Snow!!!

The high today was 70 degrees, early this morning. No big deal. We've had up and down weather for the last two weeks. Can't make up it's mind. Some days have been PERFECT! Sunny, 65 - 70 degrees. Other days have been muggy and dreary, misty, rainy. We've even had blustery days, both cold and warm. Today started out very warm, but temps continued to plunge lower and lower as the day progressed. The forecast proved true this time - SNOW before midnight. Wow!! Can it be? Yes! It's true!! Those really are little snowflakes I see mixed in with a little rain. Grab the camera - take some shots - ooooh mercy me, don't let me miss this opportunity! LOL! But yes - we are getting a few flurries tonight and much to my disappointment, I seem to be alone in the excitement! I tucked Joe into bed just before 10:00 with a bad head cold. He completely missed out, although I'm sure he doesn't care seeing as how he's been working in Michigan since October and has experienced frigid temps with lots of snow. Ashley is at work (thank goodness major accumulation isn't expected to be a problem. Don't want her to have road problems coming home!) Courtney, COURTNEY!!! Isn't this exciting?? Come see, come see!! Facebook friends had already told her about it - "yeah - I heard" she says! And I'm thinking - you didn't come running to tell me?? Whatever!

So I went outside and stared at the wondrous site ... dancing snowflakes showcasing their talent - just for me! Hey - God IS good!

Remembering Buster

BuhDoose! Ashley was about 1 ½ yrs. old when she came out with that one day. We were tickled to death and made her say it over and over! It’s been one year since we said goodbye, and it seems just like yesterday when we said hello. Carrie will tell you (remember when you first saw him?), Buster was not exactly the most handsome of dogs, but he was definitely one of a kind! The old man who sold him to Joe said that he was a “cur”, a mix, but you could see the “pit” by looking at him. Didn’t sit too well with me at first, but he turned out to have the best demeanor of any dog I’ve ever known. Buster stories are almost endless, and I know that dog owners are like parents and have stories that can top anybody else’s. BUT … Buster stories are different, really! I won’t share all of them now, but from time to time when I’m reminded of a good one, I’ll post it. Here is today’s story.
When Courtney was just 3 or 4 months old, there was an occasion when the family came to our house. Of course, I can’t remember what the occasion was (perhaps Ashley’s birthday), but I do remember that my sister, Terry, & her family were coming, and as always, they were bringing Aunt Polly with them. Now, my Aunt Polly is the epitome of the genteel, refined, southern lady who sees everything pretty much in black and white – just a few “gray” areas of life exists in her eyes. Many in her generation never considered dogs to be fit for living inside the house. Even though she never voiced her opinion on this topic regarding Buster, I knew that if it were her house, the dog would be left outside.
When they arrived that day, Courtney was situated on the floor in her “bouncer” seat in front of the TV. Everyone knelt down to see the baby and of course, when it was Aunt Polly’s turn what did Buster do but plant one big, slobbery lick ... flush on her jaw! For a minute there, we were all aghast! We all just about fell out, and then Aunt Polly’s squeal was just too much and everyone was laughing, Aunt Polly the hardest of all. She was such a good sport! When I look back at it, she could’ve really pitched a good one, but she didn’t. And you know … what began as a “Buster” story turns out to be a great Aunt Polly story as well.
When I started this blog, I didn’t know what I’d write about. Looks like I’ve discovered in one sitting that I have two great avenues to follow!

oopsee

I read back over my blog and realized I made a mistake and just corrected it. It may go unnoticed by some, but nevertheless, I'll explain. The videos we watch each week explain to us what we learned in our lessons, sort of a review. One of the studies is formatted just the opposite - video first, then lesson. Can't remember which one. Anyway, I got mixed up yesterday (imagine that!) and incorrectly described this study. Sorry 'bout that.

To clear things up

Earlier posts mention Carrie, my niece, and Parker, her son. Figured I should explain that for those who may not know them. She inspired me to begin this blogsite, and I should give her due credit for that. I've been away from the keyboard for awhile but hope to make my posts more frequent.

I began Beth Moore's (Living Proof Ministries) new Bible study, "Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman", a few weeks ago and have already gotten behind on my homework. It's a very good study, and I am forever amazed at Beth's knowledge and energy!! We spend about an hour each week in small groups discussing homework from the previous week. Then we gather as a big group to watch Beth's video, which pulls our homework lessons together and always teaches us something new. From Esther, this is what we've learned and studied so far:

It's tough being a woman: 1) in another woman's shoes, 2) in a world where beauty is a treament, 3) in a mean world, 4) thrown a giant-size weight, 5) in the tight fist of fear.

I love her studies, because the life applications are always as they say, "spot on". More to come about the study as the weeks progress.

"If girls today walk a tightrope, Esther walked a tight thread." Beth Moore

Experiment

I've only seen Parker once - when he was just a few months old. Of course, my camera shutter flew! Thought I'd experiment and try to post a video from that visit. I call this one "Parker hams it up!" Enjoy!

I did it!

YES! I did it! I finally made egg drop soup that is darn well near perfect! A few weeks ago, I decided to create a Chinese meal for the girls. They loved and raved about it, but I was not happy with the egg drop soup. (Courtney fessed up after the meal that she was worried about having it, because she "has never known an American who could cook Chinese")! Two weeks ago, I made a second attempt and still was not happy. Third time's a charm, right? Apparently so. Monday, I boiled two chicken breasts for a chicken and rice casserole and decided to save the broth for another egg drop attempt. Today seemed like the perfect day for soup - highs in the 30's, so off to the kitchen I went. Just a couple of tweeks here and there and Voila! I have egg drop soup that is delicious!

Cat's out of the bag

Carrie called me today, & I admitted that I've started a blog. Now I pretty much need to send it out there for others to read, or not read ... whatever suits. It was great to hear from her, and I hope through our blogging we can keep in better touch. She posted a picture of Parker posing with a pumpkin that reminds me of a picture of her at that age posing with a pumpkin. There is also one of her with a Cherrios box, but I couldn't find that one. It is probably in Rassie's photo album.