Just a Tidbit of my Style for Mosaic Monday

Tomorrow is the beginning of February, and being the true romantic that I am,.  I am always taken by details that speak romance to me,,,,  many also speak Olde World to me... for my heart belongs in the Olde Country... Britannia!  So I surround myself with details that resonant  in my heart.... I suppose my style is quite eclectic, but I love it!


Visit Mary at the Little Red House for more Mosaic Monday!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY  The last day of January 2011

Outside my window... it has been a terribly bleak and damp kind of day,  I was supposed to get out and go
,to church this morning, but I just am not feeling up to par today.    I thought maybe a day in and saying nice and warm would do me good.

I am thinking...   today is the birthday of my very dearest friend and   colleague, Pam.  She would have been 64 today, but she went to be with the Lord ten years ago...  we taught side by side for many years.... we  traveled around the Mid Atlantic together   leading reading seminars at teacher's conferences.  Planning and executing extraordinary   activities was our forte... we loved working together.  I have missed her terribly, but Im sure she is busy at work in heaven planning events  in preparation for something grand..


I am thankful for... my husband... he is a true blessing to me and our family!  I think of him more and more as Valentine's Day is fast approaching.






From the kitchen...I am moving into a fruit and veggie mode, so Im thinking a nice fruited winter salad for dinner this evening.  



I am wearing... my white turtle neck and navy slacks.  just simple and comfy.. thats on my plan for today!




I am creating...no plans for creating this week



I am reading... A Praying Life, by Paul Miller;  The Peacemaker by Ken Sande; Growing in the fruit of the Spirit, a Bible Study Series

I am hoping...to get more energy since I recently  started taking a b complex vitamin
  I have always taken the B-12 but I'm movin' on up!


I am hearing...  the romantic tunes that I love on my blog.   Hope you a re enjoying the music!




Around the house...laundry .... I can never seem to get ahead of it... and get pick up.

One of my favorite things...china/dishes...  I went to Marshall's last week and I just felt something luring me on to the housewares department.  When I arrived at that one delicious ailse... you know the one....  with all then dreamy odds and ends of china ware... there it was   the most delightful set of 6 dinner plates and 6 matching bowls.  Made in England ...Royal Stafford... for a song in price..  me,me, me!    I'll share more about it on a pater post.  But I LOVE it!!!



A few plans for the rest of the week:   Well, not much!  And it's a good thing because as I said before I just don't feel like doing much of anything!  The forecast is rain, drizzle, cold, cold, cold, miserable weather.  Too much for me to have to tackle feeling as I do so I intend to stay put!   I do have to go to church a couple times this week for studies, etc, choir practice, and a doctor's appt. to check on my eyes.. following the flashing episode for a few weeks ago.  But I intend to stay pretty close to home all week!
Here is picture I thought Id share with you :

Since we 're coming up on Valentine's Day soon I am reminded of all the people and things that I love!
For the 2011 edition of The Simple Woman's Daybooks visit Peggy here!

Pink Saturday

Happy PINK Saturday!!

I have a dear friend, Lois, who has recently been converting her monthly homemaking newsletter into  the most fabulous blog...Heart to Heart!

 Once you start visiting her blog, you will definitely want to bookmark it.  It is filled with all things lovely,  spiritual, and uplifting...  you can also move over to her other recipe blog from her home page and find many, many fabulous recipes!  She has been working very hard to get her newsletters archived and it has really paid. off.    You will want to visit her site often for refreshing and   marvelous homemaking tips and ideas.

Visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for more PINK SATURDAY!!

Skywatch Friday

This winter sunset over our house was just beautiful!

Check out Skyley for more wonderful photos!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... It is the middle of the afternoon and still well below the freezing mark! Brr it was cold getting out this morning to go to Bible Study. But the sun is shining it has been a very nice day, all in all.

I am thinking... as I look at my French manicure how much I enjoyed our visit with our daughter, Amanda. Going to get our manicures on Saturday morning was a real treat for me, and really, that is one treat I plan to continue in my old age!!

I am thankful for... all the advances in our scientific society... medicines that relieve pain, hair color that relieves that haggard look that I am trying to dispel of today! Technology and science affect us daily and I thank the Lord he cares enough to give us these things to enhance our lives in this difficult and ever changing world.

From the kitchen... nothing! Lynn is taking my friend, Dottie, and me out to dinner tonight prior to the symphony. It is our great pleasure to have Dottie with us tonight! We're going to Annie Moore's Pub for dinner!

I am wearing... I am wearing my winter white slacks and rose colored turtle neck sweater. It is so cosy, I plan to wear it tonight as well.

I am creating... a power point presentation I will use as I teach part 1 of The Praying Life this Thursday evening at church!

