Lea's Daybook - Friday, April 4th

I'm linking up with Peggy over at The Simple Woman's Daybook.  It's such a neat way to share one's day and I always enjoy doing a daybook. 
 
Outside my window...it is still too dark.  My goodness, I arise between 5:15-5:30 and it is still dark for over an hour longer.  I like to raise the shades and see the sun, but it is a bit delayed.  I don't like it, but not a thing I can do about it. ~shucks~

I am thinking...that I probably could extend my morning get up time until the sun is showing it's face, but.......... I am such an early morning person and I feel so productive in the early hours and I've been getting up early for so long, doubtful I'm going to change.

I am thankful...to see definite signs of Spring around here. I don't think I've ever been as anxious for Spring as I was this year. I'm a Spring and Fall girl and I endure Summer and Winter. ~laugh~

In the kitchen...not too much going on in there this week.  Now, Monday night I did "outdo" myself.  I fixed grilled pork tenders, blackeyed peas, squash and potatoes for our dinner.  Hubby was quite pleased. ~grin~

I am wearing...well, I'm wearing white today for the first time this year.  From what I understand it's just fine to wear white anytime now.  It use to be that you would never want to be seen in white until after Easter and until Labor Day and then NO white.  But, today I'm sportin' white capris and a black top. ~I'll just make up my own fashion rules~ smile!

I am creating...I've not been very creative lately.

I am going...to go do a little browsing today.  Hubby might say I'm going shopping.  But, I'll likely do more browsing than anything.  I just haven't been "to town" in a while and feel the need to "get my fix." I plan to meander through TJ Maxx and Tuesday Morning as I browse.

I am wondering...if the ladies that attended our annual Spring Event last night enjoyed it as much as I did.  It is something that our church's Women's Ministry does each year. We serve dinner and then have an inspirational speaker.  This years was TOPS!  And, I do not say that because I was in charge, but rather because we worked together as a team and it came off without a hitch and our speaker great! It's not often you can say this, but she could have certainly spoken longer but guess she wanted to leave us wanting more and she certainly did. ~sigh~

I am reading...True Spirituality by Chip Ingram. I'm in a small group that is studying this book and it is one of the best books of it's kind that I've ever read.  A profound statement from this week's lesson was:  We are never more like Jesus than when we treat people in a way they do not deserve. Wow, can you imagine what a different world we'd have if we all lived by this.

I am hoping...that several folks I know going through terminal illnesses, grief and such will feel a strong sense  God's sustaining love and comfort as they walk through these dark valleys.

I am looking forward to...the weeks and months ahead.  We have some exciting things coming down the pike.  And, eventually you will know about them. ~such a tease~ sorry!

I am pondering...why the young man that hit the woman (she was in a car) yesterday in front of Hubby's office fled the scene.  I witnessed the whole thing and I'm here to tell you it scared me so badly.  He tore out through my husband's parking lot going about 90mph.  And, the poor lady he hit was left in a daze.  Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt but it certainly rattled me.

A favorite quote for today...I love, love this quote by Robert Frost:
“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.”

And, there have been times that I have wished it would just stop for a day or two, but I have no doubt that the Lord has some mighty good reasons for allowing it to just go on.  We'd likely never survive if it didn't.

One of my favorite things...think I may have said this before, but it's that first cup of coffee in the morning fresh from my Keurig. Then, me and my coffee spend time with the Lord and for me, there's no better way to start my day.

A few plans for the rest of the week....hummm......not exactly sure, but Hubby and I have not seen God's Not Dead and that is on our list and that may happen this weekend.  Surely the crowds have slimmed down some and we won't have a hard time getting a ticket.

A picture worth sharing.........

Wedding Day, April 8, 1950

April 8th would be my parent's 64th wedding anniversary but they only got to spend 58 years together here on earth.  I think they were such a good looking couple. ~sweet memories~

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

Another Wednesday, another Hodgepodge and an extra good one in my estimation.  Always love Joyce's questions but today's are extra good as far as I'm concerned. Hope you enjoy!

 

1. Since these questions are posting on the first day of April it seems only right to ask-when was the last time you did something foolish? If you can't answer that one, try this one-when was the last time someone fooled you?
Well, I do believe the last time someone fooled me was the end of last May.  Hubby and I had been on a trip and were headed home.  We arrived home and about 10 minutes later our daughter and Grandson arrived. She told me that they were at her inlaws for a few days and I had no reason not to believe her.  Everyone knew she was coming except me and I did almost have a heart attack.  I'm big on plans and having things done in advance and of course, nothing was done in preparation for their visit and I had not even unpacked our own suitcases.  But, it all worked out just fine and we had a super fun time and we just "flew by the seat of our pants."  Not something I generally do very well. ~big smile~
 
2. What's the last biography or non-fiction book you've read? Was it any good?
It was so long ago that I cannot remember.  I generally read fiction and spiritual growth books.
 
