Monday Musings & Another Birthday

Good morning folks! What a weekend huh? 

First of all I want to thank everyone who prayed for me concerning my sour attitude. Things feel a whole lot brighter. I know it's because y'all are Prayer Warriors plus Church was really fulfilling yesterday. I felt lighter inside after the uplifting service. God answers prayer and I'm super blessed that there are others who pray too with loving hearts. God bless you!  

Now on to the sad news, there was an assignation attempt on President Donald J. Trump Saturday the 13th. Those of us who are keenly attuned to what is right and wrong according to God's Holy Word have been expecting an attempt what with all the hateful rants that spew from the hellish Leftist media and our Government. We're all aware that the ranting, raving, lies and threats was meant to enrage some looney tune to make such an attempt. Sadly, one innocent bystander was murdered, others wounded and many traumatized. Their lives are forever changed because of the evil hearts of those in 'power' and in the propaganda machine. But we know that God is bigger than all our silly doings. The Left mean it for evil but HE who is our God and King means it for good. [Genesis 5:20] I'm sure we're all praying for the victims families, for President Trump and his staff and family. My question is, how did the shooter get within 130 yards of our President on a rooftop and in plain view? Some in attendance even pointed the shooter out to authorities before the terrible event! Hmmm ... This kind of reminds me of how the CIA murdered President John F. Kennedy, his brother Bobby, and the men who did the dirty deed. I hope someone will follow the money trail on this one. 

On to something more pleasant.

Today, our two Jack Russell Terriers brothers, Sam (left) and Jack, are 11 years old.  Where did the time go? I remember those first few weeks after bringing them home. As puppies they were so rambunctious and destructive! I thought I was going to go completely crackers before they finally calmed down. I even threatened to take them back to the breeder at some point. Glad I didn't now. Now that we're feeding them "real" food from the table (cooked eggs, chicken gizzards, etc.) and not the store bought kind in a bag, their health has improved greatly. That's saving us major bucks too. It's so much cheaper to be healthy. 

Why does the font suddenly change here on Blogger like that? Strange ... 🤔

This week will be busy. There are the usual errands of groceries and the like but one very important errand will be Steve taking our friend Tommy to his first eye appointment on Wednesday to start the ball rolling on the cataracts removal. Poor man is nearly blind now but good news is his life is improving as each month progresses. Things are looking up for him and that makes us all so happy! Thanking the Lord for answered prayer. And thank YOU for praying for him. Maybe soon Tommy can return to work too. He's really excited about that, I can tell. 

Thank you for stopping by, your prayers, and kindly words. Remember you are prayed for too. I hope the rest of your day is happy and bright. Keep looking up! Jesus may be taking us out of the way of what is to come very soon. God bless.

💙🙏💙🙏💙

~ Sparky ~

Monday Musings And Another Birthday

 

This weekend was massive amounts of rain which meant it was very quiet. I'm half way through the book God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew. What a life he's lead for Jesus! Such an amazing story.

Then Sunday evening after supper we received an urgent text message from our dear niece in Jacksonville, Florida that her husband was in the Emergency Room with strange back pain that could "possibly be blood clots, kidney stones, gall bladder, pulmonary embolism, pleurisy or late stage flu." His blood pressure was really elevated too. We suited up with the armor of God's Holy Word and went into prayer warrior mode and called into action all the Church for prayer. I know God's got this. As I write this (late Sunday evening) we're still waiting for results but it "could be" pneumonia. Something called "multi focal pneumonia". Possibly also diabetic with a cardiac event. Golly. I'll probably know more by later today.

This is me as a newborn from 68 years ago! 🎈 🥳 I was 2 days old in the photo. It's true that time flies when you're having fun because it seems like I just graduated from High School and was heading out into the unknown. Today, Steve is taking me shopping, then he will be cooking me a special meal for supper. I would say he would also treat me with doing the dishes but he's been doing that since my finger boondoggle.

The finger, by the way, is doing extremely well! The stitches fell out last Friday. The brace has been off, except to sleep, since then. I'm doing the finger stretching exercises the Doc gave me at the last visit. Plus I'm back to typing with both hands again. Thank you Lord Jesus. Healing is rapid when off the sugar & carb's. That says a lot. I don't ever want to go back to being a sugar addict. 

I'll leave y'all with a giggle (or two) for the day. I hope your day is special, happy, and full of His grace too. 