I am going... to be taking mom to get her pt checked in the morning and marketing for her after that. Hope any bad weather holds off until after that outing. Then it is back to the drawing board for the next couple of days!

I am reading... A Praying Life, by Paul Miller The Peace Maker by Ken Sande both of these are for bible studies at church! The Peace Maker is for our Sunday night Pastor's study. It promises to be really great!

I am hoping...that Dottie will really enjoy the concert tonight. I am basically trying to introduce her to the love of classical music. Tonight

's programme promises to be quite inspiring... tonight is the Movie Masterworks.. classical works featured in the movies.

Ravel - Bolero
Grieg - Peer Gynt selections
Rota - Bassoon Concerto - Elizabeth Roberts, Bassoon
Mendelssohn - Scherzo from A Midsummer Night's Dream
Wagner - Tannhauser Overture

I am hearing... the acapella singing of my favored group at this time, Glad. What harmony and wonderful lyrics! It sweeps me away with its perfection!

Around the house...even though there is snow in the forecast and we still have 2 months of winter ahead of us,,, I cant help but think of spring! My neighbor who recently moved here from Indiana must think that it is quite balmy here because he is outside everyday creating a new garden in his front yard...digging, laying rock.... working through the sod.... I cant help but get excited!....Right?

One of my favorite things... well, I wish it was housework...I could imagine a zillion things I'd like to accomplish... but alas, ever since I retired that is low on my to do list. I like to plan, and plan and plan but I dont seem to get things accomplished... perhaps when Lynn gets retired this year then things will change.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Monday-Bible Study and dinner /concert this evening

Tuesday-Mom to doctor and then marketing spend time on the power point

Wednesday- snow expected so a perfect time to finish up the power point and work on the specifics. I am drawing in much from other texts so that should fairly well take up a couple of days teach Thursday night

Friday- nothing... ummmm perhaps breakfast out with a friend

Saturday- prayer team- prayer in the prayer chapel in the morning

Here is picture I thought Id share with you :

Church is such an important part of my life that it seems right to put a photo of my church up

Church is not only a place of worship and learning of our Lord and Savior, our heavenly Father, God, and the precious Holy Spirit, but it is a place of fellowship and delight.


Like one year we took this road trip to the Cass Railroad in West Virginia together with the senior adults. This is our recent senior pastor whom we honored last night for his years of ministry with us!

For the 2011 January edition of the Simple Woman's Daybook visit Peggy here.

Pink Saturday

Happy PINK Saturday!!

Today is Sanctity of Life Saturday as we remember that 38 years ago today our Supreme Court decided against the sanctity of human life in favor of a woman's right to choose, hence legalizing abortion on demand... even as a form of birth control.

Historically, in 1983, President Reagan issued a proclamation creating a special day to focus on the sanctity of human life and the fundamental right to life. National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is held on the Sunday in January that falls closest to the day on which the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions were handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court on January 22, 1973.

Here are the facts:

FACTS ON ABORTION AND RELATED ISSUES

(AUGUST 2010)

Abortion in the U.S.

Nearly half of pregnancies among American women are unintended, and 4 in 10 of these end in abortion.In 2005, 1.21 million abortions were performed, down from 1.6 million in 1990, a 25% decrease. The abortion rate decreased 9% from 2000 - 2005 to 19.4 abortions for every 1,000 women between the ages of 15 and 44. From 1973 through 2005, more than 45 million abortions occurred. At current rates, about one-third of women in the U.S. will have had an abortion by age 45.

After the horrendous report that came out of the Philadelphia abortion clinic regarding the governor's ceasing of regulations of clinics throughout Pennsylvania, The American Family Association has been tracking this development and is making it very easy for us to contact our own governors to plead the case for proper state regulatory action at least to insure humane abortions in the future.

I am all for the human right to choose, but to choose responsibly... before the act of conception... for more on this topic this site has more thoughtful discussion. There is a wonderful poem written by the author of this site which demonstrates my feelings on the topic. They say now that since 1973 over 50 million babies have been aborted.

To me this is a huge sin of our nation... a sin against God for we are created in His image. How long will God sit idle before His full wrath is brought upon us,,, for God is a mighty judge of the nations. Please pray with me for those women who are thinking of and deciding now to choose abortion... pray also for the miracle of our nation repenting and turning back to God, repealing this heinous aberration, and choosing instead to value life, protect the innocent, and live wisely as before the Almighty who is faithful to forgive the truly repentant heart.

Visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for more PINK SATURDAY!!

Skywatch Friday

Is this what I will see out my front door next week?.... The weatherman says "Indeed!"

Check out Skyley for more wonderful photos!

Word FIlled Wednesday

Click here for more WFW!

The SImple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... it is Monday night and there is the threat of icy conditions come in the morning... I think it has been rather bitter cold the past few days with a hint of frozen drizzle in the air... or it could be that I am just getting older and the cold temperatures are affecting me more than usual.