3. Garlic-friend or foe? What's your favorite dish made with garlic?
Oh, I do love me some garlic but not an overload.  I love Garlic Cheese Grits!  I'll take them anytime, any day!
 
4. Several Spring flower festivals happen in the US during the month of April. Of those listed, which would you most like to see in person...The Skagit Tulip Festival in Skagit Washington, The Dogwood Arts Festival in Knoxville Tennessee, The North Carolina Azalea Festival in Wilmington North Carolina or the Daffodil Festival Weekend on Nantucket Island, Massachussets?
I would love to go to Nantucket Island and what better time than during the Daffodil Festival.  It will occur on April 25-27, so wonder if Hubby and I could make some rush plans and go.  Think I'll put it on my "bucket list."  

5. How do you choose which blogs to read?  What is something that will make you stop and read every time? Something that makes you say, 'eh, think I'll skip this one and move on to the next'?
I've been blogging and reading blogs for 5 years and titles are one thing that grabs my attention and if I've read the blog before and enjoy it, then it doesn't really matter to me what the title is.  But, if I've never read the blog and there's an interesting title, I'll probably stop by and check it out.  And, I enjoy light hearted blogs best of all and those that share the every day part of their lives. If a blog is extra lengthy and deep in subject matter and that's pretty much the way it always is, I likely will not be a follower.  If it's only occasionally that a blog is extra lengthy and deep, that is fine.  And, I like uplifting blogs that bring a smile to my heart and I try very hard to make sure mine is the majority of the time.  But, hey, it's different strokes for different folks!

6. April is National Mathematics Education Month so tell us, when did you last use math?
I was tallying up the total tickets sales on Monday for the Ladies Spring Event at our church (I'm in charge of it) tomorrow evening.  Rather than grab my phone and use the calculator, I just counted each envelope of tickets, wrote down the number and added them all up when I had finished.  I don't think addition is even taught that way today, but it sure works well for this gal.

7. In honor of the A-Z challenge kicking off on April 1...choose one word beginning with the letter A to describe your yesterday.
No other word but AWESOME!  I will make this as brief as I can..........I was having my nails done yesterday and while there a precious friend of mine came in.  This friend is in the final stages of brain cancer and her sweet husband brought her in her wheelchair.  He had to lift her out of the car into the chair and I watched as he was so tender and caring with her.  She said she had never had a pedicure and that was something on her bucket list and she wanted to get it done before she left for her heavenly home.  Can I just tell you that I almost had an emotional breakdown right there in the salon.  I sat there and witnessed her enjoy having her feet and legs massaged and her toenails painted all while sitting in her wheelchair.  Our conversation centered around the Lord, His provision for us through the deepest darkest valleys of life and I am quite certain that my adopted Asian son and daughter (the owners of the nail salon)  knew that we were talking about a God much different than the God they serve (they are Buddist).  Between conversing with my friend, possibly for the last time, and having such inspirational conversation in front of my "kids", I had no doubt that the Lord put me in that place at that time.  ~precious moments~
 
8. Insert your own random thought here. 
It is with a sad heart that I tell you that Bridget suffered her 4th miscarriage last week.  Yes, that's right and there are many more questions than answers.  She has seen two specialist plus her regular OB.  They told her that over the past 2 1/2 years they have done every test known and they can find no reason for this.  So, as her Mom, I want to "fix" it for her and take away her hurt and disappointment.  That is not possible, but we know God is in control and He always has a perfect plan.

HELLO Monday!

Another week, another Monday!  I'm linking up with Lisa Leonard today for another week of

 Hello Monday.

Hello Birthday Boy.........

Well, I'm not sure he would be qualified as "boy" any longer, but hey, what does it matter, we'll just go with it.  Hubby celebrated his birthday this past week.  Our DIL cooked dinner for him and had one of his favorites, fried deer steak. And, the Princess and her Mom made him a funfetti birthday cake, complete with a candle.  It was extra good! And, then we went out with friends to celebrate the next evening.  So, he had a "double celebration."  

Hello Bunnies and Eggs..........

A couple of weeks ago I pulled out my bunnies and did a little Easter decorating.  I love the way they have designed bunnies with the foil that look exactly like chocolate.  I have a mixture of those and the sweet ceramic bunnies.  I do love all things Easter!

