Word Filled Wednesday

For more WFW visit AmyDeanne at The 160 Acre Wood!

Early Autumn

I was enjoying visiting around blogland today and was inspired by dear Alaura of The Cottage Rose to share some of the earliest signs of autumn we have here in SW Virginia~
First of all, if it's September, it's time to plant grass. ..and we have straw patches everywhere...trying to regain area that has been devastated by previous dry/hot seasons. Thankfully, we enjoyed much more beautiful, weather this past summer, but the grass around our yard is still struggling.

You will notice the russet reds of the many dogwoods in our neighbors gardens.

Trees loaded with berries may be heralding a cold, harsh winter to come...

My perennial daisies finally made a showing along with the rusts of the perennial mums on the wall.

With the autumn wreath on the door, and pumpkin by the chair,,,,

I wouldnt be surprised to smell a savory, cinnamony treat baking inside...

or at least a scented candle burning offering its fragrant semblance.

When we were staying in Lititz, PA a couple of weeks ago, our morning reverie was interrupted by a bevy of migrating honkers.... quite a show for this southern mountain lass.

Something Told the Wild Geese
Something told the wild geese

It was time to go.

Though the fields lay golden

Something whispered - "Snow."

Leaves were green and stirring,

Berries, luster-glossed,

But beneath warm feathers

Something cautioned - "Frost."

All the sagging orchards

Steamed with amber spice,

But each wild breast stiffened

At remembered ice.

Something told the wild geese

It was time to fly -

Summer sun was on their wings,

Winter in their cry.

Rachel Field©1957

from The 20th Century Children's Poetry Treasury, selected by Jack Prelutsky

As an elementary teacher I loved to share Ms. Field's poetry which never failed to satisfy both our scientific endeavors, and our love of the written word.

Three or More Tuesday

This morning has been such a delight! With a brisk breeze on the air, I met the girls at the track for what I hope will become a three time a week habit... that would be something for me!!!Unfortunately only after 4 times around this morning I had to call it quits due to the winds c0mplicating my sinuses... for Amanda's sake... I did make the circuit 5 times yesterday!! (Patting myself on the back!)
When I got home, the morning was just so cheery and bright, I felt an olde English mood come upon me so I brewed a bit of tea and decided on some whole wheat toast with a smear of melted butter and a dollop of marmelade... nice!

Just the treat to dabble over as I perused day three ( Chapter 3) of Beth Moore's study of Daniel. Awesome stuff, pondering scripture like

IChronicles 29: 17-18~

I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. 18 O LORD, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.
Just as Daniel and his friends chose to follow God even when it meant facing the fiery furnace, we, too, may someday be forced to make a stand for God... be tested for our loyalty and integrity before Him.

But as I sat at my cosy table and contemplated the wickedness of our world, I was blinded by the beauty of God all around me.Gazing up from my half eaten breakfast, I was enraptured by the fallish enticements that were drawing my eyes..

Across the room...

and out the windows

where my gaze lingered on the fence posts where a chipmunk chanced to scamper.

Or out the side windows

where autumn is making its great attempt to romance us with its depth of color and design.

A closer look reveals of the luscious explosion of mums dripping over the wall in their autumnal glory....

God's creation does ever remind us of His graciousness, His mercy, His lovingkindness and His wonderful sovereignty because of which we know that He is able to keep that we have committed to Him against that day!!!! Glory of God!!!

Visit The Gypsy's Corner for more TOMT!

The Simple Woman Daybook

I am so glad that Peggy, at The Simple Woman has started the new edition of the daybook for this fall.

Monday, October 28, 2009

from Carolyn's Daybook

Outside my window...it is 5:53 am and I've been up for an hour.... just can't sleep, and am hoping for a beautfiul autumn day... the weatherman seems to be agreeable today currently 54 and the high will be 72! Perfect!!!

I am thinking...goodness, me, I do have a lot of homework to catch up on... I didnt do any over the weekend.

I am thankful for...the wonderful memories I have of family and friends

I am wearing...my long sleep shirt... just can't seem to get dressed quite yet... then I'll be wearing khakis and a sweeater

I am remembering...the Daniel Crews concert we were so blessed at last night. If you click his site be sure to scroll down and listen to Where Would I Be? I love that one!!

I am going...to be meeting the girls this morning to walk the track... that always makes Amanda happy!

I am reading...September, by Rosamund Pilchur

Beth Moore's study fo Daniel

Experiencing God by Blackaby

I am hoping...for sweater weather this week... I'd love to be able to turn off the air conditioning

On my mind...i hate to admit this... but I'm praying the teachers at my subbing school just stay as well as can be and dont have to go on any teacher's conferences or anything.... I just dont want to sub anymore!

