thanks for the memories

Monday, March 31, 2014

The Simple Woman's Day Book 30 March 2014

Outside my window...the sun is up and already warming the great outdoors.  It looks like this day will shape up to be another warm sunny one.  I think that playing in the dirt is definitely on the agenda.

I am thinking...about my feelings of disconnect between living here and reading about what is going on back home.  Flooding has come to the city of Oneida again.  My heart and prayers go out to all those who are experiencing this trial once again.

I am thankful for...the life I live and the people who populate it.  

From the kitchen...I think pulled pork is on the menu today.  I like a meal that I can put in the crock pot and forget until it is time to serve it up.

I am wearing...warm and cozies.  

I am hoping...to get some serious garden planting done today.  My wonderful man built me a cold frame and a lovely raised bed.  Now that it is not raining or cold out there I think that it is time for the spring crops to go into the ground.  

I am hearing...birds singing in the yard (thank you MK for the early Mother's Day gift of a bird feeder and bird house), the dog is snoring away on the bed beside me, and an airplane is revving up to take off at the airport nearby.

Around the house...all is silent and restful.  The weekend was filled with togetherness, nice weather, and stimulating activities now it is time to fill the week with the business of living.

One of my favorite things...finishing off my Sunday by attending Solemn Vespers.  

A few plans for the rest of the week...I expect there will be the usual round of laundry, housework, and cooking (there's no escaping that).  The struggle this week is to fulfill my inside duties before I indulge in outside fun.  

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...
She's wondering when I am coming out to keep her company.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Watch out Greenville here we come!



My beloved daughter, Mary-Kate came to visit for a week!!! What a wonderful time I had in the company of this amazing young woman.  She has grown up to not only be my daughter but my friend as well.  Of course South Carolina will never be the same again but that's just what happens when the two of us get together.
Tuesday we spent the day together talking, sewing, sorting though fabric, and talking some more!  She got to know my dog who promptly defected and fell in love with MK! 
Wednesday we took the day to go out and see what kind of damage we could to to Easley and Greenville.  First a stop at a local thrift shop where MK managed to find the perfect dress for the wedding.  It still had the tags on it and we only paid $7!  Then we were off to Hobby Lobby and then Belk where I, with the help and criticism of my loving daughter, managed to find my dress for the wedding as well. 
With all that seriousness out of the way we headed to Greenville to two of my favorite stores in the area.  At the Mast General Store MK got into the spirit when she saw the shield and swords that were displayed.

But I think the true MK came out when she donned this get up! Beware world the diva cowgirl is out to conquer.

Saturday evening we drove into Pumpkintown (yes that's right folks! complete with a giant pumpkin) to have some ice cream and see the sights there.  Upon entering this store MK found her knight in shining armor and her heart was instantly lost.  He's the tall silent type but she has what it takes to soften his heart.

Alas the fun is over, for now.  But beware South Carolina, MK will be back to take you by storm again.

Monday, March 24, 2014

The Simple Woman's Day Book 24 March 2014


Outside my window...it is darned cold out there! There is a heavy frost on the ground and the temperature is down below freezing!  Even down here in the southland winter seems reluctant to yield to spring.

I am thinking...about the days ahead.  What an enjoyable visit I had with MK this past week.  The warmth of her smile and the sound of her voice will ring out through this house and warm my heart in the days and weeks to come.

I am thankful...for the times that we all get to spend with each other. I love my children so very much and I am greatly proud of the people that they are becoming.

From the kitchen...we will enjoy the rest of the pork and mushroom stew that is left from yesterday.  There is too much to do today to even dream of cooking something.

I am wearing...navy sweatpants and a tee shirt with Eeyore on it.

I am hoping...that today crawls slowly along so I can have every second with MK before I have to take her to the airport.

I am hearing...the dog snoring as she sleeps on the couch next to me, the local news on the TV telling me that it is going to be sunny and cold today, and water running in the bathroom (must be MK is up)

Around the house...there are signs everywhere that a good time was had in the past week.  Dirty floors and piles of dishes speak mute testimony that more important things were accomplished during this visit.