I'm outta here. Let's roll! 

💙🙏💙🙏💙

Throwback Thursday ~ Ghosts Of Birthdays Past #tbt #birthday

For some reason, I have birthday's on my mind. Wonder why? *wink* So, I thought for Throwback Thursday this week I would show a couple of my old photos from past birth celebrations.

Three years old. That's the kitchen in our old concrete block house in Titusville, Florida, where I lived for 18 years. It's when the world was still young. Before anything hurt. When "old" was anyone over 10, and a wrinkle was not a concern.

Now it's a heavy task getting up from the sofa, fourscore and ten is not so distant, and wrinkles ... hey, I'm not even going there!

2005. It wasn't that long ago ... was it? But, in a way, I guess it was. Many long, twisty, scary, bumpy roads later the pot holes are starting to show up. I'm crumbling at the edges and there's grass growing where it shouldn't. The frame is still good, though. I only lost one bone in the last surgery. Hallelujah for that. It's a good thing I'm being renewed daily in Christ or there wouldn't be anything left to have surgery on in a few years. *lol*

And while we're on the subject of the day of my origin, warmest THANK YOU's to all my wonderful friends for the warm wishes, the e-mails, e-cards, etc. I had a very pleasant birthday. I'm deeply humbled at the kindness shown. You helped make my day extra special. Also, I opted to stay home, so, my husband cooked two scrumptious meals (lunch and supper) that I will not soon forget. I swear that man is a cordon bleu chef! Then he gifted me a Givi tank bag for the Suzuki V-Strom, which was truly needed. He is such a dear man. So, all in all it was a memorable day.

I hope your day was wonderful too. And thank you again!

"Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. "

- Isaiah 40:30-31

The Copper Pig

I know, that sounds like the beginning of a ribald joke, doesn't it? I thought the same, but The Copper Pig is an actual restaurant located in the coastal town of Brunswick, Georgia.

Sparky and Vicki

Friday was my nearest and dearest friend's birthday. Vicki prefers this restaurant above all others, so, that's how we ended up there. We where also joined by her husband and son. They're all delightful, salt-of-the-earth people. I consider myself fortunate that they like me, Grumpy Guss that I am. *grin*

The first thing the Copper Pig hits a customer with are their homemade mouth-watering desserts.

There are quirky decorations on every possible wall, even in the bathrooms. If I hadn't planned an afternoon of shopping, I would have spent a few moments at the Moonshine Bar.

Who is that good lookin' guy winking at me at the end of the table? (Ok, I confess, it's only my sweet husband. Just because there's snow on the roof, doesn't mean there isn't a fire in the furnace.)

Vicki was a good sport and took a shot at riding the pig. The waitress said that those celebrating birthdays get a free ride. Otherwise, one must ask permission and pay $3. I don't think I'd try at any price.

Next is my birthday (the 20th). I'm not sure which restaurant we'll be gracing next.

So, if you're ever in Brunswick, come on by and enjoy one of there homemade desserts or chow down on a BBQ sandwich. There's also fresh butchered meat for sale if interested. I think next time I'll bring a cooler!

Queen For A Day #Birthday

I have a full plate today.

First off, this year today is when we Georgians vote in the Primaries. Since I try to always exercise my right to vote, even if it's a choice between the devil I know or the devil I don't know. That's first on the plate. I know it's one of our ever dwindling rights as an American.

Next on the plate, it's my birthday! Hubby usually takes me out for something special and treats me like a Queen. Truthfully, he does that year round, but on my birthday he goes all out. I sure found a treasure when I met him.


So I am off to fill my plate with more fun and frivolity. I would also like to wish everyone a happy, fun filled day.

[waving my hand regally] Go do something joyful just for yourself.

Since I'm Queen For A Day, I proclaim this allowable. *smile*

Ride Safe,

Long In The Tooth

1959
"I'm three, Mom! You know that ..."
Again, more silence from me in the blogging world, 'ey? I'm mostly posting at my new political blog, Reluctant Patriot. There is much wickedness coming from the Left. But after watching the polls and seeing how others are voting, I have high hopes that the satanic drug of Socialism is being defeated in many venues. It's a very powerful narcotic, this Socialism. The purveyors of the drug are being ousted right and left, including those in the so-called church (liberal churches to be sure). This brings me great joy. These are VERY exciting times as we witness history being made first hand. For those of us who believe in Jesus Christ, we know that all individuals have the right to succeed or fail on their own merit. Never trust a government. Never. That's why we have laws and rules clearly set out by the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights and other important documents to keep the evil of men in check.