I am thinking... we are approaching the 38th anniversary of Roe Vs. Wade and just how horrible it is to have lost so many innocent lives for the sake of those who demand the right to choose over the right to live... where is the justice in that?


I am thankful for... the Bible, God's holy Word... pertinent and relevant through all time,, unchangeable, infallible, and full of hope for this dying world.


From the kitchen... today I slowly stewed a lovely pound of lean beef all morning with a packet of dry onion soup, then this afternoon I added in quartered onions, carrots, and potatoes with some salt and pepper and continued a slow braise for about 90 minutes. Yum was it ever delicious!

I am wearing... well, today I wore navy slacks, khaki sweater and navy cardigan but now Im ready for bed so Im all cosy in my white terry robe!

I am creating... I went to Office Max this weekend and bought a lovely pen set that was on the clearance table and a wonderful travelogue binder. I am inspired to start a journal of my dream trip to the United Kingdom. In this journal I intend to find all types of route numbers and places to stop along our way. I plan to copy off maps and pictures of dream side trips along my journey. By doing this I may be able to better plan how long my dream trip will actually take then I can figure out where the money is coming from !

I am going... to be calling in the morning to get manicure appointments for Saturday for Amanda and I as we prepare to attend Amanda's best friends bridal shower. I love mother-daughter things like this! SO looking forward to her arrival Friday night

I am reading... A Praying Life, by Paul Miller The Christmas Sweater, by Glenn Beck

I am hoping...to put more attention and focus on my Monday morning Bible Study in First Place for Health. Ive lost my momentum in that area and need to regroup!

I am hearing... an occasional auto drive past the house tonight.. I dont think the freezing drizzle has started yet... but soon!

Around the house... I need to start to rethink the decor.... the house still retains its wintry tone and I'm thinking it's time to start thinking Valentine's Day... that always is fun because then spring is right around the corner!

One of my favorite things... music... and this week I intend to change my blog music yet again I have been completely entranced with the Acapella sound of the group, Glad!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Monday- today Lynn was off for MLK Day and we enjoyed a leisurely morning... then I had First Place Bible Study and met the prayer team for lunch at Soro. It was fabulous.. I love those gals! Tuesday- I need to spend the morning on housework and then later I'll be taking my parents to the doctor Wednesday- I need to do a bit of Bible Study and organizing around here and then we have dinner at church and Cary's Bible Study Thursday- choir and Women's Thursday night Bible Study on prayer in the evening. Friday Amanda comes for the weekend! YAYAYAY! Saturday- manicure and shower dinner here with the family Sunday- hopefully take Amanda to church to meet our pastor before she will have to leave us... a world wind trip home but ... I'll take it!

Here is picture I thought Id share with you :


Just a few inspirations for Valentine's Day at our house
For the 2011 edition of The Simple Woman's Daybooks visit Peggy here!

Pink Saturday

Happy PINK Saturday!!

I have a very special friend on Facebook that I met about a year ago.. his name is Ivan and he lives in Ulricehamn, Sweden. He is retired and enjoys walks around his village and visiting the beautiful lake near his apartment. He spends much of his day meeting other new friends on Facebook and spreading wonderful good cheer and God's blessings. This Christmas he sent me this beautiful Swedish Christmas card.


The poem translates as follows:

Peaceful Holidays
When Christmas day morning, glimmers
I want to go into the stables
The son of God in the world
there rests.

Welcome here, Jesus
with peace and goodwill!
You are the King of the world
Which gives us the light and peace.
What a joy it was to my heart to receive this very special card from my friend.
And then, just today I received another lovely note from Ivan, via email. This included this beautiful photo he took near his home. It just blessed my heart as Im sure it will bless yours! And it is perfect for Pink Saturday!


Visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for more PINK SATURDAY!!

Skywatch Friday

"It is deep January. The sky is hard. The stalks are firmly rooted in ice."
- Wallace Stevens, No Possum, No Sop, No Taters



Check out Skyley for more wonderful photos!

Word Filled Wednesday

Click here for more WFW!

Ruby Tuesday

For more Ruby Tuesday visit our host, Mary.. Always a blogging treat to visit her site!

It has been delightful to just get back to lighter fare in the new year!

I love a ruby red grapefruit... cold.... tangy.... full of zest! A great way to start my morning!

The SImple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it is below freezing... the sun has just gone down and we're gearing up for a wintry mixed bag of precipitation... I believe we dodged the big bullet that has crippled the south and appears to be basically skipping over us to regroup and douse the NE tomorrow. But we may get something tonight


I am thinking... it is strange how we put so much attention on the weatherman's predictions,, when the outcome is usually way off the mark. This time we may then actually get a foot of snow by morning. I really dont think they know for sure what we will get!