Hello Cinderella......

This past Saturday evening my DIL and I took Hanna Beth to see the Cinderella Ballet.  We bought additional tickets to take her to the reception before the ballet so that she could have her picture taken with Cinderella.  She seemed to really enjoy herself and especially enjoyed the chocolate foundation where she promptly found herself a strawberry to stick under the fountain.  As you can see, she even had on her Cinderella dress.  Her Mom is "on top" of everything for sure!   

It's promising to be a busy week here.  I'm in charge of the annual Ladies Spring Event at our church this Thursday evening and it's always a nice occasion.  But, as we all know, nice occasions mean a lot of work. ~sigh~  And, thankfully, I have a hard working group of ladies that are helping me orchestrate the event.  Stay tuned for pictures and details of the evening.

Happy new week! 

Friday Letters.............

I do love writing letters and while email and all the social media has caused most of us to do little "real" letter writing anymore, I love to write these little snippet letters. Here goes, and it's strictly for your enjoyment! ~big laugh~

Dear Dollar Tree - how on earth do you have a store full of $1 items.  I never cease to be amazed!  You are one of my favorite stores and I must confess I find things that I "must have" strictly because they are "only" $1.  Hey, bet that's a part of your marketing strategy. I love making my monthly visits browsing through.

Dear Ink Pens - I think I have an obsession with  you and it's crazy.  I am now having affairs with the Orbitz Zebra, the Pilot Precise V5RT, and the Pentel Sign Pen.  I found ordering you by the box on Amazon is the best deal.  I suppose I could certainly have worse obsessions, but it truly is pretty silly. ~at least I'm admitting it~

Dear Microsoft Publisher - I'm so glad that I am finally feeling comfortable with you.  You scared me too death when I first began using you a couple of years ago, but the more I try the more comfortable I become.  You give me the program to create some pretty impressive documents.
Dear Viva Paper Towels - you are the best paper towel on the market.  One of you is like 2-3 of many other brands and I love the "select size" that enables me to easily get a half of a paper towel.  I was introduced to you at a friends house about 5 years ago and I've used you ever since.  And, yes, I know, you are more costly than others, but, I think you are one of those times that "we get what we pay for." 
Dear Yoplait - your frozen Greek yogurt bars are delish!  And, they are the best nighttime snack with only 150 calories each.

 Dear Spring - pa-leeze, pa-leeze show your face! I am soooo tired of cold weather and sweaters, long pants, and boots.  I'm ready for flip-flops, capris, short sleeves and lemonade.  Do you get the picture???

Dear Pandora - you are the BEST radio station ever and the fact that you are free doesn't hurt a bit.  It's a win win for sure!

Dear American Idol -   Sorry, but you have lost your "zip" with this gal.  The Voice has taken first place with me.  Their judges and their contestants are just sooooo much more enjoyable.  I'm sure you could care less, but just thought I'd let you know that you may be very close to losing a viewer.  ~grin~

 Dear Easter - I love you best of all holidays! Mainly, when I think of the cross and how Jesus put my needs ahead of His own, it brings tears to my eyes. And, on the secular side, I love bunnies, colored eggs, and egg hunts. 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's good to be back with the Hodgepodge this week.  I was gone last week and missed linking up but looks like Joyce has some "doozy" questions for us this week.  So, here goes nothing.........

 1. March is known as the windy month. Which of the following phrases best fits your March so far...'throw caution to the wind', 'three sheets to the wind', 'run like the wind', or 'see which way the wind blows'?
Well, well, well.........a mighty deep subject for a shallow mind, but I can't say that any of these fit my March so far and there's only a few more days left in the month and doubtful that any of them will.  Goodness, that's a pitiful answer, but it's the truth.
 
2. Your favorite green food? Your favorite dish made with your favorite green food?
Awe, give me some broccoli any way it can be fixed and I'm a happy gal.  But, a Broccoli and Rice Casserole is one of my favorite, especially fixed with Cajun seasoning. ~yum~
 
3. Ever been locked out of your home-car-office-anywhere? Do tell!
Well, which time do you want to know about????  It's probably only been about a year and it's happened numerous times with the car and house.  Our back door has a "crazy lock" on it and you must intentionally unlock it from the inside or it will automatically lock when you close.  So, so aggravating!  I've always been able to get someone to my rescue pretty quickly. ~thank goodness~
 
4. Yoda, Kermit, Shrek, The Wicked Witch of the West, Oscar the Grouch, The Grinch, or Mike Wasowski (Monsters Inc.)...of the green characters listed, which one's your favorite and why?

