OCTOBER OVATIONS

AHHHHH, October.

Our little Burning Bush is 'burning red'.  What a beauty.
The fuzzy part in the lower left corner is a spider's web.

 It's such a changeable month as weather dictates each day.
Cool nights, warm days, less light, more events before we hide inside and hibernate through another winter.
 It's a time to enjoy the outdoors as much a we can.
 It's a time to drink in the smells and sights and the sounds of harvest and crackling leaves and smoke houses sending rich smells into the air.

#3123-3125:: Morning fog, beautiful spider webs, warmish days.  A lovely Fall day.

#3126-3128:: A stroll in a quaint town, kicking leaves with my flip-flops, listening to crickets and seeing grasshoppers flitting about.

The Spider's web fascinates me.
Only one morning, after a thick dew, did
I find webs all over my burning bushes.

#3129-3131:: Crank, ka-thump, bang goes my brain as I dive into paperwork and phone calls to help fix dad's southern abode.  Chug, push, breathe deep as I prepare to meet with a couple who plans to marry.  Clang, scrunch, bloop, as I prepare cake for hubby's birthday tomorrow.  HOORAY!

#3132-3134:: Drippy, quiet, soggy morning - so nice to linger by the fire after my workout.  Hide clues to trinkets for hubby and bask in the delight of silence. Hugs and more hugs and giggles galore as hubby looks for surprises.  Laugh, chat, ponder as I share with a couple over the wedding ceremony.  So sweet.

#3135-3137:: COLD morning but bundled in down vest over layers of Sunday clothes - warm.  Pet blessing as we celebrate St. Francis today with families and dogs and cats and a rabbit and turtles and a hamster and a fish in a jar right in the middle of the service.  Crazy fun.

Cold nights seem not to temper these blooms.
What a lovely Fall.

#3138-3140::Sun peaks out at noon and beckons me outside to pluck at still brilliant geraniums.  Autumn creeps in slowly with bits of 'fire' in leaves and wilted plants tucking themselves in for the winter months.  Breeeeeezy.

#3141-3143::  Oh JOY!  I can bend over without my head feeling like it is going to fall off.  Two hours in the garden pulling and nipping and cleaning dead foliage that I have been staring at for several weeks.  Fresh air, warm, sprinkles of rain and time in the garden. Can't get better than that.

#3144-3146:: Delight in warmth of a sunny day; visit the farm show and see pigs, cows, sheep and so much more; eat what I shouldn't but donations go to good causes and so YUM, YUM!

Once upon a time I lived in Aspen and flew all over
the world for my job.  I saw these and thought
of another wonderful place I have lived.

#3147-3149:: Cloudless sky, crisp breeze in the morning that warms up later in the day, looking forward to an evening meeting that will enhance our year at church.

#3150-3152:: Spin, swirl, plop like the leaves flying by - response to last night's action items.  Words for Sunday come easily; enjoy the gorgeous day of beauty.

#3153-3155:: Prep for Bishop visit only needs final tweaks, a sweet 'congratulations' to those being confirmed spins out of the printer.  Last minute call for food finds me making a wonderful salad.

I need a new picture.  This is our church in the summer.

#3156-3158:: Darkness greets us as we awake but the painted sky gives us a breathless view as we drive to church.  A grand time with the Bishop who wants to greet everyone just where they are - kitchen, outside etc.  Too much food, as usual, goes home with a street-wanderer who walked in and enjoyed the banquet with us.

#3159-3161:: An early flight to Florida to work on repair details for the flooded condo.  A time of listening as a passenger really needs to talk.  Florida greets me with warmth but low humidity.  NICE!

I so wanted to linger on the beach.
I did pop over for a sunset as I try to do on these work trips.

#3162-3164:: Stop by skilled nursing to visit with a dear friend who is amazing after double knee replacement surgery.  Four hours of chat with her and her sweet room mate.  A time of prayer and sharing of how grace-filled our lives are even when challenged.

#3165-3167:: Early day with contractor, condo inspection, working with final details.  A friend-helper works with me as we finalize more purchases.  Insurance paid for clean up!  God's grace is in every detail.

#3168-3170:: Fresh air, low humidity, evening rain - perfection!  Twelve more hours of details.  We only have a few more items on the list, tile floors are being laid, final instructions, a few more signatures and voila!  All will be done when we return.

Funky gate in the neighborhood.
It's decorated for Christmas - last year!

