Long week

All I can say is that there has been a lot going on this week and I am ready for it to be over.  I haven't had time to blog at least when the computer is free. We are down to one (on-line)  computer and my son who is in college and living at home is also on here much of the time.

I could tell you a little about my week but it may be boring.. Sunday late afternoon a call came for our house appraisal date which left me no time to get ready. It was set for the next day!  I pretty much spent all day Monday cleaning everything I could and making it look as good as possible for them to measure and take a few pics outside and walk through the house for maybe a grand total of 20 minutes. Why does appraisal cost so much? She did say the real time consuming work was at the office. Oh well! Perhaps we can get our interest rates down soon.

Tuesday I didn't feel  good and I did what I needed to but  mainly crashed, Wednesday I did the dog walks, the gym and helped get things ready at a yard sale the church is having to help go towards a van that is wheel chair accesable to a dear woman who is part of our congregation. I'll be returning there today to help after the ladies Proverbs small group study and again Friday. I know why I NEVER have yard sales! Just can't get into it so I generally take things I don't want that are still good to charity places instead of the stress of the mess of folding and having people come through the day to sift through my un needed belongings. This yard sale the church is having is to bless someone so I'm going to be a support! I just wish I didn't feel so tired this week!

I peeked in Multiply.com. It looks like a ghost town. There was one series of updates in my inbox from a friend who shares numerous things on a daily basis. That's it. I still haven't learn how to navigate too well on Blogger and am having problems adding or joining some sites of friends. I'm sorry I haven't visited or commented much this week but next week should be better. I wish I liked blogger better. I am trying to give it  time because I like you all and want to stay in touch & I enjoy blogging when things aren't so busy .

May be I will come up with something good some day! I'm feeling too tired to be inspired! From moving my son and his family last weekend to all that is happening now I don't know if my brain or my body is more exhausted. There's just a lot going on but this is enough information !

Have a great weekend everyone!

Monday Afternoon Adventures With Dog

As I type there is the sound of rolling thunder . If it gets too loud Nanook really doesn't like it. She may come and try to hide under the desk! Last storm she ran under the table and curled up but this is a gentle thunder and rain.

Yesterday I had a huge project going on in the house and I wanted to get as much done as possible so my morning walk was short and my afternoon walk longer. It worked out fine since it was a comfortable 68 degrees . Nanook and I have been enjoying the cooler weather. She may love the snow this winter especially if I take her to the river walk. At least that is one thing to look forward to. Winter is not my favorite season but each season has it's beauty.

Today rolls of thunder, yesterday rolls of hay. Nanook checked them out.

And now a big crash of thunder and she is at my feet under the desk!

I'm not sure what today holds but I am in no hurry to go walking! Hopefully we will catch a break between the rain and thunder and I can take the dog for a short walk at least.

What is your favorite season?

I need to get off of here for awhile maybe next time I will blog about something besides the dog ;-) 

Almost Autumn

Here we are with summer winding down swiftly and Autumn beginning. I now have a buddy along with me when I go for my walks. Yesterday we hiked along the Lake . She is a big part of my days since adopting her from my son Justin a couple weeks ago. It is quiet with my husband at work and my youngest son Eric attending college and working part time. Nanook also adores him so the days he is here he takes her for rides and walks sometimes as well.

I was listening to oldie songs on You Tube and came across the Micheal Jackson song BEN. I love those early songs and though my life is so full with family in the quieter times Nanook and I are together and I talk to her and love having her around. I heard that Ben in the song is a rat lol ! Is that true? Anyways it is a pretty song.

There are gentle reminders around me that the seasons are changing!

Eric and Naook . He bought her a raw hide chew and she was really getting in to it!

The story below may be fiction or maybe not but it's a good one and makes me think.

 Puppies For Sale

A pet store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read "Puppies for Sale." The signs have a way of attracting children. Soon a little boy appeared at the sign and asked, "How much are you gonna sell those puppies for?" The store owner replied, "Anywhere from $30-$50." The little boy reached into his pocket and pulled out some change. "I have $2.37, can I look at them?" The store owner smiled and whistled.

Out of the kennel came his dog named Lady, running down the aisle of his store followed by five little puppies. One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy. He asked "What's wrong with that little dog?"

