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

Pet Parade

How about a Jack Russell Terrierist up-date?

For those unfamiliar with the original story, The Boys are brothers and will be two years old by mid-July. Looking back in the photos, I had nearly forgotten how small they were on that first day we met.

Jack At The Breeder's

Sam The Third At The Breeder's

I had no idea what I was getting into.

At nearly 60 years old, I have owned numerous dogs through this journey called Life. All of them have had their own special personalities, endearments, quirks and problems. But nothing like these two! I don’t know if any of my readers have ever owned JRT’s, but that first 6 months I seriously considered killing them (not really) or giving them back (really). They have the energy level of a two year old on caffeine that’s had too much sleep.

Now that everything is relatively sane again, they’re really quite cute.

Jack looking thoughtful.

Jack is a bit neurotic. He’s standoffish but has a sweet nature, a moocher, growls lovingly at the foot of our bed in the morning, and waits to have a taste of Vaseline when I’m removing makeup.

Sammy in a rare moment when he's

not moving at 90 mph.

Sam The Third (or just Sammy, for short), is pure, unadulterated, unharnessed energy. He’s very alert. He loves these little orange hollow rubber balls I bought at Tractor Supply. The JRT's jaws are so strong I had to buy the ones that are Pit Bull proof. Honestly, the Jaws-Of-Life had to be modeled on a JRT’s jaw.

I still haven’t taught The Boys how to walk on a leash. It just hasn’t come up. Oh, I dread that task. I only hope my shoulders (and nerves) can take it.

At any rate, once we got past the rough patches, they are a treasure to own.

I guess we’ll keep ‘em.

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!

Just Some Fun On A Monday Afternoon

... and because I'm too lazy to write a proper post. Here's some purdy pictures (as we say here in the Sawth). :) Enjoy!

... with sincerest apologies to William Shakespeare.

... at least it's not monkey's (too messy). *lol*

... and lots of green money.

And on that happy note, I'll take my leaf ... uh, leave.

Have a pleasant evening folks!

Bounty From Our First Harvest This Season

 Green Beans

Yellow Crooked Neck Squash

Served with fried boneless pork chops. Yes, it was all delicious. :)

Leaning On The Everlasting Arms

Motorcycling could be classified as an anti-social hobby. Sure, there are others who ride, but when one is in the saddle with a helmet securely fastened, zooming down the road at 60+ miles per hour, negotiating turns and errant wildlife, that makes conversation impossible. So often times one is left alone with one’s thoughts for hours at a time.

There seems to be a recurring theme on these lonely rides of late. As I lean my two wheels into a tight turn, I think of how important it is to lean on God. Learning to lean on Him even when the degree of the angle seems a bit too steep for my level of expertise. He has a plan that I probably don't understand. I already trust that the unchangeable physics of momentum and gravity will always be what they are and keep me upright once the danger has passed. How much less then is it to trust the One who created these physics? I must also trust that He will keep my Spirit upright when I need it most. He is the One who set these wheels in motion. To not trust Him is to deny His power.

Perhaps these thoughts are products of the escalating frightening news: Baltimore riots, terrorist attacks, non-existent interest rates punishing those of us who actually saved for retirement, homelessness is worse than ever, taxes and inflation escalating to unbelievable heights, and so on. There seems to be so many now that are disenfranchised, perhaps for good reason, perhaps not. I don’t know their hearts or their experiences. I worry about them. I worry about US.

As I motor away into the twilight, with the ethereal specters chasing the spinning rubber, I pray that I never forget to lean on His everlasting arms and trust that “ … all things work together for the good of those who love God”. [Romans 8:28]

“My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

[Psalm 73:26]

Sunday Post

I feel like that's most of what I did this week, be still and wait on something or other when I should have been busy.

Raise your hand if you’ve also had a crazy, busy week? Yeah, I thought so! After reading all my other friend’s blogs, it must be something in the air but it seems like all of us have hit the ground running lately. As if gardening and preparing the soil for new plants, running errands, one doctor appointment, and such was not enough, all three of our computers put their circuits together and decided to go on strike.

My kingdom! My kingdom for a workable computer!