From the learning rooms...life

Noticing that...the clouds this summer and so far this fall have been phenomenal! God's creation is staggering.

Pondering these words...and trying to live by them as well... From First Place. "Just do the next right thing."

From the kitchen...yogurt with fruit and granola, fresh brewed coffee

Around the house...general pick up from the weekend and start the week's laundry... what else?

One of my favorite things~holding Lynn's hand duriing church

From my picture journal...

One of those windows is right beside Amanda's desk in her office

Pink Saturday

Happy Pink Saturday!

Some of my favorite pink celebrations from this past summer...

Mom, pretty in pink!

Delicate pinks in the garden!

Lynn, dapper in pink in Lititz, PA!

A rosy dawn toward the Isle of Skye, taken with a webcam, isnt that simply dreamy!

A luscious pink at the close of day o'er our house!

Hope you enjoyed my tribute to summery pinkness today!

Next week I'll be seeking autumnal pinks....

For more Saturday PINKNESS visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound!

Skywatch Friday

Lovely skyscape of Boston

For more beauty visit Skyley!

Word Filled Wednesday

(Holocaust Monument in Boston)

For more WFW visit Forever His!

Three or more Tuesday

Visit The Gypsy's Corner to participate in Three or More Tuesday!

As a Christian I hate to confess this but I really do have an irrational fear of bridges. I don't actually fear the bridge itself, it is that I imagine being knocked over the side of them while driving or riding across. When trip planning comes up then I am always studying the route wondering about the bridges we might encounter. I was pretty much dreading driving up to Boston because of the Newburgh/Beacon bridge over the Hudson in upper state NY! I mean I prayed a lot about my fears, and did spiritual warfare previously, but when the time actually came to travel on it, I had told my friend, Dottie, I'd call her and give her a blow by blow account of the ride across this almost 2 mile bridge. That really helped as we made our approach and I saw just how high up and long the bridge was. ...with 3 broad lanes coming and going... it was really something. Of course, there were other bridges on the trip like the old truss structure across the Potomac near Harper's Ferry, and this one across the Susquehannock near Gettysburg.

By the time we got to Boston I soon learned to know no fear, as there were bridges after bridges all around that gorgeous jewel of a city situated on the Charles River, by Boston Bay.

Some of the most charming views of the city are revealed from bridgeside. I think I really lost most of my trepidation as we rode the trolley across the Charles. Our driver was so animated with both hands retelling the adventures of Paul Revere, she must have been driving the trolley with her feet, as both hands were in the air most of the time! She was enthralling and the bridge became inconsequential.

Back and forth across so many long bridges, I atually lost count!

I actually couldnwait to go across the newest, gorgeous span right past the Garden when the Celtics play.

By the time we made our way back across the Hudson I was merrily taking pictures of the magnificent scenery!

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday

Amanda served us the most scrumptious salad made of fresh cut corn, avocado, and tomatoes. I couldnt wait to try my hand at it. So last night I fixed it to take to the P. Buckley Moss meeting where we took a dish to share at the Ronald McDonald House. This dish is a great way to utilyze those fresh veggies coming in during late summer in our area.

Corn, Avocado, Tomato Salad

3 ears of fresh corn on the corn (raw) kennels cut off the cob

1 red onion chopped

2 large tomatoes deseeded and chopped

1/2 red pepper chopped

1 green onion and tops chopped

2 avocados peeled and chopped

1/4 C chopped cilantro

( I dont like cilantro, so I used chopped parsley)

2 T extra virgin olive oil

juice of 1 fresh squeezed lime

salt and pepper to tase

I also added about 1/2 t. Splenda but the recipe I found didnt call for it.

Mix all the veggies together. In a small bowl whisk the oil, lime juice, and seasoning together.

Toss it all together and serve at room temperature. I served it with corn chips (Scoops) and it was a wonderfully, tasty side dish.

To join in the fun visit Blessed with Grace! There you'll find loads of great tempting recipes today! Happy cooking!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY September 21, 2009...

I cannot believe that autumn is finally knocking on the door! I love autumn!

...I look forward to the changing colors and season.

I am thankful for... the Lord's guidance, His perfect work in our lives... especially when we have rather made a mess of things.... He is there and when we turn to Him completely and give up the reins... He is faithful to help and make things right! Praise you, My God, my ever present help in times of trouble!!!!!

From the kitchen...today I am attempting to put together the delicious salad Amanda made for us when we visited... I'll post about it later.

I am wearing...orange tee and dark wash jeans.

I am creating... well, I didnt get along so well in the studio last week so it is still on my short list.

