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!

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Wednesday Wanderings or Wonderings?

 Yay! It's Wednesday! Some call it "Hump Day"...middle of the week, getting up and over that mid-week hump and down to the weekend! I feel like we are finally "over the hump" with this bug we've been fighting for the past two weeks and hopefully we are on the downhill slide to feeling good again!  We did take a nice walk yesterday morning, wandering around the woods in between rain showers.   This is the only picture I took, which shows that the wild plum trees are still blooming. That little cold snap the other morning of 26 degrees didn't seem to hurt them one bit!  


I hope they can withstand the upcoming frigid weather we are expecting this weekend, starting Saturday morning we will be back down to 27, and then a walloping 21 on Sunday morning, and back to 27 again on Monday! That's pretty doggone cold for us folks here in Florida! I think someone must have let the barn door open up north!  We'd appreciate it if you would please close that door!! LOL!

This weekend might be a good time for hubby to try out this new coffee that our sweet DIL and son brought us the other day as a "get well gift"

It sure smells good.  They also brought me a package of some very good tea: (because they know I don't drink coffee)

And I've already sampled it and found it to be very good indeed! It does taste like a cup of Florida sunshine...perfect thing for a cloudy chilly winter day!

They also brought us some very delicious quiche that Rose made, but I forgot to take a picture of that. We just ate it right up...it was so good! It was loaded with all kinds of good stuff...spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, sausage, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, eggs, and I don't know what else, but it sure was good! We are SO blessed and thankful for our "kids".  

Here's something that brings some sunshine into our days:
This Amaryllis is getting closer and closer to bursting open with
more beautiful blossoms.  Above was a couple of days ago,
and below is this morning:

Speaking of "Sunshine", for those of you who may or may not follow my little friend in The Adventures of Lily Grace, you may have seen that Lily got a new friend for her big birthday surprise.
Her name is "Bailey", and Lily Grace is having to learn all about the responsibility of taking care of a pet, no matter what the weather may be!  That might become challenging this weekend when it is so cold!


Bailey is a very good puppy and is already doing quite well with her "training". LOL.


Yes, we do have fun here...and you may say or think what you want...

I've already shared this little quote before, but it bears repeating here for those of you who may be "wondering"...



On a more somber note, this past week has also brought us some sad news from several different places. There's an old saying that death comes in threes...and I am not superstitious, but it does seem to happen that way sometimes for whatever reason I don't know.  But anyway, it was with great sorrow that we learned of the passing of three different people within this past week.  First was my dear Aunt Joan Tedlie, who was the wife of my mother's older brother Truman. She was 95 years old, and had lived a long and wonderful life and had raised a beautiful family of six children.  I had not seen Aunt Joan in quite a few years, but we stayed in touch through Facebook.   This is a perfect picture of Aunt Joan and her family in Hawaii,  (2006), where they all went to celebrate her 80th birthday

And this picture was recently discovered in a batch of old photos, which shows my Aunt Joan on the far right, my Uncle Truman in the middle, and my Aunt Margie on the left. The two kids are my nephew David and niece Debbie (my sister Doris' kids) This was taken at my parents' home quite a few years ago. 

Then next we heard of the very sad and untimely death of the daughter of some dear friends of ours. I don't have any pictures as I never met the young woman, but it was very sad as our friends had just buried their older son one year ago after his battle with cancer, and they had two remaining daughters, twins.  While they were spending a winter break in  Florida, this particular daughter remained in Ohio, where she had moved to be near her folks to help care for them as they got older. But sadly, when she did not show up for work, her co-workers discovered that she had died very unexpectedly in her home, and our friends received the tragic news  and had to drive back to Ohio to attend to her affairs. Thankfully their remaining daughter met them there to assist with the arrangements...but such a very sad situation for them all.  This young woman also left behind two daughters and several grandchildren who will greatly miss her.

And then yesterday we learned of the tragic death of our former neighbor in our last home. I told you about him recently in this post, about the Turkey Cranberry dish.  Just a few weeks ago our friend was in the hospital up here near us, but we were unable to visit him due to the covid situation and plus we were in the midst of our own issues. But I did call him on the phone and had a nice conversation with him. He was released from the hospital,  and seemed to be doing quite well. According to some mutual friends, he was feeling good enough to travel over to a town along the coast to take care of his late mother's estate issues.  However, he did not make it. Somehow, we do not know exactly why yet, he lost control of his vehicle and drove headlong into a tree, killing him instantly. They do not know yet if there was mechanical failure of the vehicle, as witnesses said it was weaving very erratically before the crash, or if our friend suffered a heart attack and then crashed. I tend to believe the latter, as he had definite heart issues, but they won't know for sure until an autopsy is completed. Either way, our friend was ushered immediately into the presence of God, on a day when he felt well enough to travel.

