Celebrating Green!

Yesterday I finally got around to  working on the sunroom.  There were  still  wintry  items    that needed to be  put away.  Sad to say  now that we have no one coming to see us  I  get  pretty  bad about keeping the house in  proper order.. The sunroom   just wasn't calling to me at all.  But the gorgeous greens from outside were..So many shades of green at this time of year!

No matter  which direction one looks...
 
As the trees  come out each one  is adorned in its own verdant hue!



So I can't help but    bring out the green transferware!

Johnson Brothers,  The Fruit Basket pattern.

Last year  I used it to celebrate St. Paddy's Day.  but this year,  we missed that  and  the opportunity to celebrate our wedding anniversary in March!

So  now  to celebrate 'Green"  
 I set the table for tea for two!




I am still looking for the scone recipe,    but Im definitely making scones   this afternoon!!  

Table Scape Thursday

Thursday Favorite Things

Wordless Wednesday ~ Social Distancing on Sunday

Click here to return to host!

Wednesday Hodge Podge

Hosted by Joyce!

1. What's something you resolved to do this year? Have you done it? Late last year I  accidently tore both meniscuses   and  went to therapy,  then it was Christmas and  I got so caught up in feeling better and  doing  things-  especially visiting our  daughter and the kids  that I failed to keep up with my exercises.  Lo and behold,   during my visit my left knee went out big time and I could barely walk. So as I  entered 2020  I was  still  trying to get going again.  I ,finally,  was cleared for more therapy  the first of Feb  and, lo and behold, I developed shingles and had another 6 weeks  to wait for therapy.  Then with only a few  sessions left. this virus disrupted  my  attempt to get  over my leg problems..  I am still working on that resolution to get  back into good walking shape, so I have  kept up with  the exercises,  but  I still have a ways to go!  So far 2020  hasn't been my favorite year. and  I thought I was dreading it because it is my 70ith year!  Well, that is coming up  pretty soon.  I am declaring  it will be a good turning point for me!!

2. Where do you go to find quietude?
I used to love to  take  spiritual retreats.. I would  rent a plae in the mountains by a mountain stream,  or  a condo at the lake..  It seems that  water is a spiritual thing for me.. something  between Jesus and me!

3. A friend asked this question on her Facebook page and said I could borrow it for the Hodgepodge...you're only allowed to buy 5 things at the grocery store, and all must start with the first letter of your first name. Whatcha' buying?  chocolate, dried cherries, chicken, carrots, cashew butter

4. The television show Survivor, the Gloria Gaynor song 'I Will Survive', survival mode, survival of the fittest...pick one and discuss.I suppose survival mode..   because I really do not relate to any of those others!   I think  this has been a time of  digging into  the depths of  ourselves  toward  survival mode.  I have done a bit of thinking  lately,  like, what if  we do  sink into a deep depression... I remember the stories of my mom and grandmothers.  They all lived on   big farms and still suffered  the effects of the depression..  Then I think  we  are completely  unable here to   grow enough food for our sustanence.  I think about our location here,  not that  it is an unsafe neighborhood  but  survival mode  also  can criminalize many to take anything for their own survival.  Which  then makes ke think  how would we protect  anything we tried to grow for ourselves.  It is at that point that I just start praying 'Come Lord Jesus!'

5. Share a favorite quote or saying about strength.
Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Tuesday 4

Pet Questions

Welcome to Tuesday 4 kept in memory of it's creator, our friend Toni Taddeo.

Hosted by Ann!

Today's subject is  pets

1. What is your pet peeve of the month, year, lifetime?I  would say the pet peeve of the month is this uncertainty in what to believe or think about  what is actually going on in our nation!  I tend to  be mostly peeved because I believe it is  not  a good place to be and I'm not talking about the virus! The Peeve of the year is  that because of what is going on we have been knocked out of our trip to Ireland this summer.  Something  we had planned for a year!  My lifetime pet peeve is  anytime someone I really  put my faith in,  be it family or friend,   doesn't live up to expectations or responsibility.  For example I have a couple of lifetime friends  who when we plan in advance  to meet  for a good purpose, lunch, talk about an important topic, etc   when something better comes along they cancel...  grrr!

