My Week - #11

 

DATE:  September 5, 2025

WEATHER:  Calm now but we had a big storm come through yesterday afternoon - severe thunderstorm warnings, tornado warnings. No problems but for a few minutes it was intense. Today we have another storm coming later this afternoon - hopefully not as intense. 

READING:  The Secret Keepers of the Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox

BIBLE STUDY:  Still plugging away with my Gospel of John study. 

LISTENING TO:  The New Testament NIV version narrated by David Suchet. Just began Revelation.

SO THANKFUL:  Safety from the storm yesterday. I'm so thankful that God holds me in the palm of His hand.

PRAYING FOR:  My daughter-in-law and her mom who are on a road trip to Colorado for some mother/daughter bonding time. I'm praying for safety and no health issues. Also praying for my son who now has charge of the care and feeding of several cats.  Praying for my health issues, for our country, for Israel. 

HIGHLIGHTS:  I have a new great granddaughter - Elizabeth Grace - born on the 3rd of September. Not many details known yet and I'll have a photo here eventually. This makes 5 for my granddaughter - 1 boy and 4 girls!

I had a great lunch with my friend Barbara on Wednesday. We went to Cracker Barrel to see what all the fuss was about. No change at this location and it was as crowded as ever. We always have a great time when we're together.

FOR A GIGGLE:

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:

Some protein shakes I just discovered. The vanilla one takes like melted vanilla ice cream. 15 carbs but a great way to supplement protein.

QUOTE:

A FINAL THOUGHT:  A suspect many of us are going through a lot right now. Sometimes the things of life feel overwhelming. Sharing with a friend is helpful, especially one who will pray for and with you. I've been reminded lately that despite what people may say to me or the circumstances that surround me, that I am held by my Heavenly Father who loves me and sees the beginning to the end. I can worry and fret which does no good at all. Or I can remind myself that I'm held by the same hands that calmed the storm and carried the cross.

My Week #8

 

DATE:  July 25, 2025

WEATHER:  HOT!!  Probably no hotter than other places but it's sure making me wish for fall. It's humid as well so my ankles and feet look like sausages at the end of the day. We have gotten rain occasionally and some thunderstorms. It doesn't really cool things off much, but it is refreshing. 

READING:  Poor Your Heart Out: Discovering Joy, Strength, and Intimacy with God Through Prayer.  by Jeremy Linneman. I've not made much progress as I've been sick and had no concentration to speak of. So far, though, it looks promising.

BIBLE STUDY:  I mentioned a few posts ago that I had purchased a study from Daily Grace Co called Come and See - study of the book of John. I bought the digital version but I'm just not liking the format. So, I ordered it again in book form since it was still on sale. I'm excited to begin it (again!) as soon as it arrives.

LISTENING TO:  To Be Where You Are by Jan Karon and narrated by John McDonough. This was book #14 and intended to be the last of the Mitford series. I wanted to refresh my memory for when book 15 My Beloved comes out. 

SO THANKFUL:  To be feeling better. I still am not totally sure what it was. Flu? Covid? A lot of congestion, coughing, a bit of wheezing and eventually some GI symptoms which I won't go into.

It also seemed to bring on a fibromyalgia flare. My energy level is up a bit, but I still am resting frequently. Still not feeling tip top but I'm just so glad that it's over.

PRAYING FOR:  Salvation for some family members, my health, a friend's health issue, our country. 

HIGHLIGHTS:  The highlight of the last two weeks has been a trip to the grocery store and Walmart early this week. I felt like I was back in 2020 under quarantine. It was nice to see people again.

FOR A GIGGLE:  

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:

My daughter with her cutie pie grandson

QUOTE:

A FINAL THOUGHT:

Courtesy of the Homespun Wife

I hope you all have a great weekend coming up! I'll try to get back into the swing of things and come visit you.

My Week #6 - Happy Fourth of July

 

DATE: July 4, 2025

WEATHER:  HOT! We're in the 90s once again and there is zero interest in me for watching any kind of fireworks display. My weather app announced a cold front coming through a few days ago accompanied by rain. The rain did indeed come, but I had to remind myself that this "cold front" was only going to bring the temps down to the high 80s. It was sort of a "minor cooling front."

READING:  What Happens Next" by Max Lucado. Currently reading chronologically through the New Testament using The Bible Recap. This week: Matthew 1-3, Mark 1, Like 1-3, John 1.

LISTENING TO:  "Out to Canaan". by Jan Karon and narrated by John McDonough

SO THANKFUL:  Once again, air conditioning! A day out with my first born. My church and a pastor who preaches the uncompromising Word of God. 

