View at Your Own Risk

Warning, what you are about to see may turn your stomach! You may actually lose your supper.




Joe was mortified that I'd be willing to show these to you. "Pam! Think about what you're doing!" He said.





But I figure, Hey, it's my blog... it's about me... my life. I may as well keep you apprised of what my week has revolved around. Right? Just consider yourself warned; it isn't pretty.

But if you stick with it till the end, I'll reward you with something really pretty!




Okay, here goes...




Careful now... I'm about to show you the result of Sunday's poisonous plant attack...




I'm making you scroll way down so that it doesn't immediately appear on your screen.



If you've scrolled this far, I can only assume you really do want to see it...



I knew curiosity would get the best of you!




This was Tuesday, the caterpillar stage.


At this point I went shopping for gauze and tape to wrap it because the weeping was starting to get pretty consistent. The ladies at the register thought I should go straight to the hospital and proceeded to tell me horror stories about their relatives' allergies.


Thanks, ladies, but I'm fine. My throat didn't close and my eyes didn't swell shut. I'm just itchy... and rather disgusting to look at.




This is today. The sub-dermis-alien-worm stage. It looks horrific, but I actually think it's improving. It doesn't itch as much, swelling has gone down, and the blisters have mostly flattened out.




They do still weep, however.

{{ Gasp. Gag. Cough. Sputter.}} ...I'm sorry. I told it was nasty!

Joe has already suggested I put cocoa butter on it... I'm thinking some vitamin E might also be in order, but I'm not doing that till they quit weeping. What I am doing is applying cool compresses, calamine lotion, and taking benedryl.

I'm fully confident that this will - in a few weeks' time - return to pretty, dainty, supple skin. I promise!

But, speaking of suggestions... Mountain-man Bob suggested I spray them with anti-perspirant. "It'll dry 'em right quick." (This is the same man who gave us tips on when to eat wild meat... "never eat meat that's been hit." Seriously... it came up; we had a discussion about it... remember the wild turkey that got hit out front?!)

Anyway, I actually bought anti-perspirant and sprayed it on my arms. I have to say, the skin seemed to pucker up a bit, and the itch/sting went away; they even had a shower-fresh smell! But, I don't think I'll do that again. It just doesn't seem right. I fear the weeping stopped simply because the spray clogged it up.

Nah, I'll stick with calamine...

Oh darn. I was at Ingles today and forgot to get Aveeno Oatmeal Bath... Piggly Wiggly didn't have it (of course).

Hmpf.

I also have the rash and smaller blisters on my other arm, my abdomen, behind my ear, on my neck, and under my chin! For me, this is a severe case of poison ivy and I was somewhat taken aback by it until I went to this site:

http://www.poison-ivy.org/

Whoa, Nellie! There's a link there called the Skin Rash Hall of Fame; now, those people suffered! They'd think I was a complete pansy if I submitted my pictures!


Regardless, the next time I tackle the yard, I'm wearing my garden armor!


Okay, I promised not to leave you with these disgusting images in your mind, and I have a reward for your sticking it out to the end...


Here's what I found when I was running errands today:

Scads of wildflowers in the median on the 4-lane (as the locals call it.) :-D

Now, isn't that better? Forget what you saw above...



Just focus on the pretty daisies. Think about the warm sunshine, the refreshing Spring breeze.

Ahhh....

Your Input is Requested...

I'm in a quandary. It's a well-known fact that Pam is not in Florida anymore, yet my blog address says otherwise.









This is the Ocoee River, site of the 1996 Summer Olympics Whitewater Sports. The TVA did not have the water running on this day which is why you can see all the rocks. (I have rafted this river about 4 times, though not since we arrived here... still too cold!).









I can be overly analytical and the fact that you arrived here by clicking on, or typing in, Paminflorida.blogspot. com disturbs me a bit; it just doesn't sit well.



An errant leaf left over from Autumn floats gently down the Ocoee River.







When we began making plans to move to the mountains, I created a new site. It's found at Pamthemountaineer.blogspot.com

Much more fitting, wouldn't you say?


This is Ocoee Lake in Polk County, TN. The river feeds into it. It's just a few miles down the road from us; it's shore, and that of the river, make a beautiful scenic drive.

Having originated in the Northeast and moving to Florida before relocating here, we are classified by the locals as Halfbacks. Half way back from Florida to the Northeast; and there are a lot of us here!!

Another view of the Ocoee Lake, this one taken from the dam.

Therefore, the new blog is aptly titled...
Reflections of a Halfback.




This is the Apalachia Reservoir located just below the Hiwassee Dam. Again, located just a few miles from our house, but in the opposite direction.







But there's a part of me (the emotional part) that doesn't want to abandon the 10,000+ visits and 200+ posts located here on Rest Awhile.

So, what's a girl to do?

Remain faithful here at Rest Awhile where Paminflorida is a misnomer;

Or, move on over to Reflections of a Halfback where Pamthemountaineer is fitting?

