Friday Foto Friends: Tea Party with "KING" Blackie and More

 Good Afternoon Friends!  It's Friday...and as of this morning I didn't have anything new to share with you, and I thought, "I can't let a Friday go by without sharing some kind of pictures of something!"

So this afternoon I was feeling like I needed a little tea break anyway, and why not make it a tea party?

You will notice the little Dutch Windmill cookie above...I really like to have one of those with a cup of tea. They aren't too sweet and have just enough of a cinnamon/ginger/molasses and almond flavor to make them a perfect cookie to have with tea.  

And then I thought, well, if I am going to have a Dutch Windmill cookie, why not make it a Dutch Tea party?  So I started looking around to see what I had that was Dutch in the way of tea ware?

I have that cute little teabag holder and the wooden shoes that were birthday gifts from my sister in law and brother in law, brought back from their recent trip to Germany and Europe. I also had that tiny little miniature tea set...

And you can see the little saucer has a windmill on it as well...

I started looking at all of the various kinds of tea cups and saucers that I have, but I didn't have anything from The Netherlands or Holland or Denmark, but this petite little blue and white cup and saucer came from Finland, which I thought was close enough...

Actually, when I looked Finland up on the map, it was quite far from The Netherlands, etc., and I would've been better off to have used one of many tea cups I have from Germany, which is closer, but this little cup and saucer was the right shade of blue, so that was my choice.

Also, I needed a tea pot, and if you see the pictures above you will see the pretty blue teapot that I chose. This particular teapot actually came from my paternal grandmother's collection, and it is a Hall Teapot, made in the U.S.A.  (I think Hall teapots came from Ohio).   I have a small collection of Hall teapots, but this one is special because it was my grandmother's.

So I sat down in my rocking chair that is in the kitchen and prepared to have my little tea party by myself, and prop my feet up on this little needlepoint footstool, that also came from my paternal grandmother's home, and I believe she actually did the needlepoint that is on it. Isn't it beautiful?

Well, about the time I sat down and started to relax with my cup of tea, hubby opened the back door and Blackie came running inside because it was getting close to his supper time. He saw me sitting in the rocking chair and headed right for me.

When he got to the footstool, he rubbed up against it and walked around it ,  and then he climbed right up on top of it, even though my feet were already there...

He looked at me with those sad eyes as if to say, "You're having a tea party without me? And you are putting your feet up on this nice little stool that looks like it was made just for me?  How dare you!!"

And he proceeded to sit himself down on stop of the stool, 

wiggling around to get his whole body on there even though he practically hung off the end...

He turned himself around, trying to find the most comfortable spot...

And looked up at me daring me to make him move...

I got up from my chair and walked around so I could get a picture of him and so you could see how things were set up...

He didn't budge...

And he proclaimed, "I am here for the tea party!  How dare you not invite me in the first place! So now I will just sit here and sulk on my royal throne until you HURRY UP and finish your cup of tea, and then you must feed ME!!"

I said, "Yes, King Blackie! I will do as you say since you are seated on your royal throne and I dare not disobey!" LOL.

And so I slurped down my cup of tea and went and prepared his supper before he started biting my legs lightly, (which he was already doing...to let me know that his needs were more important than mine). 

Some one of our blogging friends mentioned to me something about a video by a cat behavior specialist that I should probably watch.  I believe I will be looking it up and doing just that! LOL.

So,  in reality, I did feed Blackie his supper, and then we put him back outside so that we could leave because hubby and I had already decided that we were going to go out to eat for an early supper at the new "Backwoods County Kitchen".  They have recently added Pizza and other such dishes as Calzones and Stromboli to their menu, and we've been wanting to try it out.  We wanted to wait and go with Benton and Rose sometime, but their current work schedules are making that impossible, so we decided to go by ourselves and check it out and then we can go again someday with "the kids".  

We decided to order the Supreme Stromboli and split it between us, because it was less expensive than the pizza and was probably more than enough food for just the two of us.

Here's hubby and our stromboli!

And here's me with our stromboli...

And here's my half of the stromboli after we cut it in half. Actually, after we looked at it, we decided this was in reality a Calzone and not the stromboli, because we were told the Stromboli had pizza sauce inside, and the calzone had ricotta cheese inside.  This had the cheese and no pizza sauce, so someone mixed it up, but we decided we liked this better anyway, and we also had plenty of marinara sauce to add to it as needed. It was VERY good, and also very filling!!  I would definitely get this again.

So that was our day!!  Now I am stuffed and should probably go take a walk around the yard for a while.

