TRAIL OF BEAUTY

Can you imagine the huge bird flying ahead of me on this trail?

Praise is the Noun for this Week!

I have had a full week! Though I love nouns, I am beginning to completely understand how a noun needs a verb and a verb needs a noun to make sense. I feel "praise" for all that this past week has given me. I ate a peanut butter longjohn for Louann from Roots Market (where I finally found some lima beans)! [Everybody needs to go to Roots. It is a huge market that sells produce and everything else imaginable on Tuesday's only.] I started a Bible study called "Stepping Up" by Beth Moore with a group of women from my church. After completing four days of my "homework," I am already on my ascent to I'm not sure where yet. I bought a beautiful dark pink crape myrtle to plant in the front of my house to remind me of NC where they are found in abundance. (I do miss NC.) But, the highlight of my week was the day I was on the Conewago Trail riding my bike. I was riding at a hefty speed for an "Oldtimer," when I saw something moving on the trail about forty yards in front of me. As I got closer, I realized why I should always take my camera when I ride. There was the most beautiful bird which began to fly in front of me as if I were to follow it. This bird seemed to be leading me out of the shadows into the light as it continued to fly for at least a half mile or more until we reached a road crossing where it flew into a field to my left. I was in awe of its size and wingspan. When I got parallel to it from the trail, I stopped to try to recognize what kind of bird it was. I will have to check with the Audubon book, but it looked much like a crane. As I followed its lead, I was reminded of the verse in Psalms that says "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge...." I feel praise for God's reminding me of the beauty of His creation in the midst of a very full week of activities.

Noun today is "Route 66"

Yes. Today marks sixty-six years of life for me. I feel blessed and thankful for my age and for the fact that I am in a new phase (or route) of life with my retirement, age, and circumstances. My husband and children are always so generous with their love, cards, and gifts. Plus, my neighbors came over to share ice cream and pie with me tonight. Of course my ice cream freezer is wearing out, so we had to eat regular ice cream versus homemade ice cream. Our Whirlpool Gold will have to do the "hard" work! Rode twelve miles on my bike today. The final mile home was the hardest, especially with the humidity that was prevalent today. Then, I joined the EFCH choir again (was a member over eight years ago). I have had a wonderful yet busy day, but a BHS senior from the Class of 2008 called me tonight to wish me a happy birthday. That he remembered me, much less my birthday, absolutely made my day.
66 and thankful

Noun for the Day: Route ??

I miss Branson! I love fall days in September! I love bike riding! I love red roses! (My husband sent me roses today.) Tomorrow I will be the number that comes after Route.................................
Stay tuned.....

Proper Noun for the Day: "Proud Mama"

Traveling down Interstate 81 through Virginia is a scenic drive. Wish tractor trailer trucks had their own highways, though! Larry and I went to Lynchburg to see Larry, Jr.'s, performance in the play Bat Boy. He played the mean veterinarian which was very out of character for him. The play was not what I had imagined; however, I enjoyed the music and will continue to think about the message of the play and how I can learn from it since I have not seen a play like it during my lifetime. Of course, I was a "proud mama" who glowed when Larry was on stage. We were fortunate to be with Stephanie too. She is such a beautiful young woman. (We missed you, Renee.) I had to return her dog Branson who has been with me for a month. The time together was short but wonderful.
Proud Mama

Noun for the day -- Shredder

I cleaned closets, files, and drawers all day. There were many precious memories which I found along with all the stuff that had to be shredded. Cards from my children when they were small had the sweetest messages; for instance, Renee loved me because I gave her candy before supper. Stephanie said she couldn't wait to grow up so she could get even with her dad for always teasing her. Larry said "I love you" many, many times. I will take the time to read all of their creations in the next few weeks. Shredding is very tiring, though.
From the Shredder

Noun for the Day: Retiree

I love verbs! While trying to think of a clever title for my blog, I thought that becoming a noun in life after being a verb for so long would be fitting since I had just retired from teaching high school English on July 1st. Time will tell if I will be able to pull it off. After thirty-three years in the classroom, I am finding that adjusting to a more relaxed schedule is nice, especially at 5:45 A.M. when I know I don't have to get out of bed. I do miss my friends from school, plus the contact with the students; however, I do not miss writing lesson plans. I am officially a retiree.