Tell me... should I stay or should I go?



This was taken at my bank the same day I took the closeup of the tulips you've seen here previously. Cheerful, aren't they?




All of the scenic water shots were taken about a month ago. You should see how green everything is now... I'll show you eventually!

Another Seven

You're thinking, "What do you mean, another seven... another seven?" You're probably a bit concerned about what might be transpiring in the O'Brien household... "Didn't she just say the other day that they were maxed?!"

Fear not. I'm talking about someone else's seven... and their story is ridiculously similar to ours!


They started with a beautiful white shepherd mix (who eluded my camera),



when along came Maggie.



Her beau, whose name I don't know, came too. They're big, beautiful, very fluffy, Great Pyrenees.


I don't know the circumstances of that adoption,


but it wasn't long before four precious pups were added to their number! Is this sounding familiar, or what?! Their four, however, look related...





...unlike ours! People still have a hard time believing they're from the same litter!

Maggie and her family live on a goat farm with their humans.

This is Savannah, one of the veteran adults on the farm.



And the mama to one of these littles ones.


Joe and I had been out exploring. We love to take long drives on the back country roads. This was the first weekend we were in town, hence the brown environment - hadn't had enough rain at that point!

We stumbled upon the seven beauties barking their warning at us and expressing their discontent, that we're nearing their home.

Of course, if you know us at all, you know that it wasn't long before we were out of the car, petting the dogs, chatting with the goat farmers and getting a tour of the farm! We spent about two hours with them and by the time we were headed home, we had exchanged phone numbers and promises to get together for dinner sometime!

"...Goodbye, city life!" ;-)

I Liked This

I thought it was fun to watch (several times over), and I'll bet it was fun to dance!

(don't forget to pause the blog music - at right)

And you know what else I like... the friendly, neighborly people up here!

I was just sitting here in the office a moment ago, checking emails and voicemails, when in walks Kenneth, our helpful butcher (actually, he calls himself a meat cutter, not a butcher) from the Piggly Wiggly. He stopped by just to drop off a bag of ramps because he and Joe were talking about them the other day and Joe mentioned that he and I have never tried them. Now, isn't that nice?!

You harvest ramps this time of year from the mountain. We're told they grow at about 3000 feet, or higher. They're little root vegetables that are a cross between garlic and onion. Kenneth says they're loud and will stay with you for days. "Eat them together, and not just before you go to church!" He said if we like them, he'll take us to the mountain where he found them and show us where and how to harvest them. The perks of living in a small town!

I mentioned over on FB that I had found Ingles... my "Publix away from home," and that Piggly Wiggly had fallen in the ranks. But, that's the kind of thing that makes you want to keep going back... even if they don't always have what you're looking for. I'll go to Ingles when I have to (like when I need ricotta cheese), but I'll go to Piggly Wiggly because my friend, Kenneth the Meat Cutter, is there!

Phew! My office is starting to get a bit pungent!

Oh Dear... I have to put them outside!!!

Random Stuff

These white blooms are on a Bradford Pear tree (it's not an edible pear tree). You see them all over this region. They bloom in March, and by the beginning of April all the little white flowers fall off and are replaced with rich green leaves. They're typically planted in a row and are used to line long driveways, etc. They can be very regal looking.





This is in the "puppy room." And this is why the puppies have a puppy room to retreat to when we are not home. The little buggers chose to play tug-of-war with one of their dog beds... you see it laying limply in the middle of the rug. Shame on us for not supplying them with ample toys to keep them entertained!




Thinking of my dad today. It's another anniversary day... the anniversary of his memorial service. What a day that was; a really great one, actually. Difficult, of course, but also heartwarming. It was nice to see the remarkable turnout (an estimated 400, plus!) and hear the testimonies of those who loved him so dearly.



That's all for today. It's a beautiful day here... I took advantage of it and went up on the mountain this morning to take a few pics, hopefully I can share those in a couple of days.



Have a Happy Tuesday!

Sleepin' in a Sunbeam

My Dexie; he's a special character.

As the senior adult at our house he gets a lot of priveleges that the others don't ... sleeping on this bed, for example.

Doesn't this look like a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon?

Snowy Pics, and A Bit of Spring!

This was the early morning of April 7th at my house in SW NC! It felt really strange for this Florida girl to brush snow off my car handle before I could open the door...



The hearty rhododendron shrubs are covered! Didn't hurt the buds, a bit, thankfully! (Yesterday I took advantage of the sunshine and did a little trimming around the yard. I sacrificed a few buds, but those branches no longer impede the stairway!)




All white and gray... the sky really was that color!




You can barely see the cherry blossoms beneath the snow! It snowed off and on all day.




Yesterday, I was out running some errands and had to capture this highway median. The picture doesn't do it justice. It's an array of bright yellow, green, red, orange, and purple! So beautiful!




Here's another pretty median along the same road. You can tell the buds aren't fully open yet... I'll bet in another week or two, those trees will be nice and full, and colorful. I loved having a blue sky and sunshine yesterday!




