Summer

Where has the summer gone? How is it already the last day of July? It can put me into panic mode if I think too much about it because I am not ready for the season that lies ahead-the snow season. Almost everyone you talk to seems to have that attitude around here after the past two winters. People get downright ugly if snow or winter is brought up. The other day I was in a store, and a clerk was putting out some winter clothes and a man started to yell at her about it. The poor thing just stood there, and looked at him, not sure how to respond. Yes, there was a lot of winter burnout last year. But, we still have some summer left, so I plan to enjoy it. I just wonder why there's always so much to do in the summer? Every day and night seems to be jam packed with things to do. I guess it's because we have to fit a lot into to such a short amount of time here in the northwest! Yes, there's always a lot to do, no matter what the season. We can work, work, work and forget to enjoy life. There needs to be a balance between work and play. Work always seems to take precedence because there's always so much to do, but remember to take some time to just stop and enjoy. Even God, the Creator of the universe and all this is in it, took a day to rest. Have you stopped this summer to watch the sunset? If you live in the Inland Northwest, there have been some amazing sunsets this past week. How about have you taken time sit by a lake, go for a bike ride, walk through a garden, skip some rocks on a beach, enjoy a picnic? Have you taken time to play? Grab a hose on a hot afternoon and have a waterfight, play some frisbee, go fishing. It's slipping by fast so enjoy summer while you can! Life slips by fast, as well, so make the most of each day you are given.

Summer Pickings

I love this time of year and wish it could last all year long, minus the high temperatures we've been experiencing. I prefer the low 80's for temperatures! But, I love going out in my garden and being able to pick my meal for the day. I love just going out and snacking on a couple strawberries, peas, or raspberries as I harvest the rest of the garden crops that are ready for the day.

I do not like the bugs that are killing my tomatoes, but everyone I know in this area is struggling with that this year. I just pray that we actually get a some wonderful tomatoes very soon.

This is just a small sampling of my harvest this morning. Get out and enjoy summer, because it's slipping away fast!

Artistry in the Sky

As I look out my window right now to the Eastern sky, it is filled with bolts of lightning dashing and darting across the darkness. Thunder is ripping apart what was a quiet night, and the rain is blowing in the window onto my arm and cheek. As I write, the storm is getting louder and more violent, with four strikes very near my home. The elegant beauty of the night sky has changed from it's breath taking beauty a few hours ago. My hubby and I, and our dog, took in an amazing sunset at the end of a drive tonight. We watched it for about seventy-five minutes, in all it's amazing glory! We watched the sun and sky change from a glowing ball in an orange sky, to hues of pinks, purples, reds, blues, and peach. God definitely was showing His artistic side tonight as He painted the Western sky, and now is showing His power in the Eastern sky.

My last message as I close out this posting is this.....

Always wear protective eye wear when looking at the sun!

Family Gathering

We had a family reunion over the weekend. It was great to see everyone and catch up. Four generations of our family were represented.

There was a lot of great food, with my cousin as head of grilling.................

There were lots of stories being told.............

A lot of laughs were shared.....................

Hmm, wonder who the hats actually belong to???

Times to catch up......................................

Swimming, tubing, and boating were enjoyed....................

......by most...................

If you have never been on this type of tube, my husband is not the one to go with because he forgets to give instruction. I was on the tube, ready to go, or so I thought, and once the slack was out of the rope and we were verily moving, I flew right over the top of the tube. See, my hubby forgot to tell me that you have to shift your weight to the back at first, then move it a bit forward, until you get it balanced. After flipping on the tube, I kept trying to get back on the tube, but couldn't! My life vest was too big on me and kept trying to come up over my head. My hubby keeps telling me to get back on the tube, and I keep trying, but as I try, the life vest keeps going higher and higher, until the bottom is almost at the base of my neck. Not a good situation in 26 feet of water, when your feet keep getting tangled in millfoil weed! I finally swam to the boat, and climbed part way on the motor, and got on the tube. Oh, did I mention we have a ladder for the boat so it is easier to get in the boat from the water, except it was left on shore!!!! Yes, I thought it was a great idea too! I finally got my life vest changed, and actually was able to tube for a bit. I was happy to provide entertainment for my family as they watched my escapades!

