Roseland

Roseland

Music

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Music



Music

When I was a child
I once sat sobbing on the floor
Beside my mother's piano
As she played and sang
For there was in her singing
A shy yet solemn glory
My smallness could not hold

And when I was asked
Why I was crying
I had no words for it
I only shook my head
And went on crying

Why is it that music
At its most beautiful
Opens a wound in us
An ache a desolation
Deep as a homesickness
For some far-off
And half-forgotten country

I've never understood
Why this is so

But there's an ancient legend
From the other side of the world
That gives away the secret
Of this mysterious sorrow

For centuries on centuries
We have been wandering
But we were made for Paradise
As deer for the forest

And when music comes to us
With its heavenly beauty
It brings us desolation
For when we hear it
We half remember
That lost native country

We dimly remember the fields
Their fragrant windswept clover
The birdsongs in the orchards
The wild white violets in the moss
By the transparent streams

And shining at the heart of it
Is the longed-for beauty
Of the One who waits for us
Who will always wait for us
In those radiant meadows

Yet also came to live with us
And wanders where we wander.
Anne Porter (1911 -2011)

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Christmas Time Whisperspace


Christmastime in Apex

This is a beautifully decorated storefront in downtown Apex.
I love the creative "winter wonderland" entrance to this unique gift shop. It's a new business & I pray it will be able to weather the economic times we're in.

Another favorite shop in downtown had to close this year, Out Of The Kiln. Makes me sad:( They crafted many of the pottery items they sold.

Small businesses are a risk in this financial climate, but they can offer some unusual & artsy gifts, often handmade, that aren't found in every store throughout every plaza or mall.

I work in a gift shop/card shop, & far too often I see products we sell in every gift shop around, plus shops in other states as well! (I'm afraid far, far too many items are made in China) We do sell some local items & are proud to do so:)

America, we need to use our pocketbooks & vote for unique, quality made craftsmanship!
Etsy online is one place that offers handmade one of a kind gifts. Consider checking them out. And I'm sure there are more sites. But first of all, buy at local small businesses that are not inundated with mass produced products, & their personal service will be an added blessing:)

Merry Christmas, friends:)
May you be blessed by a beautifully made present this year that will bring you much joy:)

Monday, November 28, 2011

Tis The Season


"The universal joy of Christmas is certainly wonderful.
We ring the bells when princes are born, or toll a mournful dirge when great men pass away.
Nations have their red-letter days, their carnivals and festivals, but once in the year and only once, the whole world stands still to celebrate the advent of a life. Only Jesus of Nazareth claims this world-wide, undying remembrance.
You cannot cut Christmas out of the Calendar, nor out of the heart of the world."
~Anonymous


Thursday, November 03, 2011

Saying goodbye to Dad (& hey to Korey)

















Kenneth Louis McFarland lived from September 13th, 1920, to October 28th, 2011.
He came into my life when I met Keith, his oldest son, in 1967.
He was a dear man who loved his family & looked forward to every visit we made, & every trip he took to visit us.
When the grandkids came along, Keith & I took second place & we didn't mind a bit:) The grandchildren were the apple of his eye.
Cameron spent a number of summers camping with Grandpa & Grandma, & Cameron loved that together time:) Seth & Skye spent special time with them as well:)

Dad belonged to the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church while Mom belonged to the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Now & then I'd go with him to the CMA on a Sunday night, a sweet time together.
He always let me drive him & mom around town, especially his new cars, which was a treat since Keith has never let that happen too often!

He loved the south. If he hadn't loved his western Pa. so dearly, he might have moved to NC, but love of home was too strong. He advised Keith to "go south" if he ever got the chance. And Keith did:)

In the past 3 years, due to declining health, he & Mom moved to The Reformed Presbyterian Home in Pittsburgh, Pa. Mom watched over him like a mother hen, so he was well cared for. His memory slowly faded, but he knew us every time we visited. We saw him last this summer, over July Fourth.