I am thankful for... that our God is faithful... what He says in His word, The Bible, we can count on 100% of the time.


From the kitchen...since I was not home much at all today, Lynn graciously brought Chinese take out to us for dinner.... can't beat that! I love my Yu Shaing Pork!


I am wearing... grey slacks, white button down shirt and navy cardigan sweater.

I am creating... my notes from which I will be team teaching the Bibles Study on the book, A Praying Life which we will begin in Women's Evening BS starting later in the month.

I am going... to be taking mom and dad to the doctor tomorrow and then mom again on Thursday. I am praying she will finally get the relief form her pain through the doctors ministrations. This time she is receiving a spinal tap! Yikes!

I am reading... A Praying Life, by Edward Miller The Christmas Sweater, by Glenn Beck

I am hoping...that Lynn doesnt end up having to work the snow event predicted for tomorrow.

I am hearing... traffic as folks are coming home from work... it's that time and Im sure those are happy cars... almost home from a hard start of this second work week of the year!.

Around the house... more laundry... that never ending chore that drains my life's blood.. I really dont enjoy it at all. But also it is wonderful to have reclaimed my living room and put all the decorations away.... so I can reestablish my Secret Place where I go to meet with the Lord and read my Bible.

One of my favorite things...I am very excited about my little Christmas present I bought myself... 2 dvds ---2 seasons of a BBC series, entitled The Monarch of the Glen. I love the refreshing storyline and the best part is the exquisite scenery shot in and around Scotland. What a treat to view it!

A few plans for the rest of the week: nothing new to report.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing:


During Christmas while the kids were here we were able to take them to our favorite Chinese restaurant on a very cold and windy evening. Soup was the perfect way to begin our meal to take the chill off.

Amanda looks delighted to be there as we were all! Yummy!


For the 2011 edition of The Simple Woman's Daybooks visit Peggy here!

Pink Saturday

Happy PINK Saturday!!

I have been having a hard time thinking of something pink to share today so I glanced back at January 2009 to see what I shared 2 years ago
and I was somewhat taken back becasue I had been thinking aboput how it was soon going to be March and our aniversary would be fast upon us so I uploaded photos of the previous anniversary stay at the Oaks Victorian Bed and Breakfast.

Even though the inn itself was a charming yellow victorian home, our room was deliciously decorated in many tones of pink!

Now the reason this shook me is because I've been thinking today a lot about how its about time to be choosing a new bed and breakfast for our anniversary trip.

You can almost always expect some pink in a romantic b&b. In Lexington, it was the wonderful strawberry soup!

In Lancaster, you'd better believe it will be the gorgeous gardens!

IN Warwick, NY it is the elaborate place setting and food!

WIlliamsburg offered us the most exquite china ware in many shades of pink!

Our room in Lynchburg delighted us with pink accents!

Hanover, PA didnt actually offer any pink, but my dear sweetheart made up for it!

Hope you liked my pink offering. Im off now to plan our 2011 trip! You have a Happy Pink Saturday!

Visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for more PINK SATURDAY!!

Marking Time

This afternoon I was visiting around blogland and came upon a favored site entitled Hospitable Pursuits and my interest was piqued by her post on marking time. I got to thinking about how very dependent I am on my calendar. My goodness, don't ever let anyone tell you that retirement is boring.. I am much more busy now than I ever was when I was working full time it seems. My calendar fills up before the end of the first week of a month usually. So I thought I'd share just a bit about my January calendars. Like most folks I used to enjoy going shopping for just the right calendar that would encourage me every month of the year, but now it seems we receive so many nice calendars in the mail, there is hardly a reason to dole out cash for a new one. I created this collage of just the calendars that my husband has brought to me this year. He has many more in his office.

Just by looking at this at first glance I made up my mind in a jiffy which one I would choose every year to actually hang by my desk. And it's/not even a 2011 calendar, but the wonderful one that Amanda made up for us in 2009 of photos of her and Joshua, which you see center front... the others are ones that I just piled onto the shelf... you see at my desk I really only use the online google calendar which is synched to my ipod which I love so I dont actually need a calendar by my desk... oh,, but what's that?
Let me zero in on that one there at the top left!

This one is my life line.. the one I carry in my purse and whenever appointments are made or events are planned, breakfast dates with my friends... these very important dates are at first planned on my handy pocket calendar...

If I lose this one, well, I'd really not be very happy if I lost it! So on the host blog when Lisa asked her reader (me) if I considered myself a calendar girl? Id have to answer an unequivocably, "yes, indeed!" My days are ruled, organized, and dependent on a my $2.49 pocket calendar!

Skywatch Friday

This is our forecast for the next several days...snow. snow. snow!


Check out Skyley for more wonderful photos!