One of my favorite things...visiting with MK and creating beautiful things together.

A few plans for the rest of the week...get through today and then we will see.

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...

Saturday Doug drove up to Pickens to get some slab wood from a sawmill there.  On the way he passed this cute tractor and wagon parked in someone's front lawn. He insisted that we go back and take a picture of it to show Ian.  

Monday, March 17, 2014

The Simple Woman's Day Book 17 March 2014

 
Outside my window...the world is weeping!  Last week's 60's and 70's have given way to 40's and the sunshine has become liquefied.  Last week's taste of Easter is gone.  The Lord seems to be reminding me that it is still Lent and though he lifted my heart briefly the time for mourning and reflection has not yet passed.
 
I am thinking...how readings and meditations that I surely have come across before suddenly seem to take over my consciousness.  The Lord has always put those very words and thoughts before but they were not as significant to my world as they are now and so I didn't pay as close attention as I am now.
 
I am thankful...for the upcoming visit from my daughter.  She will be like a fresh breeze in my world.
 
From the kitchen...there will be Ruebens on the menu.  That's as close as I am coming to corned beef and cabbage.
 
I am wearing...jammies. Yes, it is after 9AM and I am still not ready for the day. 
 
I am reading...nothing!I have given up trying to read anything.  The inmate gets into trouble whenever I get into a book.
 
I am hoping..to get a lots of things done today so that they aren't interfering with my visit with MK this week.  Shhhh! Don't tell mom that.
 
I am hearing...Ariel drinking from her bowl, mom clacking her Duplos together as she builds something, and the priest on TV talking about something.
 
Around the house...it is too quiet, too neat, and too organized! I need little kid clutter, noise, and chaos.
 
One of my favorite things...hearing Layn's little voice saying, "Good morning, Marya!"
 
A few plans for the rest of the week...first I have to stop the clocks so that time no longer flies! Then I am going to enjoy every minute with MK.
 
Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...
I love this man beyond description.

Monday, March 10, 2014

The Simple Woman's Day Book 10 March 2014

 
Outside my window...the sun is shining brightly and it is already warming up nicely.  The weather guys are calling for highs in the 70's and you are not going to hear complaints from this zip code!!
 
I am thinking...with excitement about the week to come. One week from today my beloved daughter will be coming to visit and there is much to do.  I resolve not to let anyone or anything mar the excitement of anticipation or the joy of being with MK for one whole week.
 
I am thankful for...sunshine, green grass, soft breezes, porch swings, and a dog to keep me company when my love is off to work.
 
From the kitchen...bread will be baked today along with something good for my husband's supper.  I think scalloped potatoes and ham will be just the thing.
 
I am wearing...navy capris and a green tee.  Somehow I have to get some kind of workout in today so I have to be ready.  Maybe a long walk later on when it really warms up.
 
I am reading...Lady Almina Corcarvan and the real Downton Abbey
 
I am hoping...to get some sewing done this week.  There are a heap of projects in my future and I need to stay on top of the ever growing pile.
 
I am hearing...the red birds and jays calling in the back yard, Ariel barking at the neighbor kids behind us (they can no longer ride their bikes down our back hill!) and the clack of the duplos as mom builds whatever is in her mind.
 
Around the house...the floors, bathrooms, dusting, and kitchen are all done. My charge is bathed and fed and has already enjoyed the mass on TV.  Though the sun shines and calls me to come out and play there is still baking and laundry to fill my Monday.
 
One of my favorite things...evocative smells.  With the dearth of Maple trees around here I fear that I am going to be deprived of that soft young scent of budding Maples that always heralds Spring in New York State.
 
A few plans for the rest of the week....prepare for the coming of MK!!!!  All the while being sure to maintain my normal duties and not forget that it is Lent and so to continue my Lenten practices.
 
Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...
The whole weekend was spend out in the fresh air and sunshine.  Just as with my kids when they were little people we reaped the benefits of Mom being out all weekend long.  She slept peacefully all Saturday and Sunday nights.