PRAYING FOR:  Our country, Israel, deception creeping into our churches, family and friend needs, My health.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS:  A wonderful after-church BBQ last Sunday. Those from our 9:00 and 10:30 services got together for some wonderful BBQ and fellowship.  Then yesterday, my first born picked me up and we spent the afternoon together. I had never been to the new (now not-so-new) Buc-ees in Pigeon Forge. For those of you not familiar with this amazing place, it is sort of a "if 7-11-and-Walmart-got-married) kind of place. Here you can find something to eat, go shopping for just about anything on your list, find a rest room, gas up, wash your vehicle, or just wander around and stretch your legs. There is a lot of people-dodging because it's always crowded. But it's fun and a break from either a long car trip or boredom. And there is the obligatory photo op.

Now I'm officially a tourist!

We later had a delightful lunch at the Pottery House Cafe and Grille. Such good food and a very nice atmosphere and their chicken gumbo with cheese grits was out of this world! Jim and I aren't able to get together very othen - just the two of us wo this was a special blessing!

CRAFTY STUFF:  I'm working on my crocheted lap blanket. No photos yet. It's going to be a mish-mash of colors, using up yarn I have. When I've used up the yarn I have, then I'll begin buying a skein at a time, and when I run out of one color, buy another one. I find single crochet such a relaxing endeavor and it fills in the time.

FOR A GIGGLE:  

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:

Many, many Christmases ago.

My first two youngins'

The handsome guy with the red tie was my lunch date yesterday!

A SCRIPTURE:

courtesy of Pinterest

Here is the late and great Keith Green..

A FINAL THOUGHT:  

A Happy July 4th to you all! May we be thankful for the liberty that we have in this country. Pray for our leaders, our military and those in authority - national and local. And

GOD BLESS THE 

U. S. A.

My Week #3

 

DATE:  June 14, 2025

WEATHER:  It's been lovely all week with lots of sun and a breeze. We've had the occasional shower and a couple of days were under an "elevated" warning of severe weather. But for me, it never showed up. It's getting hot now though, so summer is just about upon us.

READING:  Right now, I'm reading a quirky mystery called Kittyzen's Arrest by Addison Moore and Bellamy Bloom. It's the first of the series of  Country Cottage Mysterues and set in the area of Maine.

I've just started it so I don't have much of an opinion of it yet. The protagonist is a young lady who can read minds and who is always accompanied by her cat named Fish. I'll let you know how it goes.

WATCHING:  Lately I've been watching a YouTube channel called Donnie Laws. He has lived in the Smoky Mountains, around Cades Cove for his whole life and his videos are full of history, wildlife and stories of this area. I think Cades Cove, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It's been fun to learn all about it.

SO THANKFUL:  Yesterday's post pretty well sums up my biggest expression of gratitude. My daughter and son and law are back in the states from a 3-month stay in France. They are settling in nicely in New England, an area neither of them has lived before. They certainly love adventure and exploring. I think of the winters up there, so different from the Florida they have been used to. But then, they did live in Colorado at one time so snow and ice aren't completely foreign to them.

LOOKING AHEAD:  I'm finally going to get my Real ID this coming week. I've put it off until close to when my driver's license needs renewal. The deadline for this ID has been postponed for a couple of years but it's finally here. Otherwise, it's a quiet week, at least of right now.

FOR A GIGGLE:  

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:

Mosey and Max - my grand dogs. 

They are excellent international travelers but I'm sure they glad to be back home.

A THOUGHT:

Courtesy of Pinterest

"I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."

John 10:11

PRAYING FOR: 

As I write this, Israel and Iran are at war. 

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you."

Psalm 122:6

 

Thankful Thursday (on Friday)

 

Every time I feel down in the dumps or am having a pity party, God reminds me of how I'm blessed. Sometimes He brings a beautiful sunset. Sometimes it's a breakfast out with my daughter in law. Sometimes, it's a scripture or a poem that reminds me of just how awesome He is!

Lately I was given a very special reason to be thankful. I haven't said much about this until I felt the people involved were ready to share. . . .

Most readers to my blog know that my daughter and son-in-law relocated to France in March. It was a trial run with the possibility of making permanent residence there. They lived in a small village in the Alsace region and the photos that my son-in-law took made me fall in love with the area. However, even though they had researched long and hard and were ready to face any possibility, it became apparent that it wasn't working out. France's requirements for long term residency are stringent and more than they really wanted to accomplish. They missed family and although, it was a great time, they missed America.

So, at the end of May, they "plugged the plug" (per my son-in-law) on their adventure and are now back in the states, happily settled in Vermont. This mother's heart is rejoicing. Although I tried to be supportive, my inner being was not happy. Now they are back, only a little over an hour from their youngest daughter and her family. My latest chat with her via Face Book Messenger showed a relaxed and happy daughter. Which made a very happy Mama!

I am thankful that God was with them, gave them an adventure and then brought them safely home.

