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!

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Thursday Thankfulness and Friday Foto Friends

Hello Everyone! Happy Thursday!

Morning's Sunrise

My current view out the window in "My Room with a View"
Sunshine and Blackie relaxing at the end of the day.

These signs were seen on the walls at our local "Nanna's Country Cafe" today. (more about that later).

 I wanted to thank you all for your kind and thoughtful comments on my last post HERE.  It seems like we've all had some experiences with negative commenters/spammers, anonymous and unknowns in the past.  The important thing is to always remember to be kind ourselves and be careful to always put our brain in gear before we put our mouth in motion!  Here is a Scripture verse from Psalms that is a good reminder:


Psalm 141:3 NKJV

"3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips."

That, along with my "life verse" from Psalm 19:14:


Psalm 19:14 NKJV
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

If I could always remember to abide by these guidelines from God's Word, I know I would keep myself out of hot water with my tongue much better.  I've often had difficulty with "foot and mouth disease"...putting my foot in my mouth...and it is definitely something I've had to work on.  That's one reason I prefer to write instead of speak publicly.  I can edit and delete what I've written before publishing, but once the words leave my mouth there's no way to grab them back.  Sometimes I don't take time to proofread what I've written, and as soon as I hit "publish" I see my mistakes and then have to go back and fix it and pray no one was sitting right there ready to read it that quickly!   So yes, I know it can be difficult to always say the right thing and do the right thing, but spending time here in our blogging community has helped. You are all so kind and thoughtful and helpful...and that is a blessing to me every day! Thank you so much.

From Nanna's Country Cafe'

It's been a bit more of a quiet week. Today is actually our son's birthday, but we already celebrated with him over the weekend. Today he and his sweet wife had plans to go over and walk on the beach and then go into St. Augustine for lunch at a favorite seafood place. However, she woke up with a bit of a sick headache, and they got about half way there and decided to just stop at a local place and eat breakfast and then come back home.  Sometimes you just gotta listen to your body and do what is best. Thankfully our son is a sweet and thoughtful fella and he totally understood. He said he had plenty of things that needed to get done anyway in his workshop today, so he did that while she rested.  Hopefully Rose will be feeling better soon and they will have other opportunities to go do the things they had planned today.
From Nanna's Country Cafe'

Hubby and I decided to go into "town" this morning and do a little shopping. We went to Beall's Outlet and I actually found a a couple of fall tops at a very reasonable price. 

Perhaps my most favorite thing I decided to purchase were these hangers that have a kind of felt covering on them, so that silky tops and dresses won't slide off the hanger! I've been wanting these for a while, and so today was the day!! Now I just need to clean out some things in  my closet and rearrange stuff and use these on the things that need them most.

After we got back into our own little town from our shopping spree in "the big city", we decided to go out to lunch at our local "Nanna's Country Cafe'".  She's been telling us on Facebook that she's done some renovations and new decorations inside, so we decided to go check it out.  I thought this was the best "decoration" they had:

LOL.  I love this sign too:
Mooooove over...I want to see what she's eating!

I love the positive vibes they have going on in there. It made for a very "mooooving" experience. LOL. 

Well, as I was sitting here typing this post, I kept noticing that the skies were changing outside, and it just seemed like a good time to go outside and enjoy the cooler evening breeze before hopefully we get a thunderstorm.   I haven't been getting any good sunset photos yet because the sun is still setting a littler too far to the north west, plus Still Waters Pond is so dry that there's not enough water in it for any good reflections! But still the skies were looking interesting so I decided to go out and have a look. Here's what I saw and what happened next:
We had the grass cut the other day down along the shore, and because it is so dry, it just laid there in the sun and turned brown like hay.  Hay! Maybe it IS hay! Maybe we need one of those cows up there above to come eat some hay! LOL.

You can see that the pond is just a big mud hole basically right now. Pretty Ugly. (oxymoron!)


But if you look at the sun setting down behind the trees and focus on that and the beautiful clouds in the sky, it's still a lovely sight to behold!