BTW: Remember last week when I told you about hanging this wind spinner in the yard HERE? 

 Well, after looking at it more closely, I realized I was supposed to open it up and make it more three dimensional, like this:

And so I decided to go ahead and hang it from the Shepherd's Hook closer to the pond, where I can see it from my window in my "Room With a View". When the wind blows it spins around and looks so pretty! So I am glad I finally fixed it to reach its full potential and do what it is supposed to do!

There must be a lesson there somewhere.  Sometimes in life we feel like we are just "hanging on by a thread", maybe looking pretty on the outside, but feeling kind of empty or lost on the inside, and like we aren't really living the life God intended for us to live. We can become discouraged and perhaps even a bit afraid to reach out and do the things we feel like we are supposed to do but we don't really know how to go about it.

And then Jesus came along, and when we confessed our fears and lack of faith to Him, He forgave us for not trusting Him enough, and He set us free from our bondage to fear and turned us around and gave us a little push in the right direction, and soon we were spinning right along, more beautiful in our Spirit than ever before, and serving Him with gladness and joy.  All it took on our part was a step of faith...and yielding our will to do His will.

Perhaps someone needs a little boost out there in the right direction. Here's a few verses I discovered from God's Word that might be helpful:

• James 4:7: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." 
Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." 
Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." 
Luke 9:23: "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.""


Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

These are just a few. God's Word is full of words of encouragement and hope. We just have to be willing to take that first step of faith, and to ask God to set us free from the things that bind us and are holding us back from following after Him.  He will not fail us...we just have to trust and obey!

Here's a great old hymn...I bet most of us know it...

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word

What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will, He abides with us still

And with all who will trust and obey

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies

But His smile quickly drives it away

Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear

Can abide while we trust and obey

Oh, Trust and obey, for there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet

Or we'll walk by His side in the way

What He says we will do, where He sends we will go

Never fear, only trust and obey

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey

Oh, Trust and obey, for there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey

And this is a good ending...

And 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus

Just to take Him at His Word

Just to rest upon His promise

Just to know, "Thus saith the Lord"

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I've proved Him o'er and o'er

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust Him more

Lord oh, for grace to trust You more

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Donald Moen / Dp

Okay friends, that about sums it up for this Friday!  I hope that your weekend will find you enjoying the blessings that God has provided, and may we all be looking for ways to "trust Him more". Amen.

Wednesday Treasures~Light in the Darkness

 It's the last Wednesday of October already! Yikes! Where has this month gone?  It's been busy and beautiful...we've enjoyed some cooler weather that actually feels fall like, even though it's kind of warmed up a little and is a bit humid, but I'll take these 70's over the 90's any day! 

Someone asked if the Sand Hill Cranes were showing up on Still Waters Pond more often now that there's a little bit of water on the pond...Well, yes, as a matter of fact, they have been flying in and hanging around for a while most every day lately...

They, like the rest of the birds (and me too) are anxiously awaiting for the algae bloom to dissipate and some more fresh water to fill the pond...

Here's how it looks out there right now...

We are supposed to be getting some more rain throughout the rest of the week and into next week, so here's hoping it will break up that algae and add the water we need...

Meanwhile, on another note...

So many of you do the Wednesday Hodgepodge, which can be found HERE, if you wish to link to it. I don't usually participate, just because I can't remember to do it every week and I don't want to start something I can't keep up with. But I do read so many posts from this weekly meme since so many of my friends do participate.  This week there was one question that I wanted to answer, so here it is...

"3. Pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, poppy, chia...your favorite seed on the list? What's something you like to make/eat that calls for one of these seeds in the recipe? "

Here would be my answer if I were doing the Hodgepodge...I eat this Nature's Path Organic Pumpkin Seed and Flax Granola almost every day on my bowl of yogurt. If I have fresh fruit, like strawberries or blueberries in season, I will add them to the dish, and it makes a wonderful snack and/or breakfast.   It's really yummy!  I order this online from Amazon, but Walmart also carries it in a smaller package.

Now, moving right along to one of my favorite topics...did you know that yesterday, October 27th, was National Black Cat day?  I didn't either, until I saw it on Facebook.  Of course you know that I'm rather fond my my Black Cat, "Blackie".  So here is where he was just a few minutes ago when I started working on this post...and I captured this picture before he decided it was time to go, which he did a minute ago...when he starts biting at my hand while I'm trying to type and grabbing my hand with his paws and not allowing me to handle the mouse or the keyboard, then it's time to go...and outside he went.