Dad loved a joke & told many one-liners. He loved roses, red roses. He loved the color red & had a number of red cars:) He loved peanut butter. He loved camping:) He loved trains--he worked as an Engineer on the Penn Central Railroad until he retired.
Most of all he loved being with family. We spent a week at Holden Beach years ago, then another week at Mohican State Park in Ohio more recently. He soaked up those times:)
We're planning another gathering out West in the next year or so, the NC McFarlands, the Wisconsin McFarlands, & the PA Carsons--he will be with us in spirit:)

As we said goodbye to Dad/Grandpa, we welcomed the first great grandchild, Korey Calvin McFarland, Kendall & Kristen's son, born in July, into the clan:) Great grandma had not met him, nor had the NC Mc's.
As you can see, he's a sweetheart:)

So, a great grandpa slips to Heaven, & a great grandson slips to Earth.
God is good, always:)





Saturday, October 22, 2011

2011 Master Bath Renovation:)!!


Before.



















After:)

Fall



"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all."

S.Horowitz


Thursday, September 29, 2011

October

This sweet time of year reminds me of grapes ripening on the vine, scuppernong & muscadine,
leaves curling & fluttering along the green way & through the air,
mild weather,
clear skies,
bright stars at dawn,
pumpkin-colored sunrises,
brilliant orange sunsets at dusk.

Fall is in the air.
Summer seems noisy.
Fall is peaceful, still, quiet.
A coolness settles in, vanquishing clingy humidity.

Autumn, welcome back:)





Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Hey Blog, it's September!




Dear blog,
It's been too long since I've been by. Life is slipping past & I get too busy to write down all that's happening. (Journaling is hard for me to maintain for some reason?)

Weekend before last Keith & I spent the Friday, Saturday, & Sunday in West Jefferson & Boone, visiting Skye & enjoying being in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains:)

Skye's been tickled to get back to Boone after a summer of interning with Appalshop in Whitesburg, Ky.-- says it's too small a town for a city girl:) She's now in her second year of Appalachian Studies' graduate school, & this fall is rooming with friend Rachel VandenEnde:)

The 3 of us loved listening to Boone's Friday night Outdoor Bluegrass Concert at the Jones' House, Saturday rode our bikes along the Boone green way & ate a delicious supper at Frasier's in W. Jefferson in the evening, & Sunday had brunch at the Boone Sunrise Grill.
A sweet time:)!!!

I love the mountains & am always thankful to spend time there:) Especially with my baby girl:)


(Photos: Skye reading as we listen to the Forget Me Not's concert, the view from Skye's room overlooking the Appalachian campus, & the mountains from the Blue Ridge Parkway)



Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The Day The Earth Shook

Thought I better journal about the earthquake yesterday for posterity. I mean it hasn't happened on the East Coast in 67 years!

Tuesdays I'm usually off work & yesterday was no exception. I had decided to begin stripping the wallpaper in my master bath--I'd been thinking about doing it for a few years, but kept putting it off. Then recently we realized we have a leak in our shower & must replace our tiles. So since our tile man, Jeff, may start work this weekend (& I had two days off in a row--a rarity), I knew the time was right to DO it.

Tuesdays I also usually meet my lunch buddies to eat together & catch up on news, so I called Lorraine to check on our time & place. Nancy's away this week in NY settling her mom's estate. Jeannette can't always come, but she was free yesterday & told Lorraine she wanted to go to Crabtree Valley Mall for a change (we usually meet at Cary Mall). Lorraine wanted to go to Crabtree also, but I hesitated. I wanted to start my project. In the end I decided to drive over to meet them for lunch only, while they would walk beforehand & shop a little.