#3171-3173:: A day of sitting, transferring flights, new seat partners, lots of time to regroup.  Hubby and I dine at our favorite Panara, run a few errands, pick up groceries and nestle in as temperatures begin to drop.  It is truly Fall with colors too fantastic to miss.  I so love both places.  I am blessed!

#3174-3176:: R&R as I prepare for tomorrow, unpack, re-group and enjoy looking outside.  The slight breeze turns into gusts as I watch the last of the corn harvest across from my back yard. Amazing!

#3177-3179::  This is the day that the Lord has made, let us be glad and REJOICE! We stop at a buffet after church that is packed with fall visitors - fun.  Sun glances off of a huge field of green grass as Canadian geese linger by the pond.

#3180-3182:: Follow up medical appointments find my head mostly healed!  Tests for other parts of my body will consume the next six weeks but then we are done!  Crisp day brings us inside at Panera but FUN!

The new rage is finding variations on these
wonderful English signs.  I found this
one and so agree.  Some days are
totally based on FAITH!

#3183-3185:: Greetings and glad tidings with gals as we meet together in Intercourse, a junction where five roads come together.  A nice change from computers and decisions and all else I work through from day to day.  Tans and golds and reds and leaves and tobacco in barns and buggies everywhere make for a lovely fall day.  Thank you God for my senses.

#3186-3188:: Words and actions and grace and soft voice bring peace to the soul this morning.  God is present on this rainy day as slippery leaves stick to our shoes.  Gray mixes with gold and brown and red as the sky is filled with blowing leaves. Beauty is a gift from God.

#3189-3191:: Chilly blasts of air rush into every space as dark clouds wrap us in blankets of cold.  The sound of tractors cleaning empty fields reminds me that winter is coming.  A quiet day with much to learn invites me into God's presence.

I love this 'nest' at Winterthur Children's Garden.
As I put away our bird house, I know this nest will
stay forever.  Kids can even sit on the eggs!

#3192-3194:: Gray skies invite warm air - a great opportunity to continue cleaning out the garden.  Catch up on scripture study leaves me floating on a cloud with the Lord.  Construction woes make me put on my 'happy face' and pray that my attitude matches - Thank you, God, that we can replace what water destroyed in August.

#3195-3197:: Sun peaks over the horizon PINK - God's paintbrush brings gleaming skies.  Words on paper for tomorrow encourage us to acts of Love as God so loved us by giving us His Son. Another great day to clean up crisp, brown foliage in the midst of vibrant fall garden colors.

An erie look to a Fall Full Moon is perfect for October

#3198-3200:: A glorious morning so dark and still invites into quiet space on our one hour drive to church; Healing prayer, a gift from God, as so many came forward with personal requests on this special monthly occasion.  Swirl, spin, meet, discuss, then meet with another group after the services and then we took some time to linger and think and pray and drive home through fields that glisten in the late afternoon sun.  A long but wondrous day.

#3201-3203:: A slow start as I linger with the Lord before I respond to emails. A great workout helped me to pray and let go of that which impedes God's work in my life.  B R E A T H E in B R E A T H E out, over and over, throughout the day, as I sort through what must be done and what must be left undone for now.

#3204-3206:: A glorious warm morning surprises me as we finish clearing the garden for winter.  I linger on the porch one more time as I

Harvest is in and farms remain neat and tidy as silos
are filled to overflowing 

absorb the colors of Fall.  A great sense of accomplishment as I taylor a new course to be taught over the next several months.

#3207-3209:: Another doctor, another diagnosis, all good news as MDs chip away at anomalies in my body.  God made me with little blips that are showing up now - nothing to worry about.  Another lovely meal at my favorite place on this drippy, droopy day.

#3210-3212:: Up in the dark for our long drive through glistening foliage, a marvel of God.  Meetings all day give us a sense of accomplishment as we create solutions.  We stop at some favorite spots to take pictures as we linger on this gorgeous fall day.

#3213-3215:: A lovely end to a fabulous month as we nestle next to the fire.  Gray skies and  stillness envelope us as we wrap ourselves in a blanket of soothing words from God's Word.  I catch up on my monthly blog, which is always fun.  All Hallows Eve - a time to prepare our hearts to remember the saints who are now singing praises from heaven.

SEPTEMBER SENSATIONS

September already!

I captured these just before they died back.
The garden still looks GREAT!