Okay, so that brings me to another question from the Wednesday Hodgepodge, which I am not doing, but I am sort of doing.  Thank you, Joyce, for your questions. 

2. What does Halloween look like in your home and/or neighborhood these days? Do you participate? 

Well, yes, I do participate in my neighborhood, and somewhat in my home, but in a very fun and happy way. I don't get into the darker side of Halloween at all, but I do enjoy the trick or treaters who come to our door, and I try to make it a more positive experience for the children.  

Here's what I wrote last year on October 30th about my feelings about Halloween:

"It's hard to believe it's already the end of October and tomorrow is Halloween. I know many of you don't "celebrate Halloween", and I really don't celebrate it either. But I do participate in one way that I think is meaningful. Our neighborhood actually gets a lot of trick or treaters, and to me, I think it's a good way to show some love and appreciation for the children of our community. We've never had any unpleasant things happen on Halloween here, just a lot of little children with their parents, walking through the neighborhood dressed in their fun and pretty and interesting costumes, "begging for candy". I love to welcome them and make over their costumes, and give them lots of smiles. Last year I started a new tradition of including a card with a scripture verse written on it with their little ziploc bag of candy. It is my hope and prayer that the parents will take the time to read the verse to their children (or the child read it for themselves), and that it will raise a question as to what it means or where did it come from. I call it "planting a seed of faith". We just never know how that little verse of God's Word might take root and bloom in the heart and life of the child and/or the parents. This might be the only opportunity we have to share the love of Christ with these little ones.

I know not everyone has a lot of children come into their neighborhoods anymore, and a lot of places don't even do door to door trick or treating. But if your community does, maybe think about the opportunity you could have to share some words of hope and love and faith with others before you turn off your porch light. Remember, Jesus said in Matthew 19:14 ~

... “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

This might be the only opportunity these little ones have to hear any positive things about God. Just a thought to ponder..."

So that being said, that is what I am planning to do again this year, and I already have the candy ready to put in the little bags, along with the Bible verses that I've been collecting all year long with this in mind.


I also saw these cute Halloween cards with black cats on them at one of our dollar stores, and I bought them intending to send them to someone, but never got around to mailing them out on time, so I am sharing them here with you so you can all enjoy them. Consider these a gift from Blackie to you!

 

"The card on the left says "Little thoughts of YOU keep crossing my path."

The inside says 'And nothing makes me happier than that! Have a Happy Halloween."

The other card that says "Happy Halloween" on the front says "Hope everything's happy and bright on your side of the pumpkin patch!"  

Now that we have a black cat, I just couldn't resist those cute cards!!

Speaking of Blackie again...here he is doing what he loves best...attacking my shoe/foot anytime he can either catch me sitting down or even when I am standing...he grabs my shoe and starts biting on it and hugging it like it's a long lost friend...

Who Me???? Do I look like I would attack my mommy's foot like that???

Uh, yeah...see that pink tongue? He is licking his chops for a bite of my tootsie. Thankfully he can't bite through the shoe (yet!).  

"What are you looking at me like that for? I'm just having fun!"

Yes, he does have his sweet moments, in between attack mode! LOL.

Truly, life with our Blackie is never dull.  Ya Gotta love him.

I wonder if you all have been enjoying the full moon this week? It has been so gorgeous. These pictures were actually taken today in the early morning, around 5:30 a.m., when I got up to feed Blackie.   I loved having a few peaceful moments on the backporch, giving thanks to the Lord for the light that He gives us, and for giving us the opportunity to let His light shine through us! What a joy and privilege it is to carry His light into the darkness...

John 1:4-5 NKJV

4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 

15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, 

and it gives light to all who are in the house. 

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

John 8:12 NKJV

12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

These are my treasures for this last Wednesday of October.  As we close out this month I look forward to preparing for Thanksgiving, and spending more time in giving thanks to the Lord for all He has done for us! We are blessed to be His children!!

Have a blessed and wonderful rest of your week...and go let your light shine in the darkness!!

P.S. One more thing...for those of you who have been concerned...I finally have a CT Scan scheduled for next week, Nov. 3rd.  I am feeling fine, and am not anticipating anything bad, but it will be good to rule things out.  Thank you again for your kind thoughts and prayers.

Tuesday 4~It's News to Us

What a cure picture!
The only thing better would be if it was my "Blackie"

 It's News to Us

Welcome once again to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we give you 4 questions to ponder and blog about each week.
The details of our lives are 'news'.


