Thursday, December 30, 2010

Just A Few....

Due to all the illnesses being passed around in my family, I did not complete nearly what I had intended to for CHRISTmas. I have all the materials needed, so I'll be working on these throughout the year, putting them away, and hopefully remembering where they are!!

Here's what I did manage to finish:





Lydia's Ladybug Mittens--
which she refuses to keep on her
hands!!



These are Lindsay's slippers before felting.
I was wondering how they were ever going to
shrink
to a
size 6 or 7!!


But, shrink they did!!
And here are Lindsay's feet in her slippers with
Cara's in the middle (minus her feet--but they do fit!!)

So, there will be projects going on throughout the year--though I've decided to take a little break from presents for others and make a present for myself.

I have an afghan that I made for my mother in 1976. How do I know I made this in 1976? Because she wanted something in red, white and blue to mark the bicentennial of our country. I took this afghan home with me when she passed away and have used it to keep warm on cold nights ever since.

There is a big bag of yarn in my closet that is aching to be made into an afghan--so I'm going to make another one for myself. The red, white and blue afghan is getting a little worn in some places. After all, it is almost 35 years old......and I've decided that this afghan perhaps needs a little tender care and a rest. I'm not putting it away in a dark corner....just a rest in a quiet place.

And don't we all need a rest in a quiet place sometimes?

Beth

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Book Review--Blind Hope


"Blind Hope--An Unwanted Dog and the Woman She Rescued" is a true story written by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher. This book is a quick read, and I finished this in one evening. I found it uplifting and encouraging. It also would be a good book for teenage girls who are in the "searching for myself" stage.

The location of the story is Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in central Oregon. This is an amazing program which rescues abused animals and pairs them with disadvantaged children--a place of healing, peace and a new life.

Laurie Sacher first came to this program seeking help and later became a staff member.
Laurie rescues an unwanted, abused dog--an Aussie named Mia. Her first impression of Mia is "She's a wretched creature, just like me."

As the story unfolds, we find that not only does Laurie rescue Mia, but Mia rescues Laurie. You see, Mia has many health problems due to her neglect, and she is blind. But, as Mia places her trust in Laurie, learns to follow her direction and instruction, and places her hopes in Laurie's care, Laurie is pointed to her Savior, Jesus Christ, in whom she then places her own hopes, trust and care.

There are many glimpses into the life that Laurie and Mia created together--each trusting the other--and as Mia's trust and hopes in Laurie increase, Laurie's hopes and trust in the Lord increase.

Laurie is taught that this little dog is a creature loved and created by God.....and so is she.
This was a very enlightening story, and I think parts of this could be used for a devotional. I found myself going back and reading over various pages--and thinking how this story related to my own life.

One problem--now I want to rescue a dog!!

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Through It All......

From Thanksgiving to CHRISTmas...it has been a time--

A time of the "itis"--sinusitis, bronchitis, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis....and that was just me!!

The kids and Lydia also suffered from all of these except diverticulitis....so it has been a time of rest, recuperation and not much else....

CHRISTmas Day itself has come and gone....but the love our Lord has lavished upon us by sending His Son so that we may experience His grace and mercy remains....

And His grace and mercy were evident in our CHRISTmas Day celebration...sick though we were....

This was the very first holiday that not one person left in anger, tears or somewhat upset with another person.

I have to say that there were words spoken that could have erupted us into our verbal battles. But, the difference is within me.....the forgiveness of one person and letting go of things from the past (a very long journey) has left me feeling the true peace of Jesus within me.

I could hear the words, see the emotions of others....and yet, all I felt was peace....not the old anxiety and anger stirring up within me....and then reacting inappropriately.

Thank you, God....for knowing and loving me...leading me all along the way. I know I have a long way to go, but You will be there for me...as You always are..






Beth

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Lead Me With Strong Hands

Please turn off the playlist at the bottom in order to hear this song....

I was driving home from a friend's last evening when this song came on the radio. As He often does, God spoke to me through the words of this song. I came home and tried to sleep, and the words kept replaying in my head...

Why?? I ask God "why"....