My Week #2

 

DATE:  June 7, 2025

WEATHER:  We've had sunny days all week with hotter temps but with refreshing breezes. I've been relishing the sun on my face and sitting out listening to bird song. This is being typed on Friday and I'm seeing on radar some significant storms coming our way this evening, complete with thunderstorms. They will remain with us off and on throughout the weekend and then settle down again.

READING:  I finished Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves and I'm in between books at the moment. I did a 'wish' list yesterday of books I want to read so I'll be occupied for quite some time. I also joined Kindle Unlimited through Amazon and loaded up on books to look forward to. Also reading through the New Testament and Psalms.

WATCHING:  I discovered some interesting You Tube videos about Colonial Williamsburg - the restoration of the buildings and its history. I'm a history buff and I remember visiting there many, many years ago. I think that American Revolutionary history is so fascinating.

SO THANKFUL:  A long story that I won't go into, but my daughter and son in law, who were living in France are now back in the states. You don't know how much this mother's heart is rejoicing. Suffice it to say, that if you intend to move to another country (specifically France) be ready for some major red tape and hoops to jump through. Add a move to a Vrbo that was, let's say less than desirable, and they decided to "pull the plug" on this adventure and come on home. They are currently settling into their new home but plan a return to France at some point - this time for just a vacation.

You just can't beat the charm of the Alsace region of France.

Photo Colmar, France - courtesy of my son-in-law.

LOOKING AHEAD:  A rescheduled lunch with my friend, Barbara next Tuesday. We've having a potluck lunch and then digging into some card making. I'm really looking forward to it. 

BIRTHDAYS:  The month of June is bursting with birthdays in my family. 

My son celebrated on Tuesday (although we as a family celebrated last Friday)

My daughter, fresh from her adventure in France, celebrated on Thursday. She and son in law arrived at her daughter's home just in time to celebrate. After the dust settles, I'm sure she will be doing something special. 

Here she is, enjoying some French cuisine.

Her daughter, who has welcomed them with open arms, celebrates a birthday this coming week!

FOR A GIGGLE:  

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:  

Apollo - my nap buddy!

A FINAL THOUGHT:  

Graphic courtesy of Pinterest

In this topsy-turvy world, this scripture has gotten me through many a sleepless night. No matter what things or circumstances look like around you, stay anchored to the God who has all things under His control. 

Have a lovely weekend, dear friends!

My week - #1

 

I'm beginning a new feature here - recapping my week. Let me know if you like it!

DATE:  May 31, 2025

WEATHER:  We've had showers off and, on all week, yesterday being the strongest storm. My area was under a tornado warning for the morning - me being totally unaware. We have tornado "watches" frequently, but "warnings" are a different matter. Temps have been very nice, a nice prelude to what will be a hot summer. My only complaint has been that the sun hasn't shown itself as much as I like.

READING:  Still reading Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves. It's slow going simply because it is so rich. I really thought I understood the Trinity (at least as much as I can this side of heaven), but I'm learning a whole new aspect of Father God's love and how it is expressed.

Next up: TBA.

WATCHING:  Nothing significant at the moment, other than the odd historical video on You Tube. I recently subscribed to Brit Box that has a whole plethora of Brit shows that I enjoy. I also have in my sights the Pride and Prejudice series (with Colin Firth). I know I'm a bit late to the game with this, but I'll get to it.

LISTENING TO:  The New Testament on Audible with David Suchet as narrator. I'm nearing Revelation now and when I've completed it, I'll start over. At some point I'll then begin the Old Testament. It's in the NIV version which isn't my favorite, but it does give a new perspective to the scriptures.

CELEBRATING:  My youngest celebrates a birthday next Tuesday and last evening, we all celebrated early at his mother-in-law's home. It was a cookout with so much food and a fabulous chocolate cake called "Chocolate Overload." It was the best I've had and yes, I did indulge in a small piece. It's my son's favorite cake. I'm so proud of the man this guy has become!

with his ever-patient wife!

FAMILY NEWS:  As I write this, my daughter and son-in-law are traveling from the Alsace region of France to Brittay up on the northeastern area of the country. Complete with small van and two doxies, they are beginning their next adventure. They left a beautiful, picturesque area.

Colmar, Alsace, France

Photo taken by my son-in-law

My daughter enjoying the wonderful food!

I can't wait to see photos of their next adventure!

SO THANKFUL:

~ for protection from weather and tornados. Yesterday morning, one did touch down briefly about 30 minutes away. It was an EF-0 but they can do a lot of damage.

~ Family time.

~ A successful shopping trip looking for good stainless-steel pans. I found two in pristine condition at our local Habit for Humanity Restore.

~ Breakfast out with my sweet daughter in law.

~  My daughter-in--law's encouragement and support as I'm refining my diet.

LOOKING AHEAD:  Lunch with a friend next week. She is going to show me how she makes the beautiful cards she gives out.