How can that be?
We were shoveling ourselves out of the driveway only a few months ago.

The Splendor of summer reaches its pinnacle during this final season of sensational weather.  September arrives lazy and quiet on this Labor Day.

I only hear my neighbor's air conditioner once in awhile as it drowns out the cicadas and frogs in our little meadow beyond the back yard.
It's actually HOT today.
Surprise!

And so I begin another month of ''eucharisteos" THANKS to God for all that I see, hear, touch taste, feel and embrace from day to day.

Using my brain is like riding a bike on
a road like this - a bit tricky.

#3034-3036:: I love this lazy day that I can catch up on tasks, vege in my favorite chair on our back porch, and ponder this coming month of endless activities.

Praise God there is no bleeding in the brain: The reason this blog stopped for awhile? Concussion.

#3037-3039:: The brain is good and the head will get better. A trip to get a CAT scan; told to 'not use my brain' for awhile' LOL!!!!  Lovely lunch with hubby at our favorite Panera Bread - outside with a cool breeze.

#3040-3042:: Long morning and evening meetings with loads on the agenda. . . which I lead - and not use my brain? LOL  All went smoothly but I did have a few 'moments', which others just took as regular ol' me.  Good day, all in all but tired.

#3043-3045:: Linger a little longer on my back porch.  Collect my thoughts as best I can for the weekend words.  Rest . . . lots. . .  nice.

Tobacco harvest time.  Every place we look Amish
barns are filling up with tobacco to be dried.
Fascinating.

#3046-3048:: Finance meeting goes well.  I even catch a few numbers for which I have questions.  Incredible drive home with Amish out in droves.  Another gorgeous day.  Hubby is catering to my every need.

#3049-3051::  Words come easily as I create a 'Backpack Blessing' poem for the little ones tomorrow.    Each will receive a Bookmark Blessing for their backpacks.  Words for tomorrow will not be memorized but will be read . . .  glad God gave me the words to give to others.

#3052-3053::  A cool Sunday filled with worship, food, meetings, blessings, crazy kids.  Amelia, a tall two year old, just learned how to ring the church bell!  Crazy fun.

It's hard to see but the bell is actually mounted on the ground to the right of the bush, next to the covered stairs
that lead up to the area with that beautiful stained glass window.  It is a beautiful church with a bell on the ground.

#3054-3056:: I now am beginning to feel my brain when it is working too hard - like when the vice squeezes more tightly.  Pacing myself with 'think' time and 'linger' time.  Hubby fixes the best breakfast and, as usual, runs the errands.

These are in a different part of the garden than the ones
you see at the top.  I think I love the combination of
purple and yellow throughout the garden.

#3057-3059:: I ventured into the garden and actually leaned over to pick two 6 foot weeds, can you believe, in the middle of my Russian Sage.  Cold breeze, like it's October, whips past me and feels good on the face.  Geraniums flourish as periwinkle Asters in pots linger behind them. All Good.

#3060-3062:: Another scan to see if my bones will last a few more years  Warming a bit so sitting on my porch is rather nice - no wind!  Catching up on little things and feeling good.

#3063-3065:: So many notes to combine into a simple report strains my brain but great feeling of accomplishment.  Workout today went well.
Long evening with visit to the POINT (funded by area churches to help at-risk kids) and a meeting afterward should be fun.

It was cold enough to light the fireplace today.
A cup of tea and my favorite chair and ahhhhhh.

#3066-3068:: Brain needs rest so nice, lazy day catching up on things.  Potted plants love this cool weather.  It was suppose to rain but turned out to be a lovely day with some sun!

#3069-3071:: Up early for an MRI I have never had before.  I did not mind the experience at all and the rat-a-tat-tat was barely heard as I went through my entire prayer list from memory.  Nice.  Fuzzy head and weird taste in my mouth makes me sleepy but I wait to sleep tonight.  Good.

Did you ever wonder what it looks like inside a covered bridge?
We drove through one the other day so I took this shot.
Fascinating bridge.

#3072-3074:: This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad. Twelve hour day went well.  I think I am healing quickly.  Cold AM turned out to be a perfect later afternoon ride home.

#3075 - 3077:: Spin, spin, spin goes the day as I slowly move from one activity to another.  Woosh, the day is gone.  House smells so clean as fresh air drenches the inside.  Fall already?