So many hurts and pains from my past....I think I have forgiven...totally forgiven....and then one or two words spoken by another will result in an explosion from me that is totally unrelated to the subject at hand.

Bring into the picture the three children--three innocents--who lived through this with me....four bombs waiting to go off, and go off they do....each in their own hurt and pain....exploding in different actions and words....but denotating upon one another until the hurts are even greater...

And there is one--a bystander to all of this who looks as though the four of us are out of our minds....and we are...

out of our minds with

unresolved conflict

grief

pain

the unjustness

poor choices

lies

lack of trust

insecurity

unforgiveness......

Four lives affected by one person's actions and words.....resulting in more hurts and pains because it is unresolved...

My Father,

Lead me with Your strong hands to be in the place I need to be to forgive those who have hurt me and my children. Keep me in Your love and faithfulness. Help us to forgive each other of the words spoken in frustration and anger....words that speak of the past and not the present...

Beth

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Book Review


I was recently received this book for review, and I have to say it is a delight and will be for many years to come.

The book itself is paperback with the paper used for the pages being thick and edged just like an "old-time" hymnal.

There are 150 songs included--music and words--with credits to the authors of each. I particularly enjoyed reading about the people who composed these songs and what inspired each of them.

There is much to be learned from this book. The inspiration that created some of the most wonderful hymns can be used still today in inspiring us to remain constant in our Lord--trusting in Him and carrying His word in music and song.

Since I am also learning to play the piano, this book will certainly be used for quite a while. Some of the hymns I remembered from my childhood. It was wonderful to read the words to these hymns--some actually evoked particular happy childhood memories.

I came across a song that I used to play and sing with a childhood friend when I was 9 years old--"This Is My Father's World". Just reading the words, hearing the music in my mind made me particularly joyful and more aware of all the God created and our enjoyment of this.

This book is a wonderful edition to anyone's book collection, particularly if you love music.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Monday, November 22, 2010

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Again??

I've been several weeks without a migraine--behaving myself and drinking my water.



Yesterday, I had no bottled water at work, and frankly, the water out of the tap tastes somewhat like chlorine. So, I drank a vitamin water (good for you, right?) that was a flavored orange.



Yikes!! A raging headache began about an hour after consuming 16 ounces of this!! I talked with my daughter who informed me that "flavored water is out! It has been proven that flavored water can cause migraines!!"



Well, I wish I had known this before I drank it....



On another front:



I have received approximately 100 squares as a donation for the blanket project for the homeless. Someone else is knitting furiously to fill a box to mail for this. And, I've been contacted by several others who want to help. So, this is underway....no sponsorship for fundraising this year...perhaps next year when there is more time to become organized. This year will be for meeting basic needs only.



CHRISTmas projects are coming along--I have three hotpad/dishcloth combinations finished for Cara and Lindsay (photos later--it's too dark right now to take a picture..



I have the materials for Lindsay's throw pillows for her bed and also a pair of pajama pants for her. Now...just the time needed to sew these together....along with the satin pillowcases (especially since I've had the material for these for two years!!)....



Went to Warm Hearts Cafe on Friday evening with a friend. This is a very cozy, small cafe with live music every Friday evening. Not too big a crowd, but the music was great!!



Well, the migraine has abated, so I suppose I'm off to get ready for another day at work....hmmm...I'd really rather be home working on these projects...but then, who would pay for this??

Beth

Monday, November 1, 2010

Blessings

















And so it is Monday again....already!!




#42 to 48




Roses that still bloom in October with droplets from

a recent rain




Shelleen singing her heart out for

The LORD



The colors of Autumn



Time to just be me without distractions from

the world






Smoke from my neighbor's chimney

I know he is warm





Lydia saying "NaNa" for the first time


Homemade cinnamon rolls
(Thank you, Pam!)

Friday, October 29, 2010

Just Ramblin' On









Hard to believe, but Lydia is 11 months old already!! This was her first official 'Trick or Treat', and before we start any debates over the 'right' or 'wrong' of this, let me just say that this was done all in fun....no evilness intended....whatsoever!!


And she did have fun....as much fun as an almost one year old can have....


