Backyard Wonderland

I was awakened a few days ago by our German Shepherd Choco barking and barking. I decided to see what was causing his distress. When I looked out the back sliding glass door, there were ducks (Mallards, I think) enjoying the bird food. My yard is becoming a haven for birds and I guess they are broadcasting to their other friends to come enjoy the feasting as well. So far I have seen squirrels, chipmunks, ducks, and all sizes and types of birds at my back door. There's no telling what comes at night!!! Wonder what they're talking about?

A Celebration of Springtime: Easter 2009

Today I celebrated the resurrection of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! My day started early with getting to church by 8:00 for a quick choir rehearsal before the two morning services. There were tears even during the rehearsal! Singing in a large choir with an awesome orchestra and director is thrilling. My heart was full of joy as I realized anew how much I love and am loved by the One whose rising from the dead has changed my life and offered hope to a sinful world. HE'S ALIVE and He lives in my heart!

Since none of my family could make it to PA for Easter, Larry and I enjoyed a meal at the Olive Garden in Lancaster after which we drove around on the country roads through Amish country. I can't post pictures as the Amish do not allow picture taking; however, I thoroughly enjoyed the quiet, serene, picturesque scenes of their farms, buggies, one-room schools, and livestock. Since the weather was sunny and beautiful but cold and windy, there weren't many people outside, but we did see an Amish woman and her little girl walking briskly down the road, and a group of Amish teenagers playing volleyball. Seeing all the buggies parked in one place was a sight to behold as well. Because today was Sunday, they were not working in the fields nor were there any clothes hanging on their unique clotheslines. I remain so fascinated by their lifestyle and this past week I finished Beverly Lewis' latest book, The Secret, in record time. Now I have to wait for the sequel.

I saw such beauty today -- on the faces of people sincerely worshipping the Lord through song, on the back country roads of Lancaster County, and on the trees and flowers just beginning to bud after Winter. Yes. Springtime is a perfect time to celebrate His Resurrection!

The Noun Has to be SPRING!

I can smell Spring in the air! So can the little squirrel, well, the BIG squirrel lying in the bird feeder! How did he do that? I watch him come into my yard every day and congregate with the birds who are not at all affected by him.

The Color of Winter

As I look at the view from my front porch, I see a beautiful ice pond. Honestly, if I had ice skates, I believe I could skate all the way to the smoke of Three Mile Island (see it in the sky?).

"Now that Winter's here, can Spring be far behind?" (slightly modified from the original)

December 2008. Noun: Christmas

December! I cannot believe an entire semester has passed (I'm still thinking in school time). What have I accomplished? I have been retired for six months and have been busy doing "something." My house is a little less dusty; I'm learning that planning a menu saves money at the grocery store; exercising regularly does keep off weight; snow is still beautiful -- we've had four snowfalls already; singing in the EFCH choir is awesome; having more time to get ready for Christmas doesn't mean that I am ready; sending and receiving Christmas cards is a way of keeping up with friends; Winter has finally come ("Can Spring be far behind?"); and I am loving NOT writing lesson plans!

The news stories this past year have definitely affected me. My 401k accounts have diminished, my brother died suddenly, gas prices have been the highest and lowest in the same year, I have a new African-American president, the names Michael Phelps and Sarah Palin are prominent, athiestic signs are next to manger scenes; and O'Reilly is still on his throne.

In spite of the good and the bad, I remain thankful for this wonderful season of the year when I celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah to the Lamb of God who was born to provide a way of salvation for me! As I think of His birth, I also think of his death, because His blood was shed for me. Thank you, Lord! I am humbly yours.

"Pampered" in Seattle with Sightseeing, Good Food, and Excellent MD Report! Noun: Gratefulness.

Renee and Philip treated Larry and me with a trip to Seattle this past week. Since Philip was scheduled for his MD appointment at Hutchinson, he and Renee included us in their plans with four days of sightseeing and exploring the surrounding areas in the beautiful Northwest. A diary synopsis follows.

Saturday: Great flights. Met up with Renee and Philip in Minneapolis. After arriving in Seattle (misty rain), we enjoyed Pike's Market, Iver's, Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, Cascades, University of Washington's stadium (game in progress), University Square, and city of Seattle. Misty. Couldn't see Mt. Rainier.

Sunday: Brunch at the world-famous Salty's (across the sound from Seattle), the Point, Snowquamie, Salish Lodge, waterfalls, Philip's fly fishing spot near lodge, snow-capped mountains, ski lodge with no snow (rain instead), and Dick's Drive In. Rain and Sun and Clouds. Still couldn't see Mt. Rainier.

Monday: Lunch at the Wild Ginger (our first Thai food), MD appointment (good report - Thank you, God), Space Needle, Fran's Chocolate, Nordstrom Rack Store, walking and shopping in the city, and Dick's Drive In for burgers and fries. Sunny! Still no Mt. Rainier.

Tuesday: Renee's birthday!! She's a blessing. After opening gifts, Renee and the rest of us enjoyed the Bellevue Mall, Medina and Bill Gates' entrance to his home, the Ikon Grill in downtown Seattle where we enjoyed Seattle's attempt at fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese (wonderful mac and cheese), the West Lake Center, Nordstrom's, finding chocolate gummi bears, drinking Seattle's Best, and eating See's Candies. Rain! No Mt. Rainier.

Wednesday: Anacortes, Indian Reservation, Rockfish Grill (mmmmm sweet potato fries), Deception Pass, Happy Donuts, Ferry ride to San Juan Islands (saw dolphins and birds wrestling fish), Friday's Harbor (beautiful island), and Iver's. Rain! Rain! Rain! Still looking to see Mt. Rainier....running out of time.

Thursday: On a clear day, we could see all the mountains including Mt. Rainer which surround Seattle. We looked and looked..........to no avail. Across from the motel where we stayed was the bay in which sea planes took off and landed. We really enjoyed watching them every day! After a quick trip to Pike's Market for Philip's salmon to take home, we arrived at airport to discover that we had an hour's delayed flight. When we finally took off through the partly sunny, partly cloudy atmosphere, we saw it................Mt. Rainier from above, as well as Mt. Baker!!!!! I was excited! I was so excited that I forgot to take a picture.

After a quick goodbye in Minneapolis, Renee and Philip flew on to Memphis and we made it to Harrisburg where our dear neighbor, Larry, picked us up. Foggy!

Thank you, Renee and Philip, for a wonderful time. The best part was just being with you.

No Cell Phones Allowed!