I began on the bathroom & worked for a couple of hours. The wallpaper wasn't budging--what painful slow going!! Finally got to a stopping point, cleaned up the strips of paper, got my shower, & headed to Crabtree about 12:30.
We were meeting at Panera, one of our favorite restaurants, whether at Crossroads or Beaver Creek or Crabtree.
After ordering, finding a table, lo & behold, Seth & Kelley walked in! Ironic, especially since they showed up at Panera at Crossroads the last time my friends & I met there:)! Too funny:)

After S&K ate & left to return to work, we were still talking when I suddenly realized the table & chairs were shaking!! I commented that we were NOT on the top floor (where oftentimes a crowd of people walking can cause vibrations), so why were we feeling the bottom floor moving??? It seemed to last at least 30 seconds or more.
They felt it too. It was a puzzle.
But, we didn't think much more about it after it stopped, & no one around us did either.
Later, while looking around in JJill, a sales associate asked if anyone in the store had felt an earthquake. I raised my hand & said I HAD! Her friend had just called, telling her there had been an earthquake!
Amazing! And hard to take in.

I called Keith as soon as I got to the Cruiser. Was there really an earthquake? He said yes! Attempted to call Seth but couldn't get him on his iPhone--too many folks making calls. Wondered if he & Kelley had felt it too...(later Seth said they didn't; he felt cheated)

After getting home the TV station news was on live reporting about the 5.8 earthquake. The epicenter was located in northern Va.!
What a day!! Thankfully only damage to some buildings, including the National Cathedral in DC & the Washington Monument.

Hard to believe the vibrations were felt so far, from S.C. to Mass.!!
And shook my table in Raleigh!
Makes me think about taking my "earthly home" for granted.





Sunday, August 07, 2011

Reunion


Today, Sunday, August 7th, the Stewart Reunion was held at Cypress Church, address Cameron, NC, situated at a crossroads of country roads in the Sandhills, surrounded by scrub oaks & skinny pines.
All my Mama's people settled there.
Any of you reading this not familiar with this area, Woodlake Golf Course & Subdivision is smack in the middle of where the Stewarts & Blues bought farmland after emigrating from their beloved Scotland generations ago.

My mama talked about Scotland like she had seen it. She talked of Flora McDonald & Bonnie Prince Charlie like she'd met them.
Has oral tradition ended with her generation?

Often at a reunion, you get bits & pieces of history, & dreams.

Aunt May whispered to me: "I think John Pat might have become a minister:)"
(John Pat, my closest cousin, drowned at Linville Falls in the early '70's while celebrating the end of his junior year at NCSU)

Aunt Herminia reminisced, "We used to enjoy visiting you & going shopping in Raleigh:)"

Another comment: "You look more like your mother every year":)
And, "You have diabetes too?"
"Which sister are you?"
I commented a few times, "Who are they??"

Reunions connect families if you're willing to sit & listen.
Too often we say "Hey, good to see you!", eat, & dash off to our next stop.
Slowing down a little may allow us to hear of dreams & stories we've never heard before.
Listen.






Monday, August 01, 2011

A Summer Of Testing

The last few weeks have been strange. My health may be in jeopardy & it's worrisome. I'm not losing sleep but it consumes my thoughts when I'm not busy.

About a year ago I mentioned to my doctor I had a cough that just wouldn't so away. She decided to send me to a radiologist for a chest CAT scan. I'd been coughing for months & couldn't shake it. Figured it was sinus related. Dr. Jordon put me on Prilosec & Zertec (which have helped quite a bit)---& to make absolutely sure she was covering all the bases, she referred me to an Endocopist (Dr. Ready), in addition to ordering the CAT.
Two weeks ago I underwent an endoscopy, where I fell in love with Demerol:) A simple test, pain free with wonderful sleep:) Dr. Ready thought everything looked good.
I could have slept on for days:)

By this April I'd had 2 or 3 CAT's , so last week I had one more. The area, the tiny "spot" they had been watching in the lower half of my right lung, all of a sudden showed up active. A whole .8 mm larger than months before:( The radiologist was alarmed enough to recommend to Dr. Jordon I have a Thoracic surgeon consultation. The test was at 10am, Dr. Jordon was giving me the news by 6pm the same night, & she called personally to relay the results. She said she thought I might be jumping through hoops & going in circles & nothing might come of it, but she urged me to check things out.