I stopped at the bank and these greeted me at the front door. The staff probably thought I was a little coo-coo when, after bidding them good-day, I paused outside to capture this... I couldn't resist, though; they scream Spring and sing Oh, Happy Day!!!

It's another beautiful day, today. I think I'll make time for a little more yard work. I love getting out in the yard!

This evening, Candy and I are going to head to The Taste of Blue Ridge in downtown Blue Ridge, GA, where there will be local restaurants providing food, a wine tasting, a silent auction, and music. The event will benefit the Humane Society.

Meanwhile, the guys (who are not interested in mingling with the Taste crowd) are going to hang back and grill steaks for themselves... who knows what else.

Happy, Sunny Saturday to you!

I Would, If I Could

Bring home every stray, or seemingly stray, dog I see. I'd have an endless number of dogs... if it were feasible. (Of course, it's not. We're maxed.)


My dad called it a bleeding heart; my dog condition, that is. That's okay... he was right.


I can't help it. I love 'em. And if I see one that needs love (which may sometimes come in the form of protection) I want to give them my love. I want to hug, and kiss, and nuzzle, and scratch, and coo, and bring them home to just pamper them silly!


So far, the only bug-a-boo I have about this region of the country is the people's carelessness with their dogs. They just don't go the extra measure to protect them. There are no leash laws, and therefore, you're constantly seeing dogs roaming anywhere and everywhere.


Just the other day I was driving down a four-lane highway and saw a big, beautiful dog in the median. I slowed... and cringed when I got past him and saw in my rearview mirror that he began to cross the highway and a car had to brake in order not to hit him.


I began to seethe, when not 20 yards more, I saw a dog in the median that had been hit. He didn't make it. Argh! Makes me boil.


It's so typical to see dogs wandering along the side of the road. C'mon. Be responsible pet owners, people!




My rompin', stompin', silly, scampering, seven are safe within their fenced yard. They have boundaries for their own good. Boundaries really are a good thing!
(That brown hill in the background is now every shade of green you can imagine! How I love Spring.)

Anyway...


And when they feel afraid, revealing their sweet and sensitive side, we've been known to let them climb in bed with us! Yes, there have even been times when all seven have inhabited the bed at once... of course, either Joe or I... or both of us, had to get up because there was no room! Then, of course, they follow us; so we run back to the bed eager to claim our spots and gleeful to have leg room... and they follow us. It's a vicious cycle.
(Ever see that old commercial where the guy is sleeping on the floor, then the camera pans up to reveal the dogs sleeping in the bed... I can relate!)

This was my darling punkins' first night in North Carolina. We threw mattresses down on the floor to crash and sleep hard after that long drive. The furry ones were having no part of sleeping downstairs by themselves... they began to cry (and who can blame them... all alone in a new place), so up they came!


I'm just saying... if you're gonna get a dog or two, know up front what you're in for and be willing to step up to the responsibility. You don't have to let them sleep with you... but show them you love them, and at the very least keep them safe!



{{Jumping off my soap box now.}}


(By the way...don't ya just love the '70s paneling? The prior owners did seem to love it! Us... not so much; it'll be receiving a makeover in the near future!)

A Year Has Passed

A full year has passed since we gathered at my father's bedside and tearfully bid him "goodbye for now" as we watched him cross the threshold to new life, one void of cancer and other debilitating ailments.

We cried and hugged. We felt somehow abandoned; yet not alone.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. " Isaiah 41:10

We were in disbelief that we wouldn't again hear his voice, feel his embrace, benefit from his advice, be entertained by one of his stories; yet we knew it wasn't forever.

"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep,or
to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope." 1 Thes. 4:13

We wondered how we could possibly survive tomorrow, and the next day, and the next; yet we knew we would.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in
weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9

I kind of have a sense of ... "Whew! Made it." It's a milestone of sorts. We got through this year of "firsts without him" and, though we'll always miss him, perhaps it's possible that future celebrations and occassions will have less sting.

Just days before dad died, he told me that he was confident I'd be okay because God was evident in my life and he knew I trusted Him to guide and direct me.

Well, much has happened this past year. We've endured heartache and trials; experienced losses and made major, life-changing decisions. At times, I yearned for his presence; needed him near; longed for his encouragement; wanted to talk... and not always when times were tough. Often it was to share an experience; a celebration; an adventure; or a laugh.

How many times did mom and I look at each other and say, "Dad would have loved this...?" Too many to count. Oh, and Joe wanted so desperately to be able to discuss that amazing Syracuse basketball game with him!

But Dad was right. I'm okay. We're all okay. We got through this year; and not just "got through it," we lived it and enjoyed it in spite of missing him so desperately, and I believe it's because...

God's grace is sufficient.



A precious moment and one of my favorite memories.

04-07-09

This day seems to be one for remembering...