#3078-3080:: People and places and things, oh my!  Connections with others, meetings, phone calls, conversations fill the hours until the haze of cloud cover reminds me it is late afternoon.  Where does time go?  How can I catch it?  I breathe deep knowing I had a wondrous, full day.

I cleaned the herb garden so it looks a bit empty.

#3081-3083:: MDs have been so concentrating on my head that we now take time to look at my kidneys.  All clear! Because I was premature at birth I simply have fewer 'filters' to do the work.  Water, water everywhere, lots and lots to drink.  Glad I love plain ol' water.

#3084-3086:: The garden gushes with colorful delights.  We trek to the local Lowes to design an entire kitchen for dad's southern home.  With computers, long distance design is such a blessing! Hundreds of shades of gold and green run past us as we drive past the changing fields around us.

We delight in passing Amish on their way home from church. 

#3087-3089:: A sad day as I help others grieve their loss but God is in the midst and they know it.
Hurry, scurry, change this, tweak that, and kitchen design for dad's abode is done.  Long distance work is so easy with computers!  Corn is being harvested and now we see for acres and acres as we drive along country roads.

#3090-3092::  Quiet.  Still.  Balmy.  A great day to rest and rediscover the garden.  Pick a little, pluck a little and, before I know it, I've filled two bags.  S L O W L Y  my body bends, testing the thudding pulse in my head.  Not bad.  Great sense of accomplishment after three weeks not being able to tend my garden.

A quick shot from the car captures these young boys.
The narrow roads make it hazardous for the Amish
to walk, much less drive their buggies with all the
trucks on the road.

#3093-3095:: Fog fills the expanse of our drive to church and does not let up until the second service is complete.  Fresh smells, soft dew on skin, frizzled hair - nice.  Lingering at coffee hour with too many conversations to track but love the banter.  Cleansing rain late in the day cools the warm day and refreshes our senses.

#3096-3098:: The 'eyes' have it as hubby gets his annual check-up and I sip coffee and study.
Autumn-summer is bright and warm and invites me into the garden.  A maze of words on paper: my 'don't forget' list gets longer.

#3099-3101:: Whirrrrr, pop, hrummm goes the lawn mower early in the morning as he cuts the still-growing grass.  Hmmm, love that smell.

Merrily, Merrily, life is but a dream.
 How wonderful to dance on on these stones in the Wintertur Children's garden.

The smell of burning wood and a tube of smoke lingering in our meadow: Smoked Pork for our farmer?  Love the smells on this cloudless, warm day.

#3102-3104:: Scurry, hurry, get out the door on time.  Traffic, travel, meeting with leaders.  Look, like, linger as the busy faithful prepare for the craft fair and silent auction on Saturday.  Visit with one who remains in a small space of tender loving care and enjoys a pastoral moment. Eucharisteo!

What a wonderful spot to linger.

#3105-3107:: Head down, concentrate, press through distractions, write, write, write.  Good feeling to accomplish the impossible knowing that all things are possible through Christ Jesus.  Ready for the Bishop's visit, more ready for Sunday.  Nice to have a rainy day where I don't mind lingering over my desk.

#3108-3110:: Up early to complete chores, finish up lose ends with anticipation of completing the final inspection of the clean-up at dad's place.  Construction can begin tomorrow!  Hooray, after eight weeks!  Warm, sunny day to linger with hubby as we roam the corn fields, run errands and dine at our favorite sandwich shop.

#3111-3113:: People, conversations, crafters' creativity, Italian sausage, baked goods, a little bit of everything makes the craft fair fun and fulfilling.  Lingering in a relaxed atmosphere is fruitful.  A long day but energy to prepare final words for tomorrow.

#3114-3116:: Another 'summer-like' day invites us to spend time outside after church.  Gaining the mid of Christ is a lifelong plan for those truly seeking the most from our faith.  New insights as we meet for evaluation of the past year.

See why I linger in the garden!
The back yard is filled to overflowing too.

#3117-3119:: Focus on details as we prepare for the Bishop's visit.  Meetings in other areas are filled with details.  My brain is working GREAT as I sift through ideas, lists, agendas.  Feels good!

#3120-3122:: The last day of this month I so love.  Warmth in a cloud lingers on the porch.  Wet, soothing to the skin, fresh, a balmy day.  Life is so much better when I can sit on my porch.  So ends this wonder-filled month.  Blessings abound as I look forward to the changing colors of October.