2. Do you have a pet? Tell us about your pet? No, but if I did it would be a Westipoo... 

But Hubs isn't for it at all so   that is that!

3. What are some pet projects in your life?

I am at the stage where  I don't really have any more..except to  be thinking abut downsizing and getting our home on the market.. but now with this  situation,  we don't really know what to do.. But it still won't hurt to  keep getting rid of stuff!  To get ready!

4.  Do you feed the birds or other animals in the wild? We do feed the birds  from our feeders and we put out meal worms for the bluebirds!

Music that Moves Me ~~Questions

Music that Moves Me

This week we are celebration music that begins with Q!

Hmmmm!

The first and best I remembered was one that my college roommate and I played over and over.. best group of the late 60’s and 70’s!

Happy Homemaker Monday

Into my fourth week of quarantine...  and   except for going to the drive in service last Sunday and a  small ride while out to  buy gasoline, I really haven't been anywhere.  I am gtting a bit concerned because I have   dental,  medical, and eye appts.  in early May.  I  really  do need  them all  for new  meds prescriptions.  I  surely do hope  the restrictions ease up  by then..

Welcome to Happy Homemaker
hosted by Sandra!

What is your weather:::
The forecast looks good,  but    today it is  cool and rainy.. so  not that great after all.  I'm not fussing though.  We didn't get any snow  this winter and  the rain  is  great.  Things are looking  very good   and green.  I hope  it will be a  nice fertile  summer  and not  dry and  sere like  some  summers in our  recent past!

How I am feeling this morning~

except for  pretty bad allergies, I'm doing well..Maybe the rain will  wash a bit of the pollen away.  I am so anxious to  clean the porch and set it up for nice  morning coffee and  and breakfast on the porch!  But not until the pollen is gone!

On my mind~

I have so any assignments  rolling around in my brain.  Sunday Scbool  reading,.... studying  the book of James and Judges,  as well as,  for  an intercessory prayer group I  am in  we're  studying Joel  and  Malachi. 

On the breakfast plate~

Hubs made his  delicious coffee and fruited yogurt this  morning.
He is the best!  God bless Him so much..!!!  This may sound  repetitive to  you,  but to me it is  the dearest part of my day!

On my reading pile~

Just like last week!

The book of James, in association with an online study of James by Jen Wilken!We are  getting back to our Sunday School study of James  through our  Sunday afternoon Zoom meetings!

NOw we are back to Judges  for church  and   of course as stated above.  I am studying Joel and Malachi for my prayer group.

On my TV~

When Calls the Heart
Call the Midwife
We watch a bit of  Create TV  a PBS sttaion on cooking and crafts.. 
Baking competitions
Home shows

On the menu today~

Beef stew, salad and cornbread
Cinese stirfry and rice

Spaghetti
left overs

From the camera~

Peonies from our peony tree

What I am  listening to:

Chore I'm not looking forward to today or this week~

Putting clothes away and  continue  packing away  winter  and  organizing  warm weather clothing
Also, bagging up more  items for the  church yard sale  when ever it may be.  I did get that china set boxed up  yippee!!!

To relax this week, I will~

Sit by the fire,  sip tea, and  do some of that reading

On my prayer list~

Our president for protection, wisdom, courage, strength of body, clarity 

For our government for transparency, truth, justice, and doing the jobs they were sent to do! Guide them in the continuing decisions  they need to make to protect the country and  our economy.

For this coronavirus to stop  in its tracks and not spread any more...  Lord, protect the elderly and those  in compromised health situations. Protect the health providers and the families where  the virus  is bringing suffering. And Father, speak to the hearts of those who refuse to take this seriously and refuse to
stay home.. Not counting the many who necessarily must be out and about..  but those who in rebellion choose  not to...  They are  not only putting others at risk, but are prolonging the  time of the virus! I pray that this week we will begin to see a decline in the number of deaths and  the numbers o f healed will increase in Jesus name!.
Thank you for the front line folks who are helping to stem the tide of the virus.   Medical staff,  ENt's,  janitors,  custodians,  food providers and  servers,   truck drivers who are     tirelessly trying to g et supplies to those who need them.. any who are    on the front lines  who face off with the virus  on a daily basis!  Protect them, Father!

