Another puzzle is completed. The Tiger is Captured after 1000 pieces finally blended together. I limited my involvement to about 152 pieces. I did not want to deprive Mary Anne of the thrill of locating the additional 948 small bits of cardboard. The shades of brown, gold, and white, with a tiny bit of blue, made this a challenge. Creating beauty requires attention and focus. While preparing breakfast this morning, I observed a pair of titmice at our suet feeder……
Thought folk might like to see a guest at our Thanksgiving dinner a few days ago. She slipped in without us inviting her, but did not eat much, just the pumpkin pie. As I think about a surprise guest, I am reminded that Christ is always (or should be) at our table. I wonder if He smiles, or what would he like to eat on our menu? Have you ever wondered about the fact that Christ dwells everywhere? Would there be times,…..
Miracles do happen and finally, I THINK, I am back and able to chat with everyone. First, for those who have not heard, I had open heart surgery on June 30, 2020. (Triple by-pass and aortic valve replacement). Rehab is over and I think I am doing ever so well. The Lord is so gracious, along with an incredible surgeon (Dr. Saint). Can you believe that a heart doctor would be called Saint? She was indeed a saint and I…..
Good morning. Four deer nibbling grass in our partially snow covered lawn as a went out for the paper. Beautiful creatures of God. I want to take a few moments to reflect on a past Sunday. Mixed weather, from 30 degrees in Springfield Sunday to 55 in St. Louis in the afternoon. Throughout the day, as we drove the 100 miles to the famous city with the big arch, we had scattered fog, sprinkles to hard rain, and then sun…..
I am a collector of bears. Yes, I know, bears are for toddlers, but at eighty-four we some times have toddler characteristics, so welcome to my stuffed family. Recently I received a gift of about a dozen new bear “cousins” to add to the family. In celebration, we had a meal together. A pair of newly adopted cousins joined two long time family members for a snack. As I look at the picture, several thoughts dash through my mind. Yes,…..
This week has brought tears as well as joyful celebration. Above you see our nineteen year old kitty on her last day of life. Illness overcame her until she barely ate, dropped weight to under four pounds, and could walk only with effort. Why an adult should shed tears over a fuzzy friend, is beyond me, but this author shed several. Crazy, I know! By contrast, however, last week also found me pumping up the tires on my bike, after…..
What you are viewing in not a turtle, not an ancient rock, but, believe it or not, a success story. Those of you have followed me over time, understand that a cook, I am NOT. Cream of green bean STEM soup was an underwhelming non-success. A story in my book, Ransom Notes, relates the tale of when I prepared a large salad for a church funeral, only to find out the funeral was at another church and the salad was…..
My eyes blinked twice. The camera automatically seemed to focus on a strange sight. I clicked quickly, and then looked more closely. Roses–roses with each bloom wrapped separately. Why? The scene is an outdoor market in Viet Nam in 2013. The aisles were crowded with merchants selling everything from carrots, cabbages, pots and pans to shoes, tea, and fresh olives. What made this booth so special? This was an absolutely an original sight for this photographer. Why would anyone take…..
Roses are red Skies are blue God’s love Reaches out to you. Hopefully each of you today is remembering our Great Lover of All, the one and only, Jesus Christ. The psalmist David said it so well. “Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart” (Psalm 32:10-11)! Today, as I…..
Good morning from Illinois. Found a fall picture to cheer me up, as winter blues attempt to fill my soul. These creatures are so beautiful. This morning there must have been over a hundred of the white pelicans, getting a breakfast of fish, as their long beaks dipped into the water. Reflections this week slip back to last night and our trip. Mixed weather from 30 degrees in Springfield Sunday, to 55 in St. Louis in the afternoon. Throughout the…..