tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27566750072232959002024-03-19T08:55:33.286-04:00Closed Doors, Open WindowsWelcome to my "Open Window"...a place of hope, encouragement, and adventure as we journey down the road from "Closed Doors" to the new opportunities God places in our pathway. I hope you will take the time to go back and follow the trail of mixed blessings and fears, failures and triumphs from the past and side-trips in the present. Perhaps it will conjure up some of your own special memories, and be an invitation for you to share with others. I look forward to spending this time with you!Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.comBlogger1779125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-35009521472475294482024-03-19T07:33:00.003-04:002024-03-19T07:33:31.705-04:00Tuesday 4: Name That Show!<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3XyVvUNTVBmSHXsgFNOj-kY1qVWFOeXFpwFyyUEmvg97JYUNPYF8cdUuykdBj6Pb7Wu1B9Y6qGfKqZKqXCIjmiLeGUUWeO_AlLMl7bIzV2ka6TN-B7zffmIidatrY8KPPI-X6iilh7sji2S9Gy0TnTNzMmJMIE_Wq15TEF7lo0MEC3GrsMkdiA7srEVho" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3XyVvUNTVBmSHXsgFNOj-kY1qVWFOeXFpwFyyUEmvg97JYUNPYF8cdUuykdBj6Pb7Wu1B9Y6qGfKqZKqXCIjmiLeGUUWeO_AlLMl7bIzV2ka6TN-B7zffmIidatrY8KPPI-X6iilh7sji2S9Gy0TnTNzMmJMIE_Wq15TEF7lo0MEC3GrsMkdiA7srEVho" /></a></div><p> <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Name that Show!</span></i></b></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0rIYtv2zOTaYUcbgMqqhUZD0NhQc9TiHDxnIAadDwM3J6sx-NWMUIPveHMawK0WIO3XZx9vAn0VsiyWNvzc_S3TKs5FhgY0uMzVgDUXbESsFJXip5M2IoRSVoKmCl2OPt9b_VHGFTst199_u_REDBiEJsJ_DjpVNE6GS_R9VPWjrPzjDHYWsm18KPtved"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0rIYtv2zOTaYUcbgMqqhUZD0NhQc9TiHDxnIAadDwM3J6sx-NWMUIPveHMawK0WIO3XZx9vAn0VsiyWNvzc_S3TKs5FhgY0uMzVgDUXbESsFJXip5M2IoRSVoKmCl2OPt9b_VHGFTst199_u_REDBiEJsJ_DjpVNE6GS_R9VPWjrPzjDHYWsm18KPtved=w136-h121" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b><a href="https://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/2024/03/name-that-show.html" target="_blank"> Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4. (Click here to join in the fun)<br /></a><br />Here is a repeat of one Toni used in January of 2019....<br /><br />Name 1 Or More<br /><br />1. Name a TV series show or shows in which you have seen every episode at least twice:</b><div>Maine Cabin Masters, I Love Lucy, And these: Star Trek, The Twilight Zone, Night Court -only because they are some of my hubby's favorite old shows. LOL<br /><br /><b>2. Name a show or shows you can't or would not miss:</b></div><div>Maine Cabin Masters, Hometown. When I was a kid it would have been so many good ones...Lassie, Sky King, My Friend Flicka, Fury, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Zorro, The Lone Ranger, Captain Kangaroo, I Love Lucy, Lawrence Welk (because my parents made us watch it, but I grew to like it too). We loved watching Carol Burnette, Perry Como, Dinah Shore, Andy Williams, Bonanza, Superman (the old one), Leave it to Beaver, Father Knows Best, The Mickey Mouse Club, American Bandstand, I Dream of Jeannie, The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, The Beverly Hillbillies, oh there were so many good TV shows back then. I miss them and wish they had good shows like that today. You can see that I am "dating myself" by listing these old shows from the 50's and 60's. <br /><br /><b>3. Name an actor or actors that would make you more inclined to watch a show:</b></div><div>Current actors? Hmmm, I don't know... I am way behind in the times. If it were years ago I used to love to watch Clint Eastwood as Rowdy Yates in Rawhide. That's when he was young. LOL. Seems like all the good ones are gone. If it were old movies it would be Cary Grant, Gregory Peck, John Wayne, Gary Cooper, Katharine Hepburn, and so many more. I don't watch many programs today except for things on "YouTube" with my hubby, and they don't have actors...just real people.<br /><br /><b>4. Name an actor or actors who would make you less likely to watch a show:</b></div><div>Jane Fonda, oh, there are probably a lot but I won't even mention their names as they are not worth the mention.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you have a fun day! It's chilly here this morning again...46 right now, which is kind of nice. Hubby is starting to feel better, praise God! We are thankful for so many blessings. Hope your day is blessed as well!</div><div><br /></div><div>Only one photo today...this patch of wild <a href="https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-lupinus-villosus/" target="_blank"><b>"Lady Lupine" </b></a>found out in the woods where we take our walks! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMDSQlNsKJJt1R1Ckc-O4pMm8jVMRwRcJV9ARt_9anaPf5v-nZi3prYpRGAWZiomLjoeX34l8M12oi13yJ-JcIvfDhTiAlW0ocJgiLiEEzWKt2KT8X1utJGzmwmdBglQwt4WgiSCMyaHPjY_Dusw2CwLs_S-rYWnEbcMNnjItUeeXcTkrsYdtjXAMEAM/s4032/IMG_2999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2711" data-original-width="4032" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMDSQlNsKJJt1R1Ckc-O4pMm8jVMRwRcJV9ARt_9anaPf5v-nZi3prYpRGAWZiomLjoeX34l8M12oi13yJ-JcIvfDhTiAlW0ocJgiLiEEzWKt2KT8X1utJGzmwmdBglQwt4WgiSCMyaHPjY_Dusw2CwLs_S-rYWnEbcMNnjItUeeXcTkrsYdtjXAMEAM/w640-h430/IMG_2999.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I love discovering these wildflowers in surprising places. Of course I always bring home some to enjoy while they last!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfheNEr3eBEYJErn04TEhRQSNW8VJ7wVqsCoR2RHVfMLqnKvWBp3BQGFLubHRvTE6o6poD8iklhlfkJTvGaMiAsfsIamiq0YRWmaeJ0KVfgpyXlYXKTPqy3br_ZkN-xLebJ0x6NgEJGfpee7IrwiOWkz1Vw0bqmiBzLWXxlOebCBne07veY0E-qC9j9U/s4032/IMG_3002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfheNEr3eBEYJErn04TEhRQSNW8VJ7wVqsCoR2RHVfMLqnKvWBp3BQGFLubHRvTE6o6poD8iklhlfkJTvGaMiAsfsIamiq0YRWmaeJ0KVfgpyXlYXKTPqy3br_ZkN-xLebJ0x6NgEJGfpee7IrwiOWkz1Vw0bqmiBzLWXxlOebCBne07veY0E-qC9j9U/w480-h640/IMG_3002.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay, that's all for today folks! </div><br /></div>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-25273601843565597952024-03-18T11:13:00.000-04:002024-03-18T11:13:14.879-04:00Monday, Monday..."It's Raining, It's Pouring..."<p> So today is one of those "Rainy days and Mondays", but I'm not going to let it get me down! We need the rain, and also it is ushering in some cooler temperatures for a few days, which will also be welcome after already hitting 90 degrees this past week! I want to enjoy some springtime before summer gets here! But here in North Central Florida we know it's only a matter of time before it will be feeling more like summer than spring all the time for the next 6-7 months. It's the trade-off we have for living here year round instead of up north where you have winter for 6-7 months (or longer) and then a little bit of summer in between a lovely spring and fall. We have 6-7 months of summer and 5-6 months of kind of like spring and/or fall weather in the winter time. It is what it is, and we are thankful for what we have. Some of you may have been pretty close to some bad tornadoes last week, and I pray that you and your loved ones all managed to escape any severe weather/damages. When it comes to weather reports, we all count our blessings when we are spared the severe stuff.</p><p>Here's what it looked like out on Still Waters Pond a few minutes ago when I started writing this:</p><p>You can just barely see the little island area out there in the middle of the pond where Mrs. Crane is resting peacefully on her nest:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhSM8MFEuX5ybqqwgX8k-b1U0C7Qa2h1oPtH9dlrDctszXrXFr0mSr4vuvcQCaCJitNi2hbDDuiCtzbsWLmYTdd_wWccSLLSHd2weAyXpaNQJc0yanoQL0Ihml0Ry6HG7vfL1YYKx_3G3YwmRDCkF7nxd-4b3ccOgPeIpwwsYdr9AhS98-MY72p64AwM/s2304/100_6900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhSM8MFEuX5ybqqwgX8k-b1U0C7Qa2h1oPtH9dlrDctszXrXFr0mSr4vuvcQCaCJitNi2hbDDuiCtzbsWLmYTdd_wWccSLLSHd2weAyXpaNQJc0yanoQL0Ihml0Ry6HG7vfL1YYKx_3G3YwmRDCkF7nxd-4b3ccOgPeIpwwsYdr9AhS98-MY72p64AwM/w640-h480/100_6900.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Here's a couple of closeups:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOeCl-itZXPMh4alw28Vs4uBw5mBChw-0dluaiL89UcGD48SO-UnywdR5FmotYhWoRdT4lhPlalYuIHpIM_SoDI870ZeXTf_MoV28waykyOQBnnVCbbfB1WD_83ehkBBp8Jh5NnDf0Wx0eKhkLbF7DmKq9MBn8WKAkC8Pumo83SPJJiC0aYaTAUZxuLk/s2304/100_6899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOeCl-itZXPMh4alw28Vs4uBw5mBChw-0dluaiL89UcGD48SO-UnywdR5FmotYhWoRdT4lhPlalYuIHpIM_SoDI870ZeXTf_MoV28waykyOQBnnVCbbfB1WD_83ehkBBp8Jh5NnDf0Wx0eKhkLbF7DmKq9MBn8WKAkC8Pumo83SPJJiC0aYaTAUZxuLk/w640-h480/100_6899.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No matter what the weather, she sits there patiently waiting and protecting her two eggs. By my calculations, the two new "Colts" (that's what they call baby Sand Hill Cranes) should be making their debut anytime this week. So I will keep you posted for further developments.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglRFFb8_qL_e5YFIysrDRFkbZ7SBe4asYBgWmzfMFpgFqn9nJOw7p2O0wpxP4tjTKDpQhxmzhui_pqU1vde5QUYj7V4GFDaKubODNyTuodEFj9YjoV9gqQpJ9WOlZIe765XTdJ7f6ZppRV8RD8XIxuuh_G0-d7n3zOwAo3Od42pLeMNx6Zf8oZxb11DU/s2304/100_6903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglRFFb8_qL_e5YFIysrDRFkbZ7SBe4asYBgWmzfMFpgFqn9nJOw7p2O0wpxP4tjTKDpQhxmzhui_pqU1vde5QUYj7V4GFDaKubODNyTuodEFj9YjoV9gqQpJ9WOlZIe765XTdJ7f6ZppRV8RD8XIxuuh_G0-d7n3zOwAo3Od42pLeMNx6Zf8oZxb11DU/w640-h480/100_6903.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the past few days the Bluebirds have been busy either building or rebuilding their nest in house #1.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSILyRqaddj7rJYubQSrd33B3GahgvadQWEtIMl32kjrAyKREaoh0FTiJD2NBM8gA2uNDjuHLdxR_nuHHBWLp_pUO_pPmHRz96SzOxJrC4q4XWcA_AdzCTGXufg72VU89x1lZbLcX64CFG6-JxJVGq615YTq-M7dANlnmd9OqbeUefACtWk6tRnxkvCs/s1445/100_6888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="1445" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSILyRqaddj7rJYubQSrd33B3GahgvadQWEtIMl32kjrAyKREaoh0FTiJD2NBM8gA2uNDjuHLdxR_nuHHBWLp_pUO_pPmHRz96SzOxJrC4q4XWcA_AdzCTGXufg72VU89x1lZbLcX64CFG6-JxJVGq615YTq-M7dANlnmd9OqbeUefACtWk6tRnxkvCs/w640-h594/100_6888.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I have been a bit confused by their activities. I honestly thought they had already built a nest in this house, but for some reason they have been working hard on it this past weekend. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedLsjdXxoaEBe2pixvv55YMaCfWICN1MvzCl-F8Q2FNXniHh8DFKP45y_lguyrgZIwMv3LXihx8sLSsYZd6oroHWIRmyi0YEtPlhncN-g-E3sjcz52vSGIUAVADH9jBt8u1QQMw8nStlDqfH8bw29P-5bDwJSExM7zVjqdGtXtujDM8K5hxv6fvBL-9A/s1764/100_6893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1341" data-original-width="1764" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedLsjdXxoaEBe2pixvv55YMaCfWICN1MvzCl-F8Q2FNXniHh8DFKP45y_lguyrgZIwMv3LXihx8sLSsYZd6oroHWIRmyi0YEtPlhncN-g-E3sjcz52vSGIUAVADH9jBt8u1QQMw8nStlDqfH8bw29P-5bDwJSExM7zVjqdGtXtujDM8K5hxv6fvBL-9A/w640-h486/100_6893.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Mama and Daddy both take turns bringing in the twigs and grasses to build the nest.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViEX61v8mqUJ4Y5a7Cda95ZObzezDQ5pOPGpIVqBeMadZ-NEYrroUBZu5-ZYiwMOKafyfbcPgR-SY4eTpk9yDZ7HPO9u-tK3PvVq6uFPeVj-y-sb3gMdJKIIVTze2IpR7bwDM-pa9Z4HDEMDhofvm1UQc1TUEz3VmjisNswSTsx_VaxiphkIGEVKuhN0/s1769/100_6894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1769" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViEX61v8mqUJ4Y5a7Cda95ZObzezDQ5pOPGpIVqBeMadZ-NEYrroUBZu5-ZYiwMOKafyfbcPgR-SY4eTpk9yDZ7HPO9u-tK3PvVq6uFPeVj-y-sb3gMdJKIIVTze2IpR7bwDM-pa9Z4HDEMDhofvm1UQc1TUEz3VmjisNswSTsx_VaxiphkIGEVKuhN0/w640-h426/100_6894.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>They get very defensive and scare off all other birds from being anywhere near their nest.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4QSbm6lzSKadih0D31svYHKpYfxP0kndWVjd0JHDrDZ1W1qIjFEckVpjZr3RHiB_DRjrUUfhRQVZusR8hbohz7qTVTqoJcwPzyBDHN5uQslNYPjCA1WVYyc7xc0kdll5POWmPEMaX2vPPm8e-a_Rgl0XoR0KFntlzXFQXtCwoDPmIt32HBVnAwxt0Qw/s1860/100_6895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="1860" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4QSbm6lzSKadih0D31svYHKpYfxP0kndWVjd0JHDrDZ1W1qIjFEckVpjZr3RHiB_DRjrUUfhRQVZusR8hbohz7qTVTqoJcwPzyBDHN5uQslNYPjCA1WVYyc7xc0kdll5POWmPEMaX2vPPm8e-a_Rgl0XoR0KFntlzXFQXtCwoDPmIt32HBVnAwxt0Qw/w640-h474/100_6895.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>This Godlfinch was taking refuge on this bird feeder for a while, but it wasn't long before they discovered her and drove her away too. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfb5Z-KgDfOhDz758p6ZPjG0WbQBhKTDYdZK8iawi3MtOCeQtFLtafHr9-SMrDSni-Uz-hngoEw2fNT4laxyKkEkB8v9zi73lY4c12-TEigimmKAs-XNwexd-Loy5i7rsgMpBbflpmawUL1v2axb5T4gfkqnlvAJtdnKXeevC6vWq7_y6YQAN4EDfr4Q/s2073/100_6889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2073" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfb5Z-KgDfOhDz758p6ZPjG0WbQBhKTDYdZK8iawi3MtOCeQtFLtafHr9-SMrDSni-Uz-hngoEw2fNT4laxyKkEkB8v9zi73lY4c12-TEigimmKAs-XNwexd-Loy5i7rsgMpBbflpmawUL1v2axb5T4gfkqnlvAJtdnKXeevC6vWq7_y6YQAN4EDfr4Q/w640-h534/100_6889.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like I said, time will tell what develops. I've given up trying to figure out the nesting habits of our Bluebirds. The other birdhouse appears to have been abandoned, and no babies ever came forth. I haven't looked inside yet to see if there are any eggs in there. The last couple of nesting seasons I ended up having to remove several "dud" eggs from the nests once the birds had been gone a sufficient amount of time to make me believe the nest was abandoned. But I am a little leery of attempting to do that too soon. So I will just keep watching and waiting.</div><div><br /></div>Talking about birds in the nest, etc. reminds me of my own little family "nest". Our youngest "baby" turns 47 today! We celebrated his birthday Saturday evening with a steak dinner.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOm4-uja7uKjrp5ag7S6JURhjDoh1y3LOdO_HqnsMPwnUHj3JoNH2DbCYSGLce7ceazAc5Ug2N1rG_sO8vwSOBryWy-CBpoRik4WdgIfX4VvifGnBef9PjakDM03RjXT-vQ9xLgykWL44CSdv49McOGXuhZn-qHTGA-2NeHuDlRnQcyVN7aLIgO75H0lQ/s3521/IMG_2980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3521" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOm4-uja7uKjrp5ag7S6JURhjDoh1y3LOdO_HqnsMPwnUHj3JoNH2DbCYSGLce7ceazAc5Ug2N1rG_sO8vwSOBryWy-CBpoRik4WdgIfX4VvifGnBef9PjakDM03RjXT-vQ9xLgykWL44CSdv49McOGXuhZn-qHTGA-2NeHuDlRnQcyVN7aLIgO75H0lQ/w550-h640/IMG_2980.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's Scott about to bite into his favorite "deviled eggs", so I caught him just in time.</div>This is my plate...steak, baked potato with sour cream and cheese, broccoli, and a salad. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHU52g6sl0IjEPqOJ9kaYoQ2qoGQMsrWZWCjWLkXwlevLKugMu5f-CjtWatFFUV4IK101Lw23ktPivlchTO8fU__EHOqmIZ3c4RMwOXxdG5WTQZv9ETO88KQVo0ky2ztPiToIgIMHM80PAgO4OGLS3usPvmeLSYiNZp-hcLiXWtLndRsxM85vIFKktEY/s4032/IMG_2983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHU52g6sl0IjEPqOJ9kaYoQ2qoGQMsrWZWCjWLkXwlevLKugMu5f-CjtWatFFUV4IK101Lw23ktPivlchTO8fU__EHOqmIZ3c4RMwOXxdG5WTQZv9ETO88KQVo0ky2ztPiToIgIMHM80PAgO4OGLS3usPvmeLSYiNZp-hcLiXWtLndRsxM85vIFKktEY/w640-h480/IMG_2983.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Here's the family...Daddy (hubby), Rose, Benton, and Scott licking the frosting off the candles...some things never change, and I hope they don't!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwD5Hw4pAkRynjJs6oG1SAy6xZnzdcCTYha0tkff4YkqXi8zPtMvkoMHyYTt4xT3Puf7GWO_Qcr6q8Nfmw6bOg6O1lhGPjuMkHKXeQLAtbugjt5DJYZPwxN7_vkYJx2ETnAev9fnMHfMV-06kyBGA38K4b4n5DHVInQ5r-yfgqTSG_0e0NNYwAT5uz9lI/s4032/IMG_2989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2330" data-original-width="4032" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwD5Hw4pAkRynjJs6oG1SAy6xZnzdcCTYha0tkff4YkqXi8zPtMvkoMHyYTt4xT3Puf7GWO_Qcr6q8Nfmw6bOg6O1lhGPjuMkHKXeQLAtbugjt5DJYZPwxN7_vkYJx2ETnAev9fnMHfMV-06kyBGA38K4b4n5DHVInQ5r-yfgqTSG_0e0NNYwAT5uz9lI/w640-h370/IMG_2989.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here he is about to blow out his candles...(or maybe he already did...I don't see the flames! LOL)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfaiFzcs7RzZ5siF1w4UDy84qrgbGEX2vslhl0OHgIQpoxPzJommG9NaPW0SzhW8-TFSjqCwYq969A-6OtI3dRyA9mpBRbUs3JC56RgMuT3Xpthg5RjcWfAN6iWwMoh-L8SocXy0UR-7GeMs9NwbYDTaq0ASaUqlii-8Vf2-a0fh9lgCeGnnvt8Na36U/s2913/IMG_2987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2913" data-original-width="2259" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfaiFzcs7RzZ5siF1w4UDy84qrgbGEX2vslhl0OHgIQpoxPzJommG9NaPW0SzhW8-TFSjqCwYq969A-6OtI3dRyA9mpBRbUs3JC56RgMuT3Xpthg5RjcWfAN6iWwMoh-L8SocXy0UR-7GeMs9NwbYDTaq0ASaUqlii-8Vf2-a0fh9lgCeGnnvt8Na36U/w496-h640/IMG_2987.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the "big blow" photo! It's a family tradition!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47h-ZhKAP0z59hGiUE0Arym8CAt6kTWm1XiwOmOfJXMij6Qn3EVmOKhRpcbyTwsgPSmPYA4KjbeOGxlPObki9X-qmW0qeWu5HB9l_GYdzeyGV-usKS8UVFbir9DTpJDvSaGsbpuuoaRznxM4Wu_Mw-AqXR65gZ5c6Zz18B9V_3Z_IEmQQKUNm21IZfiw/s3024/IMG_2986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2669" data-original-width="3024" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47h-ZhKAP0z59hGiUE0Arym8CAt6kTWm1XiwOmOfJXMij6Qn3EVmOKhRpcbyTwsgPSmPYA4KjbeOGxlPObki9X-qmW0qeWu5HB9l_GYdzeyGV-usKS8UVFbir9DTpJDvSaGsbpuuoaRznxM4Wu_Mw-AqXR65gZ5c6Zz18B9V_3Z_IEmQQKUNm21IZfiw/w640-h564/IMG_2986.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's Hubby, Benton, Me and Scott...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSM1YV8jnOtlGatGWrZvmZzYs_SnxpvK8NGxBkzn_-FzyQpUaLZgrTCJ-FabdIUFbHxMZ3cT3z4H2Kz4g7uyyInNoMxmTI3IR7PKYz89StEUElwd5aWHuLh1txmndeWmbQDNlxC0O4vGianoLk6DXLZqoT1uv6pta1Fop6PsCloZExfje8vMhiV3kvnI/s3859/IMG_2992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1948" data-original-width="3859" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSM1YV8jnOtlGatGWrZvmZzYs_SnxpvK8NGxBkzn_-FzyQpUaLZgrTCJ-FabdIUFbHxMZ3cT3z4H2Kz4g7uyyInNoMxmTI3IR7PKYz89StEUElwd5aWHuLh1txmndeWmbQDNlxC0O4vGianoLk6DXLZqoT1uv6pta1Fop6PsCloZExfje8vMhiV3kvnI/w640-h324/IMG_2992.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was probably his favorite gift: LOL.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9Z6gmUyFzLETDzlGr-LALzrolaQp3rhDCW8K6SHl3s-cPHCTJmDg5swp8v0hoN_i0OWr-JswaVE9uF11hK5z3-AeCr72psqPPlC1jyw7o35zYD7jSnkytIDedLewOPFdZ-KDt6VGq-KF7PdLrwvBmO5b7h0Gmyts0XWGU_iAueeQiGvTyiOrQV8TNVY/s3622/IMG_2993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3622" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9Z6gmUyFzLETDzlGr-LALzrolaQp3rhDCW8K6SHl3s-cPHCTJmDg5swp8v0hoN_i0OWr-JswaVE9uF11hK5z3-AeCr72psqPPlC1jyw7o35zYD7jSnkytIDedLewOPFdZ-KDt6VGq-KF7PdLrwvBmO5b7h0Gmyts0XWGU_iAueeQiGvTyiOrQV8TNVY/w534-h640/IMG_2993.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>But he also liked getting this special headlamp:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO623Fy_lhU8r6eyiYcfdu5Emii-zAXv_iLTeD_b8zryQyLidxVnuC-MmmZka_oLjO4cwG2IIgNWRsQETrrUvd7M-cYGvOkv4_3EGfSGdvHSiJM3Cm0Owjf2JqotZQ39d9-gZwhj0cAoxjJLEEKcqceD9UbVrm8-SId3ScB_YILw6wa6DeJ1Avi1D5q-s/s4032/IMG_2995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO623Fy_lhU8r6eyiYcfdu5Emii-zAXv_iLTeD_b8zryQyLidxVnuC-MmmZka_oLjO4cwG2IIgNWRsQETrrUvd7M-cYGvOkv4_3EGfSGdvHSiJM3Cm0Owjf2JqotZQ39d9-gZwhj0cAoxjJLEEKcqceD9UbVrm8-SId3ScB_YILw6wa6DeJ1Avi1D5q-s/w640-h480/IMG_2995.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Something that he uses every morning on his job at the golf course while it is still dark.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRl3KFh2KJqcfNVjhA1QdDcoRnFQEH-aFsgYvsVse6X74MXGXPl_jl119SO9l9RWmE-QMHqhyk2iBT70iGaqkxGATVxTIe8Vf9vS3eMkRhZ9bFLEFjqoa3PGi6CWR2NG_uPpjIhu05mrIeQhW-GKPEuQCrNNXyL0ix47XBf1KrMEvIcU64zBi5qVdONzw/s3024/IMG_2997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2546" data-original-width="3024" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRl3KFh2KJqcfNVjhA1QdDcoRnFQEH-aFsgYvsVse6X74MXGXPl_jl119SO9l9RWmE-QMHqhyk2iBT70iGaqkxGATVxTIe8Vf9vS3eMkRhZ9bFLEFjqoa3PGi6CWR2NG_uPpjIhu05mrIeQhW-GKPEuQCrNNXyL0ix47XBf1KrMEvIcU64zBi5qVdONzw/w640-h538/IMG_2997.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had a good little family party. Hubby wasn't feeling great, but he was feeling good enough to enjoy the party. The shingles are still there, but they seem to be under control. The medicine that the Dr. gave him has helped, but it makes him feel pretty blah. He'll be happy when he doesn't have to take it anymore. We are just thankful they have medication that actually helps control the shingles from progressing. Thankfully he hasn't had a lot of pain, so we truly are grateful to God for that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So what else is going on ? Hmmm, well, last week I told you about all of the things that were going wrong...I did get my new computer, and it is working well. I haven't been able to transfer my data yet from the old hard drive because the part I ordered ended up not being what I needed. The description on Amazon did not include some vital information about the compatibility of this particular cord and it turns out it was for an older model computer. So I had to order something different and am still waiting for that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The repairman for the ice-maker/water dispenser on our refrigerator came on Friday as planned, and did not have the part he needed to repair it, so it had to be ordered, which will take two weeks to get here, so he will come back then. Thankfully it's not the whole refrigerator that is not working, just the ice maker, and we can live with that...but still, it's another delay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When Scott went out to grill the steaks for his birthday dinner there was something wrong with a connection from the gas tank to the grill, and it needs a new part! So we ended up cooking the steaks in the oven. We will have to look into finding the part we need to repair the grill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, one more little thing. I have a special nozzle on my kitchen sink faucet that allows you to spray the water in different directions. We had just replaced that a few weeks ago with a new one. Well, that came off and refuses to go back on and stay, so we had to put the old original faucet thingy back on. Just another little aggravation. Thankfully it wasn't something real expensive, but <i>still...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It seems like when it rains, it pours! But we are thankful that in each problem they are all minor things and nothing life threatening. Even hubby's shingles seems to be much less of a problem than what we feared it would become. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So we give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness and mercy shown unto us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">Psalm 136:1-3</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">For His mercy endures forever.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">2 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">For His mercy endures forever.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">3 Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">For His mercy endures forever:</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amen!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a lovely week!</div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-30038859880410711152024-03-17T14:35:00.000-04:002024-03-17T14:35:32.811-04:00 A Visit to Ireland- A Creative Adventure Revisited<div>In honor of St. Patrick's Day and also in memory of our blogging friend Toni Taddeo...I wanted to repost this special little story. I've shared it several times now over the past few years, but since St. Patrick's Day only happens once a year, I hope you won't mind reading it again if you already have, and if you are a newer friend here this may be your first time to enjoy this little Irish Fairy Tale. Here is what I wrote in 2021, and prior to that when Toni was still here with us.</div><div><br /></div><b><u>3/16/2021:</u></b><div>Our dear friend Toni Taddeo, also known in the blogging world as <a href="https://treasuresbytoni.blogspot.com/">Treasures By Toni</a>, passed away several years ago. Toni left us with such a wonderful heritage of creative writing adventures, poetry, and interesting blog themes. Those of us who were privileged to have been Toni's blogging and Facebook friends miss her daily smiles and wisdom. Our friend Annie over at <a href="https://lemonscottage.blogspot.com/">Cottage By The Sea</a> has picked up where Toni left off with a <a href="http://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/">Tuesday 4 </a> weekly theme in memory of Toni. You may want to check that out.<br />
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But today I wanted to do something a little different, in memory of Toni. Toni used to do a "Toni's Creative Adventures" meme, where she would give us several unfinished sentences that we needed to complete with our own special creative adventure. Here is one that I did, using Toni's prompts, back in March of 2018. Since tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day I thought I would share this one again, as I also did last year at this time. So here we go, back in time and space to a happy place...won't you come along with me? Some of you have already commented in times past, but there are a few new friends who might not have ever seen this before. I hope you will enjoy it.<br />
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<b><u>Original Post 3/12/2018</u></b><br />
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So, what did YOU do the Monday after the time change to spring forward? I know what I did...I took a nap! (I did yesterday too...and the day before that, and the day before that...) I actually look forward to nap time! I snuggle down with my blankie and pillow and fall asleep within one minute (wish I could do that at night)...and I stay asleep for at least fifteen minutes...sometimes twenty or even thirty!<br />
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<b><i><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d;">Well today I must have either fallen into a much deeper sleep, or perhaps something else happened...I'm not exactly sure... but I found myself...</span></i></b><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">1.</b><span face=""verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> "Walking in a countryside in Ireland, and I see a strange green glow coming from behind a large tree. Walking up to it I find <span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>a large pot of shamrocks...</b></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i> <b>They were so lovely, they seemed to be glowing and smiling up at me...</b></i></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">2.</b><span face=""verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> Being the curious kind I decide to <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">pick a little bouquet...</span></i></b></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">3.</b><span face=""verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> Much to my surprise as I bend to <span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>pick them, a sudden gale blew up and whirled me around and round and finally sat me down on a lovely garden bench. </b></i></span></span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>As I recovered from feeling a bit dizzy, I looked around, and</b></i></span></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b> sitting there beside me was a delightful little tea tray, with the prettiest little Irish red haired girl blinking her bright green eyes at me and asking me if I'd like to have some tea!</b></i><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>Well, of course, I said yes! </b></i><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>And then she asked if I would do the honor of pouring since the teapot was so hot and a bit too heavy for her to lift...and so I did. </b></i><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>As we sat there together, sipping our tea, </b></i><i><b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d;"> it was so peaceful and lovely in spite of the wind...and I noticed some dainty little wildflowers blooming across the lawn, and thought how perfect they would be for our tea table...</span></b></i><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>The little yellow flowers looked like miniature dandelions. </i></b></span><br />
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<b><i><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d;">The tiny purple flowers were so delicate and airy...it seemed as though they belonged in a fairy garden. (Perhaps it was???)</span></i></b><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">4.</b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span face=""verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif"> Deciding this must truly be an Irish fairytale, I laughingly think to myself </span><b><i><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d;">that I must have fallen out of bed or hit my head or something, because how could I really be sitting in that lovely little garden in Ireland, sipping tea with this lovely young maiden when just a few minutes ago I was taking a little nap in my own bedroom many miles and oceans away?</span></i></b></span><br />
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<b><i><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d;">Suddenly I woke up, sprang out of bed, rubbed my eyes and looked around my room. Everything looked just the same as it had before my nap.</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d;">And then I got up and went into the kitchen, and there on the windowsill was this tiny little bouquet...</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d;">But where did that shamrock come from?... What do you think?</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></i></b>Thank you, Toni! This was delightful!!!<b><i><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></i></b>
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<b><i><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d;">Well, You have just come along with me on another of Toni's Creative Adventures... and I wish Toni were still here to share more of her creative ideas with us. These were a lot of fun, and I am sad that I didn't participate in them very often, because now all of her special creative adventures are lost to us. Perhaps there are some of you out there who might have some of them saved in your blog archives, and maybe we could revive them again in memory of Toni...just a thought! It's another way to keep her memory alive and we could all benefit from the wonderful ideas she shared with us.</span></i></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">2021: Current picture in my kitchen! The little Irish Maiden found a little Scottish Maiden friend, and they picked some fairy flowers for us to enjoy for St. Patrick's Day! </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YlgEwhKKdow8v2WBZIl166H_dNcyrduwtl0OoNjPfuEaXLH0Y26aYWMJp8CazTwp7gmd2ivNOBVAGxL4n8Af0kvMufTvkUjpxwqyMgLE7biP5fIZoh51xzYTDP6MqMpJ0r8zQhzfTnU/s1200/1-IMG_8091.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YlgEwhKKdow8v2WBZIl166H_dNcyrduwtl0OoNjPfuEaXLH0Y26aYWMJp8CazTwp7gmd2ivNOBVAGxL4n8Af0kvMufTvkUjpxwqyMgLE7biP5fIZoh51xzYTDP6MqMpJ0r8zQhzfTnU/w640-h480/1-IMG_8091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They had a little help from another little "Irish Lass", </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://adventuresoflilygrace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Miss Lily Grace</a>....</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjYHE3Lwa1FKyf-jDaISnI0BIbFAZic4H6sMcuZqWIvb7gWkqJLWNgCGzBQX2nqzQ0acx10rfMP_qUyuOx0DUAHR9VJOp3zWNoXumx-N7dwqtSwaLfdaTHwH1nPvQrwo_zbWohsKlWYA/s1200/1-IMG_8104.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="852" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjYHE3Lwa1FKyf-jDaISnI0BIbFAZic4H6sMcuZqWIvb7gWkqJLWNgCGzBQX2nqzQ0acx10rfMP_qUyuOx0DUAHR9VJOp3zWNoXumx-N7dwqtSwaLfdaTHwH1nPvQrwo_zbWohsKlWYA/w454-h640/1-IMG_8104.JPG" width="454" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">who is all dressed up in her Irish Green so she won't get pinched!<br /></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaijERvCJa-jOi-sb6-6XqhD7UE7EZNgILhjfS62IDgvU_Zh1S1TuHdIN2aTMwaw_1v70RPm2-E0_tYZ-UpU6XHpLr5zM8SeWJ7mq6hVTl3XL5f_hBbgqmvmuETkT9UP-TB0LHKkRTAU4/s1200/1-IMG_8095.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1200" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaijERvCJa-jOi-sb6-6XqhD7UE7EZNgILhjfS62IDgvU_Zh1S1TuHdIN2aTMwaw_1v70RPm2-E0_tYZ-UpU6XHpLr5zM8SeWJ7mq6hVTl3XL5f_hBbgqmvmuETkT9UP-TB0LHKkRTAU4/w640-h476/1-IMG_8095.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And perhaps some help from the fairies as well...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhRQiuvgW-pXCJkCaiVg55kKMjczv70KeUqbAb_-ZomgjT6-Kprsa4FldhXWEQtEUHet7IY4Tp-zc4zDU79eb37AqNkzYQmagPTAhPjJiyn08fN1M8wIc26f1UCsRwkflPoqW2xCrjBU/s1200/1-IMG_8096.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1200" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhRQiuvgW-pXCJkCaiVg55kKMjczv70KeUqbAb_-ZomgjT6-Kprsa4FldhXWEQtEUHet7IY4Tp-zc4zDU79eb37AqNkzYQmagPTAhPjJiyn08fN1M8wIc26f1UCsRwkflPoqW2xCrjBU/w640-h490/1-IMG_8096.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><i style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i>Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i> "A merry heart does good, like medicine,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i>But a broken spirit dries the bones."</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i>Happy St. Patrick's Day!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"> I hope you all enjoyed this little adventure in fairyland with me. In the midst of the current world situation we need a little levity and creativity to lift us above our troubles and help us to enjoy some lighter, happier moments. Have a blessed and beautiful St. Patrick's day...and be watching for the little fairies and leprechauns to bring some cheer to your day!</span></span></div>
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</div>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-84638055207437988762024-03-14T19:51:00.000-04:002024-03-14T19:51:16.858-04:00Finally Back!<p> Dear Friends in Blogland and beyond! </p><p>It's been a long week since my desktop computer crashed! But thankfully, that waiting is finally over and my new computer arrived today. Let me explain...what I now have is a refurbished Dell desktop computer that I ordered via Walmart online, and it only cost around $70.00. It came fully equipped with Windows 10, which is what I had before and what I wanted to keep so I didn't have to learn a new program on top of adjusting to a different computer. My last computer was also a Dell refurbished computer, purchased the same way, and it lasted quite a few years. So I feel pretty confident that this was a good plan, and we will trust that it will last for a good long time! Now I am waiting for a little $10.00 piece of equipment to arrive via Amazon tomorrow that will enable me to transfer my files from my hard drive from the old computer to the new one. I have already removed the hard drive from the old computer, and I am trusting it was not corrupted when the computer crashed and that my files are still intact. We shall see what develops! Thankfully I have saved a lot of my pictures and important files to flash drives, but I had not done a backup recently and so I know there are many files that I want to make sure I can save. </p><p>One thing that will be different for me is my Picasa Photo editing program is no longer available, and I do not have it on a CD so I cannot load it onto my computer. So I am experimenting with what comes with the computer programming online. So far I am not too impressed, but I'll keep working on it.</p><p>Here's a few pictures I took yesterday at our monthly "Women in Faith" fellowship...Since both St. Patrick's Day and Easter are during this month, the decorations covered both special days. We had a great time of fellowship and prayer for one another, and a delicious lasagna luncheon provided by the ladies. Different ladies take turns each month in preparing the lunch, and we always have something good! There were about 22 ladies present, which was great for a regular meeting month. Our bigger events are in May, when we have our "May Fellowship" and invite ladies from all of the local churches to join us for a luncheon and a nice program/guest speaker, and at Christmas, when we have our Christmas potluck fellowship. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihO2Gb__5bQtz0Mq4qzg5PYSbLVgxv8LgQFeVNHDueBCS-u3PaOQ_Q1fLTrviG1byJAT98cP7ETtlRZVnexkFC-BO6Szi2cpuBZeKqN-kc7zmdXnt5xwwLIjtwmzU2Pl6Xg3GOS8B51dWV6pikFDE52_Rm__co_vYoaQJTnUMo0gzkdQXMYdiu_kbGIU/s3781/IMG_2964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3781" data-original-width="2540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihO2Gb__5bQtz0Mq4qzg5PYSbLVgxv8LgQFeVNHDueBCS-u3PaOQ_Q1fLTrviG1byJAT98cP7ETtlRZVnexkFC-BO6Szi2cpuBZeKqN-kc7zmdXnt5xwwLIjtwmzU2Pl6Xg3GOS8B51dWV6pikFDE52_Rm__co_vYoaQJTnUMo0gzkdQXMYdiu_kbGIU/w430-h640/IMG_2964.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20YgwDz7Kz2WDk4kTY1MToiujcBy_KMDUl0LgZ1l7BCHu2fRqsy_T2ElaoX84zrOWgchXZNfuB_1Y109GUtD5ZbG7Dg-a477f4ugthq1SI65hG7x_L_GQi8SqvaZt7J6S079QNyuIEBoEoj_Kjjqy0ehflTTSlWjGMBH-g3a2ZBqqUAwEKFFcDqgqV0I/s3615/IMG_2965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3615" data-original-width="1962" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20YgwDz7Kz2WDk4kTY1MToiujcBy_KMDUl0LgZ1l7BCHu2fRqsy_T2ElaoX84zrOWgchXZNfuB_1Y109GUtD5ZbG7Dg-a477f4ugthq1SI65hG7x_L_GQi8SqvaZt7J6S079QNyuIEBoEoj_Kjjqy0ehflTTSlWjGMBH-g3a2ZBqqUAwEKFFcDqgqV0I/w348-h640/IMG_2965.jpg" width="348" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjMLnA2_Ho86mMsEfVHTnCTZ-XsFUhMrez_8ASi-wLfCBUbvZ5KSL9asAehNYQjVSwcTuW9et2oaNrytXv-qYvjzHLN78k1RHTAW3FxNc_YkP2Inro36SWjOUqSdJrO24Gu2OoV0L7D083eS0iOKIyJq4pnCEz6TvAaPBpXKV52AKIibSF576RViCDWo/s3639/IMG_2966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3639" data-original-width="2766" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjMLnA2_Ho86mMsEfVHTnCTZ-XsFUhMrez_8ASi-wLfCBUbvZ5KSL9asAehNYQjVSwcTuW9et2oaNrytXv-qYvjzHLN78k1RHTAW3FxNc_YkP2Inro36SWjOUqSdJrO24Gu2OoV0L7D083eS0iOKIyJq4pnCEz6TvAaPBpXKV52AKIibSF576RViCDWo/w486-h640/IMG_2966.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoqnB9dbIutV_oG4zxtboqcGCkxSHCh9kCof7PXwcpzzy99mLPaxMtavU3et10VKHw1wQpUIdaIGC5sNxL3M127_7LTlz_UjQ540KegwcHBy0FT_MT-0ymRhdX257vG5twZGDgw9p6UidXJg1VLN3ZoVzwHh4IOI7GR6bUQpYxvlMK9SyFh9kbOEUvG4/s3930/IMG_2967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2562" data-original-width="3930" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoqnB9dbIutV_oG4zxtboqcGCkxSHCh9kCof7PXwcpzzy99mLPaxMtavU3et10VKHw1wQpUIdaIGC5sNxL3M127_7LTlz_UjQ540KegwcHBy0FT_MT-0ymRhdX257vG5twZGDgw9p6UidXJg1VLN3ZoVzwHh4IOI7GR6bUQpYxvlMK9SyFh9kbOEUvG4/w640-h418/IMG_2967.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0XUy3h7C9tnE9ECgcP53wUVZHjXco6SDvFyp7Dvls-QZjQXVdISf0ltkLsf3qNOK0eyVSZfj5yE9vBsr2DOpzpvWWgm1qmwH3JQWBJb43SXNMMl3nLkmaRTyz_rItpDIWuS_vX3edrHTjAPLFGZ-T-lO5f9Z9UXxITkQsaS68jbh_xvYQAGkMPYUMqg/s3729/IMG_2970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3729" data-original-width="2897" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0XUy3h7C9tnE9ECgcP53wUVZHjXco6SDvFyp7Dvls-QZjQXVdISf0ltkLsf3qNOK0eyVSZfj5yE9vBsr2DOpzpvWWgm1qmwH3JQWBJb43SXNMMl3nLkmaRTyz_rItpDIWuS_vX3edrHTjAPLFGZ-T-lO5f9Z9UXxITkQsaS68jbh_xvYQAGkMPYUMqg/w498-h640/IMG_2970.jpg" width="498" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We are now called "Women in Faith", since our church no longer belongs to the United Methodist Church, where we were known as "United Methodist Women". We now belong to the Global Methodist Church, which is the conservative new denomination recently created for churches wishing to leave the United Methodist denomination. As of yet I don't believe there is an organized women's group for the Global Methodist Church, so each church has developed its own group and we wanted to be known as "Women in Faith". <div><br /></div><div> A funny thing happened yesterday. At our last month's meeting one of the ladies said she was going to order some new bags for each of us, and she passed around the catalog and told us to choose the one we wanted. I thought she meant for each of us to pick the one we wanted in particular, so I chose this one:<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCjYuoyF8QDSsWDesN5DyqP6hFfWhNYIVLrS0znPJKNmf3QKUjVgA9eSTjX-YpzRM6vazGONx-ssbm54uaDrcEnsIgs5zhujnEkd2mEc5uQ4IpF00TaQ57Yt3a_sdq_H1SwFDkfLWVDijV7c9oSqImdJ81HjOfDIIIxWMwFcFpISVZ2VthCHMGk_pB7I/s4032/IMG_2974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCjYuoyF8QDSsWDesN5DyqP6hFfWhNYIVLrS0znPJKNmf3QKUjVgA9eSTjX-YpzRM6vazGONx-ssbm54uaDrcEnsIgs5zhujnEkd2mEc5uQ4IpF00TaQ57Yt3a_sdq_H1SwFDkfLWVDijV7c9oSqImdJ81HjOfDIIIxWMwFcFpISVZ2VthCHMGk_pB7I/w480-h640/IMG_2974.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Those of you who know me will know why I wanted this particular bag. My "One Word" for 2024 is "Strength", and so I thought this would be perfect. Well, much to my embarrassment yesterday when she gave everyone a new bag, everyone else received bags that were all alike, which said "Women of Faith", except for me. I got this one, because I was the only one who thought we were supposed to pick out the bag we wanted. What she had meant was did everyone like the bag she had chosen for our group, which is what everyone else got.(I just found this picture online of the bag everyone else received):<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisrxJ0jHJdp9yS-cnqUj54IymPiek8WcjNLEeNFjICgMbVqzxBf05qioCqjxcU2ZSh8O4EfEGjanlzJKqU_vlGcAr-euASLXBcMtjKf6rpO7-kuaH5CMu8E6HMbv6KaCzj7H8TUDLellVmx_JLaQfHrz0gndeC0HMnWgoLvGW6o84tfXnXSBBm63M5dFo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="325" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisrxJ0jHJdp9yS-cnqUj54IymPiek8WcjNLEeNFjICgMbVqzxBf05qioCqjxcU2ZSh8O4EfEGjanlzJKqU_vlGcAr-euASLXBcMtjKf6rpO7-kuaH5CMu8E6HMbv6KaCzj7H8TUDLellVmx_JLaQfHrz0gndeC0HMnWgoLvGW6o84tfXnXSBBm63M5dFo=w520-h640" width="520" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everyone had a good laugh at me for being the only one different from everyone else. She did have another bag like this to give me, but I told her to save it for someone else who may not have been there yesterday and would still want a bag. It was funny and I guess I need to learn to <i>listen </i>(my one word for last year!) better to instructions from now on! LOL.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lest you think I've moved away from Still Waters Pond, here are a few pictures I've taken this past week of the birds:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRaFRvSTmZkHStnB65KDVLxEgSJAoCfnUDaOJo3WtYdT50zq2SdLYRPHq6PJHGKRgX43TJrBPDWa7sMoSuuDaL6uJ-1FrjX4SSzY58BqxZE1nqkqjTQK4G12KDBOqLO5jMj4YQQuLcKVbfkXiSA-CHIk9vDWpCYxJlTo6Sb300aE19N_UuuTRrnY0sIQ/s1386/100_6861%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="1386" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRaFRvSTmZkHStnB65KDVLxEgSJAoCfnUDaOJo3WtYdT50zq2SdLYRPHq6PJHGKRgX43TJrBPDWa7sMoSuuDaL6uJ-1FrjX4SSzY58BqxZE1nqkqjTQK4G12KDBOqLO5jMj4YQQuLcKVbfkXiSA-CHIk9vDWpCYxJlTo6Sb300aE19N_UuuTRrnY0sIQ/w640-h576/100_6861%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Goldfinches are still coming around for seeds. Not sure when they will head north, but we are enjoying them in the meantime.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_U0I-aQJsXc7TAMnUcYqzYPbI3n7cqZuIMwfaoP04rUn5vUH3Re-dxjGG6urJHiQs46_HWV2H0nNQlWOQ6SZg3x9n7NZ4mwtTW90h728y8oqdzMHrWdjGY5oDNgBQDjTcWS1tdoRl-s0f-W-qwXLF98OL2A2W3vPqd880Wua0eD9eOsSu53aLGJzN10/s1799/100_6865%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1612" data-original-width="1799" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_U0I-aQJsXc7TAMnUcYqzYPbI3n7cqZuIMwfaoP04rUn5vUH3Re-dxjGG6urJHiQs46_HWV2H0nNQlWOQ6SZg3x9n7NZ4mwtTW90h728y8oqdzMHrWdjGY5oDNgBQDjTcWS1tdoRl-s0f-W-qwXLF98OL2A2W3vPqd880Wua0eD9eOsSu53aLGJzN10/w640-h574/100_6865%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Bluebirds still come and go also, but we aren't sure what exactly is going on as it doesn't appear that there are any new babies in the nest yet, and it seems like they are way overdue. So I'm just watching and waiting to see what develops.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjcPXZcXGDKWgkNno1qRVCWStMCp5Qj_-9trBdUTdJClkgnBADbdZzoN63TzQiPHm5Kq82dQZvABN3y-tNroBMNFu7yvNgP9r8-8Y-7ucQ73yp1n1DTCb4D0yRomyUoPnC-gzmrK-z-uLFLWAX3yMDHgV63DaZRsZC6bj3zb2VVOILlc4DzV_P-1EvCA/s2304/100_6872%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjcPXZcXGDKWgkNno1qRVCWStMCp5Qj_-9trBdUTdJClkgnBADbdZzoN63TzQiPHm5Kq82dQZvABN3y-tNroBMNFu7yvNgP9r8-8Y-7ucQ73yp1n1DTCb4D0yRomyUoPnC-gzmrK-z-uLFLWAX3yMDHgV63DaZRsZC6bj3zb2VVOILlc4DzV_P-1EvCA/w640-h480/100_6872%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mr. Cardinal stopped by for a visit.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgispScFRkrmb-hjmEsbtbQX6x4tlLYGtmZ1D1pchEbE3yQUTbYImj-uIJZJckQnQLAM5X0pkiNXDYrXTcdc7uECWSAUH64ZNzzyeluLwp1QUe1rOnwm_Jigc6BO7-GIQ5RDye0NqZOo1VJEO5VhfmaF7cHx1ggach2OKKh1i314EJ3R-DHluDdWokT0QA/s2304/100_6873%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgispScFRkrmb-hjmEsbtbQX6x4tlLYGtmZ1D1pchEbE3yQUTbYImj-uIJZJckQnQLAM5X0pkiNXDYrXTcdc7uECWSAUH64ZNzzyeluLwp1QUe1rOnwm_Jigc6BO7-GIQ5RDye0NqZOo1VJEO5VhfmaF7cHx1ggach2OKKh1i314EJ3R-DHluDdWokT0QA/w640-h480/100_6873%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>And Mrs. Sand Hill Crane still comes up for her daily break away from the nest to get a snack before returning to her place of waiting. I figure the new "colts" should be cracking open their eggs sometime late next week.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugp3iDOp-rHoL9aBH4kafFr_bwS2mC2xfOMJuw-mtn_nzaTYDqUSr6F46tOLZ72JrZU-3dsJJYBdfvmlbKwEZEJFDuPjnllxspljDZDW0Ri1ZDtHwA-IhcesF74D68MrQrO5O0klQfVo7nTCsCUYH8cbpp8Y6T6tugJ95ilpvsICjBneYm-u8vHoHsSY/s2304/100_6877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugp3iDOp-rHoL9aBH4kafFr_bwS2mC2xfOMJuw-mtn_nzaTYDqUSr6F46tOLZ72JrZU-3dsJJYBdfvmlbKwEZEJFDuPjnllxspljDZDW0Ri1ZDtHwA-IhcesF74D68MrQrO5O0klQfVo7nTCsCUYH8cbpp8Y6T6tugJ95ilpvsICjBneYm-u8vHoHsSY/w640-h480/100_6877.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>These Great White Egrets came by to visit Mrs. Crane while she was on the nest yesterday morning:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PQr__w36nmXgOE6GS-1pMflmflxk3jUEO2kAKMtZEjEybcTT0u4NmPjAtyre4lKyCAcYaHGpdMl9YuxRK-niGg6kbil8rkh7M4tO6nH9wk5IRmkJGMd7impc0oLxRsS7BWjnbHMjtZesusCB7k3dBO_KNu8nbm8bUSujs6RxkVM5Qf8nnuWkNj4K6xk/s2304/100_6882%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PQr__w36nmXgOE6GS-1pMflmflxk3jUEO2kAKMtZEjEybcTT0u4NmPjAtyre4lKyCAcYaHGpdMl9YuxRK-niGg6kbil8rkh7M4tO6nH9wk5IRmkJGMd7impc0oLxRsS7BWjnbHMjtZesusCB7k3dBO_KNu8nbm8bUSujs6RxkVM5Qf8nnuWkNj4K6xk/w640-h480/100_6882%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They danced and pranced and flew around as if they were entertaining her so she wouldn't get bored. I'm sorry the pictures aren't more clear, but it was till early morning and low light.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So what else has been happening you say? Oh my, when it rains it pours! Not in the literal rain sense, but in the happening of events. Not long after my computer crashed, the water dispenser and ice maker on our refrigerator basically stopped producing any water or ice. I thought perhaps it was time to replace the water filter, so I ordered one online. It came in a couple of days, and so we installed it, but the problem with barely a trickle of water continued. Thankfully, <i>this time</i> when we purchased this refrigerator almost 4 years ago we also purchased an extended warranty! It is good for 60 months, so we are still within the time frame to be covered. I called the company and they are sending out a repairman tomorrow to repair the issue (hopefully!). No fees for parts or labor! Hooray!! That was good news!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The other item we ordered was a replacement part for our generator. We couldn't get it to work last summer during hurricane season, so with that dreaded season coming soon we thought we'd better get it fixed and ready to work in case we need it. So I ordered the right part. We had some fellas from church coming today to repair it with the new part, however, the part we received was not the correct part. At first it appeared to "others" that I must have made a mistake in ordering the wrong part, but when I looked it back up, I had ordered the correct part, but they sent me the wrong part! So now we must send that part back and they will send us the correct part (hopefully) soon. I'm just thankful to know that it wasn't <i>my fault!</i> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, keep in mind that all these things I had to order happened <i>after</i> the computer crashed, so I had to do everything on my cellphone! I am amazed at all you can do with cellphones! I even figured out how to write a blog, but commenting on other's blogs is not always as easy, as it wants to go to "anonymous", and there are too many steps involved to change it, so I have gotten way behind in reading and commenting on your posts. Plus, I just don't like reading such small print and trying to type on the cell phone with any decent comments! LOL. So I will try to get caught up with you all in the next few days as I am able. Please bear with me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One more thing...Last night hubby kept mentioning that he had pain in the top of his head and down around the left side of his face and cheek and neck and his left eye kept wanting to close. Also he had a swollen gland in his neck. We thought maybe he had a sinus infection working on him. But this morning a small rash of blisters appeared on his cheek, and we both said "shingles!" So thankfully we were able to get into the doctor this morning, and he agreed that he thought it was shingles, but that he also could have some sinus infection as well. So he is now on several medications for all of the above. Praying that we got it in time before it really had a chance to take hold on him, as anyone who has had shingles knows it is very painful. And no, we haven't had the vaccine. The Dr. said for him to wait 3 months to get it now, but I need to go ahead and get it soon. So I will. Thankfully he said it is not contagious. So we are thankful he was able to get right into the doctor right away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, I think I will close with this photo of the sunset last night. Our kids were here for supper and Rose and I went out on the back porch for a while and enjoyed the sunset until the mosquitoes started biting and we had to go back inside! Yes! It's that season already!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimLjm5ULpk79mfNk98jvS8FlopbCZrZbo3GqaOOFiyGtN5zgPKBSlXo4WIMCrzYEU_TzZ158CW6f7Qu5mrKnMQyuZ3ZaKRWYkOxZRqL28I02rhzkTbViSWJuaTDjQRsXwapU_aqSkcu9fZB-2vQrkrlGtiTkP6iFrdAuxXS2igV_quaeqV_hh4NjThv8/s4032/IMG_2972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimLjm5ULpk79mfNk98jvS8FlopbCZrZbo3GqaOOFiyGtN5zgPKBSlXo4WIMCrzYEU_TzZ158CW6f7Qu5mrKnMQyuZ3ZaKRWYkOxZRqL28I02rhzkTbViSWJuaTDjQRsXwapU_aqSkcu9fZB-2vQrkrlGtiTkP6iFrdAuxXS2igV_quaeqV_hh4NjThv8/w640-h480/IMG_2972.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here are some good verses to close out our day, after a week of expectation, waiting, some frustration, but much thankfulness to God for all of His wonderful blessing and kindness shown unto us. Our problems are so minor compared to so many in the world today. I am very thankful indeed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;">Psalm 62:5-8</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;">My soul, wait silently for God alone,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;">For my expectation is from Him.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;">6 He only is my rock and my salvation;</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;">He is my defense;</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;">I shall not be moved.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;">7 In God is my salvation and my glory;</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;">The rock of my strength,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;">And my refuge, is in God.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;">8 Trust in Him at all times, you people;</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;">Pour out your heart before Him;</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;">God is a refuge for us. Selah</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Amen, and Good night!</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's so good to be back!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-27075243081702205882024-03-10T20:05:00.001-04:002024-03-10T20:08:58.293-04:00It’s Me <p> Hello Friends in Blogland. I wanted to let you know that I am okay but my computer has died and I am not really able to do much here in blogland right now. I am typing this on my phone and it is very time consuming so I really don’t want to do much of anything this way. It may be a little while before I am back up and running again but I just wanted to let you know that I am alive and well. This is really a test to see what all I can do here on my phone. </p><p>Wow! I just figured out how to add all these pictures from my phone! If you are a Facebook friend you may have already seen these. I won’t bother to describe them all here but just thank the Lord for His continued love and care and beauty all around us. If you are ever feeling sad or blue, just take a moment to look around you and count your blessings. When we start to feel sorry for ourselves all we need to do is count our blessings and give thanks to God for all He has done for us. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VTLZdVOc5896YcjTl9d0taVrruyiXTSpV9hYtmgZhIoIuSeqAx0MhdrAv3C9v4FCm5xW-1vYgqJLTclfA0ghXEpG_-1WVxRb_EPWFxEeftwVp5HMmVhrWJMtbDH1shYq8hvTmM2HX08zkHe105l-gXyXqrs2Rk462ozCxwFrxE53yT0oPkNCmQE0oJw/s4032/IMG_2962.