A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, Monday, October 20, 2008.

Outside My Window... Quiet… there is no breeze on this chilly day

I am thinking... that facilities turns on the heat, so that we can warm up!

I am thankful for... my space heater

From the kitchen... Strawberry Kool-Aid, which I somehow got all over my fingers when I was making it! That stuff STAINS!!!

I am wearing... autumn colors!

I am creating... this blog

I am going... to the pet store after work… we’re out of dog food

I am reading... “The Shack”

I am hoping... for a smooth and easy week

I am hearing... Chitter-Chatter down the hall

Around the house... Ben, our male Newf has a hotspot… and must go to the Vet.

One of my favorite things... Reading a good book during breakfast, which I didn’t get to do today because we were running late!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: To the Vet with Ben, and to the Knee Doctor with Mom.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...(add your picture here) This is my Mom, who had surgery last week. It was rough going, but she is doing ok.

I used to be a "Mall Aficionado"... but in recent years, my need to shop shop shop has faded into a glimmer of what it used to be. I may get to "the mall" once or twice a year. I do shop at other areas, but going to "the mall" at any time, let alone a weekend is not something I want to do. However, I had to take the plunge today... my sister's birthday is this week and the gift she asked for is only to be found at "the mall".

And so I went. I parked in my regular area... near the lower level of Elder Beerman's near Macy's. I wandered in, and around the mall, avoiding aggressive cell phone salesmen. I found the gift I was there to buy, and I got myself a pretzel and soda. It was time to escape, and I headed back to Beerman's. Again, I avoided cell phone salesmen, sneered at the Pet Store selling puppies, and wandered into Beermans.

I found the exit to the parking lot and went out. It didn't look right, so I went back in and headed to the other exit. Again, it didn't look right. There was JC Penney's next to Beermans in this portion of the lot. I began to doubt my memory... perhaps I had parked here. But no.. my Explorer was nowhere to be found. It was easy to look... most other cars are smaller hybrid types, so my green dinosaur is easy to see. I wandered back into the store, seeking out a third exit.

By now, I was feeling disoriented and a little more than concerned. I was also reminded of the Seinfeld episode where Seinfeld, Kramer, George and Elaine can't find their car in a mall garage. It took them all sorts of mishaps, and they finally found the car hours later. This episode has always made me laugh, but I was not laughing this afternoon. Not finding a third exit, I wandered back in to the mall, and that's when I noticed the store sign. "Elder Beerman for Her". Hmmmm.... 'For HER?' I wondered what in the world was going on!

Finally the fog in my brain began to clear and I started figuring things out. This "Elder Beerman for HER" is new... it used to be Parisienne.. which must have closed.... so I wandered back through "FOR HER" and into mall... and after a long walk... again dodging those very annoying and tenacious cell phone salesmen, I found the "other" Elder Beerman and was soon gazing across the parking lot, filled with small hybrid types, and YES, my green dinosaur of a vehicle.

Road Roage

(I did not write this... I received it in an email earlier today but I think it's got a very good message... feel free to share!!!)

A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard.

Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him.

He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red-light by accelerating through the intersection. The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer.

The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects. He said, 'I'm very sorry for this mistake. ‘

You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Choose Life' License plate holder, the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper Sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk. Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car.'

Tintern Abbey

These pictures are of Tintern Abbey, which is located in the Southern Wales' Wye River Valley, which is located in the United Kingdom. They were taken on our Honeymoon in May, 1994. We toured all over England, Wales and Scotland, and it was an amazing trip! I will be sharing other pictures and thoughts in later blogs. I chose to start with these pictures, because something happened to me during our visit at this historic Abbey.

As we walked around, taking in the gorgeous scenery, I became aware of a great sadness. This place touched me as no other religious site had. It was inconceivable to me that such a beautiful place of worship could be destroyed so ruthlessly. I found my self wondering about the people who inhabited this Abbey at the time it was destroyed. I wondered about the pain they must have felt, and wondered what became of them. Of course, my mind was soon focused on the marvels from the rest of our wonderful trip. Yet, Tintern is the first place I think of when I reminisce about our honeymoon. Tintern Abbey was founded by Cistercian monks in the 12th century. It "fell" to King Henry VIII's men in 1531. A better account of the history of Tintern Abbey can best be read by visiting this site:

I had had similar feelings as we toured St. Paul's Cathedral in London. It survived the German's bumbling blitz during WW2. While touring St. Paul's the docent shared stories about how volunteers climbed up into St Paul's large dome, prepared to extinguish fires during the nightly bombings. At the end of the war, St. Paul's had prevailed, and stood proudly.... distinguishing London's skyline with it's magnificent dome even today. St. Paul's had a profound effect on me, but it was nothing compared to the reaction I had at Tintern Abbey.

I think perhaps, that it's something to do with the vicious destruction of God's House. And how, some of God's Houses can withstand war, devastating hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes, while others cannot. Tintern Abbey obviously did not "survive" in it's original state. Yet, it still stands, and it is still majestic... and it still is a place where there is a strong feeling of God's presence. There is no doubt that He is there.