The man explained that when the puppy was born the vet said that this puppy had a bad hip socket and would limp for the rest of his life. The little boy got really excited and said, "That's the puppy I want to buy!" The man replied "No, you don't want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I'll give him to you."

The little boy got upset. He looked straight into the man's eyes and said "I don't want you to give him to me. He is worth every bit as much as the other dogs and I'll pay the full price. In fact I will give you $2.37 now and 50 cents every month until I have him paid for." The man countered, "You really don't want to buy this puppy son. He is never gonna be able to run, jump and play like other puppies."

The little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the man and said, "Well, I don't run so well myself and the little puppy will need someone who understands."

The man was now biting his bottom lip. Tears welled up in his eyes....He smiled and said, "Son, I hope and pray that each and every one of these puppies will have an owner such as you."
--- Author Unknown ---

September 20

Good afternoon folks! The above photo is not from this year. It is a bit early for so much color never the less Fall is in the air and some of the leafs have begun to change color. This is a photo of the railroad tracks down by the river walk. Autumn is so very nice for walking and the trail looks magical when the red and gold colors surround the pathway.

I didn't get to the river today, at least yet. I took my dog Nanook for a walk around the neighborhood then attended a ladies Bible Study. Todays subject was how our words can have positive influence or sadly destroy. One of the verses was. Proverbs 15:1 "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. " It's always best to think before we speak not only about what we say in response but how we say it. Sometimes words do need to be spoken  and sometimes quiteness is best but gentleness and respect can mean all the difference. I'm quite sure that I have to learn to "wait" more than I do. It's just so easy to react and think later.

There is something so beautiful about the warm colors of Autumn but they are like a reminder to get the Fall clothes out . Days are going to continue to get cooler!

Here is some of the gold that I love !

Another photo from another year but one of my favorites! 

Still waters on a clear blue day so peaceful!

What are your favorite things to do and see in the Autumn?

Have a great day!

Wednesday

The sky today is such a lovely blue and the temperature is feeling a lot like Autumn. I started out the day with a cup of coffee and a chat with my sister then I took the dog for a walk. I feel like my writing is lacking a lot of really interesting subject matter but one of these days the wind of inspiration is going to blow the cobwebs off of my brain.

Keeping it short here but I wanted to say hello and wish you all a great Wednesday afternoon!

Look closely and perhaps you'll see what I saw :)

Just Say Wonderful

 The above photo is my now new dog Nanook who I adopted from my son who just moved  because they are unable to have a pet at this time but I love her to pieces ! It's nice to have a dog who is gentle and housebroke, great with kids and she loves to walk with me. It has been a very busy and emotional week with kids and grandchildren moving away. I'm used to having them all closer. After helping them move I am not sure I want to move anytime soon . What work!

I had the TV on last week and Joyce Meyers happened to come on. She is all about positive and having a cheerful attitude which I have to admit I try but I have a question for who ever may read this. Have any of you actually answered one of the most popular questions in the world as I know it at least, "How are you?" with I'm not doing so great or honestly admitted you are going through some sad times or hard times? Isn't there a way to just be honest without coming across like a cloud of gloom? Just thinking, that is all. When I attend church or someplace where there are a lot of people asking the "How are you?" question I feel the need to respond with as much cheerfulness as possible but sometimes when I am not feeling cheerful a simple OK. On the Joyce show I heard her say that if someone responds with an OK it means they are trying to let the other person know something is not quite right. My second question is if something is not quite right should we say , "Wonderful with a big smile?" I know some people who are "Wonderful" all the time or are they? LOL . I loved the way Lawrence Welk said , "Wonderful, wonderful!"

So how are you? I am hoping Wonderful, Wonderful but if not I will like you all the same. We all have our bad times and sad times and it's great to have friends in our lives we can simply be honest with.

Being as Little Children

by Raymond A. Foss

Wonder, amazement, at the littlest thing
marvels in all of creation, faith, attachment
in the sound of familiar voices,
Voices of mother, of father, drawing the
head, their eyes, tilting to the common timbre
the nurturing of their parents

Another parent, more loving, eternal
calls us too, to know us, and us them
to turn our beings, our gaze
our lives toward them, to
loving guidance, ageless lessons
distinguishing good from evil,
paths to follow, to avoid
lessons for life, best heard,
when we are open, humble
as little children

It's going to be a busy weekend here. My husband and I are helping one of our sons move. What a chore that is going to be but the weather will be nice so that is a blessing.