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VTLZdVOc5896YcjTl9d0taVrruyiXTSpV9hYtmgZhIoIuSeqAx0MhdrAv3C9v4FCm5xW-1vYgqJLTclfA0ghXEpG_-1WVxRb_EPWFxEeftwVp5HMmVhrWJMtbDH1shYq8hvTmM2HX08zkHe105l-gXyXqrs2Rk462ozCxwFrxE53yT0oPkNCmQE0oJw/s320/IMG_2962.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsl0KDXcBekN4Cd6PjSy3fSmZrdf8E0-ZCOd7ii46rEuVYMLwXrDeB32yFDy_Xg6o3-YlpFp2SV3wuy25cM_n863Rp1K2zC2BLSISn3SJzm64duYIDuexGSI47XptliPYCy-Il0QYXV7xF7cblB8T-fFyM9UJrmJibbZZrzhWPDXMw2VnpmVVcjqY3GI/s4032/IMG_2961.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsl0KDXcBekN4Cd6PjSy3fSmZrdf8E0-ZCOd7ii46rEuVYMLwXrDeB32yFDy_Xg6o3-YlpFp2SV3wuy25cM_n863Rp1K2zC2BLSISn3SJzm64duYIDuexGSI47XptliPYCy-Il0QYXV7xF7cblB8T-fFyM9UJrmJibbZZrzhWPDXMw2VnpmVVcjqY3GI/s320/IMG_2961.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mLf8azGJHT2wXXTBZcOb8FX2E0RuiFHynosmqJ5Kg1yZQz84Ni_jSsNr0XsND_1F9gYToWmkyU8GQ3EodnUf7VGLxSuYnzZLnmnUrVZIoIofakXifecvnsXLdmmE698fUFh4Rfx77TBt3NUjrdQmRcAR1S4By47EMaA17LEdcIGBN4tBJW7eGDxma9s/s4032/IMG_2958.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mLf8azGJHT2wXXTBZcOb8FX2E0RuiFHynosmqJ5Kg1yZQz84Ni_jSsNr0XsND_1F9gYToWmkyU8GQ3EodnUf7VGLxSuYnzZLnmnUrVZIoIofakXifecvnsXLdmmE698fUFh4Rfx77TBt3NUjrdQmRcAR1S4By47EMaA17LEdcIGBN4tBJW7eGDxma9s/s320/IMG_2958.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSnz5A-8HzbJjZvWG8PCoj2yqgZn4F3Ga4WROkJ0_FAWS_r3H2I_qcm6xpEPWyjjkZPKydCHiti-eMo7Uv-IcM1DXsOKIXYtIj7SrDLvpkLzrtfkLU0M3QVLxgC6HSuvPxRDj-j6wRG5D_AeIgkUZri-razWrTKzuM51UTpZriby4U3gvc-ZhvP1oXbg/s4032/IMG_2933.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSnz5A-8HzbJjZvWG8PCoj2yqgZn4F3Ga4WROkJ0_FAWS_r3H2I_qcm6xpEPWyjjkZPKydCHiti-eMo7Uv-IcM1DXsOKIXYtIj7SrDLvpkLzrtfkLU0M3QVLxgC6HSuvPxRDj-j6wRG5D_AeIgkUZri-razWrTKzuM51UTpZriby4U3gvc-ZhvP1oXbg/s320/IMG_2933.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HhhnGJw8YDHDoV8p2SSdCgyzc3aSP3DA1kRkg0MT5T7SrO9WNfzZTQ-PMXuV2wvMHmmtxHeq6NojiExLC94DKPiHpFA3gpTlPKBrs80pvAoiuuiM1frk-G5Eu8_2N_HBq_mGEO0HaAiCjYsqTf782Rd0_Q4RSn4YyXF-gdkItt7hs0CHhyphenhyphenC9rpZU77k/s4032/IMG_2932.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HhhnGJw8YDHDoV8p2SSdCgyzc3aSP3DA1kRkg0MT5T7SrO9WNfzZTQ-PMXuV2wvMHmmtxHeq6NojiExLC94DKPiHpFA3gpTlPKBrs80pvAoiuuiM1frk-G5Eu8_2N_HBq_mGEO0HaAiCjYsqTf782Rd0_Q4RSn4YyXF-gdkItt7hs0CHhyphenhyphenC9rpZU77k/s320/IMG_2932.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise ye the Lord!” Psalms 150:6<p></p><p>Thank you all for your patience with me as I am unable to get around to visiting you. When I figure it out I will do the best I can. Until then just keep praising the Lord for all the good things He has done! Amen</p>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-87504418994412491842024-03-05T07:38:00.000-05:002024-03-05T07:38:29.977-05:00Tuesday 4 ~ It's March!<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAuIdPfVT6Xj03HLKOgKMBiTVIqjlg-jSIwwqrm7TR_QJh9x_GjhTGhgl1BUFneYirXeRsExSsFGZqMSU4zdphcD-XejzEGAXV_cg9FzeUjTSWKB_JC7F-ZcikaSp2v_X7Vje_p9r4DhMSsAf4EhHv5apRcVRtaV62hTrzeqzpVsSUb5cB9Ioa" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAuIdPfVT6Xj03HLKOgKMBiTVIqjlg-jSIwwqrm7TR_QJh9x_GjhTGhgl1BUFneYirXeRsExSsFGZqMSU4zdphcD-XejzEGAXV_cg9FzeUjTSWKB_JC7F-ZcikaSp2v_X7Vje_p9r4DhMSsAf4EhHv5apRcVRtaV62hTrzeqzpVsSUb5cB9Ioa=w400-h239" width="400" /></a></div><p> </p><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">It's March!</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/2024/03/its-march.html" target="_blank">Welcome to Tuesday 4 begun by Toni Taddeo.</a><br />It's March and it might be nice to talk a bit about it.<br />The year is going by quickly....<br /><br /><br />1. March comes in like a lamb and goes out like a lion. How has it made it's debut in your area?</b><div>It's been a bit windy and rainy, and this morning it's foggy! Pretty much typical March weather for us here in north central Florida. It's also been getting up in the 70's each day, with lows in the high 50's/low 60's. So not too bad at all.<br /><b>2. Is St Patrick's Day something you observe?</b></div><div>Only in the sense that it's a fun day to wear green so I won't get pinched, and maybe use a bit more green in my decor. Although we are part Irish, (mostly "Scotch-Irish, English, and German") it was never something that was a big deal for us.<br /><b>3. Do you observe Easter?</b></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Most definitely! Easter is THE most important Holy Day for all Christians. Without Christ's atoning sacrifice for our sins, we would all still be lost in our sins with no hope of heaven. But Jesus said in <b><i><span style="color: #660000;">John 3:16 </span></i></b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b>"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>And also in John 11:25 Jesus said:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b><i>“I am the resurrection and the life. </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b><i>He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>And then this passage in Luke 24:5-6</span></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!"</span></b></i></div></i><div style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>And that is why we celebrate Easter! It's not just about the Easter Bunny and the colored eggs, although those are the fun aspects of celebrating the resurrection and new life that Easter represents. But without recognizing the true meaning of Christ's Resurrection from the dead, Easter would be meaningless.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2014/04/what-easter-means-to-me.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE is a link to a post I wrote some time ago, "What Easter Means to Me".</b></a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b>4. What will those holidays see you doing this year?</b><div>Well, St. Patrick's Day will probably find us doing the usual routine, but wearing green!</div><div>Easter will see us going to church, and our choir will present our Easter musical cantata entitled: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDGIICd-U9RQZ63g1GapkPi9IzlcIBC-woH7ABTsjxR0FngjbZ1uLlD743yx0mw4Ip_1kczmOK2KpjZyWJ-GzSZbLAaILqjiPgOWYHqN5iHIBe1bR6ppVb0mwZfoKeu_ukNkjRGrmCDZbvHk4xMSLpx_1ei5UT50n2hF-1Y3jJ7FtYWFeP6ZdtsyP8c0/s1200/1-IMG_2897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDGIICd-U9RQZ63g1GapkPi9IzlcIBC-woH7ABTsjxR0FngjbZ1uLlD743yx0mw4Ip_1kczmOK2KpjZyWJ-GzSZbLAaILqjiPgOWYHqN5iHIBe1bR6ppVb0mwZfoKeu_ukNkjRGrmCDZbvHk4xMSLpx_1ei5UT50n2hF-1Y3jJ7FtYWFeP6ZdtsyP8c0/w480-h640/1-IMG_2897.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And after church we will come home and have a traditional Easter dinner, but so far that's all I know...we haven't gotten that far in our plans. Oh, and we also have the great family Easter Basket hunt. We hide the whole basket here at our house, not just the eggs! It's getting more difficult to find suitable hiding places as these "kids" are too smart for the old "Easter Bunny". LOL. But we have a lot of fun with it and that's been our family tradition since I was a little girl. Here's a blast from the past:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKiSV81ppGI1lRaoEZt_eTawjjmmHToYOR6na10loQqJcbutWbNsEwtz1uMyZWtIdHkofEr1m_obxZzppzjhbbKVnyAe7SX9m9tTIvbKlg5WMXQuREm3BUphhL7KJPdCoeBdoyBkgNjzZAt85KEGfwlauMtfpZlWCx7xWidWCVUovFT2M2xEvCWGmWSs/s2016/Mursch%20family%20Easter%201953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKiSV81ppGI1lRaoEZt_eTawjjmmHToYOR6na10loQqJcbutWbNsEwtz1uMyZWtIdHkofEr1m_obxZzppzjhbbKVnyAe7SX9m9tTIvbKlg5WMXQuREm3BUphhL7KJPdCoeBdoyBkgNjzZAt85KEGfwlauMtfpZlWCx7xWidWCVUovFT2M2xEvCWGmWSs/w640-h480/Mursch%20family%20Easter%201953.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm the little redhead on the front row, next to my beautiful mother. On the back is my sister Doris, brothers Clifford and Russell and my Daddy. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Okay, that's it for today! Hope you have a wonderful MARCH and Easter season!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>You can join in the March fun <a href="https://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/2024/03/its-march.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b></div></div>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-36209799623402380452024-03-04T15:34:00.001-05:002024-03-04T17:09:02.545-05:00Monday Monday...Got nothing much to say!<p> Here it is Monday, and I am pretty much at a loss for words. Let's see how long that lasts! LOL. I think I said enough last week to make up for this week. I wonder where I left off? Let's see...I just spent a little time "porch sitting" on this beautiful not yet spring but it sure feels like it day here in north central Florida. I have actually been feeling a bit under the weather today, so I stayed home from Bible Study to just try to rest and stay quiet for a while. </p><p>Here's where I was: </p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruo7Jli-ad5FmUpZyNuoCsJDEwGJmoude11GxMDz5cmHO8DO1kZMJM6qr19NJvKEjjRP89foQ26qx2f91xwafl4b8wo0HwN1GRJB27AeK-apaDAwIis4tHJLZmdLUUO0cLdbnky5HSUhgYjv4ZU2wP9UuwcYrCVI1bCZ1J00AE7iLbVBOa5SdVTBdmH4/s1200/1-IMG_2893.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruo7Jli-ad5FmUpZyNuoCsJDEwGJmoude11GxMDz5cmHO8DO1kZMJM6qr19NJvKEjjRP89foQ26qx2f91xwafl4b8wo0HwN1GRJB27AeK-apaDAwIis4tHJLZmdLUUO0cLdbnky5HSUhgYjv4ZU2wP9UuwcYrCVI1bCZ1J00AE7iLbVBOa5SdVTBdmH4/w640-h480/1-IMG_2893.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And this is what I saw:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9ikAAX7Ay51i7muDuNDgirdJnMSIG2c7rqSbFaZd0iUfHcayMGs81RoUSWVRUrs1Er_B8QthaN8BMNE1UA-BKIncO5jhTpC6VfdBKKLsKHIoqsXhbMwGo60yR-aPrtHaUxuBv_pWZL53hVNbTa0FHZD4p4NvYZVlw5fHpsRUSFvRyEjfzlN9N72IaBI/s1200/1-100_6850.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9ikAAX7Ay51i7muDuNDgirdJnMSIG2c7rqSbFaZd0iUfHcayMGs81RoUSWVRUrs1Er_B8QthaN8BMNE1UA-BKIncO5jhTpC6VfdBKKLsKHIoqsXhbMwGo60yR-aPrtHaUxuBv_pWZL53hVNbTa0FHZD4p4NvYZVlw5fHpsRUSFvRyEjfzlN9N72IaBI/w640-h480/1-100_6850.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This bluebird couple seems to be a different pair, and they are showing interest in building a nest in the first birdhouse on the left. I guess I don't have a picture of that to show you this time, but if you recall another couple has already claimed the other birdhouse on the right, but I haven't seen much of them lately, so I'm thinking maybe they started nesting too early and things didn't happen they way they expected.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UoE6t81sDko99mureoJpfCMc22tI2mMuWVHV04YX3Z1xeadCxLlrBWeszrap4_2J4H2tUAF-MIyoznSaXweSA7MV9LngdPucsiSIsEtc-MjtFzQ3Q0IKDibtSQUriglCnOEXHL9ZKTK2iN53WNfa8YTy71NXedjezQ4ZvLzZXjr9zSoPhyMHXwGfG1I/s1200/1-100_6849.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1200" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UoE6t81sDko99mureoJpfCMc22tI2mMuWVHV04YX3Z1xeadCxLlrBWeszrap4_2J4H2tUAF-MIyoznSaXweSA7MV9LngdPucsiSIsEtc-MjtFzQ3Q0IKDibtSQUriglCnOEXHL9ZKTK2iN53WNfa8YTy71NXedjezQ4ZvLzZXjr9zSoPhyMHXwGfG1I/w640-h494/1-100_6849.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So now this couple has shown up and this seems more like the right timing for nesting, so we shall see what, if anything, develops!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6I9322UiWR8L4OHZWsDnhIBNy_pKmrlJsE8RV5CbKjocrn3Wy2HVdSmbHzc-6mhEUmMwVNSJp458EKynstLqVk6fz4Kftcmrxv1ka2QbNs6ZHMEh5hsV6gB4_u_XfJP5Zw0G_Z0kZXrOdqM6o0bqncBwQ0SgUJVEZWRDLIohuO4cA0NWDWyCHagPJqI/s1200/1-100_6842.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6I9322UiWR8L4OHZWsDnhIBNy_pKmrlJsE8RV5CbKjocrn3Wy2HVdSmbHzc-6mhEUmMwVNSJp458EKynstLqVk6fz4Kftcmrxv1ka2QbNs6ZHMEh5hsV6gB4_u_XfJP5Zw0G_Z0kZXrOdqM6o0bqncBwQ0SgUJVEZWRDLIohuO4cA0NWDWyCHagPJqI/w640-h480/1-100_6842.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And while sitting there on "Pamela's Paradise Porch" (the sign was a gift from my friend "Pamela", who is moving back up north and no longer needs this sign so she gave it to me), anyway, I digress, while sitting there Mrs. Sand Hill Crane walked by. She is on a break while Mr. Crane sits on the nest for her.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9hGj9zl5MMeYkVBdmbyBd31cm5WwGy4FosDVhcXGquusLadV-MBW3Sh2N5y-Be_apdQYPR-AZ8ft4ejKkb-mRrhgkH9CimFMCOV96xJ36H24XLB-9p_tin-XBM5ws0_416tCGzYixJ5JorRnSAbT1gtTjQXdYi4iujLvn15UTHKzi9B133ocMOgtLcI/s1200/1-100_6846.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9hGj9zl5MMeYkVBdmbyBd31cm5WwGy4FosDVhcXGquusLadV-MBW3Sh2N5y-Be_apdQYPR-AZ8ft4ejKkb-mRrhgkH9CimFMCOV96xJ36H24XLB-9p_tin-XBM5ws0_416tCGzYixJ5JorRnSAbT1gtTjQXdYi4iujLvn15UTHKzi9B133ocMOgtLcI/w640-h480/1-100_6846.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>She's filling up on lots of food to help tide her over until the next break...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhueiuD0kicQeWzus0mwPtVRTHnWyivv2mqF7zYjFUUWOJk4V3fNOGC7YlIBbh4NukuRt51LAhbu_7-dJvJ1lzrKKok8tR84da0iJb21yU-cHqYbz40Ybr53nGo7KefhF9GGZyNk9u3a9kmbze0KQjNvnC3_kQvtsoMbakkwA2HsVX90D7Zu_k3ioKlLOM/s1200/1-100_6845.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhueiuD0kicQeWzus0mwPtVRTHnWyivv2mqF7zYjFUUWOJk4V3fNOGC7YlIBbh4NukuRt51LAhbu_7-dJvJ1lzrKKok8tR84da0iJb21yU-cHqYbz40Ybr53nGo7KefhF9GGZyNk9u3a9kmbze0KQjNvnC3_kQvtsoMbakkwA2HsVX90D7Zu_k3ioKlLOM/w640-h480/1-100_6845.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There's Mr. Crane, doing his husbandly duty of giving Mrs. Crane a break. At least I think that's who it is. They switch back and forth throughout the day, so I really don't know which one is which anymore, but at least they know who they are and they have things under control! They are both very dedicated to their task!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMqVAE8XEVZDAqWu5xAVojIPKUiwMwPnVfOtMGzLv3QUG6TXlZBUhJEpxj5gh_NAxM48syH4xb48LEhYuBbe4b4KTYlxQ7Hefh0jVcuOdHYEerTJgSrvdWb_rTXx7m33UgC15QRzWq4cpmXtVH_aw9OW1KtrqdukcIHTc4o3jr_h36CfjTj8SEssHm08/s1200/1-100_6847.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMqVAE8XEVZDAqWu5xAVojIPKUiwMwPnVfOtMGzLv3QUG6TXlZBUhJEpxj5gh_NAxM48syH4xb48LEhYuBbe4b4KTYlxQ7Hefh0jVcuOdHYEerTJgSrvdWb_rTXx7m33UgC15QRzWq4cpmXtVH_aw9OW1KtrqdukcIHTc4o3jr_h36CfjTj8SEssHm08/w640-h480/1-100_6847.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back inside the house, Lily Grace wanted to say hello! She is dressed up in her original outfit as when she arrived here a little over <a href="https://adventuresoflilygrace.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-adventures-of-lily-grace.html" target="_blank">three years ago already!</a> Gosh! Has it really been three years? She certainly turned our little world upside down and sideways when she arrived, and even though we aren't quite as active with her special adventures as before, (you can read more about her on her own blog site <a href="https://adventuresoflilygrace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>), she still has a very active role in our daily fun and frolics. I just seem to have run out of steam for keeping up with "helping her write" her own blog. It's all I can do to write my own and keep up with everyone else's blogs too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BpnZrDgRPI-UXDsKAqjzQs3J2rCZANpv42P66SlGuiN2OZtjiva9XQka4owzJyWcHZE_DY2SrWa5v-zUhL3-i88esbIEwRSXivqO_NxPJ4XGs1gPrmVh92G3dE8Y6dc7xY7V2jOkf_q2n66PucqEy_NOlp-VaYnnOyJd-3RqwraZbFrJOtRvKJzTx_w/s1200/1-IMG_2823.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BpnZrDgRPI-UXDsKAqjzQs3J2rCZANpv42P66SlGuiN2OZtjiva9XQka4owzJyWcHZE_DY2SrWa5v-zUhL3-i88esbIEwRSXivqO_NxPJ4XGs1gPrmVh92G3dE8Y6dc7xY7V2jOkf_q2n66PucqEy_NOlp-VaYnnOyJd-3RqwraZbFrJOtRvKJzTx_w/w480-h640/1-IMG_2823.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>To follow up on the story <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2024/02/thursday-thankfulness-and-friday-foto.html" target="_blank"><b>about the "letting go" of my Grandma Tedlie's 123 year old dresser</b></a> from last Friday, I did find out that the dresser has already been sold from our church's thrift store, and an "older couple" who are farmers apparently bought it. My prayers go with them and I hope they will enjoy this very special old piece of family history. Speaking of which, I thought you'd enjoy seeing some pictures that I took before I cleaned out that old dresser...these are pictures of the top two drawers, mine is first...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTTuU3dYAE8pJVYNu4vWfJ7yAjRKXoALbUkPglVrx5jB-r4yW0UwTYOOtXtPrOasKt1w6sxbYP7-U1VDDTMvzPuY-dPQxdNkldxH5umjDs5AoulOY89f91kVzPdnmCuHPc2MVT-QDPk7H_P4Whb24y8wz0PMnYnvFe5JqY1wlWlTBU7AicwisVZC-duE/s1200/1-IMG_2833.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTTuU3dYAE8pJVYNu4vWfJ7yAjRKXoALbUkPglVrx5jB-r4yW0UwTYOOtXtPrOasKt1w6sxbYP7-U1VDDTMvzPuY-dPQxdNkldxH5umjDs5AoulOY89f91kVzPdnmCuHPc2MVT-QDPk7H_P4Whb24y8wz0PMnYnvFe5JqY1wlWlTBU7AicwisVZC-duE/w640-h480/1-IMG_2833.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And hubby's is here:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_cj_rwhMhDpsIOrjgxlFzK6hKdZO8b9UYA2W7zPF0GKi3CQV7E_rS1KvTjjrec9PXaZet_N9u9zrVA6EHc4Qvr-RnPXHyLOZ6TaoobvIyQzrt3STfIrlueL40eJi4L9PM-mJK7VfoL_9SewDpUFlMhTpRgH9WGHbpByHLRFjMnGxWkehXpUWkz4eJuw/s1200/1-IMG_2834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_cj_rwhMhDpsIOrjgxlFzK6hKdZO8b9UYA2W7zPF0GKi3CQV7E_rS1KvTjjrec9PXaZet_N9u9zrVA6EHc4Qvr-RnPXHyLOZ6TaoobvIyQzrt3STfIrlueL40eJi4L9PM-mJK7VfoL_9SewDpUFlMhTpRgH9WGHbpByHLRFjMnGxWkehXpUWkz4eJuw/w640-h480/1-IMG_2834.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, they were pretty messy and not very well organized.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, in the new dresser seen below, those top "3" drawers are actually just two drawers. One narrow one on the left, and the middle and right hand are actually combined into one wider drawer:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnELiEDzvwT_JoMYonugkpQIx8r5Yyj-VPkwupUsG8zx6vN3VlxMOW5PBLVpYi_l36Kh0mGctcK3HXWNkU6JnJW1wsgjlHglGwyvPa3YMTdLHyZuPKtLfM4Wd7VnXC_KO_xA0vVra6nKEQqLvDm4Wh3ugRv04Wpg0DyrF6D1outAcbCA56ZwOt2S82aQ/s1200/1-IMG_2847.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnELiEDzvwT_JoMYonugkpQIx8r5Yyj-VPkwupUsG8zx6vN3VlxMOW5PBLVpYi_l36Kh0mGctcK3HXWNkU6JnJW1wsgjlHglGwyvPa3YMTdLHyZuPKtLfM4Wd7VnXC_KO_xA0vVra6nKEQqLvDm4Wh3ugRv04Wpg0DyrF6D1outAcbCA56ZwOt2S82aQ/w640-h480/1-IMG_2847.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, again, I have the narrow drawer on the left, which doesn't hold as much as my previous dresser drawer, but I still have my old original journal in there just like before:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNdzUFqL8CcwY7EjyrY43y9r0pzbP0ltrByCbua8LZtbI0CE8_BPK94vd9QimZFAcjf9ePcjTU5u46HqeyIzgmgLw2XeFZlMZ4y_SZ3ARB3_UvKrXvdMokbTcQZ28ClksyVxS83HvEks5PY1IrA8VJoKfeHFnpdf_KvrSX6JxQDGhFCgxCrqEhlTEIjY/s1200/1-IMG_2894.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNdzUFqL8CcwY7EjyrY43y9r0pzbP0ltrByCbua8LZtbI0CE8_BPK94vd9QimZFAcjf9ePcjTU5u46HqeyIzgmgLw2XeFZlMZ4y_SZ3ARB3_UvKrXvdMokbTcQZ28ClksyVxS83HvEks5PY1IrA8VJoKfeHFnpdf_KvrSX6JxQDGhFCgxCrqEhlTEIjY/w480-h640/1-IMG_2894.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>And then hubby has the wider drawer, but there are a few of my things in there as well, but the rest is his. He has quite a collection of ink pens, and they are stored in this drawer, along with our stuffed pet "Ratty", who has been with us for many years and shows up in the strangest of places when you least expect him. LOL. Right now he is quietly plotting his next "move" to startle one or the other of us. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2THdHB8yM0X6sQrnIzbyjq0cxKAIzQyjEl14MkP0PfopEVXCEaK51NNeWHg2Od8jqHnIDdwHEhP36_SFdJJSS9QL8Gge0u5uetj_7pLPI30dSECqRGNEzitXPb4tsBWNrJAQn3Ul8U5HqHZuzU34kBsh37jwug-BfKn_slnrNPfHRwB_XzEmzwokMFro/s1200/1-IMG_2895.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2THdHB8yM0X6sQrnIzbyjq0cxKAIzQyjEl14MkP0PfopEVXCEaK51NNeWHg2Od8jqHnIDdwHEhP36_SFdJJSS9QL8Gge0u5uetj_7pLPI30dSECqRGNEzitXPb4tsBWNrJAQn3Ul8U5HqHZuzU34kBsh37jwug-BfKn_slnrNPfHRwB_XzEmzwokMFro/w640-h480/1-IMG_2895.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had to reorganize the rest of my personal stuff to make it all fit in the other drawers of the dresser. Hubby has another tall dresser that belonged to his father that he uses for his "personal stuff" and unmentionables. LOL. No pictures of the other drawers. I think I've shown you too much already. LOL.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, I'm glad that saga is over and life can move on to something else. I honestly cannot believe how happy I am that I made the decision to "let go" of that old dresser! It has truly set me free!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now I do feel very content with what I have and am thankful for how God has blessed us in so many more ways than just material goods. Here's some good thoughts for today:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIAAaj4HNyVw2OohFuJMnDb3BOIcM6UgcV5znqTBF6mVjL2eU9id1_Fao0a-F0DAtU_mMmvmZ0kAkPYTWXlpJLJlWs872rnHP4YsmH5zs0t1KZrbl7D0lD2bTGIVytGIw85bOZ9wSjnyES53DgCHahXA-l86Kt4qkuVPO4yx31bpvhgLnbNpJOaB0rRw/s1200/1-IMG_2896.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1200" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIAAaj4HNyVw2OohFuJMnDb3BOIcM6UgcV5znqTBF6mVjL2eU9id1_Fao0a-F0DAtU_mMmvmZ0kAkPYTWXlpJLJlWs872rnHP4YsmH5zs0t1KZrbl7D0lD2bTGIVytGIw85bOZ9wSjnyES53DgCHahXA-l86Kt4qkuVPO4yx31bpvhgLnbNpJOaB0rRw/w640-h478/1-IMG_2896.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>There can be no better promise than knowing that God has said He will never leave us nor forsake us! Thank You, Lord!<p></p><p>I hope you have a blessed and wonderful rest of your week. See you later!</p><p><br /></p><p>(I guess I did find a few things to say after all! LOL).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-32102692322933691022024-03-02T10:33:00.000-05:002024-03-02T10:33:11.360-05:00March Has Arrived!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes! March has arrived, and has brought some rain showers to our land, which are greatly appreciated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, I know yesterday was the first day of March, but I had other things going on and never got around to announcing the changing of the calendars! So here we go:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1lVFacBrfBbG1a5tLpu8LuJPOfeHlG2a_1yqUHyx_8b_IH_IU1MkoYbDlt4httrR06niyz3k3zBjHlL_m5yT3UrpsYvT9Ue4SmEelNsFoxDVP724coI9RiPsFZFKod3HHbDbUk5a82KXl-dRuxXA2Cn6Ly6xsbkmx1gPMZorBD6gzwm9LQ6-m_RwQ64/s1200/1-IMG_2868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="974" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1lVFacBrfBbG1a5tLpu8LuJPOfeHlG2a_1yqUHyx_8b_IH_IU1MkoYbDlt4httrR06niyz3k3zBjHlL_m5yT3UrpsYvT9Ue4SmEelNsFoxDVP724coI9RiPsFZFKod3HHbDbUk5a82KXl-dRuxXA2Cn6Ly6xsbkmx1gPMZorBD6gzwm9LQ6-m_RwQ64/w520-h640/1-IMG_2868.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spring is coming, my dear friends! Here in the south where we live it has already pretty much begun, but I know for those of you in the northern part of our country you are still anxiously awaiting the arrival of the crocuses and daffodils and Robins and other signs of spring. I did see some Robins yesterday and I believe they said they were on their way to see you, so just try to be patient! Spring is definitely on its way!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-CZ2-pN5fLbnkJ9klO1E8neMVx24daaf_mujofZ9zvYQdUnurRIb_Sc6n5yuLSYy2KEHx7-pnB5tDCUZOMlq1wSpNezI4KjIge6tJXNOge-ul63OAd4DExK4gpZwy_2AFh3fOpqG5foRFdUS3of1ukW0ojwBYE8USJyFwLL2P-QHDIymfpYYb7hJ9Jk/s1200/1-IMG_2870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1200" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-CZ2-pN5fLbnkJ9klO1E8neMVx24daaf_mujofZ9zvYQdUnurRIb_Sc6n5yuLSYy2KEHx7-pnB5tDCUZOMlq1wSpNezI4KjIge6tJXNOge-ul63OAd4DExK4gpZwy_2AFh3fOpqG5foRFdUS3of1ukW0ojwBYE8USJyFwLL2P-QHDIymfpYYb7hJ9Jk/w640-h502/1-IMG_2870.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, wouldn't you just love to take a ride in a horse and buggy through the beautiful spring countryside? This John Sloane Country Seasons calendar always makes me long for "the good old days". </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloGPAKyPW8zGFvjyKm3ttLsxruEHFEWn-7zhmQ1V4qvBNJ4hf0nV2Eaf6Um6VSdfLhhkG69oYhtHkQbSeK3xAi_iQMc4A1Ko72sGuvkEwr5guYyLX_fWtoltQhzsfgFgmteoqh7zA_qixElTNH5Vj39iR8kNZ1cD_mF8fZAWs8L_cQA3sbE7PvRGBx7M/s1200/1-IMG_2871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="1200" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloGPAKyPW8zGFvjyKm3ttLsxruEHFEWn-7zhmQ1V4qvBNJ4hf0nV2Eaf6Um6VSdfLhhkG69oYhtHkQbSeK3xAi_iQMc4A1Ko72sGuvkEwr5guYyLX_fWtoltQhzsfgFgmteoqh7zA_qixElTNH5Vj39iR8kNZ1cD_mF8fZAWs8L_cQA3sbE7PvRGBx7M/w640-h282/1-IMG_2871.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The Teapot Calendar has a lovely tea party scene for us to enjoy...those little cakes certainly look scrumptious! So people are just so clever and talented. What a beautiful tea set too! I really think it's about time for a nice spring tea party! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rIarFL1GClnAywjjyxsmJT_3zEmCfc0TsU7lYgmLZkK2JrunSaf10JYGRpSTrYw0He16pJ1mMfhKyPmpscEVZ6PUkng6NXKP6sc9elJeTSIqfT5YU1_zeSw_p6t7l7PQPJgz9fPj1vivDio_nIL5EuX7Od9_X56xnb7ipMgS0jFV6w_IA-qrTCENZK8/s1200/1-IMG_2872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1038" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rIarFL1GClnAywjjyxsmJT_3zEmCfc0TsU7lYgmLZkK2JrunSaf10JYGRpSTrYw0He16pJ1mMfhKyPmpscEVZ6PUkng6NXKP6sc9elJeTSIqfT5YU1_zeSw_p6t7l7PQPJgz9fPj1vivDio_nIL5EuX7Od9_X56xnb7ipMgS0jFV6w_IA-qrTCENZK8/w554-h640/1-IMG_2872.jpg" width="554" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this lovely view is on the calendar in my bathroom. Can't you just hear those waters making their noisy and rushing escape over the rocks and into that refreshing pool? I love how the sun is shining and welcoming a new day...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNRX2ujO4mWezbk9Alrto2AJ-TB5IDD_X5soe6jn7giRDO4W21WFBIZoPzBXsoaGtyc7-qnrgRGc1JT9Td5JwLct_RBSG8YIO-eAx1u-7JzYr336eqeCIF_hlrRkLaHIY4jxU9QQHUA6f_OoYO4vDn4djQuCu8y-b_8uX9ahYmPYjz6fi0RlYDSZHqvM/s1200/1-IMG_2865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNRX2ujO4mWezbk9Alrto2AJ-TB5IDD_X5soe6jn7giRDO4W21WFBIZoPzBXsoaGtyc7-qnrgRGc1JT9Td5JwLct_RBSG8YIO-eAx1u-7JzYr336eqeCIF_hlrRkLaHIY4jxU9QQHUA6f_OoYO4vDn4djQuCu8y-b_8uX9ahYmPYjz6fi0RlYDSZHqvM/w584-h640/1-IMG_2865.jpg" width="584" /></a></div><p><br /></p>But this calendar, which is in my hubby's bathroom, has to be my favorite for this month. This is the Thomas Kincade calendar, and the paintings are always so gorgeous. I love that each one also has a Scripture reference. As I looked at this picture, entitled "Walk of Faith", it appears that this is a picture of Jesus walking with a man, perhaps the "Rich Young Ruler" found in Mark 10:17-22. Although I am sure the surroundings didn't look quite like that back in Israel at that time, but it is still a wonderful picture...and to be walking with Jesus in the garden would be something I know I would truly love to do...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbVtTDahCm5oBvG_8EfR5CvGwQedfgx569r8A7Uw0CM_L-YmeAjWIUV_o657OU_QLEmy-iWdMpNkymx3ff7ITePNO8a2NJEFVEqtyEIGC4o7C507aDc6px5eXJAJ3Fj9GkFhumNN-qAXIaQ9gfRfRuolWdsvv6e5v_kg09Qon7KjvxBm5Ge3-uqzdn6k/s1200/1-IMG_2866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1035" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbVtTDahCm5oBvG_8EfR5CvGwQedfgx569r8A7Uw0CM_L-YmeAjWIUV_o657OU_QLEmy-iWdMpNkymx3ff7ITePNO8a2NJEFVEqtyEIGC4o7C507aDc6px5eXJAJ3Fj9GkFhumNN-qAXIaQ9gfRfRuolWdsvv6e5v_kg09Qon7KjvxBm5Ge3-uqzdn6k/w552-h640/1-IMG_2866.jpg" width="552" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But sadly, the rich young ruler was not able to give up his worldly possessions and do as Jesus said in this verse...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRn70KmOMKEUsDVFS8Q1-YYXepsAFy2PYvQKcWkDG-p_xTJ4TYdh1DwnSQIJpTr7A3HJa2mlrZiJ9A1vxq4trfl4_VTe1M7TQv7F8U2qxdxuwwEUaiWAzuBq1lXTxNr2EswQy-CsJIKhZuFNSFxPhLMgOBd5hRb-WswfF-69PHVaXe_max2eRo0omkGcE/s1200/1-IMG_2867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="1200" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRn70KmOMKEUsDVFS8Q1-YYXepsAFy2PYvQKcWkDG-p_xTJ4TYdh1DwnSQIJpTr7A3HJa2mlrZiJ9A1vxq4trfl4_VTe1M7TQv7F8U2qxdxuwwEUaiWAzuBq1lXTxNr2EswQy-CsJIKhZuFNSFxPhLMgOBd5hRb-WswfF-69PHVaXe_max2eRo0omkGcE/w640-h128/1-IMG_2867.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a good reminder for each of us during this period of Lent leading up to Easter. Am I able to deny myself and take up His cross daily, and follow Jesus? It's not an easy thing for any of us to do even for this short period of the 40 days of Lent...but Jesus is asking us to do this every day. Thankfully, like in the picture above, He walks along with us and guides us and helps us if we will just heed His words and follow Him.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of walking in the garden, my new rose bush has been blooming nicely and I am enjoying it so much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQisq60_bdOH2MZWiD7uafR8fWngQVU5lKnr54dR2VDzi5JLkT3AsYTGkLlYnJtnc8h-29vFQAQ4KxZEhn90SyzFlDdX_pV8U9t1XwDAB53yGKgcPOQG-ZvpBljVG5yOH38W__VAHHt69_2CzW_l8_3BZaXC8mFaeSyDasoPN9b2igaOI75b2SiMoGWs/s1200/1-100_6825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQisq60_bdOH2MZWiD7uafR8fWngQVU5lKnr54dR2VDzi5JLkT3AsYTGkLlYnJtnc8h-29vFQAQ4KxZEhn90SyzFlDdX_pV8U9t1XwDAB53yGKgcPOQG-ZvpBljVG5yOH38W__VAHHt69_2CzW_l8_3BZaXC8mFaeSyDasoPN9b2igaOI75b2SiMoGWs/w640-h480/1-100_6825.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The view of the "butterfly garden", while sitting on the swing in the Secret Garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHOa6so2wbKwefAxzYPxGbgeJoE1wl9mdYuesfj8NXoVJRpdbNenLyMk4UkSvt4N9-eFyFrcyIpax2TBLAUO7ENNsYWkPLcrCygNHpkPm8sn1bwpB4J0cRJGd9-3KMpRbUCla8eWWsoyNE2oD7XB28BTEYt4HKYKzbiQqxVtMJaTzhQyFsQd4J0bUJ0A/s1200/1-100_6831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1200" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHOa6so2wbKwefAxzYPxGbgeJoE1wl9mdYuesfj8NXoVJRpdbNenLyMk4UkSvt4N9-eFyFrcyIpax2TBLAUO7ENNsYWkPLcrCygNHpkPm8sn1bwpB4J0cRJGd9-3KMpRbUCla8eWWsoyNE2oD7XB28BTEYt4HKYKzbiQqxVtMJaTzhQyFsQd4J0bUJ0A/w640-h598/1-100_6831.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this is the view this morning...if you look really closely you can see Mrs. Crane sitting out there on her nest!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5E6veWB_nk3N1fTp_ub7VNxDzsxH9yVo_qY84pQrLtq0C0kt7Tz4Iev3kHmb9b63ndpArAqLlfsiixEj0aPREwQD25ZEYCEb2NCUOykeHLrMYT1-IiR9TODL1NYeU5bYHFBald1_0PtolQsXDQHtnBWyUmY8fr3tgjqQeS1JTXZD6J62oCs_bEEk4JNc/s1200/1-IMG_2887-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5E6veWB_nk3N1fTp_ub7VNxDzsxH9yVo_qY84pQrLtq0C0kt7Tz4Iev3kHmb9b63ndpArAqLlfsiixEj0aPREwQD25ZEYCEb2NCUOykeHLrMYT1-IiR9TODL1NYeU5bYHFBald1_0PtolQsXDQHtnBWyUmY8fr3tgjqQeS1JTXZD6J62oCs_bEEk4JNc/w640-h480/1-IMG_2887-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I am also excited to see that this bottlebrush bush is starting to develop blossoms! We planted this last year and it didn't bloom for long then, but now it looks like it is going to have a lot of blooms! This will attract hummingbirds and butterflies, so I am happy to see it is thriving! Just wait a few weeks and those buds will all be red!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCVbFQvQi1TVQnt9ypimC5R6bTmVFDc_VrfwmI7oR1yHt8GpyPTKhzieSBs9RppDM6OAiA2cAjALRl-OUKsnbLRC115V33XKe5m8Sx_C6ipOMOq_CkoloDWsWwat1CW7nt26LmrXqDwL9gjFRPvE1kowEtUckD9R80d-bnwvEB5IYwk9cvvv-w8wVVaM/s1200/1-IMG_2889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCVbFQvQi1TVQnt9ypimC5R6bTmVFDc_VrfwmI7oR1yHt8GpyPTKhzieSBs9RppDM6OAiA2cAjALRl-OUKsnbLRC115V33XKe5m8Sx_C6ipOMOq_CkoloDWsWwat1CW7nt26LmrXqDwL9gjFRPvE1kowEtUckD9R80d-bnwvEB5IYwk9cvvv-w8wVVaM/w480-h640/1-IMG_2889.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Over in the "Secret/Memorial Garden" the Easter lilies are starting to sprout up. I don't think they will be blooming by Easter, however. Probably more like Mother's Day, which is fine with me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3h4IJfTE-7zb6xUNKheoHOYulQfdyqKCZXnuk-N2X21Ht3yP60MHO3ywNBknb5VMe7LKpfXd6tL98L3jRX9LThr9dR4wCCF_zqVOTFPo9qlStyDHKy9K_aMLaHk5uXZ_TjcIiIh4qtCZLx_SbP00LtU19t9pvOmsbmA39LNnA-XUSyJPQfn3gRiyUa4/s1200/1-IMG_2891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3h4IJfTE-7zb6xUNKheoHOYulQfdyqKCZXnuk-N2X21Ht3yP60MHO3ywNBknb5VMe7LKpfXd6tL98L3jRX9LThr9dR4wCCF_zqVOTFPo9qlStyDHKy9K_aMLaHk5uXZ_TjcIiIh4qtCZLx_SbP00LtU19t9pvOmsbmA39LNnA-XUSyJPQfn3gRiyUa4/w480-h640/1-IMG_2891.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also I am happy to see that the "Memorial Rose Bush" that we've had for almost 10 years is finally trying to make a comeback. I pray it will survive. This was a gift from my sister and sister in law for our Memorial Garden back when Matthew passed away, and it has bloomed on special occasions ever since, until this past year. I cut it way back and fertilized it, and hopefully it is going to survive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EBwbbvPubD-cKDbb6SuR8DRQMH-SMP7UEAkmWCSzwtpQ69tXwgrp4I8YmguM1INENVgTVpMyZVpcP-bBS_N1uarewq7kcTaPWArxK9b7r_iu3viWdQQI1VtE_lc-4Lub42COprsvkzpqJBSozO5RacjOzsqLTR6W6QoKF4lsyl6lk9-MyTPswnxf-X0/s1200/1-IMG_2890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EBwbbvPubD-cKDbb6SuR8DRQMH-SMP7UEAkmWCSzwtpQ69tXwgrp4I8YmguM1INENVgTVpMyZVpcP-bBS_N1uarewq7kcTaPWArxK9b7r_iu3viWdQQI1VtE_lc-4Lub42COprsvkzpqJBSozO5RacjOzsqLTR6W6QoKF4lsyl6lk9-MyTPswnxf-X0/w640-h480/1-IMG_2890.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The azaleas have been blooming nicely in the Secret Garden:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQl3p9XwkBbBrZu7SWG9wmUOV9jWpfe8b7IuFe1h9w_xdyew3nZ0Z2kQmOGwBpaPp7Jgtrhg-kThpshmQ9A1SjSV5wmS2nA7yZte71_MYyqsLoHzaybAhtgrZqBCznzFaC6b3maA0YpUvuZihc5DCGiydMlxnlGmZynQIZfDAQQ2NvJlO_6AGaOLuInQ/s1200/1-100_6826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQl3p9XwkBbBrZu7SWG9wmUOV9jWpfe8b7IuFe1h9w_xdyew3nZ0Z2kQmOGwBpaPp7Jgtrhg-kThpshmQ9A1SjSV5wmS2nA7yZte71_MYyqsLoHzaybAhtgrZqBCznzFaC6b3maA0YpUvuZihc5DCGiydMlxnlGmZynQIZfDAQQ2NvJlO_6AGaOLuInQ/w640-h480/1-100_6826.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The are a bright and colorful spot amidst the green of the trees and woody area surrounding the garden :<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB74qd19vxlNjv7yjYrxqswrEXvZTZaJ1-dzg1Z_RhScw4G6qUP-zQm0nI9m2XmklsHnHWh4zeaW2KwSfdULv89MnDx9jWu93ZVGl3Ux4vsIB-FN_5L51Amr4ayIoZBRflbVM3ngOBY0n30kdgMVmbAnJiJOU5Ayatyn57gRx0G3SNnq6kl_AAPpi31Xk/s1200/1-100_6828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB74qd19vxlNjv7yjYrxqswrEXvZTZaJ1-dzg1Z_RhScw4G6qUP-zQm0nI9m2XmklsHnHWh4zeaW2KwSfdULv89MnDx9jWu93ZVGl3Ux4vsIB-FN_5L51Amr4ayIoZBRflbVM3ngOBY0n30kdgMVmbAnJiJOU5Ayatyn57gRx0G3SNnq6kl_AAPpi31Xk/w640-h480/1-100_6828.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>These bushes are still small, but they are still growing and they are producing so nicely. That makes me smile!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T9Mq9zMcy7O_zlN3HuvgB8_dE6uedfAU_Mh2bx9gIjcRdOjgbnNEgCOaie1BM15-FLKFAvBU-FlZtt5qrDpVhBzgKh_4vNDPSjAyktAaWLQM4p8ALwaWMKxxZIzBsXai1c3XLmqOsemvllozL0bOw2bGnzLmjJFIjXcAoVYs_W1I1oCetRoV9BOMFFI/s1200/1-100_6829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="773" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T9Mq9zMcy7O_zlN3HuvgB8_dE6uedfAU_Mh2bx9gIjcRdOjgbnNEgCOaie1BM15-FLKFAvBU-FlZtt5qrDpVhBzgKh_4vNDPSjAyktAaWLQM4p8ALwaWMKxxZIzBsXai1c3XLmqOsemvllozL0bOw2bGnzLmjJFIjXcAoVYs_W1I1oCetRoV9BOMFFI/w412-h640/1-100_6829.JPG" width="412" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This morning we just took a walk and I discovered these flowers blooming:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OdhTV-rz58oYImL2hd07xfaosgzfAwioTNdEcqlEK6w-KKrjpEx9XCeN1DpWWK3rlgtnrNV1YIZ27TaDDBLWghLiJdHywPJ4Tzi59jt9rjDOEHma2KyXSE0iMrITcqLs6irDwXL74S6nLBJI5pYLZWGscoZ9bxlw3Uy6RilEOcHwDaHzzSjovlZluf0/s1200/1-IMG_2879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OdhTV-rz58oYImL2hd07xfaosgzfAwioTNdEcqlEK6w-KKrjpEx9XCeN1DpWWK3rlgtnrNV1YIZ27TaDDBLWghLiJdHywPJ4Tzi59jt9rjDOEHma2KyXSE0iMrITcqLs6irDwXL74S6nLBJI5pYLZWGscoZ9bxlw3Uy6RilEOcHwDaHzzSjovlZluf0/w480-h640/1-IMG_2879.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are the <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2020/02/mid-week-breath-of-fresh-air.html" target="_blank"><b>Lady Lupine flowers that I've written about HERE before.</b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also shared some pictures of them <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2020/02/breakfast-with-buster-brown-and-teddy.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE a few years ago when I had a little tea party with Buster Brown and friends.</b></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPuB4-L44j5HFG-EL4uJQA0BEBpt3SP_Bjy_D3fqFKtVaEyRVRZ-JdOpNYjJ81o-0LYjt4LZ33hvMfICAVeSZM2xLtszZ-GorSK_ULLp4JNVFyja2ecBgA-j8D1zUPOyfSKIREbS_5HTTtfRzD8tYojx1DxnbbfTxUoSHmsmOJJDjkkd_vl3BlJzjZeY/s1200/1-IMG_2881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPuB4-L44j5HFG-EL4uJQA0BEBpt3SP_Bjy_D3fqFKtVaEyRVRZ-JdOpNYjJ81o-0LYjt4LZ33hvMfICAVeSZM2xLtszZ-GorSK_ULLp4JNVFyja2ecBgA-j8D1zUPOyfSKIREbS_5HTTtfRzD8tYojx1DxnbbfTxUoSHmsmOJJDjkkd_vl3BlJzjZeY/w480-h640/1-IMG_2881.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course I had to bring a few back home with me. They are sitting next to a little vase of "fairy flowers" from our yard. I just cannot resist picking little bouquets of these sweet flowers while they last.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXs42NsD4JoCJXA6uOLYTrkCuPLB-RE8s0EcTcNLU9lwJOi9BuKCJLKhhYL-I4BYGfu6C-cOxLJs_3sHo75cDZ_izahjm5Z101El49KY3yoMrsrV34LKYIJhqAvZKv21670_YJXfwaqND7a7eTABWaxY0ydP_Lpuau9rK1xUxoL4OkFZijQxl_CBx2oQ/s1200/1-IMG_2892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXs42NsD4JoCJXA6uOLYTrkCuPLB-RE8s0EcTcNLU9lwJOi9BuKCJLKhhYL-I4BYGfu6C-cOxLJs_3sHo75cDZ_izahjm5Z101El49KY3yoMrsrV34LKYIJhqAvZKv21670_YJXfwaqND7a7eTABWaxY0ydP_Lpuau9rK1xUxoL4OkFZijQxl_CBx2oQ/w480-h640/1-IMG_2892.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Something else that makes me smile is this old vintage dinner plate that I found at our church Thrift store a couple of years ago. I only have two of them, but I enjoy bringing them out occasionally to brighten our meal...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVvI26zXroSO2kLUgsdKY3FA3qlFWZQ986Woq-cuoDoNICIt23Wds3VJUhFNipbvdUcmmvjx4l6HpFRC0UndEyNG99ttW10dwT6KbyjY7wScOwTMZDGRTkN0vK5p_OeH8jjYfdGyUkBZdnI7L7RA_t3UH-GbUYuiaI4I1U_tsIqi0hzlSmffUdyCdpE0/s1200/1-IMG_2876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1200" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVvI26zXroSO2kLUgsdKY3FA3qlFWZQ986Woq-cuoDoNICIt23Wds3VJUhFNipbvdUcmmvjx4l6HpFRC0UndEyNG99ttW10dwT6KbyjY7wScOwTMZDGRTkN0vK5p_OeH8jjYfdGyUkBZdnI7L7RA_t3UH-GbUYuiaI4I1U_tsIqi0hzlSmffUdyCdpE0/w640-h570/1-IMG_2876.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Which yesterday happened to be this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oMe3yafJqoZv1gojtiEmJ3Os0ZAU33yHT3xEHlgpT14ytKRH1jr8ZDtjF_SRCOTNTxG_0gTSpr_WdCbPAXNERhI7KOrQT50bnnzixWjMr0Hl15KycZiNjy-5frhsxMKwoj6L8t3A2Mi_k2kGvYqmFI8xwxUk7qlLcn1wnYNzn3KJFmCU-VcPUowkXxs/s1200/1-IMG_2878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oMe3yafJqoZv1gojtiEmJ3Os0ZAU33yHT3xEHlgpT14ytKRH1jr8ZDtjF_SRCOTNTxG_0gTSpr_WdCbPAXNERhI7KOrQT50bnnzixWjMr0Hl15KycZiNjy-5frhsxMKwoj6L8t3A2Mi_k2kGvYqmFI8xwxUk7qlLcn1wnYNzn3KJFmCU-VcPUowkXxs/w640-h480/1-IMG_2878.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A delicious spring supper...tiny red boiled potatoes, fresh asparagus and sweet red beets, with a baked boneless/skinless chicken thigh. I bake them in the oven for about 30 minutes with parchment paper over top to help seal in the juices and keep them very moist and tender. It was a delicious 'spring' supper!</div><br /> Yesterday I finally got a haircut after three months! Yes, I definitely needed it BAD! Why did I wait so long you ask? Well, my hairdresser had the audacity to retire the end of December, leaving us with no other options. How dare she? LOL. Yes, she was actually older than I am and certainly deserved to be able to retire, but still, some of us just don't take to change very easily! The one other hairdresser in town is swamped and can't accept any new customers for at least a month she said when I called her in desperation. So finally yesterday I called Walmart (in the next city over) and booked an appointment with a gal that I last saw about 5 years ago, before we moved to this town. I was actually glad she was still there, but still, I don't like the system at the Walmart salon and not to mention the price was literally double what I'd gotten used to paying our sweet gal here who retired. She had not raised her prices in YEARS, and so we were spoiled. Anyway, it did feel good to finally get my hair cut and I think she did a good job, even if it did break the bank (and that did not include shampoo or blow dry/styling! I had to go out with a wet head!) I decided to take a few pictures this morning so I can remember how she cut it for next time, whether I go back to her or find someone else, at least I'll know how I want it cut!<p></p><p>Please don't look at the wrinkles or the sprinkles of gray. Just the style. I like the way she did the back and hope I can remember that for next time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmQFETlulzPQSU0JVZZKP8Y-rqEY6AdFrxWMKaMuDRstcukLXM49tJObEkbSgnZeoqNQlowfM4T6i7qTBo6ZRQz3yqcb22H7B6_cQrDGG8zjotd8pDUjEIo0AUbBlcqV1ZpTD1lGFzu3ihrg3pyZfOwCh6iZnrpEhAtFkj_FfA6zDeU7gyTzzJa-Ah_w/s1200/1-IMG_2883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="969" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmQFETlulzPQSU0JVZZKP8Y-rqEY6AdFrxWMKaMuDRstcukLXM49tJObEkbSgnZeoqNQlowfM4T6i7qTBo6ZRQz3yqcb22H7B6_cQrDGG8zjotd8pDUjEIo0AUbBlcqV1ZpTD1lGFzu3ihrg3pyZfOwCh6iZnrpEhAtFkj_FfA6zDeU7gyTzzJa-Ah_w/s320/1-IMG_2883.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznvAA1XjkAdI9dg92ADQaowBWKwm0flDYoNyTy-mtjuDuMz2OCs4PAqthWdOmcuAAGwQYmewhSc6U5_ARVQM55J6nteIrkmdYvnRS5l_kuh0dGbXmv_Sa4IEnhxGgIamJxalAd0JT0CmthM-JhFi6pne88Idf4Y_wNrVq8NuvHQWBe53weTzDrfnCp0E/s1200/1-IMG_2884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1141" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznvAA1XjkAdI9dg92ADQaowBWKwm0flDYoNyTy-mtjuDuMz2OCs4PAqthWdOmcuAAGwQYmewhSc6U5_ARVQM55J6nteIrkmdYvnRS5l_kuh0dGbXmv_Sa4IEnhxGgIamJxalAd0JT0CmthM-JhFi6pne88Idf4Y_wNrVq8NuvHQWBe53weTzDrfnCp0E/s320/1-IMG_2884.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZqeY46FWNWcljIhwSCwcMdop5aWq3xY9GhA1QxX_H92eaV0RF3zvzknD5s3_LT9G0nks_kxSD0aIOUbgchv5zibX1v8L6yq41F56YEmB6KVN8ob_txk_OTUxf2VvGRSXPZX1lcGcgkBH5hK0RK3Yct2epBKSzPfxAd2givWvnsc7Zarrk4Z-rSejG5U/s1200/1-IMG_2885-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="713" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZqeY46FWNWcljIhwSCwcMdop5aWq3xY9GhA1QxX_H92eaV0RF3zvzknD5s3_LT9G0nks_kxSD0aIOUbgchv5zibX1v8L6yq41F56YEmB6KVN8ob_txk_OTUxf2VvGRSXPZX1lcGcgkBH5hK0RK3Yct2epBKSzPfxAd2givWvnsc7Zarrk4Z-rSejG5U/s320/1-IMG_2885-001.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now we just have to find someone to cut hubby's hair. He did not like the Walmart system after sitting for over a half hour with his name on the list and the next girl available took someone who just walked in the door and overlooked him...so he walked out, and I ended up cutting his hair, which I have done zillions of times over the past 54 years, but I just don't like all the mess and fuss and cleanup and yesterday I cut a little too close with the clippers in one spot. Thankfully it's not terrible, but I know it's there and I'd prefer him to find a professional to do it, as when my hairdresser retired, so also did the lady barber who was in the same place, which is who was cutting hubby's hair. We found out yesterday that there is a new person renting that space now and taking customers, so we shall see how that works out. We kind of don't want to be the first customers...want someone else to be first so they can let us know how she does...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, folks, I guess this is enough for the first Saturday of March. Here's a happy thought for today:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">Isaiah 35:10 NKJV</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">"And the ransomed of the Lord shall return,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">And come to Zion with singing,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">With everlasting joy on their heads.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">They shall obtain joy and gladness,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">And sorrow and sighing shall flee away."</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">Amen!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">Have a lovely March weekend!</span></i></b></div><p><br /></p>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-90631130449042141852024-02-29T20:58:00.000-05:002024-02-29T20:58:15.316-05:00Thursday Thankfulness and Friday Foto Friends<p> Oh my dear friends! Where shall I begin? There's been a lot going on the past few days, and I have been keeping quite busy with some different kinds of things than the usual watching the wildlife on Still Waters Pond, although I have been doing some of that as well. Maybe I will start with that and then move on to the more involved "stuff" that may take some 'splaining', as Ricky Ricardo would say to Lucy. So let's start with the pretty stuff first and then talk about the deeper stuff.</p><p>I can't remember if I showed you these pictures already that definitely show the two Sand Hill Crane eggs on the nest...if you've already seen these, then just move on to the next batch of pictures...but this will prove that there are definitely two baby Crane Colts on their way! Mama and Daddy are keeping close watch over the nest, taking turns doing the nesting duty. They are very responsible parents and "parents to be".</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5cjZE4dnrqsb7vhuPo1OKf3xrGcGJz420UVv_QNKOVlM_tzTt2XUlsTnmoFHGjsi5z8jDl20rRGwDkyr4HVSRcSI0DakbYe1tsNyuUfLxZ9b15Kjb5qprjvGjBcqnajsRmwQGOgLX6RpjX9l75zEchRW8cLf5rLWieVqEZ8SlR4NYgWdOee360XwwFc/s1024/1-100_6815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5cjZE4dnrqsb7vhuPo1OKf3xrGcGJz420UVv_QNKOVlM_tzTt2XUlsTnmoFHGjsi5z8jDl20rRGwDkyr4HVSRcSI0DakbYe1tsNyuUfLxZ9b15Kjb5qprjvGjBcqnajsRmwQGOgLX6RpjX9l75zEchRW8cLf5rLWieVqEZ8SlR4NYgWdOee360XwwFc/w640-h480/1-100_6815.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPaLB_A23wbHBeifiy8wmGYIzo1dnt5B7x1ImVNlnKT5reIXeX1RVSG567n4GySWO4sX9Cnrfz_4UvMVhv3d2qslT6XZbER9s1G6eShq84273zA9lPKmWj3qhNQi_2UFSiUIGgxNlbYs8xiAW-oCo5NYTa2N-v7wwEpvhyphenhyphenuGoHhSFioKVVi-S1GPNmfI/s1024/1-100_6816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPaLB_A23wbHBeifiy8wmGYIzo1dnt5B7x1ImVNlnKT5reIXeX1RVSG567n4GySWO4sX9Cnrfz_4UvMVhv3d2qslT6XZbER9s1G6eShq84273zA9lPKmWj3qhNQi_2UFSiUIGgxNlbYs8xiAW-oCo5NYTa2N-v7wwEpvhyphenhyphenuGoHhSFioKVVi-S1GPNmfI/w640-h480/1-100_6816.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mr. Great Blue Heron still comes to fish here on Still Waters Pond, but he keeps his distance from the Crane nest. I think he knows better than to tangle with those critters!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCT6Zec2tqHo8zId6UQSWkB2adK3INXvqX6CI7MIXnUrmQ__7EXDN3urR3kJPHxD_ShXo23knwcGzmiwIfzLX3AmyjEQqEaVJRo2vyMihAsbsLLh7OHoEmjzsCwsvfAjghWTR_6OpiA_nTJHICO2mO3Evx5FiY1PHkaUZv4cqJOJ-C7FuJNk-rgNmtig/s1200/1-100_6818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCT6Zec2tqHo8zId6UQSWkB2adK3INXvqX6CI7MIXnUrmQ__7EXDN3urR3kJPHxD_ShXo23knwcGzmiwIfzLX3AmyjEQqEaVJRo2vyMihAsbsLLh7OHoEmjzsCwsvfAjghWTR_6OpiA_nTJHICO2mO3Evx5FiY1PHkaUZv4cqJOJ-C7FuJNk-rgNmtig/w640-h480/1-100_6818.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Goldfinches continue to come and feed at the finch feeder. Their colors are starting to get brighter every day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrWahQFEL1oueLFV7pC75T07Fxuy3kpQoaqlnyh6909jWgIKCGBa2s4ePjg9Y3UlD6Gw0Z7mTB8DyuYM9PJqKQw8EmtbvSGBGG2_AzHYfUyzuEZe_M4Zkx0jkiC10Sr0BGK5NFfDs2a-NLO36bhknEVTad8cV69qTG-jpLXfgGp0sDxPTY8WAzNy-afw/s1200/1-100_6830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="1200" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrWahQFEL1oueLFV7pC75T07Fxuy3kpQoaqlnyh6909jWgIKCGBa2s4ePjg9Y3UlD6Gw0Z7mTB8DyuYM9PJqKQw8EmtbvSGBGG2_AzHYfUyzuEZe_M4Zkx0jkiC10Sr0BGK5NFfDs2a-NLO36bhknEVTad8cV69qTG-jpLXfgGp0sDxPTY8WAzNy-afw/w640-h550/1-100_6830.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And speaking of bright colors, Mr. Bluebird is sitting on his perch here above the birdhouse, while Mrs. Bluebird is tending to her nest duties inside.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoqauwS02JJXZvCC3FdknOmkaNM2bUn91iWLICAPXsrX5_X7UB5JdIS5TN4bdtKvn3RPASM-9YogZBoN1Vm2LUiZKeqdKSOhyuhHnnCaRlfeiHc6Nj1cD1_1eSFAOf2qciY7f0vviGlfqJjR3zpSkTJhwLppQBG-EYhHTjgeLDlwcdVC_oXn_zkxPGW0/s1200/1-100_6832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="1200" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoqauwS02JJXZvCC3FdknOmkaNM2bUn91iWLICAPXsrX5_X7UB5JdIS5TN4bdtKvn3RPASM-9YogZBoN1Vm2LUiZKeqdKSOhyuhHnnCaRlfeiHc6Nj1cD1_1eSFAOf2qciY7f0vviGlfqJjR3zpSkTJhwLppQBG-EYhHTjgeLDlwcdVC_oXn_zkxPGW0/w640-h386/1-100_6832.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>He keeps a close watch out for pesky birds who happen to get too close to their territory, and he chases them away just as quickly as they arrive...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymBgra4GIyuBrX19RHZvHGS92vf0q_AT_muOQ2_zB_5XhWl8N1CTkKhX9_eY9gjwUfYIS76s7HslJgvVMkD9xSkleemZDMOErsTTkfaKPl7x7WpsSOKtkSjmIndH0xIXXJjSxJ0BVu92-vlNWSEaG9RCxaT9R06em1wTDhVd42YYvJ0AtLQV8BfpngOc/s1024/1-100_6833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymBgra4GIyuBrX19RHZvHGS92vf0q_AT_muOQ2_zB_5XhWl8N1CTkKhX9_eY9gjwUfYIS76s7HslJgvVMkD9xSkleemZDMOErsTTkfaKPl7x7WpsSOKtkSjmIndH0xIXXJjSxJ0BVu92-vlNWSEaG9RCxaT9R06em1wTDhVd42YYvJ0AtLQV8BfpngOc/w640-h480/1-100_6833.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I'm not sure just how far along the nest sitting is going for now...I've been too busy with other stuff to keep track of the days that they have actually been staying inside the nest. I'll just be surprised someday when the babies arrive.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKl-bLuCQDZ2OOU01tRiU7qITAADV6zwoKjvRoMo6KE85COFQrrAi-zmWMibVA-3pLPezEgzrvKafjlczTggpb0XpQzuYIwJpi37-aTnnwt8uUkXUOQVefknKqeVyPusdxS1IKDG-VUWRpTE1b1jWeCGuQeYBDzRakSCeuMnpY90MUlsqyqSJLZ0ME2Q0/s1024/1-100_6834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKl-bLuCQDZ2OOU01tRiU7qITAADV6zwoKjvRoMo6KE85COFQrrAi-zmWMibVA-3pLPezEgzrvKafjlczTggpb0XpQzuYIwJpi37-aTnnwt8uUkXUOQVefknKqeVyPusdxS1IKDG-VUWRpTE1b1jWeCGuQeYBDzRakSCeuMnpY90MUlsqyqSJLZ0ME2Q0/w640-h480/1-100_6834.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One morning this week we took a ride up to one of our favorite places to visit, <a href="https://www.lakeswancamp.org/" target="_blank"><b>Lake Swan Camp, </b></a> about 20 miles north of us. We like to go and just look at the lake and take a walk around during the week when we assume there won't be much activity going on. However, we were sure surprised to see THIS:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcxQl9ihrTWbFjkasddP0917HSiRBms7ydIDjqoyXlLgZkIdFkKbTlf2xUw3UDSnXiSSYc8nxjABj05l4N2FMdqKD_8wLua3nbPVnNRX7aaaYEL8-SdT-6ldy-TOK2GrusfMYNz3HD16h_fHwcESbK7-8ZQlAomB1iJhfd8f62K3XnGdhGbYGZEUaujI/s1200/1-100_6821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1200" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcxQl9ihrTWbFjkasddP0917HSiRBms7ydIDjqoyXlLgZkIdFkKbTlf2xUw3UDSnXiSSYc8nxjABj05l4N2FMdqKD_8wLua3nbPVnNRX7aaaYEL8-SdT-6ldy-TOK2GrusfMYNz3HD16h_fHwcESbK7-8ZQlAomB1iJhfd8f62K3XnGdhGbYGZEUaujI/w640-h358/1-100_6821.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From a distance we couldn't tell what was going on, some kind of headless lake creatures gathering for a rather weird and creepy looking meeting? Are they aliens getting ready to attack? LOL. Of course, on closer inspection we realized that these were wetsuits, hanging up to dry. We soon discovered that there was a group of people staying at the camp who were doing some scuba diving training as well as other projects, like helping to build a new porch on one of the buildings, etc. We looked up the name of the group that we saw written on a large bus parked on the campgrounds: <a href="https://alertacademy.com/" target="_blank"><b>International ALERT Academy</b></a> from Big Sandy, TX. It is a Christian academy where they "forge extraordinary men who influence their world for Christ." Scuba Diving and rescue, fire fighting, aviation, missions, discipleship, construction, EMT, and much more are all a part of this nine month course of study and training. We had never heard of this school or program before, and it was quite interesting to learn about this. We just stayed out of their way and didn't hang around because we didn't want to interfere with their program. But it was fascinating!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did manage to take one picture of the lake without involving any of their group.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAy2dSHScvUqtr8lzZ0CDUZEBhyyuyntDWtCC4o1XevB7Ml75tcYGYkh10R4kqCS5bv1946YWh6EAAlAg5YWgpsze5R0KWy22rYY6Odqlm_-Lzr_weHQ-KO2UhTx9QzTesEeL507dG7YCnn4Ev5TVkNp7n4Ib8E7oTvw_W3Z969Mt7DRsGZ2TvUahyphenhyphen6o/s1200/1-100_6820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAy2dSHScvUqtr8lzZ0CDUZEBhyyuyntDWtCC4o1XevB7Ml75tcYGYkh10R4kqCS5bv1946YWh6EAAlAg5YWgpsze5R0KWy22rYY6Odqlm_-Lzr_weHQ-KO2UhTx9QzTesEeL507dG7YCnn4Ev5TVkNp7n4Ib8E7oTvw_W3Z969Mt7DRsGZ2TvUahyphenhyphen6o/w640-h480/1-100_6820.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So now back home and back to what else has been going on the past few days. As many of you know, our son and daughter in law have been involved with a furniture business in one way or the other over the past several years. They owned and operated a furniture and gift store here in our town called "Dixie Cottage" for a while, but sold it last year. However, they continued to put refurbished or custom made furniture in the store for sale as vendors. Recently they have decided to get out of that business altogether, except for their own other business ventures online on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BRCoastalRusticDecor" target="_blank"><b>Etsy</b></a> and through their own "Ben & Rose's Country Woodshop". However, they still had some furniture in the store waiting to be sold, and they needed to get it out by the end of this month (today). Since this particular bedroom dresser and nightstand still had not sold, I kept thinking about it and felt an urge to replace our very old dresser with one that is newer and much easier to "operate". So let me go back in time and share more of what all of this entailed for me to consider such a proposition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the "old dresser" that I've had for forty years. It has quite a history. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELQ5rRb2mPckG7BLvtx2VzSanUrwlodSimjyKOuPd86ezzzN38OU0lF3L6siVHo8iPsnsD0V2tfXA9dwiF3MTM4sIyoRwSd30yHDvJ46EVDXHm97c7n-SIdRGIXXxp6f_86m2-6CxT2EdXD6hwdUMxzzDrQz0CfsyLEeeghCF-gPIFYenShF36Gepvc4/s1200/1-IMG_2832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="924" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELQ5rRb2mPckG7BLvtx2VzSanUrwlodSimjyKOuPd86ezzzN38OU0lF3L6siVHo8iPsnsD0V2tfXA9dwiF3MTM4sIyoRwSd30yHDvJ46EVDXHm97c7n-SIdRGIXXxp6f_86m2-6CxT2EdXD6hwdUMxzzDrQz0CfsyLEeeghCF-gPIFYenShF36Gepvc4/w492-h640/1-IMG_2832.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Inside one of the top drawers is this information, written by my father, probably after my Mother received this dresser from her parents' estate back in the late 1960's. The only thing I would disagree with was the date of 1905. I was of the impression that my grandparents had this dresser when they first got married, which was in 1901. Either way, it is well over 100 years old. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeotlKa_mnwPpVQDlmQdxOdigoNwPZAdDdngFEyPSv4RULyO9Yu_DSWMhoel9eAzGKhhHrFnn_t0TnrSiUD4ymbBh04LaXe2bMLd90oULEh_RIkops08LeauqOGMPthxWXCL3ofPFGJeM3A-UlgmP7BiwySEnGcCt0RZHGNisOGwbOW6wsjAmWHqlE_dY/s1200/1-IMG_9721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1192" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeotlKa_mnwPpVQDlmQdxOdigoNwPZAdDdngFEyPSv4RULyO9Yu_DSWMhoel9eAzGKhhHrFnn_t0TnrSiUD4ymbBh04LaXe2bMLd90oULEh_RIkops08LeauqOGMPthxWXCL3ofPFGJeM3A-UlgmP7BiwySEnGcCt0RZHGNisOGwbOW6wsjAmWHqlE_dY/w636-h640/1-IMG_9721.jpg" width="636" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5YqgSLciZTbsniwAqWn-Kk7MitBdOd1JbC5dkXerC0YajSijy7FvSv5zax81JxN8nLss-TpGnoKojvfUTYQn72bIwcC-Oej2M1Oh3KiFGgcs8ZQ086MtHRv3FGrTjNVY9pcwNrN46dm3SXR67kK1Xxiaevbfu-QjOxfk9zQwHzUtMyw_S49IRKRzRF0/s1200/1-IMG_2843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5YqgSLciZTbsniwAqWn-Kk7MitBdOd1JbC5dkXerC0YajSijy7FvSv5zax81JxN8nLss-TpGnoKojvfUTYQn72bIwcC-Oej2M1Oh3KiFGgcs8ZQ086MtHRv3FGrTjNVY9pcwNrN46dm3SXR67kK1Xxiaevbfu-QjOxfk9zQwHzUtMyw_S49IRKRzRF0/w480-h640/1-IMG_2843.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After my mother got the dresser from her parents' estate, she kept it for a while, but then my brother and his wife needed it, so they took it and kept it for a while. I believe my (then) sister in law actually refinished it. Sadly, my brother and his wife divorced, and he didn't want to keep the dresser, but since it was a family "heirloom" he brought it back home to my parents' home. At that point there was apparently no room in the house for it, so it was put in my father's workshop/garage, where he subsequently started storing parts for his toy train collection and other various miscellaneous tools, and "stuff". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In 1984 our little family was moving to a new home/parsonage, and we needed an extra dresser. So I asked if I could have this dresser, and my parents agreed that I could have it. From that point it traveled with us through many more moves over the next 40 years. It originally had a very large and heavy mirror, but the silver on the back of the mirror was quite old and scratch and you really couldn't see yourself very well in the mirror. Plus the frame was coming apart, and so I believe that mirror just kind of got "left behind" at one of our houses when we moved away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the things that I stored in that dresser was my first real journal. I wrote about that journal <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2012/04/just-what-is-journal-anyway.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE, for one of our "Random Journal Days"</b></a> some time ago. In this particular post I also shared more about my Grandma Tedlie, the grandma who had this dresser for so many years. You might appreciate her more when you read more about her story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's an excerpt from my journal, written not long after I received this dresser:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnnien6jothWq__gAIUliYTSKZnrYqvkwFOfnqvhkIBjncnabqx_ZwQOomkMx6Uj6UFkPlPkS4ISDeAUzMck8-XcL54yR-HsVg7nspzv6Ny_gio5Mv4b7F1Yomu0EZf6zr4g3Cu9k_YUEapBVh6SncVxblluVsKY9_6NsN4sRR9GEI18iDO7yd2_e6dQ/s1200/1-IMG_2861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1200" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnnien6jothWq__gAIUliYTSKZnrYqvkwFOfnqvhkIBjncnabqx_ZwQOomkMx6Uj6UFkPlPkS4ISDeAUzMck8-XcL54yR-HsVg7nspzv6Ny_gio5Mv4b7F1Yomu0EZf6zr4g3Cu9k_YUEapBVh6SncVxblluVsKY9_6NsN4sRR9GEI18iDO7yd2_e6dQ/w640-h436/1-IMG_2861.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcTizCpxzyuHBiIVzbuBJukJPlyMpVCKsGarr63WDKRMWmT-_fOwxjhkioHTedi0n7ltAeD4aR9o4AVXE8cYjZpuojEvE-MpqaZRe05tspw_8MtKpTYOk1H6D_T-JoT9nBYOzi7VWj0i6myZftzDazi2Z-NBTPBo2lalW0R0uPpDRAUwegSByWq3OtvI/s1200/1-IMG_2862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1099" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcTizCpxzyuHBiIVzbuBJukJPlyMpVCKsGarr63WDKRMWmT-_fOwxjhkioHTedi0n7ltAeD4aR9o4AVXE8cYjZpuojEvE-MpqaZRe05tspw_8MtKpTYOk1H6D_T-JoT9nBYOzi7VWj0i6myZftzDazi2Z-NBTPBo2lalW0R0uPpDRAUwegSByWq3OtvI/w586-h640/1-IMG_2862.jpg" width="586" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So with all of this family history and sentimentality connected to this dresser, why would I not want it anymore you may ask? Well, it's not so much that I didn't want it, but it is starting to show its age (after 123 years you'd show your age too!). The two big drawers are so big and heavy that they are very difficult for me to open and close without hurting myself. And there really wasn't any other place in the house where it would fit. So finally, after a LOT of prayer and working through guilt feelings, I made up my mind to "let it go". I told my son that I wanted the dresser that he has for sale (I would pay for it, of course!), and I wanted this old dresser to go to a new home. He and Rose could not take it to their house as they do not have room for it either. So I sent out an emergency message to all of my siblings and nieces/nephews and told them that if anyone was interested in having Grandma Tedlie's 123 year old dresser to let me know asap and make arrangements to come and get it like this weekend! One by one they saw the message, and either responded with their regrets over not having space for it either, or they just didn't respond at all. So with that final step out of the way, I told my son to come and get it and take it to our church thrift store when he delivers the "new dresser" to the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last night I spent the evening cleaning out the drawers and throwing some things away, putting some things in a bag to donate, and then reorganized what was left. (Still way too much stuff!). Then this morning he and Rose came and brought the new dresser and nightstand and took away the old to our church thrift store. I didn't even cry, but I thought for sure that I would. No, it took a lot of <i><b>strength</b></i> for me to finally "let it go", but when I did I felt so much better and am at peace with my decision.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here is the new to me dresser:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjb7gLLk97f4sAE-1c3SMnlqaUBL-GB19yd9C6RjuW3C2gNjm20OJZ7kcmV9Kbf6Dx3zNSmhNWcQ8oYkMHOCqFslpB4d3XtPYUDnrMPHHIlmd_cO2jeYziORwRngNK8hnwQuLAIEQZOicDaBaWiHt1M62aTMNLcLThldJTBjw0vycIYnNFqu3r5bks8uw/s1200/1-IMG_2847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjb7gLLk97f4sAE-1c3SMnlqaUBL-GB19yd9C6RjuW3C2gNjm20OJZ7kcmV9Kbf6Dx3zNSmhNWcQ8oYkMHOCqFslpB4d3XtPYUDnrMPHHIlmd_cO2jeYziORwRngNK8hnwQuLAIEQZOicDaBaWiHt1M62aTMNLcLThldJTBjw0vycIYnNFqu3r5bks8uw/w640-h480/1-IMG_2847.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The drawers all slide so nice and easy and it is not groaning and stiff with age like my 123 year old Grandma's dresser. I have a feeling that Grandma is actually smiling at all of this and congratulating me on making such a difficult decision over something that really shouldn't be such a big deal. It's really only furniture and we can't take it with us...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpEnALdnF5swn9jJxlofHyPSV4dPUBdsDFy-hJD16-7Nb-X9RO9Kd1njOxQUQnaxowgeDaY8Z651hWo6OmKJQjmad_OUVIEYKEVcB0PSUdE07Scmgh7UaO-KvUoMtVwFnGoIJ1y6JP4g59db2MoD9l7YbH13eKPMsIq4cvMKhzKvv2IaB5UsB8kENLrQ/s1200/1-IMG_2848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpEnALdnF5swn9jJxlofHyPSV4dPUBdsDFy-hJD16-7Nb-X9RO9Kd1njOxQUQnaxowgeDaY8Z651hWo6OmKJQjmad_OUVIEYKEVcB0PSUdE07Scmgh7UaO-KvUoMtVwFnGoIJ1y6JP4g59db2MoD9l7YbH13eKPMsIq4cvMKhzKvv2IaB5UsB8kENLrQ/w640-h480/1-IMG_2848.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>OH, and yes, my old journal is in the top left hand drawer, just like before.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusBdVS7EKyGeakZXkpKBmpff8xoWjh1Hvb6M_ZFTb_B7Sol9Iv2NRXxRa2DgAZLv4TMqPerIDHc54jcY3wWWF9lwX6e55kef0kyQHfp2m808UA4CME0LXRMyUZJG9eOn4iuoyMEgTmEZ3UWRlGVF38sRR26TvTNFPxcjNbncUsyViwyKMc8T9vagP7Pk/s1200/1-IMG_2849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusBdVS7EKyGeakZXkpKBmpff8xoWjh1Hvb6M_ZFTb_B7Sol9Iv2NRXxRa2DgAZLv4TMqPerIDHc54jcY3wWWF9lwX6e55kef0kyQHfp2m808UA4CME0LXRMyUZJG9eOn4iuoyMEgTmEZ3UWRlGVF38sRR26TvTNFPxcjNbncUsyViwyKMc8T9vagP7Pk/w640-h480/1-IMG_2849.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some pictures of the "old dresser" on its way out and then at its current resting place until a new owner comes along to claim it:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKumz9Xi0hMGDRg2ctcc167a2nw1JJXIHe00YQSSRNJM8DKnAhU-Raz1tEp07scnBzuwpMAj0poVGXQT6I1GrBf9mI6Vg-u-NW9tSGN_SiVKVLvbfWsDF2ephsf8QTbYoFAtYY5hcSkPhyPiOlMkSPVBAlSdQo9ayf6NSzj3WuXzXnHFxb83yN1EsPhE/s1200/1-IMG_2844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKumz9Xi0hMGDRg2ctcc167a2nw1JJXIHe00YQSSRNJM8DKnAhU-Raz1tEp07scnBzuwpMAj0poVGXQT6I1GrBf9mI6Vg-u-NW9tSGN_SiVKVLvbfWsDF2ephsf8QTbYoFAtYY5hcSkPhyPiOlMkSPVBAlSdQo9ayf6NSzj3WuXzXnHFxb83yN1EsPhE/w640-h480/1-IMG_2844.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsmCtnhKxQUdB1kqT1LM8Lfq4gRL4nSHvFxHB6Px8H-zLPA2LwPErmF6nLzs-UYRXtwRxtO1vEy978gdgqMuNpda36tFrhjffp8ONV1R1YLpswv3edUGjwzkIyV2XQ8TgNjgUiYKrniBfx58gcoFCy9qKqQPvL-bNzsq7ICI6n-263B9QJSqv0RVQjxQ/s1200/1-IMG_2845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsmCtnhKxQUdB1kqT1LM8Lfq4gRL4nSHvFxHB6Px8H-zLPA2LwPErmF6nLzs-UYRXtwRxtO1vEy978gdgqMuNpda36tFrhjffp8ONV1R1YLpswv3edUGjwzkIyV2XQ8TgNjgUiYKrniBfx58gcoFCy9qKqQPvL-bNzsq7ICI6n-263B9QJSqv0RVQjxQ/w640-h480/1-IMG_2845.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is in the garage at our church Thrift Store. I am praying that God will send someone who will love it just like I did and who will treasure it and make new memories with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1f8qnkZXkg_dtbLFjjGn4xmG8rLAm1Jz8bOfTJzHD28BSOrUPAAItDj1vSYLvWAwUphk2fiJglX5aI2pH-fuJYJzyqduh1mCLlaV-fTx4CVHb-EGZyJm9e5hjMfTZ0KnMVQ4wo-eI_hSAKM5W-VjokMVrcOWyZYlTh0nl7OL99QRNAHnb6Y6wJYQLcI/s1200/1-IMG_9723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1f8qnkZXkg_dtbLFjjGn4xmG8rLAm1Jz8bOfTJzHD28BSOrUPAAItDj1vSYLvWAwUphk2fiJglX5aI2pH-fuJYJzyqduh1mCLlaV-fTx4CVHb-EGZyJm9e5hjMfTZ0KnMVQ4wo-eI_hSAKM5W-VjokMVrcOWyZYlTh0nl7OL99QRNAHnb6Y6wJYQLcI/w640-h480/1-IMG_9723.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tonight, as a way of celebrating this "event" and also thanking our kids for their help with this today, we took them out to eat at Cedar River Seafood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDTII5pmlf7tISHz7R0ndHIVY8pmrGOCYBdNARo6Nv5H8-n6guQLqFxU_FSVq9K5HYyOfqZVxcG9RufGHmFHSyQCW6tEhGPfZol2kQc1Y9UapruPEJhktT9VQPMaplgk_fT5QvBa6pnZEXaqSdBhoe4Rj1Pzb0aWwTQXsAydy-Eeyk4YB8SUKTAY1X6U/s1200/1-IMG_2852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDTII5pmlf7tISHz7R0ndHIVY8pmrGOCYBdNARo6Nv5H8-n6guQLqFxU_FSVq9K5HYyOfqZVxcG9RufGHmFHSyQCW6tEhGPfZol2kQc1Y9UapruPEJhktT9VQPMaplgk_fT5QvBa6pnZEXaqSdBhoe4Rj1Pzb0aWwTQXsAydy-Eeyk4YB8SUKTAY1X6U/w640-h480/1-IMG_2852.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Rose and I had fun figuring out the puzzles and riddles on the back of the placemat while we waited for our dinner:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0_RIxeYeGgmD5w5bGri6nmPrCHuVdDOiFQY5gLG8wk1D84dbA_CQJEBmKK_qjR8PjYdV1IIgrksfrFqLii8m0UFOvyv_za6c4XSmLGhz2MbDiR8bRAfKcFJQaATLYoqi5b-GKKzbfeQvjCRZpiGzn3EVNP4UbLkEBo3n8p5sb1I-TKVt71IgeQY0QVk/s1200/1-IMG_2851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0_RIxeYeGgmD5w5bGri6nmPrCHuVdDOiFQY5gLG8wk1D84dbA_CQJEBmKK_qjR8PjYdV1IIgrksfrFqLii8m0UFOvyv_za6c4XSmLGhz2MbDiR8bRAfKcFJQaATLYoqi5b-GKKzbfeQvjCRZpiGzn3EVNP4UbLkEBo3n8p5sb1I-TKVt71IgeQY0QVk/w640-h480/1-IMG_2851.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, here's Benton and Rose now...two very hard working and sweet kids that we greatly love and appreciate!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SBYrv5E6SAmuaQMrCzciEVCb23W-mEJY3YfQDzN8BiOBe9viiaNcnt3Vb5lFUer4Teszl1vWBRWmeN6gUEUJ4ILd-aPM-Ng8nAphA49bP0TDbWi3BQfbdc6qNDl9rsmMOdTs12NtuePMNjzvNtnlI3vteerC420fJUqKF7lMNkYF6-b04_boUZmJp5s/s1200/1-IMG_2853%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SBYrv5E6SAmuaQMrCzciEVCb23W-mEJY3YfQDzN8BiOBe9viiaNcnt3Vb5lFUer4Teszl1vWBRWmeN6gUEUJ4ILd-aPM-Ng8nAphA49bP0TDbWi3BQfbdc6qNDl9rsmMOdTs12NtuePMNjzvNtnlI3vteerC420fJUqKF7lMNkYF6-b04_boUZmJp5s/w640-h480/1-IMG_2853%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>And here' s me and hubby, trying to take a selfie, but somehow we didn't quite get our eyes in the right places...LOL. But we were having a good time and it felt good to get out with the kids and relax after a long day filled with a lot of hard work and some anxiety on my part.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIGsDNaWH0coVVtOEhVySbwLCB9b6kYqtBWrmLjiFRKxzdnsZuZiWG94W5X1lphYQLLrQOIKzKV-5CD5HUKvyTK0_juzR_Y52aUSbCU64Jo5XhG0GWn1E6Jkzzn2xYjAkD5G4OQzGpK64eU6XiM783NGkvMVG76XdmwdWr4B8UAsabTt8Sc-VIIsyvL8/s1200/1-IMG_2854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1200" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIGsDNaWH0coVVtOEhVySbwLCB9b6kYqtBWrmLjiFRKxzdnsZuZiWG94W5X1lphYQLLrQOIKzKV-5CD5HUKvyTK0_juzR_Y52aUSbCU64Jo5XhG0GWn1E6Jkzzn2xYjAkD5G4OQzGpK64eU6XiM783NGkvMVG76XdmwdWr4B8UAsabTt8Sc-VIIsyvL8/w640-h482/1-IMG_2854.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>In closing for tonight I thought I should look at my devotional book for today's reading...Hey! It's Leap Day!!! This only happens once every 4 years, so this is a very significant day! And would you please read what this devotional and scripture reading says for today:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uJRVzernxjNJSyelqzae_yq0baBs8WIIOM_VPKt7gu9CJrDowXY-YgBkB6dMZhFxWPm_xLELN1h9xr8Atafav1xi98XZdn-jtKk5G8XTBruSdpvbJNJsSNrLtIK1WoyFpRn7amZQz-Lays-e7M9MHAhyycigm0XkkzC2-ACMWCTlkpZO4ORtqr9k8xE/s1200/1-IMG_2864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="878" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uJRVzernxjNJSyelqzae_yq0baBs8WIIOM_VPKt7gu9CJrDowXY-YgBkB6dMZhFxWPm_xLELN1h9xr8Atafav1xi98XZdn-jtKk5G8XTBruSdpvbJNJsSNrLtIK1WoyFpRn7amZQz-Lays-e7M9MHAhyycigm0XkkzC2-ACMWCTlkpZO4ORtqr9k8xE/w468-h640/1-IMG_2864.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh my goodness! I promise you I did NOT look at this until just now! What an appropriate message for what I have been going through in this past couple of days. Trust me, I wanted to figure out a way to keep the old dresser and have the new one too...but it was as if God was trying to help me learn about "letting go" and "letting God" guide me into giving up something that even though it was wonderful and sentimental and special, it was starting to cause me pain not only physically but emotionally. Letting go of this world and all its attachments is not easy for any of us, but the day will come when we will leave this world behind and all of those "attachments", and God will give us something so much greater on that day...a new home, new peace, and joy for eternity in His Presence. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">2 Corinthians 5:17</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And with those thoughts still swirling around in my mind, I will bid you good night dear friends! <br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-76869969027098101102024-02-27T11:19:00.002-05:002024-02-27T11:19:21.997-05:00Tuesday 4 The Music of Home<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTzgte43oDfc40gz-Ondvxp67JdBwqqzCTQ16bkx3fTJFNB_i9vTLOyAULaPx6dSIEWxtK2xvfEDs_CPImi4oapJbLurjXBlpEwZkswWtZYFoiUzhwkHtgJ21HGEpOACCGPzLXlhTmZ0zcXg0CIxtWFR5nokWaZ26sQ3vrG0Xge-UPuXP_-h0/s754/the%20music%20of%20home.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTzgte43oDfc40gz-Ondvxp67JdBwqqzCTQ16bkx3fTJFNB_i9vTLOyAULaPx6dSIEWxtK2xvfEDs_CPImi4oapJbLurjXBlpEwZkswWtZYFoiUzhwkHtgJ21HGEpOACCGPzLXlhTmZ0zcXg0CIxtWFR5nokWaZ26sQ3vrG0Xge-UPuXP_-h0/w357-h486/the%20music%20of%20home.png" /></a></div><p> <b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Music of Home</i></span></b></p><b><br />Hello again! You are very welcome here at Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.<br />From the play Greenwillow comes the song The Music of Home:<br /><br />Tis the music of home<br />The music of home<br />Full of wonder as angel song<br />All the music of home<br />Thе music of home<br />Singing, "Home is wherе I<br />Belong"<br /><br />There is a music to home.. let's talk about the music in your home.</b><div><b><br />1. Was home always your safe place? Or did it leave a lot to be desired? What would improve the music in your home today?</b></div><div>Yes, the home I grew up in was a safe place. I am very thankful for the home and parents God gave me. </div><div>What would improve the music in my home today? Hmmm, well, I am not really sure how to answer this...my hubby and I are both very musical in our minds and hearts. We don't play instruments, but we love to sing. My hubby tends to always be humming some kind of tune, many of which he actually creates. I wish that I had kept a tape recorder going throughout our life together, because he often comes up to me and says, "Listen to this song that I just made up". Sometimes he gets me in on it by teaching me the harmony while he hums the melody that he just created. Sadly, they've never been recorded or written down, and so they are all long gone by the next day, or even the next hour. But to have music constantly flowing in one's heart and mind is a lovely thing, don't you think? I am not creative like he is, but I do get a lot of music "stuck in my head" throughout the day and often find myself singing tunes we are practicing in the choir at church, or something I might have heard on the TV or radio. However, we really don't listen to the radio much anymore. I find it too distracting to the real music that is all around us. I don't think I answered the question about what would improve the music in my home today...</div><div><br /><b>2.Do you like coming home at the end of a day? How about when you were a kid?</b></div><div>Oh, yes, "there's no place like home." When I was still working I couldn't wait to get home every day, even if it did mean I would have to get to work cooking and/or cleaning and taking care of the house and family, but still, it was home and there's no other place I'd rather be. When I was a child I also loved coming home. After school I could be free for a while to run outside and play or stay inside and play...however, of course there were always "chores" and homework to take care of, but still, I was at home and happy to be there.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. What is the music of your home? How would you describe life in your home growing up.. in the middle of your life and right now? Is there a song that might fit your home?</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQSCfWtAphEJlGBud4mCBIq4v54xaQm9QiXgphr7jWaHCsQP42AUicaYoPIbXJXGurgDeyj5NmMalknhD5GBOV4BGUVfxf5yMfV6sQFluQx_5goGXd2UIgk0dshU6r1SK2p8d1fVWjgJkadts_AtqVqrJ40VhJA2a50NS309JIcDN8S4opbM9E6IpEA0/s976/IMG_7414.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="976" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQSCfWtAphEJlGBud4mCBIq4v54xaQm9QiXgphr7jWaHCsQP42AUicaYoPIbXJXGurgDeyj5NmMalknhD5GBOV4BGUVfxf5yMfV6sQFluQx_5goGXd2UIgk0dshU6r1SK2p8d1fVWjgJkadts_AtqVqrJ40VhJA2a50NS309JIcDN8S4opbM9E6IpEA0/w640-h634/IMG_7414.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Picture above: At my family home with my family. If you notice the clock on the mantel behind me (in the middle), that clock was the backdrop of "music" every hour in our home. No, it didn't play the Westminster Chimes or anything else so melodic. It basically just sounded out the number of hours in a most loud and awakening way...especially during the night, but it was a sound of home. I miss that old clock today, but thankfully my niece Sandy in North Carolina has it at her home and she treasures it. Some time ago she sent me this video of the clock chiming at 3:00! I'm glad I found this to share with you today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwC4KMQMyf8MfKugW1uzDX6QdsOA6gGTBbEdL8TbMc8t1PUr1p7rcmrVU4-nUbFcH_L7UT1R8_sPlH2-2_Gtw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>To describe my home growing up, I would have to say that it was a pleasant place to live. Even though we didn't play musical instruments, well, I take that back...my parents bought an electronic organ when they retired and they enjoyed playing it...as did all of the grandkids:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfCkG_U_ETOtorn7tkN8I6JldBIwjRU5yOH-6xM07FCI2agOFDK9DPveRur-DbMJhRdetZYzuxXFijmQXfFMlIbnD-htpSI6f6-jVrZE9QvjQEKbjdASkil0Ryc3ZTJY_KlrJg3DQj7XQuC6WdILLZX6MF81O3BAlNJZ5aV6B16YQpNBNinON3PIrGuw/s797/Scott%20on%20organ%20at%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="797" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfCkG_U_ETOtorn7tkN8I6JldBIwjRU5yOH-6xM07FCI2agOFDK9DPveRur-DbMJhRdetZYzuxXFijmQXfFMlIbnD-htpSI6f6-jVrZE9QvjQEKbjdASkil0Ryc3ZTJY_KlrJg3DQj7XQuC6WdILLZX6MF81O3BAlNJZ5aV6B16YQpNBNinON3PIrGuw/w640-h568/Scott%20on%20organ%20at%2010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our son Scott playing the organ at Grandma and Grandpa's house</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9U2BcHcP1x6Et_3gaY3bZxj7AgQ0rn7HIaLWtvoBCfHVE7qO6yc053kkCNrn-U7hA3oiDbJokaInHVS7iHFUJXMrzHg2Mh7F1qiWLR4bvGgpM9A8BhxHCYbmdVa_wN6uW4nIgxmwtvLaeAzc6c8evCMVrkdIaHULc3J1FNLae5EvHCLgU917c9q7Rxx4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9U2BcHcP1x6Et_3gaY3bZxj7AgQ0rn7HIaLWtvoBCfHVE7qO6yc053kkCNrn-U7hA3oiDbJokaInHVS7iHFUJXMrzHg2Mh7F1qiWLR4bvGgpM9A8BhxHCYbmdVa_wN6uW4nIgxmwtvLaeAzc6c8evCMVrkdIaHULc3J1FNLae5EvHCLgU917c9q7Rxx4=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And playing it again later, when we were packed up and moving, hence all the boxes in the background...he still plays it today. It is in his bedroom here, and that is the first place he goes when he comes home to play music that he makes up as he plays. It's actually very good, and again, I wish it was recorded.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back to my original home, our family did love to sing...well, at least my parents and my sister and I did. My brothers weren't really into singing, except on Christmas morning when we lined up by age, (me as the youngest got to go first!) in the hallway and had to sing Jingle Bells before we could enter the living room to open gifts...but anyway, my parents both sang in the church choir and my daddy also sang in a Barbershop Quartet and chorus. My sister and I both sing in our church choirs to this day. At our home it was a requirement to watch "Lawrence Welk" on Saturday nights. LOL. Oh, and my mother did take violin lessons and really wanted to be a violinist, but she never really progressed very far in that desire, except for a recital or two. My dad loved music and had quite a large record collection, which he enjoyed playing until he was too old to manage it by himself. Then we watched a lot of "Gaither Homecoming" programs together up until his very last days. He loved gospel music. So yes, music was a big part of my home growing up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I said earlier, my hubby and I both enjoy singing and used to do a lot of solos and duets in church during our younger days. Now I still sing in the choir, and hubby and I still do an occasional duet. I wrote about the first day we met <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2020/02/getting-to-know-you.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE a few years ago</b></a>, when we sang the song "Getting to Know You" to each other. We discovered then that we both loved music and it seemed to set the tone for our whole life together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A song that might fit our home is "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine"...Most people know the chorus as "This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior, all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior, all the day long." This little magnet on our refrigerator reminds me of that song every day:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVhp6KOdQd2zydjbkzwnQ8IdJH8R4WY1rVIyBsvH4xAkbcmUdDQAsr3pU3KpSDRhVFpc4dp4bDaTm01PyaMmjUWWQvW4uFQYjPIhycKSBM_olW7C-XV6tRI8KrLxkqea9mmGjNyV4N_cKhdWCaJ7GXgso-2NRJtOvL6zRNLRn6w-NI7WR-KIeBhKEDYA/s1200/1-IMG_2827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1167" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVhp6KOdQd2zydjbkzwnQ8IdJH8R4WY1rVIyBsvH4xAkbcmUdDQAsr3pU3KpSDRhVFpc4dp4bDaTm01PyaMmjUWWQvW4uFQYjPIhycKSBM_olW7C-XV6tRI8KrLxkqea9mmGjNyV4N_cKhdWCaJ7GXgso-2NRJtOvL6zRNLRn6w-NI7WR-KIeBhKEDYA/w622-h640/1-IMG_2827.jpg" width="622" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPdKuGz-q17TtJvRtv2GB06eq16Xv0b5kvFGtVYHUuOytZYYUwTFsUZ2pTYcXbMZ2LS_syiLWCs0u3PplBs7MhWD51QEqRZ7C_adAZXeCWWnjzWsyjV41QFBAvyDhOVM6XPixYvZFCNXqpOXCIBvJMqjKoPfFgkkrh7N2zZ8U-0VI0gOe04xA0CqPP74I" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="928" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPdKuGz-q17TtJvRtv2GB06eq16Xv0b5kvFGtVYHUuOytZYYUwTFsUZ2pTYcXbMZ2LS_syiLWCs0u3PplBs7MhWD51QEqRZ7C_adAZXeCWWnjzWsyjV41QFBAvyDhOVM6XPixYvZFCNXqpOXCIBvJMqjKoPfFgkkrh7N2zZ8U-0VI0gOe04xA0CqPP74I=w496-h640" width="496" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite t-shirt speaks to this theme: "The earth has music for those who listen"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><b>4. Like a symphony, home has it's ups and downs as the picture to the side illustrates. What are your homes best ups and worst downs?( stories of happy times, busted water heaters, goofy things that have happened, etc) </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I loved that picture at the beginning of the woman locked outside her front door in her nightgown, with the newspaper and milk, calling to someone to come and open the door for her! I can well imagine such a crazy thing happening. As far as stories of goofy things, happy times, etc., gosh, where do I begin? I may not be able to answer this in one post, there's been so many. Instead of trying to answer this, I will just post a link to one funny story that I wrote about many years ago <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2010/06/alarms-sirens-whistles-bells-and-things.html" target="_blank">HERE, entitled "alarms-sirens-whistles-bells-and-thing</a>s <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><u>that go bump in the night." </u> </span>That's the best I can do without writing another whole book! LOL. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, all homes do have their ups and downs, and I can attest to the fact that we have had our share of them, some funny and many not so funny. But through it all God has been with us, walking beside us, before us, and often times carrying us. Since this is about music, here is a great song to sum it all up: Through it All, by Andre Crouch, sung here by CeCe Wynans and Andre Crouch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mNbspjDX4IY" width="320" youtube-src-id="mNbspjDX4IY"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can join in with Tuesday 4 <a href="https://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-music-of-home.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></div><br />Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-70796048314173479592024-02-25T18:00:00.001-05:002024-02-25T18:10:28.523-05:00It's A Special Day<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today, February 25, 2024, would be our son Matthew's 51st birthday! That in itself doesn't seem possible, but the fact that he has been celebrating his birthdays in heaven ever since he arrived there in May of 2014 means that this is his 9th birthday spent in heaven. When I try to wrap my brain around that I really can't. So I don't actually dwell on the number of years since he left this world for his eternal home. In some ways it seems like it's been forever, and in other ways it seems like he was just here with us yesterday. Time is relevant...or is it irrelevant? I'm not sure, but all I know is every year that goes by puts us another year closer to being reunited with him in heaven, so from that stand point, let the years fly by! This world is not our final home and we are just passing through. The sooner we can reach heaven's shores the better off we will all be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiES9WRAzBytJVBwFWIbDF0qlbDuK02VClnvdaECVDknvHA5DUBk-BmKKdmElsAmwQAtKEYjWMyGwb8PzzYeom7sgRQS18jlsPoeVAOXacdTKdHmlQJ_h4qDYwN-ALVExByzl05qW9M18rLLyXQ_G7T61Q48YcyFXYbLebb5KRzJdnAfS-XHau6AiunJLs/s960/Matthew%20beside%20lighthouse.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiES9WRAzBytJVBwFWIbDF0qlbDuK02VClnvdaECVDknvHA5DUBk-BmKKdmElsAmwQAtKEYjWMyGwb8PzzYeom7sgRQS18jlsPoeVAOXacdTKdHmlQJ_h4qDYwN-ALVExByzl05qW9M18rLLyXQ_G7T61Q48YcyFXYbLebb5KRzJdnAfS-XHau6AiunJLs/w640-h480/Matthew%20beside%20lighthouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> So in the meantime we do things to pass the time and to also mark the day in some way so that we can focus our attention on his life. We don't always talk about him, because I think in some ways that is like peeling off a scab that has finally started to heal. It stirs up emotions that we find difficult to contain, so we just try to do something positive and pleasant and family oriented to mark the day. <p></p><p>Therefore, today, after church the "kids" all came home to our house for Sunday dinner. Scott came down from his place and Benton and Rose and the grandpups came over. I don't always cook a big "dinner" on Sundays anymore due to the fact that we have to leave the house by 8 a.m. for Sunday School and then church, so there's not much time to prepare anything. But today I wanted to do something a little more special than sandwiches, and we didn't want to go out to eat. I had a pork tenderloin ready to roast, and the nice thing about that is they only take about a half hour to cook in the oven at 425 degrees. So that is pretty easy to do after church and still eat at a reasonable time. I did go ahead and peel and cut up the potatoes and put them in water before we left for church so they would be ready to cook as soon as we got home so we could have mashed potatoes. I also prepared fresh carrots and broccoli, and had it ready to start cooking as soon as everything else was cooking. I actually par-steamed the carrots in the morning since they take a little while longer than the broccoli to steam cook. I don't like overcooked broccoli. When we got home from church I put together a tossed salad while we waited for everything else to cook. We sat down to eat by 12:30. (we get out of church around 11:20). We also had a homemade chocolate pie to eat for dessert that I made yesterday. (with a little help from Marie Callender's frozen pie crust!) Our sweet DIL Rose had to work some long hours yesterday so I didn't want to ask her to help with anything. But everyone pitched in to help get things on the table and then clean up afterwards so we could do some other special projects after dinner. (I'm calling it "dinner" because it was more substantial than what we normally do for "lunch"...does that make sense?) Believe it or not I didn't take any pictures of our delicious meal. Just try to imagine it. LOL.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpQhe9z65HpxG2aQqaUX1eCRWHBqyDO7ol9UFWB9JULhVNux9mAq3i_9YF6DD6GtobDdPrVpWVBIOfNE5Wdf2D2DnvuIO7sFdzKvr-SmuFxDlVkbtgYBGkRLzmX00qIP9ujjS9HJCkykuDIr6TQaHFPJTTo-HjVovaSHPJ4y2BVgaTaugGMNiWTgoN34/s1200/1-100_6802.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpQhe9z65HpxG2aQqaUX1eCRWHBqyDO7ol9UFWB9JULhVNux9mAq3i_9YF6DD6GtobDdPrVpWVBIOfNE5Wdf2D2DnvuIO7sFdzKvr-SmuFxDlVkbtgYBGkRLzmX00qIP9ujjS9HJCkykuDIr6TQaHFPJTTo-HjVovaSHPJ4y2BVgaTaugGMNiWTgoN34/w640-h480/1-100_6802.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSymnJxUoQWWbXEBbtBYMhD_ONhxqqTS_DhYlo1NRQjGfKc1cxcCYJh8SrBHyBU1qACx1ME9LMs6hdSjQSl03YoH-vTlb6jarlCCx5eZvOdWeQFotso-lJHWo7GZQAM9Pn2aTA_xkSzHN_wfyoqMthAFLtLj_AQm0iT0PTeb0agWcEqWgZx-G6Fj-4WQ/s1200/1-100_6803.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSymnJxUoQWWbXEBbtBYMhD_ONhxqqTS_DhYlo1NRQjGfKc1cxcCYJh8SrBHyBU1qACx1ME9LMs6hdSjQSl03YoH-vTlb6jarlCCx5eZvOdWeQFotso-lJHWo7GZQAM9Pn2aTA_xkSzHN_wfyoqMthAFLtLj_AQm0iT0PTeb0agWcEqWgZx-G6Fj-4WQ/w640-h480/1-100_6803.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">So after all of that we went outside to do our "special projects". I recently purchased some plants to put in our butterfly garden and hadn't planted them yet. Then on Friday I found a beautiful rose bush and decided that would be a lovely addition to the garden, and that would be our "memorial plant" in memory of Matthew. It isn't going into the "Memorial Garden" per se, because that area is too shady and I've found that roses and other plants just don't really grow very well there. The wonderful rose bush that had produced so many beautiful blooms over the past almost 10 years finally seems to have given up. It made me very sad to have that happen, but I think it is because of where it was planted, so I wanted this new rose bush to get more sunshine.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;">Below is a previous picture of a blossom from the "old rose bush", or "the Memorial Rose Bush" that we have had ever since Matthew passed away. It was originally planted in the first Memorial Garden at our old home in Salt Springs, and then we brought it with us when we moved here almost 5 years ago, and until this past year it has always bloomed on special days. I have cut the stems back and it is starting to show some signs of new growth, but I still wanted to have a "back up" rose bush.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaFX0euqQts7URDMDK93YJ1y_nh28WVTpM_KibtaZwdiWAGHHNVucoeI1yPhWTGMdR3u6s3FUVPLhccA5sl3g6zjMm4V2kbKeHjfeN7PLDDcNJY8d1dUpOUVve087Jb_slrZVoHonrAU4wXaFTnN0mT-d7-83pqU6cIjTDQdu1p3DO5adkHvGVBMk89w/s1200/1-IMG_4271.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaFX0euqQts7URDMDK93YJ1y_nh28WVTpM_KibtaZwdiWAGHHNVucoeI1yPhWTGMdR3u6s3FUVPLhccA5sl3g6zjMm4V2kbKeHjfeN7PLDDcNJY8d1dUpOUVve087Jb_slrZVoHonrAU4wXaFTnN0mT-d7-83pqU6cIjTDQdu1p3DO5adkHvGVBMk89w/w640-h480/1-IMG_4271.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;">So today the "boys" helped us plant the new rose bush along with the other new plants in the Butterfly garden.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Kcquu7CNY2V7lMHuiPwYq4X59UapP7KcqF_en5W__pGJ0y2pRYBJTRBRbN2VLOtvCS0TEnh8kQUkX4Xu-F1QGwhn5CJIk7BHGKQwGwAg1lZnREQ-VBzclKHGexqQotYo6W11Mc12aTmff4zK61CvYtmy0NyqUXQlzLnBjUblOafU1jYGxRzOaq1PRp4/s1200/1-IMG_2811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1200" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Kcquu7CNY2V7lMHuiPwYq4X59UapP7KcqF_en5W__pGJ0y2pRYBJTRBRbN2VLOtvCS0TEnh8kQUkX4Xu-F1QGwhn5CJIk7BHGKQwGwAg1lZnREQ-VBzclKHGexqQotYo6W11Mc12aTmff4zK61CvYtmy0NyqUXQlzLnBjUblOafU1jYGxRzOaq1PRp4/w640-h526/1-IMG_2811.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here "Daddy" is showing the boys where to put it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7Sw_Vc0gjuzFWqDEv4yL3rpV04MXtRtokbteN5BYK6z30KTNYYHenOoPzR8GPmfsL19j4vd7oEZpOh_U8PO_tRa5r68j0j5x1QaRz4EkYITUQUZeoANbxNG58OzVYqWtcZWg74rfRXLUddwLerrqvTVriy8X-VfsTSrdJsJRn7p3YYjgBmQa9IjBbzQ/s1200/1-IMG_2812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7Sw_Vc0gjuzFWqDEv4yL3rpV04MXtRtokbteN5BYK6z30KTNYYHenOoPzR8GPmfsL19j4vd7oEZpOh_U8PO_tRa5r68j0j5x1QaRz4EkYITUQUZeoANbxNG58OzVYqWtcZWg74rfRXLUddwLerrqvTVriy8X-VfsTSrdJsJRn7p3YYjgBmQa9IjBbzQ/w640-h480/1-IMG_2812.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Scott and Benton did the digging and planting and watering<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Sg_ZSi_DfQsMbgAxDo7r7lCwRxXRW28KNDMjgIq5cYPclPkjgH5ZjEI4-7VcisSkD2_OkFvhJaFjJs84YW80ki1FM_lToqZ8feI52amYQbphl2bC_VU91U9PL_j4z6DdVy02cUJKfULQ9Ugfnm01lxy7qtPJNM_xFc-UZJfdAJ0sFlNu33na3R1jFjc/s1200/1-IMG_2813.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Sg_ZSi_DfQsMbgAxDo7r7lCwRxXRW28KNDMjgIq5cYPclPkjgH5ZjEI4-7VcisSkD2_OkFvhJaFjJs84YW80ki1FM_lToqZ8feI52amYQbphl2bC_VU91U9PL_j4z6DdVy02cUJKfULQ9Ugfnm01lxy7qtPJNM_xFc-UZJfdAJ0sFlNu33na3R1jFjc/w640-h480/1-IMG_2813.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarhSmEeYzYuGP5FcxqjzQ2tL9r9zRP3eYnQnUCzlWuOW9lZFyP9XGovqUd80BRAvzhc7u_LLmBlYrg2zmip5JHPB2f31UY8f1bL5E9mZAL0VwGfl8OJYC7RX09W3yJ9HaClkiXiEdkX_o2IaS-GAO5GE8IT-PuSPsOPYYQpJom2ZJFjTfH3St3ene5Yg/s1200/1-IMG_2814.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarhSmEeYzYuGP5FcxqjzQ2tL9r9zRP3eYnQnUCzlWuOW9lZFyP9XGovqUd80BRAvzhc7u_LLmBlYrg2zmip5JHPB2f31UY8f1bL5E9mZAL0VwGfl8OJYC7RX09W3yJ9HaClkiXiEdkX_o2IaS-GAO5GE8IT-PuSPsOPYYQpJom2ZJFjTfH3St3ene5Yg/w640-h480/1-IMG_2814.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">And here it is all planted. I wanted it where I can see it from inside the house and enjoy it's lovely flowers. Now let's pray it grows and thrives here!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDySVMbP2O13NhPLSx5gKhr1H0WpO5knRq7vOfzO6gL3Lx_ePMQGRlDS4-jIHBFkQ2DQOea3Fice9swAu6aH7c5LcxVyZ-CL4XYsWb-FZES08X3Km4PhsuaATxnBpZsfVaiyWFVfkixEjFOJSrE5xvG6FT61kS5hgcZv9YKE2yzMCynM6cyau-GLLqSo/s1200/1-IMG_2815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDySVMbP2O13NhPLSx5gKhr1H0WpO5knRq7vOfzO6gL3Lx_ePMQGRlDS4-jIHBFkQ2DQOea3Fice9swAu6aH7c5LcxVyZ-CL4XYsWb-FZES08X3Km4PhsuaATxnBpZsfVaiyWFVfkixEjFOJSrE5xvG6FT61kS5hgcZv9YKE2yzMCynM6cyau-GLLqSo/w480-h640/1-IMG_2815.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After this project was done we had a few other little jobs that the boys could help us with, like finding the big tote filled with the spring/Easter decorations in the shed and bringing that into the house for me. It was under a stack of a lot of other heavy totes and other items and hubby and I just could not manage it alone. I also found my Valentine's Decorations that I couldn't get to in time for Valentine's Day so I had to pick up a few new things at the Dollar Tree this year. Hopefully next year I will be able to find everything and not have to buy anything else! LOL. Anyway, now I have my work cut out for me to get the spring decorations under way this next week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After all that work we all came back inside and relaxed for awhile before the "kids" had to head back home. Sugar and Spice were especially worn out from all the excitement and activity:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Jj0mUqpfoUANfdX7EeiBJl1gJja-vzT9ijPc74Y0z_4wTMNuY_BtamoexsnOE6KSyBJJzUmg0-DxFb5-83GogUXWrO_lm9T1a2paha9GV-Il_xjnrmS4Fn-V5JKun2z7t27P7sXPDh1oHuB3ZicauZnN3vguXaXic3PvgpCl68ICSVr3kTd5uBin23E/s1200/1-IMG_2817%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Jj0mUqpfoUANfdX7EeiBJl1gJja-vzT9ijPc74Y0z_4wTMNuY_BtamoexsnOE6KSyBJJzUmg0-DxFb5-83GogUXWrO_lm9T1a2paha9GV-Il_xjnrmS4Fn-V5JKun2z7t27P7sXPDh1oHuB3ZicauZnN3vguXaXic3PvgpCl68ICSVr3kTd5uBin23E/w480-h640/1-IMG_2817%20(1).jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh to be able to sleep like a Puppy again! (of course they aren't really "puppies" anymore, but don't tell them that. LOL)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VhSHsAErgp1TehhcxIDXGv17iyB_WJZkgFIjaoE6Ev1vqhhQYyUKKvr5ixk11OaBGDFwX8cwirO6Z1hbNHCCOO-awXubaHnYqmBynfb-ZS8pW6St_tAQvL_fMDpQpsLca4czw98neeTXdvQ9DOUooo5ptQXTxDM2U5s9zX70VN1XrsmykizQsVenEpw/s1200/1-IMG_2818.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VhSHsAErgp1TehhcxIDXGv17iyB_WJZkgFIjaoE6Ev1vqhhQYyUKKvr5ixk11OaBGDFwX8cwirO6Z1hbNHCCOO-awXubaHnYqmBynfb-ZS8pW6St_tAQvL_fMDpQpsLca4czw98neeTXdvQ9DOUooo5ptQXTxDM2U5s9zX70VN1XrsmykizQsVenEpw/w480-h640/1-IMG_2818.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All in all it was a fitting and special way to honor the memory of our dear son Matthew. He would have enjoyed the day and being with his brothers and family doing projects together. Someday we'll all be together again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was the last time we were all together, for Matthew's 41st birthday. He passed away exactly 3 months later after a 4 year battle with cancer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlY89jaBJ67UjJz9ECz2LnFOkorbDl5xe265cGQ6sD00ugOEPTPrN5JyHXBfqzkA49IBgfEFFTqEvwYajqTDrZc0XdZPz5EM30dje0KOUuKlYju58V8sOhT4-VvN4fMV3QIQIpLoA_PSRDkNWP-rZpQh6AbjvntVgwfc2LTUmFzhOehBkWgEF_srt4xME/s800/1-100_8695.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="800" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlY89jaBJ67UjJz9ECz2LnFOkorbDl5xe265cGQ6sD00ugOEPTPrN5JyHXBfqzkA49IBgfEFFTqEvwYajqTDrZc0XdZPz5EM30dje0KOUuKlYju58V8sOhT4-VvN4fMV3QIQIpLoA_PSRDkNWP-rZpQh6AbjvntVgwfc2LTUmFzhOehBkWgEF_srt4xME/w640-h414/1-100_8695.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>L to R: Daddy, Benton, Noah (our grandson and Matthew's son), Matthew, and Scott<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGlXJEdmZ97ZezYDScExf9c4JlN0xsghDZcpxKsNm0COSRqcR9FpnexrZp0SFI5e1t4vexEtAbbmSLFNxrhoc5b041zMuJ4Gx5pQ2EDU6c7HzEDHUv9IK5FLRE91YgGO078Y7pj34cH7qMoUW2PYPfgtCs8qT8fkK52iNGJWNO6QbSB3U-AWDKevKdCU/s800/1-100_8697%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="800" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGlXJEdmZ97ZezYDScExf9c4JlN0xsghDZcpxKsNm0COSRqcR9FpnexrZp0SFI5e1t4vexEtAbbmSLFNxrhoc5b041zMuJ4Gx5pQ2EDU6c7HzEDHUv9IK5FLRE91YgGO078Y7pj34cH7qMoUW2PYPfgtCs8qT8fkK52iNGJWNO6QbSB3U-AWDKevKdCU/w640-h456/1-100_8697%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And again, l to r: Matt's wife Nicole, me, Benton, Noah, Matthew and Scott</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4hxkbQDEJPz6NHGTyqHZDAgEKpsi6Gt18Jb4wEmdE0ED7-b8CJFci7k4gtEVum9C-JRUH1_QgHm8z5DM68H2dIujqOS4LSGJATsAPQqY736xjUWkLn3J1aylqtIr8gTH0qZ8dhfBLfKhrK0ULXwzV_Wch6bhCBlPhNsjCj4UQ30SjR3tEJ2WlhV3pYs/s800/1-100_8784.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4hxkbQDEJPz6NHGTyqHZDAgEKpsi6Gt18Jb4wEmdE0ED7-b8CJFci7k4gtEVum9C-JRUH1_QgHm8z5DM68H2dIujqOS4LSGJATsAPQqY736xjUWkLn3J1aylqtIr8gTH0qZ8dhfBLfKhrK0ULXwzV_Wch6bhCBlPhNsjCj4UQ30SjR3tEJ2WlhV3pYs/w640-h478/1-100_8784.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and one more time:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">front row:Daddy (hubby), Me, "Nanny Steiner",</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back row: Noah, Benton, Scott, Matthew and Nicole</div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">I will close with this comforting passage from John 14:1-6</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;">14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;">2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;">3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;">4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;">5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;">6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am thankful to know that our Matthew is there with Jesus in our Father's House, and because we know that Matthew loved Jesus and believed in Him for salvation, we will one day see him again. That is why I can spend this day with joy in my heart and a peace that passes all understanding. This home is not our final home...and someday soon Jesus Himself will come again and receive those who believe in Him to Himself, that where He is , there we may be also. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Today we sang this song in church, "Oh How He Loves You and Me". You may enjoy singing along with us...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dXtODdZOzVA" width="320" youtube-src-id="dXtODdZOzVA"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lyrics:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, how He loves you and me, Oh how He loves you and me. </div><div style="text-align: center;">He gave his life, what more could he give?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, how He loves you; Oh, how he loves me; Oh, how he loves you and me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus to Calvary did go, His love for sinners to show. What He did there brought hope from despair.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, how He loves you; Oh, how he loves me; Oh, how he loves you and me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Copyright:</div><div style="text-align: center;">1975 Word Music, LLC (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Amen.</div><br /><br /></div>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-36387678935936927972024-02-23T19:17:00.002-05:002024-02-23T19:17:33.281-05:00Friday Foto Friends~More Excitement on Still Water's Pond and Beyond!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Friday everyone! I have some exciting news!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are two eggs!! Yesterday morning, on George Washington's birthday, our early morning view of the Sand Hill Crane nest showed TWO eggs! So now, my plan to name the new "colts" in honor of President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln is going forward as stated earlier this week on <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2024/02/monday-mondayexcitement-on-still-waters.html" target="_blank"><b>President's Day, when we discovered the first egg. </b></a> I think we will call them George and Abe. I know we don't know if they will be male or female, and it is actually quite difficult to tell the difference even when they are adults...but we could call them Georgianne and Abby instead. LOL. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITOBCnZsORJDowwhA2wz1lJjYzf96EQ_dFx_C1oPTL-n3GhVboo_89CT_aBa_Lu6XTioSuelLzk5QonqKWRQkpaXKm_iMgGJKaDIDpccce2FSaIJDSYCwb6_nb1aP-Uhqiqkd9KYQpjghn95jteEHPpMn-PA1TCz1OT8kBQLtiQqrv_x6JaOtMZSgMQc/s1024/1-100_6776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITOBCnZsORJDowwhA2wz1lJjYzf96EQ_dFx_C1oPTL-n3GhVboo_89CT_aBa_Lu6XTioSuelLzk5QonqKWRQkpaXKm_iMgGJKaDIDpccce2FSaIJDSYCwb6_nb1aP-Uhqiqkd9KYQpjghn95jteEHPpMn-PA1TCz1OT8kBQLtiQqrv_x6JaOtMZSgMQc/w640-h480/1-100_6776.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This picture was taken early in the morning, hence the lighting is not great, but I could clearly see the two eggs with my binoculars.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mr. Sand Hill Crane continued to stand guard while Mama rested on the nest. Once in a while they would actually change places so that Mama could go get something to eat and stretch her legs a while.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxowDI2WwHIw1uFxfpuT_nio2zw1pW4nhBWqOsTXp2-H6hgufDbWjhCkexr61VVlh6Gr2bfr18cg-AGtOrZQPIQ0tG9xQnuhqkJA00A19n0nRlhZXnEurzBAIob1aGHKyMdu43MmDQY_shGsrTG1VMwUge6_bwje-ViAS2abNj4pHnAGzfX8ZajPekR4/s1200/1-100_6781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxowDI2WwHIw1uFxfpuT_nio2zw1pW4nhBWqOsTXp2-H6hgufDbWjhCkexr61VVlh6Gr2bfr18cg-AGtOrZQPIQ0tG9xQnuhqkJA00A19n0nRlhZXnEurzBAIob1aGHKyMdu43MmDQY_shGsrTG1VMwUge6_bwje-ViAS2abNj4pHnAGzfX8ZajPekR4/w640-h480/1-100_6781.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>As you can see, the Canada Geese are still out there swimming around, occasionally getting too close for comfort and Papa Crane takes off after them with loud shrieks and flapping wings...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26ALsD8PRVJUckWQLTH4m-CqNOoTXbggSJXSHUHa6KdsdgP1bQcYha7oYSbArOYnmSiDh2yDUnj_N0WbjX5OC4Zx_IU1JV9RFuaqjq86G1sD2R-NuNqLQjFoswAyBjVnAycNFNHjoeceGUSMg6ryOKjX_GvetQVNVF4oz7ErUb5dxOC8lJNKVSE7IMD8/s1200/1-100_6782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26ALsD8PRVJUckWQLTH4m-CqNOoTXbggSJXSHUHa6KdsdgP1bQcYha7oYSbArOYnmSiDh2yDUnj_N0WbjX5OC4Zx_IU1JV9RFuaqjq86G1sD2R-NuNqLQjFoswAyBjVnAycNFNHjoeceGUSMg6ryOKjX_GvetQVNVF4oz7ErUb5dxOC8lJNKVSE7IMD8/w640-h480/1-100_6782.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They both continue to maintain the nest, adding more sticks and mud and repositioning the eggs to keep them in the best spot.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotXLrEklwGGFSwD5vMpFULdkCG_BV2abzyULHWj4XmV0CFilFhrSV3Q9gE3SkXZkkw8-nTY9r11dBicgEZ8mhFAEeh7bEO6vJuMHLz_CU3LvNUzWfxmXr80KuMUI6Uf2jkdjoBrueNDPbHbGXAng3l7HY0yZzjRHInXaqbaafGcGDLmLftsD4PkJZdC4/s1024/1-100_6785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotXLrEklwGGFSwD5vMpFULdkCG_BV2abzyULHWj4XmV0CFilFhrSV3Q9gE3SkXZkkw8-nTY9r11dBicgEZ8mhFAEeh7bEO6vJuMHLz_CU3LvNUzWfxmXr80KuMUI6Uf2jkdjoBrueNDPbHbGXAng3l7HY0yZzjRHInXaqbaafGcGDLmLftsD4PkJZdC4/w640-h480/1-100_6785.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, watching these proceedings pretty much occupies a good portion of our days right now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And yes, the geese are still here...mostly just relaxing in the water, but with occasional forays into the Crane territory just to keep things popping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBZN3yg7z6h_hN6xAOob5i28S1NXaKbTlUvNzPvGhTCUF-aRqVBXADLTqslGJZr4PG31m7jG1htfxPMJw2xzw5zl9_5JzNeSLlsqwPqWPTWUT-QfR2rrGmg-BzazwjcU85XpIKFMnmXbp-vbBHw_SNysJVJw5tbtyIs80B0Jy2NgIkoip-btD_af0ndY/s1200/1-100_6787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBZN3yg7z6h_hN6xAOob5i28S1NXaKbTlUvNzPvGhTCUF-aRqVBXADLTqslGJZr4PG31m7jG1htfxPMJw2xzw5zl9_5JzNeSLlsqwPqWPTWUT-QfR2rrGmg-BzazwjcU85XpIKFMnmXbp-vbBHw_SNysJVJw5tbtyIs80B0Jy2NgIkoip-btD_af0ndY/w640-h480/1-100_6787.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7B5VWrvekBYGfsnG1ngngT2Lo4wwdVX718jCFM1ubc7AvHGb4FRKxCLDxfJeTKzLWc8xUdcbjrhHxx5dhqb1q-o0u67DY5UWCQR6kJE3faYWdfftWcnK-xFZinTfUhhOqp2AgFt3-L0waMyWjiWIAe53BkAKpVpppkHKfmQbHS5bFUWSg_v1nSQprUE/s1200/1-100_6790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7B5VWrvekBYGfsnG1ngngT2Lo4wwdVX718jCFM1ubc7AvHGb4FRKxCLDxfJeTKzLWc8xUdcbjrhHxx5dhqb1q-o0u67DY5UWCQR6kJE3faYWdfftWcnK-xFZinTfUhhOqp2AgFt3-L0waMyWjiWIAe53BkAKpVpppkHKfmQbHS5bFUWSg_v1nSQprUE/w640-h480/1-100_6790.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdHht3GU5Ih1TYzWgaCrcw0Oat7UrD6jKQLvGB81WsNIKvn36tE6pvU-EI0kjYG7yJHWCFaroKjivRsne6j5A0M4UOBK6kYIJ69t8rxobrtRn2sgDZOP-KGHp3Ax2C2_6CDahY6jXmW7UOF6AbJHoiX1fjRqbKDr01lymD56QASvaMsFfn0cs-QK72qs/s1200/1-100_6791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdHht3GU5Ih1TYzWgaCrcw0Oat7UrD6jKQLvGB81WsNIKvn36tE6pvU-EI0kjYG7yJHWCFaroKjivRsne6j5A0M4UOBK6kYIJ69t8rxobrtRn2sgDZOP-KGHp3Ax2C2_6CDahY6jXmW7UOF6AbJHoiX1fjRqbKDr01lymD56QASvaMsFfn0cs-QK72qs/w640-h480/1-100_6791.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>It seems like they are gathering together to plot their next move to harrass Mrs. Crane!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87EYkiqCMBOuSsOWTiuCgTvI8F585KN9ZpjMIn-AnXPfRpQvK-p63U23PnsLqwFleO10onFsPEhq9wylUsxYFt1Oom-mK0D4CduHZUagPLzk9Njt4eiz666cqzLEY22zrCmMP66ILgAI23e5LLcBAVhzjQCgadbhti7tuBdZGxjj6nehseJ2TvxkoTps/s1200/1-100_6792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87EYkiqCMBOuSsOWTiuCgTvI8F585KN9ZpjMIn-AnXPfRpQvK-p63U23PnsLqwFleO10onFsPEhq9wylUsxYFt1Oom-mK0D4CduHZUagPLzk9Njt4eiz666cqzLEY22zrCmMP66ILgAI23e5LLcBAVhzjQCgadbhti7tuBdZGxjj6nehseJ2TvxkoTps/w640-h480/1-100_6792.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha50RYR6vQby4P7fe5rkODkBRRYE9UH8etDDtSN4YdMNuQkOfnErqXZHQbx0u2VwedocbgdegHVkAlNw-A6EC0fNIufrmQyFLq71hxYmlxARQONNVhM2J-sTvALLOPcAXgrSHL0aAoWTP9RzoPO6gYSnQ5fvd6KUosY-K20rqtoEO7J6ONdqMs86mL7I4/s1200/1-100_6796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha50RYR6vQby4P7fe5rkODkBRRYE9UH8etDDtSN4YdMNuQkOfnErqXZHQbx0u2VwedocbgdegHVkAlNw-A6EC0fNIufrmQyFLq71hxYmlxARQONNVhM2J-sTvALLOPcAXgrSHL0aAoWTP9RzoPO6gYSnQ5fvd6KUosY-K20rqtoEO7J6ONdqMs86mL7I4/w640-h480/1-100_6796.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_580Bgl1PQGQdPdwkuPFkrxYUTTNqPnDAvXOWfZsjUqhcn5Iabf3d_r2hlhJs9zYij85qtKgzuB2_9hWzIrEz5nkQRwf4S2afrRAM40ubDvQsatsQuG_Xsg_s_M8624jVoQfOs3aa07olldtfY941GWQ2CXIl2U5tI3sX04pKB1pqdTEmMwFWI4k-HyE/s1200/1-100_6800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_580Bgl1PQGQdPdwkuPFkrxYUTTNqPnDAvXOWfZsjUqhcn5Iabf3d_r2hlhJs9zYij85qtKgzuB2_9hWzIrEz5nkQRwf4S2afrRAM40ubDvQsatsQuG_Xsg_s_M8624jVoQfOs3aa07olldtfY941GWQ2CXIl2U5tI3sX04pKB1pqdTEmMwFWI4k-HyE/w640-h480/1-100_6800.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I still don't know if the geese are building a nest here or if they are just hanging around to be pests, but either way, they keep things interesting and we enjoy all the activity.</div><br />So what else do we do with our time besides watch the birds? Well, let's see, <p></p><p> We take walks in the woods and notice the contrast between life and death you might say...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXzZ9vn98PfajexCuKb5Vhjo7M7ZNYPddX4VJrFX98UpXa4KW-EzPa1ztsdgSs-_9cbrkz7i6UAiU8_Gx4ZVZFlhAtScT40uSGqbOIEBS8dxtDMbTOdF4KKwtICikShx5YMwHW3qaVjLh5WoUZmFn0UtCJdUw7jPXdF86oNPYCG_Vub6Qj4tF1CxYpH4/s1200/1-IMG_2803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXzZ9vn98PfajexCuKb5Vhjo7M7ZNYPddX4VJrFX98UpXa4KW-EzPa1ztsdgSs-_9cbrkz7i6UAiU8_Gx4ZVZFlhAtScT40uSGqbOIEBS8dxtDMbTOdF4KKwtICikShx5YMwHW3qaVjLh5WoUZmFn0UtCJdUw7jPXdF86oNPYCG_Vub6Qj4tF1CxYpH4/w480-h640/1-IMG_2803.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This fungi is growing on this dead tree branch...the fungi is a living organism that actually feeds on decaying wood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The woods are full of this <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/2023/03/01/weekly-what-is-it-deer-moss/" target="_blank"><b>Deer Moss</b></a>, which grows on top of the sandy leafy soils of our woods. The deer do eat it apparently, hence its name, but it is really a type of lichen.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbi5FjpFl977itKKgVTMhHTucTkaG0gK5VW5vHNPMTyvzjqTd_J_Y4rLp_SGuYMJgjsdvEaHSqlLvOW0c-xZz8q-7vIbg8KwHk88hTp9oeDYSkitL3Ro4caHj83zhno_Lsc0_9Ea1uT1LA4FQPj1jZJ-zc-RmHVDNTiVCGRNkLZWf2XB3BVeTm_jzIB_8/s1200/1-IMG_2799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbi5FjpFl977itKKgVTMhHTucTkaG0gK5VW5vHNPMTyvzjqTd_J_Y4rLp_SGuYMJgjsdvEaHSqlLvOW0c-xZz8q-7vIbg8KwHk88hTp9oeDYSkitL3Ro4caHj83zhno_Lsc0_9Ea1uT1LA4FQPj1jZJ-zc-RmHVDNTiVCGRNkLZWf2XB3BVeTm_jzIB_8/w480-h640/1-IMG_2799.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just another way that God provides for His creation!