Use SOAP Daily

I just watched this 45-minute video of Wayne Cordeiro, senior pastor of New Hope Church in Hawaii, on the importance of daily bible reading and it's value for enabling us to glean wisdom from the "raw, unedited accounts of the lives of people through the anals of time."

You should go grab yourself a snack and something to drink - put the phone on silent and settle in to watch it. His perspective and presentation is interesting - I don't think you'll fidget.

Bottom Line: He suggests bringing 4 things to our daily "quiet time." Our bible, of course, a pen, a reading plan, and a journal. In your journal, jot down the following:

S - scripture verse that speaks to you
O - observation about the scripture
A - application for your life
P - prayer of thanksgiving or confession regarding what you've just learned

I'm always "doing" some bible study that someone else has authored. They're wonderful and keep me in my bible on a pretty regular basis, but I'm going to give this style of bible reading a try.

I'll let you know how it goes, but meanwhile, watch the video for yourself and see what you think.

Pleasant Interruptions

It's been 10 days since I've posted anything! Sometimes I just don't have anything to say... I still don't, but I do have pictures. I always have those. Someday I'll have really good, clear, DSLR pics. But for now, I have these.



I was doing my bible study out on the patio. The one open is Beth Moore's, Daniel; while Kelly Minter's, No Other Gods, is on deck. I looked up and noticed a glint of mischief in Zeila's eye (okay, since she's so far away - it was more in her posture than in her eye). See her out there in the yard... look above my water bottle, to the right. There she is!



And here she comes... looking for trouble!



And there they go (she and trouble)!



"C'mon, let's play!"



"I said, C'mon, Bruiser, let's play!"



"I - SAID - C'MON, BRUISER, LET'S PLAY!!"



"Oh, alright. But I'm not really in the mood."



"What's up with you... where's your spunk today?"

(BTW, doesn't she have a long, pretty neck? Sometimes we call her Audrey...as in Hepburn! And, now that I think about it, her eyes remind us of Barbara Eden...! Yeah, we think she's pretty.)



"Where'd she go? Do you see her? Don't tell her I'm still out here - I'm just not in the mood to play right now. It's too hot..."


Stay tuned for more canine adventures. It's my life.

Now, back to Daniel...

Any Good Reads Lately?

Hey! Here's something... go to this blog to see how you can win (5 chances) 14 books. Trish at Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin' is hosting the giveaway for Hachette Book Group USA. There's romance, fiction, non-fiction, thriller, memoirs...

Maybe not all of the selections will suit you - just take what you don't desire to read to your local book exchange for something else!

Go check it out... and happy reading!

Peanut Butter Balls

I discovered these marvelous little treats on Miz Booshay's blog. They're tasty and they're healthy. Here's how I made them (I diverted a little from MB's recipe):

1 1/2 cups peanut butter *
1 cup powdered milk
1 cup honey

2 tbsp flax meal
4 tbsp Oatmeal
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (okay, this puts a strain on their healthful virtue, but who cares!)

Mix this up. Roll into balls (these are about the size of golf balls).
Place on a cookie sheet or platter and put in the refrigerator.
When they are cold and set, place them in a zip lock baggie and enjoy for days to come!

* I used a full tub (which is about a cup and a half) of natural peanut butter that I get at my grocer's deli. I like it so much better than the jarred-type brands of peanut butter. Here's why... ingredients of the natural peanut butter: fresh ground roasted peanuts. That's it.
The "other" kinds of peanut butter: peanuts, sugar (no wonder they're so sweet), fully hydrogenated vegetable oil, molasses, salt. Blechhh...

Give them a try!

Three Months in Heaven

It was three months ago today that dad went to heaven. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday; other times it feels like it's been longer than that. Maybe because the months leading up to it were so emotionally charged. I don't know.

The notion that he won't be coming back is still perplexing. It has not fully settled in my heart or my head, yet. And it still seems odd to me that our lives can change so severely and quickly, yet time keeps ticking... life keeps happening. Some events seem worthy of time standing still for a while. Saying goodbye to your dad, and not knowing how long it will be before you join him, is one of those events.

I had a dream about him recently. In my dream I was taking a walk down my street. My street is very, very long and I planned to take a walk all the way to the corner. All of a sudden, dad came up beside me and asked if he could walk with me. I was surprised because I expected him to be too weak. I asked him if he thought he could go that far and he said, "Oh yeah, I'm fine!" He put his arm around me and we walked and talked. That's all I remember about the details, but what stands out was how comforted I was by his company. It was comforting to "see" him healthy and energetic, comforting to "feel" his embrace, and comforting to "chat" with him.

I miss dad... I'll miss dad till my feet no longer walk the earth.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A quote I read today and like...

God gives us the spiritual gifts He wants us to have;

He puts us in the places He wants us to serve;

and He gives the blessings He wants us to enjoy.

