Taking A Road Trip

There's no better time than now to take a nice long road trip. We're traveling north where the daytime temps are in the high 70s and the nights much much cooler. To all my friends, look for me back in "blog land" mid July. Good blessings....Dee Dee *Note...Bentley by Google Images....

Friendships

I often think of how precious it is to have good friends. This is something I don't take lightly. To keep friendships alive, I try to maintain good "friendship maintenance." Most of the time, all that is necessary is a card, a phone call or an e-mail. Sometimes it involves just keeping each other in mind. I pray for my friends and when they are in crisis, I pray even harder. In my group of friends, we seem to check on one another on a regular basis to see that everything is all right. You know, just sitting down together with a cup of tea occasionally keeps us all connected. There's nothing I enjoy any better than planning for this occasion. I'm thinking "tea party" real soon.

True Friends......

accept each other

honor each other

care for each other

hear each other's burdens

encourage each other

open themselves to each other

always, always love each other.

Be blessed today dear friends.....Dee Dee

Garden Magic......Indeed

This time of year. most of my post are about my garden. Although the weather is brutally hot, most of our shrubbery is thriving. They seem at home in the tropical climate, and are not aware of the absence of natural rain water. They do notice, however, the gardener is faithful to bring water to their parched roots each day, providing them with nourishment, a necessity for life.

Garden Magic

This is the garden's magic,

That through the sunny hours

the gardener who tends it,

Himself outgrows the flowers.

He grows by gift of patience,

since he who sows must know

That only in the Lord's good time

Does any seedling grow.

He learns from buds unfolding,

From each tight leaf unfurled,

That his own heart expanding,

Is one with all the world.

He bares his head to sunshine,

His bending back a sign

of grace, and ev'ry shower becomes

His sacramental wine.

And when at last his labors

Bring forth the very stuff

And substance of all beauty

This is reward enough.

~Marie Nettleton Carroll

Be blessed today.......Dee Dee click on photos....

Taking The Plunge

In hot pursuit of a pool ring.......

With temperatures in the high 90s, heat index 110 degrees.....a child of four certainly knows how to beat the heat. Swim lessons are really paying off. Go Bud!

Happy Father's Day

Rockwell's 2 O'clock Feeding......

I'm remembering it all. The most important decision in a woman's lifetime is the selection of her heart-mate who will be the father of her children. I suppose I believe in providence. The love of my life, the father of my three children was truly placed into our life by a loving God. "Happy Father's Day Honey.......Your the best!"

Birthday Flowers

Birthday flowers from my "Heart Mate"..............

The Sultan of Brunei hosted the world's most expensive Birthday Party to celebrate his 50th Birthday on 13 July 1996. The cost was a whopping US $27.2 Million. Three concerts featuring Michael Jackson costs US $16 Million of the total amounts.

Dee Dee's birthday celebrated at her home with family. Food prepared by Dee Dee. Birthday pie...Mango and Lime provided by daughter .....selected by grandchildren. Entertainment provided by family members and grandchildren. Consisted of ..."Pool Activity." The cost was "free." Performances included swimming underwater, retreiving pool rings and heavy splashing. Some pretty elaborate entertaining enjoyed by all. Lovely pink flowers provided by "Heart Mate."

This evening......I am feeling especially blessed....Dee Dee click on photos......

Hibiscus

This Hibiscus tree, located near our library, without any effort at all, has become resplendently beautiful. Enough said.....click on photos....

"Nail Salon Chronicles"

Each time I visit "A Nail Trap," I'm surrounded by skilled professional young women that personify, by their talent, sense of fashion, and language, what it is to be "Modern Women." They are all unique, with personalities that are conducive to the "beauty transformation experience." Although a mature woman, my time spent at the salon, seemingly transports me back to my youth...well, at least in some respects.

Yesterday, I was caught up in the salon experience. Almost immediately, I found myself actually wanting a "Hibiscus tattoo" on my back and shoulder. Hey, I could look like Angie!! How cool would that be? I wanted fuchsia colored toe nails like Devon!! "Is that your mother's same favorite shade, I asked?" Observing a young lady client, match her nail color to her pink and white skirt, I found myself wanting the same bright pink polish with tiny painted white flowers on my own hands! I decided against that however, noting that I had no little short pink and white skirt and probably never would.