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZNskF2RqTWWd3YFxNcvkI5JlqGvls5p98j1sDasFHJjKXADq7pzcbr1oQsvIo37N56fFw8OvGZI9YoFDGQAh-sTwqvpFleWTIX8MJQ7QIuAzHQqT_oajFyDF1sS4d8aH3CoXV09x8RyPIMzdhOrkEK86hPLiHal6TmbYxTP9UXIiWUHzhEJ_Tz0TIgQ/s1200/1-IMG_2798%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZNskF2RqTWWd3YFxNcvkI5JlqGvls5p98j1sDasFHJjKXADq7pzcbr1oQsvIo37N56fFw8OvGZI9YoFDGQAh-sTwqvpFleWTIX8MJQ7QIuAzHQqT_oajFyDF1sS4d8aH3CoXV09x8RyPIMzdhOrkEK86hPLiHal6TmbYxTP9UXIiWUHzhEJ_Tz0TIgQ/w480-h640/1-IMG_2798%20(1).jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Amazing that this cut section of an old tree is still laying there in the woods...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaGST9pNbAHF_KAcQXu1t1Z8EtifMTUQOHJO136H0nlglaVCZ1LU3sUpKkhJPyX9K8ilZViYFZMD39IUp1EEQ_XTlNYrqjtvnKF5gSJ-BX9gDD3MOV2ELfiUk-F5HVH5z72ETtyQIGqkULA7ltULF28TavdRgXueYd-85pVfsgYU-F8lKX9VzvsHBb0Y/s1200/1-IMG_2797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaGST9pNbAHF_KAcQXu1t1Z8EtifMTUQOHJO136H0nlglaVCZ1LU3sUpKkhJPyX9K8ilZViYFZMD39IUp1EEQ_XTlNYrqjtvnKF5gSJ-BX9gDD3MOV2ELfiUk-F5HVH5z72ETtyQIGqkULA7ltULF28TavdRgXueYd-85pVfsgYU-F8lKX9VzvsHBb0Y/w480-h640/1-IMG_2797.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wrote about this same piece of wood <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2020/06/life-all-around-us.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE, about 4 years ago, when this tree was still fresh cut.</b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhlj4GurZtIDSAmaP-eSQ1QJx008nJp4tNDSYkefDXvAvgsxqSH8PMm4nVJuI9Ba01288MaHxQHarMaWjatYD4pzVtDTEWGadSryk9z9P7sTlSjBcsVP-lp1945lZYDk4ipDKyXE8SKteZZsgXavwWYguQanJI6uUMBVrqLOR-nJurSRFhLdn9CMqW3c/s1200/1-100_7432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhlj4GurZtIDSAmaP-eSQ1QJx008nJp4tNDSYkefDXvAvgsxqSH8PMm4nVJuI9Ba01288MaHxQHarMaWjatYD4pzVtDTEWGadSryk9z9P7sTlSjBcsVP-lp1945lZYDk4ipDKyXE8SKteZZsgXavwWYguQanJI6uUMBVrqLOR-nJurSRFhLdn9CMqW3c/w640-h480/1-100_7432.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Same photo from 2020...when I thought it looked like a baby in utero, a child waiting to be born that was cut off from the living before it had a chance to be born...some poignant thoughts...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And here is another fascinating dead tree, reaching up to the skies, surrounded by living trees. The woodpeckers and insects also find this as a good food source and/or a place to build a nest.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm1tb4ul7K_1M0EwF5W94eM67I4NrvaE9KzxwtAyghEyHHU7ETAdTvc4TxWBplEb6-jnEx9JdZq6CUtP8k3147nrmPsQoAU32izjcOuGaBX2q5EvHEdBfA9mjetFRGK4eWFaxbpSvTD-Soo4JHMe7vY1yXsmXSCZi8ab0P5fsUywbJxjIbleZ9B89f6g/s1200/1-IMG_2796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm1tb4ul7K_1M0EwF5W94eM67I4NrvaE9KzxwtAyghEyHHU7ETAdTvc4TxWBplEb6-jnEx9JdZq6CUtP8k3147nrmPsQoAU32izjcOuGaBX2q5EvHEdBfA9mjetFRGK4eWFaxbpSvTD-Soo4JHMe7vY1yXsmXSCZi8ab0P5fsUywbJxjIbleZ9B89f6g/w480-h640/1-IMG_2796.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Amazing the natural beauty that we can find around us when we open our eyes to God's wonderful creation.<p></p><p>Besides our walks in the woods, we also took a nice ride through the woods yesterday afternoon and had supper with some dear "old friends" from our previous neighborhood in the Ocala National Forest. I forgot to take any pictures, but we enjoyed a delightful dinner of homemade chicken and dumplings, and/or chili...salad, cornbread, biscuits, and a delicious cinnamon and nut Bundt cake for dessert. I was told not to bring anything, but I still took a couple of containers of fresh strawberries, which we enjoyed along side our cake with some whipped cream. It was all wonderful. Our friends live on a small lake where I used to take a LOT of pictures back when we lived there. And guess what? They also have a Sand Hill Crane couple nesting right now in the middle of their little lake! It looks just like ours! 'Tis the season for new life everywhere!</p><p>This is actually a picture I took of a Sand Hill Crane nesting on that same little lake back in 2018. Their current Crane Mama and nest looks pretty much the same now. It may even be the same family as it was back then. They do come back to the same nesting grounds over and over again!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmK5YIBVsvBL_sszDzlVk-8g8RITKMNldBhtNgChVyAcrEGoS7t6qcNl1bCKJXtlLWwBovfC-C5Zc00Erd9yd18DlNXgUiinD8FwMkXWXDN1HCPdJm3IYGY6-jpbwgrDyVB5lTz2wETDc8CTiVX0rXi0Vl9WYIM1VgZ4Q_eWMIq8Orrk6iRu8U-CMG68/s800/101_0832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmK5YIBVsvBL_sszDzlVk-8g8RITKMNldBhtNgChVyAcrEGoS7t6qcNl1bCKJXtlLWwBovfC-C5Zc00Erd9yd18DlNXgUiinD8FwMkXWXDN1HCPdJm3IYGY6-jpbwgrDyVB5lTz2wETDc8CTiVX0rXi0Vl9WYIM1VgZ4Q_eWMIq8Orrk6iRu8U-CMG68/w640-h480/101_0832.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's some thoughts for today from Proverbs chapter 3:24-26</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="text Prov-3-24" id="en-NKJV-16480" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">24 </span><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">26 For the Lord will be your confidence,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">And will keep your foot from being caught.</span></i></b></div></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This morning's sunrise!<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4Zkt0IO0AQCly_gglaYZxVGxj3y-u7hb442MHXiglVvt_pJofekDxTbTcPSWCjlxU8z9jRZodUCsKkEFnuRFcZkMd-wbRuo-2Nl0PdJOsmzhKzozg8YZMFBwq1b4o7G4B_sYX_6yQCbYDkCVoOIBTlfHokcHqGRb3vQYJFhvK2E3zXaIzMnimWLfvnA/s1200/1-IMG_2805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4Zkt0IO0AQCly_gglaYZxVGxj3y-u7hb442MHXiglVvt_pJofekDxTbTcPSWCjlxU8z9jRZodUCsKkEFnuRFcZkMd-wbRuo-2Nl0PdJOsmzhKzozg8YZMFBwq1b4o7G4B_sYX_6yQCbYDkCVoOIBTlfHokcHqGRb3vQYJFhvK2E3zXaIzMnimWLfvnA/w640-h480/1-IMG_2805.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">Arise, shine;</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">For your light has come!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><b><i>Isaiah 60:1</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, It is now nighttime and about time for me to start shutting down for the night. Thank you for visiting here, and I apologize if I haven't gotten around to visit you yet. I am still trying to get caught up with everyone as I can. I probably need to quit watching the activities around here so I can read your posts! Thank you for your patience!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">God bless you all, and have a wonderful weekend!</div>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-47586870202066845562024-02-21T15:29:00.001-05:002024-02-21T18:39:08.855-05:00Wednesday Treasures...Where Do I Begin?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Where do I begin? Here it is Wednesday afternoon, and there's so many different pictures to show you I may have to break it up over the next couple of days. Let's get started and when I think you've had enough I'll stop! LOL. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remember on Monday I told you <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2024/02/monday-mondayexcitement-on-still-waters.html" target="_blank"><b>about some excitement on Still Waters Pond? (CLICK HERE if you didn't see that post)</b></a> Remember that I told you about Mrs. Sand Hill Crane laying an egg and all the Canada Geese were hanging around bugging them all day long? Well, they continued to do so for the next couple of days, making a lot of honking noises and splashing and just being regular pests. But then they kind of moved around into the little cove around the other side of the big island in the pond and stayed there, but they were still making all kinds of noise, so I decided to go see what was going on:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMB2OXwUlaNY1lGY0XM3og-hX0K35tpqn6NT1Se3g8Suk-zYdwisrvbXXT7PAjEBvE6r3fmXqETDCV67WjoYirTBC7sZcrOV84QO6UlHtZn51__IZQCC3idC07fziWxV-98Mhihg0gytS-k997arS7sJNnhPnZl7Di_Ii_pCOIWy8_S_8FDQAHPPIwk-c/s1200/1-100_6726.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMB2OXwUlaNY1lGY0XM3og-hX0K35tpqn6NT1Se3g8Suk-zYdwisrvbXXT7PAjEBvE6r3fmXqETDCV67WjoYirTBC7sZcrOV84QO6UlHtZn51__IZQCC3idC07fziWxV-98Mhihg0gytS-k997arS7sJNnhPnZl7Di_Ii_pCOIWy8_S_8FDQAHPPIwk-c/w640-h480/1-100_6726.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I was hiding in my little hideaway spot behind the bushes so they couldn't see me, and they didn't seem to be bothered by my presence at all. They were pretty much concentrating on whatever was going on amongst their little group there on the island and in the water around the island. These photos are pretty amazing to me, and I hope you will enjoy them.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTQBTE90OrhJLoFRdlMjzUABDOoFpGcmq0UlQseRJUIzKZdJKwF0ZuIGEwif7y2XQkgkVVUt8T8ZknRrpRIrSlqVpxQKEOQmM7JnAaSvsP4LZEYcYBpO1aw1gmwdwD8Ln3lYurrDxOxh96M-gJaiVzyIkQBGz44qdozeEXo7uhCt7paSg_3GDfIQir68/s1200/1-100_6727.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTQBTE90OrhJLoFRdlMjzUABDOoFpGcmq0UlQseRJUIzKZdJKwF0ZuIGEwif7y2XQkgkVVUt8T8ZknRrpRIrSlqVpxQKEOQmM7JnAaSvsP4LZEYcYBpO1aw1gmwdwD8Ln3lYurrDxOxh96M-gJaiVzyIkQBGz44qdozeEXo7uhCt7paSg_3GDfIQir68/w640-h480/1-100_6727.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What I have deduced from all of their noise and activity is that perhaps they are also in their mating season, and this couple up on the island appear to be the older members of the group, perhaps the parents of the others, and I'm thinking they just want some privacy and time alone without the others bugging them...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQOcDS2ejUoSjR9thw4XL6iVCtRB3DHM6_QwTAISiMxuEJUXbVPnDOCm7rdaRRs3nuPiQc6ZlcQGsHDTbYaDxrPUEmIu3mZVa2jle73wxpUvPQrcrbV0-fTqfIWw8xdVc2kY8xqfiqA5QvkcoJqRS72qPv_-qNZWdIS_rixdEbtwwIa_vt271voamPZw/s1200/1-100_6728.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQOcDS2ejUoSjR9thw4XL6iVCtRB3DHM6_QwTAISiMxuEJUXbVPnDOCm7rdaRRs3nuPiQc6ZlcQGsHDTbYaDxrPUEmIu3mZVa2jle73wxpUvPQrcrbV0-fTqfIWw8xdVc2kY8xqfiqA5QvkcoJqRS72qPv_-qNZWdIS_rixdEbtwwIa_vt271voamPZw/w640-h480/1-100_6728.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I thought perhaps they might even be starting to build a nest up on the island, as that has been their nesting location in some years past...of course who knows if this is the same family or not? The last couple who nested here a few years ago ended up with 3 living baby goslings...the fourth one died before they could leave this area to go to the big lake nearby. The moved to the big lake and that is where they seem to live for most of the time, except when they fly over here and swim around for a while and entertain us.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1yehIbZ5LmTPaJFoGudf43LftxKZLmRRNq9lIveqO-HIhKBZJTfJ3B8cuxC-8TFxxHAByhlvdEmVkj9a5r2Ip1n80Plf6lvX8aKCH71ihvFzO8hMQ7k3a76BXs6dfgsw_Rm2UEhPzgWM8xqhtekHXCZhsYwl92FaIQ63Bx8JrzGkEXniIHckN4F5Rgs/s1200/1-100_6729.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1yehIbZ5LmTPaJFoGudf43LftxKZLmRRNq9lIveqO-HIhKBZJTfJ3B8cuxC-8TFxxHAByhlvdEmVkj9a5r2Ip1n80Plf6lvX8aKCH71ihvFzO8hMQ7k3a76BXs6dfgsw_Rm2UEhPzgWM8xqhtekHXCZhsYwl92FaIQ63Bx8JrzGkEXniIHckN4F5Rgs/w640-h480/1-100_6729.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>But I'm wondering if this is that same family...Mom and Dad and three younger geese...it could be...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWu_SvCv4pOtf3Jukuqjem3e-reqbhrsz3tFgyQcn-hSC898bin1XL_Zu6H2xoWBjqol9mDrmsyqH8_pLsqzOqWrEHkbUIosN95u3Znnl0tmQBBTwAgQL3Di4m0mhM7YDumLVUXXyf93osIYgFWxwhx14IZqRIEsgGx3CfpJqB0yVA9JMD1Vn2kiBpjg/s1200/1-100_6730.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWu_SvCv4pOtf3Jukuqjem3e-reqbhrsz3tFgyQcn-hSC898bin1XL_Zu6H2xoWBjqol9mDrmsyqH8_pLsqzOqWrEHkbUIosN95u3Znnl0tmQBBTwAgQL3Di4m0mhM7YDumLVUXXyf93osIYgFWxwhx14IZqRIEsgGx3CfpJqB0yVA9JMD1Vn2kiBpjg/w640-h480/1-100_6730.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5q5jSnI4um8J9s9Ti99iZQOiomJeQyVcTe-CV1K8pUmzmKzDsE4PEZE2Of0-H1s5TAOPbpd2-LmSlTf6OVgTN5JlC3BzbjwU83Syuomfv_QvE10fWpJH7dLdXNUPV7Kar5ulCgJYho9mZ8fnlKRMNZS08rTDO6dVf_GYCMyxBv_rJoCYm2HBwafGoY0/s1200/1-100_6731.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5q5jSnI4um8J9s9Ti99iZQOiomJeQyVcTe-CV1K8pUmzmKzDsE4PEZE2Of0-H1s5TAOPbpd2-LmSlTf6OVgTN5JlC3BzbjwU83Syuomfv_QvE10fWpJH7dLdXNUPV7Kar5ulCgJYho9mZ8fnlKRMNZS08rTDO6dVf_GYCMyxBv_rJoCYm2HBwafGoY0/w640-h480/1-100_6731.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>And if so, will they build a nest on the island and stay and start a new little family? If so, what will the "kids" do while Mom and Dad are nesting? Seems like they should be old enough to be out on their own, but I really don't know how the goose family does things...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_NWm1uonx6mBhwbIJ9KgeHIRfRcEgyZjMOL4CvucMokrfT5Wrsu8X5a7jFCfB7r10k755gAoMOS21u4yPl4H8OH4jlboVZyiEnT-EG7HLVeEucmaFSQQS-pjT4wDFGwc2iLsQonfQNvJh_1yi3fNkcrl3Ky-NKpTZLZM0wx3wLGK4H2WamSB8R7FEf4/s1200/1-100_6732.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_NWm1uonx6mBhwbIJ9KgeHIRfRcEgyZjMOL4CvucMokrfT5Wrsu8X5a7jFCfB7r10k755gAoMOS21u4yPl4H8OH4jlboVZyiEnT-EG7HLVeEucmaFSQQS-pjT4wDFGwc2iLsQonfQNvJh_1yi3fNkcrl3Ky-NKpTZLZM0wx3wLGK4H2WamSB8R7FEf4/w640-h480/1-100_6732.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Aren't they a lovely couple?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOHZeLco9mMLT0wJbeD4_PhIfZd_CdjtxyQZTVryhFQdUQsIcjgN-BZld71glE1cgHCCXghAPu8Roc6cPmb36r7QO5rmpzrvHcnUsyip1L3DtvtiV-WvCUPqaVE5YEjgkqx0FrHiE01_pgj6lxeNCep81PFmAOCeknBmqBtZUgQeHBpDjqJgSCYX2Rpk/s1200/1-100_6733.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOHZeLco9mMLT0wJbeD4_PhIfZd_CdjtxyQZTVryhFQdUQsIcjgN-BZld71glE1cgHCCXghAPu8Roc6cPmb36r7QO5rmpzrvHcnUsyip1L3DtvtiV-WvCUPqaVE5YEjgkqx0FrHiE01_pgj6lxeNCep81PFmAOCeknBmqBtZUgQeHBpDjqJgSCYX2Rpk/w640-h480/1-100_6733.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>And here's two of the kids, and the third one in the next picture...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiAKFLfDgvCjoRLGMT2W7B-Ic-S1fuvZ4ciPWZvb_qnQWlCDqP9nNAhZKYzUKqa6i3A2OtZKbxJT9HVPfXLVB9fe0eEUhidQYvdB5kw7RG4coPVNI98jVRfQK5cAUddZaYFWG5LyT_5H3v-kkd6CQtdQyGZgmnsgMF5dfKTBYInxSlF4w9CMLjNZdfV4/s1200/1-100_6734.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiAKFLfDgvCjoRLGMT2W7B-Ic-S1fuvZ4ciPWZvb_qnQWlCDqP9nNAhZKYzUKqa6i3A2OtZKbxJT9HVPfXLVB9fe0eEUhidQYvdB5kw7RG4coPVNI98jVRfQK5cAUddZaYFWG5LyT_5H3v-kkd6CQtdQyGZgmnsgMF5dfKTBYInxSlF4w9CMLjNZdfV4/w640-h480/1-100_6734.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtz5cL_Gm2GKW36nh8YWnG8nJR8jVaHb9DKu_jwzcMx3_zPzGe_eiCBBdozJvq5E2vWgM_Kyc2TCEo6AJqlnafglVyCiX3cnbWVmv_wy26abhSElRZC4mcUf2mwi-E8_nb_lVfqD1HEshSfQCQohtY9MHn_bxr-r4jfS2RKJg8vamwXV5P5M-zVjPyTg/s1200/1-100_6735.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtz5cL_Gm2GKW36nh8YWnG8nJR8jVaHb9DKu_jwzcMx3_zPzGe_eiCBBdozJvq5E2vWgM_Kyc2TCEo6AJqlnafglVyCiX3cnbWVmv_wy26abhSElRZC4mcUf2mwi-E8_nb_lVfqD1HEshSfQCQohtY9MHn_bxr-r4jfS2RKJg8vamwXV5P5M-zVjPyTg/w640-h480/1-100_6735.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>They keep bugging the parents, <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SWYZKzh1ddT0WWQCWoADLHB_82LWyFt91t68aMUkZEh_UjkAfYmPvKLDaXZ8dqH6GbSxpSYUFAYtrzO2f8K88SSpWknOECB39WKN2AdKqdb78ZZ74CIHsCJIIRYH5CGJNS-B_WAYgDn4l48cW-_VdZCcy-Einvvakl1Y1abWzKpYcBZbbYbBcBQY_dI/s1200/1-100_6736.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SWYZKzh1ddT0WWQCWoADLHB_82LWyFt91t68aMUkZEh_UjkAfYmPvKLDaXZ8dqH6GbSxpSYUFAYtrzO2f8K88SSpWknOECB39WKN2AdKqdb78ZZ74CIHsCJIIRYH5CGJNS-B_WAYgDn4l48cW-_VdZCcy-Einvvakl1Y1abWzKpYcBZbbYbBcBQY_dI/w640-h480/1-100_6736.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqxsZYm3NHvuKFoJRY4CSXqdoT10UAeJxS3Cc6TMM8E2Dl_6r5hO7ds8En3ETdPbupFWsFTO0tIlcBxdtqQLljcU8vLQv67eiuxNxrIoH1hkoyxKvxyhEME5QXqKFTjrqUQAsvCK7yf_VYUg0F7nIAAS6GNFSWdA6dgvFUBd9JiiCTQ1SwDFEM7DX0Cg/s1200/1-100_6739.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqxsZYm3NHvuKFoJRY4CSXqdoT10UAeJxS3Cc6TMM8E2Dl_6r5hO7ds8En3ETdPbupFWsFTO0tIlcBxdtqQLljcU8vLQv67eiuxNxrIoH1hkoyxKvxyhEME5QXqKFTjrqUQAsvCK7yf_VYUg0F7nIAAS6GNFSWdA6dgvFUBd9JiiCTQ1SwDFEM7DX0Cg/w640-h480/1-100_6739.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>but then eventually the three decided to swim away and give Mom and Dad some privacy<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLVgTjrePfA6Ulj4JV-8pgI_nCAYSl36qbMzZaB0ICy3xFZXjTZhlnJ13_jYX2Y0QupE2D5S1f7MhO2lHJtvhnRqEfZDEsgUz8CcqtHUikY_crTn4VhC2cnPYwY08Ogs-FI3LAh4x2DvBQqkAcCuZ7m6r2_945LMl_xzQVsyWKy2Zp8OWsWagDEXlyOI/s1200/1-100_6738.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLVgTjrePfA6Ulj4JV-8pgI_nCAYSl36qbMzZaB0ICy3xFZXjTZhlnJ13_jYX2Y0QupE2D5S1f7MhO2lHJtvhnRqEfZDEsgUz8CcqtHUikY_crTn4VhC2cnPYwY08Ogs-FI3LAh4x2DvBQqkAcCuZ7m6r2_945LMl_xzQVsyWKy2Zp8OWsWagDEXlyOI/w640-h480/1-100_6738.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>But that was yesterday...and this morning they were still out there in the pond, harassing Mr. and Mrs. Crane for a while, and then suddenly they all took off and I haven't seen them again this afternoon. We shall see what develops. Never a dull moment here on "Still Waters Pond", that's for sure!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, I thought you'd enjoy seeing how Mr. and Mrs. Crane are living out there on their tiny little island! It amazes me that they have chosen this small little scrap of marsh to build their nest on, but they seem quite happy with their accommodations. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMWgqHP-jMSsHOjdbncTaE9k8ISAUJB189JrO75mvK3vQfSEyCCuUDw_kdpwxBU9KLAcJGJ56QdQ_oC5j3Ha4sBBSS2njhCkJA0aGZt1z7R3o5f4D87yK8LjlGdrt7FAXvii23DgcuubU_mkkvYoAMo6jDrRtcYhhLdTkV8m7lCzoKuBMvdGGBEFos5M/s1200/1-100_6743.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMWgqHP-jMSsHOjdbncTaE9k8ISAUJB189JrO75mvK3vQfSEyCCuUDw_kdpwxBU9KLAcJGJ56QdQ_oC5j3Ha4sBBSS2njhCkJA0aGZt1z7R3o5f4D87yK8LjlGdrt7FAXvii23DgcuubU_mkkvYoAMo6jDrRtcYhhLdTkV8m7lCzoKuBMvdGGBEFos5M/w640-h480/1-100_6743.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>And as far as I can see, there is still just one egg in the nest. It is hard to see when the sun is so bright, but what I have seen looks like one very large egg. Time will tell if there is another one...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLnEmYP-nHmUWoQF3oiGPVZPF9bFPmp3Ya4zEd-kWcS1DEqGwyKa-y4JFkfaPeX5bYpjFb_T82z1RDU1cO5Dn3F5qwN2f2xh31vVPSqOU1M0404cSblK6m3q-BxWtALB-tE7LW5YTiNTd-EnawkQ5qHJQBSYxkhb2JLtdd4xJtGO94hEJfXLTrfsv5tY/s1200/1-100_6745.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="1200" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLnEmYP-nHmUWoQF3oiGPVZPF9bFPmp3Ya4zEd-kWcS1DEqGwyKa-y4JFkfaPeX5bYpjFb_T82z1RDU1cO5Dn3F5qwN2f2xh31vVPSqOU1M0404cSblK6m3q-BxWtALB-tE7LW5YTiNTd-EnawkQ5qHJQBSYxkhb2JLtdd4xJtGO94hEJfXLTrfsv5tY/w640-h340/1-100_6745.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGsS2eOmu1TXdxBYnWFgHmmpAmgw9PQvtt1rHZIc7LfgNDEakXLALfWku5hYNpz61gh6_ip0vDgBG5FH9MJpCCZ5_yhhQ4lsYmF9bunHEBDv8fzst4G2WYK37I7UHwsuFiFEQie6BQ5X8WxqHUKet5O9V_bNDNmBgbXGDiXyVIaD-MERFHZlZLtFH5tY/s1200/1-100_6746.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1200" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGsS2eOmu1TXdxBYnWFgHmmpAmgw9PQvtt1rHZIc7LfgNDEakXLALfWku5hYNpz61gh6_ip0vDgBG5FH9MJpCCZ5_yhhQ4lsYmF9bunHEBDv8fzst4G2WYK37I7UHwsuFiFEQie6BQ5X8WxqHUKet5O9V_bNDNmBgbXGDiXyVIaD-MERFHZlZLtFH5tY/w640-h414/1-100_6746.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq7nTzVulFYrZhQ_CdI65hS6lb0ZGq9OFlw8mE9uEIb5a0H-_rg_zhs-10JxHkmlS-NDFSkwgmabY5yLMLKQP4LmN6z-dtkiFv76I9KNiYNVPWSkL68y3QE9Cyp1O5KD8qV8VvlV9dKglX1m7MVpHZ1gfETtmtaKxI2ZcQSer4O6lMsQimx2s9ddFZ80/s1200/1-100_6748.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1200" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq7nTzVulFYrZhQ_CdI65hS6lb0ZGq9OFlw8mE9uEIb5a0H-_rg_zhs-10JxHkmlS-NDFSkwgmabY5yLMLKQP4LmN6z-dtkiFv76I9KNiYNVPWSkL68y3QE9Cyp1O5KD8qV8VvlV9dKglX1m7MVpHZ1gfETtmtaKxI2ZcQSer4O6lMsQimx2s9ddFZ80/w640-h458/1-100_6748.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9n-1zJe9TG_KPLFhMsnXSqyONMkF4rUTDEdhy-D3OujGQZiuRoOPXmTMGfL-lRHfv12Pyoa4N0MMVgwh2r7dlBD2RyH4l2-OEPMh5ih3D6KfXQqTE18egOdOeMGRUq4_bGuJynsKorbXmuK1HwE9rYOlsvlxteO9StieaB9b7_dgHNf0wh5tNGjZkW8/s1200/1-100_6749.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1200" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9n-1zJe9TG_KPLFhMsnXSqyONMkF4rUTDEdhy-D3OujGQZiuRoOPXmTMGfL-lRHfv12Pyoa4N0MMVgwh2r7dlBD2RyH4l2-OEPMh5ih3D6KfXQqTE18egOdOeMGRUq4_bGuJynsKorbXmuK1HwE9rYOlsvlxteO9StieaB9b7_dgHNf0wh5tNGjZkW8/w640-h558/1-100_6749.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1ylDiHPozkL9DzBTiJMSydBpT70_4QFwizHiLV052jhd66Cqu4DILhLWyw58Tl-TSswYIEWlFMF876RfhoWdLJwfjtwV2_tS3Du2KERFGDxXitfdUtJmQSWpooAPgJ0saZ0PcIBq_K348kM2uWFMFJ0n9zzljrOvKqTMfVYUxu_1T5TaIj-ufocMcoM/s1024/1-100_6750.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1ylDiHPozkL9DzBTiJMSydBpT70_4QFwizHiLV052jhd66Cqu4DILhLWyw58Tl-TSswYIEWlFMF876RfhoWdLJwfjtwV2_tS3Du2KERFGDxXitfdUtJmQSWpooAPgJ0saZ0PcIBq_K348kM2uWFMFJ0n9zzljrOvKqTMfVYUxu_1T5TaIj-ufocMcoM/w640-h480/1-100_6750.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFex27GcJ6wjq9ABlt9aBauIaw4NLJlf8uPZY9z8tsvVkHD4s10_M4cSSbp_9Qig2n0SGNamRw9HzppP_h7vq5QRJ-6n8arWwZBRI5M9E8sftPFgcfBjqy8hm-TUSEX5WEzLNJfaD7ZkEgPyb6_VMRilbmEnr-43d8NFCO1B0193Ff54dabYbklGiTmoY/s1024/1-100_6751.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFex27GcJ6wjq9ABlt9aBauIaw4NLJlf8uPZY9z8tsvVkHD4s10_M4cSSbp_9Qig2n0SGNamRw9HzppP_h7vq5QRJ-6n8arWwZBRI5M9E8sftPFgcfBjqy8hm-TUSEX5WEzLNJfaD7ZkEgPyb6_VMRilbmEnr-43d8NFCO1B0193Ff54dabYbklGiTmoY/w640-h480/1-100_6751.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kLigpjeK1lomSHwiqZcFkpVRmcyquNZVlUhI9qnwvpmXuWhSgwSiXcBd6-aH2uEOmCijofIPgIa-64N5qMnEwl-xC8NXuHzPm-1L-fULSC1TDTDSeq6FF3Bufj-KcmLTr-XJUc7qJoMZemw4NmT_cau0A87-22NZCFj0Bww3oTFAd8_9fFiw7W8cVq0/s1200/1-100_6753.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kLigpjeK1lomSHwiqZcFkpVRmcyquNZVlUhI9qnwvpmXuWhSgwSiXcBd6-aH2uEOmCijofIPgIa-64N5qMnEwl-xC8NXuHzPm-1L-fULSC1TDTDSeq6FF3Bufj-KcmLTr-XJUc7qJoMZemw4NmT_cau0A87-22NZCFj0Bww3oTFAd8_9fFiw7W8cVq0/w640-h480/1-100_6753.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Thought you'd enjoy these views of Mrs. Crane keeping vigil until time for her baby to be born.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MVj1IlznNJw_hqbN6-_apxbKI3OYlkfwyJqO7RhtQ9LhBMW6ls2AH4IUMVhHWNskalJllyIpFDULVFygCpxLOHNlvkZUWt_BULLtH77fQRECx7q2CT13SEoD6grwjD8V2VBfwhTo1e7v50mrX-tqKiS0DdrlRuzUdRGQyBnQJLwIeZoM7EBZLK_ia-s/s1200/1-100_6767.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MVj1IlznNJw_hqbN6-_apxbKI3OYlkfwyJqO7RhtQ9LhBMW6ls2AH4IUMVhHWNskalJllyIpFDULVFygCpxLOHNlvkZUWt_BULLtH77fQRECx7q2CT13SEoD6grwjD8V2VBfwhTo1e7v50mrX-tqKiS0DdrlRuzUdRGQyBnQJLwIeZoM7EBZLK_ia-s/w640-h480/1-100_6767.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6Oz0__JGo4LUSO8DTguAAMf0jgTsdgEBW7Js45GixPECVax2aolTLUK71K56xZyolOjSy_92hiBJaio7BB3YRQNlts5waUoN4u8Uh8sIR1B5yZp-5X0d5RkbUbbDWsj6qj8XIO8XJfBvPxbRmc-yZl0oloehKoruwMnJhdtpHOOPD6ar5PZ7iZb9_qQ/s1200/1-100_6768.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6Oz0__JGo4LUSO8DTguAAMf0jgTsdgEBW7Js45GixPECVax2aolTLUK71K56xZyolOjSy_92hiBJaio7BB3YRQNlts5waUoN4u8Uh8sIR1B5yZp-5X0d5RkbUbbDWsj6qj8XIO8XJfBvPxbRmc-yZl0oloehKoruwMnJhdtpHOOPD6ar5PZ7iZb9_qQ/w640-h480/1-100_6768.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Mr. Crane is never very far away, and he will come and give her a break now and then so she can get something to eat and stretch her legs.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgin0Tw1e9kJCAejFK9jkTbJe5Sew0EDSsaZTQkBWoxQBtEQcTLs6oNsl3b256PmAdxkUsGyJpL9ooO1JC-sAm1pGHNpsHnKnyK8CIl_s3FzqZln_UHccTA5hcmqM8koewfFb_YZmhEoKHPGH6FRL3QJYpNG1cBHW9BQF53e-SemmQ2WNku5Ez2x4EVadU/s1200/1-100_6770.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1200" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgin0Tw1e9kJCAejFK9jkTbJe5Sew0EDSsaZTQkBWoxQBtEQcTLs6oNsl3b256PmAdxkUsGyJpL9ooO1JC-sAm1pGHNpsHnKnyK8CIl_s3FzqZln_UHccTA5hcmqM8koewfFb_YZmhEoKHPGH6FRL3QJYpNG1cBHW9BQF53e-SemmQ2WNku5Ez2x4EVadU/w640-h330/1-100_6770.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Meanwhile, back on shore, the bluebirds are still busily working on their nest. I haven't forgotten them, but I've just been distracted by all the other stuff going on! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcr_AYyYS94iHCMduaOvyKvJTDxb6ECpHz50B9ELFQYf4Y-HUuxNx9r6-0uwzFRmMunzULFc5QvLw792_2z9tAZpmVtBBYnZWQSNZfFVWX9hyphenhyphenJ1wiDv4VJMBm3WjJdknMobR3jn7qhdLLn0kEvSYf_O2jrQOJNgY1CpkIKdry483KqVoS_8BLoJJT5BY/s1200/1-100_6757.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1200" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcr_AYyYS94iHCMduaOvyKvJTDxb6ECpHz50B9ELFQYf4Y-HUuxNx9r6-0uwzFRmMunzULFc5QvLw792_2z9tAZpmVtBBYnZWQSNZfFVWX9hyphenhyphenJ1wiDv4VJMBm3WjJdknMobR3jn7qhdLLn0kEvSYf_O2jrQOJNgY1CpkIKdry483KqVoS_8BLoJJT5BY/w640-h522/1-100_6757.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then today the <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Goldfinch/id" target="_blank"><b>Goldfinches</b></a> started showing up at their special finch feeder! They aren't pretty and golden yet, but they will continue to turn yellow as the spring progresses and as they travel further north for breeding.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHTA9VnTbu3Di06YtdKnnGx31gAgtoQxPIDnLlU5ST4Qrk5dK7h6fFlI_mFe5mPVm-qOJ0fRtU7eWIWZfVKFhtAeaOo2HvB1eoVQjMTpa6Zu9pkPe9CaZFGzPWmWhTAGKRX-ygfJ6QaK3qN3JQk3NVA8Fwq_FivLFWCy8LHum6wdKlHK_LMA7Ga451RA/s1200/1-100_6760.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHTA9VnTbu3Di06YtdKnnGx31gAgtoQxPIDnLlU5ST4Qrk5dK7h6fFlI_mFe5mPVm-qOJ0fRtU7eWIWZfVKFhtAeaOo2HvB1eoVQjMTpa6Zu9pkPe9CaZFGzPWmWhTAGKRX-ygfJ6QaK3qN3JQk3NVA8Fwq_FivLFWCy8LHum6wdKlHK_LMA7Ga451RA/w640-h480/1-100_6760.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFohSS-vRyuXYfCNpHuUr8joKCdphLTandVDqgwgXP7LmCpuY2c-vpDyZIJfBnCQs-p9uMQpEvnczl6dpA2JPm7yrO8iGa9TVx_L44p3ti6PpQYoUTjLHmaKfns6oQ1RH86CUXvXiZQ25IPje77cmFQHP1cSFaLhD2DErTlb1TG5XtaSpA1utHdczQSM/s1200/1-100_6763.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFohSS-vRyuXYfCNpHuUr8joKCdphLTandVDqgwgXP7LmCpuY2c-vpDyZIJfBnCQs-p9uMQpEvnczl6dpA2JPm7yrO8iGa9TVx_L44p3ti6PpQYoUTjLHmaKfns6oQ1RH86CUXvXiZQ25IPje77cmFQHP1cSFaLhD2DErTlb1TG5XtaSpA1utHdczQSM/w640-h480/1-100_6763.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpiTc0d8vIxOFAcFcA8TlOn28pp2Uj8poTqr3fFMwLFxnwTEeYWwwjBwaqnLwJbR_SN_l8ChykatzYpXbn4rWCODKB4uUUcdc2dwl0nhE_dryHNwXGw3cPRkk3JGATAMqu7tEFMNcy5h83bFMZPgFmypNZKOR8v9Hl2M4tvYtuzQMpBkPrDnImdqdH8w0/s1200/1-100_6764.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpiTc0d8vIxOFAcFcA8TlOn28pp2Uj8poTqr3fFMwLFxnwTEeYWwwjBwaqnLwJbR_SN_l8ChykatzYpXbn4rWCODKB4uUUcdc2dwl0nhE_dryHNwXGw3cPRkk3JGATAMqu7tEFMNcy5h83bFMZPgFmypNZKOR8v9Hl2M4tvYtuzQMpBkPrDnImdqdH8w0/w640-h480/1-100_6764.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4v9snBa4rWhEOW4Pm9dCA341FLk2iCeiL6OOzSOgBDUm22WGjVvyMjke2DxOs3cBzp5GUQPMViA9JFgtlUNodiDOutma5aoxyVn8Lp9NynLYGb6qClsixjp4qYyPtxIE_kkirla7kzH0DOS8Nn0szoRqElo3Rta9D79htohb7oW_ccUVvNYCsA-SjXH0/s1200/1-100_6765.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4v9snBa4rWhEOW4Pm9dCA341FLk2iCeiL6OOzSOgBDUm22WGjVvyMjke2DxOs3cBzp5GUQPMViA9JFgtlUNodiDOutma5aoxyVn8Lp9NynLYGb6qClsixjp4qYyPtxIE_kkirla7kzH0DOS8Nn0szoRqElo3Rta9D79htohb7oW_ccUVvNYCsA-SjXH0/w640-h480/1-100_6765.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8Yfna_YefWqqiANbnxM1MU3VdXXgVMDAhqOdqkDORvUZ-ZbiknY270TIF6JHGGg_Ll2g_frlxXyj9fy_o6pxzVCo5Xv3gmsfZ-4J1ARilCgL73h74Y9n8Tb5i8yvhr8QYi3frB_jQhnUL7JXuGqI1Dw72PuuToq5XKPH_cgL8obrnu1EKNzGclpu_hw/s1200/1-100_6766.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8Yfna_YefWqqiANbnxM1MU3VdXXgVMDAhqOdqkDORvUZ-ZbiknY270TIF6JHGGg_Ll2g_frlxXyj9fy_o6pxzVCo5Xv3gmsfZ-4J1ARilCgL73h74Y9n8Tb5i8yvhr8QYi3frB_jQhnUL7JXuGqI1Dw72PuuToq5XKPH_cgL8obrnu1EKNzGclpu_hw/w640-h480/1-100_6766.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And I enjoyed trying to follow a beautiful <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papilio_glaucus" target="_blank"><b>Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly</b></a> around as he was enjoying the nectar from the Carolina Jessamine flowers that are blooming so beautifully.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Wb_7urRzoJaUr20Ign6MFGShJxQazdnjhkH4cTQ2wrKbvvqSmZq03N9PakTaXJL-EwUwng7DWqrxCeX27dwelzqa4RRX11k_t1xUj5jJM2vapx9JKT5G7gkdlHylU7mXgYstrg-ZkWeOhwwGCdUPt6I8yk8wnxSC-aWeB7yDZPQUtH6PDuvkGl_XjgA/s1200/1-100_6771.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Wb_7urRzoJaUr20Ign6MFGShJxQazdnjhkH4cTQ2wrKbvvqSmZq03N9PakTaXJL-EwUwng7DWqrxCeX27dwelzqa4RRX11k_t1xUj5jJM2vapx9JKT5G7gkdlHylU7mXgYstrg-ZkWeOhwwGCdUPt6I8yk8wnxSC-aWeB7yDZPQUtH6PDuvkGl_XjgA/w640-h480/1-100_6771.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_W_DwRi2czlD-MDkZKa86ciY0l5A_RmK6vA-cc5XUCPBhaSHE7ic4mVjmTAGdy2RI8XWFkFfCNN4NIx7qe0HG-sgOMvgg9tCfZRnqsoftH8D45MSKWfBUC3VDYCfsh0AKOH7JBvXcMG1pV3akSO5UvjYmThEAgkkVwCr7qt3xBTYEdjXyNtLkb4IXkdo/s1200/1-100_6772.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_W_DwRi2czlD-MDkZKa86ciY0l5A_RmK6vA-cc5XUCPBhaSHE7ic4mVjmTAGdy2RI8XWFkFfCNN4NIx7qe0HG-sgOMvgg9tCfZRnqsoftH8D45MSKWfBUC3VDYCfsh0AKOH7JBvXcMG1pV3akSO5UvjYmThEAgkkVwCr7qt3xBTYEdjXyNtLkb4IXkdo/w640-h480/1-100_6772.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/carolina-jessamine/" target="_blank">Carolina Jessamine</a><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzRDNLbV0DGKnWMmE7CQyMFqPpkKmlxUm7vDSsgpw9QTPFuTFkPT-rL3hP_I4Hcq3aFj7wlh9Zmy1Ylx6DsUmvxhrUKSHJbtt2pZFGhmwNDmjG-2bXGH91u6MG-D_a6PNf1rHtn9PMqRXPTAgcy9-niQbIVD41CBMqzmtIJB7iYKryEml1u6cx8Nz4EE/s1200/1-100_6742.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzRDNLbV0DGKnWMmE7CQyMFqPpkKmlxUm7vDSsgpw9QTPFuTFkPT-rL3hP_I4Hcq3aFj7wlh9Zmy1Ylx6DsUmvxhrUKSHJbtt2pZFGhmwNDmjG-2bXGH91u6MG-D_a6PNf1rHtn9PMqRXPTAgcy9-niQbIVD41CBMqzmtIJB7iYKryEml1u6cx8Nz4EE/w640-h480/1-100_6742.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We've been working on this song in choir practice, "I Know He Watches Me". It's a blend of "His Eye is on the Sparrow" and "God Leads His Dear Children Along"....and I kept thinking about this song while sharing all these pictures of the geese, cranes, and other birds. You might enjoy listening to it while you look at all the pictures above. I guess I should've put this first, but either way, you might enjoy it. It combines parts of two familiar songs that give us a sense of comfort and peace while we navigate this world filled with difficulties and surprises. Perhaps this is a good way to close this post. I hope you enjoy the song.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3RDvBrcE3kY" width="320" youtube-src-id="3RDvBrcE3kY"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are the lyrics to both of those old hymns, not exactly the way they are sung in this choir anthem, but it gives you the idea...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>His Eye Is On The Sparrow</b></div><p style="direction: ltr; font-family: serif; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px 0.9em 2ex;"></p><div style="text-align: center;">Why should I feel discouraged,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Why should the shadows come,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Why should my heart be lonely,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And long for Heav’n and home,</div><div style="text-align: center;">When Jesus is my portion?</div><div style="text-align: center;">My constant friend is He:</div><div style="text-align: center;">His eye is on the sparrow,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I know He watches me;</div><div style="text-align: center;">His eye is on the sparrow,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I know He watches me.</div><p></p><p class="chorus" style="direction: ltr; font-family: serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px 0.9em 2ex; text-align: center;">Refrain:</p><p class="chorus" style="direction: ltr; font-family: serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px 0.9em 2ex;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I sing because I’m happy,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I sing because I’m free,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>For His eye is on the sparrow,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And I know He watches me.</i></div><p></p><p style="direction: ltr; font-family: serif; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px 0.9em 2ex;"></p><div style="text-align: center;">Let not your heart be troubled,</div><div style="text-align: center;">His tender word I hear,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And resting on His goodness,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I lose my doubts and fears;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Though by the path He leadeth,</div><div style="text-align: center;">But one step I may see;</div><div style="text-align: center;">His eye is on the sparrow,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I know He watches me;</div><div style="text-align: center;">His eye is on the sparrow,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I know He watches me.</div><p></p><p class="chorus" style="direction: ltr; font-family: serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px 0.9em 2ex; text-align: center;">Refrain</p><p style="direction: ltr; font-family: serif; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px 0.9em 2ex;"></p><div style="text-align: center;">Whenever I am tempted,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whenever clouds arise,</div><div style="text-align: center;">When songs give place to sighing,</div><div style="text-align: center;">When hope within me dies,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I draw the closer to Him,</div><div style="text-align: center;">From care He sets me free;</div><div style="text-align: center;">His eye is on the sparrow,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I know He watches me;</div><div style="text-align: center;">His eye is on the sparrow,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I know He watches me.</div><p></p><p class="chorus" style="direction: ltr; font-family: serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px 0.9em; text-align: center;">Refrain</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>God Leads Us Along</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,</div><div style="text-align: center;">God leads His dear children along;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,</div><div style="text-align: center;">God leads His dear children along.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Refrain:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Some through the waters, some through the flood,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Some through the fire, but all through the blood;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>In the night season and all the day long.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,</div><div style="text-align: center;">God leads His dear children along;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,</div><div style="text-align: center;">God leads His dear children along.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Refrain</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose,</div><div style="text-align: center;">God leads His dear children along;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,</div><div style="text-align: center;">God leads His dear children along.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Refrain</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">4. Away from the mire, and away from the clay,</div><div style="text-align: center;">God leads His dear children along;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Away up in glory, eternity’s day,</div><div style="text-align: center;">God leads His dear children along.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Refrain</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope you enjoyed this visit to Still Waters Pond today!! </div> <p></p></div>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-76816804237943359322024-02-20T07:01:00.004-05:002024-02-20T07:01:48.443-05:00Tuesday 4 ~ First Things First<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TA6jtCxije1GQ4UygTaVbrWf5gUin_KCuux5T4mMKA11EptgNfALDvSeXaHMeHeeDx09__jKsGL3dCReg97yWBBnjOBsI18XiztJqPAwdmIj6Jwr7tLQVaTz7x5uD7DFzLZnt3J_dA7UYEenC30vo8FvVYtq6xpWQAcW4a9GHHKwZjWer-k61Fq2QjF_/s843/first%20heels.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TA6jtCxije1GQ4UygTaVbrWf5gUin_KCuux5T4mMKA11EptgNfALDvSeXaHMeHeeDx09__jKsGL3dCReg97yWBBnjOBsI18XiztJqPAwdmIj6Jwr7tLQVaTz7x5uD7DFzLZnt3J_dA7UYEenC30vo8FvVYtq6xpWQAcW4a9GHHKwZjWer-k61Fq2QjF_/s320/first%20heels.jpg" /></a></div><p> </p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>First Things First...</i></b></span><br /><br /><br /><b>First High Heels by Amos Sewell<br />Hello! It's a new week and another installment of Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4. I debated over the word episode and ended up with installment but I am still not satisfied. Oh well, here is is whatever it is and I do hope you enjoy joining in.<br /><br /><br />Let's talk about firsts in your life.<br /><br />1. Do you remember your first pair of grown up style shoes, maybe high heels? How did that go?</b><div>I honestly cannot remember the first time I wore high heels, but I know I did at some point! I guess it wasn't too dramatic if I can't remember it! LOL. <br /><br /><b>2. When was your first date and do you recall their name and where you went and what you did?</b> Well, I was thinking about this and trying to remember if that is when I first wore high heels too, because it was a formal banquet at the Baptist Church...a "Sweetheart Banquet" on Valentine's Day. I was in 8th grade. I probably didn't wear high heels, because the boy I went with wasn't any taller than I was. What I wore was my older sister's beautiful aqua colored formal dress, with a "strapless" lace covered bodice. The problem with that was I had to wear a strapless you know what under it, and I was not really quite "developed" enough to wear either that dress or that strapless you know what! Consequently, the dress kept slipping all evening, and I was constantly trying to pull it back up. Thankfully I was also wearing a little lace bolero style jacket over the dress so I was able to stay modest. Also thankfully this was a church banquet, and there was no dancing. We mostly stayed seated at the table and ate food, so I didn't have any further embarrassment in front of everyone! That's really all I can remember. My date's name was Butch...well that's what he went by, but his real name was Ellis, named after his father, and no one dared to call him that. He was very fun loving and cute, the younger brother of one of my dearest friends. Sadly, Butch died of cancer quite a few years ago now. We had fun on that "date", which really wasn't what you'd call a real date but a church party with a LOT of chaperones! LOL. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, here is a picture of me wearing that dress a couple of years later for Homecoming. I was one of the Homecoming attendants for our sophomore class, and that dress fit me better then than it did in 8th grade. I am the first one on the left. I am the only one wearing a lace bolero jacket too. Probably wasn't really as much in style as the other girls dresses since this was still my older sister's dress and she was 4 years older than me. But that is how it was, and I was thankful to be a part of this lovely event.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIZDKrygvpr4DUBWwWt6cZwjis5DFce7hSeQ4olx8D9KpmdTPdgkf_R-eFzDknWXmzo43FxhlCnK5F1dew96-DDUwZ8Vz6o2Lzvmcp8ee9wDSPLahgpV6J753mo7HUcC9YwZXoJPsHK8jyx9cxkXZ86Iv1OwvV3YU6OHdL8awc9RAEujWsmT-AWhMOgU/s960/Homecoming%20Queen%20Contestants.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="960" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIZDKrygvpr4DUBWwWt6cZwjis5DFce7hSeQ4olx8D9KpmdTPdgkf_R-eFzDknWXmzo43FxhlCnK5F1dew96-DDUwZ8Vz6o2Lzvmcp8ee9wDSPLahgpV6J753mo7HUcC9YwZXoJPsHK8jyx9cxkXZ86Iv1OwvV3YU6OHdL8awc9RAEujWsmT-AWhMOgU/w640-h440/Homecoming%20Queen%20Contestants.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><b>3. Do you have any memories of your first job?</b></div><div>Well, let's see...the summer I was almost 15 my cousin Becky and I got a job at Zellwood Farms, sorting green peppers. We stood at a conveyor belt and watched hundreds of green peppers come bouncing along toward us all day while we quickly sorted them for size and whether or not they were good or bad, etc. I remember dreaming about green peppers, like Martians, marching after me all night long! LOL. We did that for about a week and probably made about $40.00, and we thought we were so rich! LOL. The only other thing I remember about that was there were a lot of Spanish speaking migrants working there, and one man asked me if I could help him learn to speak English because I was taking Spanish in high school. We had several conversations with me trying to use what little Spanish I knew. It was an interesting experience. However, I was thankful that I didn't have to do that job for the rest of my life! </div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhneQZJpYkCsoZSfh4HV06rB3irgmK1NiCz93mY1azuFY_thDeTCaY4N7SQv0YvTXjtVyKg-QwA1bngf9aVY83WCz6uByuEXcGm1qGznXkLXVE0ACsmz0R_oBu83pQ8BzQ6C3mHo0WyredVnQRtZW0ZvbZKJ9gSCZyjx-V_9TodLRRbWCdRA3gyIugYD2s" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhneQZJpYkCsoZSfh4HV06rB3irgmK1NiCz93mY1azuFY_thDeTCaY4N7SQv0YvTXjtVyKg-QwA1bngf9aVY83WCz6uByuEXcGm1qGznXkLXVE0ACsmz0R_oBu83pQ8BzQ6C3mHo0WyredVnQRtZW0ZvbZKJ9gSCZyjx-V_9TodLRRbWCdRA3gyIugYD2s=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Internet photo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><b>4. What do you remember about your first home away from Mom and Dad?</b></div><div>My first home away from Mom and Dad was when I got married and hubby and I had a sweet little upstairs apartment over another apartment where a lady named Mrs. Mildred Bell lived. I wrote about that apartment quite extensively <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2023/08/fifty-four-years-ago.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE, last year on our anniversary.</b></a> You might enjoy reading that again...I did! LOL.</div><div><br /></div><div>The only other time I was away from home for any length of time was the summer after I graduated high school, I worked as a counselor at the Methodist Youth Camp. But I really wouldn't call that a "first home". It was a rustic cabin full of teen aged girls, a different group each week, all summer long. It was very HOT (in Florida) with no air conditioning, and we had to go to a shower house for the bathroom, and eat our meals in a large dining hall. As a camp counselor we had many duties besides just watching over our campers in the cabin. We had KP duties, we had to clean the bathrooms each week, supervise activities like crafts or outdoor recreation time, you name it, we did it! But it was the best experience of my life!</div><div><br /></div><div>I am in this photo...back row, about 1/4 of the way over from the left, between two boys. See if you can find me! LOL. This was our staff of counselors for that summer. I guess this could really count for my first real job too, but we actually were volunteers and were only paid $.10 a week to use for a bag of popcorn on the weekends between camps, when the staff would be treated to a movie night! LOL. But we had free room and board and lots of great experiences!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NYiITY8He9Xa5jnT4NAJeBtyIMdRZWUPbnrMCyRiRmQTMj89Nv-DsQpDJ-y0t2v27p0eIoYJX-q2KakpTgj8RV5NmdMzHAFZag4OAD-gGLlvilvFR4esh53ct7JRrjd-q6VDvIVWw2TWxPLEbY5RSUxdlJXBQ08Wme4wf_iStka-GG3zuQQ0ePtRuyk/s1451/Methodist%20Youth%20Camp%20Counselors%20Summer%201968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="1451" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NYiITY8He9Xa5jnT4NAJeBtyIMdRZWUPbnrMCyRiRmQTMj89Nv-DsQpDJ-y0t2v27p0eIoYJX-q2KakpTgj8RV5NmdMzHAFZag4OAD-gGLlvilvFR4esh53ct7JRrjd-q6VDvIVWw2TWxPLEbY5RSUxdlJXBQ08Wme4wf_iStka-GG3zuQQ0ePtRuyk/w640-h306/Methodist%20Youth%20Camp%20Counselors%20Summer%201968.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warren W. Willis Methodist Youth Camp, 1968<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Well, that's it for today's Tuesday 4! I hope you enjoyed this little walk down memory lane of my many "firsts". If you want to join in the fun, you can link up <a href="https://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>HERE, with Annie and the rest of the gang!</b></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Happy Tuesday everyone!</div>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-3310865271312493472024-02-19T17:59:00.006-05:002024-02-19T18:06:45.053-05:00Monday Monday...Excitement on Still Waters Pond!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, after two days of monsoonal type rains we were beginning to despair for Mr. and Mrs. Sand Hill Crane ever being able to get their nest high enough above the water to maintain a good nest for whatever eggs came along. Their little marsh island out there in the middle of the pond was almost completely under water again. But Mr. and Mrs. Crane persevered and kept piling more and more lily pad stems and mud up on top of the nest...they worked tirelessly every waking hour. It looked like they were bailing water out of a sinking boat and building sand bags around their nest. It was too dark and dreary for me to get any good pictures of that activity, so you will just have to imagine it for yourself!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLNwespF-p08ukeSeB2lFwWUjm4yoLo-3BX6pP10MxLXX7Zu2QixcFm5U5QcpVDyjHWdDd8yli9mTTC5dYtALfap2SzyvGY9O8i4iOlw9gsJAF3AXvuQgMZOJ2dpUNglqEQwCZ20PRQQJ7nDOlcThSyFXqedowr_rKiZYFlustcHRHlnTHwP0XgJgqoQ/s1200/1-100_6681.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1200" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLNwespF-p08ukeSeB2lFwWUjm4yoLo-3BX6pP10MxLXX7Zu2QixcFm5U5QcpVDyjHWdDd8yli9mTTC5dYtALfap2SzyvGY9O8i4iOlw9gsJAF3AXvuQgMZOJ2dpUNglqEQwCZ20PRQQJ7nDOlcThSyFXqedowr_rKiZYFlustcHRHlnTHwP0XgJgqoQ/w640-h460/1-100_6681.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But can you imagine our surprise this morning when the rains had finally stopped and the sun came up...and this is what we saw?! Mrs. Crane was sitting on her nest, with Mr. Crane standing guard nearby...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvDmBL7dXfBDWXwD67hTAOE8QXCZCUE0LyZCg8UJeEL1SX8iYgZDErIWrH8-xYiwzIp3y2QTFgTONqjQ1gdiryOpZjBsTfYhd6eCgIMqUOHuvRbDt-fB5t_uOlLJkNTYoEQL9gRtr99wFTfTpTe8WVnOJ9d__1oGif5xvjBaBKsP7EBnKp1WAihQsZYI/s1200/1-100_6691.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvDmBL7dXfBDWXwD67hTAOE8QXCZCUE0LyZCg8UJeEL1SX8iYgZDErIWrH8-xYiwzIp3y2QTFgTONqjQ1gdiryOpZjBsTfYhd6eCgIMqUOHuvRbDt-fB5t_uOlLJkNTYoEQL9gRtr99wFTfTpTe8WVnOJ9d__1oGif5xvjBaBKsP7EBnKp1WAihQsZYI/w640-h480/1-100_6691.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My first thought was, "She must've laid an egg, because she's sitting on the nest!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And sure enough, in a little while she stood up and let me see that yes, indeed there is an egg!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_iqUaWYu8jZzxfsYaqRIz9f5MaDvBBhYHzw_IwWd1OkXz-t4xoZZJNx-4jFvfvXYyY2_ZY7dyJXZHW4E4mr__n_W19kojvpiPnWLQ_CvaZq8MqZ3uSewWdGDlradvwaSUam1rVE8w37IrkEDE0ZUERond2_sT-e9-muENef0Nd4h55-pF1s8yAUO2Co/s1024/1-100_6695.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_iqUaWYu8jZzxfsYaqRIz9f5MaDvBBhYHzw_IwWd1OkXz-t4xoZZJNx-4jFvfvXYyY2_ZY7dyJXZHW4E4mr__n_W19kojvpiPnWLQ_CvaZq8MqZ3uSewWdGDlradvwaSUam1rVE8w37IrkEDE0ZUERond2_sT-e9-muENef0Nd4h55-pF1s8yAUO2Co/w640-h480/1-100_6695.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>They continued their constant building up of the nest to keep it above water, as you can see in these pictures how close to the nest the waters have risen:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvVeWA-1g3t4U4ZtXwr4Gfe0YkrZX1MNunrjz7AjUB_jBedVSyCjgS0ANDDhtjDQMsTAqG3hk2f5aib-u_ifLXEb4Zr-4rdAxjAAix28RRdIx3TwXAyr7BwsP1pXWNt0kI2lt84GsyrEP4pRpgi6SDRWtn1hnKYfUmk9JSzEzgM8KMJZCeu518hm-kdU/s1024/1-100_6697.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvVeWA-1g3t4U4ZtXwr4Gfe0YkrZX1MNunrjz7AjUB_jBedVSyCjgS0ANDDhtjDQMsTAqG3hk2f5aib-u_ifLXEb4Zr-4rdAxjAAix28RRdIx3TwXAyr7BwsP1pXWNt0kI2lt84GsyrEP4pRpgi6SDRWtn1hnKYfUmk9JSzEzgM8KMJZCeu518hm-kdU/w640-h480/1-100_6697.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I kept trying to see if there was more than one egg, but so far I can only be sure of one. Sometimes they take a couple of days to lay their eggs, so we may get another surprise tomorrow...time will tell...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgparNFmbNMZkjLVIpvw9JXxRUw4jHytZio1Y1pPt0e1rH_Bl7jgWUlJNm7DbMrrBthBqsuBpjVYfPhea2gl-7SWk6AAoiCOwE-sQIpnqSD7JU4kOe8Y0kA5_D-mMn2tHykmLvBJ_KzOrcNwwoCX-DrETemCrnyJ8qNjK82hJx82qJ53ORW20eb5-5eqDo/s1024/1-100_6699.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgparNFmbNMZkjLVIpvw9JXxRUw4jHytZio1Y1pPt0e1rH_Bl7jgWUlJNm7DbMrrBthBqsuBpjVYfPhea2gl-7SWk6AAoiCOwE-sQIpnqSD7JU4kOe8Y0kA5_D-mMn2tHykmLvBJ_KzOrcNwwoCX-DrETemCrnyJ8qNjK82hJx82qJ53ORW20eb5-5eqDo/w640-h480/1-100_6699.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOMl-jioaAwRs6wZcfHiyuMvFCGPKVbf-N4M0TRy5HjpieVixxC8bMw2krJtbU9QhNAFhAVz6q_tJHl-7OLa83W8hXg9Sj6VypfByx4aBcikjnfvQ4QpyMMTnKWcOznGcEtJ2FlYmu0cw4e5lg2ReBPBKrULSInC1F92Glrpb0Thjfu61_ukclJUxUS0/s1200/1-100_6700.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOMl-jioaAwRs6wZcfHiyuMvFCGPKVbf-N4M0TRy5HjpieVixxC8bMw2krJtbU9QhNAFhAVz6q_tJHl-7OLa83W8hXg9Sj6VypfByx4aBcikjnfvQ4QpyMMTnKWcOznGcEtJ2FlYmu0cw4e5lg2ReBPBKrULSInC1F92Glrpb0Thjfu61_ukclJUxUS0/w640-h480/1-100_6700.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I've already decided that since this egg made its appearance on President's Day, it shall be named "Lincoln" . If there is another egg, it will be "Washington". Oh, btw, can you see the little black and white diving duck (Ring Necked Duck) in the background behind Mr. Crane? Yes, he is still swimming around the pond alone, and he seemed really pleased to be the first to find out about the egg's arrival!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJMrXHV5MKGvo6YINJ-7gMzX9B2a0rS05TFu81IAart6LC8UMw7Zky2d3O7DomLKvM6gW8K1vAvJT88lmfJ92c3KXpCWaoBTwtUnvsMo0OyLTPKQ-RKaDWjQ62eLBlQXlWjOFV5IAnDMiYcJ-ZIgEb141ISPI70nTIDtMCEG17e2xdqKu0kBTvgBYtXw/s1200/1-100_6701.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJMrXHV5MKGvo6YINJ-7gMzX9B2a0rS05TFu81IAart6LC8UMw7Zky2d3O7DomLKvM6gW8K1vAvJT88lmfJ92c3KXpCWaoBTwtUnvsMo0OyLTPKQ-RKaDWjQ62eLBlQXlWjOFV5IAnDMiYcJ-ZIgEb141ISPI70nTIDtMCEG17e2xdqKu0kBTvgBYtXw/w640-h480/1-100_6701.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However, it wasn't long before the word got out to the community, and soon the Canada Geese brigade showed up to pay their respects and toot their horns loudly...enough to wake up the baby in the egg! LOL.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhSp_E5VJ7GB4AK5JyNEBTpvzWcVAxDq-YDjBhf_19aBhiiYgczCNSAFNLYseA5YphqF7_8Z3Y3297OSRCsMKiLRpkQqX9mRWtieqzeCBPIJRvRl1mGEt-nCDKydsUxg13VMmF5otVOiMKLMa0hdPmUaswPvLub_qiRObY4synVzrkDKMgTCsxDAPyB8/s1200/1-100_6690.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhSp_E5VJ7GB4AK5JyNEBTpvzWcVAxDq-YDjBhf_19aBhiiYgczCNSAFNLYseA5YphqF7_8Z3Y3297OSRCsMKiLRpkQqX9mRWtieqzeCBPIJRvRl1mGEt-nCDKydsUxg13VMmF5otVOiMKLMa0hdPmUaswPvLub_qiRObY4synVzrkDKMgTCsxDAPyB8/w640-h480/1-100_6690.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>This actually went on all day long. The geese swam round and round Mr. and Mrs. Crane and their nest, sometimes getting much too close for comfort and Mr. Crane had to flap his wings and shoo them away!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XyMRymFO58IOSwJR9LNbk2z0y670LisXQo-jv76wBqdc0y9GwWynT69mL6dQXw5QPTlMPQNogpJEZlRRp38tUdJLolr9G_NiQ3sO-PPbhDrbVlE4X_Y_RZ_E6jI9yJCY0ujxE0Yn-jZucBTx2yHvJUhuU-JEXCikzw6zMW3wE58qLZ2IFKwneNODSN0/s1200/1-100_6705.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XyMRymFO58IOSwJR9LNbk2z0y670LisXQo-jv76wBqdc0y9GwWynT69mL6dQXw5QPTlMPQNogpJEZlRRp38tUdJLolr9G_NiQ3sO-PPbhDrbVlE4X_Y_RZ_E6jI9yJCY0ujxE0Yn-jZucBTx2yHvJUhuU-JEXCikzw6zMW3wE58qLZ2IFKwneNODSN0/w640-h480/1-100_6705.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>That didn't seem to deter them. They are very curious about the Cranes and their nest. Likewise, when the eggs hatch and the new little baby "Colts" make their appearance (in about a month), I am sure the geese will be back to check out the new baby. It's quite an interesting kind of community these water fowl seem to have!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCb6sL6ICALW0Ato9JrTf8w1qn-DF11uSi-8Uc3LTJ19AFv08iuBPRxhNPa8JpaUpexjZzjWqh7kqY5FdBFxZ6aORRg2RLlzo53Ue7nxR9nfhFDzbcwvemiqqYeL75IfkfIPbaeA4qXR35EoxMSG5quIfeAGn7ZKYwPu2ImfwmyfQSrwK6o3y2ZtlPck/s1200/1-100_6706.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCb6sL6ICALW0Ato9JrTf8w1qn-DF11uSi-8Uc3LTJ19AFv08iuBPRxhNPa8JpaUpexjZzjWqh7kqY5FdBFxZ6aORRg2RLlzo53Ue7nxR9nfhFDzbcwvemiqqYeL75IfkfIPbaeA4qXR35EoxMSG5quIfeAGn7ZKYwPu2ImfwmyfQSrwK6o3y2ZtlPck/w640-h480/1-100_6706.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, Mrs. Crane has been mostly resting on the nest today while Mr. Crane has kept up his watch and also adding to the nest to keep it above water. As I write this now at 5:30 in the evening, they are still out there working away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiMgrKSznmIPVDzLNVxMoW6nxJqSFMs9S98IlZuGxTR0E7v7hQxOILRRbJqIflPSU_FL9yPh2TatZWf4ltkXvbCeo2o4YLW8Urj7hGM2NAS6dVOZnvrzK7Wp3_5H-2DkOJlan6ukXTUGNsiqtQYBEwEgwdzz8nbcmiMnltj2O4P0lAMsAz3Ac502eYSQ/s1024/1-100_6708.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiMgrKSznmIPVDzLNVxMoW6nxJqSFMs9S98IlZuGxTR0E7v7hQxOILRRbJqIflPSU_FL9yPh2TatZWf4ltkXvbCeo2o4YLW8Urj7hGM2NAS6dVOZnvrzK7Wp3_5H-2DkOJlan6ukXTUGNsiqtQYBEwEgwdzz8nbcmiMnltj2O4P0lAMsAz3Ac502eYSQ/w640-h480/1-100_6708.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>The Canada Geese and The Ring Necked Duck were not the only visitors to the pond today to celebrate the delivery of the Sand Hill Crane egg! The Wood Ducks made their appearance as well, and this time they actually swam close enough to our side of the pond for me to get a few decent pictures!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH89Ixh6Vlz8iQpT6xZE0aEpy5N-vB9QkjgcD3s6ENnwsbp4skVKdWFZkvGgrRO65B9TdIDK5wz0xvDmfgrnFbjQS2z2BpTpQHREq7uUPvIPiryz05q_sRrziLsO4lqNcP4olESxPZzfpUwRmcaJH8I33s4xm4LOndZRwwZIsZzIwjrVktT6n9TjiOeXc/s1200/1-100_6707.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1131" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH89Ixh6Vlz8iQpT6xZE0aEpy5N-vB9QkjgcD3s6ENnwsbp4skVKdWFZkvGgrRO65B9TdIDK5wz0xvDmfgrnFbjQS2z2BpTpQHREq7uUPvIPiryz05q_sRrziLsO4lqNcP4olESxPZzfpUwRmcaJH8I33s4xm4LOndZRwwZIsZzIwjrVktT6n9TjiOeXc/w604-h640/1-100_6707.JPG" width="604" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Isn't he beautiful? There were two males out there swimming around. Like I said the other day, I am not sure where their females are...maybe they have a nest somewhere on the other side of the pond that I don't know about. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSRLErTIMbjqllN8k668iKgs_uaHF3qxEf9I4uACWnM2-so7GI4LmkliMQAIOir_McFLXr70unSEsg2pto_xEKbPTFgfMqmNRJXjQ1uV0We6kw7bcUtSEvuxvOOc3vGO5pgrSABuQW7nn4S3NtbpREulhlwrQ6A4j30mTfxjotfc2eUccakmFnZrxPOA/s1200/1-100_6711.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSRLErTIMbjqllN8k668iKgs_uaHF3qxEf9I4uACWnM2-so7GI4LmkliMQAIOir_McFLXr70unSEsg2pto_xEKbPTFgfMqmNRJXjQ1uV0We6kw7bcUtSEvuxvOOc3vGO5pgrSABuQW7nn4S3NtbpREulhlwrQ6A4j30mTfxjotfc2eUccakmFnZrxPOA/w640-h480/1-100_6711.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlOt8s_Ae1A2WfnPNGsLYrmqJuFh6V_35tpw0cV89k2QHZu9Ok7LLxakjz2AkLeshPxJWYXHzWEXlHdrUPhT21IHWcNvWDLqposY-7D-o0VEEMkF52X6_OX9pfJ-fex3M_SvTKQw_kT4G9AkgRq4mytb6NKVAthBOeY5cQL5NmsXXz3Yy4Bb5kxI2Bb8/s1200/1-100_6713.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlOt8s_Ae1A2WfnPNGsLYrmqJuFh6V_35tpw0cV89k2QHZu9Ok7LLxakjz2AkLeshPxJWYXHzWEXlHdrUPhT21IHWcNvWDLqposY-7D-o0VEEMkF52X6_OX9pfJ-fex3M_SvTKQw_kT4G9AkgRq4mytb6NKVAthBOeY5cQL5NmsXXz3Yy4Bb5kxI2Bb8/w640-h480/1-100_6713.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I was very excited to get to see these handsome fellas up a little bit closer!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvmyFmJ8YweKAyeZ_UuMedj7LihpSazWeWohyphenhyphenrE8uIff586N7piNEygbEvGCuFhrkwYEehG1PsmoUCWT7BnTmMulnLznXm-jALliVahoTp4XyCrbXv2JKahjbx7p3JvB2y1wNgDPL7wg6n0rZFa1fnnEMYhlobuH9Lyf782klPpHoeUn_lNiLIUq27LE/s1024/1-100_6714.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvmyFmJ8YweKAyeZ_UuMedj7LihpSazWeWohyphenhyphenrE8uIff586N7piNEygbEvGCuFhrkwYEehG1PsmoUCWT7BnTmMulnLznXm-jALliVahoTp4XyCrbXv2JKahjbx7p3JvB2y1wNgDPL7wg6n0rZFa1fnnEMYhlobuH9Lyf782klPpHoeUn_lNiLIUq27LE/w640-h480/1-100_6714.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Oh gee...Those geese are out there chasing each other around and making all kinds of noise...they can't let a lady in waiting get any peace and quiet...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdgSoH6Xlqp0VnOL0UKR_bKZxPbgn1xKj2LlwJDWVjDWRX6rhmg8Upc5yjGnIGm1SBXT93bszOBYwW-dCtQSpOZ5B10tblOCLgf9XC0WcQnmqEGFJoHJMTL4hlBMO8bbhe6MlmolvpRJNUzCfQCdDaDK8Jmuw0jQtTt2pFTFYk312E-ho2aHQMHDnKks/s1200/1-100_6715.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdgSoH6Xlqp0VnOL0UKR_bKZxPbgn1xKj2LlwJDWVjDWRX6rhmg8Upc5yjGnIGm1SBXT93bszOBYwW-dCtQSpOZ5B10tblOCLgf9XC0WcQnmqEGFJoHJMTL4hlBMO8bbhe6MlmolvpRJNUzCfQCdDaDK8Jmuw0jQtTt2pFTFYk312E-ho2aHQMHDnKks/w640-h480/1-100_6715.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Mr. Crane continued to make sure they didn't come any closer...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48YCV66KPXML7DjdvlKWNR438-4et6oFOAaEEXxHsjq_3RzR1BmVce_mhE9TV9Nionco6WAIjuAeMMtbBd3yTdp588vOFOBthkfed7PL_cwfD99xfwSaXM4HJzBj1v1Ghp-O4pnuZSIf6an1ASLAwOfNaBqYse5HjgsjqrDSR0GvDaPjVFUxoyg-T2us/s1200/1-100_6716.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48YCV66KPXML7DjdvlKWNR438-4et6oFOAaEEXxHsjq_3RzR1BmVce_mhE9TV9Nionco6WAIjuAeMMtbBd3yTdp588vOFOBthkfed7PL_cwfD99xfwSaXM4HJzBj1v1Ghp-O4pnuZSIf6an1ASLAwOfNaBqYse5HjgsjqrDSR0GvDaPjVFUxoyg-T2us/w640-h480/1-100_6716.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Yep, it's been an exciting day on Still Waters Pond! The waters may be "still", but there's plenty of action on top of the water!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHqOagzNB3EvSZ0rBL-y1fpsVl60hVZMo2qTCGnCnqLpmNu33BbrAs0maO1Mw6PY_tFxc52bnKr7Cd18zoxS4m0A1xvGLrX4uSzPq30Vq763MYpXOchf_-pDLvK2WW2WexXMHvpFoj64_KHqNHxdpnmwXpUb9stnWj4buL2YHvQqWV1dY9HmkpPLvvQA/s1200/1-100_6717.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHqOagzNB3EvSZ0rBL-y1fpsVl60hVZMo2qTCGnCnqLpmNu33BbrAs0maO1Mw6PY_tFxc52bnKr7Cd18zoxS4m0A1xvGLrX4uSzPq30Vq763MYpXOchf_-pDLvK2WW2WexXMHvpFoj64_KHqNHxdpnmwXpUb9stnWj4buL2YHvQqWV1dY9HmkpPLvvQA/w640-h480/1-100_6717.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have a feeling this next month is going to be very interesting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXlKd2N-AqslZadDKepzmeh8tO5IaZ1STH4OqU_0qJ2KYCq7dR2NOjKUHVq1H6iBEmoJOA-yeMiVGCJqiVEaA5Sxg9Q48DMffzt5APa2alkK28CiEJosBhOnynTHxVVP40NzZNRQ1SXpCLhAHjP-ZvY6DjhovZSA2F5heztGkQ4nAW1H2u1m93bSoOs8/s1200/1-IMG_2793.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1200" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXlKd2N-AqslZadDKepzmeh8tO5IaZ1STH4OqU_0qJ2KYCq7dR2NOjKUHVq1H6iBEmoJOA-yeMiVGCJqiVEaA5Sxg9Q48DMffzt5APa2alkK28CiEJosBhOnynTHxVVP40NzZNRQ1SXpCLhAHjP-ZvY6DjhovZSA2F5heztGkQ4nAW1H2u1m93bSoOs8/w640-h416/1-IMG_2793.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>In the meantime, what else is going on? We had a busy weekend as I've already told you about in my last post, celebrating hubby's birthday, along with church on Sunday, and rain, rain, and more rain all day Saturday and Sunday. Today we had our weekly Bible Studies, which is always a blessing. The rest of this week will be pretty much normal, with the exception that we've been invited to go have dinner with some "old friends" back in our previous neighborhood on Thursday. We are looking forward to that. Other than that, I guess that's all folks! I hope you are all doing well...I will try to get around and visit with you all as I am able. Some of you are such prolific writers that I have a difficult time keeping up! But it's wonderful to have such a great group of "friends" here in blogland...and beyond! <p></p><p>Have a blessed and wonderful rest of your week!! Here's a link to our Sunday sermon and song "Open My Eyes That May See"...You might enjoy this and the pastor's message from Psalm 51. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wk3tOeqLWG0" width="320" youtube-src-id="wk3tOeqLWG0"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Open my eyes that I may see</div><div style="text-align: center;">glimpses of truth thou hast for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Place in my hands the wonderful key</div><div style="text-align: center;">that shall unclasp and set me free.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Silently now I wait for thee,</div><div style="text-align: center;">ready, my God, thy will to see.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Open my eyes, illumine me,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spirit divine!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 Open my ears that I may hear</div><div style="text-align: center;">voices of truth thou sendest clear,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and while the wave notes fall on my ear,</div><div style="text-align: center;">ev’rything false will disappear.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Silently now I wait for thee,</div><div style="text-align: center;">ready, my God, thy will to see.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Open my ears, illumine me,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spirit divine!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3 Open my mouth and let me bear</div><div style="text-align: center;">gladly the warm truth ev’rywhere.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Open my heart and let me prepare</div><div style="text-align: center;">love with thy children thus to share.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Silently now I wait for thee,</div><div style="text-align: center;">ready, my God, thy will to see.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Open my mouth, illumine me,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spirit divine!</div><p><br /> </p>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-56828898362616183892024-02-17T18:30:00.008-05:002024-02-18T16:15:50.374-05:00Saturday Musings: Seeing Things More Clearly<div class="separator"><br /></div><p> Sometimes we see things through a hazy window, and it makes us wish we could get a clearer view...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUh2Q3kRh4lZp_OaHf7hlmIj1WjcQl5j2M78oUiSHvwVYNS0PxNTYnmBF5ZNNHrdcLHaaRel33Bj780eNu6zG9DldwMYlObxxanXr5K8_9vy8jhBmT_OgWFwSKGdZjOqxZA4-Xd2UuRozZNZyvldiX09xDkzxnIEhSN02cK7tWbEMD5rUvfwQ62QyHXq8/s1200/1-100_6643.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1200" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUh2Q3kRh4lZp_OaHf7hlmIj1WjcQl5j2M78oUiSHvwVYNS0PxNTYnmBF5ZNNHrdcLHaaRel33Bj780eNu6zG9DldwMYlObxxanXr5K8_9vy8jhBmT_OgWFwSKGdZjOqxZA4-Xd2UuRozZNZyvldiX09xDkzxnIEhSN02cK7tWbEMD5rUvfwQ62QyHXq8/w640-h440/1-100_6643.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view through the window in my "room with a view"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So we go outside and take a closer look, where the light is brighter and the picture becomes more clear...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIw4DIlyUjpWLJ_9YxfzPIshjAmWddpDTOH2jJwvPjZvY1zb9CThYGxO1toZTT2TM99H7NSZNgeZAtVIHyrwxsROgh01lLMxaKXXknYsxOHl4OFCzvl7JiKQIHhFtA6wHg-i3S-A9nAhxmVLNHTM3HRUfgtv2jgIY1W5si30oEyHKHN02wIcwXPp3TcA4/s1200/1-IMG_2713.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIw4DIlyUjpWLJ_9YxfzPIshjAmWddpDTOH2jJwvPjZvY1zb9CThYGxO1toZTT2TM99H7NSZNgeZAtVIHyrwxsROgh01lLMxaKXXknYsxOHl4OFCzvl7JiKQIHhFtA6wHg-i3S-A9nAhxmVLNHTM3HRUfgtv2jgIY1W5si30oEyHKHN02wIcwXPp3TcA4/w480-h640/1-IMG_2713.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, such lovely red geranium blossoms!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Alas! One last blossom on my Christmas Cactus! This was an added surprise that I did not even expect!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDFheStKwBFGdiun9jqDjmJ2pT-Iw_ru4evlk-J98M6BDIgcCO_XmerwgPXsHxl0raSD7We8lsOU2LlWAyZs9dlQ2nxpuXA9773KuuJu6qiVc5CtRqVjjLVlNvC31Y8JkMyE8-9Gyjb7XefMm_yzzNKtq45bVYSqAGZUvBGRHEP1RObADq0SIyA6W3iQ/s1200/1-IMG_2715.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDFheStKwBFGdiun9jqDjmJ2pT-Iw_ru4evlk-J98M6BDIgcCO_XmerwgPXsHxl0raSD7We8lsOU2LlWAyZs9dlQ2nxpuXA9773KuuJu6qiVc5CtRqVjjLVlNvC31Y8JkMyE8-9Gyjb7XefMm_yzzNKtq45bVYSqAGZUvBGRHEP1RObADq0SIyA6W3iQ/w480-h640/1-IMG_2715.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And so it is in the realm of the spiritual life as it is in the natural...we don't always totally comprehend what we are experiencing in this current life on earth...things happen that leave us questioning what is going on...where did <i>that</i> come from? What was <i>that</i> all about? We easily get confused, frustrated or angry when things don't go exactly as planned, or our intentions are misunderstood and people are offended because of our actions or words...or we misunderstand others and may become offended or hurt because of their actions or words...and it is like looking through that dim glass window (dare I say "dirty" window?) and we don't fully appreciate the beauty that is on the other side of it. We can't see the bigger picture that God sees...the lessons that He may be trying to teach us or even the ways He may be protecting us from further hurt or harm...but when we get outside of the haze and clouds that are dimming our view, and the light of His SON is shining all around us, we can see the beauty of the picture more clearly. We may have an "ah-ha" moment...where the lightbulb turns on above our heads and we can say "I can see it all now!" </div><div><br /></div>And God restores our peace once again so that we can face whatever lies before us in the great unknown...where God has already been and is preparing the way before us...<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdRUt-SBp_I61q0vG-vq53VAhRY814W9klsMrlLTCS6eJ4uIYV1LhLoxf9B9cfFmBmhDjOrkxOIWwPhFR3Mu9fp6H1xvmvBOWKNX1rMEKGGmC8WiVVJxwgwjmmB3QS621eMj9CghvLjxeIXRzsGHvlZusBZ_eXnju_dLjWkzqAwuI55yvDI6fhbvrAB4/s1200/1-IMG_2782.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="820" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdRUt-SBp_I61q0vG-vq53VAhRY814W9klsMrlLTCS6eJ4uIYV1LhLoxf9B9cfFmBmhDjOrkxOIWwPhFR3Mu9fp6H1xvmvBOWKNX1rMEKGGmC8WiVVJxwgwjmmB3QS621eMj9CghvLjxeIXRzsGHvlZusBZ_eXnju_dLjWkzqAwuI55yvDI6fhbvrAB4/w438-h640/1-IMG_2782.jpg" width="438" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">This little sign is a gift from a dear friend, whose name is also "Pamela", and who will soon be moving from her home here to go back up north where she no longer has a "Pamela's Paradise Porch", so she wanted me to have this to keep on my own porch to remember her by. (more about that later in this post)<br /><br /><br />Today has been a cloudy and rainy day here on Still Waters Pond...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2w1jiRYOIZcRTAyXrI-aBZAnYDtzSnguZKt5_ZSBCg0l40hikgbQrjdrRzZeFlxja3QL2Fp6K4naLAiUZueFAjhOLZwOwW5IJNlal63m1WVi2dSX7fXbfoW1ziwItYi7HE9sKcCALB_lMTF_Y53853BOgW07_hiAyRf7VN4oqve5aIoc3bS53YcCKTfg/s1200/1-100_6681.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1200" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2w1jiRYOIZcRTAyXrI-aBZAnYDtzSnguZKt5_ZSBCg0l40hikgbQrjdrRzZeFlxja3QL2Fp6K4naLAiUZueFAjhOLZwOwW5IJNlal63m1WVi2dSX7fXbfoW1ziwItYi7HE9sKcCALB_lMTF_Y53853BOgW07_hiAyRf7VN4oqve5aIoc3bS53YcCKTfg/w640-h460/1-100_6681.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37bvDO0G8sDbZbb1HD4tFya4GpftaFVoRbEddf4UoWBlqrnK9SEbdFZWFU6HNnhA3fmZHePaZ20ZhHqFNShyphenhyphencEfkLidDxKttZG824T-eNfvuO4Ir6sR0uOsOIZbkVFJAhW4zi8ScuZg-wy9lhW5xXxY4lA_T1FTuX5w3YJ4i_Z2g2ztm-AtmJTM_Mzsg/s1200/1-100_6683.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37bvDO0G8sDbZbb1HD4tFya4GpftaFVoRbEddf4UoWBlqrnK9SEbdFZWFU6HNnhA3fmZHePaZ20ZhHqFNShyphenhyphencEfkLidDxKttZG824T-eNfvuO4Ir6sR0uOsOIZbkVFJAhW4zi8ScuZg-wy9lhW5xXxY4lA_T1FTuX5w3YJ4i_Z2g2ztm-AtmJTM_Mzsg/w640-h480/1-100_6683.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>There were a couple of male Wood Ducks swimming around the pond, but it was difficult to see them more clearly because of the cloudy skies...<br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ybfavb82295swW4b8dMlKDIrugkBNgldeI1h13F1NhgfjCxJeb6cfFJCmnV7eYfRIBcCx2v3TVIn8loS13ltd22lUsUqtzQQKd7iUOKiN_UlxEpmqNmF3hTpbHp9NN2DCIitsmVpFS1FXW4_yugMKCY1idcv0kUZQLIKtWVU3BX_FqQrG6BVi1jml88/w640-h506/1-100_6676.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ybfavb82295swW4b8dMlKDIrugkBNgldeI1h13F1NhgfjCxJeb6cfFJCmnV7eYfRIBcCx2v3TVIn8loS13ltd22lUsUqtzQQKd7iUOKiN_UlxEpmqNmF3hTpbHp9NN2DCIitsmVpFS1FXW4_yugMKCY1idcv0kUZQLIKtWVU3BX_FqQrG6BVi1jml88/s1200/1-100_6676.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ybfavb82295swW4b8dMlKDIrugkBNgldeI1h13F1NhgfjCxJeb6cfFJCmnV7eYfRIBcCx2v3TVIn8loS13ltd22lUsUqtzQQKd7iUOKiN_UlxEpmqNmF3hTpbHp9NN2DCIitsmVpFS1FXW4_yugMKCY1idcv0kUZQLIKtWVU3BX_FqQrG6BVi1jml88/w640-h506/1-100_6676.JPG" /></a><br />This might be a little clearer, but still not showing off their true beauty like it would in the sunshine:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJD8Klzm9vUXNJAkMnxX-WAS6ntlQVyFVt42c4pQT_pIp99aWY9_RvTxOQ0MjhXKW9qRKfv_RNoNCcp_Cnk5_Xnp0ByyNuZQ22lOqzZhAHfAOzYhPxNzEGB_eQp4NwTN6l6hUvTKUI9bCn0ih0coO5mdJZ0XjevYqShyphenhyphenujy1ehagptylNPV5ewPCJXRI/s1200/1-100_6680.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJD8Klzm9vUXNJAkMnxX-WAS6ntlQVyFVt42c4pQT_pIp99aWY9_RvTxOQ0MjhXKW9qRKfv_RNoNCcp_Cnk5_Xnp0ByyNuZQ22lOqzZhAHfAOzYhPxNzEGB_eQp4NwTN6l6hUvTKUI9bCn0ih0coO5mdJZ0XjevYqShyphenhyphenujy1ehagptylNPV5ewPCJXRI/w640-h460/1-100_6680.JPG" /></a><br />I was just happy to see them. They don't make an appearance in my vantage point very often. Not sure where the female ducks are...maybe they are sitting on a nest somewhere.<br /><br /><br />Speaking of nests...<br /><br /><br />Mr. and Mrs. Sand Hill Crane have still been diligently working on their new nest in the early morning hours and evening when they come back from their day of foraging...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9CWLiVRvpp93b4K-NA858BnhmVPVJUdF3UKUiQASyPDZoJgA04Z61hyphenhyphen09zH8nfNISP17iP2JrhB2tmBANuF7Y8RWmv4JeSlp6dkh0k8w24grEwcPtmbYWKoj_SH-NIwYvdX4kHNeGQQrZrnbLUS76GE2wLkulMZE_1RatSajCB7VCP2NGSL1V8JPCa0/s1200/1-100_6664.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9CWLiVRvpp93b4K-NA858BnhmVPVJUdF3UKUiQASyPDZoJgA04Z61hyphenhyphen09zH8nfNISP17iP2JrhB2tmBANuF7Y8RWmv4JeSlp6dkh0k8w24grEwcPtmbYWKoj_SH-NIwYvdX4kHNeGQQrZrnbLUS76GE2wLkulMZE_1RatSajCB7VCP2NGSL1V8JPCa0/w640-h480/1-100_6664.JPG" /></a><br /><br />It's fun to watch them slinging lily pad stems that they pull up from under the water onto the nest...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvQ-PArnsgSwA-ab1GfXYSfFk6Z6TbgL184lDOTwdTRj2klTZlW-cf1jMFztMx_QCgIRVo0fAzN8u6Kw3FsyBHOJrOxjUB4o5U8zlepElkX40Dg-tCaXbLL-yDWj_M6kC-qPWFe7xCHj9MTQbKEH2k7dk8iNnuYyhwN7b60OdM6TPaCtpD3NcfGllQrQ/s1200/1-100_6665.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvQ-PArnsgSwA-ab1GfXYSfFk6Z6TbgL184lDOTwdTRj2klTZlW-cf1jMFztMx_QCgIRVo0fAzN8u6Kw3FsyBHOJrOxjUB4o5U8zlepElkX40Dg-tCaXbLL-yDWj_M6kC-qPWFe7xCHj9MTQbKEH2k7dk8iNnuYyhwN7b60OdM6TPaCtpD3NcfGllQrQ/w640-h480/1-100_6665.JPG" /></a><br />They both do their part...sometimes one stands watch while the other gathers...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzr9hXJoTs3Hjy7SFlTIj2qxUWXS13YlnEql62fpV_P-xaRzPBa8yz8B45sJxkDTdzlA2q8qgEku47sQOh3w2ASuW6BKzfzGtW0oQyWm0bPR9YdbYRHZJFjQCJkjoDQyq__AnbU4bTTCSvmy30-ZBwkwCUtanO1F7mEeshDZqltZnt_sDMxDaa4r3Qfg/s1200/1-100_6667.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzr9hXJoTs3Hjy7SFlTIj2qxUWXS13YlnEql62fpV_P-xaRzPBa8yz8B45sJxkDTdzlA2q8qgEku47sQOh3w2ASuW6BKzfzGtW0oQyWm0bPR9YdbYRHZJFjQCJkjoDQyq__AnbU4bTTCSvmy30-ZBwkwCUtanO1F7mEeshDZqltZnt_sDMxDaa4r3Qfg/w640-h480/1-100_6667.JPG" /></a><br />It is definitely a joint effort and an act of love (some may say it's just instinct, but I think it's a special kind of bird-love that God gave them to keep their species going)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpk6ImYLHDxu-iElSSHt83P2-ZHpNbAHE25ip433LZ1QZkIj7uu5XsuOjanUmUjANrHd421JsS50zvEQcXP7odRZQ7Xy8J8SftuPk997GcBE_J0aIA0QKjaXx8FJTmaeP0hcKRhLp5Tha07Zsm3FkRfyyUneDE9m3Cs586erIt_ycVffE6ot1nNKqCLs/s1200/1-100_6669.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpk6ImYLHDxu-iElSSHt83P2-ZHpNbAHE25ip433LZ1QZkIj7uu5XsuOjanUmUjANrHd421JsS50zvEQcXP7odRZQ7Xy8J8SftuPk997GcBE_J0aIA0QKjaXx8FJTmaeP0hcKRhLp5Tha07Zsm3FkRfyyUneDE9m3Cs586erIt_ycVffE6ot1nNKqCLs/w640-h480/1-100_6669.JPG" /></a><br />Call it whatever you wish, but they are driven by the inner urges that motivate them into action, and when the nest is ready, Mrs. Crane will literally sit down on it and lay an egg!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbfaNRYEoc3fiVTCYqFhz-WIKPzOtAj8ZIz_NgCnaLWNOTvbYfsXVUXIaS5P10lhZu7_bv6rqEfpwZYDhNx27aM7RuMgYnRQqO_J_smg6kSlOpcXOboeN7SaOXl1ZfgGufcgQZF6tStbXtqmA9wozAD2g3ccuAkCa6asFDI7p490qTHGrlwdkkrI6HuQ/s1200/1-100_6670.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbfaNRYEoc3fiVTCYqFhz-WIKPzOtAj8ZIz_NgCnaLWNOTvbYfsXVUXIaS5P10lhZu7_bv6rqEfpwZYDhNx27aM7RuMgYnRQqO_J_smg6kSlOpcXOboeN7SaOXl1ZfgGufcgQZF6tStbXtqmA9wozAD2g3ccuAkCa6asFDI7p490qTHGrlwdkkrI6HuQ/w640-h480/1-100_6670.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, the turtles have found this comfy cushion to be a lovely spot in which to sunbathe!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny-OdJiA_X5U4j5UzsQVfI0_gUawm1q_WAmcNnWe7-uaaCYDX7MlMWCVzG-vzYbCAvtVHRRWEHh-h9S_sX3YFyWWPNeQHdFFDU85xJhXjq7gjs2eJUebr2lcW8x6U1UzjK9BubI-_YRKePu0pCLwyEJqe2L9RMbHD9lpXbeydoPnO0HnuvKLoC6kfhjc/s1024/1-100_6674.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny-OdJiA_X5U4j5UzsQVfI0_gUawm1q_WAmcNnWe7-uaaCYDX7MlMWCVzG-vzYbCAvtVHRRWEHh-h9S_sX3YFyWWPNeQHdFFDU85xJhXjq7gjs2eJUebr2lcW8x6U1UzjK9BubI-_YRKePu0pCLwyEJqe2L9RMbHD9lpXbeydoPnO0HnuvKLoC6kfhjc/w640-h480/1-100_6674.JPG" /></a><br />I am certain once Mrs. Crane has laid her egg, the turtles will be sent packing!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3guE6Wte5DT6PaCIFKPhZ1oSAIBXy6Buqyur46LugNrk3bCx4PEPzfhL33AETl4Qs2IzD-BVtPtsEzOnRr1fLZ_Z0_4qfKC-w-wUjIFt4RCMZTWRBx92EsePllDi_Bx8QZq3jUsJPsSyeauzvz4CLgi9YMx6pmfdLNh3V1nL48iSSX_7VlVLSFlN5nU/s1024/1-100_6675.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3guE6Wte5DT6PaCIFKPhZ1oSAIBXy6Buqyur46LugNrk3bCx4PEPzfhL33AETl4Qs2IzD-BVtPtsEzOnRr1fLZ_Z0_4qfKC-w-wUjIFt4RCMZTWRBx92EsePllDi_Bx8QZq3jUsJPsSyeauzvz4CLgi9YMx6pmfdLNh3V1nL48iSSX_7VlVLSFlN5nU/w640-h480/1-100_6675.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />So now, let's move on to what else has been going on in the past couple of days! Yesterday was my hubby's birthday! We were kind of up in the air about what we were going to do to celebrate until a few days ago. Things weren't coming together for our extended family to get together due to sickness and other conflicts, so we decided to try and do something a little different. I wanted to surprise him with a new plan. Benton and Rose got on board and said they would host his birthday party at their house. Unbeknownst to hubby, we invited our Pastor and his wife and our friend Pamela (yes, the same one with the the porch sign above who is getting ready to move away). Her birthday is also the same day as my hubby's, and we have become her surrogate family here in Florida since she is from New England and all of her family are far away.<br /><br /><br />We decided to have a "weenie roast" and bonfire, complete with s'mores!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMsw7u4LLZcnHvgo1k9uBTFccAji-xg810coa6uKghyOF3kp34qgiV13-VBHpDxvzFjGAQByU5f7gSGYfDEFfWsEDeG5i1Ovv-084PydFUbfbG5Vd8r0ptFqADKWtdf5KWiwS3BWVtCtzQwFnIqSSczZr-21cI6vGa_lFy3axkv5FbLrzA6czfYEhbBo/s1200/1-IMG_2760.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMsw7u4LLZcnHvgo1k9uBTFccAji-xg810coa6uKghyOF3kp34qgiV13-VBHpDxvzFjGAQByU5f7gSGYfDEFfWsEDeG5i1Ovv-084PydFUbfbG5Vd8r0ptFqADKWtdf5KWiwS3BWVtCtzQwFnIqSSczZr-21cI6vGa_lFy3axkv5FbLrzA6czfYEhbBo/w480-h640/1-IMG_2760.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gBARrt-unLY4cYUAGaDT5SSaxuYalKOBjGofFck3oMX3kEfGx9Sg9Z_-1ExZwXmC0AXSQBztfQjHn0RomfMEF98ZL0Y7U-NiK-L-zAg0OBuF2Gkk0UvL4BsVUSnReRIitGr_AwF2sdKDuOy-cveX6SmQre5zbfy2i24g6AqUqMP7m9AFuGshmd6yd4E/s1200/1-IMG_2771.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gBARrt-unLY4cYUAGaDT5SSaxuYalKOBjGofFck3oMX3kEfGx9Sg9Z_-1ExZwXmC0AXSQBztfQjHn0RomfMEF98ZL0Y7U-NiK-L-zAg0OBuF2Gkk0UvL4BsVUSnReRIitGr_AwF2sdKDuOy-cveX6SmQre5zbfy2i24g6AqUqMP7m9AFuGshmd6yd4E/w640-h598/1-IMG_2771.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here's our Pastor and wife and Pamela...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_vYg5AnVt8u1uL9J5F5rIUqogXjq1K7QpWOHTKCbYGaqD4qMnKD34uNQHMotz81ruf_74NN4Hv9dzLcXCJYBlFZXDId8jbqD9RKu4EHQ3fq2oHx2DzbCiGKh6LJtfJAugwKlBOe4-nStPHiFyY7yWUrNzl9Qn7n4lc8PL6SMf2Iv9Wf7sAa8FVxYGGU/s1200/1-IMG_2756.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_vYg5AnVt8u1uL9J5F5rIUqogXjq1K7QpWOHTKCbYGaqD4qMnKD34uNQHMotz81ruf_74NN4Hv9dzLcXCJYBlFZXDId8jbqD9RKu4EHQ3fq2oHx2DzbCiGKh6LJtfJAugwKlBOe4-nStPHiFyY7yWUrNzl9Qn7n4lc8PL6SMf2Iv9Wf7sAa8FVxYGGU/w480-h640/1-IMG_2756.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />After our supper of hot dogs, potato salad, beans, coleslaw and deviled eggs, it was time for the birthday cake, and here are the two birthday kids being sung to:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvhsGqtJ97cDAiqpjhOdbADXoY0ECAx2bfSgXgTBKJ5OqXqtosNLPRCf1GL3_d-zjWskKEHXl8Fk6kUBiHj4zSX21BcGpIEz8O4RhR7cwlyFqrw4Lrn828pjiACTihMxvcBarPIpFCNKy7ds3TX2VO-pws0UxZ0d1tOHl_P9Mcg-M0SNx2RsRMhoP4Ro/s1200/1-IMG_2762.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvhsGqtJ97cDAiqpjhOdbADXoY0ECAx2bfSgXgTBKJ5OqXqtosNLPRCf1GL3_d-zjWskKEHXl8Fk6kUBiHj4zSX21BcGpIEz8O4RhR7cwlyFqrw4Lrn828pjiACTihMxvcBarPIpFCNKy7ds3TX2VO-pws0UxZ0d1tOHl_P9Mcg-M0SNx2RsRMhoP4Ro/w640-h480/1-IMG_2762.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And blowing out their candles:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nZnbRgDURtxXtiVddVUWbN8KuVabM1L-G18PQFkYADzaR4gZekbGjjVMeMj3NXyymzrMXcn22sRF64u4nWHsZFF8indWLSSThedZzzImoihKJDzcEueQWquq2fdX7cAQWiJPMD3gl5RTOh7uvnRujExbySmpTxYkfRajiF3cDTMCw7F6uoXhW7lgOqA/s1200/1-IMG_2765.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nZnbRgDURtxXtiVddVUWbN8KuVabM1L-G18PQFkYADzaR4gZekbGjjVMeMj3NXyymzrMXcn22sRF64u4nWHsZFF8indWLSSThedZzzImoihKJDzcEueQWquq2fdX7cAQWiJPMD3gl5RTOh7uvnRujExbySmpTxYkfRajiF3cDTMCw7F6uoXhW7lgOqA/w640-h480/1-IMG_2765.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here's some varied pictures of our people roasting hotdogs or marshmallows...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBH4Mglks7Y7w22VzV0fPVu1coxkDp0FFMr4_K-yPW3GTEyO2axlrko_1Sagva0VVfnAIavuFNjkC9L_uA2g0scAU9p6V2FDhYH-CbyVkuECSXwvez1s8w-OUDyL9WkKySnawBCLl3aXDgV7A-cU_zsJ-9b_ccIwMNbJoBTTw5cM2GudeG5CXK7Ya-No/s1200/1-IMG_2759.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBH4Mglks7Y7w22VzV0fPVu1coxkDp0FFMr4_K-yPW3GTEyO2axlrko_1Sagva0VVfnAIavuFNjkC9L_uA2g0scAU9p6V2FDhYH-CbyVkuECSXwvez1s8w-OUDyL9WkKySnawBCLl3aXDgV7A-cU_zsJ-9b_ccIwMNbJoBTTw5cM2GudeG5CXK7Ya-No/w640-h480/1-IMG_2759.jpg" /></a><br />Benton<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlupCj9vmDIfkyiK9kWuTaXvrhIqz74O9TMbo1HTLujgQX36oy2byD8O8OO8V4PUU_DH5bcGCuM562ToBgGkSin6Izmxsl_OHJSZP5J-sEn0B4_K55vnAaemtuSoZbRHFvnKbt4RuhLwqNq7TAURYUu0VWPIbHsfXy-yXeOAv_AjDIRdaJdbBYGsAK-mc/s1200/1-IMG_2769.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlupCj9vmDIfkyiK9kWuTaXvrhIqz74O9TMbo1HTLujgQX36oy2byD8O8OO8V4PUU_DH5bcGCuM562ToBgGkSin6Izmxsl_OHJSZP5J-sEn0B4_K55vnAaemtuSoZbRHFvnKbt4RuhLwqNq7TAURYUu0VWPIbHsfXy-yXeOAv_AjDIRdaJdbBYGsAK-mc/w480-h640/1-IMG_2769.jpg" /></a><br />Pastor's Wife Carol<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMIYPY5JW0Yc_jHUzbJ_Fl8UR0k2H7fUxtB4uWDVIywkbSMdyMcINp-2qw1qo6dS5i3PUAQTXJD6pY6lawnVapOocLk2S2lgd4oaBRDY8YvQ6X7F-Bgwtrrgl1G7dpjE-w_55ARwNNIYGAajepc5HmpUKVQd0jlw6-wUHxvh0REwqzGYAK1fnoBN_98s/s1200/1-IMG_2774.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMIYPY5JW0Yc_jHUzbJ_Fl8UR0k2H7fUxtB4uWDVIywkbSMdyMcINp-2qw1qo6dS5i3PUAQTXJD6pY6lawnVapOocLk2S2lgd4oaBRDY8YvQ6X7F-Bgwtrrgl1G7dpjE-w_55ARwNNIYGAajepc5HmpUKVQd0jlw6-wUHxvh0REwqzGYAK1fnoBN_98s/w480-h640/1-IMG_2774.jpg" /></a><br />Pastor and Hubby<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjip7bKMkS1l2qA2vzGOWx5vYIoKT5FWAoShDPWAhSU-HYpVZ4dKDQP0JQQ1jb7gwlB5tgC7Ql9BXAiaaeuTUsc4-WNy6kSZj2HyGy8kITUpUcdjJLcySB83UsFtojE9JIYN2Yr169gBAAeG7utPa6V0YCahIOmzH81ym4HCJLSgTIxiAhpptlT5_bjWtc/s1200/1-IMG_2777.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjip7bKMkS1l2qA2vzGOWx5vYIoKT5FWAoShDPWAhSU-HYpVZ4dKDQP0JQQ1jb7gwlB5tgC7Ql9BXAiaaeuTUsc4-WNy6kSZj2HyGy8kITUpUcdjJLcySB83UsFtojE9JIYN2Yr169gBAAeG7utPa6V0YCahIOmzH81ym4HCJLSgTIxiAhpptlT5_bjWtc/w480-h640/1-IMG_2777.jpg" /></a><br />Rose and Carol<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hAjnMpn40eIac7HMd_QBGrJs4D-p6RY3kXFmk9XQk_CVXOf5LoMtVxyIEbg2O7btGhIoHkREBKVjHK2DQD1NOc9_n-AJ_fw8igRdgEJ65Uhsu5gTfAwik1J-sJXFauDVCx7Si6NrCtmNO_3IGVl-pSe9UFyOIHaB6rab-l6EmTk4gr1hyyGUcPFH4ew/s1200/1-IMG_2779.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hAjnMpn40eIac7HMd_QBGrJs4D-p6RY3kXFmk9XQk_CVXOf5LoMtVxyIEbg2O7btGhIoHkREBKVjHK2DQD1NOc9_n-AJ_fw8igRdgEJ65Uhsu5gTfAwik1J-sJXFauDVCx7Si6NrCtmNO_3IGVl-pSe9UFyOIHaB6rab-l6EmTk4gr1hyyGUcPFH4ew/w480-h640/1-IMG_2779.jpg" /></a><br />Carol does love her s'mores almost as much as I do!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPYM5qI5JZAJHapPqTTtkE7CwGKAeWK6TxHatE_sw1xCdSgFYONeVtVojJ3j9laFGtnb-XPacmtSNvo9lJW7_2ol2RlPi9I5Sost5NXXXEIWb45Ueclva42kMdiydSzhY49RI8mV8I3wIyYh6NNVtl8T6lucUmlgicoBfT1WxjYgmVXc-eOwnyC9S7a8/s1200/1-IMG_2780-001.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPYM5qI5JZAJHapPqTTtkE7CwGKAeWK6TxHatE_sw1xCdSgFYONeVtVojJ3j9laFGtnb-XPacmtSNvo9lJW7_2ol2RlPi9I5Sost5NXXXEIWb45Ueclva42kMdiydSzhY49RI8mV8I3wIyYh6NNVtl8T6lucUmlgicoBfT1WxjYgmVXc-eOwnyC9S7a8/w468-h640/1-IMG_2780-001.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Yours truly, enjoying the first s'more in quite a while! And I couldn't stop with just one!<br /><br /><br />Thankfully we pulled off the surprise! Hubby didn't know anyone else would be there but our kids, and he was clearly blessed and happy, and so was our friend Pamela, although she was in on the surprise part.<br /><br /><br />As I said earlier, Pamela will soon be moving back to her home in New England for good. She is selling her little winter home here as her family is all up north and her home up there is a family home that she has had since childhood, so for her it will be a good thing, but we will miss her smiles and fun times here. We've called ourselves P1 and P2, I am P1 as I am a little older and was here first, so she is P2. It's always hard to see special people come and go in our lives, but sometimes we have to understand, just like in the verse I shared above about seeing things more clearly...God always has a bigger story that He is writing in our hearts and lives, and we just have to trust Him.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2SUiVme41ZbGHUFz2VZKb0Qr_Ttc2VixoT1Av6LtfbMibgLMeOWHQPfxwvxqo7GblTXuZ5K-PBV9I52N2AaFanIUAQM2-zfvdoYdb6aIa9BxUegb6PrpXqYKBE6irtCzE9TLZHoHCoRqnHsbQN3LljDlVkh0LWethORYtMl3kEBBcrf2HYKW2hluTZU/s1200/1-IMG_2754.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2SUiVme41ZbGHUFz2VZKb0Qr_Ttc2VixoT1Av6LtfbMibgLMeOWHQPfxwvxqo7GblTXuZ5K-PBV9I52N2AaFanIUAQM2-zfvdoYdb6aIa9BxUegb6PrpXqYKBE6irtCzE9TLZHoHCoRqnHsbQN3LljDlVkh0LWethORYtMl3kEBBcrf2HYKW2hluTZU/w640-h480/1-IMG_2754.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The Birthday "Twins"<br />Now, the birthday party wasn't completely over with this little gathering last night. Yesterday morning my hubby's brother Bill called to wish him a Happy Birthday, and then said they would be coming up here today to have lunch with us at our local "Hog Wild Country Cafe'". That was a pleasant surprise we didn't know about! And to make things even better, our son Scott was able to come home for the day and join us for lunch! Sadly, we didn't get a picture of all of us together, and my brother in law did take one picture of us after Scott had left, but as of this writing he hasn't sent it to me yet, so I will just have to post this without that picture. Suffice it to say, we had a great time with our family together for lunch. Benton and Rose were able to join us along with Scott, and my brother in law and wife Peggy came too, so we had a really sweet time together. All in all, it made for a lovely birthday celebration for my hubby after all!<br /><br /><br />I will close with these verses that are apart of what I shared earlier, although this is in the New King James Version, and the other was from the old King James, because that was the way I remembered learning it and liked that wording best for verse 12.<br /><br /><br /><br />I Corinthians 13:11-13 NKJV<br />11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.<br />12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.<br />13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.<br /><br />Amen, and Good Night Friends!<br /><br />P.S. I apologize for the change in fonts/etc. in this post. Something got messed up and I haven't been able to correct it. I hope you can still read it okay!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-44667838450495231262024-02-14T20:09:00.003-05:002024-02-14T20:09:14.445-05:00Wednesday Treasures for Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday<p> Valentine's Day Love Is...building a new nest...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrVhsYUtUVXIF8re0npp4rsoJg3e5sjxJ-gF_4GySUYHvhpun_-85x_U_DO19fek2Bx_J-Nb7iOEJI94Y-Mh5dFqgwavx3TZS6R34vuu7UMde_tzjWoVhXCVPabnupFEht9On4iahWOL3VCOukXAo7x1rUDvWakdwsClJqwdTftKoD9S8OEl-B-C7nMg/s1024/1-100_6650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrVhsYUtUVXIF8re0npp4rsoJg3e5sjxJ-gF_4GySUYHvhpun_-85x_U_DO19fek2Bx_J-Nb7iOEJI94Y-Mh5dFqgwavx3TZS6R34vuu7UMde_tzjWoVhXCVPabnupFEht9On4iahWOL3VCOukXAo7x1rUDvWakdwsClJqwdTftKoD9S8OEl-B-C7nMg/w640-h480/1-100_6650.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, that is our same Mr. and Mrs. Sand Hill Crane building a new nest out on that little scrap of a marshy island early this morning...and they are working at it diligently morning and night...so it must be time for a new baby crane "colt" egg to make an appearance any time now. Last year the first egg appeared on Valentine's Day, and another one right after that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These pictures are rather grainy due to it being right before sunset tonight, but they were both right back at it tonight, working away, pulling up lily pad stems from the pond and tossing them into a pile to create the nest. They took the day off to go feed somewhere else, but came back this afternoon to get back to work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5grYjYc463cEXWLArx2RGr2SdOhfhTDwiNCJ3JTQU_77KphlmavrHXT8y96f94MadEJbuJkfQ4_D0T-qtQf5cM4xO3O6gXOT7-Xk2F7YbAQtWs9b6_nzR7vP_CBkcu1t1Ftil6FgX8fI5QwOew66dunqwt-kXaCnWKvL8T9JVCke_F9uJew8SrZVMGo/s1024/1-100_6657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5grYjYc463cEXWLArx2RGr2SdOhfhTDwiNCJ3JTQU_77KphlmavrHXT8y96f94MadEJbuJkfQ4_D0T-qtQf5cM4xO3O6gXOT7-Xk2F7YbAQtWs9b6_nzR7vP_CBkcu1t1Ftil6FgX8fI5QwOew66dunqwt-kXaCnWKvL8T9JVCke_F9uJew8SrZVMGo/w640-h480/1-100_6657.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>They were making quite a lot of noise for a while this evening, and I thought maybe she had already laid the egg...but it's too hard to tell from these pictures. Hopefully I will be able to see them better in the morning.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2j7DenRFPTTDGvaxDgSEAFrJy-i79I-MXeMRj-wGdfYgFTDQHhnfLIjZf8IeJpOT5QzjrcSbg_NJko6d2ztMFgcagjZrY-LcYqvMuAntcP1RhhAzmi7m6DZ2rO6XGB5LO7couf4KQQ-NBNEZghZBwIXFuGtq167MWuP5k3AgtS3-QxyNTclAVje1VBWg/s1024/1-100_6658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2j7DenRFPTTDGvaxDgSEAFrJy-i79I-MXeMRj-wGdfYgFTDQHhnfLIjZf8IeJpOT5QzjrcSbg_NJko6d2ztMFgcagjZrY-LcYqvMuAntcP1RhhAzmi7m6DZ2rO6XGB5LO7couf4KQQ-NBNEZghZBwIXFuGtq167MWuP5k3AgtS3-QxyNTclAVje1VBWg/w640-h480/1-100_6658.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MCKUVrSs-eNV1MOsaN0DoTWQ8l-x4PEw7sQV8W5t4RiyNGn74g_VqAMoY8qqMCrYjeuhmnWY6n-91j9mHDLh8ttZTsyrVgtlw4IlAaz-CoX0nvyJzy3n-MbogYGF7AfvmIEjjaPo9SLEK2N_OlfUHxcd2QYxfcYY3v2po71_yUBMCg06QD0xgcEI9J8/s1200/1-100_6659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MCKUVrSs-eNV1MOsaN0DoTWQ8l-x4PEw7sQV8W5t4RiyNGn74g_VqAMoY8qqMCrYjeuhmnWY6n-91j9mHDLh8ttZTsyrVgtlw4IlAaz-CoX0nvyJzy3n-MbogYGF7AfvmIEjjaPo9SLEK2N_OlfUHxcd2QYxfcYY3v2po71_yUBMCg06QD0xgcEI9J8/w640-h480/1-100_6659.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Meanwhile, during the bright afternoon sun today, Mr. Turtle was enjoying sunning himself on top of their newly constructed nest. I have a feeling Mr. and Mrs. Crane will be standing guard over their nest once the egg appears and Mr. Turtle will have to go sun himself elsewhere!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38bby9KMp_7TomDKM_f004jLMH7uoXossKOcFpWM0Vd8YM3jtSNhCpWoK5bdV5qFs3u9qjGegA6ork9yIDxpnrckq-n6YGl26lBIVykHhDLevGhJusZlvZxG9RGVjkeFvbgjGntyjgtOPUJh_XQ1IhWBxdgrl-KwkXVbyHguGS8MAkYGZFsyEYbDr1Ic/s1200/1-100_6655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38bby9KMp_7TomDKM_f004jLMH7uoXossKOcFpWM0Vd8YM3jtSNhCpWoK5bdV5qFs3u9qjGegA6ork9yIDxpnrckq-n6YGl26lBIVykHhDLevGhJusZlvZxG9RGVjkeFvbgjGntyjgtOPUJh_XQ1IhWBxdgrl-KwkXVbyHguGS8MAkYGZFsyEYbDr1Ic/w640-h480/1-100_6655.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Today was a rather conflicting day...it was Valentine's Day, a day to celebrate the love of friends and loved ones, and Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season, when we remember the great sacrifice that Jesus made for us and we realize just how unworthy of His great love we really are, and yet He chose to love us and die for us anyway. So maybe it isn't such a conflicting day after all? It really is all about LOVE. I guess the conflict comes in wanting to celebrate at the same time as feeling a sense of needing to make some sacrifices in order to draw even closer to the One who loves us so much. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000;">John 15:13 NKJV </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000;">"Greater love has no one than this, </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000;">than to lay down one’s life for his friends."</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">1 John 4:10 King James Version</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">"10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">Romans 5:8 NKJV</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">8 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rather than write a new post regarding the practice of Lent, <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-secret-garden-chronicles-lenten.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE is a link to a previous post</b></a> that I wrote originally a few years ago about what I believe about Lent. You may find it interesting.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile, since today was also Valentine's Day, there were other things happening as well. Our Women in Faith group met for their monthly gathering. I went with full intention of staying for the luncheon at the end, but I really wasn't feeling up to par and decided to head back home instead where I could have a bowl of soup and take a long nap. I was just very tired and my tummy wasn't feeling great, so that was the best option for me today. But I was there long enough to get this fun little Valentine game that one of the ladies brought for each of us to enjoy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwn2gx1Y8jrtWtqpSsNQb6S4OxpPY6XCV4CRp-jrUkutft9o-aqOFHDakRZ-HkHeR4Conz-1r6F06_R0Yden56jaq-_z-iaMo8_jQG2fSWYrAIr-W-WdAZmn8P2H8i9L2rcKMb-_-Lgx5Up0Tg1cn7y5CnWIPNjex_Q6coUfTaIKJWB40H2VD4Zkeaj9Y/s1200/1-IMG_2723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwn2gx1Y8jrtWtqpSsNQb6S4OxpPY6XCV4CRp-jrUkutft9o-aqOFHDakRZ-HkHeR4Conz-1r6F06_R0Yden56jaq-_z-iaMo8_jQG2fSWYrAIr-W-WdAZmn8P2H8i9L2rcKMb-_-Lgx5Up0Tg1cn7y5CnWIPNjex_Q6coUfTaIKJWB40H2VD4Zkeaj9Y/w480-h640/1-IMG_2723.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was one of those papers that you have to fold all different ways and make a little hand game. I never did get it right, so here is what it looked like originally:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmRhrXR8FD8I5CXdBu3ysrOhPhDnCWSysom7dFYn4QTY-dgRak9z2fP4yPxKO0rA7XZORbXsI3fz7Kqb-jux0JgmVUlRt1umHiu6CmnmKsBsqqs8NQSl9y2rHEnIMUxzsIjlAhpEk7phQxz_Q2CRKx7Bz1UXvyLe4WyRqOuV6Ajt83_bubduE5qDs77c/s1200/1-IMG_2737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmRhrXR8FD8I5CXdBu3ysrOhPhDnCWSysom7dFYn4QTY-dgRak9z2fP4yPxKO0rA7XZORbXsI3fz7Kqb-jux0JgmVUlRt1umHiu6CmnmKsBsqqs8NQSl9y2rHEnIMUxzsIjlAhpEk7phQxz_Q2CRKx7Bz1UXvyLe4WyRqOuV6Ajt83_bubduE5qDs77c/w640-h480/1-IMG_2737.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I thought the questions were cute and fun, and maybe we should try to answer them as a Valentine's Day quiz.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>1. What food do you dislike most? </b>I like most foods, but probably nothing too overly spicy. I don't eat Sushi or stinky cheeses like Bleu Cheese or Limburger. (Does anyone really eat Limburger Cheese?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2. What's your hidden talent? </b>Not sure...it must still be hiding...I used to be quite artistic, but not so much anymore. Most of my talents aren't really hidden as I try to use them so I don't lose them...I love to sing, take pictures, and write this blog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>3. Who do you like? </b>Gosh! Where do I begin? I like all of YOU!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>4. What's your favorite candy? </b> Payday candy bar. (the Original one...not the chocolate one).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>5. What's your biggest fear? </b> I really can't say that I have any big fears because I know God is in control and He is handling everything perfectly. However, I must say that I really would not want to live alone. I've never had to live alone in my whole life, and I have a hard time imagining that I would adapt to a solitary life very well. I know God is always with me no matter what, but still, the thought of living without anyone around to talk to or just be close to is something that I hope I never have to do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>6. What's your favorite animal? </b>I am more of a dog person I think, but I love horses and little kitties are so sweet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>7. Who's your favorite TV star? </b>As a child I would have said Lucille Ball (I Love Lucy). Now, I really can't think of any one favorite TV star as I really don't watch much TV. I like old movies, but those would be movie stars.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>8. What's your go-to dance move? </b>I have no clue. Slow dancing with my hubby. What could be better than that?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now it's YOUR turn! I would love to hear what you have to say about these little questions. Feel free to copy them and answer them on your blog if you wish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's getting late, and so I guess I will close this with a few pictures of tonight's sunset on Still Waters Pond. It really was magnificent...another of God's masterpieces...a Love gift for Valentine's Day from God!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's the beginning, just as the sun was dipping down below the trees...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-cFnRVZtRxwT9Qq9U40VSVsE3lLyz18LHr_QqjWUxlZmYoMf1-k5Ut_FobT1PnmX-5Oxm17Zjz56afUgV2hbUUchlzefGczLvoq0A-gdV5DdX_Rwt8uRwwAKtAbJN-Ma_Bqx7je2ROj4_gKAWydD1D2wpcXh_vTJpcFi4rSKTbcCYO2_Rh_8qqKQ8aA/s1200/1-IMG_2731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-cFnRVZtRxwT9Qq9U40VSVsE3lLyz18LHr_QqjWUxlZmYoMf1-k5Ut_FobT1PnmX-5Oxm17Zjz56afUgV2hbUUchlzefGczLvoq0A-gdV5DdX_Rwt8uRwwAKtAbJN-Ma_Bqx7je2ROj4_gKAWydD1D2wpcXh_vTJpcFi4rSKTbcCYO2_Rh_8qqKQ8aA/w640-h480/1-IMG_2731.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The skies became all golden and glorious...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9sN5twPQ1WgHAQfnC25v4tAm0xxdNm8LfEwkM8X6qexB22-zbpRTZiN-OKQ8kTYu9aRH7lxiMH8a3LPFMxizY_tcalOambwAD2MNy30vj3DrRmpVcGvoCQOHN9rqnIUwjD3rF082Bn_WB9q8z5UKa50kTUotDHLmdObcgK9QsBK5KtLZ2C1WUKp6ZQM/s1200/1-IMG_2740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9sN5twPQ1WgHAQfnC25v4tAm0xxdNm8LfEwkM8X6qexB22-zbpRTZiN-OKQ8kTYu9aRH7lxiMH8a3LPFMxizY_tcalOambwAD2MNy30vj3DrRmpVcGvoCQOHN9rqnIUwjD3rF082Bn_WB9q8z5UKa50kTUotDHLmdObcgK9QsBK5KtLZ2C1WUKp6ZQM/w480-h640/1-IMG_2740.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This reminds me of a hymn that I remember singing often growing up: "For the Beauty of the Earth". You can listen to it here and sing along with my pictures if you wish...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zy7t2Uasqe8" width="320" youtube-src-id="Zy7t2Uasqe8"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>1 For the beauty of the earth,</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>for the glory of the skies,</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>for the love which from our birth</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>over and around us lies.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Refrain:</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Lord of All to Thee we raise</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>this, our hymn of grateful praise.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQAo3v624nFpOs91ifsv6ZjdZHiLrnEasMxYLXYqFPgYb3LsV_7ZfEyjJbCTiqNfiWGiDjUnrC578pii0lQD48Wg9bPxDCiQfY1A5bS10U_7nXo3hh_X_domIrPZ__uYjvb7uWsTUgWerpmviTyM3t3R2lzAvMuTe6Mw0E7T7s_OWe1iOMggq3I4lOCI/s1200/1-IMG_2741-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQAo3v624nFpOs91ifsv6ZjdZHiLrnEasMxYLXYqFPgYb3LsV_7ZfEyjJbCTiqNfiWGiDjUnrC578pii0lQD48Wg9bPxDCiQfY1A5bS10U_7nXo3hh_X_domIrPZ__uYjvb7uWsTUgWerpmviTyM3t3R2lzAvMuTe6Mw0E7T7s_OWe1iOMggq3I4lOCI/w480-h640/1-IMG_2741-001.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><b><i>2 For the wonder of each hour</i></b></div><div><b><i>of the day and of the night,</i></b></div><div><b><i>hill and vale and tree and flower,</i></b></div><div><b><i>sun and moon and stars of light, </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>Refrain:</i></b></div><div><b><i>Lord of All to Thee we raise</i></b></div><div><b><i>this, our hymn of grateful praise.</i></b></div></div></div>And then the skies turned to this lovely shade of pinkish-orange-blueish. Or "sky blue pink".<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIr2KYgEWpvM01hSfq015Elgx8qbkQenguV11ueQC1OGPM6ZXi3B4NrQ9twCRiELNDdbm70rVlV1nRLy405sPiHuureZw3lBu3pm36oSLTOPFoWpLkYd7i-hinkHDV6IYGXHN6SfkZKeX5tFVdj4H4SWbYoA36DbRRTrMbELduR0r60teCsCOekwyLCo/s1200/1-IMG_2743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIr2KYgEWpvM01hSfq015Elgx8qbkQenguV11ueQC1OGPM6ZXi3B4NrQ9twCRiELNDdbm70rVlV1nRLy405sPiHuureZw3lBu3pm36oSLTOPFoWpLkYd7i-hinkHDV6IYGXHN6SfkZKeX5tFVdj4H4SWbYoA36DbRRTrMbELduR0r60teCsCOekwyLCo/w480-h640/1-IMG_2743.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><b><i>3 For the joy of human love,</i></b></div><div><b><i>brother, sister, parent, child,</i></b></div><div><b><i>friends on earth, and friends above,</i></b></div><div><b><i>for all gentle thoughts and mild, </i></b></div><div><div><b><i>Refrain:</i></b></div><div><b><i>Lord of All to Thee we raise</i></b></div><div><b><i>this, our hymn of grateful praise.</i></b></div></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>It was about this time that Mr. and Mrs. Crane were making lots of noise out there on their little island while building their nest. You can't see them, but they were singing praises to their Creator for the beauty of the skies around them while they work against time to get their little nest ready for their new eggs to be developed and lovingly cared for until the babies are born...and then they really get busy!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGzkKLDQTeNt7BsYElR3P49fBSccf60JUedfCGzM8YEfnOV6UBvb3hyhB14w-jhnOEcsemJ-5fysejWJTwUl1JMmDyVMP9QrBGPbPLIghF9D-CxqWWEL_l0Y5NG6LXVdLadSqdX3Cmku1o6VjKfEuEhIB6e1KM17UFDmXg07n319gC0-o_K4H3PVwXoU/s1200/1-IMG_2744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGzkKLDQTeNt7BsYElR3P49fBSccf60JUedfCGzM8YEfnOV6UBvb3hyhB14w-jhnOEcsemJ-5fysejWJTwUl1JMmDyVMP9QrBGPbPLIghF9D-CxqWWEL_l0Y5NG6LXVdLadSqdX3Cmku1o6VjKfEuEhIB6e1KM17UFDmXg07n319gC0-o_K4H3PVwXoU/w640-h480/1-IMG_2744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><b><i>4 For Thyself, best gift divine,</i></b></div><div><b><i>to our race so freely given,</i></b></div><div><b><i>For that great great love of Thine,</i></b></div><div><b><i>peace on earth and joy in heaven. </i></b></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJb4uZqGiTu80VVqX66MKsmuK8JFizu-cR9jELlI3NCd6VVJ0fpht7k-AuL_xi7qNlOxG8n43HnW4f3zmEb6Y-BdXuLWMYZ7vpTWSouNIfxTpq0DjpHs-CKLyJllC5Da8u0-XSphUaHpyGTUwkqMscw_0cNqJTaN4VxPwV-j8oUD8OguAOKSj07nhTbIs/s1200/1-IMG_2745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJb4uZqGiTu80VVqX66MKsmuK8JFizu-cR9jELlI3NCd6VVJ0fpht7k-AuL_xi7qNlOxG8n43HnW4f3zmEb6Y-BdXuLWMYZ7vpTWSouNIfxTpq0DjpHs-CKLyJllC5Da8u0-XSphUaHpyGTUwkqMscw_0cNqJTaN4VxPwV-j8oUD8OguAOKSj07nhTbIs/w480-h640/1-IMG_2745.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>[Refrain]</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><b><i>Lord of All, to Thee we raise</i></b></div><div><b><i>this, our hymn of grateful praise.</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAmiGlTuZGSFzaNi4u_Tm_iDdbAXRYJY4DfEbGkofm9hFfE54DK-8BA7CgU4nvJT914ODokbU-F2jKwBxrf_SjIuuxXaWgOfdi3KWKqVSwaZnKfOPQZuSpr1_ktl8GaryrSx5BV7QlLLNf-P9Z6oJHrePvG6u_c6YAKFawUaZC-P8Lz2A883jbszEQGQ/s1200/1-IMG_2749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAmiGlTuZGSFzaNi4u_Tm_iDdbAXRYJY4DfEbGkofm9hFfE54DK-8BA7CgU4nvJT914ODokbU-F2jKwBxrf_SjIuuxXaWgOfdi3KWKqVSwaZnKfOPQZuSpr1_ktl8GaryrSx5BV7QlLLNf-P9Z6oJHrePvG6u_c6YAKFawUaZC-P8Lz2A883jbszEQGQ/w480-h640/1-IMG_2749.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amen.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">May you have a blessed season of Lent as we prepare our hearts for the remembrance of the Passion of our Savior Jesus Christ..."Lord of all, to Thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-11440358838764212712024-02-12T19:49:00.000-05:002024-02-12T19:49:23.534-05:00Monday Monday and Tuesday 4 ~ Banana Splits<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XIcZOkV6ejibcNlFc8w20kTXbBlqM-2LnUSkL5snHzV9dBD_ZRkMdkUlRN4YDPjXdj56oO7vKgxGotGUqBcSl6oxkBexvCtQwNA4Bdky88proXRDwcZHmn6vM7clwaYnlbCVX9Oe1gHvHRgp7Jvm5Orse4kyzkYecMxb_rgneCpFUaZ942BaSLZoQe28/s600/banana%20split%20amos%20sewell.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XIcZOkV6ejibcNlFc8w20kTXbBlqM-2LnUSkL5snHzV9dBD_ZRkMdkUlRN4YDPjXdj56oO7vKgxGotGUqBcSl6oxkBexvCtQwNA4Bdky88proXRDwcZHmn6vM7clwaYnlbCVX9Oe1gHvHRgp7Jvm5Orse4kyzkYecMxb_rgneCpFUaZ942BaSLZoQe28/s320/banana%20split%20amos%20sewell.jpg" /></a></div><p> Hello Friends in Blogland! Here it is Monday evening already, and I am just getting around to saying hello! Mondays are usually kind of busy...a day to catch up with a few things in the morning after a busy weekend and then we have our Bible Studies at the church in the afternoon, so there isn't a lot of time for "visiting". I am going to "split" my time here between Monday and the Tuesday 4 meme for this week, which is named "Banana Splits"! Let's start out with that first...</p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Banana Splits</span></i></b></p><b>Amos Sewell's Banana Split</b><br /><br /><b>Welcome to </b><a href="https://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/2024/02/banana-splits.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 </a><b>where we ask you just four questions weekly.</b><br /><b> The painting is named Banana Splits and is by Amos Sewell. It tells a story but I think the story is left up to us to figure out.</b><br /><br />My Thoughts: First of all, I never heard of Amos Sewell before this! I would have thought this was a painting by Norman Rockwell! I was surprised to learn that <a href="https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/artists/amos-sewell/" target="_blank"><b>Amos Sewell did many illustrations for the Saturday Evening Post</b></a>. So thank you, Annie, for pointing us to this very talented artist! I learned something new here today!<div><br /><b>1. What do you think the man in the painting is thinking? </b> I don't think he quite approves or likes the idea of those kids eating those banana splits. It may be that he doesn't like the idea of banana splits, regardless of who is eating them!<br /><br /><b>2. In your story what kind of sandwich and beverage is he having?</b><div>I would imagine that he is drinking coffee as most men do not drink hot tea, at least not very many that I know of. The sandwich looks like a grilled cheese sandwich to me. Oh, wait a minute, I see a tea pot under his left arm...so I have to change my answer above...apparently this man IS drinking hot tea and has a little teapot filled with more tea. <br /><br /><b>3. Do you think he is a stranger to the children or does he know them? Why do you think so?</b><br />I do not believe this man knows these children. The way he is looking askance at them makes me think that he is not very familiar with the antics of young children, and probably is of the old school that says that "children should be seen and not heard"....and they certainly shouldn't be having banana splits at lunch time or supper time, or whenever this might be!</div><div><br /><b>4. Do you keep ice cream at home? Banana splits usually have 3 or 4 scoops of ice cream. What flavor ice cream should be in your banana split? </b></div></div><div>Personally I cannot say that I have ever actually had a banana split. The thought of mixing bananas with ice cream and all of those toppings just really doesn't sound good to me at all! I would prefer my ice cream sundae with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream and chopped walnuts on top. You can keep the maraschino cherry too! We used to keep ice cream at home all the time when our son Scott still lived with us, but it seems as if since he moved out that we just weren't eating it up fast enough and it would get all frosty and freezer burned, so we have stopped buying it and only get it when we are expecting company for dinner or dessert. I normally would keep plain vanilla around, but oftentimes would buy Neapolitan, which is strawberry, chocolate and vanilla together. Sometimes we buy Klondike bars or Eskimo pies.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, Annie, for hosting our weekly Tuesday 4 gathering. This one was fun and a bit different! If the rest of you would like to join in with this meme each week, you can find it <a href="https://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/2024/02/banana-splits.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE at https://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/2024/02/banana-splits.html</b></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now, back to today, Monday...(when I am writing this)...Let's see, what's been going on here lately?</div><div>Well, I mentioned the Bible Study earlier. This is the new study we are doing now:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINXRPD5SThBjohn38P8n4I_OQOnHQay56q2_9XtV32fMvVawDcEiTAeiOnZqLFN4P3Gn9g6jf5onMfElVDrY63vsNbGQTqc_p8JGu3TM_Fik3nzYOKSF44LyttnYMTGNuNUMAq4u7eRJwbjYMEc2TnNOlFjguErbkRU3LPesvMtU1v7mIIHhJB9PDaic/s1200/1-IMG_2562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINXRPD5SThBjohn38P8n4I_OQOnHQay56q2_9XtV32fMvVawDcEiTAeiOnZqLFN4P3Gn9g6jf5onMfElVDrY63vsNbGQTqc_p8JGu3TM_Fik3nzYOKSF44LyttnYMTGNuNUMAq4u7eRJwbjYMEc2TnNOlFjguErbkRU3LPesvMtU1v7mIIHhJB9PDaic/w640-h480/1-IMG_2562.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a little synopsis of the study:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuE0T2GYPpaB5sMVKMVf7cv50AlIIQLBGeAGBGAgWXLbSi4oyqiq0upogxQmmpnvvKZ7mIaW7mCqpZdwTRfOh7LGHn0NjfXfbaujHO2LB6YbmA6fpfJzhPqpmv22G1aTAjrXhyphenhyphenXfehqjXdqwajrHD77451TCDe5YQfQQpnCnd1QbhEYRlT10UrHua4aY/s1200/1-IMG_2564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1200" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuE0T2GYPpaB5sMVKMVf7cv50AlIIQLBGeAGBGAgWXLbSi4oyqiq0upogxQmmpnvvKZ7mIaW7mCqpZdwTRfOh7LGHn0NjfXfbaujHO2LB6YbmA6fpfJzhPqpmv22G1aTAjrXhyphenhyphenXfehqjXdqwajrHD77451TCDe5YQfQQpnCnd1QbhEYRlT10UrHua4aY/w640-h376/1-IMG_2564.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We just started this one last week, and so far it is really good. For those of us who find ourselves in God's Waiting Room often, this has some wonderful insights into that bigger picture of what God may be trying to teach us in the meantime. Our Ladies' Bible Study group has about 10-12 ladies on most weeks, and we enjoy learning from God's Word together while we share our own life experiences of waiting on God. I'm very thankful for this group of women.