AUGUST ACCOLADESI

I love this town filled with victorian homes.
 Can you imagine no air conditioning in August?
 All those doors and windows, when open, invite
fresh breeze inside those spacious rooms.

This time of year seems so unusual.
Our windows are open as fresh air flows through our home.
Just enough rain cleans the air and waters the garden.
I am sure it will get hot but what a delight to enjoy a cool entry into August.

#2041-2043:: Early morning writing while sitting on the porch is cool enough for a sweater; Read, study, meditate: a wonderful way to spend the day.  Love our fresh greens and veges for dinner.

#2044-2046:: A special day to celebrate Parkesburg was enjoyed by crowds all day; The expected rain showers did not interrupt the day; A special visit to our farmer expands our pantry with fresh produce.

I love the fresh produce of summer.

#2047-2049:: Driving through the misty morning fog brings us to church a bit early; Jacob's episode with God at the Jabbok river reminds me of God's powerful blessing on those who choose to connect intimately with Him.  Delightful conversations with others is another blessing for the day.

#2050-2052::  Cool, cloudy and perfect for studying on my back porch.  O.T. stories draw me deeply into God's word which, indeed, brings great satisfaction to my soul; the book of Judges is wild and crazy due to the Israelites refusal to follow the Lord, thy God.  Sun peaks out with a splat of warmth then hides again behind the gray - NICE.

There is something about a porch that makes summer
what it is - a time of lingering and lounging
and chatting with dear friends while sipping ice tea.

#2053-2055:: Life seems too calm and easy as my lingering gets interrupted by challenging news. Brain goes into high gear in problem solving but prayer is close behind. I am thankful that the Lord shows us what is important and what is simply another challenge to overcome: The Lord is my ever-present strength.

#2056-2058::  I lead a swirl of activity as women in PEO gather for a celebration to draw one more into our group of 'sisters' who share what we have to help other women return to school.  Our annual visit to Mount Gretna is always a JOY as we linger on the large porch and all talk at once while imbibing in delicious treats.  Errands and decision making with

Each year I add more day lilies.  Love 'em.

hubby help us focus on the tasks at hand as we meet a new challenge that is not life-threatenting, just consuming.

#2059-2061:: A crazy day of time on the phone solving problems that seem less overwhelming each minute.  God has His hand in all this and all will work together for good.  More fresh produce for healthy eating from our local farmer, YUM!

#2062-2064:: Focus, meditate, breathe deep.  Great exercise in keeping calm as I feel overwhelmed by decisions - all good.  Chaotic moments lead me to the garden to smell fresh roses that keep blooming no matter what happens.  Nice!

#2065-2067:: The annual craft fair in a nearby town that draws thousands - FUN! Home made ice cream-YUM! Cool breezes flow through the rows of tents filled with unique crafts.

#2068-2070:: We need sun glasses on this sunny Sunday as

Spring Park is my favorite place to linger on a summer day.
This small pond feeds the path of water in the middle of the
picture that goes as far as the eye can see.  

we drive to church early in the morning.  We meet some visitors and more are returning from vacation.  Delightful stories and fascinating conversations wherever I turn.  We did not need the air conditioner on this morning and cool breezes invited us to linger on our back porch later in the day.

#2071-2073::  Up at dawn to complete hours of computer work before an appointment and a conference call.  I have a great sense of accomplishment as I meet many deadlines.  Wonderful time of prayer as I was driving to an appointment.  Nice!

#2074-2076:: Spin, spin, spin with words and ideas and choices - mind boggling but creative.  Soft non-stop rain drips into the deep edges of the garden and brings life back to our vegetation.  Read, mark, learn and inwardly digest more information than my tiny brain can handle but I love exploring new vistas of information.

#2077-2079  I linger for hours in God's Word, with focus on Joseph, son of Jacob.  Every time I read this part of Genesis I am awed at God's incredible plan for us, now, today, that kept moving through challenging times because of Joseph's total devotion to God.  I so love to study and this is MY day!

#2080-2082:: Amazing workout with weights before a long commute to work;  A great meeting and another and another - all good for mind and soul.  Surprise! A splat of rain just as we were getting vegetables from our local farmer after a very long day.

The herb garden is so happy!