Actually, more fun for the adults involved than Lydia herself--who just puts up with our shenigans for our own amusement!!


It's been a very busy week....I've only been directly home from work one evening this week....and tonight I'm going with a friend to Warm Hearts Cafe in Mechanicsburg to hear Shelleen play the piano and sing....


I've only heard one song from her CD, Rough Tracks--'Enraptured'--and I'm looking forward to hearing her in person. Who knows, maybe I'll even purchase the CD....


The blanket project for the homeless is getting underway...and more ideas floating around in my mind as to where these blankets should be donated.....so many in need....so few workers...


Until the next time,


Beth

Thursday, October 28, 2010

God Is Working Behind The Scenes!

God is working in my youngest daughter!!


I don't think she realizes this, but He is!!


Last Saturday was our annual food drive through our church, and Lindsay offered to help with this...just out of the blue asked it she could help. And, I, of course, said "sure, we can use help!!"


And so she did--and she worked hard--making boxes, loading boxes with food, lifting boxes that none of us had the strength to carry--and she felt fulfilled by serving others.
On the way home, she told me how she 'loved' doing this!! But, she does not see why she has to go to church. I explained to her about community--"we need each other--one person certainly couldn't do this on their own...." I purposely kept things simple because she is a "professed nonbeliever", and while I could see God working in her for His good and intended purposes on that day, she would not see this in herself.


The next day, I told her that everyone together--working together in several different areas of our local region--were able to collect approximately 600 boxes of food to donate to the local food bank. She was astounded!!


Then I was astounded!! She asked me what else she could do!!


I checked out our churches' website...found other serving opportunities...sent her an email with the links...with a message asking her if she would interested in either of these.


This morning, I received an email from her.....she wants to do two of the serving opportunities...and not only this....but my older daughter, Cara, is wanting to help also....and Lindsay enlisted the help of two of her friends!!


I am smiling....God is working in both my daughters....two friends of theirs....and they don't even realize it!! But, the importance of this....they will realize it.


One of the serving needs is Helping Hands, helping to serve a meal to the homeless. She has a servant's heart and just doesn't know it yet!! And when she does, watch out!! This girl can be tireless in her energy and devotion....once she knows where it is directed.


And so, today, I thank You, God, for using both my girls and their friends to help those less fortunate than themselves. Thank You for using this opportunity to help open their eyes to Your love for each and every one of us.....regardless of our past, our present circumstances....and I ask that their serving others will lead them to You for Your wonderful and intended purposes for them.


Beth

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Book Review


The Gospel According To Jesus--A Faith That Restores All Things by Chris Seay is not at all what I expected this book to be.
I was excited to be able to review this book thinking that this was going to be more of a Bible written from the perspective of Jesus. In a way, it is.
The author has written nine chapters of what he considers to be the downfall of the Christian church today. In all of the instances he has cited, I do agree with him. He states that the Christian church today is falling back into the legalistic theories of the Pharisees rather than the service and true gospel of Jesus.
I am usually a fast reader, and this book was a slow read--not because it is not interesting or informative--there is just a lot of meat to grasp onto and take into account.
The fact that Jesus was drawn to the broken and that we, as Christians in the world today, tend to avoid the broken made a great impact upon me. I can see where the majority of the Christian church of today has drifted from the original church after Jesus' resurrection. I can also see where many improvements in our society today need to be made in order to return to the true gospel of Jesus.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you are needing to change your perspective of exactly what Jesus came to do in this world.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Freshly Fallen Snow

How many times must I put myself through an inner mind battle before I realize that this is not the way God wants me to live?



How can an innocent word spoken by another trigger reactions and thoughts that will run through my mind--around and around they go--until I feel consumed by the negative and not the positive?



I have had many things occur in my life (from childhood to the present) which have been hurtful, harmful, damaging to me--and my children. I've come to realize that the only person I can change is me. As much as I may pray and wish my children would come to the same realization, they need to do this for themselves.



I've been on a journey these past few months--a forgiveness journey. I've taken several steps forward, a few steps back......