I had to call the local internet provider twice, delete / reload software more times than I can count, then had one computer go to The Doctor. *sigh* Now, finally, I think all the circuits are happy again.

What a week! I could do with fewer of these, thank you very much. *lol*

So, I’ll leave everyone with some scripture. This is a good day to sit back and reflect on all our wonderful blessings. And, by the way, when I count my blessings, you all are right there at the top.

1 Peter 5:7 ~ “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Isaiah 41:10 ~ “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 ~ “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Romans 10:17 ~“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

Isaiah 53:5 ~ “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”

Psalm 34:18 ~ “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 ~ “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

(All are NIV, translated by https://www.biblegateway.com/)

Sunday Post

Pretty bird, isn't it. My husband said it's not a local species, so, I'm stumped as to what it is.

Anyway ...

right to left: zucchini, cucumbers, green beans,

ford hook lima beans, yellow crookneck squash,

bell peppers, and better boy tomatoes.

[click to enlarge]

We've been happily busy of late, completing a myriad of household fixes. The garden is growing in a spectacular fashion for the first time ever. I have learned a secret to the "success" for lush veggies on our property. I'll try to remember to share more in another post. Physical labor is why I haven't felt much like pondering life's questions this week. Or maybe it's an overall feeling of contentment that's put lead in my writing britches.

Irregardless of whatever lame excuse I can muster for the mental laziness, I do pray that everyone has a blessed Sunday.

Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher

There is a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher nesting in our yard! So far, I've spotted a Summer Tanager, Orchard Oriole, Blue Grosbeak, and several other unusual sightings. I can't get over what a variety of wildbirds are hanging around this year. As we used to say in the '80s, "Totally Awesome". *lol*



[click photo to enlarge & view at PhotoBucket]

If time be sure to check out the other photos while at Photobucket. Hubby snapped several of Hummingbirds too.

PBS: Ancient Roads From Christ To Constantine

A few weeks ago, I happened upon a very interesting six hour mini-series on PBS titled “Ancient Roads From Christ To Constantine” by London based Jonathan Phillips. It’s a very well done. So far, I’m impressed by how thorough Mr. Phillips was in researching the history of the time. He couldn’t quite get it right about the Apostleship of Paul (Saul of Tarsus) and Paul’s importance to the Gentiles though. Perhaps Mr. Phillips has not been taught the Grace Message and why Paul was raised up after the stoning of Stephen but he did seem to get the history of all his journey’s and writings correct. With all the persecution going on at that time and then the twisting of the truth when merged with the still pagan Roman culture, it’s amazing that the message survived at all. The Grace Message given to Paul was kept safe in the Netherlands for many centuries during the time of the Roman conquests. God always keeps His Word safe so that all may hear and be saved.

But, back to the series, I admit, I’m very weak on this part of history because I don’t understand Middle Eastern customs or how they live. Quite frankly, never been overly interested. I’ve been so focused on learning what God wants for me in this life that sometimes I forget about the humans surrounding Him during the time that He walked the earth. This production has more-or-less fleshed out what that area was like back then. Until the series, I had never heard of Josephus (born Joseph ben Matityahu, lived 37 AD to 100 AD) and one of his writings titled "The Jewish War". I looked his writings up on Amazon, thinking that I would like to read it, but after reading the reviews, I think the book would too deep for me.

Sometimes I forget it was such violent, unstable time then. I do recommend the series. It's aiding me in learning about Christ during His time on earth. 

Here's a promo at Vimeo of "Ancient Roads". Enjoy!

(If it's visible on your end, please excuse the strange font changes and sometimes it goes "bold" without my asking it too. Blogger is messing up again.)

Funny Friday ~ Non Sequitur

Non Sequitur

One of the many items I miss about receiving the daily newspaper are the "funnies". Good thing some of them are still available on Yahoo! Comics. Non Sequitur was consistently one of my favorites.

Our First Home #tbt #florida

Today for Throw Back Thursday, I have chosen to share a couple of photos of our first house. I was in my 20's then, freshly married, living in Jacksonville, Florida, when we bought the already old house in October 1981 for around $38,000.

The original owners had painted it

white with battleship gray trim.

No curb appeal at all.