For those I know and don't know who are suffering with debilitating and worse conditions and sicknesses.. for healing, strength, perseverance, find the joy in their suffering.. especially my dear friend, Jan, who now daily must brave going into the hospital everyday alone (without her husband) for radiation.  how daunting to be so compromised  Praise God, she is half way through these treatments!  Jan is doing so well.  I dare not forsake our praying.  She does lean of God every day for her healing for the strength to do what she must

The lost in these divers places 

For God's mercy to hover over the earth and give people rest and the forbearance to continue to persevere in their trials and testings! 

Devotional/Bible Verse~

My Help and My Deliverer

Psalm 40

I waited patiently for the Lord;

    he inclined to me and heard my cry.

2 

He drew me up from the pit of destruction,

    out of the miry bog,

and set my feet upon a rock,

    making my steps secure.

3 

He put a new song in my mouth,

    a song of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear,

    and put their trust in the Lord.

4 

Blessed is the man who makes

    the Lord his trust,

who does not turn to the proud,

    to those who go astray after a lie!

5 

You have multiplied, O Lord my God,

    your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;

    none can compare with you!

I will proclaim and tell of them,

    yet they are more than can be told.

6 

In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,

    but you have given me an open ear.[a]

Burnt offering and sin offering

    you have not required.

7 

Then I said, “Behold, I have come;

    in the scroll of the book it is written of me:

8 

I delight to do your will, O my God;

    your law is within my heart.”

9 

I have told the glad news of deliverance[b]

    in the great congregation;

behold, I have not restrained my lips,

    as you know, O Lord.

10 

I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;

    I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;

I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness

    from the great congregation.

11 

As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain

    your mercy from me;

your steadfast love and your faithfulness will

    ever preserve me!

12 

For evils have encompassed me

    beyond number;

my iniquities have overtaken me,

    and I cannot see;

they are more than the hairs of my head;

    my heart fails me.

13 

Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me!

    O Lord, make haste to help me!

14 

Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether

    who seek to snatch away my life;

let those be turned back and brought to dishonor

    who delight in my hurt!

15 

Let those be appalled because of their shame

    who say to me, “Aha, Aha!”

16 

But may all who seek you

    rejoice and be glad in you;

may those who love your salvation

    say continually, “Great is the Lord!”

17 

As for me, I am poor and needy,

    but the Lord takes thought for me.

You are my help and my deliverer;

    do not delay, O my God!

Sunday Stealing

    Hosted by  Bev Sykes. . 

   Welcome to Sunday Stealing. 

Quirky Questions from SwapBot

1. Did you become what you wanted to be when you grew up? Are you happy with your choice?I always wanted to be a teacher and I set about doing just that!   I loved my vocation!  But glad I am not doing it these days..  It just wouldn't be the same... in many ways!

2. Did man really go to the moon or was it a publicity stunt? I think he really went to the  moon.. That is one conspiracy theory I just do not beleive.

3. Given the opportunity to change one major aspect of your life (i.e. career, relationship, family) with no guarantee of the outcome, would you take the chance? Why?  That is something I have pondered  in my life  on several aspects, and I came to the same conclusion.  I did exactly what   I was supposed to do and I love the outcome in every case!

4. Does money buy happiness? Not really.  There are things that if I buy them they make me happy,  but that is a temporal happiness. Lasting happiness is not  a commodity  for sale. It comes by the Providence of God, through many and varied channels!

5. What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?Go to the bathroom and   get a nice  glass of cold water  to take my  maintenance meds.  Then I get back in bed  to  get ready to watch  Leave it to Beaver.. My favorite morning habit!  Hubs brings me my coffee!

6. What are we going to do when we run out of room to bury the dead?I really  dont worry about it to care.  Actually, I do not think tht is possible!

7. What is your greatest fear? Why? Is it rational or unreasonable?  I have been know to suffer fear  of various kinds over my life... thankfully, I have worked through them and  for the most part they       are a thing of my past.  Life is too precious to spend it in fear!

8. How do you feel about the exploitation of your private data in the digital age? Does it ever cross your mind or are you hyper-aware of the risks?I am aware and  I am more careful   about things now than I have been,  but then I suppose there are areas  that I could be more careful..I certainly do not want to have my Id stolen,    but I  can't fixate on that either.  