#2083-2085:: Hubby and I had a wonderful 'moment' of realization that our dream could happen sooner than we planned - by several years.  God leads us into a new place of creativity which is boggling our minds but all is so good.  The healing hand of God is in the words I write for Sunday. God's Word fills my soul with Hus truth and power and amazing GRACE!

#2086-2088:: Cool days feel like October - - -  in the middle of August . . .  WOW!  Great day to wash windows, reflect on the Canaanite Woman and tie up loose ends before I leave town.  I feel like I am back in Seattle but I am glad a bit of Seattle has settled here.

Florida is not too bad in the summer . . .
if you don't mind millions of mosquitoes.

#2089-2891:: Although many are away on vacation this Sunday, we have several visitors who are also on vacation. We are blessed with a very relaxed coffee hour and 'personal time' with each other.
Amish are out and about as we weave our way home around various buggies - nice.

#2092-2094:: The seat is broken where I am to sit on the airplane going South so I am placed in a middle seat with wonderful people on each side.  I learn about the life of a young man who is attending Law School at Ave Maria University and delight in his conversation about the Lord.  I arrive after a very long day to see dad's home of thirty years torn apart after a pipe burst in the condo next door.  The Lord has blessed us with quick responders who saved all the furniture and did great work pulling out drenched carpet.

What fun to sketch a new galley kitchen.

#2095-2097:: Work begins as we assess conditions and wonder what to do next.  Dear friends are beside me every step of the way with people and places and excellent direction.  One person after another helps with endless decisions.  God is soooooo good.

#2098-3000:: We discover that everything needs to be taken out of dad's tiny home because all walls must come down.  The perfect storage company helped me at every turn to have the contents out the next day.  They even share their faith on their advertising materials - nice.  I just noticed that I have accumulated 3000 positive thoughts - what a record!

A dark photo taken at 6:30 am as I leave to fly home.
Furniture in pods, ready to be picked up.
HUGE dumpster for all the demolished walls.

#3001-3003:: We pick through furnishings to store, pack or throw and let the young guys load it up.  What looks so easy took about four hours. We enjoy selecting replacement tile and appliances and sinks and so many little things.  Quick minds, creative help and incredible solutions swim across my path to make a boggling day quite enjoyable.  Praise God!

#3004-3006:: EARLY flight home, in order to prepare for Sunday, was smooth and easy.  I sat next to a wonderful conversationalist, on one leg of the flight, who loves talking issues of the day and we were both in agreement - refreshing!  Home sweet home with hubby - an ice cream treat at our favorite little hangout made my day.

We are done loading the furniture - now for a bit of
clean-up before further demolition.
The full wall mirror, taken off the wall on the right,
was a great idea in the 80s.

#3007-3009:: Study, transition, write, prepare: Remember our Christian roots in God's promises through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Breathe deep the cool, moist air of the north - love it. Sleep comes fast after a day filled with 'catch-up.'

#3010-3012:: This is the day that the Lord has made: Rejoice!  More people returning from vacation fill the pews.  A sweet time of healing.  A grand picnic with joy-filled children going every direction but mostly splashing around in the inviting creek.

#3013-3015:: Final drafts of re-construction drawings submitted so that we can rebuild after water damage nearly destroyed dad's southern home.  Decisions are hard but what fun for my creative mind.  What goes where - new spaces?  Another glorious day on the porch as cool air sweeps past me with each gust of wind.

Her favorite wallpaper is all gone. :-(

#3016-3018:: Telephone calls, insurance information, details - glad that's done.  New ideas for prayer
service sweep through me as I pray - nice.  Back on course with events at church that begin to pierce through these lazy days of summer.  September is almost here!

#3019-3021:: Phone conversations, emails back and forth, affirmation that the work has begun on dad's tiny home.  Ceiling popcorn done, old tile taken out, demolition still going on but progress! Mold mitigation is still far away as more walls must come down.  I sit on my quiet little porch studying between calls, assured that the Lord is watching over everyone involved in these tasks.

#3022-3024:: Cool breeze breaks through the heat of yesterday.  I hear pigs from the farm down the valley squealing as they are loaded onto a truck; Tobacco piles, laid out on land in the distance, are all gone! Time flies at this end of August.

#3025-3027:: This weekend signals the end of summer but I choose to think we will enjoy these
delicious days through October.  Events and family gatherings and food, food, food - Fun!  I focus on healing prayer as I prepare for Sunday.  The Psalms are like the 'balm of Gilead' and so healing.

