From our hostess Annie: "Hello! I am Annie. I write the Cottage by the Sea Toni Taddeo, the original author of Tuesday 4, was a good friend for many years. This blog is dedicated to keeping Tuesday 4 alive in her memory."
Let's do some planning....
1. What is something you have always wanted to do? When will you do it?
I would love to take a road trip up to Pennsylvania, to see the places where I was born and the old log cabin that my Daddy and my Grandpa built so many years ago. I also want to visit the town where my paternal grandmother was born and then adopted out; to see the places where my Great Grandparents (my Grandmother's birth-parents) lived and are now buried. Our family also has a mission to take my parents' ashes to be buried in my mother's family plot in Pennsylvania. It's a long story, but that was their wishes and so far our family has not been able to fulfil those wishes because of the distance and time and a lot of other reasons. I really want to see that done before our generation of family all pass away too. We've already lost our oldest brother, and so now it's up to the remaining three of us siblings to do what our parents wanted to have done.
2. Friends are coming to town to visit you. What arrangements will you make and what sights do you think you would take them to see?
2. Friends are coming to town to visit you. What arrangements will you make and what sights do you think you would take them to see?
Oh dear! If they are planning to stay with us I need to get the guest room ready! It was the "gift wrapping central" for Christmas, and little by little I have been getting it back to normal, but there is still some stuff on the bed that needs to find a home. So that would definitely spur me on to get that job done! As far as sights to go see...well, I guess it all depends on what they like. We would probably take some rides around the area to show them the high points...maybe even take a ride over to St. Augustine for a day if they'd like that...or maybe they just want to stay here and "chill", play games and visit and watch the birds on Still Waters Pond. I'm sure we'd find something fun and pleasant to do. I like company that doesn't need to be "entertained" a lot...they just enjoy visiting and being together.
Bluebird taking a bath
The Sand Hill Crane family coming for a visit
Great Blue Heron fishing for his supper
3. It's time to relax after a busy Tuesday. What sounds good for tonight? A movie? Which one? A book? Early to bed?
Right now we are getting some pouring rain, which was preceded by an early morning thunder and lightning show, which woke us up around 5:30 a.m. Tonight the temperatures here in north Florida are supposed to plummet down to the very low 30's and we have a freeze warning in effect for tomorrow and the next day. So, I need to make sure any vulnerable plants are properly covered and get my winter "woolies" back out after a few balmy spring like days.
Yesterday morning we took a walk and saw that the wild plum trees are already starting to bloom:
Since this is Tuesday, my evening tonight will be filled with Choir Practice after supper. That lasts from 6:30-8:00 p.m., so after that I usually come home and get ready for bed! LOL. I might read a little while until my eyes get too droopy. That's my excitement for a Tuesday night! LOL.
4. Plan something for this weekend that includes going out or having people in.
4. Plan something for this weekend that includes going out or having people in.
Well, we had a big weekend this past weekend, so I don't plan on doing anything much this coming weekend. Our church has its community breakfast Saturday morning, so we usually try to go to that, which is always good and a nice way to meet people from the community.
Other than that, we will go to church on Sunday as usual, and we may do something with our kids on Sunday afternoon. Nothing is planned yet, but that can change in a twinkling of an eye! We always enjoy having them come over, and we often put our food together and the guys watch football for the afternoon while Rose and I visit or take a nap, whichever comes first. LOL.
So that's our Tuesday 4 for this week. I see the rain coming across Still Waters Pond again as I type. It will be raining all day, so I plan to stay right here and watch it! Right now it is still too dark to take any pictures, but the Sand Hill Crane family just flew up and over the house from their roosting place on the little island in the pond. They spend the day out foraging for food in other places, and then come back here for the night. Still no sign of nest building and all four members of the family are still together. So maybe this will be an "off year" for nest building for Mr. and Mrs. Crane. They can't seem to get Pat and Val to "leave the nest". LOL
Jeremiah 6:16
This is what the Lord says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls."
Thank you for your faithfulness. Regine
ReplyDeleteThis was a fun post! Just normal, everyday things in your life, just like we all have. Life can't be all excitement and hurrying around. Although having a family of sandhill cranes living in your backyard is pretty exciting.