We are supposed to be getting a thunderstorm right now, but so far I don't see or hear anything. It's been all around us this afternoon, but just seems to avoid us for some reason.

I love it when this happens...Sunshine decided to come join me on my little walkabout the yard...



Hello sweet Sunshine!!

I checked on the Zinnias, and there's still a few blooming, even though it's been so dry and I haven't been watering as much as I should...


We walked around to the front yard and could see the storm clouds forming in the east.  

By now hubby had come out to join me and then Sunshine decided to follow him back toward the house...

Blackie did not want to be left out, so he had also joined in our little walk, and then decided to take off and run and get ahead of everyone...I wish you could see how fast he was running in this picture!  It was like he was shot out of a cannon!  Sunshine is looking back to see if I'm still coming... I'm trying, Sunshine. I'm a little slow these days, but I'm coming!

Blackie beat everyone up the steps and then Sunshine ran up there to join him:


Then they did their usual checking each other over and making sure everyone is okay...and that was that. They are laying down out there now resting from their strenuous walk with us...and we are doing the same...resting in our chairs and thanking the Lord for a good day and so many blessings we can't count them.  The only thing that could make this day better would be some rain.


Oh, one more thing that made us happy this week...

I saw this picture of our grandson Noah and his mother Nicole on Facebook. They were on a "Mother/Son Day Trip" to Acadia National Park in Maine.
Since they live so far away from us we don't get to see them very often, so anytime there's a picture I'm claiming it! LOL.  And better yet, Noah sent us a nice long message bringing us up to date on his activities and happenings. It was really really good to hear from him and to know that both he and his mother are doing fine. That is an answer to many prayers.

Well, I guess that about sums up our week.  Here's a final thought, as we think about the horrific events in Minneapolis this week...we don't always understand why these things happen. There's so much sorrow, mental illness and hate in the world.  Our prayers are with those dear families who have lost sweet and precious children as well those who have been injured and hurt in their hearts because of this terrible event. May God be their comforter and healer. We can only put our trust in Him that He will be there for those dear ones and I pray that they will take refuge in Him. 


Amen.








26 comments:

  1. Well - first of all I'm sorry about the unkind person. I had to go back because you updated after I visited. I don't know why people have to be that way, but it's happened to me too and that's why I use comment moderation.
    I love how at home Blackie and Sunshine are. I think they turned out to be a real blessing to you.
    I think that "decoration" at the restaurant is great! I love his smile there. You can see he is feeling better.
    So nice to have the update from your grandson. That's a nice photo.
    The flowers are looking beautiful!

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    1. Thank you for this lovely comment...but guess what? There's no name! However, I don't delete the nice comments, but I would love to know who this is as it appears to be someone who is well acquainted with my blog and I feel certain I must know you...just don't know who at the moment. Thank you for visiting, and hopefully you'll come back and let me know who this is.

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  2. First off, I love the signs. I have a post scheduled about signs. It is a confirmation to me that I made the right choice. I enjoyed my visit. I hope you have the best weekend.

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    1. "It must be a sign!". LOL. Now I need to go read your post! Thank you for your visit, and I hope you also have a lovely weekend! It's a holiday weekend but I really haven't thought about it! We don't have any extra plans, except for our church will be having their 5th Sunday Potluck dinner after church, which is always great!

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  3. Lovely photos Pamela. I am not a cat person, however, Sunshine sure is a beautiful cat. The horror the children must have felt is unimaginable. Can I please ask for prayers for 2 brave policemen shot and killed in a country town in Victoria, Australia. And also prayers for a full recovery for another policeman who was also shot that day and survived. Having a family member who is a policeman brings it so close to home. Rita

