Friday Fave Five - March 7

 

We've had a few cold days but I decided to use the spring icon. Spring has got to come sometime! But no matter the temps, there is always something to be thankful for. I love this day of the week when I can sit down and show you some of the blessings that I am thankful for. Thank you, Susanne at Living to Tell the Story for giving us this spot each Friday. Come join us!

1. My "French" kids: My daughter and son-in-law arrived in Paris Monday morning. I was able to monitor their take off from Miami Sunday evening through Flight Aware and then see when they touched down in Paris 10:30 (their time) and (4:30 am mine) No, I didn't stay up all night to watch the progress. But I was able to get a good idea of when they were landing and got up then. By Tuesday, they were settled into their new home for the next 3 months. They will have to move again after that time to find a long-term rental. Turckheim is in the northern part of France called the Alsace region. Their official symbol is the stork. And sure 'nuf, there is a big stork nest perched on top of one of their buildings.

Here is the view from their kitchen window.

They are certainly enamored with the village and have been taking walks and snapping photos. It does look charming! I'm just relieved that they are there safely and settling in. And Max and Mosey, my grand dogs did great during the travel.

2. Continuing with French lessons: I'm doing well, progressing and beginning to make sense of the language structure. It is fun, although Duo Lingo always explain grammar well in the lessons and I have had to figure out some of it on my own. For that purpose, I bought. . . . .

3. French grammar aide: I found this on Amazon for $6 and change - laminated sheets of all sorts of information including grammar. this is going to be very helpful.

4. My favorite part of home: Well, besides my bed and fridge and other essentials - this are my bookshelves. I've had a couple people tell me that if I got rid of these, I'd have so much more room. I look at them in horror! I love my books and DVDs and knick knacks. I recently did go through my books and DVDs and donated them to my local library. These bookshelves are ages old, bought when I moved my mother in with me back in Florida. I bought a few things from an estate sale such as a dresser and a desk. Along with them, came these bookshelves for $10. Best investment I ever made!

5. Coloring app on my phone: This is wonderful if I'm feeling a bit fidgety or just want to turn off my brain. There are so many of these available from Play store on my Android but this one - Amima Color - is the best. For those not familiar, it is basically a color by number app where you tap each number and come out with a lovely pic.

I listen to Christian teachings and messages while I tap away. I highly recommend it.

I'm looking forward to next week when our weather people are forecasting temps in the 70s. Maybe I'll see some daffodils soon! Wishing you all a great weekend.

Friday Fave Five - February 21

 

Another month almost gone! It's been a cold couple of months, and I've been so appreciative of the blessings God sends my way in the simple things I take for granted - a warm home, cozy nights, warm, nourishing food and the blessing of family and friends. With so many in this world lacking, it is even more important for me to think of what I I have and not what I have not. Join us over at Living to Tell the Story to share what is wonderful in your life. And thank you, Susanne for hosting this!

1.  Snowfall: Although I'm ready to see the end of it, I was thankful to see the gentle snowfall we had on Wednesday. It amounted to not quite 2 inches for me, but it was so pretty, and the air is always so crisp and fresh when it happens. It's pretty much gone now but I did enjoy the freshness of it.

2. Preparations for a move to France: No - not me! But my daughter and son in law leave the first part of March for their adventure of living in France. Preparations are going well. Things are being sold, and all looks in good shape. My daughter is having a roller coaster of emotions, but she and her hubby are excited for this new adventure. I'll be blogging off and on as they settle in.

3. Brushing up on my school French: I told my daughter that I would be living vicariously with her in France, so I decided to brush up on my 4 years of high school French. It's coming back quickly which is fun. I've been using Duolingo which is a free learning program online. It progressed you very slowly so I'm tired of translating the same words into French and am ready to move on. Just ask me about "cat" and "dog" and "girl" and "woman" and "pizza" as well as "croissant" and I'm your person! I will eventually change to Babbel which does cost money, but it will get me much farther. On the bright side - I have learned a new word in French - cheval. That means horse.

4. Knitting going well: With some online help from a knitting friend - Willow, I've completed two mitered squares for what will eventually be a blanket (size TBD). I had decided to use a #4 worsted yarn and have discovered that not all worsted is the same. I knit one square of one yarn and then another in a different yarn - same weight but they are definitely not the same size - by any stretch. Maybe it's my tension but I've decided to continue with one particular yarn and will order more of it in different colors.

5. Sleeping well: I have lots of problems with insomnia but lately I've been sleeping much better. I fall asleep in a reasonable time and when I wake up during the night, I fall asleep quicker. That is truly a blessing. My muscle aches have been much better with better sleep.

My prayers and attention have been on the releasing of the hostages from Gaza - those alive and those deceased. My heart is breaking for those still in captivity, for those who are adjusting to "normal" life again and for those who are mourning. I pray that someday such violence and hatred will end. For those of us who understand, we all know Who the answer it. . .

I hope everyone has a blessed weekend.