But back to about me. I mean, that's why you're here ... right? It's all about ME. [giggle] Otherwise, you'd be over at the Reluctant Patriot reading my political views. Heaven only knows why anyone would be interested in me, but I am forevermore grateful that there are those who do. [hugs]

For the uninitiated, this is "Sparky Birth week". That's right! I own the whole week! [ha ha] As I turn older, it's another notch in my belt (going the wrong way, I note), another wrinkle in my face, another age spot on my hands, another mysterious ache in my hip. [groan] But I will be of good cheer! Because it's also another year to have fun and to witness for Christ so that others may know eternal salvation too. Another year to be kind to others who so desperately need a kindness. Another year to ... what?> Well, whatever God wants me to do or my motorcycle takes me.

As you can now tell, I *love* birthdays! I cherish every single one of them. So what if I'm rapidly approaching 55!? Hey, it beats the alternative except that "it would be far better for me" to be with Christ than to be 'here'. But, I like being 'here'. Even with all the crap I've endured, or will have to endure, I think life is grand and well worth living. I hope I can show others that enthusiasm for life too. A warm smile, a loving word, a gentle touch is much preferred over the unkindness or lack of concern one can receive from 'the world'. And I've suffered from my share of unkindness too, let me tell you.

My adopted father ... well, in a nutshell, he was cruel. A bitter, cruel, violently unstable man. When I accepted Christ into my life in my teens, my father threatened me with being disowned if I didn't deny Him. I got the impression that Dad hated God. He certainly hated different ethnic groups. He even hated ... me. I got called the "bastard child" way too many times. Nice, huh. Since I wouldn't deny Christ, Dad kept his threat and left the bulk of my inheritance to strangers and, what remained of that, I had to split with his housekeeper. No. I didn't contest the Will. I think that in itself is unhealthy for one's psyche. Even though my father was mentally unstable, all it would have done is be unsettling for all concerned. So, I let it go. One 'comfort' (for lack of a better word) is that we weren't blood related. If it was the wrong thing for Dad to do, let God pass eternal judgment. That's His job, mine is to give testimony to others for Him so that they too may be saved.

Thankfully, Christ has washed away the deep hurts and regrets with His precious, innocent blood. Only He can replace such emotional heartache with love, affection, and understanding. Every day, I try to be thankful to Him for the new life I have in Him. I quit looking for remedies in what the world could offer. It was the wisest choice I've ever made. There is 'joy unspeakable' waiting for those who will heed His call.

So, on Thursday buy a cupcake, put a candle on it and have a little something sweet and think of me. My hubby is taking me to a fancy schmancy restaurant! Living in the country as we do, this is indeed a Big Deal. Wow, food!! [grin] I hope to also see my half-brother from my birth-family that day.

Did I ever tell you the story of finding my birth-family? No? Well, it was in 1982 ... uh, the story of finding those people is long enough to be a novelette full of romance and intrigue. I documented the whole thing it was so involved. They have been scattered to the wind across America like sheaves of wheat on a threshing floor.

Another day, perhaps?

Thanks for stopping by! I try to always thank God for friends like YOU too! :)

Too Old To Die Young

Happy Birthday To Me!

I LOVE birthdays!

Especially mine.

It means I'm still alive.

I like that.

It annoys all the right people.

So, we're out and about today. Hubby has plans that he won't share with me ... yet ... about what he has in store. So, you'll just have to wait too to see what the Sparkster et. el. where up to today. [smile]

In the meantime, how about some old photos?

The first one is my birthmother. Once I made up my mind to find her, it took me all of three weeks to find her burial location. Yeah, she was deceased by the time I got 'round to locating her. Mary died in a tragic auto accident in June of 1980 in Yulee, Florida, just about 18 months before my search.

Too little, too late.

But ... I have learned oodles about my roots irregardless. I'm still glad I searched (and so are many other folks going by all the e-mail of Thanks I get).

My birthmother, Marian Estelle "Mary" McMahan (left), and a friend
In the above photo, Mary was preggers with me. Being unmarried she wisely allowed me to be adopted by a loving married two parent family. I wish I could have told her "Thank you for not killing me". Sure do appreciate that.