I am going..to be very busy with my Bible studies this fall. I love them, though... I am well into week two in Beth Moore's Daniel... amazing! I am finishing week one of Experiencing God today and have not started First Place yet. But much of the work I am doing in the other two will count toward commitments in First Place, thank goodness!

I am reading... September by Rosamund Pilchur,

the Psalms,

Book of Daniel, Beth's Moore's study of Daniel,

Experiencing God, by Henry Blackaby

First Place 4 Health by Carol Lewis

I am hoping...to really get every area of my life in balance through the studies I am pursuing this fall.

I am praying... a renewal of my mind in many areas. Oh, Lord, teach me your ways!

I am hearing...the new music I have added to my blog... I love Joshua Bell's violin! Such an amazing talent!

Around the house...again I need to focus on the upstairs and my studio in particular!

One of my favorite things... that very first cup of coffee! What an eye opener!!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Monday: taking Mom and Dad to Bible study at their church this morning, followed by a trek to the grocer, then doing some bible study on my own, preparing food to take to the Ronald McDonald House this evening to share for our P. Buckley Moss meeting.

Tuesday: Walking the track hopefully, then meeting Dottie for coffee at the Daily Grind!

Wednesday: Bible Study, church fellowship dinner and begin CLU class on Experiencing God!

Thursday: working on Bible study in the morning and attending Daniel study in the evening

Friday : Same, same, same, I suppose

Saturday: Would love to attend the Medieval faire, Highland Festival at Green Hill Park

Here is picture I thought I 'd share with you

This marvelous, beautiful church is the fantastic church amanda and joshua have decided to join... located right in front of the Massachusetts State House...

It is one of Boston's oldest and most renown churches. They are celebrating their 200th anniversary this year with such fabulous speakers as John Piper, and Ravi Zacharias. We are thrilled they have this rare opportunity to associate with such a wonderful and great Bible Teaching church and their homegroup is right near their own neighborhood. God is so awesome!!

Glory to God!!!

For more about this theme visit The Simple Woman!

Pink Saturday (Continued)

Please visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for more PS!!!!!

Earlier I introduced the theme of my Pink Saturday this week... I wish to share with you the deliciousy pink inn we so enjoyed on our return trip from Boston last week. We stopped over in Hanover, arriving late in the day and the historical section of this quaint city was well into its vespers as we drove down Broadway...the same road that Jeb Stuart of Cival War fame traveled down when he dared to shoot off a cannon right in the midst of the northern troops! What a rebel rouser that one was!

I'd love to offer this great testimonial for the Beechmont Inn, this gorgeous Georgian structure, the front standing stoically and in perfect condition considering its apparent age of over 150 years.

But we drove around back to make our entrance.... and at once were welcomed by the gentility of the gardens and verandas which offered such a friendly repose.

Our wonderful innkeeper, immediately gave us the master tour of the inn!

The great hall...

the parlor

the cosy den which I loved the cosy feel of this room with its cheery papered walls and deliciously comfy chairs!

And then the room we always enjoy most anywhere we go --the ample dining room where we knew we'd be most welcomed bright and early the next morning!

But we were exhausted and really eager to find our lodging for the evening... the outstanding Garden Gate room which offers its own entrance through the gardens out back!

Our room was bordered on two sides by luscious windows which looked out into a glorious Eden!

Every attention to detail was administered for our comfort and the beauty of the room from the amazing quilt on the bed, to the magnificent hand made tapestry on the wall.

I loved the art above the bed which didnt quite show up in the first picture

so, so charming!... and our room was connected to a cosy sitting room located at the front of the inn..

I hate to admit that I was so enraptured with the whole breakfast scene and friendly banter with the chef, that I failed to capture any shots except this first course offering...

Exquisite!!

And there is nothing quite as relaxing and genteel as taking that second cup of coffee on the veranda and allowing that hearty fare to settle a bit before heading back to the road....

A funny side note... as I sat there actually thinking about the history of the area and wondering if ghosts ever frenquented the site, I heard a friendly little 'Boo!' not once but twice. The facing house next door offered gently open windows and I assumed a nosy neighbor was making his entrance known, and when I told the chef about my experience she told me... oh, that dwelling is our local funeral home. My saucer-eyed expression belied my calm when I asked her more about it and she told me the proprietor and his sweet family with 3 young boys lived upstairs.

This exquisite example of victorianese stands sentinel out front to advertize the business at hand!

I remember thinking I was glad not to have known about this the night before or else my rest might not have been quite so peaceful!

I hope you enjoyed my Pink offering today! We certainly enjoyed being enveloped in all that pinkness last week.