Succulent Beauty

Forty-Four

Last Saturday marked forty-four years of marriage for my parents. Family lake time, sailboat rides, locally famous burgers (for the non-food-sensitive individuals), and a lake circumnavigation pontoon ride made up our celebrations. What joy to take notice of such a beautiful and increasingly rare commitment!

To judge by their smiles, Joseph and Hannah agree.

Joy

Lest I think the power of joy comes from within, the day of trial comes that I may learn that joy and every other good thing comes from above.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness... Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

- James 1:2, 3, 16, 17 -

Meal Prep

...for black bean tortilla soup tonight. This former stand-by recipe is now back into my diet. Beans, how I have missed you!

Fueling Up

This morning's fuel:

yellow squash

beet greens

onion

chicken

II Chronicles 20

"Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's."

- II Chronicles 20:15 -

From the Archives

 

Once again I am sorting photos and in the process finding many treasures and a good deal to throw into the virtual trash bin. Speaking of trash, this quaint but too far gone rug from Grandma R's home deserved a photo last December before going where all good rugs go.

A Crisp a Week

A crisp a week (which in reality means two because of varying dietary restrictions) is where we are at right now. The line-up so far: tart cherry, blueberry-honeyberry, tart cherry (again; it's cherry season), apple.

A Chair for Everyone

Little Tasks

It's a day for many little tasks:

- clothes handwashing

- plant showering

- remaining plant watering (indoors and out)

- garbage gathering

- cat mess on front steps cleaning (poor tummy!)

- compost dumping

- styrofoam shards vacuuming (new freezer!)

- friend messaging

- freezer emptying (with Mom, so she can defrost and clean it)

Next up, if possible:

- bill paying

- package postage buying

- sauna sweating

- showering

- Resting!!!

I doubt tomorrow will be so energetic.

Know Truth. Live Truth. Speak Truth.

Another Sunday. Another headache and nausea. Another two watercolor paintings under my belt.

Life doesn't feel perfect. My paintings aren't perfect. But God's will for my life is perfect. 

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

- Jeremiah 29:11 -

Mass of Delphinium

Words

Words are powerful, and it is amazing how they can make or break a day. These last two days have been made lighter by sweet, humorous, and instructive words. Here are a few excerpts:
"We hope you and your family have lots of cheery - God blessed days."
- An 80-something year old relative whose days are marked by change and decay, yet through occasional letters to Mom she radiates the joy of of the Lord.

"I know so well that you did not do it. The people on the weather NEWS are talking about Elsa did bring a HUGE storm into a large area of the ocean and many areas of the U.S.A. But I know very well that it is just the weather that has struck all those areas and they're ALL under God's control, and you did not do such a thing.
So PLEASE don't cry....
Don't be sad...."
- A dear friend who has suffered more physically than any in my acquaintance, is my example in praising God always, is my constant prayer warrior, and has a wonderful sense of humor.

"For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you."
- I Chronicles 29:14 -

Prolific Zucchini

Zucchini harvest has begun, generating the reopening of the zucchini chip factory. Eight and a half trays on the dehydrator at present.

Deck Table 2021

 

Garden at Twilight

Our day has been filled with much picnic food preparation, dishes washing, sauna sessions, berry harvest (our neighbor got most of it, so we were spared much processing), plant watering, and general household and personal maintainance. To end a good if not well day, I soaked up the glow of Mom's perennial garden at twilight with a cup of tea. Before the mosquitoes descended.

How Joseph Celebrated Grandpa's Birthday

Testing the waters. (Do you see that baby bump on Maren? Another little one is coming!)

Painting with Hannah.

And much, much more. He is our favorite little whirlwind.