By the end of the day, we were all tired, but enjoyed the times shared and memories made.

After two days filled with family fun, we headed home, with a very happy dog on board!

Life

Life has been overwhelming lately, both with stuff going on personally, and with things with family and friends. I can't even think about the mess in our country and world, or it would send me over the edge at this point. It even seems lately that people I've never seen before are coming up to me to tell me what's going on in their lives. I can't figure that one out, but I guess if it helps the person, that is what matters. In the past week, I have had three strangers tell me their story while in a store, and one while sitting in my car, looking over my calendar. The latest was from a young gal who, with her two year old clutching on to her, told me that her husband had been shipped to Iraq and had to leave immediately. He didn't get to come home to say good bye or anything-just a very quick phone call to say he was being deployed. My heart ached for this gal, whom I have never seen before. She was trying to be tough, but I could see the hurt and worry in her face as she stroked her little ones hair. I held back the tears for this stranger as she poured out her heart to me. You see, my car was parked next to her car, and my window was open. I looked at her as she came to her car and offered a smile, and she locked eyes with mine. She obviously needed someone to talk to. I guess you never know when and where you will be used to help someone get through an issue. I hope somehow, I helped her in those few moments.

Each day, its seems some new crisis is happening with someone I love or care about-untimely deaths; divorce; families being ripped apart in many ways; devastating disease; deep hurts, loneliness, and depression; losses of many kinds ranging from jobs, to homes, to health, to family members. I've had a kid pouring their heart out to me over the internet because mom left and has decided her family isn't nearly as important as her trying to regain her 'lost years' of becoming a mother too early on and "missing out on the fun!" So, while mom runs after her mid-life crisis, her two teenagers hearts break and their lives are being tossed around in a roaring sea of emotions. They don't know how to respond to her, except with disgust and pretty deep hate. They want to stay with their dad, and mom really doesn't care, except to get money for child support. So, they go from house to house, playing a game of ping pong with their lives. No, this isn't all from the teens perspective, most of it is from mine. At this point, the young teens have a much better grip on what the situation really is than their mom does. It breaks my heart.

It can be difficult to look past the circumstances when things are so overwhelming. It can be difficult to not get caught up in the muck and mire of the problems of each day. I read my friend's blog tonight Aspire to Lead A Quiet Life and it reminded me to focus on the blessings, not just the problems. There are still many of the things going on that I am trying to find where the blessing is, but I hope to look a little deeper over the next few days. I hope to adjust my focus and see things the way God wants me to see them. I am looking to get a renewed perspective, a new hope. I do have many blessings in my life and am grateful and thankful and appreciative. I also cling to hope in these tough times, because hope in Christ is all there is that matters, all that will keep us smiling and plugging along and caring for others, knowing He is in control and we have to place our full trust in Him.

The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. Psalm 8:9-10

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

David wrote: O Lord, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. Psalm 25:1-7

Addiction Issues

It's hot out early this morning, and will continue to be really hot according to the weather forecast. I try to get out early to pick the raspberries, peas, kale, spinach, lettuce, kohlrabi, and beets, but there's this problem right now that delays me. I have an addiction issue keeping me from my morning routine. I have to admit, I am addicted to the Tour de France. I don't know why, but I am. I remember a few years back when my dad first started to watch it, I wondered why my dad was watching cycling!! Then, I started to watch it, and became addicted to it as well. My sleep has been very much altered this month because of the Tour. Yes, it runs all day, over and over, but it's not quite the same if you don't watch the live version, for some reason. Although, the past few days it has started at 3:30 am so I must admit to not watching the first 90 minutes live.

