Walk with Him Wednesdays

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!  This is my table at our annual ladies Christmas celebration.  We do crafts, a mission project, sing carols, have a speaker, and have a wonderful meal.  There are also handmade door prizes.  This year I made an apron and a potato steamer pouch.  I hope the recipient enjoys them.  Hopefully this week I will get my tree up and decorated...I have been so busy lately.  There is always so many things available to do during this season, so hard to choose.  We will be driving through our local botanical gardens Christmas lights display.  We walked it last year, this year those days/nights were just too cold.  So in the car we go, with coffee in hand!  I  hope you are enjoying each day of this wonderful season!
~ Melissa

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Making Applesauce

The remainder of the apples picked at Mercier's was made into applesauce.  I did leave 6 out to make caramel apples, but haven't gotten to those yet.
Washed at ready. I think each variety picked is here.

The six left out, golden delicious and cameo...YUM!

8 pounds cut up, 4 cinnamon sticks and 2 cups of water added.
When the apples were soft, I removed the skins....somewhat of a painful process  :)
Added about a cup of pure maple syrup for sweetness...Yummy!
filled eleven half-pint jars...future Christmas presents!


into the hot water bath for 25 minutes
Voile` ! 
Who wouldn't want hand picked, home-made applesauce in their stockings on Christmas morning?!?!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Happy Fall Y'all!

I saw this in a magazine...just had to try it!  Love the pumpkins!

Hubby and I drove over to Mercier Orchards a couple of weekends ago.  Picked several varieties of apples.
Granny Smith
Rome Beauty

Jonagold
Shizuka

 and Cameo

It was a beautiful day in North Georgia!  We had such a good time. The drive over is beautiful and we picnicked by the lake on the Ocoee River.  Of course, the real reason for driving over 3 hours was this...
His is peach, mine cherry...OMG good!

Friday, July 29, 2011

Still

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

My favorite verse.  A lesson I still struggle with.  Be still.  How?  I bought those sketchers a couple of years ago, you know the ones that promise a flat tummy without stepping into a gym.  HA!  I had to learn to stand still in those shoes, they are curved on the bottom.  I still struggle with standing still in them.  Be still.  How?  I have so much to do, only 24 hours to do it.  Run from room to room, forget why I entered the room in the first place.  Cross off chores from my list.  Be still.  When?  Even in my sleep I turn, wake, adjust.  Be still.  The verse is still in the Bible, still speaking to me.  I am still learning how to be still.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Day 13 - Reminds Me of My Childhood

This is a rest area between Yerington and Smith Nevada.  I spent many happy moments in this river, Walker River.  Caught my first fish here, swam on so many occasions, brought my children here.  I love Nevada!  My childhood was mountains, desert, desert streams, sagebrush, and swim team...the "desert fish".  I have a bag filled with sand and sage from this area.  After 4 years, it still smells of home!

Day 12 - Sun Flare

This was a fun picture.  Trying to get the sun, I usually get it by accident.

This is Nevada 2007, our first sunrise at my mama's.  I LOVE Nevada!  It just smells amazing!

Day 11 - Silhouette

I had to read about this kind of photography.  I found it fascinating!  This was the first shot I took on the morning of the 11th.  I tried to get my golden in silhouette...didn't work.  Either his coloring threw it off or he just moved way too much.  I do like this effect!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Day 10 - Animals

It's HOT here!  Grey is taking advantage of the shaded porch.  Why is this obviously orange kitty named Grey?!?  Goofy eldest daughter is a "Grey's Anatomy" fan.  All my kitties got old and moved on, Grey is the only feline in the house now.  She is happy with that

This is Buddy...yep a golden named Buddy.  Go figure.  I bet there are thousands similarly named goldens.  He was barking at me...probably telling me to let him inside!  He has been a good, if not huge, inside dog.