As the salon talk bounced from one thing to another, the subject of "Implants" came up and we all had a good laugh about that. Sizes, shapes, needs and don't need, are things I recall hearing. And then the conversation turned to meeting guys and dating, a common subject among women. As I listened, I reflected back, once being in their shoes. I heard them discuss whether or not the guy was handsome, or did he have the same expectations for life as they did. I thought of how important these decisions were for them, and I knew how important it was that they get it right. Finding a life mate, is one of the most important decisions of life. I sat quietly and listened, wanting to say that good looks were important, but that character, faith, values, morals and commitment, were the most important of characteristics.

Then they began talking about the new "nail salon co-ed softball team." Who would play what positions? No one wanted third base. "I may get hit with the ball!" They laughed a lot recalling practice games and how Christy, although pregnant had slid into base. Ah yes, Christy, with a contagious laugh and sweet lighthearted personality. From my observations, she can make a pedicure, a life lasting memory.

I've been coming to the "A Nail Trap" for years, and look forward to the unlimited entertainment that abounds there. Devon, is my nail tech and also owner of the salon. I can tell a lot about her heart as I sit with her, talking and sharing about children and family. We even talk about politics now and then. When I told her I was going to post about her place, on my Blog, she cautioned me. "It might be best not to tell everything you heard here today, and just maybe you should use a few "Bleeps." I took her good advice......."Thanks girls for the fun post." Dee Dee

Summer Heat

We had a "BLACKOUT" last night and it lasted for an hour or so. I suppose Floridians had over-loaded the system. Typical of mid June, we are having almost intolerable high temperatures. Those of us who've lived in Florida a while, are somewhat accustomed and to some extent prepared for it. Yesterday the heat index registered in the hundreds. We were most thankful for air-conditioning, fans and refreshing pool water. Late afternoon we noticed the air conditioner was continually running at capacity and still unable to cool to the setting in place. Looking at our digital thermostat, we became aware of the power being generated and the cost that would be applied to our next billing statement. We're so thankful for modern conveniences, and I sometimes wonder how folks managed so long ago. I do have some sense of what it was like, for when first married, our only escape from the summer heat was window fans. We escaped to the lake or the beach on weekends, cooling off in the waters, along with many others. I suppose our youth back then factored in, as to our tolerance of the heat. As a matter of fact, we hardly noticed.

Heat

O wind, rend open the heat,

Cut apart the heat,

rend it to tatters.

Fruit cannot drop

through this thick air-

fruit cannot fall into heat

that presses up and blunts

the points of pears

and rounds the grapes.

Cut the heat-

plough through it,

turning it on either side

of your path.

~Hilda Doolittle

Sleeplessness

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."~Psalm 4:8

At some time in our life, all of us will experience a sleepless night. I've given this some thought, and find that the problem is not unique to any certain patterns. It matters not our age, or our gender. It happens to us and for various reasons. I remember the first time I experienced this. It was after the birth of my first child. My baby girl had colic for four months. I have a lot of sympathy for new mothers dealing with this. Most likely this contributed to my postpartum depression. But that's another subject, for another day. Sleeplessness brought on by worry, is on top of the list for cause and reasons. We have many things to be concerned about and yes, it is very worrisome. Most of us know the reasons for our insomnia , but do we know what to do when it occurs? I read an article by Dr. Valerie Saxion recently and she has some good ideas.

Q. How can different food and drinks affect your sleep?

A. The short answer is do not eat or drink too much, stay away from caffeine and sugar. Food plays an active role in when you sleep and how much you sleep.

Q. What types of food will help me sleep?

A. Throughout the day eat food rich in vitamin B. Dr. Saxion says this helps regulate sleep patterns. Herbs and teas that help with sleep include chamomile. Lavender oil diffused into the air....very good sleep agent.