It's very inspiring to see Lance back after four years off, in his upper 30's, keeping right up with the young guys, and surpassing many of them. It's also neat to see a brother duo work together to bring victory for Luxembourg. There have been times when teams have done amazing together, showing that we all work best with someone by our side, or helping us. There have been some horrible wrecks, and some great victories in each stage. I will get to sleep again in a few days, but for now, I enjoy watching the Tour and cheering on my favorites!

Adventures in Boating 101

Sunday afternoon, we met my parents and headed out to the lake. I had noticed as the morning was progressing that the winds were picking up, but thought it would be ok on the lake. Last weekend, my hubby and I did the same trip we were planning to take my parents on and it was windy then, too, but once we got out of the bay, the wind calmed down. I kept assuring my mom, who doesn't swim, that the winds weren't as bad as last weekend. However, once we got out on the lake, they were definitely worse, as were the waves! We left Farragut and went along the shoreline, checking out old mining sites, trying for to catch some fish, and looking for mountain goats. We stopped at a small campground along the way, and stretched our legs, went for a swim, and skipped some rocks as the beach was loaded with perfect skipping rocks. My hubby rode behind on the tube for aways down the shoreline. The week before, my hubby and I saw a couple of goats, but not so lucky on this trip. I would guess they were smart and were hiding from the wind, unlike us. It was a hot day as well.

After we got part way across the Green Monarchs, my dad and hubby said to go across lake, it wouldn't be so bad because the wind would be sheltered over there. So, I crossed over to Garfield Bay and as I did, the waves became much worse. This started to remind me of when my dad ends up with the idea to take a short cut. Somehow my dad's shortcuts always end up longer, or without a road, or very narrow road, or something interesting and adventurous, just as taking the boat across the lake to the other side did! As waves pounded our boat, water sprayed across all of us, at times totally drenching my mom and I. At one point, when the waves neared the three foot swell stage, and we were doing about 4 mph and still having a difficult time not sinking, at least in my opinion, I heard a chuckle. I quickly turned around so as not to crash the boat, since I was driving, to see my dad shaking laughing. Evidently, he was finding the entire situation quite humorous, but trying not to laugh too loud so that my mom and I don't throw him over into the tumultuous waters. At one point, we saw a sailboat that had flipped over, and another boat was trying to help them back up. Since I had white knuckle syndrome, I pulled off at a beach. The waves seemed much calmer, having gone down to about one foot waves. The thought of hiking straight up, and finding out where it came out at the top was starting to intrigue me, compared to heading back out in the high waves. I started to hum in my head, 'just sit right back and you'll hear a tale...with Gilligan, the Skipper, too'....however we had been on the lake for five hours, not three like Gilligan and the Skipper. While on the beach, my dad and husband found a piece of driftwood they really liked, so guess what? Our already full boat, gets to add a fifteen foot piece of driftwood! Yes, the piece is beautiful, and yes the eagle my dad carved us is going to look amazing on it, but a fifteen foot piece of driftwood in a sixteen foot boat that has a weight limit of 800 pounds that already has four people, food, fishing and swimming gear, a tube to pull behind the boat or as I was starting to think of it, a life saving vessel if the boat capsized, ropes, ice chests, and an anchor, in roaring waves, and we still had to make it back to Farragut State Park preferably without sinking. Within a few feet, the water turned amazingly calm. My mom said she had been fervently praying for the waters to calm down, and I'm sure that we would not sink, as I know I had, so God heard those prayers. We had calm waters all the way back to the edge of Farragut Park where they stirred up some, but nothing like we had been in earlier. After I drove through the Garfield Bay Hurricane, I feel confident to drive the boat through most anything. I was a bit timid before in driving the boat across big wakes left by big boats, but now, I can face those with confidence! We had a great day on the lake. One that definitely left a lot of memories for all of us.

Some of these pictures are from the week before, when it was calmer on the lake! That day, we went from Farragut State Park to the Clark Fork River Delta. Fun times, both times!

This was the depth and temp of the water at one point!