9. You can be forgiven one debt. What is it? If you don’t have debt, then how did you do it?My husband had  one very important tenet about living. Never go into debt  in the first place..  We  do  charge things during the month and pay it off at month's end.  We  did go into debt to buy our home,  but we paid it off quickly by  paying as much down each month a we could spare.  It  worked great for us!  In my family  you'd probably say we live in the most modest home..  and we like it that way.   Everyone else we know still owes a ton on their's!

10. Hot or cold? I used to  be  very hot natured.. As I get older  that is doing a flip flop!

11. What is your favorite thing in the world (aside from family, friends, pets)? I love to  change up the decor in my home.. usually   keeping everything major  alone,  but    doing various treatments with  color, seasonally,  as I get to use my  collections of varied colored transfer wares..  That is   my one  weakness. I love to collect various colors of transfer ware  dishes  and only from England!  Right now the dining room hosts  tones of aqua!

I am now in a  phase of planning  a green room  to accent to  beauty of the green trees  outside our windows!

12. You have to give up one of your five senses. Which one would you go without?

I suppose speaking.. an bridled tongue can get me in trouble anyway!

13. Do you believe everyone has a doppelgänger?

I have seen people who do resemble me  in my life..  so I supppose it isn't out of the realm of possibity!
14. Likewise, does everyone have a soulmate or is it just a matter of proximity and circumstance?
I do think  Hubs is my soulmate..  God brings soulmates together!

15. Imagine you have a theme song that plays every time you enter a room. What would your song be?

The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music, as I waltz into a room,  twirling my skirt in a most grandiose gesture!

Pink Saturday

I see Pink all over this...    new life  coming!

Pink Saturday

Saturday 9

Welcome to Saturday 9. Hosted by Sam!

Saturday 9: I Don't Care (2019)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song begins with Ed Sheeran admitting he's not enjoying the party he's at. What's something you have to do this weekend, but don't want to do?

Hubs is determined I go out for a walk today, but my allergies are screaming"NO!"

2) Justin Bieber sings about trying to have a conversation at a party. Have you seen any of your social gatherings cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic? All of our wonderful church gatherings, of course, were cancelled so we found Zoom, but let's face it . Zoom is fantastic, but not that personal.. We didnt get to meet with the cousins for dinner in March, nor will we in April. My prayer sista's havent gotten together.. and we were planning a National Day of Prayer event at church on May 3rd, but I'm sure that won't go either... We were deep in the throes of planning a fund raising church yard sale and things have kept being delivered from the community, but that is May 16 and I am sure it will have to be changed.

3) Both Ed and Justin conclude that this party -- and everything else -- is okay because they're with the ones they love. Who in your life always makes you feel comfortable and content?Aside from dear Hubs, my family is rather far flung.. Of course , our daugher , SIL, and grands live 7 states away, but we do a lot of facetime!!! Thankfully!! I am comfortable with all my church friends and family! Miss them in that more familial aspect. We prayer sista's are very close.. none of us have actual sisters so we made a sista pact years ago! My sweet cousin, Pam, who lives in NC called this morning and she and I are very close..But we do not see each other very other! But when we do.. it is awesome!

4) Ed and Justin have both appeared on The Simpsons. Are you a Simpsonsfan? nope

5) Speaking of animation, Ed Sheeran has said that he'd love to do a Disney soundtrack, like Elton John's Lion King. Do you have a favorite Disney movie? Little Mermaid and Belle, probably because Amanda and 'grew' up together with those two...

6) Justin Bieber is fluent in French, and Ed says he knows enough to get by. Say something to us in French. Moi?

7) Justin can solve a Rubik's Cube in less than two minutes. Are you good at puzzles? I love online 100 piece puzzles. 

8) In 2019, the year this song was popular, 20 new governors took office. Tell us something about the governor of your state (or commonwealth)? 😒He is dismantling our state! 

9) Random question: Did you more recently give a compliment, or receive one?I gave compliment to Pam because of these fabulous crafts she is making... sewn on appliques on felted wool.. so gorgeous! This is just one of dozens of beautiful designs!