May 7

May 7, 2011 ~

It isn’t too difficult coming home from work and getting right into bed when it is grey and drippy outside. So after a very busy night, I slept the morning away, with no problem. Now I should be good to go for the rest of the day and night, since I’m back at it tonight.

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       Clarissa came over with hugs and beautiful flowers!

2.       Spent the afternoon with Ron, Alissa, and Troy, Alissa’s friend.

3.       Had a delicious meal of rice, vegetable rolls, salad with raspberry dressing, and Alissa’s vegan creamed broccoli!

4.       Fun times with family today. We didn’t need desert because the great time we had together was like icing on the cake!

Alissa’s Mother’s Day gift to me. My very own “Mom’s Spare Change” pot!

May 6

May 6, 2011~

“Even flowers have to grow through dirt.” ~anonymous

Yesterday, I ended with this quote. As I thought about it, I realized that if there wasn’t any dirt for the flower to grow in, how much beauty would be missed. It is in the dirt that the flower gets its warmth, nutrients, and moisture. Is it any different for us? It is through the “dirt” that character, strength, patience, and endurance comes. If we would but hold on a bit longer before uprooting , we’d realize the beauty God has in store for us!

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       A surprise in the mail from La’Quon! The cutest book of quotes about love with great puppy pictures!

2.       Another surprise on my doorstep! A beautiful bouquet of flowers from Nathan!

3.       I enjoyed a Alissa’s mini concert performance with  PASO. Check out the pictures below!

4.       Happy I could help Gerri and Sam, who have helped us more than words can express!

5.       I have work …. And off to work I go.

May 5

May 5, 2011 ~

OK, so this has been a day of unplanned changes, ups, and downs. Even so, I got a few things accomplished, and that is a good thing! Now, next time if those little birds would come close enough that I could see them clearly and figure out what they are. They were singing high in the fir trees tonight.

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       Was able to run into town, pull things together so I could get multiple things done so I didn't have to make another trip into town. Good thing, since gas is getting so expensive!

2.        I was able to get the hand mower started! Great accomplishment! I believe my shoulder is all healed!

3.       All the hard to mow areas are in the front yard and orchard are mowed and all before it rained!

4.       Enjoyed the Killdeers! I know they have a nest near where we walk, but haven’t found it yet.

5.       I love the late afternoon sounds of the birds.

Something to think about…

“Even flowers have to grow through dirt.” ~anonymous

May 4

May 4, 2011 ~

Last week we got our riding mower back from the shop. When I started mowing, it cut very uneven. Our yard looked like sculptured waves of green grass.  We had to get it mowed because the grass was already a foot high.  After getting it mowed, we called the shop back. They came and got the mower and fixed it for no charge. It arrived back home around noon today. After lunch I got busy and started mowing. I thought, oh man, this isn’t working like it should. It would start to stall out anytime I went where the grass was a little thicker or taller. I wasn’t feeling too happy about it. I thought I am not having them fix it again. I think I’ll find another shop.  About the time I was two-thirds done I looked at the throttle and realized that it was not getting the full throttle! No wonder it was trying to stall out. I had to laugh at myself! Life is like that as well. I don’t want to stall out.  I have one life to live; I want to do my utmost to give my all.  I can sit back, or idle away, saying, “I’ve done enough, I’ll wait until later.” But that won’t be my finest or my best. No I must not let up and stop to rest until I have given it all my power.  Every day brings new challenges and duties to do both great and small.  Each day I plan, with God’s help, to go ahead, full throttle and get each one done.  I hope I can leave smiles along the way.

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” ~ Ecclesiastes 9:10

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       The warmest, most beautiful sunshiny day this year!

2.       We got the mower back, once again! It really works this time! (Of course the throttle must be all the way up before mowing!)

3.       A surprise! When I went out to mow the grass out on the lane, it was done!

4.       A sweet little neighbor boy who was helping his mother mow, suggested that they mow it for Barbara, because she needs it done!

5.       I enjoyed a good Bible Study tonight. And to think I almost didn’t go because I was going to be late. 

May 3

May 3, 2011~

Last night was my one night to work. It was just about right, not to busy and not too slow.  The morning has been a great morning for sleeping, because that way I missed the rain! The sunshine waited to arrive until I was up and ready for the day!

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.       It rained while I was sleeping!