Just not feeling very creative today so I posted the poem and added a few photos out of the hundreds and oodles that I have of my grandchildren.

Have a great weekend.

Focus

  A couple days ago when I took a walk the sky was cloud covered gray but the temperature was comfortably cool. I walked up the country road and took in the peacefulness of the scenery and quietness of the morning. On my way home I wished that I would have had my camera because there was a break in the clouds. Through that lightened area which appeared to be moving more towards the center of the road I could see the rays of light pointing down to the earth. It looked like a waterfall. I thought about it being lke God's love and grace shining down. That is how it is sometimes at our lowest point just when we need it hope lights the way. I  believe that God is everywhere. We just get too busy physically or mentally to listen with our eyes but also with our hearts.
  In another sense God looks within me and sees that little spark that just needs some stirring.
 Spark of hope , spark of purpose. It takes focus for me to see the positive. I know that I dwell on the wrong things sometimes, those things weigh me down. Emotions can carry me in all different directions but focus can bring clarity to the blessings in my life.

 I thank God today for my husband who is steady and patient with me and for my children , grandchildren , family and friends.

                  I didn't take the photo found it on image search. It is beautiful . I'd love to see that!

Picture Perfect Sort of Day

Today is the kind of day where you wish that the temperature would be like this all year. My husband and I and the dog took a ride to the Park & met up with our son and had lunch with him on his work break. It was a really nice day for him to work since there were cooler temperatures and he works outdoors at the Park.

We walked through some trails. This wooden bridge was on one. It was so neat it kept winding all around like  a little maze.

Everything was so clear and the sky so blue. I love the white fluffy clouds.

Nanook had her nose right in the ground here digging like crazy! Must have been a mole or something. She was having the time of her life! I would take a deer picture but Nanook scared the beautiful deer away we saw!

We sat in this spot to rest after hiking. It was so beautiful and peacefilled.
Even though I am inside resting for awhile it is nice. I have the windows open as it is cooler out and there is enough of a light Fall like breeze.

There isn't a lot of foilage color yet but it won't be long before Autumns song! It is just starting!

"I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house.
So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air.
-  Nathaniel Hawthorne

"In the other gardens
And all up the vale,
From the autumn bonfies
See the smoke trail!

Pleasant summer over
And all the summer flowers,
The red fire blazes,
the grey smoke towers.

Sing a song of seasons!
Something bright in all,
Flowers in the summer
Fires in the fall! "
-   Robert Louis Stevenson, Autumn Fires

Rain, Drizzle , Fog and a Dog

Today I got up at about 6 am with my husband. I got the coffee on because that is important in this household. After the coffee was started I got a leash on my son's dog I am watching for a couple weeks and made sure she had the opportunity to relieve herself ha! Out in the dark causing up a stir with the neighbor's dogs that are outside dogs. Nanook doesn't seem to care at all. She doesn't bark back. She is such a calm spirit for living in a household of lively squeely kids! I will miss her when she has to go home!

My husband and I chatted for a few minutes said a morning prayer and then he was off to work. Nanook and I took a walk up the foggy country road towards the farms.

I've been battling a little depression over things from the start with my Dads passing away a few months ago and changes in the family with the grown children. They have had some battles of their own but don't we all? One of the kids is moving. It's going to be so hard having some of my grandchildren living further away but it won't be too bad. There are weekend trips and visits here to Grandma's I suppose. We all do what we need to do. I think my posts get a little foggy sometimes too like this picture above so does my brain lol.

I realize I miss not having a dog too. Our last dog grew up with the kids. She died at 15 which is old for a dog. Nanook is so loving. She has kept me company on my walks . Dogs if you get a good one of which there are plenty love so completely and unconditionally. They are happy to see you if you were gone 5 minutes or 5 days.

Yesterday I took her to the park where there is a small lake. We hiked around somewhere. She enjoyed it. I love being outside! If I get a dog again or when I want one who likes walks and hikes and loves to be outside but I want one who stays inside. Nanook is meduim size a female husky. I think she is a nice size kind of big I guess according to some people. She needs lots of brushing though. I love her long hair but with this weather it's shedding . I took her out and brushed her good , gave her a flea treatment just incase and now she is good to go. She sleeps inside and she is really great at staying where she is suppose to be.