Q. What types of drinks?

A. Warm milk with honey, mulled cider and lemon drinks.

Q. Should I stop eating a few hours before bed?

A. Eating too much can keep you from sleeping. A late snack should consist of something easy to digest, such as a banana or oatmeal. Dr Saxion suggest staying up at least 20 minutes afterwards, before sleeping, to avoid indigestion...that too can keep you awake.

I don't seem to have much trouble sleeping. On occasion when I have, it's usually when I've been watching the news on television, or listened to late night talk radio. Both offer too much in the way of negative stimulus. I find reading the best form of relaxation in my case. Of course the type of books I read are conducive to my well being. Nothing overly stimulating, or violent. I'm not into "Who Dun'it" mysteries. I see and hear too much of that on the news. What I read at bedtime is suitable enough, should I later in the night dream about it. The dream would be pleasant and the characters would be familiar and agreeable. I hope this helps some of you a little. I think however, most Bloggers stay up so late at night, that once in bed, sleep comes fast and quick. Be blessed today....

Along The Garden Pathway

Massive yellow shrubs and pink Crape Myrtle's along side the garden pathway.....

Pale pink Crape Myrtle's along side yellow flowering shrubs, are thriving and almost at their growing peak. Few words are needed in today's post. Descriptive words are unnecessary. Let's just say nature is doing some amazing things with pink and yellow side by side. These grow on the north side of our home. The pathway beside them was almost covered over with delicate yellow flowers. Sadly they had to be trimmed a little in order to walk the path. I love these colors together. This particular Crape Myrtle is my favorite. click on photos...

The Great Book

In regard to the great book (the Bible), I have only to say it is the best gift which God has ever given man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book. But for this book we could not know right from wrong. All those things desirable to man are contained in it. ~Abraham Lincoln

A Weathered Pier

A favorite place to walk, is along the water's edge. Late afternoon sun yields shadows in all the right places. This area, not well known to most, is my escape from the maddening crowd. It has gorgeous homes, designed in the style of the old antebellum south. The trees are massive, providing shade, allowing for much needed protection from the cruelty of the sun's heat. Yesterday I walked with my camera in hand. Through the camera's lens, my water side observations were so beautiful, even beyond belief. I walked through grasses that were tall, lush and green as I approached the gate. The air had odors of marshlands, the sun was hot and the water calm. I heard no sounds as I stood there enjoying something wonderfully and warmly comforting. For a few memorable moments, I would soak up all these pleasures, here in this place, here in this time.

"Uh, How Ya Doin?"

I posted on our new bird feeder not so long ago. I told of how we placed the feeder right close to a window, in order to see the birds without disturbing them. Much more than pleased, it has attracted a variety of beautiful birds. Sweetly satisfied, and amazed, it has been somewhat entertaining to watch and name all the different bird species. Twice during the week, I am faithful to place new seed in the feeder, and daily I place fresh water in the bath. Let's just say, I'm looking out for our fine feathered friends. AND THEN...SOMETHING DREADFUL HAPPENED! All seemed to be going well, and our little garden appeared as though it were the perfect little oasis, a retreat, a quiet escape from the heat....a stop-off for "bird refreshment." OH SO VERY DREADFUL! As the "garden keeper," I have on occasion shooed a ravenous squirrel away. Not that I don't like squirrels, but they have been known to eat all the seed, emptying the feeder in no time at all. "Is that a baby squirrel on the feeder?" I walked closer to the window and there "HE" was! Quickly, I opened the window.....I was face to face....looking into the eyes of a RAT! I was not afraid of him. I was looking into the eyes of a fruit rat, and thinking he was a "cartoon character." I thought he might have actually been friendly. He was looking at me as though he might ask "Uh, how ya doin?" Why did I think he was "Ratatouille?" I've been ruined......sigh....this is not good.

WORDS

But words are things, and a small drop of ink, falling like dew upon a thought, produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.~Lord Byron

Loveliness Is The Crape Myrtle

For weeks now, the Crape Myrtle trees have been leafing out nicely. I've noticed the small round ball shaped buds that come just days before anticipated lacy blooms. Today I see delicate beginnings that give pleasure to the senses. What loveliness is the Crape Myrtle.

