one bad thing, sixteen good things

I try not to use the word "maniacal" too too much. The last time it made it appearance in my musings, it was a few years back -and not even in this particular blog. Do you remember this?

But I digress.

Last evening, I came home from a prayer meeting (which was going full steam ahead, I might add) in order to ready the house for hungry company. I set out the food, warmed the pot o' soup, and decided to light a fire in the dining room fireplace. I fanned the flame, shut the door tightly, and went into the back wing to oversee the staff.

Haha. Caught you there. No staff; just me in an apron.

Five minutes went by, in which the front two rooms of the house were filled with gray smoke.
Now I can insert the word maniacal. Actually, I will spare you the description and ask you to employ your imagination of my antics. While wearing an apron.

I might also add, for your enjoyment, that I was whooping loudly although there was no one at home.

It seems that either the flue or the chimney is cracked. Or both, I don't know. But now we have a new decoration on our fireplace to keep the cold drafts at bay. Do you like it?

There was no smoke damage. Only a barely detectable tinge of smokey smell to the house when company arrived. As for me, I was redolent of a chimney-sweep.

In the department of Things That Make Me Happy, I bring you this: my new plates. Eight bowls and eight sandwich plates with l'il birdies on them. How I love them!

They were a splurge with Christmas money from my mom. She will be glad to know that they look great in Aunt Diane's hutch, which she also gifted me.

Thanks, mom.

soup's on

After the prayer meeting tonight (the last of three this week), a small crowd will gather around the kitchen island for some soup & sandwiches.

The soup is chicken vegetable.
The sandwiches: egg salad on home-made bread.

Just as our bodies are nourished by food, so our souls are nourished & fortified by prayer & fellowship!

the tree

Yesterday, Ben & Bill chopped down a a 10-foot tree. How lovely to have a vaulted family room!

Grandma Jean helped trim the tree. She hadn't decorated a tree for many a year, so this was special.
Jon was in charge of stringing lights. Good job, Jon!

Poodie lent her artistic touch decor. Then she fell asleep on the couch while I read "Amahl & the Night Visitors" aloud to the fam.

Please don't ask me to explain the mess on the other side of the room.

I mean, wow, people.....

our first

We celebrated out first Thanksgiving in our old stone home.
We dined on turkey with all the trimmings.
We ate beets & butternut squash from the garden.
We wrote what we were thankful for on slips of paper & read them aloud after dinner.
We sang hymns around the piano.
We played games & watched a little football.
We enjoyed the company of family, friends, & neighbors.
We sighed with contentment.

It was a wonderful day of giving thanks!

gratitude

Psalm 105:

1 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!
2 Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!
3 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

Wishing you & yours a gratitude-filled Thanksgiving.

home-sick remedy

"I like when you post pictures of home," said she. Done deal.

I know its merely a rug. But it makes me happy every time I look at it.

A real snapshot of the kitchen. That's five days of mail on the island.

Isn't is nice to know that the old chalkboard is finally up? It's the same board that resided in 3108, only now it's smaller.

Of course, in its previous life, it was in room 203 at the old Madrid School.

Today, I tacked the closet. THE closet. We only have one in the entire house.

As for recent vignettes, here is one my Texas girl will enjoy. We got the globe in a thrift shop in Cape Cod for $5.
The funky green couch. It's prettier than it is comfortable, but whatever.

Our soggy front porch with a rescued rocking chair.

The view from the front door. I wish she was walking through it. Right this very minute.

the river guide speaks

After church, I stole away on my little green kayak.

steal: to move, go, or come secretly, quietly, or unobserved: She stole out of the house at midnight.

Thank you, dictionary.com. I might add: She stole out of the house at midnight with her kayak.
-because it is something I might do. I just haven't done it yet.

e house at

Thank you, dictionary.com.

I might add: she stole out of the house at midnight with her kayak -
because it is something I reall would do. I just haven't done it yet.

May I share with you a few shining moments from my trip?

The above scene is the view as one rounds the corner of Cow Island. I call it Cow Island because there are usually cows along the shore. No cows today, but I did startle a lone blue heron in the marshy grass.

He must have missed the last southbound Blue Heron bus. Poor guy.

The trees are bare, but they are still beautiful to me.

My beloved railroad bridge comes in to view. I have never jumped off of it into the water. But my kids have.

As I pass under its rusted trestles, I see the homestretch.

I paddle past my beloved church, too. There are a dozen cars in the parking lot, which makes me wonder if I am missing something.

From here, I guide my little boat as near the falls as I dare. It's as close to living dangerously as I ever get.

After I drag my trusty craft up across the road and stow the paddle in the garage, I go inside & make a fire in the wood stove.

The End.