The next day Duke Thoracic Surgery, located on Old Wake Forest Road, called, per Dr. Jordon's request, to set up at appt.
By 9am last Thursday I was in Dr. Chang's office discussing options. He suggested a PET scan, a biopsy, or removal of the mass. We both agreed on the PET scan option as a first step. I'm scheduled to have it this Thursday, August 4th. Hopefully the results will make further decisions easier.

From all I've read a PET scan involves an hour of "waiting" beforehand, an hour of scanning, then an hour of "waiting" afterward--I'm not a good "waiter":(


It's a comfort that my doctor is on top of things.
It's a comfort so many people are concerned & are praying.
The effective, fervent prayers of righteous women avails much.
(paraphrased from James 5:16)

I'm scheduled to talk with Dr. Chang Monday morning, August 8th.
To be continued.....



Sunday, July 24, 2011

All Must Be Well


All Must Be Well
(A hymn)

Through the love of God our Savior, All will be well
Free & changeless is His favor, All is well
Precious is the blood that healed us
Perfect is the grace that sealed us
Strong the hand stretched forth to shield us
All must be well.

Though we pass through tribulation, All will be well
Ours is such a full salvation, All is well
Happy still in God confiding
Fruitful if in Christ's abiding
Steadfast through the Spirit's guiding
All must be well.

We expect a bright tomorrow; All will be well
Faith can sing through days of sorrow, All is well
On our Father's love relying
Jesus every need supplying
Yes in living or in dying
All must be well

Friday, July 08, 2011

July Fourth
























































Photos from our family picnic in New Castle, Pa.
Cousins gathered.
Sisters.
Mamas.
Daddies.
Uncles.
Aunts.
Nieces.
Nephews.
Third cousins.
Second cousins once removed.
Stoners. Browns. Carsons. McFarland. And many others:)
Folks from Texas & NC & Pa.
Sweet fellowship:)

Enjoyed updates of Seth's app Downcast success--checked his status all day long:)

Evening time in Pittsburgh:
Seth, Skye, & I, drenched waiting for the fireworks.
Keith & Cameron, saying goodbyes to grandma & grandpa.

A Fourth filled with marvelous family memories:)

PS. But--missed Kelley!




Saturday, June 25, 2011

July Trip

Photo here was shot in a local Apex restaurant. I love the atmosphere of the place (& the food). Since July 4th is around the corner, I decided to share this creative American flag piece of artwork made from softballs--American all around:)

Our family's planning a Pa. trip again this 4th.
I'm excited. I can't think of much more I enjoy than traveling & visiting the Mc Clan with my clan:) Kelley will not be able to go, so that is a big negative:( But hopefully she'll have fun doing her artistic thing in her sweet bungalow while we're gone.

Since Skye's interning in Ky. this summer we're planning to rendezvous with her in Wytheville, Va. A friend of friends has agreed to let her park her car at their home while she travels with us.

Last year over the 4th we traveled to Pa. also, minus Seth & Kelley (who were visiting best buds in Fla.), so it'll be nice to have Seth along this year. Since Keith's mom & dad are 90 & 88, we NEED to make extra trips to visit them. And we've found being in Pittsburgh during the BIG weekend is so cool:)

Keith's mom's family, the Brown's, have a July 4th family picnic where we get to catch up with many of the McFarland/Brown relatives:)

An annual car show in Keith's home town of New Castle the same weekend brings together hundreds of fans, including cousins, who drive their prized cars downtown & park them to be inspected & admired. Keith & I have been once before & hope to go again this year.

We'll visit Mom & Dad who live right in the middle of Pittsburgh as often as we can. We never stay too long--it's tiring for everyone in a place that's a beehive of activity. Mom has moved into her own apartment in the same facility since Christmas, so it'll be interesting to see her "new" place.

Last year Keith, Cameron, Skye, & I watched fireworks up "close & personal" along the Ohio River in Pittsburgh. The skyline is beautiful & the display was spectacular:) Hope to do that again:)

A change this trip; we're staying at a motel between Keith's sister's house in Beaver Falls & his parents in Pittsburgh. We have no idea how it will be, but thought we'd try it. In the last 4 years since Mom & Dad moved to the retirement home in the city, Keith's sister has graciously found friends who open their homes to us while they are away on vacation. It's been such a blessing & we've been so grateful, but, not always ideal for everybody.