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    1. Good Morning Rita. Thank you for your kind comment, and oh yes, I will definitely be praying for the families of those brave policemen who have given up their lives for the safety and protection of others, and also for the complete healing of the one who survived. I do understand about having a family member in law enforcement. My hubby was a State Trooper for several years early in our marriage, and I remember how scary that was for me, especially when he'd be late coming home and I'd be praying and hoping I wouldn't get that terrible "knock on the door" telling me that something bad had happened. Yes, that is a very difficult place for family members as well as the one doing the work. My prayers are with them. (((hugs)))

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  4. Happy Birthday to Benton. I'm sorry Rose wasn't feeling well and I hope she'll be feeling 'right as rain' again soon. Your photos and post were very touching today. They always are but this one was especially touching to me and funny at the same time. Your husband looks fantastic in the photo, the perfect picture of health and joy. I laughed at what you said about him being the best 'decoration' in the restaurant. I'm sure he enjoyed it too. It was nice that your grandson and his mom were able to take a trip together. The setting looks fantastic. I love anywhere that is near the water be it a lake, a river or an ocean like where I currently live. The cats are thriving and I can tell you enjoy them as much as they seem to be enjoying their new home. All the best for the coming weekend.xx

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    1. Thank you, Penny. I appreciate all of your kind words and thoughts expressed. It is always wonderful to hear from you. I am still trying to get caught up with everyone and sometimes it seems like I'll never be able to do it, but I keep trying!.
      I hope you and yours have a lovely weekend too, and thank you again for visiting. Blessings to you.

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  5. What sweet wall art at the Country Cafe! I'd have to seriously take myself to task, not to buy every one (lol). So glad to know I'm not the only one who likes softer, sturdier clothes hangers. I guess it never occurred to me to buy new; instead I've found those handmade at random estate sales for pennies. Fun to imagine what ladies pretty garments once hung there.
    Happy belated birthday to Benton, and I sure hope Rose is feeling back to herself!

    BTW, I had my first 'snarky' comment day before yesterday. After a brief prayer, I deleted "Anonymous" and will probably borrow some of what you've written on my next post. Word to the wise!

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  6. I've been praying for those families in Minnesota, too, Pamela, as I'm sure so many people are. Thanks for the update on all of your family, near and far, and for the cute adventures of Blackie and Sunshine. Do hope you get that rain you so desperately need! Blessings!

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  7. you have so many good things to comment on I can't remember them all.
    first, I love those cats and wish I could drive up there and meet you and the cats and the birds. I wish our rain would move on up 90 miles and dump on your pond. we got 9 inches in 4 days enough already. the Minnesota thing just breaks my heart. so many black hearts these days. enjoyed your post

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  8. I am loving every thing about your post today. Words of encouragement and direction.
    Your photo of your Husband is wonderful. You should print it. There is the most beautiful sparkle in his eyes.
    I have been getting "snarky and some downright ugly" comments all of a sudden on my blog too. I just can't understand why..At this point I am just choosing to ignore them and move on.
    Sorry Rose is under the weather and pray she will feel better and oh yes Happy Birthday to Benton.
    Love the wall hangings in the cafe.
    So glad to see you posting again. I love coming here.
    Sue

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  9. I never realized the pond got so low in the summer. If you've shown pictures of it like that before, I guess I missed seeing them. It's been extra dry here in the Seattle area this summer too and I watered a lot at the beginning but the last month I've rarely gotten out there and the plants are looking sad. I need to get out there tonight for sure. It usually takes me about an hour to water both the front and back yards.
    So fun to get updates from your grandson! What a blessing.

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  10. The pond changed so much! Wow. Has it ever done that before?

    I didn't see the comment you referenced, but I remember a few years ago there was a comment that appeared on a lot of blogs. It was about Boomers (the age group born before my generation, I think) and said lots of bad things about them. It seemed to me to be a bot and maybe if you clicked on the name it would take you to an ad or something like that. Maybe that is what that was? Just a thought. I can't imagine anyone having anything bad to say on your posts.

    Your grandson is so grown up!