A tribute

My son, Jason, is an over-the-road trucker.  That's his truck pictured above.  When he got the job as a trucker I was of two minds about it.  Jason has always been a natural driver.  Since the first time that he drove a tractor and backed up a tractor, baler and wagon he has had my unfailing admiration for his skill. I have difficulty backing up a car in an empty parking lot without putting everyone within miles in danger.  On the other hand Jason has always been a hothead (a trait that he comes by honestly) and I wondered if he would have difficulty with his temper out on the road.

Its his mother that should be feared for.  Jason comes back with stories of all the idiots that he encounters while he is out driving and all I can do is marvel that he has yet to lash out and kill someone.

Since moving my inclination toward road rage has increased 1000%.  (this is not a rant against southerners) Every time I have to go somewhere I am forced to travel on a major highway.  Back home that was not true.  We lived in a agricultural community and most of my commutes took me on back country roads and if that wasn't necessarily the route I would deliberately take back roads as much as I could so as to avoid other drivers and to be able to enjoy the scenery.  Now, I suppose that option is open to me here as well but since I am a newcomer obviously I do not know the back way to get there.

One of these days I either need to take a leaf from my son's book and learn a little patience for the other drivers on the road or I am going to end up being one of the vehicles in these pictures. 

My hat is off to you, Jason, for your perseverance in the face of those who are not only inconsiderate but also impatient when they are on the road.  (don't get me started about the phone callers, make-up artists, texters, and those who insist on reading their mail while behind the wheel)  Stay safe my son.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

A Pre-Lenten Reflection

     Being recollected, this phrase from Father's sermon keeps twining its way through my thoughts. It is rapidly becoming the purpose and focus of my upcoming Lent.
     Everyone of us, in his own way, gets enmeshed in life, the daily obligations and goals that we set, to the point that to remain recollected to God is often a huge struggle.  Inside we each feel the need and pull to be in his presence and yet we respond, more often, to the pull of other obligations as something that is greater.
     I have also noted that each time I publically encourage my own struggle through blog posts and FB statuses to that effect, others respond with thanks and an acknowledgment of their own struggle.  So, along with the notion of being recollected myself comes the idea of encouraging others.  If we all strive to share quotes, prayers, or thoughts that inspire personally these inspirations will be out there to inspire all who read them.  Perhaps instead of giving up FB we can flood it with recollections of God and his place in our lives and make it less a place of triviality and more a place of depth.

Monday, March 3, 2014

The Simple Woman's Day Book 3 March 2014

 
Outside my window...there is a light rain falling.  Though it is only March the scent of the rain is like that in early April back in New York.  The new grass that Doug planted is greening up and the bare ground is contributing its earthy (pardon the pun) odor to the world today.
 
I am thinking...that no matter how "over things" one thinks one is there is always a situation that can convince you to the contrary.
 
I am thankful...for the Catholic faith and the sacrament of confession.  There is nothing more freeing and cleansing than guilt and the proper response to it.
 
From the kitchen...there are black beans and chicken on the menu!!!!  This girl loves her some black beans.
 
I am wearing...flannel jammies.  The damp weather has made the arthuritis rear its ugly head.
 
I am reading...The Book of Job in the Bible.
 
I am hoping...to get Kathleen's quilt top finished and shipped this week. I have a pile of sewing to do for my grand babies and I am eager to get to it.
 
I am hearing...the sound of the rain splashing in the birdbath outside the window, the dog snoring in the livingroom, and the news playing on the TV.
 
Around the house...I look at the changes and wonder what my father would say about it all.  I think he would be pleased by the grass that is growing and the fence posts that are in the ground.  I like to think that he and Doug would have rolled up their sleeves and dig in to conquer the earth and make that yard behave.
 
One of my favorite things...the changing of the seasons.  That doesn't seem to mean the same thing here in the southland as it did back home.
 
A few plans for the rest of the week...prepare myself and my patient (as much as she is able) for the coming season of Lent.  I look forward to Lent every year. I wonder what this year's Lent will bring as far as sanctifying experience is concerned.
 
Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you... 
I thought that I had gotten a dog. I guess she defected!  Actually when I got her home it was love at first sight, at least on her part.