At this point we're contemplating whether to take one car or two. One car is small for 5 adults, even Cameron's Subaru, but two cars seems too much?? Just not sure. (And Skye's Neon is not one that should go!)

Praying our days spent together will bring sweet times & precious memories:)

Thank you LORD for life, liberty, & the pursuit of happiness:)
God bless America:)




Saturday, June 04, 2011

A Memorial Day Trip


Early Thursday afternoon, May 27th, Keith & I packed up the Cruiser, loaded up our bikes, & headed to the Virginia mountains. We planned to bike the New River Rail Trail, then travel west to bike the Guest River Gorge Trail--three days of sightseeing in the scenic area of Virginia just north of the NC line.
We'd made reservations at the Hillsville Hampton Inn for the first night. A nice motel right along Interstate 77. After unpacking, we ate supper at a local restaurant next door. Sad to say the country cooking was mediocre:(
After returning to our room, thunderstorms rolled in & the rain poured for hours.

Friday morning after breakfast, the rain began again. Our New River bike ride was out. But, we decided to scout out the trail where we would have started. It was quite isolated. I'm not sure I would have felt safe if we had been able to ride. Still, the countryside was pretty. So, under gray, wet skies, we began zig zagging through the mountains to Abingdon, Virginia, two hours away. (We even rode right by the Creeper Trail, where we've ridden three previous trips:))

After arriving we had a quick lunch & toured Abingdon. It is a pretty historic town of brick buildings & homes, typical of older Virginia towns. We toured a Craft Center, then stopped by an Arts & Crafts shop run by local artists. Met a friendly lady who was very warm & helpful:) Also saw some lovely art pieces & bought a few pretty things:)

Ate supper at the local Crackerbarrel, a delicious change from our previous evening's meal:) Sometimes there's something to be said about a dependable chain restaurant, & this was one of those times:)

Spent the night at our second Hampton Inn, even nicer than the first, since Keith had surprised me by upgrading our room to one with a whirlpool:) That jacuzzi really felt great, even after only sight-seeing all day.

Saturday dawned sunny & bright, a great biking day:)
Headed west to find our next trail, about an hour away. Guest River Gorge trail is isolated as well, but there was a parking lot, restrooms, & 5 or 6 cars, all good signs for me:) (The photo above is near the beginning of the path)
Keith & I aren't in very good physical shape this year since we haven't ridden much, so we knew we wouldn't go the entire length of the 5 mile trail, because we'd have to "climb" back out. But the scenery was worth seeing. After going through a tunnel, the trail crossed over the river via a bridge, then followed along the water the two miles we traveled; beautiful cliffs on one side, lots of shade trees, & the swift running water cascading over huge boulders...
We probably met 4 or 5 people/groups along the way.

After finishing our ride & returning to the Cruiser, we turned west again, toward Natural Tunnel State Park. Another winding road trip:) Along the way we rounded a rise between mountains, & were totally surprised to see a HUGE hybrid power plant spread throughout the entire little valley!! It was enormous! Shocking in the middle of nowhere.

By early afternoon we found Natural Tunnel State Park & checked out the tunnel from an overlook. It was a steep, sharp, drop-off to the "floor" & the tunnel, so Keith took a number of photos from the overlook. We both decided against riding the cable cars to the bottom. My height phobia had kicked in big time:(
Must say the park itself is pretty--very tall shady trees, has a pool, & the campsites were full, a good sign people enjoy the area.