...remembering anniversaries. Joe and I had a second wedding ceremony many years ago on this day; a sweet and simple little ceremony on Sanibel Island at sunset. Also, a former co-worker is celebrating her 2nd wedding anniversary. She posted that she loves him even more today than she did then. That's a treasure.

...it's also for remembering losses. A blog friend lost her newborn one year ago today. She said they remember it more as the day she lived (2.5 hours) rather than the day she died. Angie has a beautiful way of putting her feelings into words. Her blog has become a soothing balm to women suffering similar losses and pain.

Foremost for me today, though, and all of the O'Brien family, is a day for remembering Grandma O'Brien; Joe's grandmother. We learned earlier today that grandma, at 106 years old, passed away early this morning. Until just recent years, grandma was a vital, independent woman, full of vim and vigor.

A particular story that always stands out to me is when she, in her 80's, had a big story written about her in the paper. She was walking home from the grocery store in Bayonne, NJ (she walked everywhere, never having had a driver's license), when she fell in an open manhole in the street. She either broke, or nearly broke, her hip. Now, it was over 20 years ago and I might not have the facts exactly right, but that's the gist. It was pretty spectacular coverage, complete with a picture... but all she could think about is that they printed her age in the newspaper for all to see! I would think at 80 something, who cares?! Well, she certainly did! :-) Gives me a chuckle.

Joe, scheduled to be in Florida this week anyway, is with his parents. I'm glad for that.



Grandma (Eileen) O'Brien - at 103
11-01-1902 - 04-07-2009

It's snowing!!!

Seriously... and I thought Florida had weird weather patterns!

Yesterday and the day before, Joe and I enjoyed blue skies, sunshine, the sight of butterflies fluttering from one wildflower to the next, a long drive through winding country roads, the delightful realization (for me) that among the other vast flowering trees and shrubs in our new yard - we also have a lilac tree, amazing short-sleeve-weather-with-a-light-jacket temperatures (70 degrees), and an outside BBQ with friends, complete with 4-wheeling and skeet-shooting fun. We were relishing the onset of Spring!!

Today, snow flurries. What the...? I'm completely mesmerized and totally digging it; but still. Snow in April... in SW North Carolina? How bizarre! It's supposed to snow again tomorrow, and then back to sun and mid-60's on Wednesday. Okay!! We'll roll with it. (No veggie planting has taken place yet, thank goodness.)

- - - - - - - - -


Regarding the case of the missing cats. I have not only seen, I have held and petted, Tahra! She's well. Still skiddish and unwilling to leave the garage; but she is well. I'm thankful. Now, if I could just get some news on, or a glimpse of, Kissa... The thing is, she's the adventurer; she went exploring, I'm sure. I hope the old adage, "curiosity killed the cat" has not come to fruition here! I'm choosing to imagine she found a friendly porch with kibbles and warm milk. That's what I'm sticking to - we don't always have to face the probable reality, do we?! (BTW, since Tahra is not willing to leave the garage, I have provided her a warm, comfy "nest" to ward off the sub-freezing temps we're expecting tonight and tomorrow.)

- - - - - - - - -

Happy Birthday to my precious Mom! Today is her day! She is spending it with "her" middle school girls (the girls she has taught Sunday School to for the past several years). Since it's their week for spring break, they're spending it at the beautiful Methodist camp in Alva, FL, with a bunch of other church youth groups for a mini retreat (just 3 days). Should be fun! I always love chaperoning youth events; especially the sleepover, camp-like adventures. Makes you feel like a kid again! She loves those girls... so, I know she's having a fun birthday. I'm glad.

- - - - - - - - -

I'm devising a plan to trick my computer and be able to get photos posted here! Stay tuned for that!

But now, I'm off to let the dogs out. I'm eager to see how they react to their first snow experience!! It's not sticking yet, but as the temps drop, there will be a couple of inches on the ground by late evening. The "last potty break before bed" ought to be the best one. Hopefully, I'll get some fun pics of that adventure.

Caio.

No Blog Time!

I know, I know... I've been MIA lately. We're busy, busy, busy getting settled and acclimated to the area, so I haven't had time to blog. The most I've been able to do is write little micro updates on Facebook.

For those of you who aren't on Facebook, I've copied and pasted those little tidbits of information and the ensuing banter so you can stay apprised of what's up with us!


Here you go...

March 17 at 12:38 pm (the day were travelling) - Wrote ~
Pam Rieth O'Brien says we were just about to leave Florida when Boo-boo had EXPLOSIVE diarrhea. Oh mercy - thankfully cleaning supplies were handy!


Responses:

Brenda Moody at 2:26pm March 17
Awww poor boo boo had a big
boo boo!!

Beth Long Plitnikas at 4:06pm March 17
Ew, yucko but gosh,
poor doggy - I guess the stress is getting to everyone! :-(Please have a safe
trip Pammy ♥ ♥ ♥

Karin Kissinger Colley at 5:18pm March 17
Hi Pam! Your
poor baby. I hope your Boo Boo gets to feeling better. Our pets enjoy routine,
and change makes them get all out of wack. I hope you have a safe journey :)

Laura Stanton Macias at 6:51pm March 17
i thought you were
gone already! ?

