What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Friday, January 7, 2022

Friday Foto Friends~Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Good Morning Friends! I hope this first week of the new year has brought you joy and many blessings. 
I've tried to spend a little more time out on the porch or in the yard, getting some fresh air and contemplating life from the porch swing.

I've had a few "minor" health issues lately, minor in that I do not consider them to be life threatening, praise God, but just something to deal with and pray for God's intervention and healing. I find that when I seek God's will and direction for my life most of all, He helps me to cope with whatever kinds of issues come my way with trust and faith.   There's that word again..."delight"...

"I delight to do Your will, O my God,
And Your law is within my heart.”
Psalm 40:8

I told my hubby it was time for a little road trip through the forest to see what we could see and go meet some family/friends for lunch on the other side of the woods.  I was hoping to see a bear as we traveled and had my camera ready just in case, but alas! The only bear I saw was this big old fella at the restaurant where we met our friends for a little late "Christmas" visit.


This bear was quite tame and friendly, and I had no problem giving him a "bear hug".

I neglected to take any pictures of our friends, (actually it was my hubby's brother and wife, and a mutual friend of ours that we always try to see during the holidays and exchange some gifts)
But while we were waiting in the lobby of "The Mason Jar" restaurant for them to arrive, I took a few pictures of the pictures on the wall that you may find interesting. I know I did. 

This one was interesting to me because this was the Lake County (FL) Sheriff's Department back in 1956.  A few years after this my mother became a secretary in this office and she worked with all these deputies and sheriff, and I remember many of them. This picture was taken in front of the courthouse where she worked.

This was one of the deputies. Take a look at that car! 1957 Plymouth, I think.

Now, this was a bit before our time, but it shows how life was here in this part of Florida back in the late 1800's or early 1900's.  Yes, that man is sitting on top of an alligator!

And this old fella had quite an interesting set up for going hunting in the Ocala National Forest, with his trusty hunting dog beside him. That deer looks like he is posing for that picture, but I don't really think so. No self-respecting deer would ever sit like that.  Although I may feel sorry for the deer, I know that hunting has always been a way of life and feeding your family here in these parts of the woods. People depending on having venison to survive back in the day, and the woods were full of deer. They still are today...just drive down through the forest at night and you will have to be careful not to hit one when they leap across the road in front of you.

Okay, now on to some fun.  You may remember I told you about Mark the Moose HERE last week.  Well, this friend that we went to visit with yesterday loves to give "interesting and fun gifts". You may also recall when I shared pictures of a previous gift, The Alpaca wool "nesting globe", that I received in the mail from my friend.  I may have told you that she also is the friend who loves to exchange pink flamingoes with me. Well...looks like "Mark the Moose" has a new dancing partner:

(I guess I should have staged this photo a little better...now you see the REAL dining room table, littered with mail and a salt shaker turned over on its side when I tried to move things out of the way for this wonderful "show"! LOL)

You must click on this video to get the full "delight" of this gift.  The flamingo is singing "Girls Just Want to Have Fun". And of course, Mark the Moose is just singing his song too...


Oh yes, I was "delighted" with this gift! LOL. And so was my hubby. LOL.

Well, sometimes girls do just want to have fun. And I did have fun yesterday. It did me good to get out of the house and on the road and to see some "fun" people. 

And so I must bring this to a close so I can get a move on for today.  But first here is a sunset from the other night that I thought was pretty.


"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:105
 
When we seek God first and foremost in our lives, He gives us light and joy (and delight) for each day.

Oh, and I don't know if you can see them or not, but the Sand Hill cranes were over on that little marsh island in Still Waters Pond, dancing around like Pinky Flamingo and Mark the Moose.
"Girls just want to have fun!"
Okay, that's all folks!
Have a blessed Friday and weekend.









 

13 comments:

  1. So many thanks in the DELIGHT you bring and the many smiles as well. I know this isn't Ms. Lily Grace's blog, but I want to say...Boy, Ms. Lily Grace sure has new friends, doesn't she? You will have to bring her when we meet up, smiles. Oh, and tell her that Stephen the Sloth is up to no good...uhhuhuh. grin

    Have a beautiful day friend, I am looking forward to meeting up with you folks.

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    1. Yes, Lily Grace has LOTS of interesting friends here. And she can't wait to meet Stephen the Sloth...so when we meet, you'll have to be sure he comes too, and yes, I'll bring Lily. She doesn't like to miss out on the fun. We are looking forward to meeting you too. Keep us posted on the "plans" as they develop! Praying.

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  2. Oh, that duet video is a panic! My BF and I used to exchange 'fun' gifts, but come to think of it, we've drifted. Need to step up my game! Those are great olden photos -- love that sort of thing, whether I know the subjects or not. The Mason Jar sounds like a DELIGHTful place!

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  3. I love the singing flamingo! I wonder how they make them move and sing like they do. I am sorry to hear of the continuing health problems; I hope that you continue to receive the grace to bear them and of course you will. When I light candles at church and make my petition, there is a line in the prayer that says, "...and grant my petition, if that be Thy will." It really helps me to know when an illness isn't lifted, that it is God's will and as you noted in the Psalm, "I delight to do Thy will, O my God." I know you always soldier on, as did St. Paul. Thank you for sharing your trip to the Mason Jar. I love seeing fun places, old photos, and that huge bear. Still Waters Pond was especially gorgeous at sunset, with the reflection of the middle trees. Maybe those Sandhill Cranes will leave some more pretty feathers around.

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  4. A bear like that is the only one I care to be close to. I grew up in a hunting family. Dad always got that deer so we had venison often.

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  5. Love the picture of you with the bear! Glad you could get together with family and friends! That picture of your hubby with the dancing flamingo is a keeper!! Always a fun visit here, Pam! Love you! xo

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  6. That bear is for hugging! Nothing like some levity for lifting the spirits.

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  7. I am catching up today with blogging friends after a busy week. I love those old pictures at the restaurant. Sometimes we need to get out on the road and sitting outside always lifts my spirits.

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  8. I'm sorry to hear your still having those pesky health struggles! I will continue praying for you, for resolution and healing to come! You have such a great attitude about it all! Loved your trek through the woods, and visit down history lane with the photos of the sheriffs and deer hunters! And such a fun day to get out for you both, loved the bear hug photo! I think the Lord smiles when He sees our delight with his art gallery offerings for the day... such joy it always brings my heart too! Praying that the healing hand of the Lord touches you, and wishes for God's best in the New Year!

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  9. Hi, Pam. It's been awhile since I "visited" you:) I have been away from blogging altogether for a few months. Like you I had some health issues plus 2021 had family issues and anxiety...not as bad a year as 2020 but still not great! I just posted for the first time in awhile and I hope you will come "chat" with me. I was a little (maybe a lot) surprised when you said you hoped to see a bear on your walk. Oh, my!!! If I saw a bear in the woods I'd probably die of a heart attack right then and there!!!! Love the photo of your hubby and the pink flamingo:) Hope your health issues will soon be gone and that 2022 will be filled with many blessings.

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  10. I love those old photos on the wall. You look awesome with the bear! Love the video, they are too cute.

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  11. Pam: You and John will NEVER grow old. I'm glad you got to get out and have some fun.

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    1. Oh, you are so sweet. Tell my body what you just said. LOL. Mentally I am still just a "kid" at heart, but my body tells me otherwise. But I am thankful for all God has done and is continuing to do. We did have a good time.

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