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our men also have a weekly Bible Study, and my hubby is the leader/teacher. Currently they are studying the Book of Hebrews. They also have about 10 men who attend regularly, and I know my husband enjoys that weekly time of fellowship and study from God's Word. It's also good for him to keep his Bible teaching skills sharpened. He also teaches our adult Sunday School class on Sunday mornings. We are very thankful for these opportunities to serve the Lord and also to continue learning.</div><div><br /></div><div>We also have a lot of fun with our church family. Our Pastor is a real football fan, and he makes no apology for that. Illustrations about football sometimes even manage to creep into his sermons, but they always have a very good point. So anyway, it was no surprise that he wanted to have a "Super Bowl Party" last night. We don't normally have a Sunday night service since our church is primarily made up of older/retired folks who don't like to drive at night. Therefore last night was a good time to have a fun time of fellowship with whoever wanted to venture out and come to the church fellowship hall and watch the game together. Everyone brought finger foods to share, and some even brought comfy chairs and cushions so they wouldn't get too uncomfortable sitting in the ordinary folding chairs in the fellowship hall. One fun lady even wore her bedroom slippers! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3rzWjQokKOXrQF493egjLs8IQxcDJjy6jjpdKhq_QNEc5APLgfp8wWY3zEtYqSI68f5-uSyfVesdjkxLuxwTBazDF4gs5N8MgWWR6oguJwdaVI15BHsRZyqvBeYNN8DXMYXlUW9f_Oc47vsGdf6HTT700YtazuHGAoFvTBsVYR1kL962DUo_XJcwB0w/s1200/1-IMG_3191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="1200" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3rzWjQokKOXrQF493egjLs8IQxcDJjy6jjpdKhq_QNEc5APLgfp8wWY3zEtYqSI68f5-uSyfVesdjkxLuxwTBazDF4gs5N8MgWWR6oguJwdaVI15BHsRZyqvBeYNN8DXMYXlUW9f_Oc47vsGdf6HTT700YtazuHGAoFvTBsVYR1kL962DUo_XJcwB0w/w640-h244/1-IMG_3191.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We are all comfy and happy and having a good time...the food was great too!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlOSUj-3QTVBmsubcVvYaj2vlxx-P2oq2vuKMMMb-W69dDpQ8o7YLh95YPhyphenhyphen5oO8RD_WU8EwFFhKRMCB0Lt8CKF-DdHEtRQD7K854XxLlrRuP5a2WXRNRao4CIlU2i78yafmAi5ObAiCJ6iy05hpJXdlTEi8aZ7wjo4d72DVz9tgnpOjBlisRJnvKIyM/s1200/1-IMG_3189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="1200" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlOSUj-3QTVBmsubcVvYaj2vlxx-P2oq2vuKMMMb-W69dDpQ8o7YLh95YPhyphenhyphen5oO8RD_WU8EwFFhKRMCB0Lt8CKF-DdHEtRQD7K854XxLlrRuP5a2WXRNRao4CIlU2i78yafmAi5ObAiCJ6iy05hpJXdlTEi8aZ7wjo4d72DVz9tgnpOjBlisRJnvKIyM/w640-h234/1-IMG_3189.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPuhu0VlpAhc8vzvjBZkXMAWrPMC6dweJr6mvqqU1yY5klIMoUCjzvLv0HB_ejbfwlgZaiteoUMmkZgj8L9Wnr4K3zwcH0OsdAF-EF2enY7JAX70k_p-DaScGzy9pPQQ1tF0QaYOWDuADGQmUs5pVpu27YBD1RL8A6VwwIBgxzUEmZnFHBu_8X992YDQ/s1200/1-IMG_2692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPuhu0VlpAhc8vzvjBZkXMAWrPMC6dweJr6mvqqU1yY5klIMoUCjzvLv0HB_ejbfwlgZaiteoUMmkZgj8L9Wnr4K3zwcH0OsdAF-EF2enY7JAX70k_p-DaScGzy9pPQQ1tF0QaYOWDuADGQmUs5pVpu27YBD1RL8A6VwwIBgxzUEmZnFHBu_8X992YDQ/w640-h480/1-IMG_2692.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, that's our "kids" Rose and Benton out in front, and our Pastor and his wife sticking her head around Benton's head behind him, and another dear friend...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A good time was had by all! Some of us "older folks" may have left after the half to go home and get ready for bed...but we found out we missed the most exciting part of the game in the 2nd half and overtime! (actually, hubby still watched most of it while I got ready for bed and basically conked out!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSJtEwSSmKpNXlCagv95obRQwK4A0f0847U0ZxDuX-Vh94F6Pkokv9uggObQ0shDYhjYYd-8twnxvW9ma4xcOtnZjHGk8WK67Hek-c5EvvYaIpYfeo_fSGZ2JL2rxTtahwfbYKpq00-KzjTJsbUNn1obswOtO7BA0JYmsTj_OX0y7W5ZFfiMHPug599g/s1200/1-IMG_2686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1200" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSJtEwSSmKpNXlCagv95obRQwK4A0f0847U0ZxDuX-Vh94F6Pkokv9uggObQ0shDYhjYYd-8twnxvW9ma4xcOtnZjHGk8WK67Hek-c5EvvYaIpYfeo_fSGZ2JL2rxTtahwfbYKpq00-KzjTJsbUNn1obswOtO7BA0JYmsTj_OX0y7W5ZFfiMHPug599g/w640-h390/1-IMG_2686.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Whoa! I am writing this tonight at 7:12 p.m., and we just had a huge crack of thunder and lightning! A storm is rolling in and I guess that cold front is coming across tonight. I hope all of you are safe wherever you are. I understand some places may be having severe storms and some will get more snow. Here in Florida it will be thunderstorms and rain, but I pray nothing too severe.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think I will just have to close out with a few sunset pictures on Still Waters Pond from the other evening and call it a night:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsmTnQtERWk6v6OZdkYIXB41lxydx4XTKX2AZ7pP_2_rbYsbbBD3azzEvHkR5DNEwzdajF5y04pNAhmDMr0VXJFoPY-AKDgXrZjgkGp3c1ENd65C0lxhquMSQMvjVWqeCWD5e9s2j1CqAK8aEkmiQNZuWnEmwZMj6AqptIUIhbkx0rvYSrQu8WX73meQ/s1200/1-IMG_2666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsmTnQtERWk6v6OZdkYIXB41lxydx4XTKX2AZ7pP_2_rbYsbbBD3azzEvHkR5DNEwzdajF5y04pNAhmDMr0VXJFoPY-AKDgXrZjgkGp3c1ENd65C0lxhquMSQMvjVWqeCWD5e9s2j1CqAK8aEkmiQNZuWnEmwZMj6AqptIUIhbkx0rvYSrQu8WX73meQ/w640-h480/1-IMG_2666.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>God's beautiful masterpieces in the skies always make me want to stand and praise Him and sing!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdPX0SUZS2mXWy8xXLPMdqAf2DXsixQXSzpoY5hRxaG1TaV4eALuRYnB2sU9Ofh2v4P0l54U7vD9jtsFQ2VqOtyE0cT9P8OKNM7wUary4JzCpOMD5zs8GNr1pyhHU7qgQvDLFlgvsOzi67bbw3a2JhMBODcJAQ0xWk_B68kRpQhsUJ1Kml4aDoLpeUk0/s1200/1-IMG_2668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdPX0SUZS2mXWy8xXLPMdqAf2DXsixQXSzpoY5hRxaG1TaV4eALuRYnB2sU9Ofh2v4P0l54U7vD9jtsFQ2VqOtyE0cT9P8OKNM7wUary4JzCpOMD5zs8GNr1pyhHU7qgQvDLFlgvsOzi67bbw3a2JhMBODcJAQ0xWk_B68kRpQhsUJ1Kml4aDoLpeUk0/w480-h640/1-IMG_2668.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunday morning we sang the song "Have You Seen Jesus My Lord?", and the second verse says this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Have you ever stood at the sunset with the sky mellowing red; Seen the cloud suspended like feathers? Then I say you’ve seen Jesus my Lord.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Chorus: Have you seen Jesus my Lord? He’s here in plain view. Take a look, open your eyes, He’ll show life to you."</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">And when we were singing that verse, I could "see" these beautiful sunsets in my mind and I thought to myself, "yes, I do believe I've seen Jesus my Lord...He's here in plain view...take a look, open your eyes, He'll show life to you."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1fwJSbumcOlKi3CnxJijgOvkoiYMrdvcwxXu9d4iMELLuwnturMBtg6OaDKWchNaovnh04tA7ftOSBfE5pvshUkWPEpFKlzm2ANfqupRmTgahTiJR9dewo249JY0fnEyAWk3Fy95pDHleEYEdGsDb6mbsfz-22sBwFoRVs2todPY7WkK5Gb34yGmaIU/s1200/1-IMG_2670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1fwJSbumcOlKi3CnxJijgOvkoiYMrdvcwxXu9d4iMELLuwnturMBtg6OaDKWchNaovnh04tA7ftOSBfE5pvshUkWPEpFKlzm2ANfqupRmTgahTiJR9dewo249JY0fnEyAWk3Fy95pDHleEYEdGsDb6mbsfz-22sBwFoRVs2todPY7WkK5Gb34yGmaIU/w640-h480/1-IMG_2670.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2022/07/have-you-seen-jesus-my-lord.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE is a link to a post I wrote a few years ago</b></a> that has a YouTube video of our choir singing this song, along with a few photos that I added to go along with each verse. You might enjoy listening to it again.<br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzOM5gW5dXgumAPpufPCTAYaIUaqBSJ_aELCUtcUNDZUjd9kXqfkIWrhzJiqzpmozmh1_yPFRx4A4mrcs6EiKgqqZAacjiSOj3gON3_hJnyfjcJEbTNbRxaRI7nFXk4AS81HbBb7Zn6Xy4-RjaM9n8y6LnJd4AvRCwryLxc93_0MA7fzaHeE9rMRwRXw/s1200/1-IMG_2671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzOM5gW5dXgumAPpufPCTAYaIUaqBSJ_aELCUtcUNDZUjd9kXqfkIWrhzJiqzpmozmh1_yPFRx4A4mrcs6EiKgqqZAacjiSOj3gON3_hJnyfjcJEbTNbRxaRI7nFXk4AS81HbBb7Zn6Xy4-RjaM9n8y6LnJd4AvRCwryLxc93_0MA7fzaHeE9rMRwRXw/w480-h640/1-IMG_2671.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And I will close with this page for today from my devotional book, "Be Still and Know"...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLvCcJEhjtrAzcmjozl_IpCgHJk7xeauARLjxGXh0WWzi41335cxmULL7fClFqhvWO6UB9K0oBh_DxZqa6MLueNx1aFUrqyaImqfilKIYStdEbpJxtxsdL7lqgY9LDylEr92VK8p5DPLKh59-jJwt9WCGYLV7g8ppGg6l9-2iXJ4beoYPDW5OvslDAdM/s1200/1-IMG_2700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="901" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLvCcJEhjtrAzcmjozl_IpCgHJk7xeauARLjxGXh0WWzi41335cxmULL7fClFqhvWO6UB9K0oBh_DxZqa6MLueNx1aFUrqyaImqfilKIYStdEbpJxtxsdL7lqgY9LDylEr92VK8p5DPLKh59-jJwt9WCGYLV7g8ppGg6l9-2iXJ4beoYPDW5OvslDAdM/w480-h640/1-IMG_2700.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the part that says, "But the reality is that whether the sun is shining or the rain is pouring, whether your song comes easily or your tears pour freely, He continues to be faithful..." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, Our God is always faithful, and He is always there for us. We may have to wait sometimes in God's Waiting Room to get the answers we are seeking, but He is always faithful and will answer our prayers in His time, within His perfect will for us. So don't ever give up hope!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>One last note:<br /><div>Gonna be a busy week...Tuesday night Choir Practice</div><div>Wednesday is Valentine's Day, Our Women in Faith monthly meeting/fellowship, Ash Wednesday evening service, which is the beginning of the Lenten Season leading up to Easter...and my hubby's birthday is on Friday (and there will be some surprises for him that day, so shhh! Don't say anything!) Saturday morning is our church community breakfast, and then we are back to Sunday again! Whew! I need to get to bed! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">Good Night friends!</span></div><div><br /></div>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-34323111279211386612024-02-09T21:36:00.004-05:002024-02-09T21:59:17.546-05:00Friday Foto Friends...Around the Pond<p> Here it is late Friday evening...and I am just getting around to posting this! Most of you won't see it until Saturday, so we could call it Saturday Foto Friends instead! LOL. I really don't have a lot of great photos this week that I haven't already shown, so this will just be a mish mash of stuff from around the house and Still Waters Pond. Let's see, where shall I begin?</p><p>How about with this Red Shouldered Hawk that was sitting up in a tree overlooking the pond this afternoon? He was watching for something to have for supper I bet!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUE32T6pXp9ukH-QvSTrA84JvwoHg1gQd4MpeixlJ9JscuZncjZBFUor0lS4Bg0Xv3nCd7jS-gWgsTWcVi3i3MMLPSGHddzTSR3LEHGzu5udIQpj1I9y9AwofzVeh7ItjPrPE_BMUwsZRu6IZmGpbYym53bUrdS8GHEFgDz2Jcvwcr05pX_EtsknTPnU/s1200/1-100_6639.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUE32T6pXp9ukH-QvSTrA84JvwoHg1gQd4MpeixlJ9JscuZncjZBFUor0lS4Bg0Xv3nCd7jS-gWgsTWcVi3i3MMLPSGHddzTSR3LEHGzu5udIQpj1I9y9AwofzVeh7ItjPrPE_BMUwsZRu6IZmGpbYym53bUrdS8GHEFgDz2Jcvwcr05pX_EtsknTPnU/w640-h480/1-100_6639.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Sorry he is hiding his face behind that little branch...I was kind of at a distance and really couldn't see him that well, so I just started taking pictures, trying not to call too much attention to myself so he would stay put.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtj8Ce5XkWsjzItNOh6tjEU0xHwguUgaDR-3avtrmpLs1xJyYYpSD4OzSkfpJNv_MdilI9oT9o2pK2jkIXAtBvJ6TNAS2M0Gl9XbvGGjKWgoxaZnn6T2MtrUNhWBJbIpAdl2nJ-nuR6U-WKTZ7_KTpJS9f6J7sEWGCtSmqxmJkylmZhRZo-XlKpysdQc4/s1200/1-100_6640.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtj8Ce5XkWsjzItNOh6tjEU0xHwguUgaDR-3avtrmpLs1xJyYYpSD4OzSkfpJNv_MdilI9oT9o2pK2jkIXAtBvJ6TNAS2M0Gl9XbvGGjKWgoxaZnn6T2MtrUNhWBJbIpAdl2nJ-nuR6U-WKTZ7_KTpJS9f6J7sEWGCtSmqxmJkylmZhRZo-XlKpysdQc4/w640-h480/1-100_6640.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I think he knows I'm there anyway...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMQReDhtuzqnKx8saVOodUWWQUDAB86YJMZhDclfI8GUGzQC9TU-w77a9nR1e8iR9vAfcLYlbTzK3oiDPEaWxxFGoP6g_oiCiOWkZrij5dIOolryIgEBuTKVKAlCvydq6XJCb9Ryrn80XLH-dSbI0xtGrF_sCOazQTz_JF1UQ-ekFkghE8dbeO_MPbns/s1200/1-100_6641.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMQReDhtuzqnKx8saVOodUWWQUDAB86YJMZhDclfI8GUGzQC9TU-w77a9nR1e8iR9vAfcLYlbTzK3oiDPEaWxxFGoP6g_oiCiOWkZrij5dIOolryIgEBuTKVKAlCvydq6XJCb9Ryrn80XLH-dSbI0xtGrF_sCOazQTz_JF1UQ-ekFkghE8dbeO_MPbns/w640-h480/1-100_6641.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Right after this he took off flying across the pond and that was that...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3vqBeZImNSCchXbWfvNoyBS0R7KycM-wSIlh9xBdSWYPKhqeaVLDmlZIbKzgZzWHQ886RJBignXxGCOO8yIn1v82qKlzOqSadz99BemJcpRKUkSQwqnf5Avxd8D2Gr6Ll3a-x9FJIx6JlktkjMEsBUJVBGyZiattrQF9SR7PFsXHlgbPSa6Jl1MO8mc/s1200/1-100_6642.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3vqBeZImNSCchXbWfvNoyBS0R7KycM-wSIlh9xBdSWYPKhqeaVLDmlZIbKzgZzWHQ886RJBignXxGCOO8yIn1v82qKlzOqSadz99BemJcpRKUkSQwqnf5Avxd8D2Gr6Ll3a-x9FJIx6JlktkjMEsBUJVBGyZiattrQF9SR7PFsXHlgbPSa6Jl1MO8mc/w640-h480/1-100_6642.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of across the pond...one day this week we were driving around on a road on the other side of the pond, and it used to always be so full of brush and trees, etc., that you couldn't tell there was a pond there. But someone recently bought that lot and cleared away the brush so now you can actually see the pond and walk down to it, and so of course that's what I did! This gives you a different view of the pond from the other side and also the back side of the two islands that are in the pond...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkk2Q3FcwI25h1qWxDqaFB-zbqcvP-mY_bfcJcE6o1WLUh7dhjjS1xkz8-cjrrFK5W5zlXEVsGtQ0cwn9GXG3lhnq8HsBAbGj0Up60Tx3YVY8zJnuxs5hecvmvUZGiK8FeBGGgWIgwmPvra3jGJOdEg8xqgSrhD0-mplhGg4PDVg-qrcyG6peSAoFWt0/s1200/1-IMG_2632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkk2Q3FcwI25h1qWxDqaFB-zbqcvP-mY_bfcJcE6o1WLUh7dhjjS1xkz8-cjrrFK5W5zlXEVsGtQ0cwn9GXG3lhnq8HsBAbGj0Up60Tx3YVY8zJnuxs5hecvmvUZGiK8FeBGGgWIgwmPvra3jGJOdEg8xqgSrhD0-mplhGg4PDVg-qrcyG6peSAoFWt0/w640-h480/1-IMG_2632.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Years ago someone had built a pier over to that island and then beyond it onto the other island that is closer to our house.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj47bV4SscwE_WsBCYlygHRTPOU_6IIzPVInppaJ7cE2mNkMhJT_EpiI-BURQxhg5tPZe3KtaH5VFPy-NJhoc-MZ1j1dCBsCc_DVjpNlNB3UY1lJrByg9x9Q-ItTKRHFOQiPH6cP6V1up4A2ociW9WwEE7C0ChqSYQ2gEnGA_Gfs4-2kEWvAn8VmzJFlE/s1200/1-IMG_2633.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj47bV4SscwE_WsBCYlygHRTPOU_6IIzPVInppaJ7cE2mNkMhJT_EpiI-BURQxhg5tPZe3KtaH5VFPy-NJhoc-MZ1j1dCBsCc_DVjpNlNB3UY1lJrByg9x9Q-ItTKRHFOQiPH6cP6V1up4A2ociW9WwEE7C0ChqSYQ2gEnGA_Gfs4-2kEWvAn8VmzJFlE/w640-h480/1-IMG_2633.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>It crossed over this canal to that island...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DcBMPsS9QwIT3r8t4fSkeLs5FEbd4oUh31_38gHHmyClcrDNGSgW_6mSWDGBoaxA3_jFAAgUvAf1YuadStnz6k1EPSA_zuGNwhKn7J_MgFOC-3Un6UzY1vODihpiASOZiDCwSbwAFUn5_LqFjLoGqoAJqchOzAF0xQJYTi95WeHblq_WSmPm8z5mODI/s1200/1-IMG_2635%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DcBMPsS9QwIT3r8t4fSkeLs5FEbd4oUh31_38gHHmyClcrDNGSgW_6mSWDGBoaxA3_jFAAgUvAf1YuadStnz6k1EPSA_zuGNwhKn7J_MgFOC-3Un6UzY1vODihpiASOZiDCwSbwAFUn5_LqFjLoGqoAJqchOzAF0xQJYTi95WeHblq_WSmPm8z5mODI/w640-h480/1-IMG_2635%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>And there is what is left of it...it isn't functional anymore...I would not dare to try to walk on it. I did kayak under it a few times back when I was strong enough to kayak around the pond. Maybe I can find one of those pictures of under that dock...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK0G_tTN6vF0PbKcLmY9xSSFCV2wl5aG0flLrIJHDB4bBhneJoUpbZTMTygJJcfsKCy9vIZ9tB8Em78R7aetn9YGQ51llhOumILvN9thi5oDuJQEgV7Xr_kY2wgNNpnEauhpXb21juj-pGadAc9U2o21-_BbqCdldvKL_4nJdRsxkHieuE0AcuCPzqdM/s1200/1-IMG_2636.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK0G_tTN6vF0PbKcLmY9xSSFCV2wl5aG0flLrIJHDB4bBhneJoUpbZTMTygJJcfsKCy9vIZ9tB8Em78R7aetn9YGQ51llhOumILvN9thi5oDuJQEgV7Xr_kY2wgNNpnEauhpXb21juj-pGadAc9U2o21-_BbqCdldvKL_4nJdRsxkHieuE0AcuCPzqdM/w640-h480/1-IMG_2636.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a few pictures from a couple of years ago when I was able to make that trip around the pond in the kayak...and here I am getting ready to go under that old dock...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6hHnxazG4yx5VsFTKNiQn9NEwO7U4hWPKz-8SSC5q0DIIAhyphenhyphenQhT7I7CRwDMf_kOL966UTQ5zp79fucThuVE7RJ3GCgX5jp9nUj0xzr3ln5mWFX7y_RrL0z6OWVXJI5vsU4mPLcclbf2p853vWXG8U2DF-dT7FXQxUXNkzrNGs5jk45bFN_9yMYeIFb8/s1200/1-100_8865.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6hHnxazG4yx5VsFTKNiQn9NEwO7U4hWPKz-8SSC5q0DIIAhyphenhyphenQhT7I7CRwDMf_kOL966UTQ5zp79fucThuVE7RJ3GCgX5jp9nUj0xzr3ln5mWFX7y_RrL0z6OWVXJI5vsU4mPLcclbf2p853vWXG8U2DF-dT7FXQxUXNkzrNGs5jk45bFN_9yMYeIFb8/w640-h480/1-100_8865.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We must always remember to stop and "smell the water lilies" along the way...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSCu3FYybj82CE85r7YaWgRGKxjKIdoo8gZTvzvvUt_t_PjX5s_IIxwUVImGyI_4Psp1L0x_5B1BT3y5Rf4mwZ2gQw9eYb5BWYV5sUdn-e8Ned2fHpStQBW5Egb1e2aqnDiXiXnL8gZwH64ZvphChAWTE8Cf5_LNkasVuZE_wjDguXSbWKVw8581PElQ/s1200/1-100B7610.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSCu3FYybj82CE85r7YaWgRGKxjKIdoo8gZTvzvvUt_t_PjX5s_IIxwUVImGyI_4Psp1L0x_5B1BT3y5Rf4mwZ2gQw9eYb5BWYV5sUdn-e8Ned2fHpStQBW5Egb1e2aqnDiXiXnL8gZwH64ZvphChAWTE8Cf5_LNkasVuZE_wjDguXSbWKVw8581PElQ/w640-h480/1-100B7610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>This is looking up from underneath the dock...I was a lot braver a few years ago than I am today...not sure I'd do that again now, but then again...maybe I might...I do miss going out in the kayak...it was so peaceful out there...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPOmdPp4kVGpKlzbH3Aw_H-7nyGfHjTkVKuIG1ArrL10HVjNSuU5N8-qDJXJFgCnnbQwdr6z3ttUd2NZRn64ogYPHR2r6UDxux1puKXdDS2xqYPxtxoPUSEcG4ds_oD4Ws_xmcK0Jf_B4idO2wibMU-kkTBw-SOlOS-AV1NYPzQZSZ2tcQM7YCG_xhDE/s1200/1-100B7640.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPOmdPp4kVGpKlzbH3Aw_H-7nyGfHjTkVKuIG1ArrL10HVjNSuU5N8-qDJXJFgCnnbQwdr6z3ttUd2NZRn64ogYPHR2r6UDxux1puKXdDS2xqYPxtxoPUSEcG4ds_oD4Ws_xmcK0Jf_B4idO2wibMU-kkTBw-SOlOS-AV1NYPzQZSZ2tcQM7YCG_xhDE/w640-h480/1-100B7640.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>There were the Cat tails along the way...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlwOUArv-sr-2pfA54zhbmOvMriPFLpR-_1lAeSE6ZP-JFbfufPacLsSSn9kPPXuOqgYKzpZTxwmVkrAk18HVPgGl5Yc4GM_zANCWHhXfrLJByaa4f01hhjMyYA9UNtenQWJleEkAa40KQyCGQlT2MX9OWfeSTCKVb8RBFjkapa9rFQGfPpMsew9SKF0/s1200/1-100B7650.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlwOUArv-sr-2pfA54zhbmOvMriPFLpR-_1lAeSE6ZP-JFbfufPacLsSSn9kPPXuOqgYKzpZTxwmVkrAk18HVPgGl5Yc4GM_zANCWHhXfrLJByaa4f01hhjMyYA9UNtenQWJleEkAa40KQyCGQlT2MX9OWfeSTCKVb8RBFjkapa9rFQGfPpMsew9SKF0/w640-h480/1-100B7650.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>And here I am...I made it around the pond and lived to tell about it, and brought home a lily to prove it! Again, this was a few years ago...I need to rebuild my strength in my arms before I venture out like that again anytime soon...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiienOJJFCS-0IpPTuflfYzXqzfUuGr6b0NThlyUQm3B9Q27ltGBzWD6RjBJZXNLzmdak_1p4zo6VxRAbR6gVSOF9q5SS1a8_MVn3-ku2wWytvUJpVdBPIfRmsU0JKSN1-p4Qeu7q2N_rrFKt52ONez1pCOoXbD5h2gL6SrCqQQnFKKXKe98njXjMKZxio/s1200/1-100_7965.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiienOJJFCS-0IpPTuflfYzXqzfUuGr6b0NThlyUQm3B9Q27ltGBzWD6RjBJZXNLzmdak_1p4zo6VxRAbR6gVSOF9q5SS1a8_MVn3-ku2wWytvUJpVdBPIfRmsU0JKSN1-p4Qeu7q2N_rrFKt52ONez1pCOoXbD5h2gL6SrCqQQnFKKXKe98njXjMKZxio/w640-h480/1-100_7965.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Now, back to the present...I was trying to see if you could see our house from the other side of the pond, and thankfully you cannot! At least not from this vantage point. The islands tend to block the view...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3KeXCVmWGJ0fopWXdAmA5TWDyg6UMJ-TnwL0W5i6-RKSc8l8Nx-iM4sbn8R-vifuz5Z7eTMJCXrliDp3qPaXcPt9WCd_WLxUtvkUoRFbX-6am1iKR99LiznEcdqCSyfbFJm-JR8lhaRf9n4Toyz_xFE_wOYvmG3GPA2qdmWpyiQ0lsx-lf4hDQuPexI/s1200/1-IMG_2637.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3KeXCVmWGJ0fopWXdAmA5TWDyg6UMJ-TnwL0W5i6-RKSc8l8Nx-iM4sbn8R-vifuz5Z7eTMJCXrliDp3qPaXcPt9WCd_WLxUtvkUoRFbX-6am1iKR99LiznEcdqCSyfbFJm-JR8lhaRf9n4Toyz_xFE_wOYvmG3GPA2qdmWpyiQ0lsx-lf4hDQuPexI/w640-h480/1-IMG_2637.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this is the view of that old dock from the shore, the way it looks now: Kind of like the bridge to nowhere! Or, a bridge too far, or something profound like that...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJ7-6VrVe45HNk9QmC8nV3a-CgcMy6tvr_GruUTHnFRJChq9ExuKuKdKOfBEqFwImglppxeHl15TmPThX6a-wPyAZPp1ygg5cvyJpsUGY-9g3oW1XXVzq4owARcEqwyNGGNAlTDH1IaY2eAKr5FMJbhWItbnCqUuc38DEPORyT0tbp2M1ltau25jLBGo/s1200/1-IMG_2642.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJ7-6VrVe45HNk9QmC8nV3a-CgcMy6tvr_GruUTHnFRJChq9ExuKuKdKOfBEqFwImglppxeHl15TmPThX6a-wPyAZPp1ygg5cvyJpsUGY-9g3oW1XXVzq4owARcEqwyNGGNAlTDH1IaY2eAKr5FMJbhWItbnCqUuc38DEPORyT0tbp2M1ltau25jLBGo/w480-h640/1-IMG_2642.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here is an added bonus! These aerial views of Still Waters Pond were taken from a real estate series of photos via drone! This gives you a pretty good idea of where the islands are:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8Db8wnCsehOiWE1V9oZatBLQMmzBrWkITlfGCzb_Ggs3f2XPpYqTSZWbTvanY7aaEWTYK-H64vhLWDuNFDFv4mI59uHYU1VaVoNsE7mu7dviI7XUQsMnvfQPfqfvukV3Q0OIwZ-_f5HeEJBXUN0gHI76KB2UN5D-F7TFTzasMwBL9EiubJVr0QcGlpU/s1536/Still%20Waters%20Pond%201.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1536" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8Db8wnCsehOiWE1V9oZatBLQMmzBrWkITlfGCzb_Ggs3f2XPpYqTSZWbTvanY7aaEWTYK-H64vhLWDuNFDFv4mI59uHYU1VaVoNsE7mu7dviI7XUQsMnvfQPfqfvukV3Q0OIwZ-_f5HeEJBXUN0gHI76KB2UN5D-F7TFTzasMwBL9EiubJVr0QcGlpU/w640-h480/Still%20Waters%20Pond%201.webp" width="640" /></a></div>That is our house to the left above, and pretty much in the center of the photo below, next to the pond:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPIg44ZnGDtBBwYpc_TbJUy6W7wRk25ZZWti5CMmxJg0llgCcEaspKC0A-bk3Ip01gleuZvYl5f5do6iNw4U0yIXl76iYmdyCIMwL6WblyxuPRldDpv2MlHE8TzUh2PpGBnCb6n-SnH7JMewxTnV4TehWBWK0lEjgliwa-2GFzogfepUHLC-hYJa3daU/s1536/Still%20Waters%20Pond%203.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1536" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPIg44ZnGDtBBwYpc_TbJUy6W7wRk25ZZWti5CMmxJg0llgCcEaspKC0A-bk3Ip01gleuZvYl5f5do6iNw4U0yIXl76iYmdyCIMwL6WblyxuPRldDpv2MlHE8TzUh2PpGBnCb6n-SnH7JMewxTnV4TehWBWK0lEjgliwa-2GFzogfepUHLC-hYJa3daU/w640-h480/Still%20Waters%20Pond%203.webp" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our house on right side of photo next to pond:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-d97F3UHja3b76vQWtGuZH0eEz7h3oY5KVTn3tdveFL2zz0ygY6ppZLcvOJjcdbbwiAtArkBWwnZNL7klUGH7cJpu-zhAL2LlFYC9EFZKYjQsbaHWUdDxEcGdEsdiwoLN_ZkFRy9NB7S97GO47PU57vK9NZKVDjMsPRyPzuQcaNEWqkh_CmnAVSySmw/s1536/Still%20Waters%20Pond%205.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1536" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-d97F3UHja3b76vQWtGuZH0eEz7h3oY5KVTn3tdveFL2zz0ygY6ppZLcvOJjcdbbwiAtArkBWwnZNL7klUGH7cJpu-zhAL2LlFYC9EFZKYjQsbaHWUdDxEcGdEsdiwoLN_ZkFRy9NB7S97GO47PU57vK9NZKVDjMsPRyPzuQcaNEWqkh_CmnAVSySmw/w640-h480/Still%20Waters%20Pond%205.webp" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This one shows our shed, down on the left:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2KWI1rcWbFnjMwudioL9oWcQT7p-5p1hRvEI0H5yfvGkKY9dBTcaIHvd_pbEezgx8YvdtwbgFyJjQO4DVQKb1GWNbqCcSJpFAX2RG_EmuvDNn4KXpIlLfeMsG1BlsMFo-tdHyM1CAa-DVqic58cAW4wkIZXSgJjHgsqymDiO6tXAqHkBb3-oeQk-3k8/s1536/Still%20Waters%20Pond%208.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1536" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2KWI1rcWbFnjMwudioL9oWcQT7p-5p1hRvEI0H5yfvGkKY9dBTcaIHvd_pbEezgx8YvdtwbgFyJjQO4DVQKb1GWNbqCcSJpFAX2RG_EmuvDNn4KXpIlLfeMsG1BlsMFo-tdHyM1CAa-DVqic58cAW4wkIZXSgJjHgsqymDiO6tXAqHkBb3-oeQk-3k8/w640-h480/Still%20Waters%20Pond%208.webp" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And again, that is our house down on the bottom center. You can see the highway on the other side of the trees to the left, and a business on the far side, top of photo. Because of that highway, our pond is not as quiet and tranquil as one would believe from my photos, but we've learned to just tune out the noise and enjoy the beauty, and listen for the songs of the birds instead...it's a good lesson to learn in order to have peace in the midst of the noise of the world...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4jcFIe1-Rg982I9TlCGPMa-iP3YJZKPXPTjz4ZAxJzMEyK__8ZbxmGskpPYgQCQJ2jV81_6YGdasDIXzBgMb_nnp_vcqJqgDuyFRYCAjLo45lvzaOCZ9lh1rywPYZk_Ulf7_VWg3NvNZCIGPyI-anVzq4uPVy8lR1PhmB4VabTedjJzzjFxcHBzmf-s/s1536/Still%20Waters%20Pond%2010.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1536" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4jcFIe1-Rg982I9TlCGPMa-iP3YJZKPXPTjz4ZAxJzMEyK__8ZbxmGskpPYgQCQJ2jV81_6YGdasDIXzBgMb_nnp_vcqJqgDuyFRYCAjLo45lvzaOCZ9lh1rywPYZk_Ulf7_VWg3NvNZCIGPyI-anVzq4uPVy8lR1PhmB4VabTedjJzzjFxcHBzmf-s/w640-h480/Still%20Waters%20Pond%2010.webp" width="640" /></a></div>Hope you enjoyed this bird's eye view of Still Waters Pond!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Here's the only other picture I took today of our turtles sunning themselves out on the little marsh island:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqJFGiqONE2m0yfp9OizL9Tizlr7bS2OTZa50f-q-eTutAtkpAaPbfkH-ns4I8z4NYYF5CbUzMDq3JywLFcghvaKuIBMmOzxCiixhi2pBdRcgpeavVMNyw1XCGfG9f-Evm29Bw9gZeB051h_gWKkI9MHZXvGv3BiqtNDrwY-RSIcbLYQJKW7RxnHnH-g/s1024/1-100_6636.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqJFGiqONE2m0yfp9OizL9Tizlr7bS2OTZa50f-q-eTutAtkpAaPbfkH-ns4I8z4NYYF5CbUzMDq3JywLFcghvaKuIBMmOzxCiixhi2pBdRcgpeavVMNyw1XCGfG9f-Evm29Bw9gZeB051h_gWKkI9MHZXvGv3BiqtNDrwY-RSIcbLYQJKW7RxnHnH-g/w640-h480/1-100_6636.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And we had a lovely sunrise yesterday morning...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm-J6NwwhUfLaryyDV8Z7RD_0_9YEmy9OEVcIRsBcYIs5RsxdqBkpRwGM-W8_jkGwJJhBehzP7j9Efm1eLjhTjFMaKB9A_lVFJlvauhtqI3OYAotuSYGtJx3lQR1Cv-mxqEENSYa3qMb9eyuQKEMFiUwWqAvr7N13kA1qUf1EpCuewcFBC1NiSVBpxgE/s1200/1-IMG_2650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm-J6NwwhUfLaryyDV8Z7RD_0_9YEmy9OEVcIRsBcYIs5RsxdqBkpRwGM-W8_jkGwJJhBehzP7j9Efm1eLjhTjFMaKB9A_lVFJlvauhtqI3OYAotuSYGtJx3lQR1Cv-mxqEENSYa3qMb9eyuQKEMFiUwWqAvr7N13kA1qUf1EpCuewcFBC1NiSVBpxgE/w640-h480/1-IMG_2650.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I picked what I call "Fairy Flowers" in the yard yesterday...little tiny wildflowers that are popping up everywhere!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVmNyP0T9bTdGBFmnZ3uneh1dqE4r-Ev3GoMb04sdq0DklQugXoybKfGLYo9I_oz7BlO0B7ZPvJNc82xupNQ_Q-2cUp-yxbfDNmauKcEzGPbQysthaeBt-CREwuS3zUQ-ZSsaO46N1V-Qs_x5L7Q3er7i9gzsAIny5LCEd6RsJa-nFvF-EzPTUreNLhQ/s1200/1-IMG_2656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVmNyP0T9bTdGBFmnZ3uneh1dqE4r-Ev3GoMb04sdq0DklQugXoybKfGLYo9I_oz7BlO0B7ZPvJNc82xupNQ_Q-2cUp-yxbfDNmauKcEzGPbQysthaeBt-CREwuS3zUQ-ZSsaO46N1V-Qs_x5L7Q3er7i9gzsAIny5LCEd6RsJa-nFvF-EzPTUreNLhQ/w640-h480/1-IMG_2656.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>And so I decided the fairies needed to come out and enjoy them as a centerpiece...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTukiWFkoqM_di-yZtmuANv_ML0rRFPlGFJ5sBMB5q_tHyXdEATZJlkheIsegzjsn0Cm7xjA3vayYN9Pyne5xyBxOVXB46EixglSDsyRDqcHsWOCwbeef_YPbVj0tPWuGN2Xz5ta_lYE9hq5XqEOpNv3cX4iWq6kMEtSqOvlc_8vGp3xrNO4JiaIY6bI/s1200/1-IMG_2661.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1200" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTukiWFkoqM_di-yZtmuANv_ML0rRFPlGFJ5sBMB5q_tHyXdEATZJlkheIsegzjsn0Cm7xjA3vayYN9Pyne5xyBxOVXB46EixglSDsyRDqcHsWOCwbeef_YPbVj0tPWuGN2Xz5ta_lYE9hq5XqEOpNv3cX4iWq6kMEtSqOvlc_8vGp3xrNO4JiaIY6bI/w640-h428/1-IMG_2661.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The view from both sides...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvi53ULAPLbSPmpuilowGj-mIz6fBQPf_SXM2CA-DvNpTAT6P29VgdrbB0Gl3whZ-w-4mDZsTfqT0wn0mR0Qo9hIR34jFZaAipQaXK5Uaf54I3MqUWqVa6W1r7sYiEyYRzpy-8nDZURYhBFixNp65CFq0NIHpLGdp0g0bPEFd5vB_k63qNA-4hZhpXfs/s1200/1-IMG_2662.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1200" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvi53ULAPLbSPmpuilowGj-mIz6fBQPf_SXM2CA-DvNpTAT6P29VgdrbB0Gl3whZ-w-4mDZsTfqT0wn0mR0Qo9hIR34jFZaAipQaXK5Uaf54I3MqUWqVa6W1r7sYiEyYRzpy-8nDZURYhBFixNp65CFq0NIHpLGdp0g0bPEFd5vB_k63qNA-4hZhpXfs/w640-h438/1-IMG_2662.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Last night our "kids" came over and we made spaghetti for supper, and they were "delighted" with this little fairy garden on the table. My kids humor me a lot you might say...<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And Lily Grace was getting ready for Valentine's Day...she sent out a few Valentine's Cards to some special friends...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzf20ddj_JtppQ3IOsFzgYSA95BqyZEH1aM5Fuh6Q1VXEgWynxHlBDwsRxh_8MAaOTE2CDdqCQipdqzIFAcfWTIVdpnsXVEPilIksNijfXGYJ76h_vioyVEPn76vzUi0PvLtlSNPuFPTAXhOmCbWysIUKiPFZUNZR3f5xVYd40jC0oKqMOsryEOA9-Vo/s1200/1-IMG_2658%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="983" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzf20ddj_JtppQ3IOsFzgYSA95BqyZEH1aM5Fuh6Q1VXEgWynxHlBDwsRxh_8MAaOTE2CDdqCQipdqzIFAcfWTIVdpnsXVEPilIksNijfXGYJ76h_vioyVEPn76vzUi0PvLtlSNPuFPTAXhOmCbWysIUKiPFZUNZR3f5xVYd40jC0oKqMOsryEOA9-Vo/w524-h640/1-IMG_2658%20(1).jpg" width="524" /></a></div>Lily Grace says to send you all a great big hug and Happy Valentine's Day (week ahead!) too.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhqIG9ccfUuClD_0PxnjyAC5XmjKII_FjWyA1Br8ytynHT4t4xc3_UQ2ETEbnF_kW8nwi65HJK2r-s2TutmLmyRcFyvyivl1AV9rwBAhxkR1ObnMsvF_Boflff13gyVVIDQTrgklUinwfqjZ6gfIz8Di4OdoDtKdZfYFb4ivOfS96EvYQQQqUTxtk7dQ/s1200/1-IMG_2660.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhqIG9ccfUuClD_0PxnjyAC5XmjKII_FjWyA1Br8ytynHT4t4xc3_UQ2ETEbnF_kW8nwi65HJK2r-s2TutmLmyRcFyvyivl1AV9rwBAhxkR1ObnMsvF_Boflff13gyVVIDQTrgklUinwfqjZ6gfIz8Di4OdoDtKdZfYFb4ivOfS96EvYQQQqUTxtk7dQ/w480-h640/1-IMG_2660.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>Today's verse on my little devotional book says:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">"The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet,</span></i></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">and He will make me walk on my high hills." Habakkuk 3:19</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Notice that says "high HILLS", not "high heels". LOL. I think most of us are past the age of wearing High heels... And I love that this verse reminds us that God is our strength...and He will give us the strength we need to walk on whatever "high hills" may come before us...and even into the deep valleys on the other side of those hills. God is with us...our ever present help in every situation. May we always remember that no matter what obstacles are in our path. And who knows? Maybe I'll get that strength I need to make it around the pond again soon. That is my goal...as God gives me His strength day by day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Okay folks, that's it for tonight! Have a blessed and beautiful weekend!</div>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-10862861482761960082024-02-07T21:29:00.002-05:002024-02-07T21:32:23.257-05:00Wednesday Treasures<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Something new has been added to "My Room with a View"...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihl8eXXJKsV9-shhZR3Hd6EFTMaoAkr4nhIyDe8_nFBpSSyoVN55tE0KgNPuwIZzE4YLOtiFBN7Nx6D6Yv8AzoeXWRpvH_5EiArp6uG71pqbpnQNsaacZSOWND95H2EwN0y17aSZhjQ1zfr8XTs-x4M2Jzq-MZadxHwUroXTKVlpOOfakoge7_B3BCgy0/s1200/1-IMG_2643.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1064" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihl8eXXJKsV9-shhZR3Hd6EFTMaoAkr4nhIyDe8_nFBpSSyoVN55tE0KgNPuwIZzE4YLOtiFBN7Nx6D6Yv8AzoeXWRpvH_5EiArp6uG71pqbpnQNsaacZSOWND95H2EwN0y17aSZhjQ1zfr8XTs-x4M2Jzq-MZadxHwUroXTKVlpOOfakoge7_B3BCgy0/w568-h640/1-IMG_2643.jpg" width="568" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am trying to improve on <i>this mess:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(before)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTtesgwQsLlfpgNpzuvVvZSkazhUqIzKkS9DxySiEzq4k3ysgaQmtC7knZlkF_7hkqGCVqlLev2ETuNGwfPc9L5gOSG2lev5pN-BChVecnr67EEXhJqJF3vO24OFuMUMn2D_PYN0Iq1YLO65U19EhvX8eDiP4OHVxOXQEGWo0DscJWsbKLrDnXbOdN0Y/s1200/1-IMG_2328.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1200" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTtesgwQsLlfpgNpzuvVvZSkazhUqIzKkS9DxySiEzq4k3ysgaQmtC7knZlkF_7hkqGCVqlLev2ETuNGwfPc9L5gOSG2lev5pN-BChVecnr67EEXhJqJF3vO24OFuMUMn2D_PYN0Iq1YLO65U19EhvX8eDiP4OHVxOXQEGWo0DscJWsbKLrDnXbOdN0Y/w640-h460/1-IMG_2328.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There! That's a little bit better!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(After)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuY7ABwfUF0Ya9_grzYBp5hfrKJFYtkJluLQmK9Rb4vabzVxm3eTRcOSuGTfI_8ECU2lgK2o7Fc9BAnvhBEbO1i7TD_3S8Y8aX-EmnWZhvKVb6mgAgggxlmRdQmJ_jvUcpOjEW64_jbltc_uafTovUnJInn-C7BHkSHqLmuXtwuEmIXTTiasA9V0MFAg/s1200/1-IMG_2648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuY7ABwfUF0Ya9_grzYBp5hfrKJFYtkJluLQmK9Rb4vabzVxm3eTRcOSuGTfI_8ECU2lgK2o7Fc9BAnvhBEbO1i7TD_3S8Y8aX-EmnWZhvKVb6mgAgggxlmRdQmJ_jvUcpOjEW64_jbltc_uafTovUnJInn-C7BHkSHqLmuXtwuEmIXTTiasA9V0MFAg/w640-h480/1-IMG_2648.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This little nightstand was something that my son had for sale at Dixie Cottage. He decided to break up a set because this nightstand had different handles than the rest of the set and it didn't seem to be selling, so he decided to give it to me when I told him of my need for something to help me organize my "stuff" a little better in this room. Little by little things are getting in better shape. And it gives me a good spot to set this little devotional book and my current journal, so that I will remember to use them both more regularly.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, Lord! I am listening!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHSu8VbyF4yJ4CnlUfx4mwyR1b145AlO6J3Ku3odDcQHckqqBGg4k1iHMJ-0G31zRzET6G99UgGcb1CVQWTo-iNwcA5owugWWl5pYndHAinRrm-hdqdT-v06q7nSmJnCgIsVyj2MxKAdtdZGRmTC52KIq4fm4Om5mX0Q2l4WD6EPBQ2HwnFZTbdr4yFE/s1200/1-IMG_2646.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHSu8VbyF4yJ4CnlUfx4mwyR1b145AlO6J3Ku3odDcQHckqqBGg4k1iHMJ-0G31zRzET6G99UgGcb1CVQWTo-iNwcA5owugWWl5pYndHAinRrm-hdqdT-v06q7nSmJnCgIsVyj2MxKAdtdZGRmTC52KIq4fm4Om5mX0Q2l4WD6EPBQ2HwnFZTbdr4yFE/w480-h640/1-IMG_2646.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Oh, how true this is...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVekfYDUbvjgLU-nptzAsHkKKgqsqgmlk-4DmFjvh2iHljlgrrOG_EaLZVNwfywZveMvQ-i7DtpXX4LcOQOXZU89t7Prl-5fCIEi7F0ZC9UHDM_3f4bVX2ICgDOgzMgSOIdA8qnI2wJOH7zOgHxJS4bkfnenh9F3HQrVpA8yYdw-uE9RBh0sRCtbv3nZs/s1200/1-IMG_2645.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1174" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVekfYDUbvjgLU-nptzAsHkKKgqsqgmlk-4DmFjvh2iHljlgrrOG_EaLZVNwfywZveMvQ-i7DtpXX4LcOQOXZU89t7Prl-5fCIEi7F0ZC9UHDM_3f4bVX2ICgDOgzMgSOIdA8qnI2wJOH7zOgHxJS4bkfnenh9F3HQrVpA8yYdw-uE9RBh0sRCtbv3nZs/w626-h640/1-IMG_2645.jpg" width="626" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Frankly, I am quite thankful that "no one knows me like God does". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000;">"For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000;">And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You."</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000;">Psalm 86:5</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>Wow! What a promise!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">So now, what else have I been up to? Well, let's see...today I actually got our taxes done! Hooray!! I always used to dread doing our taxes back when we were still employed and in the ministry, because there were so many things to keep track of as a minister...parsonage allowance expenses, car expenses, business expenses, entertainment expenses, on and on...keep those receipts! Keep mileage records! Otherwise we would end up paying big self employment taxes...so it was always a record keeping nightmare for me! The only time we had a professional tax group do our taxes for us we got audited, and the tax professionals did NOT come to the audit with us as promised! But we managed to prove everything we had claimed and thankfully we were not charged any extra taxes or penalties. But that clinched it for me...I would do our taxes from then on and make sure they were done right!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Now I am SO thankful that we are retired and our income is so small and simple and "fixed" that I can do our taxes in less than 30 minutes on TurboTax Free edition! Woohoo! And we still get a refund every year! Of course, it would always be nice to have more income, but hey! We are doing fine and God provides everything we need...and we are very thankful and blessed! So I am not going to rock the boat!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking of rocking the boat...well, not exactly, but let's see what's going on in Still Waters Pond this week:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This Great Blue Heron stopped by for a little visit the other day...isn't he a handsome fellow?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixjY0zkkjSzH8WsP2E3DKiuDSSC4SCDFHhFheT94QaTwHK-YHcmOOZ4sDe0PFkUVTt8An17Hyq2h56SKNXRUtYtKvV6rQUy18hVduITi4k5csXypz8c8wSb7jYnyHjAv_3TxaZXVC_7wdx5QCjeZdkVL7pETA0slTfeygWvM6XYVwcCVQqVLPX6eEnjM/s1200/1-100_6625.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixjY0zkkjSzH8WsP2E3DKiuDSSC4SCDFHhFheT94QaTwHK-YHcmOOZ4sDe0PFkUVTt8An17Hyq2h56SKNXRUtYtKvV6rQUy18hVduITi4k5csXypz8c8wSb7jYnyHjAv_3TxaZXVC_7wdx5QCjeZdkVL7pETA0slTfeygWvM6XYVwcCVQqVLPX6eEnjM/w640-h480/1-100_6625.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfenOzBv5U19g3QrBVHK6Vde1IwB69StbbMp1_cppwjPks6O0mrlgsRpYhXuObev6Jqwcy5qRgyEmS-XByVBdRWcxIL2b75Jl0lxqZuJYgXyDwdr4aHmdSuz963qXiw-Zq-V9au3BCE55gEApaaxDsuRIpf8WQGazdWvrfPVhbOOxQhCHTnMc-JEK3BQ/s1200/1-100_6626.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfenOzBv5U19g3QrBVHK6Vde1IwB69StbbMp1_cppwjPks6O0mrlgsRpYhXuObev6Jqwcy5qRgyEmS-XByVBdRWcxIL2b75Jl0lxqZuJYgXyDwdr4aHmdSuz963qXiw-Zq-V9au3BCE55gEApaaxDsuRIpf8WQGazdWvrfPVhbOOxQhCHTnMc-JEK3BQ/w640-h480/1-100_6626.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiifL6go_N6mOc998belvY4MspoXD3u2INQaNnQgwxLFkk3ddIQIByg4ixtqEBlkLtTA_8PG3fqUaKVghxBFcyDqXTTEXauGY7UvWvPwQbvmZ0QZ2AFvxrs7lhoKWbHHfUmHku0txKqbD9uRg1-JS0CA83QCOqCjSQos5zlKwB4KEmTrIsYEZIXlRimaw/s1200/1-100_6627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiifL6go_N6mOc998belvY4MspoXD3u2INQaNnQgwxLFkk3ddIQIByg4ixtqEBlkLtTA_8PG3fqUaKVghxBFcyDqXTTEXauGY7UvWvPwQbvmZ0QZ2AFvxrs7lhoKWbHHfUmHku0txKqbD9uRg1-JS0CA83QCOqCjSQos5zlKwB4KEmTrIsYEZIXlRimaw/w640-h480/1-100_6627.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RMggYSDCRB_QWu4xxj3b5DPkx4trtt43BO0HuVphECeCZNmgeHcg0iPzXvzWMflKkC1LBN4y1tHQsZ3pWnT5UR72w1Jd15epwxQaN_MdAMg8tP9eAJjM7tUGNpSFEChP244NrGYYNx1cZ2SctH_eiLETS5dt7jtgPmK60KxqlIxzi9BpBMYXd5IIaEg/s1200/1-100_6628.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RMggYSDCRB_QWu4xxj3b5DPkx4trtt43BO0HuVphECeCZNmgeHcg0iPzXvzWMflKkC1LBN4y1tHQsZ3pWnT5UR72w1Jd15epwxQaN_MdAMg8tP9eAJjM7tUGNpSFEChP244NrGYYNx1cZ2SctH_eiLETS5dt7jtgPmK60KxqlIxzi9BpBMYXd5IIaEg/w640-h480/1-100_6628.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh17ZY_uJCL58yruFVpPrGEYE2uYUayAeYCCwzNArM3RlnRZMvG9tNgCpB588_D4bVRnOuGAPrJY4-gKWbqlFv4U6hQS0T9A-iEH72Gcs98jhyphenhyphenu_Stveq312YmagzxPCAfkP24JXQP1bHKgPI4xRJaMi8AzdVDxS21ZM00GP2e5DCZSmFnONX_YG1L3YM/s1200/1-100_6629.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh17ZY_uJCL58yruFVpPrGEYE2uYUayAeYCCwzNArM3RlnRZMvG9tNgCpB588_D4bVRnOuGAPrJY4-gKWbqlFv4U6hQS0T9A-iEH72Gcs98jhyphenhyphenu_Stveq312YmagzxPCAfkP24JXQP1bHKgPI4xRJaMi8AzdVDxS21ZM00GP2e5DCZSmFnONX_YG1L3YM/w640-h480/1-100_6629.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQpDN5CKKtL8lwCSzz6futlycZwi8-E61Yt3hSoDv4OlcJLvdVF-04xHGBL3jz11fYEcFKZxEVwH4H9qcHOAjdWcTexi5_6lwbmLwCJO6-Zfd_XTapUgrtcCqA59oDXBQlHwOxbBsqZfNWwE56lFUo568i5zkgEjdCbUCNIglFAOEcYGdYhO7VImufSA/s1200/1-100_6630.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQpDN5CKKtL8lwCSzz6futlycZwi8-E61Yt3hSoDv4OlcJLvdVF-04xHGBL3jz11fYEcFKZxEVwH4H9qcHOAjdWcTexi5_6lwbmLwCJO6-Zfd_XTapUgrtcCqA59oDXBQlHwOxbBsqZfNWwE56lFUo568i5zkgEjdCbUCNIglFAOEcYGdYhO7VImufSA/w640-h480/1-100_6630.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMIpJv6F-z7vSdIewuDdbQpPl8Ktf35hXgUdEf2zzdup60DrVu2liAUBKcpfCHwlddwqsKwrPpdkGXssRVmUxV9OY_89f6m1O6DdgXlBZl-QoEq59lD085xhLKFqnEFIc0kfE-N6TUsEbaeYdI05VmYkZDgQQu-WgGL_L1Vh3B7w3zjCcY6oTDESLmjc/s1200/1-100_6631.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMIpJv6F-z7vSdIewuDdbQpPl8Ktf35hXgUdEf2zzdup60DrVu2liAUBKcpfCHwlddwqsKwrPpdkGXssRVmUxV9OY_89f6m1O6DdgXlBZl-QoEq59lD085xhLKFqnEFIc0kfE-N6TUsEbaeYdI05VmYkZDgQQu-WgGL_L1Vh3B7w3zjCcY6oTDESLmjc/w640-h480/1-100_6631.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then we had quite a lively morning with the Canada Geese one day...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7wEQCj-n5ceFKytKbLZJhKpXmF3X9_e4u3l1bkGQdZ-Q_Qpp3Vuvn3e6XshmcovKrEFDBL4myAtElN2FFzXpJP5-9VEz2E8e4FQX2zpk9hIVtYr8N5Vf8WTmCSQwcnBIa5XzPII8VITvlExzLDBcIoC6q1KighbPuPCKqEc5U1t_pDXGBHWHcfj2RAY/s1200/1-100_6585.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7wEQCj-n5ceFKytKbLZJhKpXmF3X9_e4u3l1bkGQdZ-Q_Qpp3Vuvn3e6XshmcovKrEFDBL4myAtElN2FFzXpJP5-9VEz2E8e4FQX2zpk9hIVtYr8N5Vf8WTmCSQwcnBIa5XzPII8VITvlExzLDBcIoC6q1KighbPuPCKqEc5U1t_pDXGBHWHcfj2RAY/w640-h480/1-100_6585.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>They appeared to be two rival groups, but they flew in at the same time with a lot of honking and splashing about and chasing each other around the pond. I posted a video on Facebook, but I can't seem to do it here, so you will just have to imagine it. It was quite exciting for a while until they decided to just settle down and eat and swim around the island and leave each other alone.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO-N_bkoS3fKsYjYqoMH8wNdm1eZFz5iIwaN5UEHreok-K1exmxbR6ZBkqRdN5jACQdcv4Jlw1o_gDOMTAV4Qt3MRJKMbcY6OoGpLyWL9PpwbTJMpkQf96KWL1bXcqe9HbhUjcxc4y-S1qZ8A9WzW7Fzd8_Xwax12kPyivwqDwokX8NJeWwW6bVyEXMo/s1200/1-100_6586.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO-N_bkoS3fKsYjYqoMH8wNdm1eZFz5iIwaN5UEHreok-K1exmxbR6ZBkqRdN5jACQdcv4Jlw1o_gDOMTAV4Qt3MRJKMbcY6OoGpLyWL9PpwbTJMpkQf96KWL1bXcqe9HbhUjcxc4y-S1qZ8A9WzW7Fzd8_Xwax12kPyivwqDwokX8NJeWwW6bVyEXMo/w640-h480/1-100_6586.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I snuck around to my little hiding place along the shore of the pond near the big island and watched the goose parade as they swam past me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9DieRBdGAtcjysPR-MVq-YnOxUUlIJWYWwG14r2tR8IRrKPlGMC-qnVMtI8IMC6Nqgs-3Fsp0U_Sy090bnzlDoBEu9nKp2CwBZhVL7J4jHmR2S3Y7W9o77b0JBO7ejFoJ8y5afiiYrVypMvvTqCP3GBRJP00JSKefhBKs7yyHJA40VIEVz-O4WD5Dmc/s1200/1-100_6591.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9DieRBdGAtcjysPR-MVq-YnOxUUlIJWYWwG14r2tR8IRrKPlGMC-qnVMtI8IMC6Nqgs-3Fsp0U_Sy090bnzlDoBEu9nKp2CwBZhVL7J4jHmR2S3Y7W9o77b0JBO7ejFoJ8y5afiiYrVypMvvTqCP3GBRJP00JSKefhBKs7yyHJA40VIEVz-O4WD5Dmc/w640-h480/1-100_6591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXWsdhql-TnPEAtKypnkpN0UIKrdb71VDprCFB2GXQgBsq5dbn8DvVaNlbt50vUjl2dDuQLvOjYj9jezYGfKv3I1rvuoHkG9cjnDUIVvi_oKZlnSHYVXTwRbE3jbhi3vsU1PcEOD_b8Hn9ySeigobUcumY7nfMaHGnvH-RFOumrcn0MHre7shyphenhyphen3CGOmU/s1200/1-100_6592.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXWsdhql-TnPEAtKypnkpN0UIKrdb71VDprCFB2GXQgBsq5dbn8DvVaNlbt50vUjl2dDuQLvOjYj9jezYGfKv3I1rvuoHkG9cjnDUIVvi_oKZlnSHYVXTwRbE3jbhi3vsU1PcEOD_b8Hn9ySeigobUcumY7nfMaHGnvH-RFOumrcn0MHre7shyphenhyphen3CGOmU/w640-h480/1-100_6592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Aren't they beautiful?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgD2ipvWbpbk2VCpwEQIjYcHzuchUG_y2Neyyy43Xagkv0jjeGEH6JZbXS_D2EehGof8t3Fn2b9XvawiY61ubjBZ-rSQG6mfBcnSnPBlMpKZXyZIs7l1eKwY8I7OEO88NMkdxcDrygkauPq-ayNKtT-3lh1yJLWqjfLeh1Kt1I-aGsJIcbIGC0iLzHMg/s1200/1-100_6593.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgD2ipvWbpbk2VCpwEQIjYcHzuchUG_y2Neyyy43Xagkv0jjeGEH6JZbXS_D2EehGof8t3Fn2b9XvawiY61ubjBZ-rSQG6mfBcnSnPBlMpKZXyZIs7l1eKwY8I7OEO88NMkdxcDrygkauPq-ayNKtT-3lh1yJLWqjfLeh1Kt1I-aGsJIcbIGC0iLzHMg/w640-h480/1-100_6593.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I think some of them were aware of my presence and they kept a "stiff upper lip" and just kept swimming past me without looking to the right or the left...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklgNuyrMN-8z3nMsy9T05bb5Iomaj2Zqua-pX-ay7R6uUt_0dAjavDDesV3648VAluRa2_I9U4lzv3BSFtfd7F8lAmvgza-3HtGSW7Nzn7Q2hBiNJbHaL1gj6IvSw0qYGMnTAik1pBHaDPygYSIKDP6Emb3Jr6I9TOnBZ4i43yLXstSnW5drLcJ5j_mw/s1200/1-100_6594.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklgNuyrMN-8z3nMsy9T05bb5Iomaj2Zqua-pX-ay7R6uUt_0dAjavDDesV3648VAluRa2_I9U4lzv3BSFtfd7F8lAmvgza-3HtGSW7Nzn7Q2hBiNJbHaL1gj6IvSw0qYGMnTAik1pBHaDPygYSIKDP6Emb3Jr6I9TOnBZ4i43yLXstSnW5drLcJ5j_mw/w640-h480/1-100_6594.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2ZN7u-WJNwxgmzXpa9c2LBE6wHyKso-o7PE6E3alVvd6RAEnOmCWEmNKTarvrkyrfUSGpMhpW_kmDumBccrvqPUQJswDQgNTQpAQmTiGAGDbgdSfK3kMaDfxbMAqpwwg7bp219lL-oBkssK_SRRsMyzl-AVqYk9uxLMjrs6obt4oEere2FnBWDiLtV0/s1200/1-100_6597.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2ZN7u-WJNwxgmzXpa9c2LBE6wHyKso-o7PE6E3alVvd6RAEnOmCWEmNKTarvrkyrfUSGpMhpW_kmDumBccrvqPUQJswDQgNTQpAQmTiGAGDbgdSfK3kMaDfxbMAqpwwg7bp219lL-oBkssK_SRRsMyzl-AVqYk9uxLMjrs6obt4oEere2FnBWDiLtV0/w640-h480/1-100_6597.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_7HtOHPEjtANwcv7c9F1RnbWKL_LmWsy3Ja7luEM20d3fzC8jB-d68UCfD28iZTbPXkxCz5f83t4p6yv-jeuglNBWyG1FEtgrMBEGRlWvbeiWkAnIAnp51QzqQ96Vo0XUmFClFD11Gkrd4kxQzVtiMy35SNB93leMOmqRnhSBVh6eSzgEJXX9iwLWsI/s1200/1-100_6598.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_7HtOHPEjtANwcv7c9F1RnbWKL_LmWsy3Ja7luEM20d3fzC8jB-d68UCfD28iZTbPXkxCz5f83t4p6yv-jeuglNBWyG1FEtgrMBEGRlWvbeiWkAnIAnp51QzqQ96Vo0XUmFClFD11Gkrd4kxQzVtiMy35SNB93leMOmqRnhSBVh6eSzgEJXX9iwLWsI/w640-h480/1-100_6598.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfev8-0KWquQ-msAn_1VMCoeqncOKB5MRUoT8xSWLK8XYjQsRQSSWtRSc6jrlHLhZh-9i8AOt8o3G236HPcfb5QIAjwZoWRDf-xdLroiDepaAmKelGt-tkr77DSVOu072oxZc5f_lTW5USxJ9jtyuTulAFWT8HH9IKgoOdjvmts30umzh9vfjpFuqqLU/s1200/1-100_6600.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfev8-0KWquQ-msAn_1VMCoeqncOKB5MRUoT8xSWLK8XYjQsRQSSWtRSc6jrlHLhZh-9i8AOt8o3G236HPcfb5QIAjwZoWRDf-xdLroiDepaAmKelGt-tkr77DSVOu072oxZc5f_lTW5USxJ9jtyuTulAFWT8HH9IKgoOdjvmts30umzh9vfjpFuqqLU/w640-h480/1-100_6600.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The pond has a couple of islands in the middle, and the geese like to swim all the way around them in a long line...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7fvp-7m9g-wpsp2LNFDsErnDuiIqcxNaurLeycvgHpce_jezopTfOgchChHrILWIqVKWDbpxftS0JJEhw_QTpkL1j1ec34i5K50Z8142k8NwIMdtMrk4-0Rr0_HeGmghzm7TOb-DzF0B8w_A5PTvzdMgFGqtNDeGZsUvmlogudBsvh4hQI3jqjgR9gI/s1200/1-100_6601.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7fvp-7m9g-wpsp2LNFDsErnDuiIqcxNaurLeycvgHpce_jezopTfOgchChHrILWIqVKWDbpxftS0JJEhw_QTpkL1j1ec34i5K50Z8142k8NwIMdtMrk4-0Rr0_HeGmghzm7TOb-DzF0B8w_A5PTvzdMgFGqtNDeGZsUvmlogudBsvh4hQI3jqjgR9gI/w640-h480/1-100_6601.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>But some lingered awhile in this little quiet cove and gave me ample opportunity to enjoy them...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc50EAPmmxuC4gnlkGuPXy9NTxnsIZNUf-gdZWy5ikqddOYHgyGRhEcuc4mBkzRLsYnhfKP8e85ZS556AO_wnffJYld_-ROsJ3cHIM9soRCJ2YssVdkC3pm9pTKlL8BaWb87azMGFrUXBE0rY1aHKbEMG7AWbInnXy3TApRodTCAHEX6hmqAQLCFE47Es/s1200/1-100_6602.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc50EAPmmxuC4gnlkGuPXy9NTxnsIZNUf-gdZWy5ikqddOYHgyGRhEcuc4mBkzRLsYnhfKP8e85ZS556AO_wnffJYld_-ROsJ3cHIM9soRCJ2YssVdkC3pm9pTKlL8BaWb87azMGFrUXBE0rY1aHKbEMG7AWbInnXy3TApRodTCAHEX6hmqAQLCFE47Es/w640-h480/1-100_6602.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Be Still and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3Wd-7ovdIpit2VhJ0kOmFRxIE0acHtsxAF0KwiStY5YEb91Fp3gjdWoiguKmlRY666G6xfYIc6aewhCh5pWjjn4-Czik6Tye13dvrWlJLIhqtVUlbAQK0T7wUqPc3NWPmkdrVcsNfDTTJr2RUbLYY8ursKvBBpLWk4HweEi9y1Yd_zJ0azPn862-ueo/s1200/1-100_6603.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3Wd-7ovdIpit2VhJ0kOmFRxIE0acHtsxAF0KwiStY5YEb91Fp3gjdWoiguKmlRY666G6xfYIc6aewhCh5pWjjn4-Czik6Tye13dvrWlJLIhqtVUlbAQK0T7wUqPc3NWPmkdrVcsNfDTTJr2RUbLYY8ursKvBBpLWk4HweEi9y1Yd_zJ0azPn862-ueo/w640-h480/1-100_6603.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnm8rL_G6cDt_vRtK8EOcY90bFou5www7QQQb-1G7fLqxVcN9BNPFpAUYkAgEc2TF2tdSA-7RhDt-Dtbdz1T3VV7dfqARwwfGhn1dlgqbBDGa7wQ-nPozmwwGzwKU2GDfatILPW7fPQtjmcKz_ZSGrCBbaVtHrgpDaff-SIj51Qxz1jcwpfQAC-dJM8o/s1200/1-100_6605.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnm8rL_G6cDt_vRtK8EOcY90bFou5www7QQQb-1G7fLqxVcN9BNPFpAUYkAgEc2TF2tdSA-7RhDt-Dtbdz1T3VV7dfqARwwfGhn1dlgqbBDGa7wQ-nPozmwwGzwKU2GDfatILPW7fPQtjmcKz_ZSGrCBbaVtHrgpDaff-SIj51Qxz1jcwpfQAC-dJM8o/w640-h480/1-100_6605.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18jrTJdzp03K5wvcXnGF-6t-nafCbPUeYMdtPMctGguPF3WNYk4tAOVggZSvKfx8B8gvvmYpkxht7IRFmWssAo7At4wA6Z1DQIl4tUh_bJnkOTvMRDW1iJqMe0wCnyBCXvBVFCHzB6TnbvURia-uItwsEyvMyeXdoPi3v4IZsZ1n6sLXXtT_jYYupIkQ/s1200/1-100_6606.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18jrTJdzp03K5wvcXnGF-6t-nafCbPUeYMdtPMctGguPF3WNYk4tAOVggZSvKfx8B8gvvmYpkxht7IRFmWssAo7At4wA6Z1DQIl4tUh_bJnkOTvMRDW1iJqMe0wCnyBCXvBVFCHzB6TnbvURia-uItwsEyvMyeXdoPi3v4IZsZ1n6sLXXtT_jYYupIkQ/w640-h480/1-100_6606.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55jXtyXOxlaHOTHhCco4m0PSSEYKdCW-kOrbcnDrSKm1bSlGmBKC1MXWYL4NQ4I8ZD7LU87EX_QeRqfGaPS7tF_JWHgpZfNQzBMGNsJZiE23XcMYOgZg61hSN_RhGV4h1SV3Y9yk4IbxjO-VcHAHTMBdbsXIHDtksglNMArTq4I8BqNVl8YnwA0Sf2sc/s1200/1-100_6608.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55jXtyXOxlaHOTHhCco4m0PSSEYKdCW-kOrbcnDrSKm1bSlGmBKC1MXWYL4NQ4I8ZD7LU87EX_QeRqfGaPS7tF_JWHgpZfNQzBMGNsJZiE23XcMYOgZg61hSN_RhGV4h1SV3Y9yk4IbxjO-VcHAHTMBdbsXIHDtksglNMArTq4I8BqNVl8YnwA0Sf2sc/w640-h480/1-100_6608.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyNkHetuLSbxiilYcdDSBVvNVw0aLkriH5usaAJp5epSCg6b1XvXXFol0MM-kfSJWTAedjMGF7a6wDqJJK_gO3dPeE6qbatrFORtffVoO-Lq12nhCBmkP-6NAU0q5JLE7jkDPdJCzwapWTS3mQO-E_I33DJRyXWIsITN0O6J5sflqIVRVYxdARMxFHuw/s1200/1-100_6610.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyNkHetuLSbxiilYcdDSBVvNVw0aLkriH5usaAJp5epSCg6b1XvXXFol0MM-kfSJWTAedjMGF7a6wDqJJK_gO3dPeE6qbatrFORtffVoO-Lq12nhCBmkP-6NAU0q5JLE7jkDPdJCzwapWTS3mQO-E_I33DJRyXWIsITN0O6J5sflqIVRVYxdARMxFHuw/w640-h480/1-100_6610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>As they rounded the island to the larger open waters they lined up and headed for the little marsh island all together:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR1inCzztWTN2PdF1_lo_jhptpORRT_vCL-MRQbdAle8BZtLwjKh3cmADE0uY9eZLkuFtiPG5IBdb4Qurkh1yKNXM7NOql-D7Aai4MQ3vkxBDbuWQLGDVQLYFWwMOdjsxU-yFdI2q7uv9I5p2lMC-rzgXCjxjvw2C4OL3NyAIjeCFq1_94GO_HtAOM40/s1200/1-100_6611.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR1inCzztWTN2PdF1_lo_jhptpORRT_vCL-MRQbdAle8BZtLwjKh3cmADE0uY9eZLkuFtiPG5IBdb4Qurkh1yKNXM7NOql-D7Aai4MQ3vkxBDbuWQLGDVQLYFWwMOdjsxU-yFdI2q7uv9I5p2lMC-rzgXCjxjvw2C4OL3NyAIjeCFq1_94GO_HtAOM40/w640-h480/1-100_6611.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Aren't they amazing?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvpf1skkBSVdJDmcvikA95gLTSiBUBuNjtMNvaTbUJjAG6lpcSsM-sb_SB6iDoZodQOXdeySh9Zf5yrkyWTlupq2qJEY61W3FHFYG7n6g5bZCA9PDVCEJpFmABhkON7SSY2QNZAv9loFOouZoT62VGiHC6Uj-jXJAtHN62Qq8Rsp36h6_92acOB_okI8/s1200/1-100_6612.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvpf1skkBSVdJDmcvikA95gLTSiBUBuNjtMNvaTbUJjAG6lpcSsM-sb_SB6iDoZodQOXdeySh9Zf5yrkyWTlupq2qJEY61W3FHFYG7n6g5bZCA9PDVCEJpFmABhkON7SSY2QNZAv9loFOouZoT62VGiHC6Uj-jXJAtHN62Qq8Rsp36h6_92acOB_okI8/w640-h480/1-100_6612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>There they go...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocK62w5T17md8acaTJ1w6n2aFt5oCHUcFX74gY16ipRqesT2vmP5tasF6ZYPFAPGyowuEWi2D6ODWetOGvxJvEg9aj6Fx4s4e6ovCnTO1SvG2U5JVMN1btStUVeYCFSbfvReahwxoF_h0GFqithgOTNmK83NYYhSl6ruofEDNQcwFY6M1Z3G8uj6Q_YA/s1200/1-100_6613.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocK62w5T17md8acaTJ1w6n2aFt5oCHUcFX74gY16ipRqesT2vmP5tasF6ZYPFAPGyowuEWi2D6ODWetOGvxJvEg9aj6Fx4s4e6ovCnTO1SvG2U5JVMN1btStUVeYCFSbfvReahwxoF_h0GFqithgOTNmK83NYYhSl6ruofEDNQcwFY6M1Z3G8uj6Q_YA/w640-h480/1-100_6613.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>And soon they were all relaxing out on the marsh island, some swimming, some "sun bathing", some taking a nap...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnG-f62c5OFIiRGHaqmRAaeM9P3UNjPzsxDhI7Jy-wcD_5hyvYIaT8KJgqIFHvHvDDQm0hVhDm0z4NFIUspFWbs3YVVHxg0GqP5-Jpx9v_nt5DJ4qwlPfEj2kXCvamFV_M5ipQxifMKulEZcVDU024dFGcvdJT7aLeR_m42xmkFJsfipw43EY-p1SApOA/s1200/1-100_6614.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnG-f62c5OFIiRGHaqmRAaeM9P3UNjPzsxDhI7Jy-wcD_5hyvYIaT8KJgqIFHvHvDDQm0hVhDm0z4NFIUspFWbs3YVVHxg0GqP5-Jpx9v_nt5DJ4qwlPfEj2kXCvamFV_M5ipQxifMKulEZcVDU024dFGcvdJT7aLeR_m42xmkFJsfipw43EY-p1SApOA/w640-h480/1-100_6614.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>They all seem quite peaceful now and there didn't appear to be any more wild frenzied activities...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY09Pa6XI5bia5CWOqe4cHRZ6Mvxk2dwtWTM5-FifxAso7_aaKGnAXnSLuAzTROkbtYXFof336BdJlkSzOSd7Mn72fNqf1waVYN_aGXwqEKPtTpOFXBhqKIncLXWuUYBufkB40-XHp3Qd9JYybewfwZohcFg8fWFwqp57uDHTfBmorB4Br_JX4cAY0lmk/s1200/1-100_6615.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY09Pa6XI5bia5CWOqe4cHRZ6Mvxk2dwtWTM5-FifxAso7_aaKGnAXnSLuAzTROkbtYXFof336BdJlkSzOSd7Mn72fNqf1waVYN_aGXwqEKPtTpOFXBhqKIncLXWuUYBufkB40-XHp3Qd9JYybewfwZohcFg8fWFwqp57uDHTfBmorB4Br_JX4cAY0lmk/w640-h480/1-100_6615.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And all was calm, all was bright...