Ryan Gosselin at 8:27pm March 17
oh my!

March 20 at 10:08 pm - Wrote ~
Pam Rieth O'Brien and crew arrived safely in NC Tues evening. What a busy week it's been! Loving it, though... happy to be here!!

Responses:

Maria Fiore at 12:43am March 21
Glad you all made it there safe and sound. I heard about the adventure Cris had in her
vehicle with the car sick pup. Wish we had spent more time together before you
went so far away.

Ryan Gosselin at 1:03am March 21
Come back now.....You
had your fun...You are needed here.

Beth Long Plitnikas at 10:34am March 21
Glad to hear all went
relatively well - was the sick dog vs. car a big mess for your mom?? I guess
your mom leaves what, Monday? Tuesday? Good luck there, hope you & Joe like
working/living there!!!We'll miss you @ family visits Pammy. :-(Love ya ♥

Brenda Moody at 8:46pm March 21
YAY!!! So glad you had a
safe trip!

March 24 at 9:22 am - Wrote ~
Pam Rieth O'Brien hasn't seen her cats since Wednesday. Food is getting eaten and litter box is used (in garage), so that's a good sign. Hopefully, they're just exploring...
(status quo as of today)

Responses:

Kandice Purpura at 12:21pm March 25
I'm glad you made it ok. Keep the pictures and blogs coming!Love
you!XOXO

March 25 at 3:42 pm - Wrote ~
Pam Rieth O'Brien just discovered her sweet, furry punkins can be vicious guard dogs. They DID NOT like the cable guy entering their home unattended... Good to know; she's glad.

Responses:

Laura Stanton Macias at 8:14pm March 25
OH BOY! Did you have to pick cable guy out of punkin teeth?

Brenda Moody at 9:48pm March 25
Too funny....(mental
picture ) :-)

Pam Rieth O'Brien at 10:40am March 27
:-D Ha! - no... Joe got there in time. Knucklehead knew we had dogs and where they were. He walked straight in their room - stupid man. He respected those dogs for the rest of the
day!

March 27 at 10:35 am - Wrote ~
Pam Rieth O'Brien says a wild turkey...big gobbler... just got hit out front. Joe goes out to rescue it -or relieve it- when a truck pulls up, "You want him? [No.] Then throw him in back!" Seriously?

Responses:

Brenda Moody at 11:07am March 27
Well yeah.....never heard
of Easter Turkey Dinner??

Beth Long Plitnikas at 11:59am March 27
YEEEHAW!!!

Christina Rieth at 1:18pm March 27
Yep, we're talking
authentic "country folk" now!!

Beth Long Plitnikas at 1:21pm March 27
Dang, you'd better make
sure what you're eating when being served meals around there! hahaThat was
nice
of Joe to try to help the turkey. Turned into a real eye-opener for
both of you
though, didn't it?!

Darren Brown at 1:52pm March 27
Yum yum good eatin!!!!!yee
haw!!!!

Pam Rieth O'Brien at 3:32pm March 27
You're not kidding, Beth!
Eye-opener, indeed. :-) Mmmmm, road-kill. Actually, when Joe got to the
bird, he
wasn't dead yet...and what the guy really said was, "Well, wring
his neck and
throw him in back." Joe put him in the bed of the truck and
replied, "You wring
his neck!" He came back in saying..." I'm not cut out
for this!" Ah, mountain life! :-D We later asked another
long-time "mountain man" that
we have befriended if he would have eaten him.
He said, "No way, never eat
nuthin that's been hit. Meat that's been hit is
not good! "Well, that was
somewhat of a relief!

Beth Long Plitnikas at 3:37pm March 27
OMG, they actually have
a eat, not eat rule about "meat" that's been hit. Wow, another world
altogether!

Pam Rieth O'Brien at 3:38pm March 27
I know!!!!

March 30 at 2:23 pm - Wrote ~
Pam Rieth O'Brien ~ after 5 days of rain, the sun is shining...Thank goodness! No, we're not in the Sunshine State anymore! (Oooo, but you should see everything budding...It's Spring!)

Responses:

Beth Long Plitnikas at 2:33pm March 30
Saw the daffodils
from your mom's pix, sooooo pretty! You're LUCKY to get a real Spring!!

Pam Rieth O'Brien at 2:39pm March 30
I know... when we arrived
we were greeted with blooming daffodils and two bright forsythia bushes in full
swing! Next to those we have a tall cherry tree full of bright buds... can't
wait for those! Also out front are two huge rhododendren (sp?) bushes...and
there are tulips popping up everywhere!! The lady that lived here had a real
green thumb and we're reaping the benefits!