#3028-3030:: Hazy, cool morning feels like it will rain but only 5% chance according to the newspaper.  Great weather for the meg-craft fair and working in the garden - I choose the garden.
I choose to write another 'linger-longer' blog, which I love to do, but it takes time that seems to flit away at the most inopportune times.  A drive in the country invites us to explore an amish store in the middle of nothing but farmland.  Super!

#3031-3033:: I complete over 3000 Eucharisteos over 3 years and end up with 3033 for the month of August.  It's amazing how one's attitude changes when we find things to be thankful for and/or reflect in a positive light.  This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad.

JULY JUBULATION

I love my wall with all my flags.  I have more walls like this in other rooms.

 I LOVE JULY and FLAGS and the sense of patriotism that begins the month.
Can you tell I love every form of the flag?

 There is more than what you see here. As I daily look at my various walls of 'flags' I remind myself that freedom is not really free.


There is a price to be paid.
 Too many have died for my freedom to worship as I choose.
My heart hurts to know that many more will die . . . perhaps me, if it becomes impossible to worship God as a Christian.  I am thankful that God's provision is so abundant in my life.

See the blue umbrella? A patriotic snapshot.

#2351-2353:: I give thanks for today's Lingering: in the garden, writing notes for the newsletter, writing reflections on scripture, sending and responding to emails and wandering about with hubby.

#2354-2356:: RAIN finally came. The flowers are now happy.  It's also nice to have temps well below the 90 we had most of the day.  I don't mind it. I did my work on the back porch and loved the steamy heat.

#2357-2359:: Our little town got hit again, with wind but no one was hurt and no floods.  Trees down, roofs cracked open, fields full of debris

Independence is a gift which has
been paid for by many brave warriors.

but all fixable.  Beautiful drive to Pocopson area for a pastoral visit.  I felt I was at Churchill Downs when we passed one of the horse farms.

#2360-2362:: Early morning heavy rains that finally brought cool air.  A wet beginning to our Independence Day celebration but it should be nice later in the day.  A Happy 4th is expected.

#2363-2365:: More celebrations; a fine day for a walk in the neighborhood; All I see is Red, White and Blue - flowers, flags, arrangements in gardens.  Independence is indeed a gift to celebrate.

The garden is my place to Linger-Longer when I can.

#2366-2368:: Fields of corn and oats and potatoes glisten in the early morning sun; A very easy ride
to church takes us only 40 minutes today! Sermon was thought provoking: Jesus will help us carry our pails of cement - worry, stress, unforgiveness, depression, daily burdens.

#2369-2371:: A new day after a festive weekend brings more sun and lots of heat.  I love it.  Day lilies are blooooooming.  Garden is amazing but I am off to the dentist today.

#2372-2374:: Pieces of paper flutter about as I try to discern minute details - love how the brain is ticking away trying to absorb it all.  HUGE storm swept through this area in less than an hour and then left us with resilient blooms that keep on keeping on.  MD check-up has me looking good and going to three more doctors to see if this machine is still in top shape.

#2375-2377:: Cool breeze on my early morning garden rounds.  All is in tact and beautiful.  Birds chirp sweetly as I linger on the porch at breakfast.
Huge meeting tonight so trying to breathe deep.

Basil and Sweet Potato in pots with branches of
Russian Sage and Tarragon in the vase.
A sweet aroma for the soul.

#2378-2380:: Breathe deep the cool, moist air, and fill my lungs with summer!  The Way is our path to eternal life.  I love the fact that Jesus is leading us if we choose to follow; Picture day - it's time my little camera captured a few new shots.  Off to another meeting that will challenge all of us to keep moving forward: Phil. 3:13-14 ... forgetting what lies behind and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

#2381-2383:: Organize, regroup, shuffle papers, linger on the back porch as I write.  A smokey haze fills the valley as clouds accumulate over the fields.  Everything is growing and blooming and renders such amazement.  A tiny seed grows into a half dozen ears of corn.  God is good!

Photos are hard to take from a moving car.
Three brave boys walking home from church on a busy road.

#2384-2386:: Open roads, open fields, a quilt of vegetation pops with squares of gold, deep green and dots of color.  Amish in buggies, cars trying to pass, more Amish walking home from services as we drive.  Last night's rain makes for a glorious Sunday.

#2387-2389:: A great time of morning ministry as I encourage others; lunch with hubby; hazy mist makes cornfields seem like a quiet place of rest.