Love Was Enough

Wilmethann Poole Compton my Great Grandmother....

Isaac Compton, my Great Grandfather with Elbert and Elizabeth

Each family seems to have at least one historian. In my family's case, second cousin Dennison. Denny, although in his 80s, still has a curiosity that seems inexhaustible when it comes to genealogy. I sometimes wonder who will take up the baton when he has finished with life? Today I received photos from him, of my great grandmother Wilmethann Poole Compton, and my great grandfather Isaac Compton. Both were born in Breckinridge County, Kentucky in the early 1800s. Upon receiving the photos via email, I wanted to know everything about my great grandparents. The photo of my great grandmother, known as Willi, was most likely taken on her wedding day. Stories have been told of her making her own dress for the occasion. My great grandmother's facial features seemed somewhat familiar and I realized I was seeing my mother's younger face. Grandfather Isaac, pictured with two of his younger children, looks as though this photo -op was not of his own choosing. Typical of older photos, the subjects look somewhat reserved or even a bit sad. In addition to the photos, Denny sent me a list of their eleven children. They had six boys and five girls. Abraham, Hattie, Marvin, Ollie, Ruben, Eula, Beulah, Garland, Edith, John and Elbert. (I had to reveal these beautiful old-fashioned names) This just tweaked my curiosity, and I wanted to know more. A phone conversation would only reveal a few things. Most questions were left unanswered. Perhaps I just might take up the baton one day, so future generations might know more about our family's roots, about our beginnings, who we were, and what were our contributions during the little span of time we occupied. I wanted to know much more about my great grandparents Isaac and Wilmethann, but it was not to be. I can say I feel somewhat satisfied in what I do know about them. In spite of it all....being poor farmers with several children to raise...love seemed to be enough.

Common Nonsense by Andy Rooney

Andy Rooney...the man with the infamous eyebrows.

I checked out a book at the library today, titled Common Nonsense by Andy Rooney. I like Andy Rooney and enjoy his segment on 60 Minutes. I like his sense of humor, somewhat dry but entertaining. I'm happy I decided on Mr. Rooney's book, and even happier about all the nonsense I'll put to good use in the future. If I use a little discretion, I'll impress everyone at my next dinner party. I may try table conversation about subjects like "How To Save Time." I can suggest to my dinner guest, when opening mail, slit open all the envelopes before reading anything. It takes longer to slit, read, slit, read, slit, read so it's quickest to slit, slit, slit, slit, slit, read, read, read, read, read. Save time by not reading anything in an envelope that says IMPORTANT! Andy just may have something there. I enjoyed reading about his personal ideas of saving time, when writing. He saves time by not putting apostrophes in words like "isnt," "dont," "arent" and "wouldnt." He estimates that in a 400 word letter, he saves as much as five seconds by not putting in about 30 apostrophes.

I liked the section on "Smiling." I like that he says, laughing is an extreme smile and, there's an infinite number of ways to smile. A smirk is a nasty smile. A grin is getting close to a laugh. He says the best smiles come unbidden. Your mouth just widens and, involuntarily, the corners turn up slightly. That's why smiles are so good. The best ones are unplanned. So do yourself a favor, pop into the library soon and check out Andy's book. I think you'll be pleasantly pleased with this book on interesting subjects.

Become Like A Butterfly

New Life.....Monarch Butterfly

Caterpillar-Chrysalis-Adult Monarch ButterflyHibernating Monarch Butterfly

I heard a saintly older woman speak recently, and found her comments on the butterfly fascinating. She told of how the life of a butterfly was somewhat symbolic of a Christian's path of life. When the butterfly seemingly tires of it's old life as a caterpillar, it begins a procedure that will end it's known existence. No longer is it satisfied crawling around on the ground. It dies to the old self and is born again as a new creature in life. It can now soar through the air, collecting nectar from plants in God's beautiful gardens. Butterflies are some of the most beautiful and interesting creatures on earth. Did you know that certain plants in the garden attract butterflies? They love certain flowers to feed on and lay their eggs. A favorite of mine is the Monarch butterfly. Interesting facts: the Monarch can migrate up to 2500 miles. They are the only insect that migrates to warmer climates, not able to withstand freezing weather. They like to hibernate in the same tree every year. I'm not so sure the Monarch will visit my garden this summer, but a few Milk Weed plants might at least be a temptation to some other species. So, enjoy a thought for today.....Be transformed and become like a "Butterfly."