-Warren Wiersbe

Sunday, Family Day

After church, we went out to breakfast. When we got back home Trey and Cory went in the pool. Zoe had so much fun running around, barking at them.


It didn't take long for her to get soaked - she tried to catch the splashes in her mouth. They were just petting her... not pulling her in!


She got especially vocal when they went under water. That pretty little thing from the Independence Day post, now looks like a drowned rat!


We had some cake to celebrate grandma's birthday, which was last Saturday.


...and Grandpa has a joyful smile.


We also watched dad's memorial service on dvd because grandma and grandpa were not well enough to make the trip down our way the day of it. They appreciated being able to see it. Mom later said that seeing it again made her feel a bit melancholy. I agreed - some parts of it warmed my heart, other parts made me choke up a bit. I guess that's to be expected.

We headed home at about 3:30 and hit some serious rain! The kind that makes you slow your speed to about 40 mph on the interstate! It was coming down in buckets... but we got home safely, having had a really wonderful weekend!

What's for Dinner?

Black Beans and Rice!

Okay... so here's what you do:

While you have the black beans (4 cans) heating in a sauce pan, saute an onion, 6 cloves of garlic and a full bunch of cilantro in a bit of butter or olive oil.


Then add it to the black beans.


Transfer the black beans concoction to a 13 x 9 inch pan and sprinkle with monterey jack cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and back at 325 for 30 minutes.


Serve with brown rice and provide a spread of tomato, avocado, chips, more cheese, salsa and sour cream. Yummm. We had a tossed salad, too, that mom and Aunt Mega made.


Alana chopping cilantro and laughing at me for taking so many pictures of food!


I've wanted to try this recipe for some time. I discovered it in this bible study (yes, bible study and recipes... good combination!),but didn't bother at home, as Joe is not a black beans and rice kinda guy. So, I took advantage of the opportunity to try it while away... and it was pretty good. It seemed to be a hit in Crystal River; everyone went back for seconds.

A Day on the River

Beautiful day for a boatride!

Instead of canoing or floating down the Rainbow River, we opted to take the little john-boat out on "the river" of Crystal River. Alana was a good captain.

The weather was perfect!

We meandered around the canals for a bit. Exploring the interesting sights. We saw big turtles sunning themselves on logs and anhingas drying their wings in the sun. Of course, I didn't get any good shots of those, so you'll just have to trust me on that.

Then anchored in Gator Hole where there's a pretty spring.

We floated and snorkeled for a few hours. It was relaxing and refreshing!

Then docked at Crackers for lunch.

Alana waiting for lunch to come.

It was a pretty spot.

We had fun... and got too much sun!

Happy Independence Day!

We had a full, fun day. We started by having breakfast with grandma (mom, Aunt Mega, Uncle John, Alana, Rob and me). Afterward, Alana and I went in search of flowers to plant around grandma and grandpa's house. She wanted geraniums and impatiens. The impatiens were easy to find, but we went to three different nurseries in search of geraniums and no one had them. Hmpf. Why not? They're surely not uncommon. Hmmm.

Anyway, we visited with grandma and grandpa for a while, then got busy planting. We set seven impatiens plants and two rose bushes in their resting places in the front of the house and in back below the living room window (easily viewable from inside). Grandma and grandpa loved it and were so appreciative.

Later, we sat on Alana's patio munching on snacks and sipping on mudslides.


Zoe joined us, too. She's such a cutie-pie!


Mom and Aunt Mega enjoying the outdoors (Rob and Alana's patio).


Before the boys set off their fireworks in the driveway, we girls all climbed into Alana's big king-sized bed and watched a chick-flick (while the darling boys occassionally set off firecrackers outside our window making us jump out of our skins!).

I caught Alana brushing her teeth and she struck a pose!



Tomorrow we're gonna take the boat out on the river - relax in the sunshine!

Holiday Weekend

Whatcha gonna do? Go to a party - host a party - have a picnic - find a fireworks display - none of the above?

I'm leaving Joe with the dogs, who will be nervous and twitchy (the dogs, not Joe) from all the kabooming going on in the neighborhood; poor babies. But he'll pamper and coddle them and make them feel secure. I'll also leave him with a batch of Miz Booshay's Peanutbutter Balls*, sans the coconut because Joe would reason... why take up room with coconut when you could add more chocolate?

Mom and I are heading up to Crystal River for a fun visit with grandma, Aunt Mega, and Alana. Sure, all the "boys" will be there, too, but you know how we girls can be...we'll be off doing girl-stuff. After we hug-them-hello, we'll barely see them till we hug-them-goodbye (the boys, that is).

One thing I know we're definitely doing while we're up there, is visit beautiful Rainbow River in Rainbow Springs State Park.


We'll either travel the river like this:




Or like this (look at that amazingly clear water!):




Either way, I'm looking forward to it!!


