Welcome 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!
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!
Thursday, May 1, 2025
It's May Already?
Yes, it's May already! I know, it seems like April just flew right by us, even with all of the activities of Easter, April now just seems like a blur! And today is quite warm (88) and sunny and very dry here in our neck of the woods. We really need some spring rains to help things green up and perk up and refill the pond! And also to tamp down the danger of fires...when it gets this dry, forest fires are a real threat to everyone. So we pray for rain for all who are dealing with excessively dry condtions.
I did enjoy sitting out in the "Secret Memorial Garden" for a little while yesterday afternoon. There was a nice breeze and it was very pleasant there in shade.
But if you look closely, you can tell how much the pond is receding. We did have a friend come and help us by mowing the grass and weeds that were growing down along the shore of the pond while it is so dry. That will help keep it from getting overgrown once the rains come and refill the pond.
I was happy to see that the Hibiscus plant that we planted back in February in memory of our son is still blooming and is providing lovely huge flowers almost daily. I do have to keep it watered however.
Well, today being the first day of the month, you know what that means! It's the calendar roll call day! Yes, I know I have a lot of calendars, but some were gifts and some I just like so much I like to replenish it every year. They are each unique and special in their own way, and it's nice to have them scattered throughout the house to help us "old folks" remember what day it is no matter what room we are in. LOL.
This one is in the kitchen:
I love that quote by Phyllis Diller above..."If your house is really a mess and a stranger comes to the door, greet her with, "who could have done this? We have no enemies!" LOL. I'd say that's a good thing to say no matter WHO comes to the door if it is a mess. LOL.
I also love the quote by Erma Bombeck..."My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first being hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint." LOL. That's about the way I feel about ironing too...Thank goodness for permanent pressed clothes that don't need to be ironed!
Now, this I love so much. This is the John Sloane Country Seasons calendar for May...Oh, I can almost hear the music playing, and it must be very pleasant because the kitties are either sleeping or resting, and the dog is asleep and not howling!
Kind of reminds me of my two kitties out in the yard. They like to be close to us whenever we are outside doing something.
Perhaps when these young ladies are done with their music they will have time for some tea...
Interesting quote below...
The Thomas Kinkade calendar is always a favorite, especially because of the scripture verses that are included for each new month...This one below is especially good in light of Mother's Day coming up in May. Oh! WISDOM is my One Word for this year! May God help me to always open my mouth "with wisdom;" and in (my) tongue may there always be the law of kindness. Amen.
And this one...Yes, my hope is in Jesus Christ my Lord..."Because He lives, I can face tomorrow...Because He lives, all fear is gone...Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living, just because He lives." (from the song Because He Lives, by Bill and Gloria Gaither).
And last but not least, this calendar is in my bathroom where I keep track of appointments for the month...and dream of soaring to heights unknown in my beautiful balloon...
Who remembers this song?
Up, Up and Away
Song by The 5th Dimension ‧ 1967
Lyrics
Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon
Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon
We could float among the stars together, you and I
For we can fly, we can fly
Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
The world's a nicer place in my beautiful balloon
It wears a nicer face in my beautiful balloon
We can sing a song and sail along the silver sky
For we can fly, we can fly
Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
Suspended under a twilight canopy
We'll search the clouds for a star to guide us
If by some chance you find yourself loving me
We'll find a cloud to hide us
We'll keep the moon beside us
Love is waiting there in my beautiful balloon
Way up in the air in my beautiful balloon
If you'll hold my hand we'll chase your dream across the sky
I don't think I ever knew all the lyrics to this song before. It's a happy little song of chasing dreams across the sky. And although flying up in a beautiful balloon with someone you love is a wonderful dream...I don't think it's something I would ever want to do in reality. I prefer to keep my feet on the ground and enjoy looking at the stars and moon under a twilight canopy right here on solid ground. LOL.
Well friends, I pray that May is going to be a month filled with happy times, good memories, pleasant weather and peaceful days and nights for all...may God Bless you and keep you always in His tenderest care. Amen.
Wishing you a May filled with blessings!! I enjoyed your post! I have always wanted to go up in a balloon but faced with it I most likely would chicken out! LOL I just love your kitties!! They look so content and happy!! Love to you, as well!
As a cat lover, I really enjoy the newest additions to your family. They look content. Cats are so calming and they’re very clean animals. I like seeing the cats outside - sadly we can no longer have outdoor cats due to the coyotes and mountain lions. We’re always seeing signs out about missing cats - and it breaks my heart for their grieving family. Nope, Susie has to stay inside! She doesn’t even try to go outside but I still don’t 💯 trust her - she could be waiting for me to let down my guard and then out she goes. I’d freak out because she doesn’t have a clue about the great outdoors.
I love May since retiring from teaching. It used to be the busiest month of the year outside December. I love getting to enjoy it now. It is dry here as well. April didn't come through on April Showers. Maybe May will give us some. I always love turning over a new calendar to see the clean slate and pretty pictures and sayings.