Not sure how to close this blog so I'll just say. Have a great day and weekend everyone!

A New Day!

Today is some better than yesterday. I had enough I was struggling with and should have written a dear diary to myself in my old fashioned journal but I guess it's OK for me to let folks know I have my down times. They just seem to be coming a bit like a roller coaster ride lately. If it's not one thing it is another but life has those moments.

Yesterday was my grandson Caleb's number 7 birthday.

The two pictures some of you may have seen already but they are of my husband and I with our grandson this summer on our little cruise boat ride in Marquette , MI this July. It was the most fun bad hair day I've had in some time! I love the water and the Lake was such a pretty blue. It is on Lake Superior .

I am babysitting my grand dog for a couple weeks or so. She is a husky and I am enjoying her. She is smart and well behaved. She's keeping me company right now! I am wanting to keep her but that probably wouldn't go over too big! It's my son Justin's family dog! They love her and she is so good with the kids.

I'm trying to post something even if it's short. I'm not sure about blogger yet and I can't even seem to get connected to some of my friends but I'll learn. Multiply is almost a ghost town so many have left who I am friends with there.

Enjoy your day!

Good morning! The photo is from yesterday at the park of my oldest son and his youngest son. Little Caleb is 7 today.

There were some rain showers but my husband and I were still able to meet with family and have a picnic. We made a big pot of spaghetti and brought a little gas stove so we could warm it up in the event that we would be rained out and grilling would be hard. The stove is easy to use on a picnic table and can be used under a shelter. We also brought some hotdogs and buns. It was rain free in the afternoon but steamy and warm. If someone had breathing problems the air was not good.

Yesterday morning after the first shower came through I walked up the country road I often take . I was thinking in color and had a glimpse in my mind of a wire bound red notebook I recently purchased at Walmart. When the school supplies go on sale I buy some extra paper and crayons and pens because they are the cheapest they get, I think the spiral notebooks were only 20 cents. I thought about how I like to write and how many hours I must have blogged on Multiply which is now closing in December towards blogging. I thought about the stacks of wire bound notebooks and steno books I have accumulated through the years, most of them before I got a computer. They are filled with journal entries, prayers, poems and scribbles. They show glimpses of life as my children were growing . I wish I would have written more!

In my thoughts yesterday I saw the red wirebound book and had ideas of writing something in a decorative manner on the front page. I'm not sure I even remember the poem I decided on but I shall try. It was something like, "No lock , no key, just respect for me. Within this book are my thoughts and dreams..I can't remember . I'll come up with something though. I'm thinking about journal writing again with a pen or pencil. Sure I will still blog but I miss those journals. I have no notebook computer I can carry around but there is something about paper and pen!

I have a hard time blogging sometimes because my heart and my family are so intertwined and I want to freely write what is there. The joyful is easy to share , the painful not so much. I guess I don't mind so much if I have a limited audience of friends but I am still careful. It's a hard week. One of my sons who has a big family is headed up north to start a new job as I am typing this. In a couple weeks the rest of the family will join him. It is about 5and a half hours away. Now they are about 45 minutes away. I love seeing my grandchildren . I have a blast with them when they come over and breath a sigh of relief when they leave too but all in a good way. I'm always ready for them again. Now things will be different, some weekend trips as we are able perhaps the kids or part of them at a time spending a few days here.

Well anyways I am just going through stuff is all I can say. That is a part of it. It's been a difficult year beginning with my Dad passing away and some of the crazy emotions with that and other things I just can't talk about right now but in the midst of it all there is some light shining through . It  takes time and love and faith that it will be enough.

My Pastors wife had this verse up yesterday morning and I am claiming it. I can't share everything in life here only that as good as it is there are struggles and I also have someone close struggling with depression but getting some help with it . I'm still struggling myself but it is not me I am talking about. For me it's just been a hard year beginning with my Dad's passing away . My family is in my heart always. I feel joy and sorrow and a mixture of emotions or even numbness sometimes. Here is the verse "Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him for the lives of your children. "Lamentations 2:19

Blogging, good, notebooks good, expression good but my safe place is before God alone and to Him alone will I pour out my heart for He already knows the deepest part of me and He loves me with all my imperfection