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerZom7XerVQbo-0GG0QQS12YVSY6Fw0u9vfuYtBU7-pEwdL0FUItIlTTnpGHHE1fM_1umq-m_LNDPv2dRj0Ynh-Qi9ZsfqeDT0_n5uGTWsHCZl1GH9sFeMdISlHbbjriF0fu-W5KPTfbVoLC4olbShogw02rZCoUpwkoVhIEBxCG-nXaOsjkM-6OkguA/s1200/1-100_6617.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerZom7XerVQbo-0GG0QQS12YVSY6Fw0u9vfuYtBU7-pEwdL0FUItIlTTnpGHHE1fM_1umq-m_LNDPv2dRj0Ynh-Qi9ZsfqeDT0_n5uGTWsHCZl1GH9sFeMdISlHbbjriF0fu-W5KPTfbVoLC4olbShogw02rZCoUpwkoVhIEBxCG-nXaOsjkM-6OkguA/w640-h480/1-100_6617.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Kind of like a "Silent Night", except it was still day, but at least they were at peace.<div><br /></div><div>Jesus said to His disciples in John 14:27:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div>And with that, I think I will bid you a good night and head for bed. Be at peace my friends.</div><div>Good Night.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p></div>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-22230474610407488092024-02-06T06:23:00.001-05:002024-02-06T06:30:16.517-05:00Tuesday 4~ You and Your Books<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKgC5JG2dKGTy1Dj8pTHPwk93YwIYgKcfGJMEFgneB-2GRJ3BXTK7q4rvicgeiu7MPpaC3ktVn3nJfEovQ1WVhFS-N_uonb0BusF95JAvUPDlhIvlZJ9jL0Z4ZVgcFa7Zlx26-Ew4nOzh8hEVFYONaFo3EtZpZ3xb5SHMqcSQIbYznhTBPO0oUBCktSXb/s600/reading%20c%20ozy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKgC5JG2dKGTy1Dj8pTHPwk93YwIYgKcfGJMEFgneB-2GRJ3BXTK7q4rvicgeiu7MPpaC3ktVn3nJfEovQ1WVhFS-N_uonb0BusF95JAvUPDlhIvlZJ9jL0Z4ZVgcFa7Zlx26-Ew4nOzh8hEVFYONaFo3EtZpZ3xb5SHMqcSQIbYznhTBPO0oUBCktSXb/w291-h408/reading%20c%20ozy.jpg" /></a></div><p> </p><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">You and Your Books<br /></span></i></b><br /><b>Welcome to </b><a href="https://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/2024/02/you-are-your-books.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4...</a><b> Let's jump right in.</b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>1. Which books never grow old for you?</b><br />I am going to zero in on one in particular for today, since I've written about a lot of different books in other posts recently. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_of_Green_Gables" target="_blank"><b>Anne of Green Gables.</b></a><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF6Mu_jLFlnGbmj8wlfPFwfpce-bX2MfLr0fLTP0YGStWnQNiUgvZuILwpzBCseyY_pdXKzfwsZb_jJwz0p9NKDTraZ0s9VgSGlHbcIaZcbxEF0D_xss0f7fqanv5agV_yhOz-9nic7csPKOxux0kSyD9YYWox2xeeLDLqkNNIKkOrrCjALYOlFHlXkio" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="512" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF6Mu_jLFlnGbmj8wlfPFwfpce-bX2MfLr0fLTP0YGStWnQNiUgvZuILwpzBCseyY_pdXKzfwsZb_jJwz0p9NKDTraZ0s9VgSGlHbcIaZcbxEF0D_xss0f7fqanv5agV_yhOz-9nic7csPKOxux0kSyD9YYWox2xeeLDLqkNNIKkOrrCjALYOlFHlXkio=w640-h372" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My very old collection of Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea books</td></tr></tbody></table><div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_of_Green_Gables" target="_blank"><b><br /></b></a>And I recently purchased a "new to me" (used) cookbook based on the stories of Anne. <div><br /></div><div>Here it is below, "The Anne of Green Gables Cookbook". I just got it and haven't really read through it all the way just yet, but it does have some interesting recipes based on her stories that will be fun to try and maybe use as a storyline for a blogpost. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is my Anne of Green Gables doll holding the book:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLnhduKgiI2YfcYhyphenhyphenkHBywl32WVxIgQKW_TfCiCfban39h3GUsYZjqXTWZoTxuWYdRMRli5L0QWQxGitzQGGlL_oHYx25Ip_pF_LzX83bmIhwTwa2XalvxpkGqyhOh8wKV7mLKbqPmZokPjtmLtml_50BJFsfv6Tz0Tvzo-2qR0Hf0ne8Q8fu5HR75Hw/s1200/1-IMG_2631.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="789" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLnhduKgiI2YfcYhyphenhyphenkHBywl32WVxIgQKW_TfCiCfban39h3GUsYZjqXTWZoTxuWYdRMRli5L0QWQxGitzQGGlL_oHYx25Ip_pF_LzX83bmIhwTwa2XalvxpkGqyhOh8wKV7mLKbqPmZokPjtmLtml_50BJFsfv6Tz0Tvzo-2qR0Hf0ne8Q8fu5HR75Hw/w420-h640/1-IMG_2631.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>If you click on the links listed in the questions below, you will understand more of why this particular character is so significant in my life. If you've followed me for a while, you have probably already read most of these, but they might be fun to read again.<br /><br /><b>2. We will make a movie from your favorite novel. Which actors would fit the parts well?</b><div><b><a href="https://www.anneofgreengables.com/" target="_blank">Anne of Green Gables-Megan Follows</a> .</b> She is the only actress that I think embodies the true spirit and character of Anne Shirley, A.K.A. "Anne of Green Gables". I've seen other movies with different actresses, and I was very disappointed in them. <br /><br /><b>3. Do you find yourself daydreaming and thinking about the books you read? </b>Well, since I am talking about this particular book today, yes, I guess you could say that I have definitely thought a lot about it. Read on:<br /><b><a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2012/07/diana-is-invited-to-tea.html" target="_blank">HERE is a link to a story from Anne of Green Gables</a> </b>that I "reenacted" for a blog post some time ago (2012!) <b><i>"Diana Is Invited to Tea"</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>And <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2010/06/kindred-spirit.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE is another story about a real life Anne of Green Gables tea party</b></a> <b><i>"A Kindred Spirit"</i></b>, that I had with some lovely young ladies many many years ago, way before I started blogging.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I might as well add one more post that I wrote about when <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2019/04/pamelas-victorian-cottage-has-very.html" target="_blank"><b>Anne of Green Gables visited Pamela's Victorian Cottage.</b></a></div><div><b><i><br /></i>4. When you get ready to sit down and read is there a ritual to it? Do you assemble a drink or snacks? How do you make yourself comfy? </b> I just shared this picture a couple of weeks ago when we <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2024/01/tuesday-4-books.html" target="_blank">talked about books..</a>.so here you go...I sit in this comfy green recliner with my pillow, and I usually have either some ice water or a cup of tea handy. If it is chilly I may have a lap quilt handy to cover up and be cozy.<br /><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6706242075399905893" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-size: 14.3px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 564px;"><div class="blenza-wrapper" style="background-color: white; clear: left; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;"></div></div></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPuMQS_kxh3ppBL2ljUMFRNEEZKXZ0BVd3NhGUjvJ_9iywmF8yCfdbcAmVsw43SBoMxon3bFdMFWP-6tJFzKKT4XYVWZduix7y76BCXgsdQRBYYSZUBIY6Xgy-SwiorUrWFqNZbgaMYfF0e8LgugkxI8MhFIj_TzKyJifZfVyJ4rXvsM1VpyIawIxeS8/s1200/1-IMG_2541-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="796" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPuMQS_kxh3ppBL2ljUMFRNEEZKXZ0BVd3NhGUjvJ_9iywmF8yCfdbcAmVsw43SBoMxon3bFdMFWP-6tJFzKKT4XYVWZduix7y76BCXgsdQRBYYSZUBIY6Xgy-SwiorUrWFqNZbgaMYfF0e8LgugkxI8MhFIj_TzKyJifZfVyJ4rXvsM1VpyIawIxeS8/w424-h640/1-IMG_2541-001.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><b>Speaking of books, </b> I also recently have received some very lovely books as gifts from friends. I am always amazed when people think of me and send me something so special, totally unexpected and not even for a birthday or other special occasion! Just because! That is really and truly special to me. Just this week I received this book from a very "old" (known a long time, not really "old") friend...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3SDtpvae0OyqQUhzIz8F7VEjsuyqzOygPReAKhKEHrNJrpg3yXG2jR4ai2yc_P9gCvrA4X5sHJBLjDirMisiAXJK2rgL-lkc5niPF7DzjFEx5AQRAcYF_TUMy9QS8upMHDJmNNyT83fTIIFTYUhMLVltU8O2CT0ABA5iqbSiTzvH3t7i_br7X_T4DeQ/s1200/1-IMG_2623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="933" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3SDtpvae0OyqQUhzIz8F7VEjsuyqzOygPReAKhKEHrNJrpg3yXG2jR4ai2yc_P9gCvrA4X5sHJBLjDirMisiAXJK2rgL-lkc5niPF7DzjFEx5AQRAcYF_TUMy9QS8upMHDJmNNyT83fTIIFTYUhMLVltU8O2CT0ABA5iqbSiTzvH3t7i_br7X_T4DeQ/w498-h640/1-IMG_2623.jpg" width="498" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My sweet friend said she saw this book at a thrift store and it made her think of me, and so she decided to just send it to me! I was totally surprised, so of course I called her on the phone and we talked for well over an hour, until she said her ear was starting to burn from holding the phone to her ear so long! LOL. We have known each other since our kids were in high school, and she and her hubby did some very special things for our family back then...long story for another time. She lives in Ohio now (but that is not where we knew each other) and sadly is widowed, but she enjoys a very active life of walking with friends, attending church activities, and taking lots of interesting trips to foreign countries in addition to visiting her children in other states. I keep hoping one day she will come down here for a visit, but until then we usually try to "visit" via a long phone call at least twice a year to stay caught up with each other. And actually, if you go back and read <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2010/06/kindred-spirit.html" target="_blank"><b>THIS LINK I mentioned above</b></a> about "A Kindred Spirit", one of the young ladies mentioned in the story was this lady's daughter! And truly, this particular friend and I are "Kindred Spirits" as well. Here's a few pictures from this little book:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtzNVa7FOOMD4WyLpjYJIY6w3zc9_CDvjgjYKApQrumoEUaIiu_0VVPj89G-n7aYN7urUHSllMaBQDZ6fQUNDmlqhY20G5bAfi12zbrrpl8HHCCHKN3wwGBx-7JAl4tsSadkTNJb8ytWsXCv9f32ZlckzX3TsuEbkWnY1BIb58X7qI7nWzNjYHadl0oY/s1200/1-IMG_2626.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1030" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtzNVa7FOOMD4WyLpjYJIY6w3zc9_CDvjgjYKApQrumoEUaIiu_0VVPj89G-n7aYN7urUHSllMaBQDZ6fQUNDmlqhY20G5bAfi12zbrrpl8HHCCHKN3wwGBx-7JAl4tsSadkTNJb8ytWsXCv9f32ZlckzX3TsuEbkWnY1BIb58X7qI7nWzNjYHadl0oY/w550-h640/1-IMG_2626.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhCTzK4erKjpBent7G004HA9ylxuT0LaGqvK1aVMmLyvg4xW9vrmQqEAaDUj4YnfrvP2R13viLEryA0olxzDTonY-rJmM9YPYGsks4zjyuVDOrx7SqMR5OTXFiUctE1z0MWklWqggEDQ2ltOwxKfXc0TAy-t6Lf3QK8NJ5hOVkpqeLQwfHzRo6Xadjy0/s1200/1-IMG_2628.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhCTzK4erKjpBent7G004HA9ylxuT0LaGqvK1aVMmLyvg4xW9vrmQqEAaDUj4YnfrvP2R13viLEryA0olxzDTonY-rJmM9YPYGsks4zjyuVDOrx7SqMR5OTXFiUctE1z0MWklWqggEDQ2ltOwxKfXc0TAy-t6Lf3QK8NJ5hOVkpqeLQwfHzRo6Xadjy0/w480-h640/1-IMG_2628.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxb998hXB1GznNeygLtGuL3oJHhmBsovj4ir8WAL0_jIQvF5auf_nsCAVZjU6oXjORPMdDGyaFKYdYfvXLBPtdg8frinn8ytBNIPSeszg6EHfo0MNF45RxjahY91b8APHiS5C3oOszJ4iM7z8nbTEeGV258Qqm1reKlVCqWGnwKuYMjgS4WvO0NWPb5E/s1200/1-IMG_2629.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="813" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxb998hXB1GznNeygLtGuL3oJHhmBsovj4ir8WAL0_jIQvF5auf_nsCAVZjU6oXjORPMdDGyaFKYdYfvXLBPtdg8frinn8ytBNIPSeszg6EHfo0MNF45RxjahY91b8APHiS5C3oOszJ4iM7z8nbTEeGV258Qqm1reKlVCqWGnwKuYMjgS4WvO0NWPb5E/w434-h640/1-IMG_2629.jpg" width="434" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLA4W62bpYE8SsP6vCo89iuCXrrzDVo1hr0vAborjPYyBr6ijYbZcMQ9mesyj9NtOtPRMibOrCzGkts7bHklF5YMMAA_UKPs7XkVRf8QAG5zQJC6tvAa_DCKOUVJFVzLDR2uI1wN-0P8K6_Wcruc6O-b5yB5Y4mCbDexRUig7-qsu7Rhcf_tN9wyWW0w/s1200/1-IMG_2630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1194" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLA4W62bpYE8SsP6vCo89iuCXrrzDVo1hr0vAborjPYyBr6ijYbZcMQ9mesyj9NtOtPRMibOrCzGkts7bHklF5YMMAA_UKPs7XkVRf8QAG5zQJC6tvAa_DCKOUVJFVzLDR2uI1wN-0P8K6_Wcruc6O-b5yB5Y4mCbDexRUig7-qsu7Rhcf_tN9wyWW0w/w636-h640/1-IMG_2630.jpg" width="636" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And with that I will close this post with a couple of quotes from Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>“A bosom friend—an intimate friend, you know—a really kindred spirit to whom I can confide my inmost soul. I’ve dreamed of meeting her all my life. I never really supposed I would, but so many of my loveliest dreams have come true all at once that perhaps this one will, too. Do you think it’s possible?” - Anne Shirley</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">“Isn’t it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive—it’s such an interesting world. It wouldn’t be half so interesting if we knew all about everything, would it? There 'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?” - Anne Shirley</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">“Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it.”</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizcAkiQpERXNToHVQfV0gQOUBSz7ZgY5ItMQQZeyZr2AvWDeR-TtH7WEgg-L0UkYGg971xPfidCwIN9VFEFKFEt-vR3a6isiLWKzUhKZr8stp7wv5CkpldWny7feGUQdXX1naHnAU8PsAI6uTC4rDIvnWE7FeoSUoPpmzeoqr0sUDY07ANxw9fQxv6k-c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="640" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizcAkiQpERXNToHVQfV0gQOUBSz7ZgY5ItMQQZeyZr2AvWDeR-TtH7WEgg-L0UkYGg971xPfidCwIN9VFEFKFEt-vR3a6isiLWKzUhKZr8stp7wv5CkpldWny7feGUQdXX1naHnAU8PsAI6uTC4rDIvnWE7FeoSUoPpmzeoqr0sUDY07ANxw9fQxv6k-c=w640-h486" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span></i></b><b style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">If you want to join in the fun for this week's Tuesday 4, <a href="https://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/2024/02/you-are-your-books.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">And here's something to ponder from God's Word, the Bible:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Psalm 46:5</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.”</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>I wanted to share one more thing before I go. I may or may not have mentioned a friend here at our church who has stage 4 cancer and was undergoing treatments over the past several months. Yesterday she had an appointment with her oncologist to receive the results of the latest scans of the tumor. Here is an excerpt of what she said to me in a message after the appointment, <i><span style="color: #4c1130;"><b>"</b></span></i></span><span style="background-color: #f0f0f0; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i style="font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><b>Absolutely the best news I could receive because it is not typical to go into remission from stage 4 with chemo alone. I feel like the weight of the world is off my shoulders. God is good! " </b></span><span style="color: #050505;"> </span></i><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;">Praise God! The tumor is almost completely gone, and they will do surgery in a few weeks to remove it, but the doctor was astounded that the chemotherapy had reduced it so much so as to declare her to be in remission! I am sharing this with you folks to give you some encouraging news! So often all we hear is negative, but God is still on His throne, and miracles do still happen. We are rejoicing in this good news today! Praise God!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f0f0f0; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f0f0f0; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;">Okay, go have a wonderful day!</span></span></div>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-46163179725025276582024-02-03T14:59:00.007-05:002024-02-03T18:27:46.552-05:00Beautiful Saturday Morning At Still Waters Pond<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today was just one of those Saturday mornings that was too beautiful to stay indoors. We started the morning out with doing some yard work, which wore me out quickly, so I just decided to stop working and start enjoying the natural beauty around us while it lasted. The birds were very active, probably because there's a big rainstorm coming tomorrow, so they are stocking up on "supplies" while they can, much like we do when there's a storm coming. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Where to begin? Well, how about we start with the Bluebirds? Guess what! They are starting to build a nest in one of the birdhouses, and surprisingly it is not the one I thought they would be using first! Not sure if this is a different couple than the one that has been so diligently fending off intruders from the one house all winter long...but whichever couple this is they've chosen house #2 and have already started moving in!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's Mrs. Bluebird now with a mouth full of grass to start building her nest! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsScGym-qGnBV8E6Lng7OTScvGM6QyphDAAepRyFruYfTazAh_6EuBwypFUsQO2l9lsL0Mg4dLVDY0oKcB9roVR65_oQ5pm_zFEBsMjvnalSxJJnQkwf-4DbnERy53GnJ0ULo_pNJymbPayQYvwkInZBlOtlQ2y_v7xpAOy3TOrMSXuLvhItuNZ7yipSc/s1200/1-107.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1200" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsScGym-qGnBV8E6Lng7OTScvGM6QyphDAAepRyFruYfTazAh_6EuBwypFUsQO2l9lsL0Mg4dLVDY0oKcB9roVR65_oQ5pm_zFEBsMjvnalSxJJnQkwf-4DbnERy53GnJ0ULo_pNJymbPayQYvwkInZBlOtlQ2y_v7xpAOy3TOrMSXuLvhItuNZ7yipSc/w640-h562/1-107.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mr. Bluebird stands guard and watches for curious onlookers (like me! LOL)...and will shoo them away if they get too close to the house...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAEFJlwUrwkC3kBc2ztBnay-q6g_vB4AHcKJSqlDA3QwoYxfTZunHmA3INk3l3RykEK0qUWDhGmaw6CXOGxv5IhibSmZbRbcVagJ6E28ymyM6yo9UlLXIgyx_vbdo7ZxqFF9EmsEcR_lOD9vc_Ls3Y4hvs7Ww7SHt76bhQhTBz7E3G3xApRtlfBcH92M/s1024/1-100_6513.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAEFJlwUrwkC3kBc2ztBnay-q6g_vB4AHcKJSqlDA3QwoYxfTZunHmA3INk3l3RykEK0qUWDhGmaw6CXOGxv5IhibSmZbRbcVagJ6E28ymyM6yo9UlLXIgyx_vbdo7ZxqFF9EmsEcR_lOD9vc_Ls3Y4hvs7Ww7SHt76bhQhTBz7E3G3xApRtlfBcH92M/w640-h480/1-100_6513.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>He's a pretty good lookout!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4q-RyYhaZ2erDMr4XBrN6aQMzLpalPHw6yFKbViOY-Jr_uRhEKXvLm9tYIuFfxem90yrR1wpGpkPGSBUWnLQzBLUEjUUBZdvdYg3so4xCb2KESOXQFNOLhbV5NoC1KVfz0Ea1XZSVp5wzA2cXVcbDCdfop2oyLU8rFT4bAHRGpP-wb0SUPEpDzOMMWYY/s1200/1-100_6514.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4q-RyYhaZ2erDMr4XBrN6aQMzLpalPHw6yFKbViOY-Jr_uRhEKXvLm9tYIuFfxem90yrR1wpGpkPGSBUWnLQzBLUEjUUBZdvdYg3so4xCb2KESOXQFNOLhbV5NoC1KVfz0Ea1XZSVp5wzA2cXVcbDCdfop2oyLU8rFT4bAHRGpP-wb0SUPEpDzOMMWYY/w640-h480/1-100_6514.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>He's cocking his head and trying to get a better look at me. Actually, I was taking these pictures from inside because if I stayed outside on the porch they wouldn't have stayed around. But he can still see me inside the glass doors and he's keeping an eye on me...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Izp9DUT5Kuek5XeZsLhqsd5Ip4eDjse__25ZietbAV4rg6wj1BCs6Mrsfs8gsW3S-QGbhMijDF38OOu2H59fHo-Dy3h7Aad9_dLpv-8nDIVGTcx3Jybs8nGS47mZOsUiq5Aheol300-iwEnJiwfMN7KZo91z3e4YkAAf2vTczLAc_So2OJOzfyBceJM/s1200/1-100_6515.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Izp9DUT5Kuek5XeZsLhqsd5Ip4eDjse__25ZietbAV4rg6wj1BCs6Mrsfs8gsW3S-QGbhMijDF38OOu2H59fHo-Dy3h7Aad9_dLpv-8nDIVGTcx3Jybs8nGS47mZOsUiq5Aheol300-iwEnJiwfMN7KZo91z3e4YkAAf2vTczLAc_So2OJOzfyBceJM/w640-h480/1-100_6515.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>He's just daring me to come out there and disturb them...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZUNqL7vGm84mKqQZjD3yO_Hnq7tshRXxAuq7FXw9Y94ly163Kx4-6ZpmvczldEO-fNIwhavJQOX4zXm8mKVMXQ_2m1gH2Op6CSqhlUDsucP5lQ-nEPGPV0brQRUBB7s_fpec7a8SyZNqW44d9uHHSX9DL9NTHV_L3t7Fi3CJ78J3IcciV8GmjV6YBpI/s1200/1-100_6516.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZUNqL7vGm84mKqQZjD3yO_Hnq7tshRXxAuq7FXw9Y94ly163Kx4-6ZpmvczldEO-fNIwhavJQOX4zXm8mKVMXQ_2m1gH2Op6CSqhlUDsucP5lQ-nEPGPV0brQRUBB7s_fpec7a8SyZNqW44d9uHHSX9DL9NTHV_L3t7Fi3CJ78J3IcciV8GmjV6YBpI/w640-h480/1-100_6516.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>And maybe he's a bit curious about me too...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRA9LU4xMwrCZaALtUuezV9Zacexc3X89IGmlg-5W95Zn0Q7XIeBDub6ZSkFE1b386RU7p0moSZrhJDcyi_gnJ-eK_Yvu_ImE_Cb22sLUN1VNP7k6er3Q60j5OkXwG79WWkKLHQ7BMQUbsIurKmGvLpCRCj4mXS3DvbuzFwSqwhlQ5K7MHC-BgXHh9n90/s1200/1-100_6517.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRA9LU4xMwrCZaALtUuezV9Zacexc3X89IGmlg-5W95Zn0Q7XIeBDub6ZSkFE1b386RU7p0moSZrhJDcyi_gnJ-eK_Yvu_ImE_Cb22sLUN1VNP7k6er3Q60j5OkXwG79WWkKLHQ7BMQUbsIurKmGvLpCRCj4mXS3DvbuzFwSqwhlQ5K7MHC-BgXHh9n90/w640-h480/1-100_6517.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think this is a female...not as bright and bold as the male, but somehow this one has a more "youthful" appearance. She must be a young bride...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQycX2AAyf17dcSLMVpJ5a5nM045mwO_lqm1M3PLdvnnFt9Emf5KVn37cdPmcvPjhjZ-hoMmBMREBVA3iis2YAHtTWOb8PtL6GuDzLH32lnXIq0cn9Y6cktambhQIQVMGXXM9wA8FCqKcPiqZnWeIP-UKRqYMivojfZUzLDNuw5pxgMMphn4lRmlIhOY/s1200/1-100_6541.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQycX2AAyf17dcSLMVpJ5a5nM045mwO_lqm1M3PLdvnnFt9Emf5KVn37cdPmcvPjhjZ-hoMmBMREBVA3iis2YAHtTWOb8PtL6GuDzLH32lnXIq0cn9Y6cktambhQIQVMGXXM9wA8FCqKcPiqZnWeIP-UKRqYMivojfZUzLDNuw5pxgMMphn4lRmlIhOY/w640-h480/1-100_6541.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This guy is looking all around...he's not going to let anyone sneak up on him...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHG4qKTlRW1ujPXvWYQWKa-Dt2kRCdobI8V3_2osjlLPlpL2BDMTDjWhIterLFvmLXhinAoxK2E-xe3N6QPgP0L-1KQCTZTtNW2G30t6car-F7S0YnTGwxQPTV9BW10TorcOKVqwcE15R8qL3ZNHYDcg87dgkxCLf3VU24JIlKoi20Kbam6awaYWIynqk/s1024/1-100_6544.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHG4qKTlRW1ujPXvWYQWKa-Dt2kRCdobI8V3_2osjlLPlpL2BDMTDjWhIterLFvmLXhinAoxK2E-xe3N6QPgP0L-1KQCTZTtNW2G30t6car-F7S0YnTGwxQPTV9BW10TorcOKVqwcE15R8qL3ZNHYDcg87dgkxCLf3VU24JIlKoi20Kbam6awaYWIynqk/w640-h480/1-100_6544.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Isn't he beautiful? Or should I say handsome?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRGBRFcoYWutpuN4oRkXM5yV1Guh1zPMaQ-8AQ5OamFBEEZyboADFX_WrtXk85yommUAc-MdxmRGBxtKcQaOpMltipQlQzc07zYTV9_ykc8rstL-2r9-7cFvQ5Orx1ctOt87wx2U2v34MpYJHPqJhcWuwP13C-ttqDSa7evEB9yCqRzbS-cEv879_OSs/s1024/1-100_6545.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRGBRFcoYWutpuN4oRkXM5yV1Guh1zPMaQ-8AQ5OamFBEEZyboADFX_WrtXk85yommUAc-MdxmRGBxtKcQaOpMltipQlQzc07zYTV9_ykc8rstL-2r9-7cFvQ5Orx1ctOt87wx2U2v34MpYJHPqJhcWuwP13C-ttqDSa7evEB9yCqRzbS-cEv879_OSs/w640-h480/1-100_6545.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Uh oh! This bird may be blue, but he's not a Bluebird! This is a Blue Jay...and I don't think the Bluebirds really want him around. But still, he is rather handsome too, don't you think?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpR2AefnnXrtDVr-Akt1nMkWlsb8aFIZmyE1C-jW0P2HqNQnSOwZ2ZICqq5Y2wG0YJiyOClhBp9_t3Ml5FD2Whp382D5CwojxCt51_PP_nrYIu8_PMScFOJ9OAu5ApPhblOYB6eLUOq6GjFSrITj9BEcS3VGNpBqB1Hm80-TpW3VGsrXmcOyrtkyhIMj0/s1200/1-100_6518.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpR2AefnnXrtDVr-Akt1nMkWlsb8aFIZmyE1C-jW0P2HqNQnSOwZ2ZICqq5Y2wG0YJiyOClhBp9_t3Ml5FD2Whp382D5CwojxCt51_PP_nrYIu8_PMScFOJ9OAu5ApPhblOYB6eLUOq6GjFSrITj9BEcS3VGNpBqB1Hm80-TpW3VGsrXmcOyrtkyhIMj0/w640-h480/1-100_6518.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Not sure what this bird is, maybe someone can help me. I think it is a <b><a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Warbler/id" target="_blank">Pine Warbler</a>,</b> just not very yellow yet. What do you think?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRkNhYBNogHPJgt9yb01-cBmiMkQXYGlQ-Hcizz9k36HrqXZV43qs6xcvOLZFccCP78tWcnCvlPpPGlV2-SAa-u03H4IDlHoZxn-io2Nhsj1aVD-xVdJgR__6-zRYqQaDVUrvPTUqG958ejSWjzn7IG-bebQT9uMLH1eFpOGwhPgqMofyNoWMcdcbdik/s1200/1-100_6528.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRkNhYBNogHPJgt9yb01-cBmiMkQXYGlQ-Hcizz9k36HrqXZV43qs6xcvOLZFccCP78tWcnCvlPpPGlV2-SAa-u03H4IDlHoZxn-io2Nhsj1aVD-xVdJgR__6-zRYqQaDVUrvPTUqG958ejSWjzn7IG-bebQT9uMLH1eFpOGwhPgqMofyNoWMcdcbdik/w640-h480/1-100_6528.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Okay, postscript, some of my friends think it is a <b><a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Goldfinch/id" target="_blank">female goldfinch.</a> </b>It could be, but usually they don't eat from my regular birdfeeders...only the finch feeder with thistle seed, which I do have one out there. So we shall see. Time will tell! Thank you for your input!! I appreciate it!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatcc9ygRwFg-BZmySufxICqKBWCmsrHrpIg3OUytRyCQjh5XDqy_fNIE6dHRs9OR5c4ILRrGGPVvlz4VWJWymYLofBPyGUt9Xl_CAtwaWm9ZepO5MZEEwQXweMeyCPEZxz3CPDRvh0uiUn4DfLrjqeUp1sfwpQKfiobWDCRw1k1_mgn0OC2hBW9YJtGA/s1200/1-100_6530.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatcc9ygRwFg-BZmySufxICqKBWCmsrHrpIg3OUytRyCQjh5XDqy_fNIE6dHRs9OR5c4ILRrGGPVvlz4VWJWymYLofBPyGUt9Xl_CAtwaWm9ZepO5MZEEwQXweMeyCPEZxz3CPDRvh0uiUn4DfLrjqeUp1sfwpQKfiobWDCRw1k1_mgn0OC2hBW9YJtGA/w640-h480/1-100_6530.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next I took a little walkabout the property, and on my way down to my favorite little lookout point...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrUw4yRVFl63XUYDeCAkFZ_RmO9o0pDEH4CQs4ezpRgOw9zDleQteyI9I1DAeZHSjV5NloPTWl3hnsjsvFzq3mfHi1GiUqs8F-PUfjBU4d98cgYq7c2lYNIXgld6lm_uhtZORizSc9Nt9CdMU3ERJyMUgDl4cna8Ywrw0UCo_lwtpb-n2A_pfBZr3O44/s1200/1-IMG_2597.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrUw4yRVFl63XUYDeCAkFZ_RmO9o0pDEH4CQs4ezpRgOw9zDleQteyI9I1DAeZHSjV5NloPTWl3hnsjsvFzq3mfHi1GiUqs8F-PUfjBU4d98cgYq7c2lYNIXgld6lm_uhtZORizSc9Nt9CdMU3ERJyMUgDl4cna8Ywrw0UCo_lwtpb-n2A_pfBZr3O44/w480-h640/1-IMG_2597.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">there was a male Red Cardinal playing peek-a-boo with me. See if you can find him:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLMcf7yYk89nLu4WrYRt4ZriXpEEyVKLKU59fGpxH5OdpoyVlJWSuW-yqxGbOICqWDzbnfMYLww9Uu06XspFly36eXNjhd0ywoUZM3vbpM_RcJePv8t3ue-pk09LDsMd-0EK2cvB6RwYk-QDrhCH5H8Bh2Z3coJHNbUWJQbXcTMku_LsHBGRmN0NscOQ/s1200/1-IMG_2599.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1090" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLMcf7yYk89nLu4WrYRt4ZriXpEEyVKLKU59fGpxH5OdpoyVlJWSuW-yqxGbOICqWDzbnfMYLww9Uu06XspFly36eXNjhd0ywoUZM3vbpM_RcJePv8t3ue-pk09LDsMd-0EK2cvB6RwYk-QDrhCH5H8Bh2Z3coJHNbUWJQbXcTMku_LsHBGRmN0NscOQ/w582-h640/1-IMG_2599.jpg" width="582" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See him now?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLMlbTBa-77JKrKPcDaj-ehuqGoeva_HBXDuhztVKyQXZLawg3Mn4dWzkfdXbjoKGmtDEM1Er-A1VlOTY56nzVnkLuuAPrLMOABUTrhHw4WFsO_g-De7uhsYK1593Y5uatyKA8bqap_2y4o3t73t4rmJvat3jHA3N1FUKjdmK_1ZhyFfEy4ZAKNd7n1o/s1200/1-IMG_2598.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1200" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLMlbTBa-77JKrKPcDaj-ehuqGoeva_HBXDuhztVKyQXZLawg3Mn4dWzkfdXbjoKGmtDEM1Er-A1VlOTY56nzVnkLuuAPrLMOABUTrhHw4WFsO_g-De7uhsYK1593Y5uatyKA8bqap_2y4o3t73t4rmJvat3jHA3N1FUKjdmK_1ZhyFfEy4ZAKNd7n1o/w640-h486/1-IMG_2598.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How about now? He was saying to me, "What are you doing here in my neck of the woods?" Then he flew away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCx9n3Vuvjg6O4HOtnmol2q7WcyEIycQkIWgtskcW7Ep0LiftHeH8uttOhMvbayE-7rq8r5u9VOquKPumq1aCMjbh5yqb3aLlUlAZ-fQM2KUTckt5h20NJ5cFOB6cg_-uMJpJCtSiRkr7noeAIJ1fgodU1NZtD9J4GBtd0a02NiKrNo_OSDaOIZRWcDg/s1200/1-100_6535.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCx9n3Vuvjg6O4HOtnmol2q7WcyEIycQkIWgtskcW7Ep0LiftHeH8uttOhMvbayE-7rq8r5u9VOquKPumq1aCMjbh5yqb3aLlUlAZ-fQM2KUTckt5h20NJ5cFOB6cg_-uMJpJCtSiRkr7noeAIJ1fgodU1NZtD9J4GBtd0a02NiKrNo_OSDaOIZRWcDg/w640-h480/1-100_6535.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here's his mate, in another tree later...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC7RtWhtVmmJkzC9Jht2tlwacSOvtcYvPcDANHBkA9i6nWVMr8lVPjisUez1Ndgj9f9iKE5HzbqgdB3GxZb-x3I4dbNoBZbBSTiGuHxlISRQnsLrmOW9gNtQfRhWFIk1-ihMG-mvt4ZWH9I-OzLv3jiyxjJm7VDEdYTZNpTYIWKFGUo50VhQ2BuRDr0o/s1200/1-100_6546.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNC7RtWhtVmmJkzC9Jht2tlwacSOvtcYvPcDANHBkA9i6nWVMr8lVPjisUez1Ndgj9f9iKE5HzbqgdB3GxZb-x3I4dbNoBZbBSTiGuHxlISRQnsLrmOW9gNtQfRhWFIk1-ihMG-mvt4ZWH9I-OzLv3jiyxjJm7VDEdYTZNpTYIWKFGUo50VhQ2BuRDr0o/w640-h480/1-100_6546.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, while I was out in the front yard doing some yard work still, I had this visitor come calling:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_J3V4f4tcAGcglOm6wBzdBJ2wMMupmpmQN4rqmGg68AUI1JPy7Opq9z6JSu12pDXhE0n-F18nZ3-qsWwmJlRcqrqz9gCJuDwXJM-7TkwYrIcB2j_YCy0Al6Cy2KvyPp_EQFAh72etAVoABwcE-QikVo2IgsjsGyQfGAAYsR3Yx50bbyQ0VeELgK-xaw/s1200/1-IMG_2583.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_J3V4f4tcAGcglOm6wBzdBJ2wMMupmpmQN4rqmGg68AUI1JPy7Opq9z6JSu12pDXhE0n-F18nZ3-qsWwmJlRcqrqz9gCJuDwXJM-7TkwYrIcB2j_YCy0Al6Cy2KvyPp_EQFAh72etAVoABwcE-QikVo2IgsjsGyQfGAAYsR3Yx50bbyQ0VeELgK-xaw/w640-h480/1-IMG_2583.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Not sure why this Sand Hill Crane is alone, but we had quite a conversation...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlP1FdKJcmon-KErc9dryI1rSGGz2A_-P-r5gLhZNtymTC3zJmcLO0ENJmk7jDhqoknjVswszj6FR5sCiJ_UqKVsuNcoykIzVsByGsgCE87Rcqh2rk-1BaebSMC7DgO7ct4fXiKcjFcvPv0xDIJyD7UASDHVz3elNe5z-JD5dnvgnNdfww_njgjDwdvE/s1200/1-IMG_2584.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlP1FdKJcmon-KErc9dryI1rSGGz2A_-P-r5gLhZNtymTC3zJmcLO0ENJmk7jDhqoknjVswszj6FR5sCiJ_UqKVsuNcoykIzVsByGsgCE87Rcqh2rk-1BaebSMC7DgO7ct4fXiKcjFcvPv0xDIJyD7UASDHVz3elNe5z-JD5dnvgnNdfww_njgjDwdvE/w480-h640/1-IMG_2584.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>I can't seem to upload my videos here to blogger, but if you are a Facebook friend, you can find the whole conversation there. <p></p><p>Hello! Whatcha' doin?<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYdtc9c84TaJRHamSbTkLXO6I0UkeEByQn9mYTTCPDJO-wjHp59Vwl3m75mXGQXRGDRBmBMLo6ED2121g_2fm7udZKmWjHorRIzndfkCbvB88uV40IgG3v1curvNRgaOFIfRZC8_vw5MIQfXaJluQ3dipm6W3uwBr9hkcBAXPRIAUV1EfF4sB3TxGMIU/s1200/1-IMG_2585.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYdtc9c84TaJRHamSbTkLXO6I0UkeEByQn9mYTTCPDJO-wjHp59Vwl3m75mXGQXRGDRBmBMLo6ED2121g_2fm7udZKmWjHorRIzndfkCbvB88uV40IgG3v1curvNRgaOFIfRZC8_vw5MIQfXaJluQ3dipm6W3uwBr9hkcBAXPRIAUV1EfF4sB3TxGMIU/w480-h640/1-IMG_2585.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>"You don't look like my family...where did they go???"<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kfhHa3LEraW-QorejygvLFNvQpG3P8vVJWCkW_FYLYWMD-ajL_yKxlpS_cBw7Z0GrB9dW8UQi8akkgrNzpunCY34E7g3XUTRdNQl71smAYCj849V7IV8s5VKNy4soUkAJ0iAjgkmVSk86r_7TGOzUASH2Bm1SJLOf7x1_QBx2lwkazEcttv67wEMXhw/s1200/1-IMG_2586.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kfhHa3LEraW-QorejygvLFNvQpG3P8vVJWCkW_FYLYWMD-ajL_yKxlpS_cBw7Z0GrB9dW8UQi8akkgrNzpunCY34E7g3XUTRdNQl71smAYCj849V7IV8s5VKNy4soUkAJ0iAjgkmVSk86r_7TGOzUASH2Bm1SJLOf7x1_QBx2lwkazEcttv67wEMXhw/w480-h640/1-IMG_2586.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>"Well, gotta go...:"<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tJeKIlrD37afpzhsOm6AmBSf5Wc4SgdG5U5zmiDKKmassymNd8FbVLsqM-qE263fPPO5Qsam8srVxEMTDbZZ0OqkRnsoQyV2j0Gq-Q_cR_SFhGcvVXM1aoARUqzBbT_4u8jc0hyphenhyphenLDtpWGX29n4McZFw6toamBjMEbTM5W5ITu7vcasToTgYXAD7iJaY/s1200/1-IMG_2590.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tJeKIlrD37afpzhsOm6AmBSf5Wc4SgdG5U5zmiDKKmassymNd8FbVLsqM-qE263fPPO5Qsam8srVxEMTDbZZ0OqkRnsoQyV2j0Gq-Q_cR_SFhGcvVXM1aoARUqzBbT_4u8jc0hyphenhyphenLDtpWGX29n4McZFw6toamBjMEbTM5W5ITu7vcasToTgYXAD7iJaY/w480-h640/1-IMG_2590.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And there she is, out on the marsh island, still looking for her mate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXymYfPJWwlQaO4Y_vl5Qxsbf2PqXBSr1D9BiIQOInY1sFM50hGgsQj8CjLvDKLBIKerMMBzB1TPzQZeIB3J86t1JLPMw3TEUwnbdjfyCdug1XcBwK6Zpydz8EV5FTNDzoeewhcnWaZHiyiaZ8WdiY9iP9NyG_FNSqrDA6eqloLoIVYwEvm-80s5VjGQ/s1200/1-100_6531.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXymYfPJWwlQaO4Y_vl5Qxsbf2PqXBSr1D9BiIQOInY1sFM50hGgsQj8CjLvDKLBIKerMMBzB1TPzQZeIB3J86t1JLPMw3TEUwnbdjfyCdug1XcBwK6Zpydz8EV5FTNDzoeewhcnWaZHiyiaZ8WdiY9iP9NyG_FNSqrDA6eqloLoIVYwEvm-80s5VjGQ/w640-h480/1-100_6531.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Not sure why they are separated for now, but I am sure they will meet up again later today and spend the night out there on the island as per normal. I don't know if they are going to build a nest this time or not. By this time last year they were already building it, and on February 14th I remember seeing the first egg, and then another one. <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2023/02/happy-valentines-day-tuesday-4-and-more.html" target="_blank"><b>Here is a link to that discovery last year!</b></a> So, if they are planning on raising any more babies this year, they'd better get a move on!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLq9YL7qQmk7b_yZjMlNOMduIRUBv_wfJ6iL53EDnJotCC5d6n_DCqRkynp6VafQHhO-pYSwicFFc0-K0wETzdQ9mKFJXkRIQVT9rV-CaWwxkU78X3B2XTMfFuugmgFZbR0Q5nh6A06DEHiegURDBDY4uphNbeAgYAUJ-mSOJmoE4OKHnkXmmaDWBuby0/s1200/1-100_6532.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLq9YL7qQmk7b_yZjMlNOMduIRUBv_wfJ6iL53EDnJotCC5d6n_DCqRkynp6VafQHhO-pYSwicFFc0-K0wETzdQ9mKFJXkRIQVT9rV-CaWwxkU78X3B2XTMfFuugmgFZbR0Q5nh6A06DEHiegURDBDY4uphNbeAgYAUJ-mSOJmoE4OKHnkXmmaDWBuby0/w640-h480/1-100_6532.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>After a little while she decided to walk around the big island and come on over to our side of the pond:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFXlrDSc-dI0dPFCOjyiEcfRcjo6NDLGd3tKqyrp59-w6F1XmkkGOzPoN_JUvGkMnOWRFSMxiCBNGbXdaXWgX8eytVxSrqxp5Xr0Vnl3qM6z1ZieLHxMm53zgoD4xnRN5BKZQnVUBb-GmJ8SUf5-1suhDFZYR53uYBx58Q_QAlSK6GUtvl9drwIwGMY4/s1200/1-100_6547.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFXlrDSc-dI0dPFCOjyiEcfRcjo6NDLGd3tKqyrp59-w6F1XmkkGOzPoN_JUvGkMnOWRFSMxiCBNGbXdaXWgX8eytVxSrqxp5Xr0Vnl3qM6z1ZieLHxMm53zgoD4xnRN5BKZQnVUBb-GmJ8SUf5-1suhDFZYR53uYBx58Q_QAlSK6GUtvl9drwIwGMY4/w640-h480/1-100_6547.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Meanwhile, as soon as she left the little marsh island, this Red Shouldered Hawk showed up and then flew away! I told you it was a busy morning! I hope you are still with me! LOL.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQUGgp2zubAZz4BkRsgqKPdtbwZngOqQpKWcfepYv940UJ2zXwcMhJDCY9Iji6WSlF1B6AmVw8ax55SnKrmuRKOoRiDyqX_hqhn9GHcZsq9-KLSttKFMNh2T1Ky_asiPH-DN97HDcIrMOZshKEkvM0uXp6gG5UVZCAMPg-C_q6bD5ICDBd9_HSuJH-YE/s1200/1-100_6548.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQUGgp2zubAZz4BkRsgqKPdtbwZngOqQpKWcfepYv940UJ2zXwcMhJDCY9Iji6WSlF1B6AmVw8ax55SnKrmuRKOoRiDyqX_hqhn9GHcZsq9-KLSttKFMNh2T1Ky_asiPH-DN97HDcIrMOZshKEkvM0uXp6gG5UVZCAMPg-C_q6bD5ICDBd9_HSuJH-YE/w640-h480/1-100_6548.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here comes the Crane, and there's the Bluebird on top of the house, wondering what that huge bird is doing coming into her territory! LOL.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIqNT9wP2AbyiNBg2QEirmPcgK-F0rdHoPtoODQMpzYKf70E7pq9OKK-QQR6QAutT_f3FjzCPDGMphVEoVLD9eE03QZKFWNzH3cS5ATuSaxiaxoLmW5AP-Y1Y3-F8aBG2E5qI_uTLrz0zz0blB6f5sMz42HxtVLT1GgvWMnijgsNI2lUQ3Tuoh6j56n0/s1200/1-100_6549.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1200" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIqNT9wP2AbyiNBg2QEirmPcgK-F0rdHoPtoODQMpzYKf70E7pq9OKK-QQR6QAutT_f3FjzCPDGMphVEoVLD9eE03QZKFWNzH3cS5ATuSaxiaxoLmW5AP-Y1Y3-F8aBG2E5qI_uTLrz0zz0blB6f5sMz42HxtVLT1GgvWMnijgsNI2lUQ3Tuoh6j56n0/w640-h478/1-100_6549.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>But she just walked on by and headed up the shore, where a Cardinal was having her morning "Tea Time"...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY2Y9pW3WaTXgKM8Z4_-kPlGj2K4AqpoYlQZmyNsPgzidk7YIw13vLmjJvs24msWpdwSaE3xGvZWxul0PdTN2x8_XYZKVOiZ0_-mQj3McVNw1aFhjPoA0V8dtRFMsE2cmVltzNcls-IQ39rG6PzJiyJKzLvSPUJhXWIS3ywpvZMieuf4SZ927EJ8rikU/s1200/1-100_6550.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1200" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY2Y9pW3WaTXgKM8Z4_-kPlGj2K4AqpoYlQZmyNsPgzidk7YIw13vLmjJvs24msWpdwSaE3xGvZWxul0PdTN2x8_XYZKVOiZ0_-mQj3McVNw1aFhjPoA0V8dtRFMsE2cmVltzNcls-IQ39rG6PzJiyJKzLvSPUJhXWIS3ywpvZMieuf4SZ927EJ8rikU/w640-h406/1-100_6550.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Doesn't seem to faze either one of them...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYnGs-GX1R_kS_eAvdN-Dfzd1U3CFISl8Ggyn8NiCqJrFL7FPyUnoL3zKdsHPJV6BZAY1BSuLeD4mFhGR0IknXvH6hRslP9mBxdxhQ6P8SGl_6iekIBDcdfl9Sjq2JZJzBn4U6CcRbtrHE_YVnFvB4UI_V37QEk5hd5MjGdhfOGwSgfrYLxGT6b6IhqI/s1200/1-100_6551.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYnGs-GX1R_kS_eAvdN-Dfzd1U3CFISl8Ggyn8NiCqJrFL7FPyUnoL3zKdsHPJV6BZAY1BSuLeD4mFhGR0IknXvH6hRslP9mBxdxhQ6P8SGl_6iekIBDcdfl9Sjq2JZJzBn4U6CcRbtrHE_YVnFvB4UI_V37QEk5hd5MjGdhfOGwSgfrYLxGT6b6IhqI/w640-h480/1-100_6551.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Hello!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHU6dk4uX93xdAYu3Sfp4_F_NPFVQ9kBxvAVpf-2SPIAdt_sp6jJ4RNOXxi6ngh_svg9c3svh_cp-b8n6QIEP0tEoFtMB1N1e1MEeMm-uONJuh7YZeqA0DnHdjSEml6Nz_wfWtA1yxRYYmDWeD5oXdHBaiUzrVktsROzBZEjYrPpV49PNXINHdJEwjA8/s1200/1-100_6552.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1200" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHU6dk4uX93xdAYu3Sfp4_F_NPFVQ9kBxvAVpf-2SPIAdt_sp6jJ4RNOXxi6ngh_svg9c3svh_cp-b8n6QIEP0tEoFtMB1N1e1MEeMm-uONJuh7YZeqA0DnHdjSEml6Nz_wfWtA1yxRYYmDWeD5oXdHBaiUzrVktsROzBZEjYrPpV49PNXINHdJEwjA8/w640-h422/1-100_6552.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Oh, look there's a Robin in the bird bath, having a chat with Bobbie the Squirrel. I wonder what they are talking about. Bobbie doesn't say much. He seems to have a heart of stone...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvjyjA-P3NTV7L5XLhZRCaM3JupGBmdspOk3seNa6usNWJRLwXqswnSNuoIMzkwF-2KcqVTlXE_kJV4iW5767KHEf-nvkUdbnHqHQh3PqUHdG5nz0i-sC2F5t90Ln2A9vRVH4iRZLJB0PPja5rN9V-ifJR88qcblxIbDGuz6yfMiIo9iUxBzxywdaAtc/s1200/1-100_6553.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1200" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvjyjA-P3NTV7L5XLhZRCaM3JupGBmdspOk3seNa6usNWJRLwXqswnSNuoIMzkwF-2KcqVTlXE_kJV4iW5767KHEf-nvkUdbnHqHQh3PqUHdG5nz0i-sC2F5t90Ln2A9vRVH4iRZLJB0PPja5rN9V-ifJR88qcblxIbDGuz6yfMiIo9iUxBzxywdaAtc/w640-h416/1-100_6553.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The Male Cardinal and a Tufted Titmouse are having a tea party...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Bbb4T7tX9XFRvSspgVMCU1fR9nsQoanQxl1jlNOyIycED2BFvN3pvV9R26fmXw3rUFZuBbvcdkMuuUjPlg6sAe3Zr7qGAnUKnr5Fpv2aG2YofxUzV1pCJbh0Rs1r5Q-O7Fg2CEBM2NBKvaOmW7UbVc3V6GPfjYCwCHZrmIwRcEW8rgfyhN8sD16rLI0/s1200/1-100_6558.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Bbb4T7tX9XFRvSspgVMCU1fR9nsQoanQxl1jlNOyIycED2BFvN3pvV9R26fmXw3rUFZuBbvcdkMuuUjPlg6sAe3Zr7qGAnUKnr5Fpv2aG2YofxUzV1pCJbh0Rs1r5Q-O7Fg2CEBM2NBKvaOmW7UbVc3V6GPfjYCwCHZrmIwRcEW8rgfyhN8sD16rLI0/w640-h480/1-100_6558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A little later, when the sun was fully bright out on the pond, the turtle family came up for their sunbath. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD40pff9v_283gIy7_8zKNG9qc_5kWmXfgJ259kB-Ic-7l4ZVPw_mH-H_yOQqoCK7b07X4R3zBp7YmyZh_q4PDXEgHVlpMp02I8RGSGrDxU0Y8zupbw6DbYoZpoIw3lgG8retX1dS8my8m_uPhc7CdEF6H3JT4BJx-EtNJZDlDUS5f7f94exp45xRj84s/s1024/1-100_6519.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD40pff9v_283gIy7_8zKNG9qc_5kWmXfgJ259kB-Ic-7l4ZVPw_mH-H_yOQqoCK7b07X4R3zBp7YmyZh_q4PDXEgHVlpMp02I8RGSGrDxU0Y8zupbw6DbYoZpoIw3lgG8retX1dS8my8m_uPhc7CdEF6H3JT4BJx-EtNJZDlDUS5f7f94exp45xRj84s/w640-h480/1-100_6519.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Seems like every time I look out there, there are more turtles!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xSWadCQeeivyL0Nn7f8MFyhvE3P8KBhBvgyzYCWqwuaKpWlzuA1Uil25ULy2n_zRgef_TFTXGUR_1PYcRiWmzUmKMXzsJcz8QkH00d1kiXm-zkEHtwtBhf5Tgfy6MIDgZojx7a7Gi2Qief2p6DYqnqIeXbCOx4olosOIL8x0DRRNOkUcMThVh5eTTP4/s1024/1-100_6521.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xSWadCQeeivyL0Nn7f8MFyhvE3P8KBhBvgyzYCWqwuaKpWlzuA1Uil25ULy2n_zRgef_TFTXGUR_1PYcRiWmzUmKMXzsJcz8QkH00d1kiXm-zkEHtwtBhf5Tgfy6MIDgZojx7a7Gi2Qief2p6DYqnqIeXbCOx4olosOIL8x0DRRNOkUcMThVh5eTTP4/w640-h480/1-100_6521.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Some are definitely smaller than the others, so I am guessing they are babies...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjZuF4eCM-65cZHGrDf_dPj5n2nry0QLXFXPjzpVVMwM0exQZo10UXabT85RLHU8VqDR5HNiBKg2Sw_6KK0t_bFnNl5T8sjjcEFdsE74O6atZhqBLp7yLhvXDfgR0oI7Td5VZUja4PqbVK5PFwkxe35CIk1tDv_KkzTVn0AnpLQghblPRT1yNNhqhctM/s1024/1-100_6522.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjZuF4eCM-65cZHGrDf_dPj5n2nry0QLXFXPjzpVVMwM0exQZo10UXabT85RLHU8VqDR5HNiBKg2Sw_6KK0t_bFnNl5T8sjjcEFdsE74O6atZhqBLp7yLhvXDfgR0oI7Td5VZUja4PqbVK5PFwkxe35CIk1tDv_KkzTVn0AnpLQghblPRT1yNNhqhctM/w640-h480/1-100_6522.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I can't quite decide if there are four or five...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyzLecni8cvz8mAPjjFaXLpRAZ7bnTgOGKPRuE4AWDpgzzZzR8_Rkr12Hs7FmwgiWNGyqLpkq5DKUc1r6z1RfXI4w8_zj56PU-YBD1bOOIPaDsRzrFX1dn2do7FsgZ_eR_R7ZQADqYjoMmbH_m54n-xOVRd0lPtnOZ-n2QQr532DQfsJBYCVk3_843jI/s1024/1-100_6560.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyzLecni8cvz8mAPjjFaXLpRAZ7bnTgOGKPRuE4AWDpgzzZzR8_Rkr12Hs7FmwgiWNGyqLpkq5DKUc1r6z1RfXI4w8_zj56PU-YBD1bOOIPaDsRzrFX1dn2do7FsgZ_eR_R7ZQADqYjoMmbH_m54n-xOVRd0lPtnOZ-n2QQr532DQfsJBYCVk3_843jI/w640-h480/1-100_6560.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvs98Y1lgnnrGljg7eTGh8zgj5bFQswksJXtQPkJ-HeZ8mwOyFhOvOD6JLbQSyZ1E_Xk1lt_90y_92PUHMPqjULEZGIv3TSo5lKrAoy8Z4v2zi7JIz2eW49u8049XNkDma0DjK197v7iZoQ_r8GQa4g70a0MCB8Wmgmlj3ob57yVHbpG6lKDXQO_N-Vs/s1024/1-100_6561.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvs98Y1lgnnrGljg7eTGh8zgj5bFQswksJXtQPkJ-HeZ8mwOyFhOvOD6JLbQSyZ1E_Xk1lt_90y_92PUHMPqjULEZGIv3TSo5lKrAoy8Z4v2zi7JIz2eW49u8049XNkDma0DjK197v7iZoQ_r8GQa4g70a0MCB8Wmgmlj3ob57yVHbpG6lKDXQO_N-Vs/w640-h480/1-100_6561.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>But they sure seem to keep multiplying! No wonder they were after that poor duck! If we keep getting so many, I may have to think about having some turtle soup one of these days... (just kidding...I wouldn't know how to even begin...but I sure don't like them messing with the ducks!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWl__0E5f_wssrTa4TrzVE6o72lYQdCPHEiDkXDXFKgG1jUv63wDr3N78hQ6R9CaPmoC0-cd9RhR1OlrIB29rbARH__-GI_fIzyuwrovixz6Lc6YAAADgZ7Z1UD2ww0ckbq5LRvN7BfM95C31BHg9FuUNkmtM6bJ9kI7MUshphL2s3QE9llmQ930Vt4a0/s1024/1-100_6570.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWl__0E5f_wssrTa4TrzVE6o72lYQdCPHEiDkXDXFKgG1jUv63wDr3N78hQ6R9CaPmoC0-cd9RhR1OlrIB29rbARH__-GI_fIzyuwrovixz6Lc6YAAADgZ7Z1UD2ww0ckbq5LRvN7BfM95C31BHg9FuUNkmtM6bJ9kI7MUshphL2s3QE9llmQ930Vt4a0/w640-h480/1-100_6570.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, I guess I've taken enough of your time today. But I thought you would enjoy this lovely morning here on Still Waters Pond. While I was on my little "walk about" the property, I noticed the Carolina Jessamine is really blooming now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6NTXNx4vUoi5b-a8Q80XkgKiKiTQ5o8XWfERF4IidR_QTWu7aIEMsuzKxc0NEajPkqi3kXZOqS2QsrzNGXWoOuZYRfpmN9bdEdMRG7y4ZK60_rVSgA_P48kbTEcS5XarbWUCnoLyECOrQdTQcvtUdR-J9qPYgjq0QWTUUJeCctrry5RnP0kJFN2f-og/s1200/1-IMG_2600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6NTXNx4vUoi5b-a8Q80XkgKiKiTQ5o8XWfERF4IidR_QTWu7aIEMsuzKxc0NEajPkqi3kXZOqS2QsrzNGXWoOuZYRfpmN9bdEdMRG7y4ZK60_rVSgA_P48kbTEcS5XarbWUCnoLyECOrQdTQcvtUdR-J9qPYgjq0QWTUUJeCctrry5RnP0kJFN2f-og/w640-h480/1-IMG_2600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimrEf0UaWk5q5NePm_FKjjcduH7_XLgcstg84hOe09yUHrkV7yLyrl-VwszCd-ZU0PYrxiQPvSannnZqYErWGBOf2HIaTw6SuJm5D0I68PhYBWexvKGPnEmpGjt3pQq59tDdIFeaiiMqYY5XiOjriUuR23sxXlhWgV9xZcQ_gpgwMBjZBySIyutXxsic/s1200/1-IMG_2601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimrEf0UaWk5q5NePm_FKjjcduH7_XLgcstg84hOe09yUHrkV7yLyrl-VwszCd-ZU0PYrxiQPvSannnZqYErWGBOf2HIaTw6SuJm5D0I68PhYBWexvKGPnEmpGjt3pQq59tDdIFeaiiMqYY5XiOjriUuR23sxXlhWgV9xZcQ_gpgwMBjZBySIyutXxsic/w640-h480/1-IMG_2601.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>You know, after taking so many pictures, it seems as though the flowers starting making faces at me:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYs6mLanoFmPw54ZH2EczzsAuIGN66AeofUjV8HtUZbvQqD6HZDnuQGnSOaNOF_AVviIy67pQJZO3q0R5tzoK3izz8JRe_TGXgSjVtrSYoOA7T5SaC8jlQ9y3CoSnY2myJSxl41fApJO5Bq-HpNeqUWk71avhI3F5s8ciDbu3-h98ZiSdcSuAQ5zeZ_g/s1200/1-IMG_2602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYs6mLanoFmPw54ZH2EczzsAuIGN66AeofUjV8HtUZbvQqD6HZDnuQGnSOaNOF_AVviIy67pQJZO3q0R5tzoK3izz8JRe_TGXgSjVtrSYoOA7T5SaC8jlQ9y3CoSnY2myJSxl41fApJO5Bq-HpNeqUWk71avhI3F5s8ciDbu3-h98ZiSdcSuAQ5zeZ_g/w480-h640/1-IMG_2602.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you see it? That is a Carolina Jessamine bud, but it sure looks like a "conehead" to me! LOL. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's some good "food for thought" from God's Word as we close out this lovely visit...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13;">2 Peter 1:5-7</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">"5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love."</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Happy Saturday and may God bless you and yours with His grace and peace and love. Amen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-52434617986454215052024-02-01T20:39:00.000-05:002024-02-01T20:39:06.761-05:00It's February!! (Friday Foto Friends)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, it's February here in north central Florida, and even though the temperatures have been rather chilly the past few mornings, (39 today!) it has been warming up in the afternoon to the delightful high 60's, with sunshine and beauty all around...let me share a little of what I've been enjoying on our walks in the woods and also here at our own Still Waters Pond...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First, the wild plum trees are in full bloom and they are gorgeous!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0Dame07tcMmdtSdIbsmMg-hhTkrk9oIgfnbcsUuVjtq7dmRF7-uB0d5CXn3M3rs_vGnu-BK6VDTYUQcSMI77BLueHAtOcxuzV1VGn_mt3sI3uedJBC0Q2WBDZK1-7NPtYrB95Vybn-lZQ8lXreUaTtFoMIekDgx5zs4cL-dsQd_D_z3QdJT1FqgXIPo/s1200/1-100_6473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0Dame07tcMmdtSdIbsmMg-hhTkrk9oIgfnbcsUuVjtq7dmRF7-uB0d5CXn3M3rs_vGnu-BK6VDTYUQcSMI77BLueHAtOcxuzV1VGn_mt3sI3uedJBC0Q2WBDZK1-7NPtYrB95Vybn-lZQ8lXreUaTtFoMIekDgx5zs4cL-dsQd_D_z3QdJT1FqgXIPo/w640-h480/1-100_6473.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Here is a close up:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIlsnqQgCrOB6_zlz_qIT6J93_kYW4bnxwQHD0oN5iu67E6rF-PpwtZ2i8Icqi1Iygw1Q-6FJ198wvmhqMReloYb1I8mWjLuGFW-_gEg4AB4i5xrbf5oLhw0miPczu5gF5EUafDRK75lXzIQfNDu6MGVuhcv7utBIhTTnJqjiNIpkCbobE7lJXQsTQ6c/s1200/1-100_6474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIlsnqQgCrOB6_zlz_qIT6J93_kYW4bnxwQHD0oN5iu67E6rF-PpwtZ2i8Icqi1Iygw1Q-6FJ198wvmhqMReloYb1I8mWjLuGFW-_gEg4AB4i5xrbf5oLhw0miPczu5gF5EUafDRK75lXzIQfNDu6MGVuhcv7utBIhTTnJqjiNIpkCbobE7lJXQsTQ6c/w640-h480/1-100_6474.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Although you can't see them here, there were honey bees having a great time enjoying these blossoms!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPb4qMc-Rr30OFEXMtVL8eqaQmjBBnFQs3S2qxFVvhWUXeuW5tM1qLTZO4Jds34z5dj_HGrnwkIuI-X4dQTNdP2rM3tw2Zl-joyr2ofyTpS7LNHYeQx1T-js8k_lNumKLxU_xjc1At68JH8wJNxUEz6aDAIU2QA-D9WELrIl1y3fyQQfLB1jghOc-f0SQ/s1200/1-100_6476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPb4qMc-Rr30OFEXMtVL8eqaQmjBBnFQs3S2qxFVvhWUXeuW5tM1qLTZO4Jds34z5dj_HGrnwkIuI-X4dQTNdP2rM3tw2Zl-joyr2ofyTpS7LNHYeQx1T-js8k_lNumKLxU_xjc1At68JH8wJNxUEz6aDAIU2QA-D9WELrIl1y3fyQQfLB1jghOc-f0SQ/w640-h480/1-100_6476.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am so glad I discovered these trees blooming before they stopped! This is a sight worth seeing!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxGrC2KikWPKZB1ub7Jcnm8jHFg29lqBQiVPfeRQ7Zl4euUsY7-9ePH_CN8Y2C5nJeitw_-6ydWmda9heQcrLJX9YLoKqlSASVOOXwZtgqste2yAX3YZwOTELfL-41Uv7VRSMJq9grivPIXzkdSARg5dfJ1KDdSTwXMf1m0cw9cUNw9u2zVbGAVGXyNQ/s1200/1-100_6477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxGrC2KikWPKZB1ub7Jcnm8jHFg29lqBQiVPfeRQ7Zl4euUsY7-9ePH_CN8Y2C5nJeitw_-6ydWmda9heQcrLJX9YLoKqlSASVOOXwZtgqste2yAX3YZwOTELfL-41Uv7VRSMJq9grivPIXzkdSARg5dfJ1KDdSTwXMf1m0cw9cUNw9u2zVbGAVGXyNQ/w640-h480/1-100_6477.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Another view of these same trees. At some time in history, there was a house here on this lot, and there is a paved little walkway around these trees. I imagine maybe they had a little bench here or some kind of garden spot so they could enjoy the beauty of these trees...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKp8OVKG-3to1wGKo-lnisPiV7ENPSIADep7o9aM1TEXUhaae8EpsJnKTgSg_vSbzjQg-Rrj3-NrOSuPs2zMwgosi3GBz0HsdphHL8tAAq9mNlUxP6Mg1j7YybtwJmgHXjCh6fRVW9up8tDUEeIG11DR6yXaBr9rr32E2Y0hzAWW-KCLYn8-Vbfc6UFNo/s1200/1-100_6478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1200" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKp8OVKG-3to1wGKo-lnisPiV7ENPSIADep7o9aM1TEXUhaae8EpsJnKTgSg_vSbzjQg-Rrj3-NrOSuPs2zMwgosi3GBz0HsdphHL8tAAq9mNlUxP6Mg1j7YybtwJmgHXjCh6fRVW9up8tDUEeIG11DR6yXaBr9rr32E2Y0hzAWW-KCLYn8-Vbfc6UFNo/w640-h446/1-100_6478.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This setting isn't as lovely, but these trees are growing wild in the woods and most of the trees look like they are dead, but then you see these blossoms bursting forth every spring anyway! What a joy to behold! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PK-hMFjGnxedqhqWztqKZCDiQaA0ZS4Hk8FQbGepvQWqvnbMMqm4Pyclyo07DPquRhfOA6xD2Vq6YXhUTY0SIcg_z-vSav-08h4CxA0zOICQ2I1ZV89sJ3kBoRMZvpnPLJKq4U4g541CLHYfx2kzqLCLsEFCP8Y-mj1irxiquxjF_FGF2V1A-Gs2jdI/s1200/1-100_6482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PK-hMFjGnxedqhqWztqKZCDiQaA0ZS4Hk8FQbGepvQWqvnbMMqm4Pyclyo07DPquRhfOA6xD2Vq6YXhUTY0SIcg_z-vSav-08h4CxA0zOICQ2I1ZV89sJ3kBoRMZvpnPLJKq4U4g541CLHYfx2kzqLCLsEFCP8Y-mj1irxiquxjF_FGF2V1A-Gs2jdI/w640-h480/1-100_6482.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This tree is out in the woods in another area, and the evening sun was filtering through lighting up the trees around it...just made everything glow...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFN7-F2KXm_x5aY_A69VhoVu2V-8cqZwelEIN7zkkQgAwf1hy5akMuoPtnUVY4Cpr9gkl6B3l1iwgdEmUUny0WVLanR9GzOY04fLKjGwaZtUG7CWio7pke4E-Kh9NNXiK32sKM8TzesEJXNEJj8TsBNDVDK9y4_XGICqARjNr9fsjev_cNpvNdafRkwHE/s1200/1-100_6486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFN7-F2KXm_x5aY_A69VhoVu2V-8cqZwelEIN7zkkQgAwf1hy5akMuoPtnUVY4Cpr9gkl6B3l1iwgdEmUUny0WVLanR9GzOY04fLKjGwaZtUG7CWio7pke4E-Kh9NNXiK32sKM8TzesEJXNEJj8TsBNDVDK9y4_XGICqARjNr9fsjev_cNpvNdafRkwHE/w640-h480/1-100_6486.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Again, these are wild, uncultivated plum trees, and every year they put on this show for all of the world around them to enjoy. The plums themselves are rather small and not very sweet, but the birds and other wild animals enjoy them, and I suppose if I were energetic enough and could gather enough ripe plums before they dropped to the ground I might be able to make some jelly, but it would take a lot of them because they are so small and tart. So I will just leave them for the forest creatures to enjoy. It's one of God's ways of providing for His creation...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6d0-OR4WJ078qE2e7IXuBVyRYh1h6KXudj4ZNP66Tna4_rZtqWvCciO9_huJKhYG_L0_Y4AAU2HMSNNxUcxS6JV7qFdWVCsPqxR8dARUFvjQHu4p9b57qEhQweisOLJora_37-AA5vH1-yWQ0V1Sy4USEAKw7matjAS236jBeMggin2FtKddZkSJ9ikw/s1200/1-100_6487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6d0-OR4WJ078qE2e7IXuBVyRYh1h6KXudj4ZNP66Tna4_rZtqWvCciO9_huJKhYG_L0_Y4AAU2HMSNNxUcxS6JV7qFdWVCsPqxR8dARUFvjQHu4p9b57qEhQweisOLJora_37-AA5vH1-yWQ0V1Sy4USEAKw7matjAS236jBeMggin2FtKddZkSJ9ikw/w640-h480/1-100_6487.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back on Still Waters Pond, the Canada Geese flew in yesterday morning...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFTYzL8Wuwf4BDQXvbuDgkpAJZANsdkwkIFiB4JXj8clYN9vzvNNCocJJnGNROba4cZ5lBAk7XwSDwHEaf5KsjotSesOheGyijl5jRguNc9E8IrymETEfgcxHh7KGIvFGcN6pz8GVLCz-s-iiiK9BjGTjNjn8AsvdjVyF2lAOeMiCOhCJlgwVJ7A45Uw/s1200/1-100_6488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFTYzL8Wuwf4BDQXvbuDgkpAJZANsdkwkIFiB4JXj8clYN9vzvNNCocJJnGNROba4cZ5lBAk7XwSDwHEaf5KsjotSesOheGyijl5jRguNc9E8IrymETEfgcxHh7KGIvFGcN6pz8GVLCz-s-iiiK9BjGTjNjn8AsvdjVyF2lAOeMiCOhCJlgwVJ7A45Uw/w640-h480/1-100_6488.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From a distance, I was having a hard time figuring out how many geese were standing in that spot, so I kept taking pictures, and once I could see them better "up close", I could see there were two there on the end, side by side, in addition to two others on the other end of the little marsh island...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqo8QvpIP2eaZ9Tv6CQzAEwJaRi-yvRaXBLRwAhJ5eGIFiganWnRxDP-hbbfW4-ZQBJEgIOjhJAvJsBg_x0y6Dvria9pf_V1zyF8QovK7XDgSoGiq28NWfPGLwUqdOqtjFjnO65UZf3eZaHd3icw0fDuK9Y1XLPPPFWfDvnVnzfk71BGm2K_XRnVKFRQ/s1200/1-100_6489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqo8QvpIP2eaZ9Tv6CQzAEwJaRi-yvRaXBLRwAhJ5eGIFiganWnRxDP-hbbfW4-ZQBJEgIOjhJAvJsBg_x0y6Dvria9pf_V1zyF8QovK7XDgSoGiq28NWfPGLwUqdOqtjFjnO65UZf3eZaHd3icw0fDuK9Y1XLPPPFWfDvnVnzfk71BGm2K_XRnVKFRQ/w640-h480/1-100_6489.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a chilly morning, and it appears they were enjoying the warmth of the sunshine:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6jQLxW1ezVTE_StQibGh02cGuS5UFpclWWZ5rGx_qhI64bHPZcJVnT6iZHrLCRLJo2cEFKz5TbnBuAc6vYufgk71ZnNpoSuRWIkFaoqa7XXbXewBKWY0zWaL2ls3yAChGFfV12djoj2Hdrk394T4dRVbIjmDhOw4cr2t5sLLItCj5rvpTCAwY104UR4/s1200/1-100_6491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6jQLxW1ezVTE_StQibGh02cGuS5UFpclWWZ5rGx_qhI64bHPZcJVnT6iZHrLCRLJo2cEFKz5TbnBuAc6vYufgk71ZnNpoSuRWIkFaoqa7XXbXewBKWY0zWaL2ls3yAChGFfV12djoj2Hdrk394T4dRVbIjmDhOw4cr2t5sLLItCj5rvpTCAwY104UR4/w640-h480/1-100_6491.