After finding a McDonald's in a nearby town, we ate lunch, then began our trek back to Abingdon.
On the way Keith didn't feel great, & by the time we returned to our motel, he was feeling pretty crummy:( Which lasted the rest of the evening & all night:(
Not a good memory, especially on vacation.
We suspect food poisoning--yuck:(

But, by Sunday morning he felt like he could ride, so we set off for home by 9am. Our return route took us by Wytheville, then on to I77 again, & NC. I'm sure he was ready to get home--I felt like he was flying through those mountains!
We arrived in Apex by 1:30. We had made good time.
Cameron helped us unload the bikes & bring in the luggage---conveniently he & Holly were at the house, taking care of Wyatt, when we drove in.

A strange trip. It had it's good times. We loved being in the mountains. Our lodgings were excellent:) Our bike ride was gorgeous.
But sometimes it rains, &, no one likes to be sick away from home:(

Thankfully, we made it home safe & sound, & Keith felt good enough by Sunday evening to do sound for the McKee Musical Concert (photo above). A great way to END a strange trip on Memorial Day Weekend:)
Whew:)









Sunday, May 15, 2011

Softball season again--whoo hoo:)


Peace softball began in April. What a fun time of year:) Nothing like watching church softball two evenings a week. The weather's mild, the fellowship is sweet, the popcorn's delicious, & the boys have a grand time throwin' (Ole time North Carolinians would say "thowin') that softball & battin' around:)

The Peace C team were runner's up last year--that's as far as they like to go. If they win the championship they have to move up to the B League. They've done that---then got slammed back down to the C League the following year:(
So the fellas wear their Cary "Finalist" shirts with pride:)

And the boys enjoy being on the "C" Field of Dreams for an hour or so....each night praying they'll be able to play every minute & won't have to hear the coach say "Hey, you got to let all the fellas play, so it's your turn to sit the bench!

As a fan, we love every minute too...catching up on each other's news, cheering, offering advice. Sweet times:)

Yea for Peace softball team fellowship time!!!



Saturday, April 23, 2011

Easter by Elizabeth Elliot


When the chief priests, temple officers, and elders came
to the Garden of Gethsemane
to arrest
Jesus,
they succeeded
only because a
sovereign God
permitted them to succeed.
Jesus pointed out that He was teaching daily in the Temple, yet
they never laid a finger on Him then.
Now they were after Him with swords and staves.
"But this is your hour, and the power of darkness is yours" (Lk 22:53 JBP).
Who gave them that hour?
Who allowed them the power to capture Him?
It was God,
without whose leave not even a
sparrow can fall to the ground.
God is omnipotent,
never slumbering,
just,
righteous, and
forever in control.
He was not taken by
surprise.
All was working then, as it is always working, into a pattern for good.

Our own difficulties often appear to be
random.
Our tragedies look wildly
uncontrolled.
They are not.
They are subject.
Limits are set.
God is quietly at work,
standing in the shadows,
ceaselessly watching over
His children.

"The light shines on in the dark, and the darkness has never mastered it" (Jn l:5 NEB).
Elisabeth Elliot, 1926 –
revised

Thursday, April 21, 2011

I'm Still Here


Dear blog,

This Winter & Spring I've been a bit blue. I've decided maybe I'm dealing with empty nest syndrome...
Skye comes home less. She stays fewer days. This isn't her primary location anymore. Her important stuff is located in Boone. A good thing for her, making her way in the world. An adjustment for me.

I guess most of my identity is wrapped up in my children. I've been a mom for 37 years. A long time. And someone was right under my wing until 2009.

So, what am I doing? What is my identity?

I am blessed to have long time friends that still take time to have lunch with me about once a week:)
I work part time at Hallmark & love my co-workers.
I volunteer for a mercy ministry at church.
Love my Bible Study sisters--we meet weekly:)
Like checking out Facebook & my emails & watching TV (especially March Madness & UNC basketball).
Love watching Peace softball games, hanging out with dear church friends (April-June)
Love reading my Kindle!!
Enjoy walking.
Love my Wyatt:)
Love doing a painting project or bike or have lunch with my family.
Love that Cameron & Seth & Kelley live CLOSE:)
Love to travel & visit extended family:)
Love my hubby--who doesn't care that I don't like to cook anymore:)

It's cathartic to lists all those blessings:)

My health is good, even though I need to be more diligent with my diet.
Lord willing, I'll overcome this dry time, in time:)
Hopefully journaling will return.
Don't give up on me blog!