I researched the history a bit after purchase, and the whole neighborhood was built around 1955. It was older than me! That poor house was just about a total wreck from neglect when we first moved in. There were roaches everywhere, cracks and fist-sized holes in the stucco walls, no doors on the bedrooms, the yard had been ignored since forever, no central heat or air, window panes as thin as paper, etc. The yard was more of a sand pit and only slightly larger than a postage stamp (65 x 120). It had only one very small 6' by 6' bathroom. But, we where young and, oh, so happy to have a place all our own. Through the years the house became The Ongoing Project (nice name for Wallet Sucker). Most of our spare money, which there wasn't much of then, went into the maintenance and upkeep of said abode. And the government calls a house an asset! "Asset" my big toe! *lol*

First thing on the agenda, after bug bombing the stew poopie outta the place, was repaint the house, inside and out. The outside became Hudson Brown (no lie! that was the name at Sherwin Williams) with dark brown trim. It looked rather classy, I thought. Then, it was time to tackle the yard.

Now that's curb appeal!

[click to enlarge]

I think it was worth the effort. I became accustomed to having strangers stop and talk while I worked outside. They would say such flowery, honey laced comments about how much better the place looked it fairly made my head swell. *blush* Ok, ok, I relished it. *giggle*

Then we moved to Southeast Georgia in 1993 to our current custom built home. I don't miss the old neighborhood but I do miss our lovely neighbors. We all kept up with each other for a long time until some began to die off and others move away. It was a fun place to live for awhile but I am exceedingly grateful to be living in the country now.

From Death Comes Life

Winter has released its icy grip. Migratory birds in new plumage pass through heading North. There are a multitude of ravenous raptors bringing joy on their wings at the feeders. Their enthusiasm can only breed encouragement to those who will observe. Rain replaces ice. Trees bud. Flowers bloom.

The vegetable garden flourishes in the warm sunshine. Color replaces stark, barren branches.

As the celebration of our Lord’s Resurrection subsides, I too feel a simultaneous renewing of spirit. Past love’s fade into cherished memories but, if allowed, I am reminded that with tender care new love can flourish.

From death comes life. Spring has arrived. Not only on the calendar, but also in my heart.

“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”  1 Thessalonians 4:14

Blog Swan Song

And I do too.

I do apologize for not posting more often of late.

Ok, I know everyone is tired of hearing this, [not as tired as I am of thinking about it] but I just can't shake the sadness that seems to envelope my very being since Maxie died.

She was "just a dog" to everyone else. Maxie was my little buddy. We where like peas and carrots, little Fuzzy Britches and me.

Sometimes I still catch what I think is a glimpse of her little grey body bouncing around in the corner of my eye.

Or I think I hear her whine for that cotton pickin' ball, she couldn't live without!

And I'll catch myself starting to call her to get a "cookie".

But ... she's ... not ... there. And never will be again. And the silent tears stain my cheeks for the 10,000th time.

"Maybe I can will her back to me again," I muse. Or perhaps a clone?

Nahhhh, it's only wishful thinking.

Alas, I haven't that gift.

To compound the agony of eternal separation from my beloved best friend, our last "vacation" to Florida left me drained, miserable, forlorn, beaten. My once favorite sister-in-law, that I thought really cared for me, went out of her way to make me feel small. It was so awful I thought she was channeling her evil step-mother! Dang!

Now, I can't get into writing or commenting much anymore.

After a heart wrenching decision I've decided that after 6+ years of pouring my heart out to a network of virtual strangers who have become closer than family, I want to "retire".

This is possibly my blog's Swan Song.

Or I may be a total diva and return if there's enough clamoring. *lol*

Rather than just disappear, and since it fits into my always present desire to always leave things neatly finished, I thought I'd share that it's been a real pleasure to meet all of you. Some fellow bloggers have disappeared mysteriously. Others we've parted ways amicably. But most of you have become real true blue friends. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for letting me into your hearts, homes, and thoughts. I will still continue to pray for you all, as I also continue to pray for this once great Nation to turn back to our Judeo-Christian principles.

Please do e-mail or tweet or call if so desired. I'll still be on the 'net.

And if you see me on the road, be sure to smile and wave.

God bless and stay well out there.

Forever Yours.

Ride Safe,