While having dinner a week or so ago, he shared photos that he took on a recent trip to Germany. There were pictures of very old churches in both Berlin, and Dresden, all of which had with had survived the bombing during WW2. What an amazing thing. I found myself gazing at the pictures... realizing that this was awakening something in me. An awareness of the power of God.. the power of God's love. And again I pulled out the pictures from our honeymoon and gazed at my photos of Tintern Abbey. It was destroyed. Or was it? Yes the place is in ruins. But as I've already said, God's love is there. The lesson, I think is that God's love prevails. Bricks and mortar can being torn down... but God's Love cannot! And to that, I say "Thanks Be To God!!!"

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, October 13, 2008

Outside My Window... leaves flicking in a gentle breeze. Some are golden and some are still green.

I am thinking... about work related issues… planning for an event at the end of the month, and another early in December.

I am thankful for... the wonderful weekend I had… Russell and I had a wonderful time together and I had a good visit with my Mom.

From the kitchen... tee hee… nothing I am afraid to say, yet I do need to start making some suet for the birds!

I am wearing... A green blouse and black pants

I am creating... Beaded jewelry for my sister’s birthday…

I am going... lunch soon with my husband!

I am reading... An amazing book titled “The Shack”. It’s written by Wm. Paul Young, and is the tale of a man’s journey in Faith , and in meeting God. Please read it…. It will move you in such an amazing way!

I am hoping... that my Mother’s surgery on Friday goes well.

I am hearing... a lawn mower, and leaves scraping along the side walk.

Around the house... Doggies sleeping, and letting us know that they are so glad to see us when we get home.

One of my favorite things... The smells on a crisp cool autumn evening.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Puppy Class, Mom’s surgery.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... (the necklace I made for my sister's birthday gift):

Connecting with my Dad...

There are times, when something very unexpected will happen, and I am suddenly connected with my Dad in an incredbly intimate way. My Father passed away 25 years ago on October 3, 1983. It's staggering to think that he's been gone so long! He was, incredibly vibrant, and passionate about both his likes and dislikes! Birding... or birdwatching as he called it, was one of his dearest passions... and one that I came to appreciate many years after he had been gone. I like to think, that he still shares this with me.. and I am using his beloved binoculars to this day. It's as though, our eyes are looking together, at the wonders that Mother Nature allows us to see.

And so, last night, as we were driving to our favorite Thai restaurant, I was gazing out the window, chatting with Russell, listening to the radio. The evening was pretty... not too warm, not too cool. The sun was beginning to setting in the west. Leaves are changing to the bold bright colors that autumn brings, and it was so easy to enjoy the view. As we crossed a bridge over a small lake, I looked along the shore for herons.. and then I saw it! I saw the unmistakeable silhouette of a belted Kingfisher. I didn't have my camera, and even if I had, I wouldn't been able to capture the shot! It was perched on a branch over the water, silhouetted perfectly against the setting sun. I could make out it's crown and distinctive bill. It's been so long since I've seen one so clearly. I told Russell but he was driving and didn't get a chance to see it. But I did... and I know that my Dad did. It was a tiny moment... one so brief.. and so very special. I was... during that moment, connected with my Dad, once again. Thank you, God... for this gift.

Click here for: photo source

A Simple Woman's Daybook

This neat idea was started by a woman named Peggy. You can see her page, as well as others by clicking this link: The Original Simple Woman's Daybook.

Here is my second entry in my version of: "The Simple Woman's Daybook":

FOR TODAY: Monday, October 06, 2008...

Outside My Window... a big maple tree, with leaves just starting to look a bit yellow

I am thinking... of all that I wish to accomplish today

I am thankful for... the wonderful weekend we had and for the powerful message I got from yesterday’s Mass

From the kitchen... sadly, some dishes waiting to be done are waiting for me

I am wearing... Layers… it’s chilly this morning but will warm up this afternoon…

I am creating... this and a couple of other blogs

I am going... to see my Mother tonight

I am reading... “8 Sandpiper Way” by Debbie Macomber… actually I’m almost finished

I am hoping... that politics can be kept out of my workplace… I am alone in a sea of those with opposite thoughts… and feeling a bit lonely and woeful.

I am hearing... the 10 O’Clock Chapel bells tolling

Around the house... a raccoon ambled it’s way down our driveway this morning as I was out with two of our dogs. Our “old girl” Cora took off after her…. It was good to see her move out so quickly. And it was even better that I was able to call her back to me!

One of my favorite things... The changing of seasons, Autumn is my favorite

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: A belated birthday dinner with my Mother Inlaw

Here is picture thought I am sharing...(Cora on her birthday a couple of years ago.. she’ll turn 11 at the end of this month.)

Dogs In Heaven??? Church Sign Debate

This is a "church sign" debate, being played out in a Southern town, between a Catholic church and a Presbyterian church. The signage from top to bottom shows the original , then responses and counter-responses over time. Someone at the Catholic church has a pretty good sense of humor...but I get the impression that the Presbyterians are taking this way too seriously. Enjoy!!



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