These three stories are all very sad in each situation, but for my Aunt Joan it was a happy reunion with her husband and one son and other loved ones who had gone on before. She had lived a full life and was quite ready to head home to heaven.  Yes, her family here will miss her, but when one is 95, it is more expected and accepted.  The other two people were much younger, with their lives still stretched out before them, and yet death came knocking very tragically and unexpectedly, cutting their earthly lives short,  leaving friends and family bewildered and heart broken.  

I guess the thing is we have to all realize that death does not always discriminate. It doesn't just claim the old and those who are quite ready to go.  It also comes calling on the younger ones who may still have their lives ahead of them...things to do, people to take care of, goals waiting to be met. When that happens we are left with questions, doubts, great sorrow and often times anger and fear.  These responses are normal and to be expected because it isn't so easy to just say, "Well, I guess it was his/her time to go..."    The point is that we must each be ready to go to meet Jesus face to face at any time, because none of us knows when it will be our "time to go".  We need to be, first of all, assured of our salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and next, make sure we have done and said the things that need to be said...the "I'm sorry" and "please forgive me" to the ones we may have hurt or wronged...the "I love you" words and expressions to those we love and to those who need to know it. Don't let things be left unsaid or undone that we have the ability to say or do now. Relationships with others are more important than things or places or our agenda of things to do. Let others know that they are also forgiven for the ways they may have hurt us. Even if they don't deserve it in the world's eyes...let it go. Forgive...and move forward with life. Don't let anything hinder your relationship with God...because He's the One we will be spending eternity with.

Okay...I guess this post kind of wandered into a different path than when it originally began.  I apologize for going down that trail, and yet, I felt led to go there. Perhaps someone needed to hear this today. I don't know...I'm just the messenger. 

I will close with this Bible verse that speaks to me:

John 11:25-26
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

A very good question to ask ourselves today.

Okay, now I am going to get ready to go for a walk with my hubby, as he is very patiently waiting on me to finish this post.
Have a blessed and beautiful day my friends.















23 comments:

  1. It's supposed to get REALLY COLD here this weekend. I hope "they" are wrong.
    I like specialty coffee's and teas. They all sound so delicious.
    So sorry about the losses. They do seem to come in three's, don't they? Prayers for comfort.
    Blessings. xx

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    1. Thank you, Sparky. Sometimes just the news of these passings causes one to express emotions we may have been holding back...it is so hard to see others have to go through such sorrows, and often all we can do is just pray for them. but prayer is the best thing anyway...God knows what to do. I am enjoying a cup of my Florida tea right now. Today is cold and cloudy and rather dreary. We didn't go for the walk after all because it is misting rain. It's nice to just stay inside where it is warm and cozy and be thankful we don't live up north. LOL. Have a blessed week.

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  2. My sincere condolences...and I am quite certain Liam is on that welcoming committee, grin.--- I have saved a photo of that coffee and tea, as sweet Myra asked me what coffee I will get once we move down there. GRIN...WELL...NOW...look, Florida has their own roast, grinning.

    Bitter cold here, my friend. Your temps sound much nicer than ours, just saying, lol. Waving to Ms. Lily Grace. Stephen the Sloth says HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOO. You know, because he is so slow and all...lazy daisy if you ask me, grin.

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    1. Yes, I am sure Liam is welcoming the "newcomers" to heaven. If he is anything like his Mama, I am sure they feel welcome. The coffee and tea came from a little tea shop downtown Palatka (I think). I haven't been there yet, but they visited one day last week when they took a day off. When you get here we will have to check it out some day! Lily Grace sends her love to you and Stephen the Sloth...it's a good day to be a lazy daisy. It's cold and cloudy and misting rain...but at least it isn't snow... (((hugs))) I do wish you'd shut that door!!! We don't need your weather down here! LOL.

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  3. My heart ... my mind are so full! First, I'm so thankful you and John are feeling on the 'upswing' once more! The generosity of Benton and Rose never fails to touch my heart. But m'gosh, your description of that quiche has my mouth watering! That's one of my favorite things, but I've not tasted it in a few years. (No idea why!) Yes, I do believe in the Rule of 3's. Each of these souls' transitions must have impacted you greatly; again, I'm reminded every day is a gift. We never know. Wishing y'all a most blessed day ... keep warm!

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    1. Actually they made us two quiches. I put one in the freezer for another day! So now I get to enjoy it again someday. It really was great. They are super kids. We are blessed. My MIL always said death comes in 3's. She tended to hold on to old wive's tales, etc., and I guess a few of them rubbed off on me. Anyway, I am thankful these dear ones are no longer suffering in any way, and I am sure they had dear ones waiting at the gate of heaven to welcome them in. Our friend John had recently buried his mother, and not long before that, his younger brother. I bet when he thought he was going to settle his mother's estate his was surprise to see her waiting for him instead. Strange how life takes these little twists and turns when we least expect it. He was a very sweet and good man. I'm glad I spoke with him recently. We are trying to stay warm, but today is cloudy and chilly and misting rain. We changed our minds on the walk. It's much nicer inside our warm and cozy home. You take care my friend. Always love to hear from you.