ReplyDeleteWe leave tomorrow for the cruise and the drive down to Galveston looks pretty "hairy" with the cold, cold temperatures and snowy roads. Would you pray for us? I won't be blogging again until I get home because we're not getting internet on the ship and I'm only taking my phone.
Stay warm down there in Florida Pamela.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy
Praying for you as you travel. May God be with you and keep you safe on the roads and may you reach your destination with no "issues". Praying your cruise will be very pleasant in every way.
DeleteWould you believe, all those years I lived in Florida and I never got to St. Augustine! Oh, I can't wait for the opportunity to sit across from y'all and simply visit. Someday, God willing. The rain woke me up about 3 this morning, but I think we escaped the ice roads. All the same, last evening we disconnected the hoses, wrapped pipes and let our sinks' faucets drip. The news is asking people if they don't have to go out, don't ... so I may do nothing more strenuous than consume carbs and read!
ReplyDeletePS - I saw my first (Alabama) Great Blue Heron yesterday!
I do hope you will make that trip one of these days! It would be so wonderful to finally meet you face to face!! Better wait until it warms up a bit now! LOL.
DeleteOh, I hope those precious blossoms won't be damaged by the frigid temps coming your way, Pamela! Here in North Georgia, we are in a deep freeze of low 20s and wind. Not great if you need to get out and about. I plan to just stay put.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Oh, those winds and "deep freeze temps" are no fun! I know! Been there and done that, and am glad we live in Florida now, even if it is 32 this morning! I have to go do blood work this morning at 8:00 a.m.! Brrr!! My blood will be too cold to get! LOL.
DeleteYour photos are a balm to my soul! I love seeing the birds and flower buds are such a little beam of hope in my snow filled world!
ReplyDeleteIs that your church? It's ever so cute!
Good Morning! We are "freezing" this morning at 32 degrees! But no snow in sight! I wouldn't mind seeing it, but don't want to have to drive in it or shovel it. That picture is of our Fellowship Hall at our church. But the church Sanctuary building is very quaint and old-fashioned too. We love our little church, and are so happy we are now a part of the Global Methodists and no longer in the UMC. That is a true blessing and answer to many prayers! Stay warm and safe out there!!
DeleteWe no longer have a guest bed. Anyone who wants to visit us overnight must book a room somewhere or sleep on the sofa.
ReplyDeleteWhat part of Pennsylvania are your kin from? About the ashes, y'all could ship them to a Funeral Home and they would probably spread them (for a small price). That'd be cheaper than traveling right now.
Love & Blessings. xx
Re: PA: I was born in Clarion, north of Pittsburgh. My dad grew up in Crafton, a suburb of Pittsburgh. My grandmother's birth parents were from Kittanning, which is near Pittsburgh. My parents have a cemetery plot already paid for and waiting for their "remains". It is in my mother's family plot, and that was her wish to be buried there. We were to wait until both parents had passed on, and then taken them both at the same time. Sadly, they've been gone many years now and it hasn't happened because none of us kids live anywhere close to there and neither does anyone else and we didn't want to just do an impersonal "scattering of the ashes". However, if we wait much longer there will be none of us siblings left to do it and it will be left up to the grandchildren, and actually they might get it done better than us "old folks". We keep talking about making a trip up there together to do it, but then something always comes up to keep us from being able to do it. I would really like to fulfil my parents' wishes before it's my turn to be buried!! So one of these days I'm going to "just do it"! Have a blessed day, and try to stay warm! It's 32 here right now. What is it where you are?
DeleteHi Pamela, I enjoyed reading your post. I like that last picture because it reminds me of the entrance to our church social hall at the Methodist church I went to in my youth. Enjoy a restful weekend after choir practice.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan. Yes, I love our little church and the fellowship hall. It is very welcoming and the Spirit is alive and well here. We are so thankful to have found such a wonderful church where Jesus Christ is "alive and well"! Hope you have a wonderful rest of your week.