1. Do you or did you ever have a nickname? Care to share?
My parents would often call me "Pammy", when I was being good. If I was in trouble, I was Pamela Anne! Mostly I have always been known as just plain Pam.  I have been called other things, like "Red", "Carrot Top", "I'd Rather be dead than red on the head".  But that was usually by immature pre-adolescent boys who just loved to tease me because of my red hair.   Yes, I was red-headed and freckled, and I did get a lot of teasing because of it, but I convinced myself that they were just jealous and mostly ignored them. It was either that or beat them up, and that wasn't allowed. LOL. (Yes, redheads do have tempers! LOL).  

2. Did you ever have a penpal or have you chatted online with someone you don't know in person?
When we were in 5th grade our teacher had us write to penpals in other parts of the country. My penpal was a boy named Ronald Nadeau.  I still have his picture in my old childhood photo album.  I believe he lived in either Indiana or Illinois. Our penpal "relationship" didn't last long...him being a typical 5th grade boy, he didn't have much to say or much in common with me, so once the assignment was over and we moved on to 6th grade, that was pretty much forgotten. I did just try to look him up on Facebook, but there are several men there with that name, and they don't tell me exactly where they are from, so I have no way of really identifying them if they are in fact the same person, and I certainly don't want to pursue it by asking any questions at this time in life! LOL.  

As far as "chatting online" with someone I don't know in person, we do that here in Blogland every day, don't we?  Most of us have never met in person, although there are a few of us who have, and each one has been just as lovely and wonderful in person as they are here in Blogland.  I think it would be great fun to meet all of our friends in person someday, but I guess we'll have to wait until heaven to do that. I wonder if we'll have nametags in heaven?  Probably won't be necessary...we'll know everything then.  

3. Do you read a newspaper ? How do you keep up with the latest news?

It's sad that I have not read a newspaper in years. We do not get a newspaper delivered, and the closest I get to one is in the grocery story where they may have a stand with the local newspaper available...so I sometimes check out the headlines. But as far as keeping up with the latest news goes, that's what TV and the internet is for, isn't it?  Also, our area has Facebook pages where events and community news is posted.  

4. Is there any news in your life lately?

Not really. I am still waiting to hear from the imaging place to get an appointment for the CT Scan the doctor has ordered. It has to be approved by my insurance first before they can set up the appointment, so it may be a few days.  Thank you all for your kind words regarding my little episode last week. I am feeling fine right now, and am trusting that it was just a passing thing, but perhaps a warning sign to get things checked out.   So that is what I'm doing...getting things checked out and trusting God to take care of the details.  Also, hubby got his new crown installed today, and that went well and he didn't complain about any kind of pain or discomfort at all, so that is a good thing.🦷 👑

Speaking of "Blackie" earlier, I took this picture of him Sunday morning.  On Sunday mornings, when Lily Grace comes out of our bedroom to join her friends for the day (yes, we do this every day, and have a little routine we do each day), on Sundays she asks if it is "Sunday School day?"  And I tell her yes, it's Sunday School Day, and she always says, "Oh yay! Hey Friends, we get to go to Sunday School today and learn about Jesus!!" And then "we" sing "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, we are weak but He IS STRONG!  Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, the BIBLE tells me so!"   And everyone cheers and claps their hands!  😍

Well, yesterday morning (I am writing this on Monday night), Blackie came in the kitchen from eating his breakfast in the laundry room area, and came and laid down under the stool next to Lily and her friends. He sat there while we sang Jesus Loves Me, and then he was ready to go finish his breakfast. I thought that was pretty cute.   (I know, you all think I'm crazy, but that's okay. We have fun anyway! LOL)  And yes, I believe Jesus loves Blackie too!!  After all, He created him!!

One more thing, have any of you been enjoying the full moon this week? This was the view from our back porch early this morning around 5:45 a.m when I got up to let Blackie inside for breakfast...

It really was beautiful and so peaceful at that hour of the morning...I could still hear the frogs croaking on the pond...

And speaking of the pond, I was thrilled to look out there this afternoon and see this Great Blue Heron standing there...He hasn't been around in a long time, and now that there is some water on the pond, albeit still a bit filled with algae, he came and stayed a while to check things out. I do hope he will be back.

I will close this with the following verse from Galatians 2:20...

This is the secret to living this life to the fullest...recognize that it is not I, but Christ, Who lives in me...and this life that I live in my flesh is lived with faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Who loved me so much that He gave His life for mine so that I might live eternally.  There can be no greater gift than that,

Jesus said in John 15:12-14 NKJV:

"12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you."

And that, my friend is "Good News" to us today!!  Have a blessed and wonderful week.