Beth Long Plitnikas at 2:43pm March 30
Wow, I'd LOVE to live
in a REAL place where things other than frickin palm trees grow!!Enjoy, enjoy,
enjoy & please share via pictures for those less fortunate! :-) (oh
actually, my crepe myrtle tree is starting to get leaves again so I do get some
of what you see everywhere). I'm so jealous. Can you tell? :-D

Darren Brown at 4:12pm March 30
Looks like you guys are
enjoying your new place......congrtas!!!! Joe should see if there's some trout
or bass in that there river!!!!!!

April 1 at 10:52 am - Wrote ~
Pam Rieth O'Brien ~ Last night the guys tilled a 12' x 40' garden spot for me, so I can, as Glen says, "grow some groceries." Now, I have to figure out what to do with it! Researching NC veggie gardening!

Responses:

Kristiina O'Brien DiOrio at 11:12am April 1
Oooh oooh toms, green beans, cucs, potatoes and herbs! Oh and some peppers
so you can make salsa. Hahahaha

Brenda Moody at 12:03pm April 1
Well......I KNOW you can
dig!! Remember our exciting day in Savannah?.......... Can you say poison ivy??
:-)

Pam Rieth O'Brien at 12:30pm April 1
Oh geez, Brenda!! I remember. LOL :-D

Beth Long Plitnikas at 2:08pm April 1
Suggestions: Rhubarb so
you can make pies with strawberries! All kinds of peppers, scallions, string
beans, zuchinni, other squash... Now I'm more jealouser than before!

So, that's that. Now you're updated. I'm taking lots of pictures, but having trouble with my camera software/home computer... so, until I can get that resolved, picture uploads will be few and far between.



Here's just a few:




The park area in Wilderness Creek Falls, the 500-acre mountain property across from us.




Another waterfall on the same mountain.



Sunset view from one of the homesites on the property.

A beautiful afternoon for a stroll!

We've arrived!

The crew (Joe, Mom, the dogs and the cats) and I landed in NC Tuesday evening. This, of course, is my first opportunity to get on a computer. Ours are not hooked up yet, but I dashed down those stairs out front and am in my office. So convenient...

Whew! What a week it's been. I've been packing for practically 6 months, but when it came down to the very end... I didn't feel prepared. There's just so much last minute stuff to do! At 11:00 pm of the evening that we were supposed to go to bed early because we were leaving at 3:00 am, I began feeling very overwhelmed!!

Lost in a swirl of chaos, I neglected to charge my camera battery before we got on the road. Therefore, I have no pics to share. What a bummer. Mom took a bunch, though, so when she sends them to me, I'll share hers.

Joe drove the truck, of course, towing his car behind it; and Dexie road shotgun with him. Though Joe had him completely setup with three comfy dog beds for his travelling comfort, he barely slept the whole way! He was a good boy, though.

I drove our car towing a trailor with our John Deer on it, and had the three girls with me (Zeila, Emma and Sara). I've never seen those girls sleep so much! They were a dream to travel with! I kept catching the lawn mower in my peripheral vision, though, through the rear view mirror and never got over the feeling that some little green car was getting awfully close! It was a weird sensation.

Mom had the three boys, BooBoo, Riley and Blaze, with her. She said they were perfect... so well behaved. No trouble at all... except BooBoo's little (major, actually) diarrhea episode. Poor guy, we were just about to cross the Florida border when the castrophe occured. Nervous tummy? Car sickness? We're not sure, but it was explosive! Other than that, though, all was well.

We spent all day Wednesday unloading the truck, trying to somewhat organize furniture and getting the kitchen functional. We managed to do a little sightseeing with mom on Thursday since she intended to, and did in fact, leave this morning to spend a few days in Crystal River before heading back home.

After saying goodbye to mom, Joe and I took a little more time to explore the area this afternoon. We wished we had mom with us today, too; we saw such beautiful sights! We headed west on Hwy 64 toward Cleveland (and actually did get all the way to Cleveland, TN). The gorgeous part was driving along the Ocoee River through the Cherokee National Forest. Mmmm, so pretty!

Of course, I have pictures to share. But, I need my computer to upload them. This computer won't let me do it since my software isn't loaded. Darn.

I'll just have to hurry with getting my computer set up and share them later!

That's all for now. I need to catch up on my Names of God bible study (haven't looked at it all week!), since I'm late in getting this week's chapter posted.

Till then...

Elohim - God, Mighty Creator

Well, here we go. The first installment on our bible study, Praying the Names of God. This chapter was easy for me to embrace. I fully recognize God as our Creator, and I delight in the fact that this name He uses to refer to Himself is a plural version, "Then God [Elohim] said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'" (Genesis 1:26) I like that name because it gives validity to the doctrine of the Trinity. But that's a different subject.

Today, it's about creation... God's beautiful creation; sometimes it simply causes a gentle smile to warm my face, like when the little yellow-breasted birds and brightly colored butterflies flutter and flit about my patio. At other times I've been moved to tears by the sight of a majestic mountain range in autumn, and there have been times I heard the voice of God in my spirit when presented with a glimpse of one of His artistic sunsets. I can stand forever at shore's edge, and the sense of awe I feel never diminishes.