FOR A GIGGLE:  

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:  My daughter-in-law made up a bunch of little 1-cup snack baggies for me when I'm hungry. It keeps me from getting into junk stuff. Nuts, coconut shavings and little parmesan crisps. I'm so thankful she's looking out for me!

A FINAL THOUGHT:

Image courtesy of Pinterest

Have a blessed weekend!

Friday Fave Five - March 14

 

It's Friday and time to share with you all the blessings of this week. Being thankful, even for the little things, is a trait that I have to cultivate from time to time. I really appreciate this spot every Friday when Susanne at Living to Tell the Story opens up her blog home to us. Come join us!

1. Video chats with family: I had the opportunity to chat with my grandson and family this past Sunday. Ava and Bella were adorable and it was so much fun! We plan to do this every month. I've had a couple video chats with Jill as well. Both Kent and she are adjusting well to their new European home and it's so much fun to chat with her. The time difference makes it a challenge, but we do it!

Market day in their little village.

2. Spring: The Bradford Pears are blooming which is a sure sign that spring is here. We're having temps in the 70s during the day and it's been wonderful. I have several Bradford Pears around where I live, and I think they are beautiful. They aren't a favorite with a lot of people due to their odor and fragility, but I enjoy them.

3. Improvement: For a couple of weeks, I've had a cyst on my back that has become swollen and painful. This has happened several times before and it usually runs its course, and I'll spare you the details. This time, it seemed to take forever to reach its conclusion but yesterday, it finally drained. I had been putting warm moist compresses on it but yesterday I got some Epsom salts from the store and after one session - it happened. I am so thankful that this didn't lead to a trip to the doctor - although I'm going to have to do get this taken care of, so it doesn't happen again.

4. Lunar eclipse: We had a lunar eclipse during the night with a resulting "blood moon" called a Blood Worm Moon. Did you see it? Unfortunately, I slept through it. Others got some pretty footage.

Photo courtesy of photographer Brandon Bell - 

Space.com. Taken from Merritt Island, Florida

5. Servant's Hope: This is a ministry of my church where a group of us visit shut ins and those in nursing homes. Once a month we have a meeting for Bible study and just to refresh ourselves. This past Tuesday we got together, and it was a lovely time. I had been struggling with some issues and two ladies spoke into my life with scripture and wisdom. I left feeling so much better.

I hope you all are having a good day and a nice upcoming weekend. Enjoy the extra daylight and warmer temps. I'll leave you with a funny courtesy of Instagram

Have a great weekend, everyone.

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 28

 

We're seeing more green here in East Tennessee - warmer days and even a daffodil or two. I've been thankful for the sun and warmth and even more thankful for blessings that have come my way this week. It's a wonderful practice to intentionally remember the good things that happen to us day to day. And then each Friday, I get to share them with others. Come join us at Living to Tell the Story. Thank you, Susanne for giving us this spot!

1. Lunch with a friend: On Wednesday, I met with Barbara at Cracker Barrel. We do this often, usually every 4-6 weeks and I look forward to each time. We catch up on family news, solve the world's problems and laugh. Thanks, Barbara for those times!

2. Lunch with my daughter in law: This was the week for lunch out! On Thursday, my sweet daughter in law and I went to a unique restaurant. We arrived soon after it opened and by the time we left, the place was packed! Called CleanEatz, it serves locally sourced foods that for the most part is unprocessed and so tasty. Even their beverage options are healthy. You won't find a Coke or Pepsi there! They also offer a weekly menu service where you can order from their weekly selection of entrees and then pick them up at a certain day. They even offer low-carb, vegetarian and low-carb high protein options as well as their standard ones. They are reasonably priced and a great option from the frozen dinners in grocery stores. I had a burger with a potato bun and a side of steamed broccoli. The meat I found out later was bison.

3. A lovely sunset: The other evening, I caught a glimpse of a beautiful sunset. The buildings in the forefront obscure a lot of the beauty but sometimes you can still see the wonder.

4. All in place: This Sunday at 7 pm, my daughter and son in law take off from Miami for their French adventure. /There is so much paperwork involved in this adventure, and it was tense for a bit waiting for required paperwork for their two doggies, proving they were not feral and healthy enough to enter the country. It couldn't just come from their vet. They had to go through bureaucratic channels to get this certain documentation. It came in Wednesday and all is well. Max and Mosey are on a low dose sedative to help them through this change that is totally confusing them. I'll keep you all updated on their new life and adventure.

5. Duolingo: Thank you all so much for your encouragement with me learning French. Senior minds just don't click as fast, but things are going well. I can give you my name, tell you where I live, talk about dogs and cats and horses. As long as the French natives stick to a script, I will be able to converse with no problem. Learning new things is fun.

Wishing you all a very pleasant weekend.