Thought for the Week

Thought for the new week:

Bad will be the day for every man when he becomes absolutely content with the life that he is living, with the thoughts that he is thinking, with the deeds that he is doing, when there is not forever beating at the doors of his soul some great desire to do something larger, which he knows that he was meant and made to do because he is still, in spite of all, the child of God.

Phillips Brooks

Blog Issues

After posting the video yesterday, my entire blog changed appearances. All the things on the sidebar were gone and moved to the very bottom. I tried to get it back, but it would not return to it's old self. I don't know what happened, or why it changed, but it did. Evidently, it was an invasion of the blog snatchers! Maybe the invisible bugs that are infecting all the plants in my garden, have moved to my computer. I don't know but something definitely changed. I was frustrated, but my mom, sister, and nieces were here and we were going shopping in Spokane, so I didn't have time to try to figure it out so I left it as it was. Tonight, after spending two hours on trying to get things back in the appropriate settings, I think it's at least part way there! I still have some tweaking to do, but since it's almost 12:30 a.m. I think it's good for now! Stop back by to see if the blog snatchers return, or if I can actually get my blog in order again. Stay tuned!

Amazed

I hope you take some time to reflect and worship as you watch this video today. Be still for a few moments and listen to the words.

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."

Date Night

My hubby and I had a date night a couple nights ago, and enjoyed a yummy dinner at PF Chang's and then a nice walk through Manito Park, just at sunset. It was a great evening, and one we both really needed to just spend some time together, away from all the distractions, and just focus on each other and enjoy time to talk. As we walked among the beautiful flowers in Manito, we talked about how important it is to take time to just be spontaneous once in awhile and jump in the car, and enjoy a night like that, reconnecting as a couple. I am very thankful for that time. It was a great evening, enjoying each others company, and God's creation.

Untold Story

I read a quote last night that said "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." I found out this morning that it is a quote by Maya Angelou. What is your untold story? Why aren't you letting others in your life to hear that story? Not allowing people to hear your story robs the world of the great blessing of really knowing who you are and what little corner of the world you impact. You may think you don't make an impact, but you do. We all do. We were NOT created to be a waste of space on this planet. We were created for a purpose, for a reason. We each have our own gifts and abilities that are unique to us. Are you using those gifts and abilities, or are you hiding them, wasting them? Why not use them, and use them with all your might. What happens if you never used those gifts, or if you used them for a time, and then you decided you weren't good enough, or you just selfishly hid them from others, and no one ever gets to know you, your story, who you truly are? What a waste of life, a life that is so precious and so short.

As I write this, I am guilty of not letting others in, although I have become much better over the past three years. I often think I am not good enough, or I cannot accomplish something, but I want to start trying harder to let my little corner of the world know me a little better, to know my untold story. I want to accomplish some goals I have had for a little while, which requires really getting out of my comfort zone and really letting people into my personal space. Now, I don't plan to be loud and obnoxious by any means, but I can make a difference in my own way. I can start stepping out of my comfort zones, and try more things, be more spontaneous, and let people into my life a little more than I have in the past. I have a story to tell, just as you do. I do better at one on one interaction, or in writing my story down, not in large groups or public places, but we all have our different ways. The point is to not waste any more time, and actually let your story OUT of you! Let people experience YOU, be blessed by YOU! Live your life, without regrets! Live your life so that others know and see your story!

Precious Times

I haven't been online in a couple days. Catching up on blogs, emails, facebook, will take awhile but will do it later tonight. My mom and nieces were here for two days, and we enjoyed each others company and had a lot of fun. We found some roller skates in the thrift store, so both girls had to try out rollerskating! We roasted marshmallows over our outdoor fire pit one night, and even though it is July, it felt like September out there! We also giggled a lot, made cookies, went shopping, and just enjoyed spending time together. We had to go on a flip-flop shopping quest as the youngest niece didn't have any and she felt left out!! We were able to get two pair, one high wedge heal with lots of sparkles, and another regular pair, because of half off summer gear sales!

Time went by rather quickly, and I cherish the times we had. Times like that seem to be too few, so when I can get moments with my mom, and nieces, I treasure them and store them in my heart as a precious memory.