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhYOJkCoO1OSZTL1CEVJenOqPBCuQjT1xJRWrHeu5s-mkB7_TcBXzpTTPJvuHciHgMVyZgJNUihvwaRaVoYJ3fTcoiX8VB2MCElmIXR5z0bSoLgunBr7nosBd8489voAPCwn92cOPi5alVpjDCHxZ-3KKKf1P0zcN3oWHK4oR0s9tqtgr9fr_zNKCxiM/s1200/1-100_6492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhYOJkCoO1OSZTL1CEVJenOqPBCuQjT1xJRWrHeu5s-mkB7_TcBXzpTTPJvuHciHgMVyZgJNUihvwaRaVoYJ3fTcoiX8VB2MCElmIXR5z0bSoLgunBr7nosBd8489voAPCwn92cOPi5alVpjDCHxZ-3KKKf1P0zcN3oWHK4oR0s9tqtgr9fr_zNKCxiM/w640-h480/1-100_6492.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3U2P0EgPM0X5P3vm6QwdHd0Lxs8ec8_JRgzMUSHiCKd-DUqCjV49GMEiRBXZFQz89_wHq_xIQBYTj37SUrQCZa8dCtrhlVpTpn7-LOodZd9j877q32jmn0bIQ3KbCMfniq1PMgUefCkzsWq8kXHTkJrvfY7cGo1UOLSNKwnEWKgm5zDUvF748zyw4vHI/s1200/1-100_6493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3U2P0EgPM0X5P3vm6QwdHd0Lxs8ec8_JRgzMUSHiCKd-DUqCjV49GMEiRBXZFQz89_wHq_xIQBYTj37SUrQCZa8dCtrhlVpTpn7-LOodZd9j877q32jmn0bIQ3KbCMfniq1PMgUefCkzsWq8kXHTkJrvfY7cGo1UOLSNKwnEWKgm5zDUvF748zyw4vHI/w640-h480/1-100_6493.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMWcmfdiBDyc52CMb_UL6ndO3peJmSMpDobNaORvZvu0lzykeB8Q1K_1ouGoZbtDt0yFMdZLPcbJKS3Qy4RGcOe5QAcmvcqcwC6YrqP7P_5zgC4mcQWpfXx2VH38gKMLmn5BSSUNO52QC-mfBV4rcnyxgCpAMRxZ22tFmfvX2KXGz_uizUiRLi2-U39c/s1200/1-100_6494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMWcmfdiBDyc52CMb_UL6ndO3peJmSMpDobNaORvZvu0lzykeB8Q1K_1ouGoZbtDt0yFMdZLPcbJKS3Qy4RGcOe5QAcmvcqcwC6YrqP7P_5zgC4mcQWpfXx2VH38gKMLmn5BSSUNO52QC-mfBV4rcnyxgCpAMRxZ22tFmfvX2KXGz_uizUiRLi2-U39c/w640-h480/1-100_6494.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Such a lovely way to start our day!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcVThSugr0E5VLtZl6nF9Pg9rQ1RWKMBvIu9ChRjfm8LMbRlYYtAo8dyCkGpekoerqmT-3npuxw1x69jUGm8EPRFTwGjPtclWRUS6KnqLNgk1H70kMz7yqBcdA05DWQhEH4bew3xn4rjYAkmI6gFTmUgHiK3Y-FssJK2UIXRvzKKnGyICjgAdzRFAm9c/s1200/1-100_6495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcVThSugr0E5VLtZl6nF9Pg9rQ1RWKMBvIu9ChRjfm8LMbRlYYtAo8dyCkGpekoerqmT-3npuxw1x69jUGm8EPRFTwGjPtclWRUS6KnqLNgk1H70kMz7yqBcdA05DWQhEH4bew3xn4rjYAkmI6gFTmUgHiK3Y-FssJK2UIXRvzKKnGyICjgAdzRFAm9c/w640-h480/1-100_6495.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And here's a lovely way to end our day...I looked out the window this evening and saw this lone Ring Necked Duck swimming around in the pond. I wonder if he's the same duck that had the battle with the turtle recently, that I told you about <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2024/01/monday-mondaya-lesson-from-nature.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE, in case you missed it.</b></a> The rest of the duck family has not returned to the pond since that day, but occasionally I have seen this male duck swimming around by himself. Maybe the others moved on and left him here by himself...I don't know...but he seems to be swimming just fine, so thankfully, if he IS the one the turtle attacked, he seems to be okay. That's good news, and I am kind of believing that is who he is...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIwSSuUjcRR7cocohgejBENhQ4VYDSx99DDwuFQHqN0eB0lhhO6pjfbEbun1dc5PXRWx8ItKp-d7NC57mHNQBJdl9QBkvoTLe5i9MkAAaJF1RroCfyIorcJ14iddFO6vpPoOAJ6GLdgo6ZoPzjVkhGZeB6drinTfmQEtUdsiZvQggRNjAsMt6ocpP0GA/s1200/1-100_6500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIwSSuUjcRR7cocohgejBENhQ4VYDSx99DDwuFQHqN0eB0lhhO6pjfbEbun1dc5PXRWx8ItKp-d7NC57mHNQBJdl9QBkvoTLe5i9MkAAaJF1RroCfyIorcJ14iddFO6vpPoOAJ6GLdgo6ZoPzjVkhGZeB6drinTfmQEtUdsiZvQggRNjAsMt6ocpP0GA/w640-h480/1-100_6500.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The sun was going down behind him, and so the pictures are kind of almost black and white, but that makes for an interesting and dramatic kind of photo...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WYWDPrR0nK55gQeFvlU5YA3j2y6B-pripaItCjSLXwuyfoN0IeHBrxrtmkjwZzT-PiIzrilBfzYM-S4cNMBIqMXEvxWhBTO0ltF0xfxkVA-JJ6kAdjfOw6XJSO2SL6-83xLF2smbItx4PbE0TaLC7eNp7PlDVJazxpPZXD4GRSTjfCYjTkowObEqrno/s1024/1-100_6501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WYWDPrR0nK55gQeFvlU5YA3j2y6B-pripaItCjSLXwuyfoN0IeHBrxrtmkjwZzT-PiIzrilBfzYM-S4cNMBIqMXEvxWhBTO0ltF0xfxkVA-JJ6kAdjfOw6XJSO2SL6-83xLF2smbItx4PbE0TaLC7eNp7PlDVJazxpPZXD4GRSTjfCYjTkowObEqrno/w640-h480/1-100_6501.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Here you can really see the white band on his beak...and his white sides. I call these ducks 'Shamu", because of their white sides against the black. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWCKCkFv0CQA15otwxXt6axKnSTjcgZ9fCSkIpfJOpMC-N90QdmQPCJUno8LiHxWtQQml0Bvjo5M0BOb_nhj4J4xaw2KlLfbG8F9nbMJxB2YbBltxVIq_d_z1bnrUsZmbfY42CRN7yhwmmVdPE094hfoggpYaUpbMvjN7cUT_jqQvxC32fDOvkjL3PUk/s1024/1-100_6502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWCKCkFv0CQA15otwxXt6axKnSTjcgZ9fCSkIpfJOpMC-N90QdmQPCJUno8LiHxWtQQml0Bvjo5M0BOb_nhj4J4xaw2KlLfbG8F9nbMJxB2YbBltxVIq_d_z1bnrUsZmbfY42CRN7yhwmmVdPE094hfoggpYaUpbMvjN7cUT_jqQvxC32fDOvkjL3PUk/w640-h480/1-100_6502.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQiVvgQm7WOTaJ-kSV1p6RbTKE3Xz3ps18rWcou8D1DLJuV9ouf2t58kW6WvDov4K0-VnPXy7eIK0CxU4mO-qqnjCzsmTBHN6WX4lqODPe9Cz83MUYU0GxqjH6OFTKy2zkAd73-6yS0xCBqXpsYSfURlOsSOj0YBs0mMasu6gUBUadu9J-q1kbG9_mPI/s1024/1-100_6503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQiVvgQm7WOTaJ-kSV1p6RbTKE3Xz3ps18rWcou8D1DLJuV9ouf2t58kW6WvDov4K0-VnPXy7eIK0CxU4mO-qqnjCzsmTBHN6WX4lqODPe9Cz83MUYU0GxqjH6OFTKy2zkAd73-6yS0xCBqXpsYSfURlOsSOj0YBs0mMasu6gUBUadu9J-q1kbG9_mPI/w640-h480/1-100_6503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFc_a88UAoBpKrQRBIEqOoTSnREkD-mTce9py1dLQlKkDOwoDU5wi35UVZl15RDsLyLpKZdDFbpvgSzjGEu_KlNfVx30MMtnYqtp2vh5qSnDpOrMZA_eaX-q-mrLln0b0g-a9hghyphenhyphenQBCfh0E5A2BGM4uAe4zGm0bXcqprF3c35QN_ZlaVaqBCbH3SxtQ/s1200/1-100_6504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFc_a88UAoBpKrQRBIEqOoTSnREkD-mTce9py1dLQlKkDOwoDU5wi35UVZl15RDsLyLpKZdDFbpvgSzjGEu_KlNfVx30MMtnYqtp2vh5qSnDpOrMZA_eaX-q-mrLln0b0g-a9hghyphenhyphenQBCfh0E5A2BGM4uAe4zGm0bXcqprF3c35QN_ZlaVaqBCbH3SxtQ/w640-h480/1-100_6504.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsagzBwX1oh-b3ZDR7-hOIyBRk7Dovwqb4pNceCcZ9w19WDtoJ7Lg2hdY6LX_kmJK0sa0yTp_j4XbauyRGRf2zU5uX_S1tNSv020gBSEb1CpTKvpoAhH6lcBAEn3xaaIPmfMairODWs0npezK_GY0hnU1jPL-G5QcnEFYvh2Sx39eLB2xcgWVp-O4Csw/s1200/1-100_6505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsagzBwX1oh-b3ZDR7-hOIyBRk7Dovwqb4pNceCcZ9w19WDtoJ7Lg2hdY6LX_kmJK0sa0yTp_j4XbauyRGRf2zU5uX_S1tNSv020gBSEb1CpTKvpoAhH6lcBAEn3xaaIPmfMairODWs0npezK_GY0hnU1jPL-G5QcnEFYvh2Sx39eLB2xcgWVp-O4Csw/w640-h480/1-100_6505.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Can you still see him?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthp2grUlRKTD3ZgPruQRYJSeVaUbTMBAGqrkH66bsNwbej7AAGzBvSBgXG4mGSLNSghvyU7mC9zxN4ehXmWHUgTVD6rvJKuwWn9pTs7hTc2dMrJHqZX6Sr7KuDRO-S5zO7k-dmOQkSFOx5tDwG215FuFTPx4-5ldPnh9GcJ1uPIsJWE5pfXuCYgd77Ms/s1200/1-100_6507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthp2grUlRKTD3ZgPruQRYJSeVaUbTMBAGqrkH66bsNwbej7AAGzBvSBgXG4mGSLNSghvyU7mC9zxN4ehXmWHUgTVD6rvJKuwWn9pTs7hTc2dMrJHqZX6Sr7KuDRO-S5zO7k-dmOQkSFOx5tDwG215FuFTPx4-5ldPnh9GcJ1uPIsJWE5pfXuCYgd77Ms/w640-h480/1-100_6507.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Can you see him now???<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPgrQ8FHMS8P1VMZI3_6OpcTaVLySZE68wIOiVj6wWN9MEg6vezAhLEVQYfGQUskhF0rp7UTir_8lQKRltYncvdlzZbxEIuedpXq0FfXpRUzzBejY-L6AZfpHjPEe9PZM4ifkLHeHy5jdYWhE4CvlT35pCDwQhqxqCYIrjEgzmysj_zuodZiNOzzUOe8/s1200/1-100_6509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1200" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPgrQ8FHMS8P1VMZI3_6OpcTaVLySZE68wIOiVj6wWN9MEg6vezAhLEVQYfGQUskhF0rp7UTir_8lQKRltYncvdlzZbxEIuedpXq0FfXpRUzzBejY-L6AZfpHjPEe9PZM4ifkLHeHy5jdYWhE4CvlT35pCDwQhqxqCYIrjEgzmysj_zuodZiNOzzUOe8/w640-h438/1-100_6509.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So let's switch gears for a minute...since today is the first day of February, it is time for the calendar roll call...This one is in my bathroom, and when I saw this picture it made me think of the island in our pond, although certainly it is not this big and we don't have any mountains around the pond, but if you look at that picture above, you will see our island mid way back on the right side, with trees growing out of it. Now do you see why this picture made me think of our pond? Kind of like Still Waters Pond on steroids. LOL.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4PN11BMk1EfttJF2nUiF9dKbgM3NaVGYwcoPgur29xsUt7IkjS5h8-611xnd3qSVEaI0AI7FJkn6bGHgeeYT165tAziOgbkrSxIh1eBBegpGGu8j1RLtt_e0e5EPl0KYOMeFKwdmCJpi_E0DkYkBukdsYWaste1_LTJen2MnNHjwHMoVIa9BtahDERg/s1200/1-IMG_2571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1200" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4PN11BMk1EfttJF2nUiF9dKbgM3NaVGYwcoPgur29xsUt7IkjS5h8-611xnd3qSVEaI0AI7FJkn6bGHgeeYT165tAziOgbkrSxIh1eBBegpGGu8j1RLtt_e0e5EPl0KYOMeFKwdmCJpi_E0DkYkBukdsYWaste1_LTJen2MnNHjwHMoVIa9BtahDERg/w640-h570/1-IMG_2571.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Below is the Thomas Kincade calendar that we use for all our monthly appointments.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Lovelight Cottage", what a fitting name!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the verse is appropriate for Valentine's Day too:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0z6wcmlLDxWuL1rtsEJxmOK96wPfqJ1dEodfXVBg6qTAg52A3tSu9TgLzarxm7iYXBLXMSngynL5dDybSWWtJaXoCA20RJLpkkDBhap0SBKSf4ODYElTlS3HH1cfn-TWSgLmoLEkPOXRJX40dCcP2GWILVAPwNtS1Sepg3GMYivVKBsZZnXbRCUQViSY/s1200/1-IMG_2569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1115" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0z6wcmlLDxWuL1rtsEJxmOK96wPfqJ1dEodfXVBg6qTAg52A3tSu9TgLzarxm7iYXBLXMSngynL5dDybSWWtJaXoCA20RJLpkkDBhap0SBKSf4ODYElTlS3HH1cfn-TWSgLmoLEkPOXRJX40dCcP2GWILVAPwNtS1Sepg3GMYivVKBsZZnXbRCUQViSY/w594-h640/1-IMG_2569.jpg" width="594" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is another of my favorite verses...NO ONE, or NOTHING can separate us from the Love of Christ!! Never forget this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TIjsCF2BuzJv2G5HmiJsj6slAY_BG5Ud-2MDYR591QSYwDtnsd8jF05FBQfp4bJbug6tSt0imHvbyYgD01a-g4xH8ItzFZ3sQMfd5EmGvbyU8I5o9gY56vCnY7FeHo1FhqGPvRB7W8TC8CSSg4ULvwG8hzQ30caJ5869KQt453AoMhTbxWQw_Rs9Pak/s1200/1-IMG_2570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="1200" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TIjsCF2BuzJv2G5HmiJsj6slAY_BG5Ud-2MDYR591QSYwDtnsd8jF05FBQfp4bJbug6tSt0imHvbyYgD01a-g4xH8ItzFZ3sQMfd5EmGvbyU8I5o9gY56vCnY7FeHo1FhqGPvRB7W8TC8CSSg4ULvwG8hzQ30caJ5869KQt453AoMhTbxWQw_Rs9Pak/w640-h104/1-IMG_2570.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Of course I love the John Sloane Country Seasons Calendar...and these happy children outside sledding down the hill in the snow...we don't see that here in Florida, but I do remember it from when we lived up north. Fun and happy memories...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DjwQ1cFLnm1tyL_fd295tg-w4WwqKGMbbZB-lfy4p6ML8sIenX0a0NNsU-BF_fmZ-bgsZfTh0TzqnNdqXjkzlUsDdvXdon7aFPl5ZPfff3mmhXKtYbBaZCDDZWixAFn5n8FG-SwXZygsqcwqr6HfwphFo5SqqhIQQu7JWAje-xDne9HEvRl18zf8e0I/s1200/1-IMG_2565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1200" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DjwQ1cFLnm1tyL_fd295tg-w4WwqKGMbbZB-lfy4p6ML8sIenX0a0NNsU-BF_fmZ-bgsZfTh0TzqnNdqXjkzlUsDdvXdon7aFPl5ZPfff3mmhXKtYbBaZCDDZWixAFn5n8FG-SwXZygsqcwqr6HfwphFo5SqqhIQQu7JWAje-xDne9HEvRl18zf8e0I/w640-h512/1-IMG_2565.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Teapot Calendar always has such interesting teapots to show us...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkZZc94V8ysa4kwmDAYn88iQTsk25KXH5tv_Pq2_lpU4nJ11NCUkAhPjkzu86hMolCnv8CV4kh1pIqo40B1RqUA57d0dQaodS-1yS2BHo50a4wLfdJf9NwFB204rnQ3JGvzBx5o2_U4He5MzLoYw5wUX9trdn3EJHOBRs7tIYPcK3nfc7eJWX0yMl-Iw/s1200/1-IMG_2567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1037" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkZZc94V8ysa4kwmDAYn88iQTsk25KXH5tv_Pq2_lpU4nJ11NCUkAhPjkzu86hMolCnv8CV4kh1pIqo40B1RqUA57d0dQaodS-1yS2BHo50a4wLfdJf9NwFB204rnQ3JGvzBx5o2_U4He5MzLoYw5wUX9trdn3EJHOBRs7tIYPcK3nfc7eJWX0yMl-Iw/w554-h640/1-IMG_2567.jpg" width="554" /></a></div>As well as some interesting quotes...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vPT6j_JOqhAbF_8Zj201VSZtrIkJaIcBBrlMXR9JFqJEMPUWPPKXudpVxXNcxik-P1bZYFar1JEKIXJEt9xMirySHM-Mgsu-ydDs4G9_NZsjtPfK0iB8vzonC8n0QJCTi2sOIABdTwx4LMhkWkocQDrT5PHXNkfHcJ_LRqEv2WvNaaSlklNxUaXtFS8/s1200/1-IMG_2568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1200" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vPT6j_JOqhAbF_8Zj201VSZtrIkJaIcBBrlMXR9JFqJEMPUWPPKXudpVxXNcxik-P1bZYFar1JEKIXJEt9xMirySHM-Mgsu-ydDs4G9_NZsjtPfK0iB8vzonC8n0QJCTi2sOIABdTwx4LMhkWkocQDrT5PHXNkfHcJ_LRqEv2WvNaaSlklNxUaXtFS8/w640-h540/1-IMG_2568.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">LOL. I agree...once you've buttered the toast it must be eaten before it gets cold!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Susan Branch Calendar is also full of interesting and fun thoughts:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHaQhOzsQMkPuBZgrE763JWsRyC3aEO4K28dpxac209ZXljWrO16cqhlHXne9fvPtsvegRlsV40oQPB-Az0zjiCyaF9nIMUnb99BpD1Rfw7MeW-Rha4rFVXKjftPL3lnwnbVUI7MSUZaSvxZ8BUqX846TaAAdG-_jwIEv3aGBahxRzFlXTa9gBbKJDz4/s1200/1-IMG_2572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1200" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHaQhOzsQMkPuBZgrE763JWsRyC3aEO4K28dpxac209ZXljWrO16cqhlHXne9fvPtsvegRlsV40oQPB-Az0zjiCyaF9nIMUnb99BpD1Rfw7MeW-Rha4rFVXKjftPL3lnwnbVUI7MSUZaSvxZ8BUqX846TaAAdG-_jwIEv3aGBahxRzFlXTa9gBbKJDz4/w640-h494/1-IMG_2572.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of strawberries...it is strawberry season in Florida...and my evening snack is often a bowl of yogurt with strawberries and granola...(I haven't mixed them up yet so I could get a picture of it before I dumped the granola on top...and yes, I do slice the strawberries first too...)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqOl3SKopdSRlVMt2ThTLPg6K7ujObMu21LYF1M2noZec4yIfQHU9CX0C9ixJysZItgprzUSkKc8tht8Jj1EwxOmqYOWEOSTMASF53vi5AKFblHpuGcRsG700G810eSF7kuMvtA7iAuBYUbfAHLYbUqMpKhLP-FyhqYciAZ6FPd0blt49xzv19rwa4ZY/s1200/1-IMG_2573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqOl3SKopdSRlVMt2ThTLPg6K7ujObMu21LYF1M2noZec4yIfQHU9CX0C9ixJysZItgprzUSkKc8tht8Jj1EwxOmqYOWEOSTMASF53vi5AKFblHpuGcRsG700G810eSF7kuMvtA7iAuBYUbfAHLYbUqMpKhLP-FyhqYciAZ6FPd0blt49xzv19rwa4ZY/w480-h640/1-IMG_2573.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So that's the picture show for today...I hope you enjoyed the show! I wonder what was your favorite picture...and why?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So what have we been up to this week? Hmmm, let me think...doesn't seem like we've done a lot of anything...just some shopping here and there and running errands...and oh! I got energetic and went out to the storage shed to clean out some old file cabinet drawers. They mostly have things like old bank statements from more than 10 years ago and other paid bills, etc., and honestly, I don't know why we still have them! I think when we moved there wasn't enough time to really sort through things and clean them out, and so they have been waiting for such a time as this. There are warranties and instruction manuals for appliances that we no longer have, and just a lot of miscellaneous stuff that I really don't know what to do with. Back when we were in the ministry I was involved in a lot of different women's ministries, Bible Studies, Ladies' Retreats and working with youth and children. I saved a lot of material from those days, much of which is very outdated now and probably not worth saving. I need to take a little more time and go through it more carefully before I just throw it away. Then there are files of things like college transcripts, professional certificates (hubby's stuff mostly), old resumes', letters from our years in the ministry, again...stuff that really doesn't have much value to us now that we are retired, but I still can't just throw them away. I did manage to throw out two big garbage bags full of miscellaneous stuff, but there is a lot more waiting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did find a picture tucked in among some things that really didn't belong there, and it certainly was worth keeping:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was our Jr. High school cheerleaders in the front, during a Homecoming Parade in 1963. Yes, I am in that photo. I wonder if you can find me?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDBCRtI-bHnlO2PgeSwGP9vwICR0v1DZPe3Pn2dl4Ur5H9wOho74vlr5rKeQzeHjtmJ42ptVtpbAYFdYNoZBBPHvkisBcaYFEfu2L30R6GYswqK1IshJgOdzRUIcfIWRZSjfjvzR1mSrx4k8NKGdHbG53Aa5Y1Sq4BiOMPFydMewINYqJ_krXlAMAgy0/s1200/1-Tavares%20Jr%20High%20Cheerleaders%201963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="1200" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDBCRtI-bHnlO2PgeSwGP9vwICR0v1DZPe3Pn2dl4Ur5H9wOho74vlr5rKeQzeHjtmJ42ptVtpbAYFdYNoZBBPHvkisBcaYFEfu2L30R6GYswqK1IshJgOdzRUIcfIWRZSjfjvzR1mSrx4k8NKGdHbG53Aa5Y1Sq4BiOMPFydMewINYqJ_krXlAMAgy0/w640-h314/1-Tavares%20Jr%20High%20Cheerleaders%201963.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you picked the 4th girl from the left, between the A and R, you would be correct:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Zk1YD_p-N-l9t_o8Srox6c1hAjh7riBf_YE5AxhlIqZYcjGrxk2_qeKbE4gM3smh-k852qK19Iukww7gcpu-BZwFYwL7nMVLGJTAngx2K5a8yKrLcu9I07dDWr7JQVfimx3MDy3xoBDWL3c3jCJT-j4s03u8OhfP701lJfacPADZclvBaKM-x2lYaqw/s906/1-Tavares%20Jr%20High%20Cheerleaders%201963-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="236" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Zk1YD_p-N-l9t_o8Srox6c1hAjh7riBf_YE5AxhlIqZYcjGrxk2_qeKbE4gM3smh-k852qK19Iukww7gcpu-BZwFYwL7nMVLGJTAngx2K5a8yKrLcu9I07dDWr7JQVfimx3MDy3xoBDWL3c3jCJT-j4s03u8OhfP701lJfacPADZclvBaKM-x2lYaqw/w166-h640/1-Tavares%20Jr%20High%20Cheerleaders%201963-001.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was in 8th grade. Those were certainly fun and happy days...and homecoming was always an exciting time. As I look at that picture I am saddened to realize that out of those seven cheerleaders, only four of us are still living today. That really makes me stop and think. Back then we all thought we'd live forever...never thought things like heart disease and cancer would strike any of us and take us home to heaven before we reached a really "old age". But it did. These "girls" left behind dear husbands, children and grandchildren and siblings and friends who will miss them until that day when we are reunited in heaven for the greatest "Homecoming" of all! I can imagine there will be a lot of "cheering" going on on that day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the meantime, I believe they and many other "saints" who have already gone on to glory are a big cheering section in the grandstands of heaven, cheering us on as we run this race we call life. How do I know this? Well, the Bible tells me so! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;">Hebrews 12:1-2 says:</span></i></b></div><b><i><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;">"1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, </span></i></b><p></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;">2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."<br /></span></i></b><br />These are some thoughts to ponder as we close out this day and week and consider the next stage of our journey called life. And let us who are here on earth also cheer each other on in our pursuits of living. That's why we are here...to lift each other up when we fall and rejoice with one another when we rejoice, and weep together when we weep. I am thankful for this great cheerleading squad that we have!!</p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">"Two bits, four bits, six bits a dollar! All for our team stand up and holler!" Yay!!!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Good night and sleep tight dear friends!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">God is watching over us.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Amen.</span></b></i></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-85240430030175828152024-01-29T20:29:00.001-05:002024-01-29T20:32:24.412-05:00Monday Monday...A Lesson from Nature...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Monday from Still Waters Pond...Thought I'd start off this week with a few pictures of our turtle friends out on the little marsh island in the pond. We've had some bright, sunny days lately and the turtles are taking advantage of this time to do a little "sun-bathing". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjrzlbhs1hxTyQaaVPFJgAzOOOZrj5PG0youkGrzvGpgRYXoX5jGUzbox4FcI_Zlsud9ZsTbD1GGSzOacvnPzv2IpwCKqqr76Q2-LfPl9EBrc0GFO9wD3DbU6_Vi2Zw8zoME1bziEi-JsSqIqrcjnEZsc16bGMkD-zXGeYxX09c0DAJE4bV90N-4tqVE/s1200/1-100_6456.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjrzlbhs1hxTyQaaVPFJgAzOOOZrj5PG0youkGrzvGpgRYXoX5jGUzbox4FcI_Zlsud9ZsTbD1GGSzOacvnPzv2IpwCKqqr76Q2-LfPl9EBrc0GFO9wD3DbU6_Vi2Zw8zoME1bziEi-JsSqIqrcjnEZsc16bGMkD-zXGeYxX09c0DAJE4bV90N-4tqVE/w640-h480/1-100_6456.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Today was actually quite chilly here, and I imagine the waters are kind of cold...so that sunshine must feel good to these cold-blooded reptiles.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BP0dXgCtvVlfRtijFlzR2XrWJ81HMt-VZko02guNjhJTp4YU12jkhqjQnPUuCNsI8_JVxk90MpWAkkCoL4CQnvQlZfuRdMkk94fs-u2-CoE0KvUGPr9ZD8bxmRuXJN2j9nVV5e0UW9HCbdZsefmfiGW_pS_OU33jtor3GzVD43bWNBEwPS16Fx0atm0/s1024/1-100_6459.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BP0dXgCtvVlfRtijFlzR2XrWJ81HMt-VZko02guNjhJTp4YU12jkhqjQnPUuCNsI8_JVxk90MpWAkkCoL4CQnvQlZfuRdMkk94fs-u2-CoE0KvUGPr9ZD8bxmRuXJN2j9nVV5e0UW9HCbdZsefmfiGW_pS_OU33jtor3GzVD43bWNBEwPS16Fx0atm0/w640-h480/1-100_6459.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We really don't get to see much of the turtle population out there in the pond unless the weather is just right and they decide to come up and enjoy the sunshine for a few hours. I am not sure which ones these are...there are at least two different varieties I've seen here in our Still Waters Pond...the Florida Soft Shell Turtle, and the other is most likely some type of Florida Cooter. This link will tell you more about these turtles: <a href="https://www.boxturtles.com/florida-turtles" target="_blank"><b>https://www.boxturtles.com/florida-turtles</b></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSkusYXxkDs0tSKk_jDAhTIcPns14cW1cSAU15Snh9BazI_JslEDBTtxdtmdfmhgWrFZGF1Sk-13gH9GuCU75Xc8mrnlO3xhxdjuTGaOaptXxYd0zS5YIZYL-SqSFmfT9hL4EVXiFoiIrMW2_G6XRzNyJHsFEM_F2VRg6X-ubNuQTLyPkRg4mU1-RR4E/s1024/1-100_6461.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSkusYXxkDs0tSKk_jDAhTIcPns14cW1cSAU15Snh9BazI_JslEDBTtxdtmdfmhgWrFZGF1Sk-13gH9GuCU75Xc8mrnlO3xhxdjuTGaOaptXxYd0zS5YIZYL-SqSFmfT9hL4EVXiFoiIrMW2_G6XRzNyJHsFEM_F2VRg6X-ubNuQTLyPkRg4mU1-RR4E/w640-h480/1-100_6461.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH20VQMb_lp5LECfQ_BpBD6DvWkav29m3c2Z-PIQgtTWIQxOMJFB4wVe0ODoi-Kb5iaHeS1FWrFb1zTqRBulrHPT93EuZXqTl7DPQ70kzj8lTW5Q5R9S-52Avq_sLvqx_XbDh-nzN60dVYlEWxpU9Qx9LsQouDnf-Kx5y_hzwr0iZJj54T7jF2R1EPAPc/s1024/1-100_6464.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH20VQMb_lp5LECfQ_BpBD6DvWkav29m3c2Z-PIQgtTWIQxOMJFB4wVe0ODoi-Kb5iaHeS1FWrFb1zTqRBulrHPT93EuZXqTl7DPQ70kzj8lTW5Q5R9S-52Avq_sLvqx_XbDh-nzN60dVYlEWxpU9Qx9LsQouDnf-Kx5y_hzwr0iZJj54T7jF2R1EPAPc/w640-h480/1-100_6464.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There are two here:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HJibs2eiGHyq_WCwJAbe44aKf1EYi9QXlqPqNngc0W4nvq5vLne7-vzuAP-sZTslzArcwel8N8AkjthrhL1LMtxPK5CsHneyJdbs2puF4VN84u9JL29m6s-zFk728N_X-mO0oXGn0xCzuCL36-Pn7Iog55qEcbbCI0isfxb3XJvn6fhKEEJ66-3vR2Q/s1024/1-100_6465.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HJibs2eiGHyq_WCwJAbe44aKf1EYi9QXlqPqNngc0W4nvq5vLne7-vzuAP-sZTslzArcwel8N8AkjthrhL1LMtxPK5CsHneyJdbs2puF4VN84u9JL29m6s-zFk728N_X-mO0oXGn0xCzuCL36-Pn7Iog55qEcbbCI0isfxb3XJvn6fhKEEJ66-3vR2Q/w640-h480/1-100_6465.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although I enjoy seeing the turtles out there sunning themselves, I was NOT happy with them a couple of weeks ago, when I believe one very strong turtle decided to try to take on one of our beautiful Ring Necked Ducks for a potential meal. </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzCeHsj7bKQ-G34GmV4w_UpxIoBFNWQa9d8kRgwPJ5GknJ2SjAEIfTVsAQO_2RHegdSo_pBS46iJbHe7z4p6znmc3dxU1-wf4z0YnZfKp8IbTEVWzaWRvsYjxLnSq-F47YZCYX0HLSpuDaisULrmyBvo4dIY4zdVMwWyHZWEX069lo9nrEh32Hgpv4l0/s1024/1-100_6354.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzCeHsj7bKQ-G34GmV4w_UpxIoBFNWQa9d8kRgwPJ5GknJ2SjAEIfTVsAQO_2RHegdSo_pBS46iJbHe7z4p6znmc3dxU1-wf4z0YnZfKp8IbTEVWzaWRvsYjxLnSq-F47YZCYX0HLSpuDaisULrmyBvo4dIY4zdVMwWyHZWEX069lo9nrEh32Hgpv4l0/w640-h480/1-100_6354.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We watched helplessly from a distance as the duck swam for his life, apparently with the turtle attached to one of his feet. He swam and swam in circles quite a long time. I seriously wanted to go out there in my kayak and knock the turtle loose, but I learned some time ago not to interfere with nature. </div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHGA-BvemJPsDXvdAyjZgZw2u7wOdBGVYuLHUYsP2PAcQj_IhDSaI6PPwZpaw2NrW2tl1OHL2ZUpH9zQC8uY3Exnvz8TfmFouxdGMlpyC-mrdHcTneRRwuCyBwg0XEFF_nqytk1rr2pHm_JToi_TLc4ChZY9WWpnsXFJ8WOEe5ASFipswAFSF3B6NF0E/s1024/1-100_6351.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHGA-BvemJPsDXvdAyjZgZw2u7wOdBGVYuLHUYsP2PAcQj_IhDSaI6PPwZpaw2NrW2tl1OHL2ZUpH9zQC8uY3Exnvz8TfmFouxdGMlpyC-mrdHcTneRRwuCyBwg0XEFF_nqytk1rr2pHm_JToi_TLc4ChZY9WWpnsXFJ8WOEe5ASFipswAFSF3B6NF0E/w640-h480/1-100_6351.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Eventually we believe the duck freed himself and flew away, although we did not actually see it happen, but from all indications we do believe it was able to extricate itself after a very long struggle. However, all of the Ringed Neck Duck community took off and left our pond and has not returned since that event. I hope they found some safer waters in which to swim and dive. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgns_zKCoy8YcMCItTAWPDR-dkiCjPJoYiyoJnNLWM0pGCHH76sh9k5TgAKy17Yj61lhTWFizhzuoA4PzsTLYsQ4j4KS-GQ5nPkdYDNhvaQGw4TujWcXyCE_PDiyZnoM0LasdnGg_9ms5l3ssF9WAxVjcwYwUzlCcfBKEn6OxPXeX6Rd-j8hyPVQH42L9s/s1024/1-100_6349.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgns_zKCoy8YcMCItTAWPDR-dkiCjPJoYiyoJnNLWM0pGCHH76sh9k5TgAKy17Yj61lhTWFizhzuoA4PzsTLYsQ4j4KS-GQ5nPkdYDNhvaQGw4TujWcXyCE_PDiyZnoM0LasdnGg_9ms5l3ssF9WAxVjcwYwUzlCcfBKEn6OxPXeX6Rd-j8hyPVQH42L9s/w640-h480/1-100_6349.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I have to remind myself that the natural world is not always a safe and peaceful place. There are enemies lurking beneath the surface or along the shore or up in the trees, watching for opportunities to snatch a quick meal. It is often a battle for the survival of the fittest. <div><br /></div><div>I don't mean to be gruesome or upsetting to anyone here...just stating the facts of life. And it isn't limited just to the realm of nature. We are all subject to the dangers of our adversary, the devil...who according to this warning in I Peter 5:8 ~</div><div><br /></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."</span></i></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>But I appreciate what the rest of the verses surrounding that particular passage have to say to us:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.<br /><br />9 Resist him, (the devil), steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever." Amen.</span></i></b><div><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><span>If we humble ourselves before the Lord, and put our faith and trust in Him, not only will He show us how much He truly cares for us, but He will "perfect, establish, <i>strengthen</i>, and settle you..."</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Just like that duck, who swam and struggled against a formidable foe for sometime, I honestly believe that he literally wore out the turtle and the turtle let him go. We could say that God gave him the strength to hang in there and fight and finally the turtle gave up and the duck was able to fly away to join his family. And apparently the ducks were intelligent enough to know that they needed to stay away from this enemy and have not returned.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>When we are faced with formidable foes, whether they be from the "nether world" of Satan and his dominion, or perhaps we are faced with difficult circumstances of health, finances, family or other personal issues, we need to remember to be humble before the Lord. Seek His face and surrender our heartaches and issues to Him, and He will give us the STRENGTH we need to fight our foes. I love that part of verse 10 that says "after you have suffered a while"...yes, we all do go through some deep waters as a part of this life, but God will actually perfect us in this process...He will establish and strengthen us, and this is what I love...He will "settle you". I love that feeling of finally being "settled" after struggling with life's issues...it's that feeling of being tucked into bed by a loving parent after a difficult day, the covers are pulled up snuggly around us, and we are tenderly caressed and kissed goodnight, and we are settled...totally at peace, and ready to drift off to sleep without a care in the world...because Jesus is there with us, taking care of all our concerns. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4MHUyK2uWSMGqpSQ1fDpGZZVTgvHg2DxoMZv7pFNKzq6UOZpDbZ34Ex9u4u9iyJ2SnwnnyXLUmYmqtVlAmL487rbOy_cyGnYkP9DiNv_k7TVq3VYvV1ZWQxlCu3Z_nqtyhs4YtzcNILzs06u2NnIbvC06uMuGrQuApOtoNJonPD5kXfGnfUBM0PtH3w/s1200/1-1-100_6071.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1200" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4MHUyK2uWSMGqpSQ1fDpGZZVTgvHg2DxoMZv7pFNKzq6UOZpDbZ34Ex9u4u9iyJ2SnwnnyXLUmYmqtVlAmL487rbOy_cyGnYkP9DiNv_k7TVq3VYvV1ZWQxlCu3Z_nqtyhs4YtzcNILzs06u2NnIbvC06uMuGrQuApOtoNJonPD5kXfGnfUBM0PtH3w/w640-h388/1-1-100_6071.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span>As an added postscript...thank you for your prayers for us last week as my hubby had a follow up appointment with his surgeon from the surgery/procedure he had done last fall. The report was very good and encouraging, and we are very very thankful to God for His healing. He will continue to have periodic check ups just to be sure of nothing changing...but the Doctor was very pleased with his progress. This was very comforting to us. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>I hope this post has not been disturbing to anyone, but only a reminder to us to always "cast your care on the Lord, for He cares for you." That is the good news that gives us peace and comfort. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Good night dear friends! Praying you will be "settled" and at peace. Amen.</span></div>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756675007223295900.post-70107662229931553272024-01-25T19:54:00.004-05:002024-01-25T19:54:27.439-05:00Thursday Thankfulness and Friday Foto Friends<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Good Evening from Still Waters Pond! I thought I would start out tonight's post with a few new photos from our fine feathered friends here at the pond...This Great Blue Heron was enjoying some peace and quiet out there on the marsh island (what's left of it) yesterday afternoon...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOh2CtwxRfLA-ZRQYVbRMg0jxPQ94FPTjKWTNJbrL4d306HlzIaIMXi9EyTmJbF5PhMveCr7tOKeEW2HGKt3V_FIYg7iA_Nzk0EviOj1puQvzoE0mBKsfsyN-u_rAiwYXn_fm_Q0mO60gfM-pecW6SAZmSvALngpisl8hRv3DIJX4mADTzT-IQCboYaxk/s1200/1-100_6441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOh2CtwxRfLA-ZRQYVbRMg0jxPQ94FPTjKWTNJbrL4d306HlzIaIMXi9EyTmJbF5PhMveCr7tOKeEW2HGKt3V_FIYg7iA_Nzk0EviOj1puQvzoE0mBKsfsyN-u_rAiwYXn_fm_Q0mO60gfM-pecW6SAZmSvALngpisl8hRv3DIJX4mADTzT-IQCboYaxk/w640-h480/1-100_6441.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It seems to be a good fishing spot, so he spent a good bit of time there, either watching and waiting for the fish to jump, or maybe he was just enjoying seeing his own reflection in the water!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltL0zUosE1j6pkmNfGXon88j3-Gl4m0UBwpn5rQgaupl_QykGOCtEgZ1gYSoE9f8p8cuz4196nvmfxoJcWFpnmHJ-j4r99AvSPnIWVCKGOyi_G5S0evCJ0XITczZUK59pjuekRpEaEpxfPBUBpwa6s_yAjzX2h_BUAhYup_3jbraoNMu5nbYJhe-UHn0/s1200/1-100_6442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltL0zUosE1j6pkmNfGXon88j3-Gl4m0UBwpn5rQgaupl_QykGOCtEgZ1gYSoE9f8p8cuz4196nvmfxoJcWFpnmHJ-j4r99AvSPnIWVCKGOyi_G5S0evCJ0XITczZUK59pjuekRpEaEpxfPBUBpwa6s_yAjzX2h_BUAhYup_3jbraoNMu5nbYJhe-UHn0/w640-h480/1-100_6442.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">During the day the Sand Hill Cranes are usually off to other places (and yes, it still is just the two of them, arriving at sundown and leaving at sunup every day...) so the little bit of land in the middle of the pond is still free to whomever wants to land there for the day. However, if the cranes do decide to build a nest there, they will keep any intruders away day and night. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yr33XZPjU2M0Qlm7a1b6v7UemPG_RIdeN2eKBqnlNLXcAw0ch5cxsF82jBeobWOt6tUJJ0Dl-W-J9Rp80PziIgC-2Qkm_genZorHOIUECDNc9rIV5_Njom_QoimsjlLMQMmdi5X8GNdgaVGuWBn87wNlocuwR-Gfgsa_-_rigagsKzG85ss5DMIuULA/s1200/1-100_6444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yr33XZPjU2M0Qlm7a1b6v7UemPG_RIdeN2eKBqnlNLXcAw0ch5cxsF82jBeobWOt6tUJJ0Dl-W-J9Rp80PziIgC-2Qkm_genZorHOIUECDNc9rIV5_Njom_QoimsjlLMQMmdi5X8GNdgaVGuWBn87wNlocuwR-Gfgsa_-_rigagsKzG85ss5DMIuULA/w640-h480/1-100_6444.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>So Mr. Heron is enjoying it while he is able. I guess he saw me looking at him, so he turned his back on me...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingzWL3hQYSt_5BW_9MnSGQR-BxcsdvIoBPaK6rNVwHwXJalsAhs_HAWr9U8S6swtEWfqZwKfClOinss7XG0qXRqU190Wthsxo1aJr2X06KyUmOxVk2D0RfFM-BeGNzbfpnxcFfkw54BhwO9ASXDjGkj4xVtkdNU181_4cOYDucVSx3hpkow0t5AjW51o/s1200/1-100_6445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingzWL3hQYSt_5BW_9MnSGQR-BxcsdvIoBPaK6rNVwHwXJalsAhs_HAWr9U8S6swtEWfqZwKfClOinss7XG0qXRqU190Wthsxo1aJr2X06KyUmOxVk2D0RfFM-BeGNzbfpnxcFfkw54BhwO9ASXDjGkj4xVtkdNU181_4cOYDucVSx3hpkow0t5AjW51o/w640-h480/1-100_6445.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the next thing I knew, he had flown over to this big tree branch along the south side of the pond. That is his favorite spot to sit and survey the pond while he enjoys a bit of warmth from the sun. Can you see him?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoRDbHyS-BBjQxlvbjXwpCdnVBb7vdhkTbbuS0NPaoczkHI7nVqsNdvc7LN-HYAULSzwNQqYLkufmWQVOt274Oms2JNsCRq_KueB0LvfmAP4ZvU3aE9lW5DLkXPs_ENUPOwRkXOnBpvgkYkz2ZKQQ3cljTQZsBnNN7SrYebh4n-Rg2Rjtq7zaLfaEYmg/s1200/1-100_6447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoRDbHyS-BBjQxlvbjXwpCdnVBb7vdhkTbbuS0NPaoczkHI7nVqsNdvc7LN-HYAULSzwNQqYLkufmWQVOt274Oms2JNsCRq_KueB0LvfmAP4ZvU3aE9lW5DLkXPs_ENUPOwRkXOnBpvgkYkz2ZKQQ3cljTQZsBnNN7SrYebh4n-Rg2Rjtq7zaLfaEYmg/w640-h480/1-100_6447.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Well, let me zoom in on him...better?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu55b6MwY7n-VIulQ-CzQzUcyBzRlPVMegN2GRKbiR_6QgBzSMAlOcf2dAkyRQfrf94KuBBE5XfZCXpN7pr_cJoHP_w8LOF2RjREVOMlxGYu38WxYtueOQ20SmikSL5C_uGtLB78IHwSoVYiXVguUqPsChCOst0IW4s6glL5pqVBVIZ3ZlB25qb0PBwhQ/s1200/1-100_6448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu55b6MwY7n-VIulQ-CzQzUcyBzRlPVMegN2GRKbiR_6QgBzSMAlOcf2dAkyRQfrf94KuBBE5XfZCXpN7pr_cJoHP_w8LOF2RjREVOMlxGYu38WxYtueOQ20SmikSL5C_uGtLB78IHwSoVYiXVguUqPsChCOst0IW4s6glL5pqVBVIZ3ZlB25qb0PBwhQ/w640-h480/1-100_6448.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>He has used this branch for a perch for as many years as we've known him to come here...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja06ruXpHviIUWO8bC2Mk4HpxgIct8AZWuff0WOcz6tpqnlN6mLoVKNLzBzXpbdMrq_gvGtSIZeEiXJcVHynsyRlejgtKo5aVkcUrbiy5J0HiehyphenhyphenHzsrabtH-wML51ThiNHcOiQ5inF8xWpz93z9p9mv3KwQvJTOGOLJnSx3GheeO6EiMsgPh3-2VBcGQ/s1200/1-100_6449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja06ruXpHviIUWO8bC2Mk4HpxgIct8AZWuff0WOcz6tpqnlN6mLoVKNLzBzXpbdMrq_gvGtSIZeEiXJcVHynsyRlejgtKo5aVkcUrbiy5J0HiehyphenhyphenHzsrabtH-wML51ThiNHcOiQ5inF8xWpz93z9p9mv3KwQvJTOGOLJnSx3GheeO6EiMsgPh3-2VBcGQ/w640-h480/1-100_6449.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Can you see him way over there? Yes, I am thankful for my zoom lens on my "real camera", not my cell phone camera. Otherwise I would miss so much out there on the pond.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAvTUKlaqrUe5vCZVINgGt8w57RP_U0l3lYfIrg-FvCdQU3BzrvmaMq5xvcA772nZr_dj80vgi1qJVDHnajw9EOrIdacoN0wwdzxLUjjKu5HVAkvZvn_s5XIknd57kjhb-EYSpALza_STGcZbh9yawUe0_RftRfk2mLLjDS5fF0CE4iF1pMaLj9fO1zc/s1200/1-100_6450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAvTUKlaqrUe5vCZVINgGt8w57RP_U0l3lYfIrg-FvCdQU3BzrvmaMq5xvcA772nZr_dj80vgi1qJVDHnajw9EOrIdacoN0wwdzxLUjjKu5HVAkvZvn_s5XIknd57kjhb-EYSpALza_STGcZbh9yawUe0_RftRfk2mLLjDS5fF0CE4iF1pMaLj9fO1zc/w640-h480/1-100_6450.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Not long after I took this picture he flew off to find a more private place to fish. I guess I was crowding him too much! LOL.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnObM0ZPSxiq4TPNP-RKuhE6s-s_huEB-ZBwXlYCNEUX3GnVzBo2OtTg3OZ3BMIYQYdFPOqZY9330QiSQtPpVJs22S2sCVKHCQbiA-dFb475JcSX09az1ArDb8-lIzXuWqJwcQK5ejPvlwQWyxTQAwwtlLBiD9rdxwFmA1lRntl4p3VrkDovfVmxZFts/s1024/1-100_6451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnObM0ZPSxiq4TPNP-RKuhE6s-s_huEB-ZBwXlYCNEUX3GnVzBo2OtTg3OZ3BMIYQYdFPOqZY9330QiSQtPpVJs22S2sCVKHCQbiA-dFb475JcSX09az1ArDb8-lIzXuWqJwcQK5ejPvlwQWyxTQAwwtlLBiD9rdxwFmA1lRntl4p3VrkDovfVmxZFts/w640-h480/1-100_6451.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Also the other day I noticed this <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-bellied_Woodpecker/overview" target="_blank"><b>"Red Bellied Woodpecker"</b></a> perfectly still on the side of this pine tree.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyDDRp6ltSOHoR5aa6bP2kNcGabb_VFdg6E7fDahsQNmgT1DfNsxj-lsMDrnfr4lWJ9v8CZPMzq2d6tgiwEQXPZkFCOAwRTJh8Yv4KOdbpDXBoTR6C5BkQ_tAai14yJjZw_na9FB9FE3ravIWWOTq0Ak9rRMyEpwm0Qz33LdxxEzWooURklL_0COGDj0/s1200/1-100_6425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyDDRp6ltSOHoR5aa6bP2kNcGabb_VFdg6E7fDahsQNmgT1DfNsxj-lsMDrnfr4lWJ9v8CZPMzq2d6tgiwEQXPZkFCOAwRTJh8Yv4KOdbpDXBoTR6C5BkQ_tAai14yJjZw_na9FB9FE3ravIWWOTq0Ak9rRMyEpwm0Qz33LdxxEzWooURklL_0COGDj0/w640-h480/1-100_6425.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I was beginning to think his bill was stuck in the tree or something, because he never moved a muscle for quite a while.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2j6-sHLP6YX_WgkQNm5LgN3TYfehcOrmncK3j67Cv70eogasXtKIl855lwjEfp0NXG-pMFkNYmifghuD9HIYgDPeQVOtOzyUPDhUcEj8R3AkEUxRg6w8JiibyegWZ9WxttZzHciBTH_Awqzu35S2fXay_W4jDBAozDvuNMbviXt8ntI8QHgt_rtenVFw/s1200/1-100_6424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2j6-sHLP6YX_WgkQNm5LgN3TYfehcOrmncK3j67Cv70eogasXtKIl855lwjEfp0NXG-pMFkNYmifghuD9HIYgDPeQVOtOzyUPDhUcEj8R3AkEUxRg6w8JiibyegWZ9WxttZzHciBTH_Awqzu35S2fXay_W4jDBAozDvuNMbviXt8ntI8QHgt_rtenVFw/w640-h480/1-100_6424.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Maybe he was sucking some kind of good bugs or pine sap through his tongue into his mouth and didn't want to stop until it was all gone.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_OP2L1YKFgXgiBCFBB6tL9fSsHj_47PnPamnhgVaY6G4pOw1mLiyQBBhA1lvQyMpQW5OXajMx6Z1Y6QdEomc-E0NNemMe8burF189NX3XOHBrLr9IDe2tPgw2t2mm1N4K5HeZtnd2AFlcuDy5AdhS6veVI_p9iUDP764lrRVWxp7Avt_x7nzK8-ufo0/s1200/1-100_6421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_OP2L1YKFgXgiBCFBB6tL9fSsHj_47PnPamnhgVaY6G4pOw1mLiyQBBhA1lvQyMpQW5OXajMx6Z1Y6QdEomc-E0NNemMe8burF189NX3XOHBrLr9IDe2tPgw2t2mm1N4K5HeZtnd2AFlcuDy5AdhS6veVI_p9iUDP764lrRVWxp7Avt_x7nzK8-ufo0/w640-h480/1-100_6421.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i><b>"A Red-bellied Woodpecker can stick out its tongue nearly 2 inches past the end of its beak. The tip is barbed and the bird’s spit is sticky, making it easier to snatch prey from deep crevices. Males have longer, wider-tipped tongues than females, possibly allowing a breeding pair to forage in slightly different places on their territory and maximize their use of available food." <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-bellied_Woodpecker/overview#" target="_blank">https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-bellied_Woodpecker/overview#</a></b></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Hmm, maybe I was correct in my observation! Anyway, soon he finished his snack and flew off across the pond to the bigger island, where I am sure he found some other tasty treats in the trees there...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhby0bj1ELyivH9Xq0R5-fAp5CFBLgfYlD54LF9x6JtPvfx6s3vd3a1PGAU5DaBzCa3ah2Rn1U2hQU7J-pIWl0TFDQT7aE_rmv2fL_M7aLVe3cFOUoEGqH7o0IiI-ljcvWFliJe9EnJXeBXeA5bPhwybnrp42jfc0GvBdf9ziZnCNA3AiNsAxdUv6J8Y/s1200/1-100_6387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhby0bj1ELyivH9Xq0R5-fAp5CFBLgfYlD54LF9x6JtPvfx6s3vd3a1PGAU5DaBzCa3ah2Rn1U2hQU7J-pIWl0TFDQT7aE_rmv2fL_M7aLVe3cFOUoEGqH7o0IiI-ljcvWFliJe9EnJXeBXeA5bPhwybnrp42jfc0GvBdf9ziZnCNA3AiNsAxdUv6J8Y/w480-h640/1-100_6387.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is never a dull moment living here on the shore of Still Waters Pond. I am very thankful for this gift. God knew what I needed when He led us here to live.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of gifts and blessings...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let's see...I had a good report at the Doctor yesterday, which was a follow up to lab work I had done last week. However, one area was not so good...my cholesterol levels were way up. The Doctor was perplexed since I am supposedly taking a statin for that. Well, unbeknownst to him I had stopped taking it back before Christmas, because I was having a lot of other issues which seemed to be attributed to taking a statin. (at least that is what I deducted from my readings, etc.) I wanted to try some other options, like taking a natural alternative, "citrus bergamot", and trying to watch my diet. But unfortunately my levels went sky high and he was not happy with me. So after further discussion I decided to go back on the statin. He advised me to take some extra supplements, like Co Q 10 and a combination of Calcium, Zinc, and Magnesium, to help with the muscle cramping, etc. So I am trying it to see how it goes. I just hate to take medicine, but after some prayerful consideration of my situation, I have decided to listen to my doctor and follow his instructions. I believe he has my best interests at heart, and I am thankful for his care and concern. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are blessed with our little town having this doctor's office. We can get in for appointments very quickly if we are sick or have a concern. They have been very supportive with my husband's health issues as well and thankfully with our Medicare Advantage Plan (Humana Gold HMO), we don't have to pay any co-pay to go there, and we've had no problems finding excellent specialists who take our insurance as well. Speaking of which, hubby has a follow up appointment with his specialist out of town tomorrow. We are trusting that the medical procedure/surgery he had last fall has taken care of his issues, but tomorrow will tell us more. So a little prayer would be appreciated.</div></div><div><br /></div>Moving right along, and speaking of "moving", back in November I told you <a href="https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2023/11/wednesday-treasures-with-special-thanks.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a> about a friend at church who was getting ready to move, when she gave me a little box full of treasures from her house. Well, she hasn't exactly moved yet, but they are definitely getting ready. They have sold their house, and also their mother in law will be moving with them and is packing up her house as well. The other day they had a little "open house" to come and see things that they wanted to either sell or give away, and they wanted people from the church to have first choice. So of course I went to see what was there that I might like to have. I tried to be reasonable and realistic and not overdo it, and actually I saw a few things there for my DIL Rose that I wanted to get for her, but then there was one thing I really liked for myself and decided to bring it home with me...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruhEAqDc2CA7QmiwEpzsBtx3faetbjz7YEmWzaZIEeWgWSxpSFu6LtTBQiA-DP-tnzNDLbYWGJElUgHI4rAyzjRZHx9fsrMY_G7SeE-7xepOE63hH85QVkaAzRlmo3vFq_lhOwbMbyB5XTG_fDYgCwQ4YU1jin_iYzQJp4u0Exl3yuuzDzc7eBYnapIQ/s1200/1-IMG_2531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1002" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruhEAqDc2CA7QmiwEpzsBtx3faetbjz7YEmWzaZIEeWgWSxpSFu6LtTBQiA-DP-tnzNDLbYWGJElUgHI4rAyzjRZHx9fsrMY_G7SeE-7xepOE63hH85QVkaAzRlmo3vFq_lhOwbMbyB5XTG_fDYgCwQ4YU1jin_iYzQJp4u0Exl3yuuzDzc7eBYnapIQ/w534-h640/1-IMG_2531.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, this lovely globe table lamp was just really special, and I thought about how often I've wished I had one after we let my mother's beautiful lamp get away when we had the estate sale of our family home. (Or maybe one of my siblings has it, I really don't know what happened to it). But I thought this was very pretty and decided to bring it home with me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Of course, when my hubby saw it his first typical male reaction was why? And then he said he thought it was very pretty, but it reminded him of the father's "Major Award" lamp in that movie "A Christmas Story". I'm sure you'll know what I mean if you saw it. So now we laugh and call this my "major award" lamp. But it really is pretty, and the sweet little lady I got it from is 92 years old and moving away and she wanted me to think of her and pray for her when I light this lamp. And so I will. Her name is Mary, and she really is a dear lady that I hate to see move away, as well as her son and daughter in law (Donna). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cvCLSeuOgB-mliqwm4vJqn0QLadMWZrpk13oNj9h8uZty-h_mOkJNQjszGOLVE-0QlRSBvLDD-TgIhni7EilLQzA7pcG38cCC3tpxIdZQLJPYaCSrnNijoCoH3z6pk_PIz_APRVf9MbH14oQBUaY91tgMnXJ8lFGxMDObclu_To-7S0KFTt9ygs6qI0/s1200/1-IMG_2546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1200" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cvCLSeuOgB-mliqwm4vJqn0QLadMWZrpk13oNj9h8uZty-h_mOkJNQjszGOLVE-0QlRSBvLDD-TgIhni7EilLQzA7pcG38cCC3tpxIdZQLJPYaCSrnNijoCoH3z6pk_PIz_APRVf9MbH14oQBUaY91tgMnXJ8lFGxMDObclu_To-7S0KFTt9ygs6qI0/w640-h452/1-IMG_2546.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The other items you see were things I thought my DIL Rose would like, because they have roses on them:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tGSlfVuS0VZBPzwMMzUEphIG4QQlI9eZStH2N4-ikNXyCs-EeBoAtd3-gdHAntbFRBJejlOxzSQnCLngu5nb1-nmTQm2ZjmVvztaNEUQDDzGXtRIUo8Zg_I-6loyp6LWcI0rVdojUnq8WFfB-k3ZbsX38LKxElsapn9WO7nG-XP0yFuIrn04jnHF5_M/s1200/1-IMG_2524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tGSlfVuS0VZBPzwMMzUEphIG4QQlI9eZStH2N4-ikNXyCs-EeBoAtd3-gdHAntbFRBJejlOxzSQnCLngu5nb1-nmTQm2ZjmVvztaNEUQDDzGXtRIUo8Zg_I-6loyp6LWcI0rVdojUnq8WFfB-k3ZbsX38LKxElsapn9WO7nG-XP0yFuIrn04jnHF5_M/w640-h480/1-IMG_2524.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeT31YOH4kniuKpPWELPzxux8NtbcDCDC2vppGz9oDpxsjTDM8VINzxFOaFBirPFYhIT9w_NbMLOpBVPkzFZECii65g6nFOmLbMJFy3Gvz3t0IwyHm_0-IBK4m7iMK7UMPL1sVgId4d9LWK8yGrWo2-OObRyKPV0HX0KcjD8sPZJHqQjgR1kJfFpaDN1w/s1200/1-IMG_2525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeT31YOH4kniuKpPWELPzxux8NtbcDCDC2vppGz9oDpxsjTDM8VINzxFOaFBirPFYhIT9w_NbMLOpBVPkzFZECii65g6nFOmLbMJFy3Gvz3t0IwyHm_0-IBK4m7iMK7UMPL1sVgId4d9LWK8yGrWo2-OObRyKPV0HX0KcjD8sPZJHqQjgR1kJfFpaDN1w/w640-h480/1-IMG_2525.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEoQkPPi0qXWChhRvzhw0D-mz8_AEHShepL6xaRvosTPfNrLjVzvTHzTc1yUBOXlGD8f6_uvGU8tYM9xl9w5lWHu5ltvcPzKMI33iyYLt5gtxWv3Zp6J7bsmRovobPdWm3epw2X52i4MHSz3C5PgNXeuhrFRZh4eLJ3Xu-z_Ydg8aW0AdEJFxaI1l_OU/s1200/1-IMG_2526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEoQkPPi0qXWChhRvzhw0D-mz8_AEHShepL6xaRvosTPfNrLjVzvTHzTc1yUBOXlGD8f6_uvGU8tYM9xl9w5lWHu5ltvcPzKMI33iyYLt5gtxWv3Zp6J7bsmRovobPdWm3epw2X52i4MHSz3C5PgNXeuhrFRZh4eLJ3Xu-z_Ydg8aW0AdEJFxaI1l_OU/w640-h480/1-IMG_2526.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIFVY_NoZJ19fLSONoekRrYxZrLobNMSvRsrk-vxuzfLi4nKE52rSimK0TS0_VZewwLbMtRTOIq8_vdGMRQifTDLu_A3oinwfFaRqdtMJg22BcJ4SUX0TQCqvMF_Jt_nvGCKBGsc8E7yfFcbwAPgUE2QssWT_099IIgyfLY5FLj0GRS6E27RLV-unGvo/s1200/1-IMG_2527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIFVY_NoZJ19fLSONoekRrYxZrLobNMSvRsrk-vxuzfLi4nKE52rSimK0TS0_VZewwLbMtRTOIq8_vdGMRQifTDLu_A3oinwfFaRqdtMJg22BcJ4SUX0TQCqvMF_Jt_nvGCKBGsc8E7yfFcbwAPgUE2QssWT_099IIgyfLY5FLj0GRS6E27RLV-unGvo/w640-h480/1-IMG_2527.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>So I will offer them to her if she wants them, and if she doesn't want them now, she will get them eventually when they have to clean out our estate some day! (hopefully in a long time from now.) <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>The last item was this sweet little tiny tea set:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBv1BURHG774S62jgjt3BiPIyckIM8jTu7xXDQ6nr2LJhBnSAsM2-AIWAzOAdE-JGlWvUd54o0qIUHfi-TORD7cJf12CUkFXdRqJ9cMoLZ110166MWDz_6TpmZeyByt9FxaruVae1Ss5soFpDvhdmR1DY7EX7zMyM55Wsp-a-Ziv6ICbBM4T5oKf-o5g/s1200/1-IMG_2528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBv1BURHG774S62jgjt3BiPIyckIM8jTu7xXDQ6nr2LJhBnSAsM2-AIWAzOAdE-JGlWvUd54o0qIUHfi-TORD7cJf12CUkFXdRqJ9cMoLZ110166MWDz_6TpmZeyByt9FxaruVae1Ss5soFpDvhdmR1DY7EX7zMyM55Wsp-a-Ziv6ICbBM4T5oKf-o5g/w640-h480/1-IMG_2528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friend Donna had this already packaged to give to me because she thought Lily Grace would enjoy it! (No, I'm not kidding! I told you people dote on Lily Grace around here...she's just that special!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RTCd0O9lMwcY7X9Xq6RMepbPJG26kwjB2BmcE47hJANL-cu4G62VKWrBL2OcRuSwJNxtRFmHBFECHC5r08SI36e6BnqyAme9aa4SFueazgWB6GS4Pq9jG8u33sQXHiXVDHjyNdNFCj16O0dsxElcSQ9jzAZP1i3GWdS3fLvkFbOvFjGedSLJiux2Fx0/s1200/1-IMG_2530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RTCd0O9lMwcY7X9Xq6RMepbPJG26kwjB2BmcE47hJANL-cu4G62VKWrBL2OcRuSwJNxtRFmHBFECHC5r08SI36e6BnqyAme9aa4SFueazgWB6GS4Pq9jG8u33sQXHiXVDHjyNdNFCj16O0dsxElcSQ9jzAZP1i3GWdS3fLvkFbOvFjGedSLJiux2Fx0/w640-h480/1-IMG_2530.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think it is really sweet with the Dutch windmill and the little swans on it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And yes, Lily Grace loves it!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQk2PNuhoHvUkCuDfPRR2Qo33HFZwKOpJCZjw7aaGQkqzLWHP9WL0ib9i5vBCIHxsPPVK1jcbhxk7LyNG5WaTA5GsRiY7EkMzmPJNrS-uqdmwYEt1xzSmO_DV6xTfVSpQ2bbg6TqHsQgGEZxmKewVmKbKE8NQRq7vP4rtxa7_QwoalzGKi9a6VlREUow/s1200/1-IMG_2547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="886" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQk2PNuhoHvUkCuDfPRR2Qo33HFZwKOpJCZjw7aaGQkqzLWHP9WL0ib9i5vBCIHxsPPVK1jcbhxk7LyNG5WaTA5GsRiY7EkMzmPJNrS-uqdmwYEt1xzSmO_DV6xTfVSpQ2bbg6TqHsQgGEZxmKewVmKbKE8NQRq7vP4rtxa7_QwoalzGKi9a6VlREUow/w472-h640/1-IMG_2547.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She wanted to have a little party with her dollies right away.</div><div><br /></div>I am thankful for good friends and sweet, thoughtful people. I feel sad when they have to move away, but my life is so much richer for knowing them for a little while than not ever knowing them at all.<div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2sybgohfjiDGoQkMsU26g_VsB298efbJBNizMVMKY9lmnazBSxxqhgZM5xv3RvLyX5lbgzgNq4K_DCzi3JwdqnMuYShU05k2OD8SZ1qaMKrJg3nTV3X7nN1jiR-AawdPBjND8wEZpKjC6eTjBhQFsGO30Y1Faosixa6hIWj3r0HgKBPdT8n1WZRzabM/s1200/1-IMG_2551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1200" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2sybgohfjiDGoQkMsU26g_VsB298efbJBNizMVMKY9lmnazBSxxqhgZM5xv3RvLyX5lbgzgNq4K_DCzi3JwdqnMuYShU05k2OD8SZ1qaMKrJg3nTV3X7nN1jiR-AawdPBjND8wEZpKjC6eTjBhQFsGO30Y1Faosixa6hIWj3r0HgKBPdT8n1WZRzabM/w640-h490/1-IMG_2551.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>"Nothing with God can be accidental", according to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Yes, I believe that is true. People come into our lives for a season, and then they may be called away...but they were there for that season for a reason...</div><div><br /></div><div>And Jeremiah said "For I know the plans I have for you..." Jeremiah 29:11</div><div><br /></div><div>None of us really knows from one day to the next if this will be our last day on this earth or not. But with God, we can be sure that He will fulfil His plans for us one way or another, and it will always be for our good and even for the good of others around us.</div><div><br /><div>While I was writing this, hubby called me out to the front porch to see the full moon:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmcNTw1iuSpzJmClrXXg87Vq-8NG2CHNtF3s4g7S0PkSMquMNf2BezeSU0wJZsuATQqFOyOjv7wIsSJO9RJroxipXqDCHotUVyq97_qnECwut6eO7a4SnbOk5DdesQpN2zXCRz8yCzK__WyhGT_p42CxwnMevNFvaZaf9MNAUDq2bytHokqr0ZqGcfks/s1200/1-IMG_2550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmcNTw1iuSpzJmClrXXg87Vq-8NG2CHNtF3s4g7S0PkSMquMNf2BezeSU0wJZsuATQqFOyOjv7wIsSJO9RJroxipXqDCHotUVyq97_qnECwut6eO7a4SnbOk5DdesQpN2zXCRz8yCzK__WyhGT_p42CxwnMevNFvaZaf9MNAUDq2bytHokqr0ZqGcfks/w480-h640/1-IMG_2550.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It really is beautiful...much better than what my camera can capture. While we stood there together gazing at the moon, hubby said a prayer of thanks to the Lord for this blessing of the moon in the sky, and for all the beautiful ways He blesses us. Then he said that someday we will be looking up in the skies and see Jesus Himself coming in the sky, much brighter and more beautiful than the moon or the sun or any star...He IS the greatest Light of all...the Light of the World! And on that day, every eye will see Him coming in the clouds:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Revelation 1:7-8</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-size: large;">Revelation 22:20</span></span></div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><i>20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!</i></div></span></i><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div>I look forward to that day. I pray we'll all be ready. Amen.<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Pamela M. Steinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.com25