Now finding my birthfather, since he wasn't named on my original birth certificate, is a real detective story! Pappy would have been proud of me. You can run, but you can't hide ... am I right Pappy? Never tell this ol' Bulldog (me) that something can't be done because then I will probably do it.

I've learned a lot in my short 53 years on Earth.

Here's a few of my pearls of wisdom. Feel free to leave your pearls too.

* After all my family research, and helping others do the same, I'm amazed at how closely related we all are.

* Life is very precious and every moment should be treasured. It can be tragically short or painfully long. But a good attitude makes the path a whole lot more pleasant.

* That friends may come and go, but they stay in our hearts forever.

* Our Judeo-Christian western European capitalist culture really is superior to all others. There's no denying history.

* That a loved ones smile or gentle touch at just the right moment is worth more than diamonds and gold.

* And mostly, but certainly not lastly, that God's love above all else stands the tests of time, even unto death. He is always there for us.

Now, off we go to celebrate the end of Sparky Birth Month. [tee hee]

Thanks for coming by and singing "Happy Birthday". Sing loud now so I can hear you!! :o)

Freshly Squeezed Sparky

Happy Birthday Hubby

61 years ago, you were giving your mother a little trouble by being born backwards. Bet she didn't know that Heavens angels are born that way?!

I do. I know.

Because to the world, you may be one person. But to me, you are the world.

Hubby as a newborn

Isn't he a cutie? (1949)
And always remember, it is not being in love that makes me happy but it is being in love with YOU that makes me happy.

So Great Big Happy Birthday Wishes my dearest and sweetest, not a day goes by when you're not in my thoughts and how empty my life would be if you were not here.

Now, let's go eat some of that carrot cake reposing in the 'frig. :o)

Pre Birthday Celebrations

Tomorrow is Hubby's birthday.

This morning, I asked him what he would like to do today. His response? "Ride the bikes to the Buccaneer Club Restaurant and have my favorite meal." Hubby loves seafood! He's really a sailor at heart.

So, we hopped on the faithful steeds and took off for coastal Darien, Georgia. First we journeyed to that flea speck town of Ludowici again, then down Highway 57 to the town of Cresent. Doggone, if the restaurant wasn't closed! Oh well. No problem. We headed south on Highway 99 to just inside the Glynn County line (north of Brunswick) and had lunch at Mudcat Charley's.


I'm all ready for my tea party now. I'm even drinking iced tea!


Still cute after all these years.

You can't tell it from these photos but the restaurant was packed! The table of bikers behind Hubby had just left when I snapped this. It's hard to tell there's an economic downturn in our area. Everywhere we go, places are full of people, which, of course, is a good thing. It's always so sad to hear of a business failing and people losing their jobs.


I try to always check the bike over before hopping back on it.


There was a pack of Harley riders there when we arrived. They were "newbies", we could tell because they were snooty and had all their H-D regalia on that loudly proclaims "Look at me, I ride". Yeah, like, I'm so impressed.

As if!


Half way home, we stopped in Popwellville for a rest. We were getting really fatigued and decided to book it on home. All in all we rode about 150 miles today. It was a great day!


Now it's time for coffee and cake. I bought hubby his favorite, carrot cake. I'll just munch on my dark chocolate, thank you. [lol]


Oh, and I read this on the Triumph Tiger 1050 forum and thought y'all would enjoy it.

Things Hard To Say When Drunk

DIFFICULT TO SAY WHEN DRUNK:
1. Innovative
2. Preliminary
3. Proliferation
4. Cinnamon

VERY DIFFICULT TO SAY WHEN DRUNK:
1. Specificity
2. Anti-constitutionalistically
3. Passive-aggressive disorder
4. Transubstantiate

DOWNRIGHT IMPOSSIBLE TO SAY WHEN DRUNK:
1. No thanks, I'm married.
2. Nope, no more booze for me!
3. Sorry,but you're not really my type.
4. Taco Bell? No thanks, I'm not hungry.
5. Good evening officer. Isn't it a lovely night?
6. Oh I couldn't! No one wants to hear me sing karaoke.
7. I'm not interested in fighting you.
8. Thank you, but I won't make any attempt to dance, I have no coordination. I'd hate to look like a fool!
9. Where is the nearest bathroom? I refuse to pee in this parking lot or on the side of the road!
10. I must be going home now, as I have to work in the morning.