And then last night my Home Group met. We are doing a series called "Life's Healing Choices" by John Baker. The study itself is taught by Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Southern California.



I had reviewed the DVD by Pastor Rick twice before the meeting. But, as I watched this with the members of the group last night, I realized that I had somehow missed an important point.



And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect....Romans 12:2 (NASB)



Renew my mind!! Take out the garbage that is filling my mind and replace it with God's Word.



I know that I have "tried" Scripture memorization before, and I have failed. But, I want my mind renewed, and more importantly, God wants my mind renewed. He does not want my mind cluttered with events and memories of the past which He has already forgiven. I am the one who is allowing these thoughts to pervade my mind and my life.



How? By giving satan the access to my thought patterns way too easily!!



Again I am going to start memorizing Scripture--filling my mind with God's Word--promises from God--replacing the words from the past with the Word of the present and future.



An excellent idea Pastor Rick had was to write a verse--a promise from God directly to me (and you)--on a 3 x 5 card. On the back of the card, write how this verse applies to my life--a mind transforming process. Reading this every morning, afternoon and bedtime (and whenever needed) will place this into my mind.



Then when those thoughts start assaulting me, they will be replaced by God's Word and love for me. Transformed by the renewing of my mind.....



I do not have the index cards, so a stop will be made on my way home from work today to begin this mind renewal process


My verse for this week:



"No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow.".....Isaiah 1:18 (LB)



If you'd like to join in memorizing Scripture, just let me know. We can be an encouragement to one another as we renew our minds.



Beth



Monday, October 25, 2010

On My Way....





































Monday to Monday---



All I can say is that this has been a rough, long week. I cannot believe that it is Monday morning again....amongst the trials, busyness and yes....some laughter thrown in for relief....there are still blessings and thankfulness to be counted upon:



#34 to 41



clouds just before sunset with colors splashed through


fallen leaves upon the deck


a tree near my work with glorious autumn tuning


the very first shipment of squares for the homeless project


three children who love and support one who has done them

much harm


being able to pray for someone who has caused me much

hurt


playing an entire song on the piano with no mistakes


people gathering together to help those less

fortunate than themselves--and doing so with

joy



Have a wonderful day--and remember to be aware of the blessings that come your way throughout your journeys.....


Beth

Monday, October 11, 2010

Still Counting......














#26 The pleasure of a home that I thought I would never have again




#27 The joy of spending two days with my daughter and granddaughter and having meaningful
conversations



#28 Fall decorations



#29 Red, yellow, orange and green leaves floating lazily down the creek



#30 Mums of many types and colors......and the joy of sharing one of these with others



#31 Peace in my heart and mind
#32 The smell of simmering potpourri filling my kitchen
#33 Sleeping through the night without awakening with thoughts that don't belong in my
mind
Beth





holy experience

Saturday, October 9, 2010

You're Beautiful

I have heard this song on the radio every day for the past week on my way to somewhere. This morning I was on my way home from the grocery store, and the lyrics finally made their way into my heart....rather than just my brain.



(Please pause the music at the bottom of the page so this won't disturb your listening to the song)


Don't be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God....1 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT)

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.".....1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

Yes, this will be my song for those days when I am being attacked by the "just not rights".....

Beth

Friday, October 8, 2010

Tiny Stitches In My Mind



Today is the "official" last day of my 'stacation'. I'm not counting the weekends because I always have them anyway....

I've been working (some) on Lydia's CHRISTmas stocking, and I know that I have promised pictures...


So, here it is:



This is what the finished stocking will look like:


Picture from 1-2-3 Stitch
And this is how far I've come:
As you can see, I have a lot to complete here. But, looking at what I've accomplished so far and what is to come, I know that this will be finished for this year's CHRISTmas. I have a tendency to get bored with working with a particular color and jump around to this area and that area. At some point, I'm just going to have to settle down and work this in the way it is supposed to be done.
Yesterday, I did a complete housecleaning of my bedroom. In doing the closet, I found the material that I bought in July of 2008 to make those satin pillowcases for my daughters!! Now, that is pretty sad....I've had this for over two years....just sitting there....and it's a matter of a few seams and they will be done!! So, this is now out and in my view as an incentive to complete these.
As an added bonus, I found that I had also at that time purchased a pattern which has throw pillows for your bed--in addition to several other bedroom decorating items. Now, all I need is the material for Lindsay's throw pillows for her bed along with the initiative to do this.
Cara and I are going today to pick out a pumpkin for Lydia...perhaps I'll talk her into going to the fabric store and helping me pick out some fabric for Lindsay's pillows. This shouldn't require too much proding on my part....she's always excited to go anywhere!!
I'm looking at the CHRISTmas counter....I'd better get going!!
Beth

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Road Trip



I am on a week's 'stacation' this week. I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying this....some people are not happy that I am on 'stacation'. But, I have worked, earned this time off, and I suppose it is something they will have to live with...


So, Cara, Lydia and I took a road trip yesterday. First, we went out to breakfast--to the Soda Jerk in Hummelstown. This is one of my favorite breakfast restaurants.





Lydia was excited to be out and about in the car with her mom and Gram!!








And yes, she is getting so big!!




I am hungry!! When is breakfast coming??






This little one had bits of pancake, egg, mushroom, apples and just about anything else that came her way.






When we were leaving the restaurant, the truck parked beside us had these cars--glued, I suppose--to both sides of the running board. I felt it was unusual enough to warrant a picture.














We were actually going to the outlets in Hershey to look for a winter coat for Lydia. The antique auto show was going on at Hersheypark, and we passed this on our way to the outlets. Yes, there is a piece of a front end of a car in the back of this truck. This looked very funny when driving behind this vehicle....another picture opportunity that Cara had to take advantage of.



After much searching, we finally found a coat for Lydia for the coming winter season. A good buy....over 50% off....



Very tired after a long day for her....



This morning I finished the bear I was working on to send to children who have been taken from their homes for their own safety. This one is very special because he plays the piano!!

What am I going to do today? I suppose I'll find something to do......whatever it is, it will be filled with the love of God!!

Beth



























































Monday, October 4, 2010

On My Way to One Thousand Gifts

On this rainy Monday morning, I look back over the week and find that I have much to be thankful and grateful for:





#18 the soft touch of a baby's skin while she is sleeping

#19 time for relaxation and just being me.....finding joy and hope in myself that I didn't
know was there

#20 meeting new children

#21 a friend who loves and cares for me--sometimes in spite of myself--a friend to laugh, cry
and share with

#22 the Holy Spirit's guidance and counsel in my life

#23 healing prayers

#24 raspberry colored clouds in the sky

#25 the knowledge in my heart that God loves and cares for me--I matter to Him,
and even when I think otherwise, His plans are the best because He knows the
outcome and I don't




holy experience

Beth









Saturday, October 2, 2010

Putting Out Some Feelers......

If you truly know me, then you will know that I have a very 'soft spot' for the homeless. Perhaps this is because I have been close to that situation myself at least 3 times with 3 children in tow.

Regardless of the reason, my heart always leans in this direction. I have done charity knitting/crocheting for various organizations, and I have always felt that 'this is good'. But, I have also felt that this was not 'it'.

The beginning of the week, I was visiting hakucho just because she designed one of my very favorite dishcloth patterns. I wanted to see what she was up to recently.

She had a photo of some squares. I thought to myself, "I wonder what she is going to do with these squares?" (knowing that she has a very inventive mind). So, I read further.

She is going to a Knit-A-Thon that benefits the homeless!!

I then went to visit the website for the Knit-A-Thon. I was totally blown out of the water!! This is it!! This is it!! My heart was telling me full blast that this was it!!

I sent an email to the organizer of this event, and she responded that very morning. We have since talked on the phone twice, and she is very excited about expanding her Knit-A-Thon (which is in Boston) to other areas. If you browse around her site, you will see that they have made many blankets and raised a substantial amount of money doing this as an outreach to their community.

I am willing and able to organize this (with some help from my friends!). Basically, you knit or crochet 9 x 9 inch squares. You will need to have sponsors--say 50 cents or perhaps a dollar/square.