Hope your weekend is awesome - stay safe!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
* Miz Booshay sez...

"Here is how I made them;

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup powdered milk
3/4 cup honey

2 Tbsp flax meal
3 Tbsp Oatmeal
2 Tbsp Coconut
3 Tbsp Mini Chocolate Chips

Mix this up.Roll it into balls.
Place on cookie sheet and put in the refrigerator.
When they are cold and set, place then in a zip lock baggie.

They make a quick yummy snack filled with protein and fiber."

The Flowers in the Field Burst Forth with Blooming

I saw this on Kristiina's Flickr yesterday and added it as one of my favorites. I love it.


Today, I've been listening to a little praise music to lift my spirits (works everytime...perspective). When Something About My Praise by Vicki Yoh'e came on, I immediately thought of this photograph.

You can read the lyrics below, or click on the link to hear it.

Something About My Praise

The flowers in the field burst forth with blooming
And the wind seems to whisper - He's alive
Even the trees lift their branches
High to the heavens above
In perfect harmony with the creator of the world

But there's just something about my praise he loves
There's just something about the way I speak his name, Jesus
Although hosannas and hallelujahs
Are sung to Him by the angels above
Something about my praise
There's just something about my praise

The Lord has been so real to me
He's given me a special kind of love
And I have more to thank my Father for
Than all the angels in heaven above
For I've been for a cleansing in that crimson stream of love
And that makes my praise just a little something special
To the Father above and just because I'm his child

There's just something about my praise He loves ...

Praise be to his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Ps. 72:19

K cookin

I received an email from my son-in-law yesterday morning. The subject line said "K cookin."

When I opened it, here's what it said,

"Here is your daughter cooking. . .and taking pictures. . . . . .

It never stops"

He had attached this picture, taken with his phone.

How cute is that?

Does this mean we can expect a new post to the "Kristiina's Kitchen" blog?!

Photography for Sale!

Check this out. The Farmer's Diner, where Kristiina works in Quechee, VT, is located in the Quechee Gorge Village. Right between the glassblowing shop (with lots of cool glass pieces for purchase) and Cabot's Cheese store (they have a yummy free taste-testing buffet setup), there's an awesome gift store that has expressed a desire to have Kristiina's photography displayed and stocked for sale!

(Kristiina took these so I could see...)

Here are some framed prints displayed behind the cash-out counter.


And to the right of the counter, the cabinet containing her matted prints. I was with her when she took those two top ones. The one on the left is the old Community Church (I think) in Windsor Village, and the one on the right is the Connecticut River, taken the evening we "dashed out" after she got home from work. Actually, I was with her (mom, too) when she took most of the framed prints, too. Cool.


(The day we dashed out... and she captured the pretty CT River shot.)

How cool is that?!

Wedding Palms

...such a lovely day this was.



See the six little palms on the alter - 3 behind the girls and 3 behind the boys?




This is the sole survivor; beautifully arrayed in front of my screenless pool cage :-/
It hasn't grown much in 2 years, but at least this one looks healthy.

Do you think it needs a bigger container?
Or, would it be happier if I yanked out those flowers and gave it its own space?
Or, should I just leave it alone?

Happy Zeila

Zeila entertaining herself outside yesterday morning. I didn't realize until I viewed this on the computer that she was using her brush as a toy... she's not supposed to have that out there! And did you notice how she preferred to stay in the sandy area they have created for themselves... it really is their favorite place to play. Ah well, so be it. Someday they'll be more sedentary and I can spuce up the place with a little landscaping. For now, I'm glad I have happy, healthy, energetic dogs.

There wasn't much solitaire playtime before she spotted Luke. They love it when Luke comes out. Usually they run with him up and down the fence.

Go Go Sara Swimmer

Here's our Super Star Swimmer!! Viewing quality is a whole lot better on my computer than it is through YouTube... but you get the drift. And do you have sound? I can't hear it through YouTube, either. (??)

Anyway, this is our precious girl's new hobby. She does it dozens of times daily!

Sara Gets A Drink

Finally, I was able to upload the video that I was discussing in the post below. Stay tuned for more fun videos.

I was able to catch her in the pool swimming... again, and again, and again... you'll see.

Backyard Fun

I was taking pics and video of the dogs last night... they were having such fun playing out in the yard (If you read the puppies' birthday blog about our missing screens and sand-pit yard, now you can see what I was talking about. What is it PW says? Just keepin it real?! Yeah!)... Anyway, all of a sudden I heard a kerplunk in the pool. Sara decided she was thirsty. This is now how she gets a drink of water. She will not lean down at the pool's edge like her mother and brother (they're allowed to drink from the pool when chemicals haven't been recently added)...
no, she must get in shoulder-deep on the second stair, as opposed to ankle-deep on the first stair. (Oh, and speaking of keeping it real... our 25-year old pool needs to be resurfaced. Wouldn't want you to think those spots are dirt, after all!! Our whole house needs re-something!)