Day 9 - Fresh Fruit

Cherries are my favorite summer fruit.  When I was a kid, we had a cherry tree, my Gram Gram had two. Cherries just mean summer is here to me.
 I love a sweet watermelon!  These seedless ones are the best!
My River Fairy thinks so too!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Day 8 - Sunset

Sunset did not co-operate tonight.  This is the sunset I saw...could've cheated I supose, but the best sunset pictures I have are from 2007 in Nevada.
This was taken south of Vegas.  We were headed to Kingman, AZ.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Day 7 - High Angle Photo

My little Bug playing in the front room.  I am up in the loft taking the picture.  She is probably happy being in there, as it is not usually allowed.  I try to keep one room clean for company...rarely works...but it's not too cluttered at the moment,

Monday, June 6, 2011

Day 6 - Books

These are my favorite inspirational books.  Esther is my all-time favorite bible study! All these books cause me to look deep into myself, and immediately turn that focus on God.
I have read all these multiple times.  If I have a weekend, or a few days and I need to escape, Twilight is my first choice.  The Hunger Games is an amazing series, I hope they do a good job with the movie. My latest reads are Demon Trapper's Daughter, which I learned at the end of the book, is a series....really looking forward to the next one.  I just finished Water for Elephants a couple of days ago, so good!  I am now ready for the movie.  The Secret Garden is my all-time favorite fiction book!  I discovered it while in Germany around the age of 12.  I love this book and the Hallmark movie as well.


These are my favorite children's books.  Yep, The Secret Garden made this stack as well.  My mom bought me all the Raggedy Ann books in the 60's.  She wrote the date she bought them on the inside covers, a habit I now carry on. I did not read the Gammage Cup until I had kids, but man-oh-man, what a story!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Day 5 - Breakfast Today

My breakfast today.  Seems light, very light, but if you could've seen what we had for lunch, you'd understand!  Today was homecoming at our church, oh the food!  I made two blueberry cheesecake cakes.  Sorry, no pic, but dang they were good!

Day 4 - Clouds

One month and 8 days after the tornado, the clouds over Hackleburg are happy, puffy...non-threatening!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Day 3 - Hands

This was my first thought when I saw the daily assignment.  "Forever Hands" is what I call this pic.  Seems a bit contrived, because, well, it was.  I took a pic of our hands in March at a Braves - Phillies game, much better...he didn't even notice.  :)

This was my next thought...my granddaughter's hands in mine.  The baby really didn't want any part of this, so this really was a lucky shot!  I like this one a great deal!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Day 2 - Favorite Shoes

Barefeet!  Sans Shoes!  My favorite!  I will wear shoes, when necessary, or when I must be appropriate.  But most days, it's bare tootsies for me!
These are my favorite go to shoes.  Hubby bought them for me on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  They look great will ALL my jeans!


NOW, if I had any sence of balance, was several years younger, and had slightly bigger feet...these would be THE ONES!  Aren't they just the coolest things ever?!?!  They belong to my youngest daughter, the true shoe hog in the fam...most of her shoes have heels this tall....aahhh, to be young....and balanced!  LOL



Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Day 1 - 30 day June Photo Challenge - Self-Portrait

I truly hate pictures of myself, but I thought the photo challenge at A Feathered Nest sounded like fun.  I am looking forward to the rest of the list so much more than Day 1.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Storms

The storms came through, they left their damage, they took homes, lives, security.  My husband's highschool, 2 and a half hours away, was damaged.  Tuscaloosa, damaged.  Area's north and south of us, damaged, changed forever.  We watched, prayed, lost power, but the storms spared us.  I am thankful.  Also, in awe, of the damage wrought, by wind and water.  I see the people afterward, wanting to help, to do what is needed.  We are blessed, I am encouraged.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Simple Woman's Daybook


FOR TODAY













Outside my window...getting ready for coming storms







I am thinking...there is too much noise in this world...a good deal of it is unecessary.




I am thankful for...counting the many gifts of God...#22 daughter sharing stories about Jesus with her own daughter




From the learning rooms...patience, patience, patience....and mercy



From the kitchen...pumpkin pie leftover from Rudolph Day! YUM




I am wearing...jeans and a tee....standard and comfy




I am creating...Rudolph Day shorts...found Rudolph material, with Rudolph and Hermie...Awesome!




I am going...to be running a great deal today...*sigh*




I am reading...my bible...also going to re-read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins




I am hoping...I can find some quiet moments today




I am hearing...nick jr....someday we will grow up around here...although "Little Bear" should be on soon.  *happiness*




Around the house...clutter has taken over!