Sunday, March 27, 2011

March Sadness/Madness Notes

I haven't written much lately.
Little inspiration nudging me to put my thoughts down.
Late winter & spring have been a bit of a downer for me for some reason...nothing to put my finger on.

But, in the past few weeks since March 11th I've been obsessed with world news, specifically anything to do with Japan's tragic earthquake & tsumani. CNN has replaced HGTV in my life--whoa! Serious, heartbreaking, life-changing, TV, as it was in Indonesia & Haiti & New Orleans & of course 9/11. Life crisis on a grand scale.
I've been mesmerized:(

Add to that the opposite; fun hair-raising, nail-biting March Madness, with UNC & Duke going to the Sweet Sixteen & my UNC team making it to the Elite Eight. Watching both teams play great ball has been exhilarating:) A great feat since Keith & I have taken two weekend trips out of town since the Madness began! You should try finding sports stations on a car radio traveling through numerous states or trying to find a TV at each place you visit which is broadcasting your game!!

Well, this afternoon Kentucky ended UNC's ride. UNC began their season looking pretty pitiful, but ended it going further than the 2010 NCAA champs' Duke!
Way to go Heels:)
But I will miss watching/hearing your every move, keeping me on edge, making me feel like I might have a heart attack, for 2 solid hours per game.
(Also cheered wildly for Duke until they were stopped in their tracks last week. They did well too:))
An exciting tournament this year!
I've been mesmerized:)

As for Japan & their people, I hope & pray they will come out of their desperate situation somehow better than before, yet knowing with thousands dying, March 11th will go down in history as one of the tragic dates filled with unbearable sadness.
In these times, we never tire of the countless heroic stories. Hope springs eternal in the deepest of pits.

What will nuclear power plants do in the future to prepare for the safety of people during a crisis?
How can we prepare for a tsumani?
How can the world help?
How can one individual help--One contribution, one kindness, one prayer, at a time.



Thursday, March 10, 2011

A Family Project

Posted by PicasaLast Saturday, spurred on by DIL Kelley's offer to help, I invited all the family to join me in a painting party, painting our living room, stairwell, & second floor landing:)
A great idea because it felt pretty daunting to do such an undertaking on my own:)
After the family pitched in to help me paint our bedroom for Mother's Day 2 years ago, & it turned out looking super fine, I figured I was in good hands:)

I asked Kelley what day suited her & she answered immediately that March 5th was good for her. Good for extra "womanpower" too, since Skye would be home:)
So, the previous Tuesday & Thursday I stripped the border off the living room walls (took 2 hours to put up & 6 hours to remove!) & taped off the trim work.

Saturday morning Cameron, Seth, Kelley, & Three arrived about 9am. Cameron had picked up Bojangles' biscuits to "fortify" us for our day's work--a bit heavy cholesterol-wise, but oh so good:)! Armed with coffee and a sausage & egg biscuit, I was ready to tackle the project:)

Kelley, Skye, & I grabbed our brushes & rollers & began painting the living room walls gray--Evening Twilight by Velspar. Went on like cream:) It has primer in it & covered in one coat like a dream:)
I do recommend it!

While we painted, the guys were discussing how to rig up the ladder to reach the stairwell ceiling, a real bugaboo:( That discussion & figuring out the solution lasted about as long as it took us girls to finish painting the living room!
But, the logistics were ironed out, a trip to Lowe's was involved, & Skye volunteered to "scale the heights" of the tall ladder to do the trim brush work along the ceiling while Cameron held the ladder.

Cameron rolled part of the stairwell, Seth rolled the last wall of the living room while Kelley zipped out the landing (with a little help from me), & finished rolling the stairwell with Seth's help.
And Keith did the dirty job of cleaning the brushes & pans & rollers:)!
Great teamwork:)

Kelley, I so appreciate your offer to help. It wouldn't have happened without you!