Yes!

In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy.~ A Continual Feast

"The Sanibel Stoop"

We're packing a picnic lunch, beach chairs and beach umbrella. A short drive south from here, we're planning a road trip to Sanibel Island, Florida. A barrier island, it is a place of gorgeous beaches. I will, of course, be taking my camera along, hoping for photos of wildlife. I will be looking for birds common in the area, such as the Roseate Spoonbill (can be seen on my sidebar). Sanibel Island is world renowned for its shells. Folks all along the beaches can be seen carrying bags nets and buckets used for collecting rare and unusual shells. They can be spotted doing the "Sanibel Stoop" as they walk in that continuous bent over position. I, very soon, will be one of them......

The Palmer Method No More

The topic of good penmanship and writing in cursive came up in conversation recently. I was somewhat startled to hear that very little effort was put forth in teaching proper writing techniques in today's schools. I was told that some teachers, in fact, have completely thrown out the whole method and figured why bother. With all the students now days using computers for just about everything, I suppose the emphasis is being placed on teaching good typing skills. Why bother indeed! Why, I can think of many reasons.....at least I think I can. I still take a lot of pride in the fact that I write letters and cards using my cursive writing skills. Whatever will happen should wedding invitations need to be sent out. Proper etiquette demands writing on the envelopes. What about love letters? Shouldn't they be written in cursive? An electronic card sent via the Internet just somehow doesn't seem quite the same in regards to romance. And then, how would one ever keep a journal. Isn't part of the mystery recording one's life experiences much better, having been written in cursive. Not only a good idea, but maybe even a more dramatic style of penmanship.... calligraphy would be nice. I'm a little upset about this and find I'm having trouble adapting to putting away ideas that worked beautifully for generations in the past. I don't want to see the future generations miss out on the Palmer method of writing. One of my fondest memories, elementary school, standing at the blackboard along side my classmates, trying desperately to make my circles connect all in a row. As instructed by my teacher, I would ever so slightly slant my circles taking great pains to achieve perfection. I remember that cursive writing was a fun thing to learn. We all did our best trying to accomplish proper writing skills, eventually, developing our own personal style. When I hear about changes in the old ways, such as this, my reactions are of disbelief, and a bit of sadness. Oh well, I've had to conclude that people will still be able to communicate, and they will create their own styles, just as we did. Now isn't that all that is really necessary?

Abraham Lincoln - A Man Of Faith and Courage

Apparently more books have been written about Lincoln than about all the rest of the presidents put together.....a quote from Joe Wheeler's book on Abraham Lincoln-A Man of Faith and Courage. In the introduction, Mr. Wheeler tells of being home schooled as a child, and encouraged to become a voracious reader, to gobble up entire libraries. This is his sixty-fourth book, concentrating on two aspects of Lincoln's life story: his faith and his courage. Mr. Wheeler spoke recently about his book on Lincoln, while guest on the Dennis Prager radio program. He told of Lincoln's Second Inaugural address, and that he, Lincoln, mentioned the Bible four times and quoted scripture or references to the Bible fourteen times as he spoke. Oh, that our leaders today relied on the Word for direction. Clearly, Abraham Lincoln lived his life completely as a man of faith. While reading in the book of Genesis, he was brought under conviction....Man was created in the image of God...all men. These words from his Second Inaugural address are an eloquent portrayal of a leader shaped by faith and conviction....."With malice toward none, with charity for all;...let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan-to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."

In regard to the great book (the Bible), I have only to say it is the best gift which God has ever given man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book. But for this book we could not know right from wrong. All those things desirable to man are contained in it. ~Abraham Lincoln

This insightful book pays tribute to a great man of God.