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  4. What a bittersweet post. Death comes unexpectedly and leaves us with open mouths and wounded hearts. Those are all sad deaths here but at least the 95 year old had a wonderful life, it seems.

    Praying for you all- xoDiana

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    1. Yes, my 95 year old aunt did have a very wonderful life, with a beautiful family who is mourning her loss, but grateful they had her so many years. The others have definitely left some wounded hearts. So thankful for the hope we have in Christ...

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  5. My condolences on the loss of family and friends. Ok, I confess, I left the door open up north here, hoping that some of your warmth would blow in. It hasn't worked.

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    1. So YOU are the culprit! LOL! I have a feeling there were more than just you who left the door open! I'm sorry it didn't help you get any warmer! I guess we just need to recognize that it IS winter, after all!! Thank you for your kind thoughts...

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  6. I'm glad to hear you are doing better. OMG the Amaryllis is so beautiful.
    My prayers go out to you and all the family members involved with each person who passed away. It is sad that that couple just lost their son a year ago. So tragic.

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    1. Thank you, Debby. Yes, it is very tragic. The daughter had actually moved up to help with the son before he died and then stayed on to be there to help her parents. And then almost exactly one year later she died. It is very sad. My heart breaks for our friends. They are not in great health themselves, and this is really taking a toll on them. But they are strong Christian people and have much faith...still it hurts to lose two children within a year. Thank you for your kind thoughts.

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  7. Hi Pam, I am glad you are feeling better! Sorry about the loss of family and friend. You are right, we never know what can happen and we have to be ready for the Lord. Stay warm during your cold snap.

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    1. Thank you, Susan. We are feeling better and so very thankful. And thank you for your kind words. Life is short...we need to live each day as if it could be our last.

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  8. Pam, I am so very sorry for these losses. We will someday understand. Until then, we just need to trust that God is in control. I love that Lily Grace has Bailey now! So cute and so fun! Love you, dear friend! xo

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    1. Thank you, Terri. Yes, it seems like every day we are hearing of others who are losing friends and loved ones, in what seems like before their time...but God knows best and we do need to trust. I know you've been through this yourself, and God has truly been so kind and gracious to help you through a most difficult year. You've been an inspiration to all of us. Yes, Lily Grace and Bailey are having lots of fun. Never a dull moment around here, and if there is, we invent something else to do. LOL. Have a blessed day my friend.

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  9. I am so sorry for all the losses. It seems like we've all lost so many during the last 2 years...and many had nothing at all to do with covid. I tend to think these weird times have taken a mental and emotional toll that has left many in a weakened state. Sad, whatever the cause. I love that you have fun with Lily Grace. I'm one who is prone to playing or doing silly things and often get strange looks, but I know Colton and Leah will remember their Nanny and Pappy who acted silly and played with them, while no one else, even their mom and dad do that. If we are only as old as we feel, then I'm perpetually about 14! Unless we start talking about the aches and pains and then I'm much older.

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    1. I am glad that you enjoy playing with your grandchildren and pretending with them. I believe that is a very necessary part of our development as children...and for some of us it just carries over into adulthood...but I see no problem in playing and making people happy and having fun. I am drawing the line, however, in taking "Bailey the dog" outside in bad weather to pee. LOL. We can just pretend we are doing that without having to go through the motions. LOL. I think it's enough that Bailey says "woof woof" when she's happy. LOL. Yeah, maybe I've got cabin fever or covid brain...I think I need to get out more. Have a blessed and happy day...and promise never to grow up completely. Life is just too short for that.

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  10. Yes, lots of sad news, Pam, but it's important that you shared it here. Having faced the jaws of death recently, these are all questions we should be asking ourselves regarding our salvation. One never knows when God will call us home, and we do need to be ready when that time comes.
    On the brighter side, your amyrillis is gorgeous, and I'm looking forward to seeing the blooms shortly. Also, glad sweet Rose treated you all to a homemade quiche, the coffee and tea. What a gem she is! (Benton's a wonderful soul, too!) Continue to improve in health, and brave the cold snap coming your way!
    Blessings!

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  11. Those threes. I have thought that often too and heard that from my mother and aunts my whole life.
    Stay warm --not exactly looking forward to those cold nights coming this weekend. Hopefully, it won't damage to many plants and will be our last one.

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  12. Pam, thank you for sharing more of your journey. I'm happy that you and your hubby are recovering well. I'm so sorry for all your losses--they do seem to come in multiples of threes at times.

    Love and blessings

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  13. I love your playfulness and the joy of seeing a sweet doll "come to life" and amuse with her antics. One of my favorites: Matthew 18:1-5
    And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." - I am very sorry to hear of all 3 passings. I remember the posts about your former neighbor, and how he gave you that precious turkey dish.

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  14. Pam: I have learned to thank God for everything He gives me or allows me to experience. Psalm 139:15-16 tells me that God has already ordained the number of days we have. He did this before our first one. Peace and blessings.

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