#2390-2392:: Up at the crack of early to drain a bit of our life blood, an annual check-up requirement; quick breakfast with hubby finds

God's creation, the spider, is amazingly scientific
in its laborious creating of its web.

us munching on God's word as well as oatmeal; A women's gathering fills us with food for both body and soul.

#2393-2395:: Farms team with alfalfa, corn and harvested fields that lay fallow; perfect temperatures invite me to play but work comes first; late in the day there is still time to pull weeds, visit my favorite spider web, prune and beautify the garden for three hours.

#2396-2398::  Early wake up sounds of bang, bang, scrape, scrape on the roof as potential leaks are fixed; we are 'dry' for future rain storms.  Study, read, write, linger on the back porch with the Lord.  Nice!

Texture and blending of color cannot be more magnificent than the real thing.
This is why I so love summer.

#2399-2401:: Blood tests are quick and easy as we crunch appointments between meetings; Noodles: a great place to grab a salad after a long day; time to linger on the back porch and write - love it.

#2402-2404:: A Finch flits past day lilies and rests on our evergreen tree; Japanese beetles chew my roses but more buds persist in blooming while I catch dozens of these pesky bugs; read, review, recite as I prepare for tomorrow.  God's Word is digesting in my soul and swelling into my entire being.

#2405-2407:: Sweet summer brings cool air and a renewed energy in the day. We worship together, rejoicing in the Lord, even if most are at the "shore" today.  A perfect day to nip at day lilies and sit in the garden.  Instead I choose to linger on the back porch and read a riveting book - a very rare moment.

#2408-2410::  I finished the book before noon and enjoyed every moment of the read as I am educated in the 'politics of the day.'  I give thanks and praise to my Lord that He is ultimately in charge of the happenings of the world, and of my soul.  My responsibility is to vote according to God's precepts, not according to the wave of humanity - which is a good thing.

#2411-2413:: I am on a roll and enjoy reading an e-book: Killing Jesus, a fabulous chronology of the history of His day.  Lingering on the back porch immersed in story is good for my soul. A walk in the garden in the evening enables me to exhale after digesting the entire book in one sitting, including footnotes.

#2414-2016:: Tourists are on all the roads as I wind my way through Amish farms on the way to church.  Predicted rain is nowhere in sight as the hot sun shimmers on fields of corn, cabbage, alfalfa and all sorts of 'growing' things.  A fun stop at a country village tourist trap after work: I seek out the tinsmith for more electrical covers that make our home so 'country.'  Nice.

#2017-2019:: Begin work at 7am via computer, after my early morning routine on this delightful crispy day.  Laundry between e-projects gives me a sense of accomplishment as I fold and stack the loads.  Cloudy-cool, a great day to run a couple errands and, of course, pick at my beautiful garden.

#2020-2022:: Early morning writing to prepare for Sunday seems to roll off my heart into words for others to hear.  Crispy stroll in the garden to grab Japanese beatles from my rose bushes.  Another visit to the doctor brings more tests but all is looking good so far.

A wonderful way to spend a July day.
 One can plant flowers in anything.

#2023-2025:: Early trip for a routine scan and then off to the art fair: my idea of an outdoor museum which is a delight to the eye.  Perfect day to enjoy a Gelato while I saunter through an acre of art.   I feel great satisfaction from plucking Japanese beatles from my roses and flicking them into soapy water.

#2026-2028:: This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad.  Great celebration and wonderful conversation at coffee hour. Home, sweet home for a huge salad with salmon in mid-afternoon. Yum!

I love my garden.

#2029-2031:: Lightening and winds that would blow away anything not tied down pushed rain almost into our house but we felt quite safe last night; clean-up was easy and everything smells fresh-new.  A cool breeze is drying out our soggy garden and birds are flitting about in joy.

#2032-2034:: Scans and more blood don't seem so bad with all these high tech procedures; a lovely lunch with hubby; a walk in the garden revives my soul.

#2035-2037:: A morning meeting at our house means a little more 'tidy' than usual with some delicious treats; A lovely time of community and learning; Gorgeous and cool again!

#2038-2040:: Early-out-the-door to visit with one who is unable to attend church; Affirming meeting and shared encouragement. We purchase just-picked fruit and vegetables from our favorite farmer.  Fun!  A FABULOUS end to an unusually wet and cool JULY that made my garden GROW!