The smell of a flower, the warmth of the sun, the sound and the smell of the rain, the beauty in the changing seasons, the taste of my favorite foods, the wiggly wag of my dogs' tails, the rumble in my cat's chest when she purrs, the sound of my daughter's laughter, and the warmth of my husband's smile; these are but a few of the things I treasure as a gift from God, my Creator.

Enjoy this rendition of Louis Armstong's, Wonderful World, sung by Eva Cassidy. She's one of my favorite female vocalists (truthfully, there isn't an artist, male or female, whose CDs I own more of). God gave her a marvelous talent.

(Don't forget to turn off the blog music... right column. And make sure you click the little speaker on this photoshow if the music is not playing...there'll be a little red line through it.)

(Well, the way this music is loading with the Roxio photoshow is disappointing me. Depending on your computer, it may be fine; or it may take a long time to load, making the timing off; or, it may just not play for you - in which case you can hear it here. PS - all of these photos are ones that I have taken over the years, except the one of Joe, which Kristiina took, and the one of Nic and Kristiina, which the hired professional took.)

There's much angst in the world today, but if you strip away the jealousies, the power struggles, the selfishness, the carelessness, you'll find that what God created is good, very good. It's a wonderful world.

Thank you, God, for thinking enough of us to give us not just what we need, but also delighting in giving us joy in experiencing it. May I never take it for granted.

Three Years Ago Today...

...we were enjoying a wedding celebration!

Happy Anniversay, Nic and Kristiina!!


Enjoy the memories...

(You'll want to pause the blog music when you view the video.)

"Who gives this woman?"





Exchanging vows.




We gained a son that day.

Daddy's little girl (dancing to Always Be Your Baby by Natalie Grant)

Mother and daughter... what a treasure she is.

See More from the day...

Prayerlife

I'm doing a new bible study with my "Heart-to-Heart" girls titled 'Praying the Names of God' by Ann Spangler.


Today is the first day. The focus this week is Elohim... God, our Creator.

It'll be difficult to "do it with them" since I'll be 800 miles away, but when I had my last evening with them this past Thursday, picking up my new book to take with me to NC and sharing final, hearty hugs, we decided that I'd blog my thoughts about each chapter weekly, and they'll share theirs in the comments. I'm looking forward to seeing how that will play out.

In the meantime, I found another jewel in mom's photo albums... "One of the messages from Akseli Skutnabb's book 'Hanessa' (In Him)"

It's aptly titled 'Prayerlife.'

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask
or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the
churches by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."
Ephesians 3: 20-21

It is very comforting to know that God does much beyond that which we can
pray for or what we can think to ask for. If He would give us only what we
request, we would remain very poor. He does much more. He does not
need our requests and petitions. We need them in order to stay
alive. Many people ask why we need to pray at all since God would give us
anyway what we need. Yes, He would do that. But if we would receive
everything without asking for it, we would become very careless just like
children who receive everything in overabundance. In order that this will
not happen to us, God has given us the prayerlife. We have observed that
our enemy, Satan, is working hard to try to hinder our prayerlife.

Prayerlife does not basically consist of a multitude of petitions to
God. Prayer is much more a matter of stillness before God, waiting on
God. We human beings need moments when we quietly concentrate on listening
to what God wants to tell us. The oriental religions put much emphasis on
meditation, on the art of quiet reflection. The western world has received
that as something new. In a way it might be new for many Christians
because they are beginners in the word of God. But we need not go to the
orient to learn this art. If we would but understand our position in
Christ, the Holy Spirit of God would teach us to meditate on God's Word.

It is amazing what happens when we are still before God. We might not
be consciously aware of receiving anything at the time but we become richer and
we have received strength for everyday life, for life's temptations and
difficulties. We sink into a wonderful God-consciousness. We let God
control us. Without this, life would be very poor. Even though we
believe that Christ lives in us we would direct our attention only
outward. Christ would become a stranger to us if we would not practice
stillness before Him to hear what He wants to communicate to us.

The quakers have learned to practice stillness before God. It is a
healthy contrast to the world that makes too much noise speaking. there
are so few people who can be quiet. When they then should speak out, then
they stay silent. Jesus kept silent at the most important moments of His
life.

The early Christians called themselves "theoforus," the "carriers" of
God. How could we carry eternity in our heart without expressing it?
The Holy Spirit of God in us will manifest Himself through us.

"In order that Christ might dwell in our hearts 'by faith,'" we read in the
bible. Why does it say "by faith?" The answer is that we don't
always feel it. It is not a matter of feeling or emotion. When we
understand the meaning of the cross of Christ, then can we comprehend the truth
that Christ is in us and we are in Him. This is a matter of faith just as
the fact that every bornagain person has the Holy Spirit.