DeleteAnnie gave us another fun four questions. That Pennsylvania road trip needs to happen. I have a few road trips planned in my head but none of them have a mission as important as yours! Gosh, we don't have freeze warnings down here (just two hours south of you!!) but it will be into the 40s with a high in the mid 50s. Coldest yet for us! I dug out my two sweatshirts to wear this week. I don't think they were even out of the dresser last year. Stay warm!! xo
ReplyDeleteYes, it is definitely sweatshirt weather here. I just put on my sweat pants too, and longer socks as my legs felt chilly. I have to go do lab work this morning at 8:00, and I'm afraid my blood will be too cold! LOL. And yes, the PA. trip does need to happen before the kids have to bury me someday! LOL. I may just have to go and get it done. I keep trying to get my siblings involved, and we just can't seem to get our act together. So we shall see. My parents are probably looking down at us with disappointment. Maybe it's a good thing they can't really see what is happening here. They are happy where they are and really aren't too concerned now about where their ashes are...but still, it's the principle of the thing. I want to honor their wishes!
DeleteOkay, I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day and week. Stay warm!
I had a guest room for years and it was rarely used. Finally I decided to get rid of the bed and turn it into a craft/sewing/storage room. Wouldn’t you know it, we started having guests. Now we just point them to the nicest hotels in town or if they’re adventurous- they can use a blow up bed in the living room. No one seems to mind but now we’re all getting a bit creakily so a blow up bed doesn’t cut it.
ReplyDeleteThere’s plenty to do around here and see.
God bless.
Yes, our guest room is rarely used for "guests" anymore, but I still love having a bed in there and having it "look ready" for guests, just in case! But it also has become my kind of catch all room, especially in the weeks prior to Christmas, where all the gifts to be wrapped get piled on the bed and wait for me to get busy and wrap them, and then it takes a while to get all that mess cleaned up afterwards...but I think I am finally getting it back in ship-shape and ready for my imaginary guests to arrive! LOL. We do have a blow up bed too, but that would have to go in the living room and be right in the middle of everything, so it's not a great alternative unless it is an emergency! LOl.
DeleteGod bless you and yours too! Have a lovely week.
Thanks for the lovely post. The photos are gorgeous! Why go somewhere when there is such beauty to see?
ReplyDeleteYour reply made me think of the camping events with the veterans in England. Some love to drive me around and I enjoy seeing those county villages with thatched roofed houses and flowergardens. But I enjoy the company most. So sitting near the tenst and talking is just as good.
Have a nice week!!
Thank you, Syl! So wonderful to hear from you. I've been trying to get over to read your posts, but I've been a little slow about it this week. Your drives around the country villages and thatched roof houses and English flower gardens sounds so lovely!! I would truly enjoy seeing that, but yes, I agree...being with good company is the best! Hope you have a lovely week too.
DeleteHave a lovely day my friend. Regine
ReplyDeleteThank you, Regine. I hope you are warm and cozy where you are! Sending (((hugs))) and blessings your way.
DeleteThat road trip sounds great. I enjoyed your answers. When I used to visit my aunt in Florida, they had a family of sand hill cranes that visited often.
ReplyDeleteHi Kirstin! It is good to hear from you. Yes, the Sand Hill Cranes are becoming quite prolific here in Florida. They seem to like it well enough now to stay here year round rather than migrate back and forth. We enjoy watching them here at our pond. They are like "family" to us. LOL. Have a blessed week.
DeleteThe plum tree blossoms are beautiful! We had a female bluebird scouting out the bluebird house a couple of days ago , she was really checking it out! Seems too early. I missed it but Mr front porch saw a cardinal testing out the waters in my new seahorse birdbath! I'm dreaming of summer gardens already. So glad yall got to be with family last weekend! Loved seeing all the fun times and fun toys! Especially Lily Grace in her pretty new dress!! ... debbi at debbisfrontporch, not anonymous LOL
ReplyDeleteI think the bluebirds are just scouting right now. Yes, it is too early for nesting. This couple keeps guarding "their house" to make sure no other birds take up residence in there. They are very protective of their house even though they aren't currently living in it! Fun to watch them. Oh, I am SO happy to hear that you DID put the seahorse birdbath in your yard instead of your living room!!! (or do you have Cardinals living in your living room? LOL) I enjoyed your visit. Hope you have had a good day today.
