Sabbath Thankfuls

• I am so thankful for a day of rest. After a busy week, it is such a blessing to be able to slow down and take it easy. God is good.
• I am thankful for the reality of the truth. Isaiah 41:10 has been so precious to me this week. I need have no fear, and He is with me, strengthening me where I need it. This verse has meant so much to me in the past, and it is so awesome to have it all fresh and new and alive again this week. God is good.
• I am thankful for a cat who loves to sit in my lap and purr his little heart out in his contentment to be with me. And that he puts up with my combing his fur- actually seems to love it! It amazes me how much hair I can get with a few swipes of the comb!
• I am thankful that the one computer program at work that seemed to be stumping my intelligence (or lack thereof), finally clicked this week. (hubby did some extra praying, and the Lord graciously answered)
• I am thankful for some lovely colors in the morning sky yesterday. God is good to give us such incredible colors to enjoy.
• I am thankful for blogs which help me to keep in touch with friends and relatives that I love. I enjoy hearing about escapades on roller coasters, camping trips, whale watching, bowling and all the other wonderful things that appear. (I won't try to give examples from everyone or this would never end! But I do read many blogs!)
  
• I am thankful for a wonderful Christian lady at work - I really enjoy working with her.
• I am thankful for supplies to make cards with - it is a great stress reliever to sit and relax and design some new cards, and then make them.
• I am thankful for the Lord's love and forgiveness and mercy.
  

A New Post

I have been sitting here trying to come up with a wonderful exciting new post, but alas, nothing earth shattering comes to mind, so this will be more of a ramble I guess.
This has been a busy week at work learning some of the 5,670,970 details needed to be learned. ( I might have slightly exaggerated the number....it might be only 4,978,432) I am actually finding out that when I answer the phone at work, I do know some of the answers!
My brain is on overload, but I am so thankful for the weekend and some wonderful down time. Three cheers for the Sabbath.
This morning hubby and I went to the libary, and explored some new roads. It is so neat to find new short cuts, to get out on some back roads, and see new sights. There sure are lots of places to explore. One nice benefit of living in a new area- lots more back roads to explore!
And, I continue to have so many things to be thankful for. God is good, bringing along just the right verse/verses to meet up to date needs. He does hear us when we cry out to Him.
So, Praise the Lord for another successful week....and my first paycheck!

More Thankfuls

• The sound of rain pounding on the skylight of the lobby where I am working.
• My first full week of training finished.
• Knowing that I know much more now about the job than I did at the first of the week, and am feeling much more comfortable answering phones and working on the computer.
  
• The people at work are very patient with me even when I a make mistakes.
  
• Having my hubby take me out for dinner last evening so that I didn't have to cook at the end of a long week.
• Having my hubby help with cleaning. He does a great job vacumming the floors, and even spot cleaning where it is needed.
• The fun of having Max come sit in my lap purring his little heart out after I have been away all day. He really seems to like to have me home.
• Having fun using Firefox and figuring out tabs. I am impressed.
• Having good library books to read.
• Reading blogs and feeling connected with so many friends. I do not comment much, but sure do enjoy every one.
• Our son who celebrated a birthday this week. What a wonderful gift from the Lord he is.
• Picking a fresh white rose to enjoy.
• Last, at least on this list, I am thankful for God's Word, and the aliveness of it each day.
  

First Week at My New Job

They say the first week at a new job is always the hardest. So, I have lived through the first week! I am sure it will get easier, and I will be more relaxed when I go back in on Monday. And, I am amazed at what I have learned already.

Monday was my first day, and was just orientation. A day full of policies, rules, etc. We even had to practice with fire extinguishers! And they carefully went over the dress code. (If you think the dress code at F......... is hard you should see this one! Absolutely no denim at any time is one of the rules!) They did give us lunch brought in from Chick-Fil-A which was yummy and a definate plus for a day that was not very exciting.

Then Tuesday and Thursday I spent at the clinic observing, and doing some simple things, and finding I really love it! It is good to be back doing something in the medical field. And it is such a bonus to not have a long commute to work. The Lord is good.

Thanks for all your prayers.

