Thunder and Lightning and Rain ...

...Oh My!

Last night the dawg and Nathan were stirred up a bit.  They both have super keen senses and .. much to my surprise .. had detected the presence of a storm off in the distance well before it arrived.  Just last year Nathan could be found holed up in an interior bathroom sleeping on the floor with the exhaust fan and light on during such an event.  And Miss Holly, the dawg, would be given a sedative to make it through the night.  This is a picture of Nathan and his dawg waiting out the storm.  Brave boy sat under the front porch on a rocker wrapped up in a blanket .. pretending that dinosaurs were making all the racket.  The dawg was allowed inside to fidget ... drug free ... until all was calm.  Miracles never cease to amaze me;)

"On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled."

Exodus 19:16

Graduation Time ...

... again.

Ann will be wearing her cap and gown on Monday night as she graduates from dental school at the local community college.  Then she will be 'hitting the pavement' with her resumes in search for a job.  Here's praying for a successful career Ann!
The sad part of it all is that we couldn't get a sitter for Nathan .. which means Mr. Mac will be attending the graduation .. and I'll be picking up Nathan from his first day of summer camp .. coming home and throwing together a light supper/dessert buffet.  The sacrifices we make at times are painful ... but we rejoice in the privilege of having Nathan .. at home .. and in good health.

Going Paperless?

I said no and then yes to re-subscribing to the newspaper over the summer.  We canceled the paper at the beginning of May to go on our financial diet.  I really felt bad about the paper as it employs local people and we have a slow economy.  Paper newspapers are becoming a rarity these days ... yesterday's news today (so to speak).  Still, I have no TV connection and rely on news from the radio or internet.  But ... I did start to miss the paper.  So .. when the subscription dept. called yesterday offering the paper 1/2 off for the summer AND two free boat cruise tickets on Lake Coeur d'Alene, I said YES!  I'm a sucker for a bargain ... and a boat cruise!

Saturday's Fix

1. Sunrise with the birds from the front porch rocker
2. Awe for God's nature
3. Hot coffee and quiet before the rush of the day
4. Buttermilk pancakes hot off the griddle .. topped with homemade huckleberry syrup
5. Laundry hung outside
6. Fresh sheets to sleep in tonight
7. Clean windows
8. Plant more herbs
9. Set a nice dinner table
10. Give thanks to God for all blessings

copyright free image from here

Last Day Of School

On Friday I'll have to change gears as Thursday is Nathan's last day of school.  I always like sleeping in or having more time alone in the morning without the school rush.  Summer will get going ... family will visit ... the garden will consume me ... taking weekly trips to the local u-pick farm ... mini vacations ... summer camp for Nathan ... canning and freezing food for winter ... then I'll be pooped and long for school to start.  It always happens this way.  So what's on the horizon for you this summer?

A Day To Do Whatever

.. today is Freedom Day.  No one holding me back from taking a trip to town .. to browse the vintage shops, thrift stores, read a book, cook ... etc.  A RARE DAY.  Enjoy.

Church 'For' The Birds

Another Sunday rolls around and I'm home bound .. alone with Nathan.  He does not 'do' church well (period).  Today's Bible lesson was one that was observed from the comfort of my backyard perch wicker chair.  A pair of binoculars and a Western Bird field guide ... along with scripture were my instruments for learning.  God often speaks to me when I'm in the back woods observing His creation.  Today at the feeder I spied a red headed 'purple' finch.  The description in the field guide informs that this (male) bird appears to have been dipped in raspberry juice :)  I wonder why he's called 'purple'?  Anyway ... being in the presence of God's creation is very fulfilling.  The scripture says... Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky ... (Gen. 1:20).  Some days I envision all of man's devices for following God null and void.  When you strip all but the very basic form of worship .. you have communion with Him that has set the stars in place.  Just think how blessed we are to have written scripture and the ability to read.  Even so, without these abilities, we should still know that God is the creator of the universe.  He has left enough finger and foot prints for us to follow.  Have a blessed day.

"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."    Romans 1:18-20 (NIV)

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Practice Makes Perfect ... Nap Time ...

... and other minutia. 

I was on a short trip to visit family on the West Coast of California.  Ocean air and sunshine were pleasant and a nice change from all the rain we've been having.  This was a trip ALONE.  No kids or hubby.  Just kick back time to relax from the everyday stress of life ... stopping in Phoenix on the way back ... and happy to say not for long as it was over 100F .. much too warm for the Snow Queen.  And wouldn't you know .. I picked up a cold on the flight home ... so now I'm recuperating.

Yesterday I found myself in the dentist office after chipping my tooth on a butter rum lifesaver candy.  Ann is interning with our family dentist .. so she was able to assist.  Nothing like practicing on a family member, eh?;)

It's time for another nap ... hope to be feeling better soon and maybe find something to write about.