We Are Family

Our weekend here started on Thursday, at least for me. My hubby's started on Thursday night at 6 pm. We had a busy time, but a great time. Our niece who is in the Navy, decided to spend 22 hours of her four day leave with us. We felt blessed. She used to spend every summer, and sometimes spring breaks, with us since she was about nine, but since she joined the Navy nearly four years ago, we haven't seen much of her. So, the time we had with her was very special. She and I spent part of the day reconnecting with my family, and my hubby's mom. She hadn't seen her grandma in four years so wanted to make sure she got to see her on her trip. In the evening, we went out in the boat, and she went tubing and we had a great time. We were beginning to get get pelted in the face with bugs, so we called it a night and enjoyed a meal together. We shared a lot of laughs and memories. Time ended too soon when she left at 5:30 the next morning.









Our niece's parents came in and took her place as our company for the rest of the weekend. We traveled up north so my hubby and his brother could spend some time with their mom. We also spent two hours in the boat going from Sandpoint to the outer edge of Priest River and back on the Pend Oreille River. The 4th of July took us to the mountains to spend some time with both sides of our families, including my sister's stepson who made a trek over the Cascades to spend the weekend in Idaho. We enjoyed riding horses, catching up, trying to stay cool in the shade, and relaxing. We also enjoyed a little wildlife as we saw a turkey with six youngin's and a doe who we know had a fawn close by. A moose was spotted by the in-laws as well. And as always with the 4th of July celebration, we enjoyed good food. My dad had to introduce his version of s'mores to my hubby's family. They said they will never go back to regular s'mores again! To make my dad's version, you take two graham crackers, two roasted marshmallows, and a brownie. You put the brownie in the center of the graham crackers and marshmallows, and enjoy. Since I have a gluten allergy, I have not enjoyed this 'feast,' but I have been assured it's very tasty!!


















We left my family behind as we headed down the mountain just a little before sunset. After getting my mother-in-law back home, we headed to the beach to enjoy the best fireworks show I have seen in my old home town. We did sit in what used to be our 'normal' viewing spot on the beach when we lived up there until three years ago. This is the spot where we used to know everyone around us because we had all lived there for a number of years, and we could catch up while we waited for the show to begin. This year, however, as I scanned up and down the shoreline looking at the thousands of people at the beach, I only found six familiar faces, including two police officers and one fireman that I knew. It was a weird feeling! I set that aside as they started the fireworks and I must say it was worth the trek down and back with all the strangers. It was definitely the best show I have seen there in thirty some years of watching fireworks.


On Sunday morning, we checked out one of the new dining establishments in town and enjoyed a good breakfast before we said our goodbyes, and went our separate ways. It was nice to catch up with everyone, and it was nice to enjoy time with our families as we celebrated America's freedom.

Happy Independence Day

On this 4th of July weekend, please remember that it is called Independence day and that we only have that independence as a country and as individuals because people have been willing to fight to keep our freedoms. We have that freedom because millions have fought for this country, many have lost their lives for this country. Are you willing to protect and preserve your freedoms? I am willing to stand up and fight for freedom and to preserve this country and all it stands for, are you?

O! say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust.'
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave

The Pledge

I pledge allegiance
to the flag
of the United States of America
and to the republic for which
it stands;
one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty
and justice for all.



Red Skelton recalled what his teacher told him about the Pledge:
"I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?"


I

me, an individual, a committee of one.

Pledge

dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity.

Allegiance

my love and my devotion.

To the flag

our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!

United

that means that we have all come together.

States

individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country.

And to the republic

a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands, one nation

one nation, meaning "so blessed by God"

Indivisible

incapable of being divided.

With liberty

which is freedom -- the right of power to live one's own life without threats, fear or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice

the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.

For all

which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

***~~**~~***

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the pledge of Allegiance...

UNDER GOD

Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer and that would be eliminated from schools too?


God Bless America!

You can listen to the speech here:

America