 Definitely Oscar the Grouch because he is who my kids grew up loving.  They both loved Sesame Street and Oscar was their favorite. ~talk about memories~

5. "The first task of a leader is to keep hope alive."~Joe Batten Do you agree? Why or why not? 
I definitely agree.  Without hope life can seem almost worthless at times. Individuals and businesses (large or small) all need hope and it can be challenging at times to keep it alive.  Hope gives purpose and a reason to "keep on keeping on."  
 
6. Share a favorite song with an emotion in it's title.
Since Easter is just around the corner I immediately thought of the song, "I've Just Seen Jesus."  There is no one who sings it with more emotion than Sandi Patti and Larnelle Harris.  It will raise the hair on your head and give you goose bumps.  And, if you do not believe me, sit back and take a listen.
 
 
7. What's a road trip you'd like to take?
  Well, Hubby would like for us to take a l-o-n-g road trip to Montana, Wyoming and parts unknown.  I can't say that long road trips excite me, but on a shorter note, I'm thinking a road trip to San Antonio would be fun.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

Bridget wasn't  feeling well this past Sunday so their pastor's wife came by and picked up Clancy and took him to church with them.  Our SIL is out of town with his job so there wasn't anyone to get him to church otherwise and Clancy loves church.  Heidi, the pastor's wife, told Bridget that when church was over that Clancy headed up on the podium and announced to those left in the santuary that he was about to pray.  And, he did!  As you can tell from the picture, he meant business! ~so precious~ I'm wondering if he's a "budding" cowboy "preacher man." 

HELLO Monday!

Good Monday morning!  I'm linking up with Lisa Leonard today to say hello to this new week!

Hello relaxation........

A couple of weeks ago Hubby and I went for an afternoon ride.  We rode out to a brake here that is being drained.  When we arrived this was the sight we saw and I thought, "now this is total relaxation!"  These folks were taking full advantage of a beautiful day, grabbed their poles and a bucket to sit on and were letting the cares of the world go sailing right on by.  I'm thinking we could all do a little more of this and be a whole lot better off.

Hello packing...........

I flew to Dodge City last Sunday to spend a few days with our daughter and Grandson.  I have NEVER been a "smart packer" and as you can see, I took two rather large suitcases for a mere 4 day stay.  Believe it or not, there's nothing in the smaller of the two except toiletries.    I probably should not admit that, but it's the truth.  It's bath items, face cleansing stuff, hair dryer, flat iron, brushes, makeup, and my trusty insulated coffee mug (not a toiletry but I don't leave home with it).  Now, I'm sure you even cared to know any of that, so let me move along............

  Our SIL is out of town with his job for a few days and Bridget was on Spring Break.  It was a perfect opportunity for us to enjoy a little "Mother/Daughter" time. We shared a fun day in Witchita shopping one of the days and just enjoyed being together the rest of the time.

Hello Clancy......

 The many faces of Clancy..........It's so hard for me to believe that this little fella is 5 1/2 years old.  He is all boy and puts his all into anything he does.  He plays hard but he sleeps hard as well.  He's so independent and happy as a lark!  ~ love him~

Hello animals.........

Bridget and Clint have a small zoo in their backyard.  They have two horses and then about 4 weeks ago their Corgi had puppies.  They are the cutest little creatures and they have all been sold and will be picked up at the end of this week.  The only bad thing about these precious little puppies is that they grow up to be dogs. ~ugh~

Hello silly me............

A group of us went out to eat this past Saturday evening to a place called, "The Fifties Diner."  They seated us near this dumb waiter and I just could not resist having my picture taken with the poor ole guy.  He kept a watchful eye on us all during our dinner and that's not a bad thing as we can get rather unruly at times. ~just teasin'~

It's Been Five Years................

 

It was 5 years ago today that I began blogging.  I could not let this day go by without acknowledging this anniversary. I love what the quote above says.  And, I have certainly tried to always be myself and put myself into my blog.  It's the reason I started blogging.

 

 I have never had any particular theme for my blog, it is just as stated on my header, "Glimpses into the life of a Southern Gal."  Those glimpses can be what I've been up to, things about my family, my travels, my happiness, and my heartache.  It can be inspiring, funny or both.  

 I began blogging for no one but myself and it has been a fun journey.  I've made some dear, dear blogging friends and have even met some of them and hope to meet even more.

A heartfelt thank you to all of you who read and follow my blog.  You are my inspiration.  I hope you always leave with a smile on your face! 

 

Here's to 5 more years!