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  11. Oh wow on the pond, and it's nice to see John, smiles. It is presently storming here (Friday at 4:30) And the beach, answering from my blog, honestly, I am really tired, so that is the real reason. No worries, I was floating in the pool, lol. Wishing you a lovely afternoon and I hope you get some rain to fill up that pond.

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  12. I am sorry about the ugly comment - we unfortunately all have had them.
    Happy birthday to your son and hope his wife feels better.
    Are your cats indoor and outdoor cats or just outdoors? They sure are pretty. No worries they will run away.
    Like the cafe new moo motif! lol
    Love all your photos too.

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  13. Hi Pamela. I haven't been in blogland very much this month, so I need to get caught up on what is going on with you. So sorry you got some ugly comments. We've all been through that, I think. Some people can be mean when they hide in the anonymity of the internet. I enjoyed this post. Happy birthday to Benton. I love the pictures of your family. It's always nice to see pictures of our grandchildren - even it's just online. I hope that you and John have a good weekend. See you again soon!

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  14. This is Barbara from Ocala leaving a comment from my phone instead of my (usual) computer. So much to comment on here, but I’ll narrow it down to one: yes, I agree with a previous comment that you should print that close up photo of John. It’s just a really good and fun view of him.

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  15. Beautiful photos of your day! I have an ex-dil that will comment (stalk) me on FB and on my blog. Rude and hurtful leaves a bad taste in your mouth but then I remember all I have in the LORD and know that their meanness is because they are so empty. Sending a hug!

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  16. Beautiful photos, dear Pamela! I love all the signs as well. The cow sign is delightful! Your cats are beautiful! Lovely flowers, smiling faces, gorgeous views. Wonderful Scripture verses! Thank you so much for sharing!

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  17. There was an ugly comment?! I missed that. There's mean folks everywhere, unfortunately. Sorry that happened.
    I like that tin or tin look on the wall at the restaurant. Now I wanna do that to one of our walls. (Steve just said NOOO! lol)
    Blessings. 💞

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  18. Great ce;ebration photos in the previous post... I am catching up. I do hope you get some good steady rain soon. We could use some too. Ponds here dry up a bit but that's usually due to tides. I like that white and pink zinnia. I am always hoping for flowers but the guy I hired to cut my lawn cut them all down.. all my gladiolas, all of my lovely Black Eyed Susans too, all my violets and a few weeks ago he ran over my old fashioned pink rose bush. It was twiggy in this sandy soil but it did bloom one rose a few times a summer and it was old rose so it had a strong scent. Well, it's gone now. I really need to find someone else. Isn't it nice to have your 2 little pals following you around and enjoying your company? You're part of their family now.

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  19. What a joy to read your post, it felt like I was right there with you, from the café sign (that really made me smile!) to the walk with Sunshine and Blackie. Life may not always bring rain when we want it, but God sprinkles so many little blessings into the day — sometimes with fur and paws, sometimes with felt-covered hangers. 😉

    Nice family photo (grandson) xxx from me

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  20. Happy Sunday afternoon Pamela. Your photos are wonderful and I do love the one with the sun shining through the trees. And the Pond!! looks so different with the grass mowed around it...very pretty place. You know, It is terrible that there are people in this world that have nothing to do but to find negative in everything. I have that one person that comments on my blog and I just simply delete and ignore. What a sad sad life they must live. Your blog is such a happy place to visit each day!!!

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  21. Hello my dear Pamela. Finally my laptop is letting me post comments again. I'm not sure what is happening with blogger but it's sure decided to make my life difficult.
    I enjoyed the walkabout with the kitties today and your trip to Nanny's. Love the decor there for sure. Today is our 47 anniversary. I'm not sure how that happened but I am very grateful to the Lord for giving me this man. Please keep him in your prayers. We're awaiting an appointment for a biopsy and life has taken another unexpected turn. May we always remember to give God the glory in it all.
    Blessings and love,
    Betsy

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  22. Oh how I hate to see the pond so dry :( Hope you are blessed with rain soon. Enjoyed all your pictures and Happy Birthday to Benton!!! ☺♥

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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.