PS. Seth looked after Three-Three & Wyatt during all this commotion:) Plus ordered pizza for lunch:)

By 3, all was FINISHED:)!! The walls looked clean & fabulous!!
We were all TIRED!

But I must say there's no better way to get a project done:)
Thank you, Kelley, Seth, Cameron, Skye & Keith:)

Saturday, February 26, 2011

The End of February--Whew.

Today is the last Sunday of February.
I am glad to see it go.
Either we've had freezing weather or occasional days of mild weather with harsh gusty winds (dislike wind).
And little rain.
Forecasters tell us we're already in a drought--this may make for a long 2011.

March may have winter like days/nights but in reality it's the beginning of spring in NC.
Buds are sprouting, forsythia is blooming, daffodils are appearing, cherry trees are blooming.

Spring is always uplifting for the soul.
Sunrises & sunsets are glorious.
The nights are still chilly, but as the day progresses the air warms & swirls around us like bathwater.
Birds are singing:)
People become less grumpy:)
Everybody flocks outdoors.
I feel joy renewed.





Thursday, February 17, 2011

On My Mind Lately


1. K. & I need to make a will & fill out End of Life forms.
2. The house needs: painted outside, painted inside, wallpaper stripped in living room & kitchen & master bath, hardwoods refinished, bathrooms remodeled, living room carpet replaced, kitchen updated. Whew!
3. Dream of a trip to Scotland; for our 45th wedding anniversary & to take Skye to see the Isle of Skye (with all the family:))
4. Always wanted to do a family trip to upstate NY to show the kids where K. & I lived as newlyweds.
5. Would love a family trip to Santa Fe, NM, & the Grand Canyon.
6. Dream of traveling to San Francisco, taking a train across the US & through Canada, seeing Glacier National Park, visiting Europe.
7. Should be more careful with my Diabetic diet--definitely should!
8. Reading on my Kindle "A Journey" by Tony Blair...very good!
8. Am I doing what the Lord requires of me?


Thursday, January 20, 2011

Growing Old Gracefully...
















2011.
A new year.
It brings thoughts of promise;
new beginnings,
new dreams,
old dreams fulfilled,
more time with precious friends,
less time complaining,
eating well,
walking more,
reading the Bible more,
reading more,
smiling more,
hugging more,
treasuring family times,
traveling,
encouraging others,
being kind,
loving the unlovable,
comforting those in need,
being more compassionate,
reaching out to others,
resting peacefully,
being still,
lavishing loved ones with love,
savoring a good cup of coffee,
relishing the moment,
looking up,
thinking before speaking,
laughing at myself,
traveling more,
being thankful,
saying thank you,
praying without ceasing,
praising the Lord,
allowing myself to be inspired anew,
and....
maybe buying a pair of red cowgirl boots:)



Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Christmas in Photos










Saturday, Christmas morning, everybody gathered here at 8am to open gifts & have Christmas brunch--egg & sausage casserole, oj, coffee, blueberries, & tea rings.

Opening gifts took a while, especially with Wyatt & Three Three entertaining us simultaneously:) Skye loved her aqua KitchenAid mixer, Keith was excited about his gas blower, Cameron really liked his Rock Band Keyboard, Kelley seemed glad to see her king comforter, & I loved my jewelry & new Kindle cover:)! Blessings galore:)

By noon, S&K & Three Three had to leave to celebrate at K's mom & dad's. Cameron stayed on most of the afternoon.

Snow was forecast for the afternoon/evening so we were all on snow watch:) I prayed for enough snow I wouldn't have to work Sunday:) And, low & behold, the Lord answered that prayer! By the following morning we had 7 inches of the most glorious fluffy white stuff!! A first for NC on Christmas!

My extra special Christmas treat...a Sunday to sleep in, rest, & pack for our trip to Pa. A day for our part of the world to be calm & quiet since most activities in the area were cancelled--no church, no traffic, just a peaceful beautiful snow day in N.C. A day to look forward to our time the following week with the Mc Clan, a whole week away from regular routine, a week to be with family.
So sweet:)