2.       Sunshine has arrived!

3.       A visit from Peter, Candice, and their pet Teddy!

4.       Beautiful hanging flowers for my porch! A gift from Peter and Candice.

5.       The phone lines are fixed so I was able to talk to La’Quon today!

May 2

May 2, 2011 ~

Oh, I did, I did

Ski too long at Teacup Lake,

Now my face does glow!

I was too awed,

With the beauty I saw,

To apply sunscreen.

Add great company,

And I have a recipe:

Blistering sunburn!

So consider this

When the sun reflects on snow,

You may want sunscreen!

~Haiku Poetry by Barbara

I now am experiencing the not so fun side of not thinking about how long I would be out skiing, and the fact that the sun was reflecting off the snow. It isn’t much different than when you are in water on a sunny day. The snow makes the possibility of getting burned much greater! Now what can I learn from this … besides the obvious to wear sunscreen? Hmmm… What about God’s Word? There are so many things that He tells us to make our lives easier, so many warnings. The warnings are there so we won’t get “burned!”  But, many times, like when I was on the mountain skiing, I push aside the warning and continue on only to get burned!

I think it is time to take seriously the warning! Sunscreen please!

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       I can learn from my crazy mistakes! At least my face shouldn’t be too cold today!

2.       Got a message that La’Quon’s school has electricity, water and phones up and running! They were out of electricity and phones for 5 days. Not sure how long the water was out. But I am sure as soon as we can get through we’ll hear all about the adventure.  It may take awhile since all the parents want to get a chance to talk to their boys!

3.       Another variety of bird in our fruit tree. I haven’t figured out what kind yet. It is very tiny and getting nectar out of the blossoms on the tree. Not a humming bird, either.

4.       I had a nice quiet morning. Extra special time that I was able to have during my worship time this morning.

5.        While doing chores around the house I was able to work on my Bible memory project for the Wednesday night Bible study. I got it almost all memorized!

And this will be the day I always remember that…..

I was only one

Sunscreen application short

Of a bad sunburn!

May 1

May 1, 2011 ~

Magnolia Warbler! To my knowledge I have never seen one of these birds before today. As Ron and I were setting on the couch, just before sunset, he flew into the apple tree. It took us awhile to figure out what he was, but there just was no other match! When I look at all the different varieties of birds that God has created for us to enjoy, I smile in awe. What a wonderful and awesome creator God!

This has been a busy weekend. Yesterday we visited with special friends we have not seen for a long time. We also walked two miles on the Columbia River path with Alissa.  While we were traveling from one place to another I was able to touch base with the staff a La’Quon’s school. He and all the other students and staff are safe. They did have four tornados touch down on the school grounds but no structural damage or physical damage was done. They are without phones, electricity and running water. They have started cleaning up the grounds around the school and are finding parts of houses, mobile homes, family photo albums and other personal belongings of people from who knows where. But thankfully everyone is safe, though they have no electricity or phones.

Today, I went up on Mt. Hood with Ron, Juanita, and Derrick. Of course it was to cross country ski! Derrick had never been. I think he just might be sold on it! The company and the weather were delightful! No need for ski clothing, as far as the weather was concerned. It was only needed for protection when you ended up falling down, which I did a time or two, or three!

I packed great looking apples in our lunches, and Derrick got the apple that was rotten at the core. There was a blessing in that which is where I’ll start my Happy For A Reason reason’s.

Happy For A Reason reason’s:

1.       Delicious Fugi apples…well, all but one. And that one provided a very special treat for the birds! It also reminds me that there are many things in life that appear just fine, but when you get involved,  you realize they are rotten at the core, if you continue you could become rotten to the core as well.

2.       Fun memories made today on the mountain cross country skiing.

3.       The awesome beauty of Mt. Hood.

4.       Wonderful news that La’Quon and everyone at his school are safe and sound! Considering the scope of the damage all around them, this is a very special blessing!

5.       Magnolia Warbler!  Now I am going to try to found out what their song sounds like. Then I can identify them by their call songs as well!

Dad using the map to figure out which way to go.

Lunch for the birds!

Having fun! Two on one set of skiis just doesn't work to well!

Lunch time photo's....

guess who....

                     ...and since I have the camara....no lunch time photo of me!  Hehehe....

Back on the trail!

Derrick off the trail above and Juanita off the trail below.... should I post the outcomes?