Then, at a later date, the knitters/crocheters will meet en masse--assemble the blankets (35 squares to each blanket), and the blankets and the monies will be donated to a local homeless shelter.

I'm just in the stages of putting out feelers now. I've sent emails to every knitting group and local yarn shop that is close to our area, contacted my church regarding this, and now I'm appealing to you.

Do you want to help with this effort? You could either be part of the square making, the assembling, or both. Do you know someone who knits or crochets who may be interested in this? If so, please pass the word!!

I want to get an idea of who is willing to do what before I contact the shelter. Nothing worse than presenting them with an idea and nothing to follow up with--right??

If you have any questions or suggestions, please drop me a line!!

Beth

Monday, September 27, 2010

Monday (AGAIN!!) and Gratitude


Yes, it is Monday again!! Where do these weekends go? It is pouring down rain, and poor Miles, who was out all night, came in soaking wet!!





I couldn't sleep well on Thursday night...a lot on my mind. Every time I woke up I would go outside onto the deck....look at the moon...and pray. I've been doing a lot of praying over the past several days....and my heart feels full and peaceful now......










#13 Answered prayer

#14 The moon to calm me on sleepless nights

#15 Choices to make in God's way....not mine

#16 A clean home

#17 Migraine free for an entire week (plus a day)!!!

Beth







holy experience

Sunday, September 19, 2010

An Awesome Day!!

First, I have to tell you!! I increased the amount of water I drank this past week....and this is the first weekend I've been migraine free in quite a long time!! I felt a little twinge of one coming on yesterday afternoon--stopped at the store and bought a 33 oz. bottle of water...and presto!! Headache gone!!


So, needless to say, I'm going to keep this in up in hopes that this is the cure for the migraine problem!!

I had planned on spending the day yesterday working on Lydia's CHRISTmas stocking. On Friday, Lindsay asked me if I would like to have lunch with her.....and then take her to her hair appointment. It's been some time since I've had one on one with her, so I decided to grab the offer while it was still standing.


We went to "Dukes" in Wormleysburg. I haven't been there is quite a while, so this was a real treat. Lindsay had the Tuscan Turkey Sandwich, and I had the Assateague Chicken Breast Sandwich. My sandwich was a chicken breast with crab meat on the top, lettuce, tomato on a hard roll--Awesome!!


Yesterday was a beautiful day, so we sat outside on the deck and took some photos.


This is the Walnut Street Bridge which spans the Susquehanna River from the East Shore (Harrisburg) to this portion of the West Shore (Wormleysburg).

If you look closely, you can see that it is divided into two sections......



This is the portion of the bridge remaining standing from the Harrisburg side....

This bridge was originally built in 1890 and was used for traffic to cross from Harrisburg--or as people here call it--"The East Shore"--to "The West Shore" of the Susquehanna River.

Due to damage from Hurricaine Agnes in 1970, the bridge was closed to car traffic and limited solely to pedestrian traffic. At night, the entire bridge is lined in white lights, and it is a spectacular sight when traveling on either side of the river.

In 1996--remember the Nor'easter in 1996? I'm sure most of the people living in this area do. We had 35-40 inches of snow (depending upon your location) dumped on us in a matter of 2-3 days. This was followed by another storm, then a rapid warming and rain.

Because of this rapid warming and the rainfall, the river rose and ice jams were present--floating down the river and knocking down whatever was in their path. Unfortunately, an ice floe (combined with the high waters) knocked this bridge off its foundations, and it collapsed.

The cost to repair the bridge entirely is considered to be too high--12-15 million dollars. So, the eastern side has been repaired at the cost of $5,000,000 and is once again open to pedestrian traffic--but not the entire way across the river--only to City Island where the Harrisburg Senator baseball team plays. A lot of people park their cars on City Island during the day and walk into Harrisburg to work.

And just some random shots I took while waiting for Lindsay's hair to be completed!!

A beautiful, wonderful day!!

Beth

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Counting Towards CHRISTmas!!

Oh, please don't get too upset with me about the CHRISTmas countdown!! I know it's early, but I have a lot to get accomplished!!