She Would Be Barefooted

Mail BasketHarvest Basket

Jonathan Kline's Workroom

Jonathan Kline, Country Living Guild, and his baskets brought back special memories.

It's been more than twenty years now, but I still remember the first time I saw Sheila. The year was 1983, and we had just moved to Florida. Eager to make new friends,I accepted an invitation to join a new home Bible study. A guest would teach "belly dancing" of the same style performed during the Bible days. She would bring unleavened bread made from a recipe she had acquired during her travels to the middle east. That totally sparked my interest and I showed up at the Bible study home bright and early on the designated day. I rang the doorbell, the door opened and there stood a pretty young woman, my age, with long bright red hair. She was wearing unusual clothing and was barefoot. " My name is Sheila." Very shortly, I would learn that she was the belly dancer and she had brought the bread. That day, our laughter would be out of control at times, as we, mostly conservative young Christian women, tried to mimic her gyrations. Sheila was a fascinating person, with lots of stories tell. We went on to become close friends. I would learn that she was a modern day pioneer style woman. She knew how to spin wool, make yarn and produce her own clothing. She spoke fondly of having been raised in the country, of making cheese and butter, growing her own food and never wanting for anything. A lasting memory of Sheila, was her teaching me to make split oak baskets. We spent hours, days and years together sharing life experiences, laughing and weaving. I knew she was homesick for her old way of life. She and her husband bought land in North Carolina, and built a log home. One day she moved away, back to the mountains, back to her style of living, back to her roots. Now and then I think of Sheila. I remember how we talked about life, churning butter, old timey recipes. I remember how she taught me to make split oak baskets. I remember as we sat in church, bowing to pray, I would notice she would be barefooted.

Neighborhood Garden Images

Bird of Paradise....

Century Plant.....

We've had a busy day indeed. A visit planned with our grandchildren, the day began early. Swimming in the pool was at the top of the list. Although the water was a bit chilly, we very quickly adapted to the conditions and set about playing pool games. Afterwards, having two hungry little people, we dined on a lunch of favorite kid foods. Next, with no time to waste, we went on a walk of exploration around the neighborhood. Children love going for walks with their grandparents and grandparents love even more, accommodating them. Almost immediately, we came upon a gorgeous red Hibiscus plant. Camera in hand, I proceeded with snapping off a few shots, hurriedly so, for the family dog was letting me know in no uncertain terms the Hibiscus belonged to his master and I was to "step away from the yard!" We scurried on down the street , and found a nice lady planting shrubbery. Her Bird of Paradise, close to the street, was in full bloom. "May I take a photo or two of your beautiful plant?" She responded with a very friendly and positive yes, and so I did. Our next discovery was an incredibly beautiful Century plant, again close to the street and I took liberty, and snapped off another prize winning photo. Beginning with my header, the photos shown are what I call "neighborhood garden images." click on photos.....

The Heart of A Christian Woman

Today I visited Shelley's blog, a woman with a heart for God. She wrote of her life, her family, her children and grandchildren. I was completely inspired by her writing, her outlook on life, her love of family and her faith. She writes...The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything they have. I was blessed by her post today and want to share a portion of it with you. She has so beautifully written what lies in the heart of each and every Christian woman. Shelley has graciously allowed me to share her thoughts with you.

My hopes and dreams for the future.....

To live out the rest of my life peacefully and as simply as I can...to fulfill the will of God for however He leads me...to see my children and grandchildren continue to grow in body, spirit and grace, following lead from the Holy Spirit...my hopes for them is that they prosper in spirit, and health, to suffer little pain and reap much happiness for themselves and for the generations to come...that they may each work out their own salvation and spend eternity in God's Kingdom.....I desire to be a faithful child of God, a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend...I shall try to do my best, with God's help...I am what I am because of His grace and without Him I am nothing...... Shelley

Swing The Door Wide

Unless in the first waking moments of the day you learn to fling the door wide back and let God in, you will work on a wrong level all day; but swing the door wide...and pray to your Father...and every public thing will be stamped with the presence of God.~The Continual Feast