Mistaken Identity

Yes, this actually happened.
As is true in most subdivisions, many of the houses are quite similar in design, though most of them near us are quite different. Except the one two doors down. It looks exactly like ours at first glance, and more than once we have almost driven into the driveway thinking it was ours. And we have actually driven into the driveway, and wondered why the garage door opener wasn't working. Very embarrassing.
Well, it turns out that we are not the only ones confused.
Last evening the lady who owns the house similar to ours came over with a confession. Seems that she had gone away for 3 days and had asked her mom to come over to feed her cats for her while she was gone. So, last Friday, "Mom" came over, put her key in the door, opened the door and walked in. She was interested to observe that her daughter had rearranged the furniture...had even gotten a new dining room set.....was pleased to find the cat...but when she noticed the sitting area in the master bedroom the lightbulbs began to go off. It was with much embarrassment that she quickly vacated the premises, went to what was really her daughter's house, and fed her cats. She had gone into the wrong house!
Of course our neighbor was very apologetic, and was concerned that her key fit our door. What we think happened was that somehow we had forgotten to lock the front door, which almost never happens. I can remember coming home on Friday and noticing that it was unlocked, and thinking, Well, nothing happened, so the Lord protected us in spite of my neglect. Little did I know!
There, our latest saga. At least we got to meet our neighbor. Maybe we can trade cat sitting. Her black cat is the one that comes over to visit Max periodically. Course one is outside staring in, and one inside staring out, but they seem to enjoy the fellowship.

New Job

Well, praise the Lord, I start work next Monday! I am so grateful that the Lord has provided. He has taught me some lessons on trust, perseverance, waiting etc, and He has faithfully met our needs.
I was wandering through the store getting groceries yesterday when the lady from Human Resources called me to say I had the job, and to set up all the appointments for orientation, filling out paper work, getting my picture taken for my badge- all that fun stuff. I think that I was in a state of shock for several hours after that, and I hope I got all the groceries I was supposed to get!
I will be a Patient Registrar at a local Urgent Care clinic. It is close to home - no freeway driving etc and the job sounds like something I will enjoy doing. It is part time, so that is another bonus.
So, thanks to all who have been praying.

More Thankfuls

• Celebrating the anniversary of the day we first met our daughter. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PENNY! :)
• Playing hide and seek- Max's way.
• Learning more of what it means to perservere.
• Celebrating the fourth with our family and enjoying a delicious BBQ.
• Watching the shuttle being launched successfully.
• More lovely blooms on our white rose.
• The Lord faithfully meeting our needs for another week.
• Enjoying the pleasure of the company of SA for a few hours on Thursday.

Happy Independence Day

Blessings on you all as we celebrate our Freedoms. What a privilege it is to live in this country and to be able to enjoy the freedoms we have, and to be remembering the sacrifices that have been made, and are being made so that we can still have those freedoms.
And it is fun to be wearing red white and blue, and to be anticipating a BBQ with family later in the day. God is good.

Laptops

I have discovered something better than getting a new laptop. It is getting my old laptop back after not being able to use it for two months. The poor thing has been sickly, and under the tender services of Dr. Brad, and while it is not completely back to normal, the patient is doing much better than it was. And a new part is being ordered that will make it as good as new- or better.
So, I now have it back to use, and what a blessing.
I mean, just think of it, my hubby and I had to SHARE one computer!
I will say that he has been very gracious in sharing, and it really has worked out fine, with no problem. And, we could continue on doing that for quite some time quite contentedly. But, I am very, very grateful that we are now back enjoying the richness of his and hers computers.
So, three cheers for the return of my laptop!
And, many thanks to Dr. Brad for all his efforts and expertise. No wonder that he is my favorite son.

Many Blessings

Some of my thankfuls for the past week:

• My mother is doing a little better and that I was able to talk with her on the telephone yesterday.
• I had a good job interview on Monday
• They called me back yesterday to fill out paper work for the next step in the hiring process. And gave me more paperwork to fill out in case I make it to the next level.
• The new job would be part time, less than 15 minutes from home.
• Going for rides with my hubby, exploring new roads, and stopping to get an ice cream cone. (no, not as good as Kimball's but a very close second.)
• Enjoying rainbows in my kitchen again.
• Playing fetch with Max. ( he doesn't realize he is a cat and is not supposed to do that)
• Going clothes shopping and enjoying the process for a change.
• Some nice rain earlier in the week.
• Living close enough to my daughter so that we are in the same phone exchange - no toll calls!
• Fresh juicy watermelon.