That's all we have from 'In Him.' The foreword, which I blogged about previously, and this portion regarding prayerlife. How I wish I could get my hands on this book. Not only this one, but Helmi's novel, as well. What treasures they would be. Granted, I wouldn't be able to understand them... but I'd have them translated. It'd be so worth it.

My search begins... (any idea where to start?!). Maybe it'll prove to be futile, but you never know till you try!

A little of this..

... a little of that.

Mom and I just watched a real sweet movie: Dear Frankie. ...makes you sigh. The story line was good, but the musical score, composed by Alex Heffes, was great. Here's a sample:

(Don't forget to go pause the blog music. ...in the right column.)




We had to go straight to Amazon.com to order the CD. Of course, you only get free shipping when you order more than $25.00. We needed to find one more... and decided on Chris Botti. Whoa, is he good!!




- - - - - -

Well, that's all good... but check out something I read recently... Oh, this is a sad story; and the reason my chickens won't be free-rangers.

Joe and I have decided we want to raise chickens. We looove eggs. All forms of eggs. And we're looking forward to having our very own "farm-fresh" eggs. But for their own good, our chickens will be constrained to the coop and their run. We'll make it large enough that they don't feel "cooped up." (Ha... no pun intended).

Nah, we can't have free-rangers, especially after reading Bumblebee's blog... not in those hills where bear have been said to roam freely through back yards, knocking down fences and wrecking all kinds of havoc. Oh geez... I can't even think of it. The employees at the feed store where much of our fence materials were purchased said, "Be careful... check the fence before you let 'dem dawgs oouut. The bears will just walk right through it if'n they want on your property." Mercy.

These chickens, however, fell prey to fowl, not bear. Mmmm.

Bumblebee chickens attacked…news of an injury and a loss

- - - - - -

Enough of that. I promised a blog post about Blaze's Big Day at Grandma's House. Well, sorry, but I'm not ready. I still have to tweak the pics.

Here's just one, though, to whet your palette.


His Big Day at Grandma's House... included Giggle Bear!

Do you see why I love him?

- - - - - -

Good night... sleep tight.

A Family Heritage - Part 2

Today's installment is about Helmi Svedberg Skutnabb.


Helmi Svedberg Skutnabb, March 18, 1880 - January 28, 1953

But first, this photograph has me wondering at what point in history the first photographer said, "Smile!" before snapping the picture. They're all so serious.

Take a closer look at great grandma, Helmi, though...


I think she's trying to contain a grin... !

Well, anyway, while I was perusing the photo albums yesterday, I came across so many interesting documents.

What follows is a section of a newspaper article about Helmi Skutnabb, which my grandmother, Eva, translated into English. It was published to commemorate my great grandmother's 70th birthday...

Helmi Skutnabb - 70 Years

Helmit Svedberg Skutnabb was born in Tikkurila on March 18, 1880. By reading anti-christian literature in her youth, she was taken in by that spirit. However, while attending teachers' training school in Tammisaari, Helmi Svedberg, at the age of 20, heard the gospel message which changed her life. With great joy, she shared her faith in Jesus with others. She desired to enter into deeper knowledge of God. She prayed with the words of the psalmist for God to open her eyes and widen her understanding of the riches in Christ.

--- Regrettably, here the message of the article is interrupted, as the newspaper clipping was torn. It continues. ---

Helmi Svedberg was tutoring in private homes in Tikkurila when a preacher by the name of Akseli Skutnabb came to the area. Through his ministry, she obtained answers to many spiritual questions and, more than that, soon the relationship developed to personal friendship, and in 1905, to marriage. Akseli Skutnabb's residence was in Tampere, which then became the home town to both of them.

The following years were spent, for the most part, in raising the family. But time
was left for other interests, as well. A tangible proof of that is her religious novel published in 1921 in her mother-tongue of Swedish, by the name "Mot Vida Vyer" and also in Finnish, by the name "Valjille Vesille" (To Wide Horizons, in English).

After her husband's death in 1929, Helmi Skutnabb was active in public witnessing in Tampere and other areas, until she and her children, in 1931, moved to a recently established Finnish colony in Dominican Republic on the island of Haiti. Life there, however, did not meet with the expectations and the family returned home the following year. Two of the children have since gone back to Dominican
Republic.*

Today, our sister, Helmi, lives with her daughter, Zeila, in Tampere.

Friends far and near join each other with best wishes for God's blessing on our sister in Christ on her 70th birthday.

- published March , 1950

To think she was lured away from the truth in her early years by deceptive literature, but the Spirit of God pursued her until, at 20, the eyes of her heart were opened to the truth of the gospel. Such a testimony!

The two children that returned to Dominican Republic* were my grandfather, Erik (with his wife, Eva), and his sister, Birgit (standing on the right in the photo), plus six other adults. However, it wasn't their intention to return to the island. The nine of them, crossing the Atlantic in their 32-foot fishing vessel, were destined for America, when they shipwrecked...

But I'll save that for another blog post!