But back to Sara... this little dog is now constantly damp. She was in twice this morning before I even left for work. She's become passionate about this (and quite proud of herself). Watch how she begins to paw toward the deep end; she was contemplating taking a little swim. She usually does, however, this time Dex came up and distracted her.

She's always been our bravest, most adventureous little pip-squeek of a pup. This latest trick has dubbed her Supah-Sara (say it with Broadway flare... use jazz hands, if you want to)!

(I was unable to post the video here... but finally got it to work above.)

Swimmers!

These two, Riley and Sara, have discovered they like to swim in the pool! It's a new adventure - Riley just made this determination today, while Sara's way ahead of him... as she realized it yesterday! Fortunately, they both are very clear about where the stairs are and the proper way to exit the pool.

Soon, there'll be action shots!

A Woman After My Own Heart

Beth Moore... she's an author, speaker, bible teacher. I've been doing her bible studies since 1994. She and her husband are grieving today, having lost both their dogs to unrelated illnesses in the span of three short weeks. Remembering how we felt when we lost Jake, my heart hurts for them.

Something I read on her blog today made me smile:

"...It won't be long till we fill our house with puppies again. We'll take a little while to recover then dive back in. And they'll drive us crazy for two solid years and chew up half the furniture. And we won't care because Keith and I are dog people, plain and simple. Keep the fancy house. We'll take rompin' stompin' dogs. Tranquility never has been what we've looked for in a home. We like L-I-F-E even if it covers the couch with fur...."

She gets me. :-)



(Cozying up with Dex and Zeila while watching a movie one chilly January evening.)

Sensitive Skin

Ugh. Every time I travel north, I come home with itchy bumbs. Monday on the plane I noticed a menacing bump on my neck and thought it was just a bug bite. Today, I have it ...plus my forearms are peppered, I have a few spots between my fingers and I just noticed one on my stomach! What the???
I need to stay out of the woods, I guess. Nah... that'll never happen, I like to hike too much; but I do need to learn to identify poisonous plants... and then pay attention! Hmpf.
My Maximum Strength Hydrocortisone Plus with Aloe seems to be helping, thankfully!

Vermont Day 10 - and Heading Home

Well, it's time to go. We're currently on our way to Burlington to catch our flight home, and I've been thinking about what I'll miss about Vermont.

Besides the obvious...

I'll miss these two like crazy! That's a given.

But a few more things I'll miss are ---

--- the pleasant weather. Even when it reaches 97 degrees... it's pleasant!

--- the mountains. I love mountains.

--- the lush green color of the foliage.

--- the abundance of wildflowers in every field and on every roadside.

--- the charming covered bridges.

--- feeling adventurous and motivated enough to walk 8 miles to another state to see one! (I credit the climate and scenery for that.)

--- driving with the windows down... comfortably (and not minding the wild, windblown hair).

--- Kaelyn and Sophie, Nic and Kristiina's canine kids.

--- being able to drink water directly from the tap and have it taste delicious and cold.

--- my hair... it's soft and tame here (in Florida it's freakishly frizzy making me extremely thankful for the invention of the flat iron).

Thanks Nic and Kristiina for being such gracious hosts! Can't wait to come back!! XOXO

Vermont Day 9

Yup, we had more sunshine alright... we also had temperatures reaching 97 degrees! No kidding. To think a few days ago I was layering long sleeves... It wasn't unbearable; but so much for not sweating the full 10 days. Thankfully I brought clothes for warmer weather, too!

After breakfast we headed up to White River Junction to check out King Arthur's Flour; a baker's toy store. It was cool. We picked up a few nifty gadgets. While we were so close to Lebanon, NH, we decided to run a couple of errands at Best Buy and Home Depot. When those tasks were completed, we stopped for lunch at Lui Lui, a really good Italian restaurant. Afterward we browsed around the nearby shops. There was a huge LL Bean store; they had some cool stuff in there.

On our way home, we stopped at The Ledges. Another gorge, but at this one, people don't just stay on the rocks... they swim, too! Check it out:


After winding through a path in woods for a while, we encountered this. Look at the couple on the rocks. How romantic.


I couldn't resist. I don't have any idea who these people are... but isn't this precious?!

Okay - sorry.


Here you go... I know this girl! We had fun climbing on the rocks trying to find the perfect shot. Of course, at this time of day, none of them are the perfect shot. The lighting made it difficult not to get one that wasn't completely blown out. Oh well, it was awesome just to experience it. It was gorgeous.


Here's a view of the incredible swimming hole. Eventually we made our way down there.


And got in calf-deep. Very refreshing.

Another wonderful day in beautiful Vermont and, unfortunately, our last full day. {{Heavy sigh.}}