Hopefully, looking at this and realizing just how truly little time I actually do have will push me somewhat in the right direction......

I've taken a project to work....something small.....to work on for Cara. Lindsay works with me, but our lunch isn't scheduled together, so I can work for this for a bit during the day.

I'm going to see if Cara is available this weekend to help me pick out some fabric for the throw pillows Lindsay is wanting for her bedroom. Every time Lindsay and I are out together, she looks at these and then puts them back. I know she would love to have these to spiff up her bedroom a little.

Oh, it's nice to have someone to take along to help pick out the fabric!! Also, this weekend I'm really going to knuckle down on Lydia's stocking. The migraine last weekend put this on hold, and I'm finding that after working all day and using my eyes for computer work that I just can't seem to work on this in the evening.

Now, I'm off to read a little--then off to sleep for the last day of the work week--which I really thought was never going to arrive--so slowly the days moved along this week.

Beth

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

My piano instruction books arrived yesterday as I had hoped!! I sat down with Book #1--started at the very beginning--and worked my way through the first three lessons. Andrew came home during this practice, and stated "sounds pretty good"....which actually is a compliment from him.



As I promised a few days ago, I would post finished pictures of Lydia's Starghan. This definitely ended up being a bit bigger than I anticipated. But, she'll be able to have this as she grows. I'm really liking the bright colors....and I know she is attracted to bright colors....so one birthday present for Lydia has been completed!!




Now, Peggy was questioning 'popeye eggs'....no, there is no spinach in them--even though that seems to be all Popeye ever ate!!

These are something that bring back a lot of childhood memories--both for me and my own children. When I was young, and my father had passed away, my mother went back to work full-time. My grandmother was then in charge of me. She would venture to my Aunt Edna's once a week to help her with her children and her ironing. For some reason, my grandmother loved to iron, and she ironed everything!!

During the summer when I wasn't in school, my mom would be at work, my brother off somewhere (remember he is 5 years older than me!), and Grandma and I would take a taxi cab to my Aunt Edna's once a week. I remember leaving in the morning before breakfast. I loved that taxi ride!! Grandma would sit up front with the driver, and I had the whole backseat to myself. This was a large, leather seat, and as the cab driver would go around corners, I'd slide back and forth across the seat....just laughing!! No seatbelts at that time!!

Anyway--since we had had no breakfast, Aunt Edna would make us 'popeye eggs'. So, I guess you could say this has been handed down through the family....

It's really very simple--not much to it--but it was special to me and then in turn to my own children.

You will need an egg and one slice of bread for each one you need to make. Place your bread on a counter or plate (or wherever is your choosing!). Take a glass (say juice glass size--not too big of a glass!!), and use the opening of this glass to cut of hole in the center of the bread.

Now you have a slice of bread with a hole in it and a small piece of round bread. Melt a little butter in a frying pan. Place your bread with the hole and the round bread in the pan. Break your egg and pour into the hole in the bread. Let this fry until ready to turn. Flip over the bread with the egg and the round hole....cook slightly on the other side.

Now, you have an egg and toast--all in one--plus a little round toasted piece of bread to dip into your egg.

How did this receive the name of 'popeye egg'? Well, remember Popeye? He only ever had one eye open....and this looks just like an eye staring up at you (before you eat it).

Give it a try--easy, simple, and tastes good, too!!

Why did Lindsay ask if I thought of her? Lindsay had her tonsils removed when she was four years old. After this procedure, she refused to eat.....for days. She would drink, but not eat a thing. Finally, she ate a poached egg....which is all she ate--each meal--every day--for I couldn't tell you how long--a poached egg sitting on a piece of toast.

One morning I changed this to a 'popeye egg' to see if she would eat this. And she did--again every day, every meal--for almost a year. But, at least she was eating again. No wonder she asked if I thought of her!! How could I not?

And who would have thought--the child who only ate these for so long would turn into one of the best cooks I know. She now eats (and makes) all kinds of delicacies using unusual seasonings and altering recipes to suit herself. Go, Lindsay!!

Have to go get ready for work!! A wonderful day to all!!

Beth