DeleteBeautiful post. The weather here is very cold. 20* with windchill of 1*. Don't know if anything is moving outside. I did just hear a car go by. It sounds like you need to plan a trip to PA. But, maybe you might want to wait until late spring or early summer. If we
ReplyDeletecould make any trips, we would go down to see Roger and our friends down in southern Indiana. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
Oh, 20 degrees is too cold for my blood anymore. I remember it well when we lived up north, but 32 was cold enough for me today! Thankfully it wasn't terribly windy and the sun was shining, so it turned out to be a nice day sort of...but we still didn't venture out too far. Yes, if we do make that trip to PA, it would definitely be in the late spring or summer or fall. Originally I wanted to do it in May for my parents' wedding anniversary. Just can't seem to get everyone motivated to do this, and I don't want to do it alone. So we shall see. I do hope you can make a trip to visit Roger and your friends sometime. I know it is hard to travel, and we don't do much of it unless our kids go with us to help with driving, but still, it would be so nice to do a nice road trip someday. Peace and blessings to you and yours too.
DeleteSo nice to read. I hope you can go there someday and take a tour. Oh, that little blue bird in the bowl of water is so cute. What kind is it? I wish you a lovely day ahead, and I hope the plum blossoms don't freeze. Those flowers are so beautiful, aren't they? 🌸
ReplyDeleteThe Bluebird is an Eastern Bluebird. We have quite a few who come through here, and at least two different couples usually nest in our birdhouses in the spring and have babies. It's been so much fun to watch them over the past few years. I looked at the plum blossoms again today, and they are fine. More are opening up. It didn't stay frozen long enough to do any damage this time. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI don’t know your closest airport maybe Orlando. Allegiant air flies Florida to Pittsburgh cheaply. My Daughter flies into Clearwater every other month from Indy…usually under 100.00 round trip…Ubers to my home P Harbor…now she keeps clothes here so no suitcase. When I fly to Indy, I take luggage. We have used this airline for years and years and saved so much money. They are cheap even though we pay for luggage…I am not sure of the airline we use for NYC…when I flew often to CA, Seattle, and or Tx where son lived, I got so tired of the bigger airlines. Now he and his family and I are close in Florida…Since this was your Mother, I would do it now rather than later. Hope you get to do this. Won’t be an easy task, but it might be a thoughtful and rewarding moment. Your sweet husband can say a few words…and parents are buried. I don’t see why all of the family has to attend…maybe you and your sister or you and husband…I know this is a concern for you. Brenda prayers prayers
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brenda. We have used Allegiant air for many years also, flying from Sanford Airport to Portsmouth, NH, to visit our family in Maine. But that was mostly before we were fully retired. Even with cheap airfare, there is still a rental car when you get there, motel, food, etc., and we've had lots of other real life issues like health matters, etc. along with the financial side of living on a very fixed income that has kept us from making this journey. I would prefer that my siblings be a part of it if at all possible, and we've all discussed it, but again, because of all of the above issues for all of us, (I'm the baby, so the youngest, therefore the rest are older...) we just haven't been able to make it happen. Every time we think we will be able to do it at a certain time, something happens to make us have to postpone it. I believe it will happen when the time is right, I just have to be patient and keep it a plan on the forefront of my mind instead of always on the back burner. I appreciate your thoughts and kind words. Hope you are doing well.
DeleteI would suggest driving although you still need a motel and gas and motels on the way…I totally understand…might be a flight up…cemetery…flight home after one night…prayers…to be frank…in the long run…it is just a matter of last wishes…you will do what you can when…brenda
DeleteI love his post, Pam. I was born/raised in PA, too, and my whole family is buried there. I hope to get back one day this next year to see all the old spots I remember so well. God bless you-xo Diana
ReplyDeleteOh, Diana, maybe we will meet there! Wouldn't that be a hoot? I hope you are doing well...haven't seen much of you lately, but I do understand you have a lot on your plate too. Take care my friend.
Delete