Customer Service-or the lack thereof

Many times I have experienced good customer service when dealing with things on the phone. However, this week it wasn't quite as good. Let me explain.
We decided to make some changes in our phone service, which would mean that we could have the luxury of caller ID. That way, we will know who is calling, who has called etc. and can even screen our calls if we want to.
Well, on Thursday I called our local phone company and talked with this charming gentleman. I explained that we wanted Caller ID, we went through the propper steps etc, and he assured me that it would be all set and in place before midnight. Ah, the joy of the anticipation. I kept checking my phones, even resorted to calling my number from my cell phone part way through the afternoon. Nothing. I did keep hearing this strange beeping before the dial tone though, and I couldn't quite understand that.
Well, yesterday I was away from home for several hours, so couldn't call to find out what this beeping was all about, and why the Caller ID had not kicked in. I did call home though and got this message that I had reached my number, and would I like to leave a message. Now, why would that be on my phone.......lights began dawning. Had he somehow set us up with Voice Mail instead of caller ID????
Yup, that is exactly what happened. When I finally got home and called the phone company again, this lovely lady assured me that is what he had done. (I can see how easy it would be to make that mistake....Caller ID, and Voice Mail sound so much alike.......)
She switched it over for me, and sure enough soon the caller ID was in place. I even called our number so I could see it in action. Impressive. But....I was still getting this annoying beeping. So, I finally called the phone company--- again. That beeping was just letting me know I had some voice mail waiting!!! OK, why didn't somebody explain that to me sooner, and why didn't you tell me on Thursday how to access said Voice Mail!!! The kind gentleman this morning assured me it takes awhile for things to be processed and that eventually this beeping would go away. I then politely asked if there was someway to get rid of it sooner.. Well, if you really want to....just punch in these 3 numbers and you can delete the messages, and that will stop the beeping. He seemed to think it would be quite normal and acceptable for the next several days to listen to about 15 beeps before the dial tone started, and I could make a phone call. Hmmmmm.

Ah, well, it is all fine now, and is all working the way it is supposed to work. And all three were really just trying to help me- I think. And, three cheers for all the wonderful Customer Service Representatives there are out there...somewhere. I just happened to run into 3 this week that were probably all having a bad day. I will be praying for them.

The Lost is Found

For several years we have enjoyed a lovely prism hanging in our kitchen window. We have had the pleasure of enjoying many rainbows splashed all over the walls etc, and it has been a source of much joy. The fact that said prism was a gift from an illustrious FBI grad of several years past made it even more special.

Well, about a week ago, Max decided that he needed it in his business. I came out one morning to find that it was no longer hanging at the end of it's lovely purple ribbon, up on one of our bay windows. I found the ribbon, the pin that was holding the prism, but alas, no prism. It was with great sadness that I relegated the ribbon, the suction cup etc to a drawer, thinking that maybe someday in the far, far distant future it might show up again. But, knowing how much Max loves to bat things around, carry them to other parts of the house etc, my faith was not too great at that point. So, no more rainbows, no more visible reminders of said grad.

Imagine my delight when I opened the pantry a day or so ago, and lo, there was our lovely prism! So, it is now back up on our kitchen bay window, catching the sun, and ready to send forth more rainbows. And, hopefully I have affixed it in a such a way that Max will not be able to reach it, or to separate it from the cord that it is hanging on.

So, three cheers for the lost that was found! (And the never ending delights and unexpeted problems connected with living with a cat who loves to play with things)

Some Blessings of the Past Week

• Celebrating 33 years of marriage to my wonderful God given husband.
• The lovely sweet/spicy scent left on my hands after cutting off the old blossoms of our purple rose. And enjoying seeing that the rose bushes are now looking much better since I fed them in the right proportions.
• Reading blogs of friends.
• The sight of the beautiful morning sun coming up and looking forward to a new day wondering what new blessings from the Lord will be unfolding.
• Fresh food for the soul from the Psalms.
• The fun of watching Max hide behind things and then jump out to attack us when we walk by.
• Knowing that the Lord has a job for me to do, even if it hasn't shown up yet.
• Our Crepe Myrtles are almost in bloom.
• Helping with a garage sale for the local PRC- being held at my daughter's home, thus having the delight of spending extra time with her, and other friends.
• Being able to talk on the phone to my mother almost every day.
• There are still some blossoms left from the flower arrangement we brought home from Jeff and Fritha's wedding. What a joy to be still enjoying them, and remembering the day.
• Krispy Kreme chocolate iced Kreme filled donuts.

Following directions

We planted a couple of rose bushes several months ago, and have been enjoying the blossoms, but noticed that they were not really very healthy looking. I have been faithfully applying a powerful, (and expensive) 3 in l plant food/insect control/disease control product, so I wasn't sure why they continued to be not very healthy, and why the Japanese Beetles were enjoying them as their primary food source.
Well, this morning when I went out to feed them, I figured maybe I better reread the directions. Sigh....I had been using 2 Tablespoons per 1 gallon of water- the directions said 4 Tablespoons per 1 quart of water. I was undertreating the poor babies! How humbling. Now, I am sure I read those directions way back months ago, and thought I was doing the right thing. Guess it is important to keep rereading the directions and make sure I am doing what I need to do.

Sort of like continuing to reread the directions my Heavenly Father gives to me and to not proudly assume that I remember what it said several months ago.

Weddings and Such

We just returned from attending the incredible wedding celebration for Jeff and Fritha Turner. It was on the water and so lovely...and HOT! One of the special things for me was the gorgeous flower arrangements on the tables at the reception. They were so much fun to look at, enjoy and drink in the beauty! Each table had one of two different displays, both of which you see here. And, I was able to bring home one of the ones like the one at the left. I am enjoying looking at it as it resides in all of its elegance on my coffee table and remembering all the great things about the day. The friends, the yummy food, the water, the joy of seeing Jeff and Fritha, having fun parasol's to use to keep the sun from making us too hot....fun day!