One of my favorite things...child's laughter




A few plans for the rest of the week: de-clutter; teach in AWANA; play with grandbaby




Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Monday, April 11, 2011

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY






Outside my window...clouds are gathering for storms later, birds are very noisy this morning



I am thinking...about spring cleaning, making things fresh, clean, and pretty


I am thankful for...life, trying to live each moment, in the moment


From the learning rooms...we are saved by GRACE through FAITH....it is THE GIFT of God


From the kitchen...going to try the black bean burgers Angry Chicken has posted...maybe the kids will like them


I am wearing...jammies, it's too hot and humid to be in much else


I am creating...crocheted purses that flip open to reveal baby doll bassinet...I always wanted one of these as a child.  Going to make 4, for granddaughters and niece.


I am going...to take today slowly....no rushing around, being all crazy


I am reading...One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp...slowly, very slowly...very unlike how I usually read a book


I am hoping...that we get lots of thunder, but nothing severe


I am hearing...the birds singing, a lawnmower starting, the wind in the trees out back


Around the house...there are chores to do, and they will get done...in time


One of my favorite things...being able to enjoy the morning quietly and slowly


A few plans for the rest of the week: spend time with family, slow down


Here is picture for thought I am sharing...



Thursday, March 3, 2011

A simple woman's daybook

FOR TODAY


Outside my window...The sun is shining in a very clear blue sky

I am thinking...I should be working on my bible study for this week

I am thankful for...Jesus, family, friends

From the learning rooms...we learned that Jesus taught his disciples and us how to pray...Cubbies lesson

From the kitchen...all is silent with the exception of the coffee machine

I am wearing...my jammies and favorite slippers

I am creating...dresses for Africa out of pillowcases and NICU smocks from Everything Your Mama Made

I am going...to mail box of birthing kits for project 11 of Craft Hope

I am reading...One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp, for the 2nd time read about it

I am hoping...for a nap, as granddaughter #3 kept me awake last night

I am hearing...Rhianna, daughter of granddaughter #3 is dancing with the baby

Around the house...I have too much work to do to be as tired as I am

One of my favorite things...sewing with the ladies of my church, happening tonight!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  get outside, prepare for Sunday school

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Monday, February 28, 2011

A Day with the Promise of Tornados


The whole area I live in has been preparing for severe weather for a couple of days.  The local weather man is on with their "wall to wall" coverage.  They start this as soon as there is a tornado warning in the viewing area.  They have been on about an hour.  What do I do with the promise of tornados?  Drink my coffee on the front porch, of course.  I love the breezes that come with thunderstorms!  I love the rain, the way it sounds, they way it smells!  I keep windows open as long as possible, makes the whole house smell fresh!  And of course, my wind chimes sound beautiful!

Friday, February 25, 2011

Happy February Rudolph Day!

Another Rudolph Day has come for us to enjoy!  A pumpkin pie is in the oven, Christmas music playing in the background, and I am working on ornaments for my children and grandchildren.  I did this ornament thing the first year I celebrated Rudolph Day.  I presented my one child who was actually out of the house with a box of 10 ornaments.  The other three children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews will have to wait until they have homes of their own.  However, since they have to wait, their boxes will have so much more!  I have been wanting to make these cute patchwork ornaments for a while, today is the day!  The instructions can be found in "Country Woman Christmas 2003"
on page 68

Aren't they adorable?!?!
This is the beginning of one of my versions
and this is the other

I hope y'all have a wonderful Rudolph Day!  Take time today to remember all those warm, fuzzy feelings that usually only happen in December!


Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentines Day

Such a lovely day today!  Sun is shining, it's warm enough to open all the windows.  I enjoy days like this, I can hang out on the porch, listening to the chimes my mother bought me years ago.  We all have/had them, Gram Gram, Mother, and me.  They are the sounds of our past. I especially liked Gram Gram's chimes made of obsidion needles.  Not much noise, but memories of camping at Lassen Creek take me back to my childhood.  I was 7 in the picture above. I took my kids to Lassen back in 1999, not much had changed.  I was glad!