Happy May, Pamela! I hope y'all get the rain you need real soon, and that May is a fabulous month for you and your family, including the kitties and grand-pups - LOL! Blessings!
May is a very exciting month for us. Both our birthdays, Mother's Day and garden planting season starts. We try to go camping too, but cannot due to my husband's overloaded work hours (sad face). I find it very interesting you keep a calendar in your bathroom. I only have one, and then my planner. Now that I mention camping, I may try to swindle a weekend in this month somehow (he he!).
I've been missing in action on commenting. Trying to catch up. One of the very things that I love about calendars, is the pictures. They always seem to be so full of color and inspirational. Big month ahead..we have a wedding and two birthdays to celebrate. I want you to know how much I appreciate your prayers for my Sam. They are so needed and I feel extremely Blessed to have such sweet blogging friends who know the Lord and know how to pray...Thank you, thank you
Enjoyed your post and the lovely pictures. Oh we need rain so bad here. We got just enough to wet the ground one afternoon but quickly dried up. May has surely kicked off for us full steam ahead with 3 birthdays, mother's day and grands activities. Never a dull moment around here! Ha! Happy May. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
I love your calendars and all the scenes. Sure would love to go Up, Up and away some day. I remember way back in the Dark Ages going to the 5th Dimension show. It was really great and their blend was perfect. Hadn't thought about that in a long time. I pray you get some rain soon. Your beautiful pond needs a drink as do all the critters that visit it. Happy May my Friend. Sue
Thank you for visiting here today. I would love for you to sign my guestbook and let me know you stopped by. I always enjoy reading your comments and words of encouragement! May you be blessed as you go on your way. Please come back and visit again soon.
Happy May! I like your calendars!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in Junior High, one of our local tv stations used that song as a theme song. I can hear it now!
One day a hot air balloon festival sent beautiful bulbs like these right over our house.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a May filled with blessings!! I enjoyed your post! I have always wanted to go up in a balloon but faced with it I most likely would chicken out! LOL I just love your kitties!! They look so content and happy!! Love to you, as well!
ReplyDeleteYour flower is gorgeous and I love the John Sloane calendar! SO pretty! Hey Blackie Sue and Sunshine!!
ReplyDeleteAs a cat lover, I really enjoy the newest additions to your family. They look content. Cats are so calming and they’re very clean animals. I like seeing the cats outside - sadly we can no longer have outdoor cats due to the coyotes and mountain lions. We’re always seeing signs out about missing cats - and it breaks my heart for their grieving family. Nope, Susie has to stay inside! She doesn’t even try to go outside but I still don’t 💯 trust her - she could be waiting for me to let down my guard and then out she goes. I’d freak out because she doesn’t have a clue about the great outdoors.
ReplyDeleteHappy May Day! 💐
Happy May to you dear Pamela. I'm so glad the floral bush is blooming in your Memorial Garden.
ReplyDeleteI love May since retiring from teaching. It used to be the busiest month of the year outside December. I love getting to enjoy it now. It is dry here as well. April didn't come through on April Showers. Maybe May will give us some. I always love turning over a new calendar to see the clean slate and pretty pictures and sayings.
ReplyDeleteHappy May, Pamela! I hope y'all get the rain you need real soon, and that May is a fabulous month for you and your family, including the kitties and grand-pups - LOL! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful calendar pages. I have high hopes for this month....
ReplyDeleteMay is a very exciting month for us. Both our birthdays, Mother's Day and garden planting season starts. We try to go camping too, but cannot due to my husband's overloaded work hours (sad face). I find it very interesting you keep a calendar in your bathroom. I only have one, and then my planner. Now that I mention camping, I may try to swindle a weekend in this month somehow (he he!).
ReplyDeleteI've been missing in action on commenting. Trying to catch up. One of the very things that I love about calendars, is the pictures. They always seem to be so full of color and inspirational. Big month ahead..we have a wedding and two birthdays to celebrate. I want you to know how much I appreciate your prayers for my Sam. They are so needed and I feel extremely Blessed to have such sweet blogging friends who know the Lord and know how to pray...Thank you, thank you
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your post and the lovely pictures. Oh we need rain so bad here. We got just enough to wet the ground one afternoon but quickly dried up. May has surely kicked off for us full steam ahead with 3 birthdays, mother's day and grands activities. Never a dull moment around here! Ha! Happy May. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteI love your calendars and all the scenes. Sure would love to go Up, Up and away some day. I remember way back in the Dark Ages going to the 5th Dimension show. It was really great and their blend was perfect. Hadn't thought about that in a long time.
ReplyDeleteI pray you get some rain soon. Your beautiful pond needs a drink as do all the critters that visit it.
Happy May my Friend.
Sue