Congratulations to the happy couple!

The Marvelous Sounds of Trains

Now, I understand that not all will agree with that title. But, I was realizing recently how very much I am enjoying the Marvelous Sounds of Trains. (Seriously)
We live less than a mile from a very heavily used mainline. I am guessing there must be between 50 and 100 trains that most likely use it during a 24 hour period. And, I love to hear them! I love the sounds of the engine, the cars rattling over the tracks, the whistle that blows, especially in the middle of the night! Nights are the best time to hear all the sounds, and it is so comforting to hear that wonderful whistle.
Maybe it is because of the train trips we have been on, and I associate all the sounds with what we heard when we were riding the trains. Maybe it is because of the influence of a certain somebody in my life who has expressed a casual interest in trains one or two times in the past. I don't really know the reason. But, I just want it to be known, I really like the sound of trains!
And, I think that it was wonderful of the Lord to put us in a house where we can hear them so clearly, all day long! So, PTL for the Marvelous Sounds of Trains.

More Sabbath Day Praises

• A wonderful daughter-in-law, who celebrates her birthday today. Happy Birthday Claire.
• Head colds do not last forever.
• The job interview that didn't take place last week, might next week.
• The freezer is now running again, and partly stocked again.
• My talented hubby who fixed the sqeaks on our garage door, so it no longer sounds like a dying animal when it is being opened and closed.
• When my mother fell last week-twice- she didn't injure herself too badly. She is sore, but mending.
• With Mother's Day coming, I am reminded to be very grateful for my mother and her Godly wisdom and example to me through the years.
• Hearing of a young lady who found Jesus as her saviour this week. PTL
• A beautiful moon last night, seen through one of our half circle windows, which made the sight even better.
• Keeping up with friends via blogging.
• The fun of watching Max enjoy faucets...and ice makers.

Ah, yes, another busy Monday. My Monday's are usually busy with doing laundry, shopping and all the other things needed to keep things going. Today is no different, other than we are having company in for dinner, which we are looking forward to, but does involve a little extra thought and effort.

So, after carefully planning out my day, enlisting my hubby's help by having him doing the vacuuming, etc. all things seemed to be going smoothly. As I was getting things ready for breakfast I meandered out to the garage to get some things out of the chest freezer that I needed for dinner. That is when I made some observations which I would like to share with you.

• When the GFI outlet that the freezer is plugged into pops off, that means there is no power to make the freezer keep running.
• When a freezer is not running, it no longers keeps things frozen, or cold.
• When the frozen lasagne is no longer frozen, or cold, it is probably not wise to serve it for company.
• When ice cream is no longer cold, the above mentioned rule also applies.
• Rotten hamberger does not smell very good.
• There are benefits to putting off stocking one's freezer- less to throw away when the power is off for a couple of days.
• When most of one's menu for company dinner was residing in said freezer, it now becomes important to add a few more things to the grocery list.
• There is value in having an abundance of room in the side by side freezer/fridge that resides in the kitchen.
• There is always time in one's busy day to clean out a smelly freezer, even if one does not think so.

End of observations.

Sabbath Day Praises

• Mocking birds that sit on our chiminey, singing their hearts out. It sounds like they are right in our living room and such a delight to hear.
• A lovely new flowering dogwood planted in our back yard.
• Learning a new card game this week, and playing the game all afternoon with my husband, at our breakfast nook table, and enjoying all the birds at the feeder while we were playing.
• The probability of a good job interview next week.
• Pepperidge Farm turnovers.
• A cute little chipping sparrow enjoying the fallen seeds on the ground under our bird feeder.
• The beautiful soft muted colors of the mourning dove, and enjoying watching them resting underneath the new dogwood tree.
• Homemade chicken alfredo pizza.
• Spending time with my daughter.
• The charming southern custom that has me being called "Miss Ellie".

Three Cheers for the birds

One of the first things we did when we moved in was to install the bird feeder that you see here. I knew it would take a few days for the birds to find it, so waited....and waited....and waited. It was literally months, and I was about to give away my bird food, thinking the birds would not arrive, when lo and behold they started coming!

Of course it was just cow birds for awhile, but we did enjoy seeing them. At least they were birds! And, little by little we are getting more. There are not many trees close by which probably is the reason we don't get more. But, house finches, mourning doves, red winged blackbirds, and meadow larks are frequent visitors in our back yard. And, of course mocking birds, and lots of swallows. Yesterday morning while we were eating breakfast it was great fun to look out the window and watch the cute little house finches enjoy their breakfast. The feeder is placed so that it is right outside the bay window breakfast nook in our kitchen.

So, waiting patiently and not giving up has its rewards!