Empty Nest Homemaker

Bargains May Not Be So Much a Bargain

2017-12-30T16:11:00.000-06:00

As I think about the new year and the cost of living, I think about the items I buy to be low in cost. I'm sure many of you shop online to find the best bargain for new items but I also like to shop thrift shops for slightly used items. Especially books.
As a volunteer of a local thrift shop, I've thought about the tips to shopping there and what to be aware of.

ELECTRICAL: Be sure the item, if electrical in nature, works. Although the tag may say it works, test it in the presence of the clerk to verify it does work. Are there any pieces missing? Is everything that you need for the item with it? How about a manual? If not with the item, will you be able to download off the internet?
GAMES: Be sure to check for game pieces and directions. Make sure you have everything you should have with the game.
TOYS: Check to see if the toys are not broken and that all the appropriate pieces are with it.
CLOTHING: I have learned it is a good idea to try them on to make sure they fit. Depending on the brand, it may be the correct size but may not fit. Check the price tags and description to the labels in the garment. I bought an item that was a smaller size than the tag said.
SHOES: Try them on. Check for wear.
Take the sniff test. Was this item donated from a home where there was a fire or a smoker? Especially books and clothing. I bought a Bible that was from a home of a pipe smoker. Ken and I could both smell it.

Remember with a thrift shop there are no returns. ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

I've gotten some great bargains at the thrift stores but there have been times when buying new would have been a better deal.

It is always a thrill when I do get a bargain but is a point of sadness when I have paid money for something that I cannot use.

Have fun shopping. Be wise about it.

The Blessing of Grandchildren

2017-12-30T15:45:00.000-06:00

April 2016

December 2017

The picture above is of grandma helping with cutting out cookies to bake together, with the girls.
What a blessing to have grandchildren nearby to watch grow and develop. Ken and I just spent a day with our granddaughters. It was a whirlwind of activity. They are almost 5 and are learning and growing at lightning speed.
They are currently interested in creating works of art with paper, markers, colors, scotch tape, glue, and SCISSORS. I've been told that their media center at pre-school, have allowed them to use SCISSORS.
We were exhausted when they went home but refreshed by their enthusiasm to create and explore. These girls have a little brother who will soon be in the whirlwind with them soon.

Busy Hands

2015-03-10T12:12:00.001-06:00

Matthew 5:9
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-11
9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another,
10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more,
11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,

Perhaps these verses are not what I was thinking of when I was contemplating this post but busy hands do make time fly.

It all began in the 70's or 80's with a sister-in-law who had a love for piecing quilts together. Our family made a visit to their home and the sister-in-law and I took a trip to a quilt shop. She bought a quilt book and wrote a little note in the quilt book. I still have that book and plan to use a pattern in it soon.

I have always busied myself with crocheting, knitting, and other needlework. I've always kept busy with my hands. When retirement came the scraps of cloth that I'd moved needed to be used.

This is what I've done so far.

Wedding Ring or Churn Dash top acquired from family member of husband. Added backing and quilt batting for quilting. I love the blue color.

My grandmother on my father's side made crafts and sold them for extra income. In addition, she quilted. This top and backing was given to me and I had it finished at the end of 2014.

When we lived in Cambridge, Nebraska, I frequently shopped at a thrift shop where the proceeds went for items the hospital that were not in their budget. There was a shoe box with pre-cut fabric. The price was $15.00 The volunteer thought that was too much and sold it to me for $5.00. This is my first completed quilt and treasure it.

I have more in the works and anxious to get to working on them.

Have a great Tuesday.

Shirley

Grandchildren

2015-03-10T11:33:00.000-06:00

Proverbs 20:29

The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.

I know it has been a while since I have posted.
We have been blessed with grandchildren and have been involved in their care from the beginning.
These precious children just celebrated their 2nd birthday.
We feel blessed to be living near them and that we are able to be part of their years of growth and development.
Thank you for stopping in. I hope to share Bible verses and experiences in life as we progress through our retired years.
Make it a good day.

Shirley

One year old.

Newton Family Christmas 2014

Granddaughters at Thanksgiving 2014

She Buildeth Her House

2013-04-19T00:04:00.002-05:00

In a recent Bible study I found a verse in Proverbs which has made me think about the role of women throughout the history of the Bible and the history of the world.
Proverbs 14:1
1 The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.

The many examples of women in the Bible and how these women built their house is the direction I would like to go in this blog.

Naomi, her husband Elimelech and their two sons fled Israel and went to Moab because of a famine. Naomi's husband and two sons died and left their wives widows. The daughter-in-laws were asked by their mother-in-law to go back to their families. A land of idol worshipers. Ruth refuses to go back to her family and goes with Naomi to Israel. Ruth marries Boaz and bears Obed who is in the linage of Christ.

Ruth 1:2

2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.

Ruth 1:3-5
3 But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons.
4 These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years,
5 and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.

The book of Ruth tells about Naomi and Ruth. Ruth willingly goes with Naomi back to her homeland. The faithfulness of Ruth and her obedience to her mother-in-law provides a husband from the family of Naomi. There was a family member who was first in line to take Ruth as his wife and he forfeited that right. Boaz was willing to be the member in line to accept Ruth as his wife.

Ruth 4:11
11 And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. Jehovah make the woman that is come into thy house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephrathah, and be famous in Bethlehem:

It is of interest to me that Ephrathah is mentioned in these passages and it indicates to me the connection between these women is the coming of the Christ and the church.

Genesis 35:19

19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath (the same is Beth-lehem).
Rachel and Leah and their handmaidens were the mothers of the 12 sons of Jacob. The tribes of Israel.

Micah 5:2-3
2 But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.
3 Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she who travaileth hath brought forth: then the residue of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.

These women, Ruth, Rachel, and Leah all have born children that are in the linage of Christ. They are descendants in the plan that God has from Genesis to the cross. Each was a piece to the puzzle to bring about a Savior to the world to save humanity from sin and death.

Their role in building their house is an example to us as women to be a builder of the next generation to carry on the great commission.

Matthew 28:19-20

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Mark 16:15-16

15 And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

My mother of 93 years of age passed away in November of 2012 and I have been thinking of her and of my daughter-in-law who has given birth to twin girls February 27th. And of course my mind was thinking about those mothers that I have met through my life and the mothers of the Bible.
I'm thankful to my mother for setting the example of taking her 5 children to Sunday School and worship services every Sunday. She was able to feed and provide for those 5 children with meager earnings my father made as a hired hand for a farmer.
As mothers will we build our houses to raise Christian children and grandchildren or will we tear our houses down?

Hot/Cold Pack

2013-02-05T16:24:00.002-06:00

In those long days when Ken was suffering terribly from Sciatica and following surgery the doctors recommended cold packs. The cold packs I had on hand were the hard rigid blocks that you use in the coolers.
Someone had mentioned to me about using rice to make a hot/cold pack. I bought flannel cloth and a 5# bag of rice and put together this.

My fabric was cut 9" x 12". I put the two outside sheets together to sew all four sides except for the center I left 2-4 inches open. I clipped the corners and turned the casing right side out. I made a seam to divide the casing in half all the way across the length of the casing folding the open seam to blind stitch later. I filled each side with equal amounts of rice and blind stitched it together.

This work beautifully because the rice is flexible and wasn't hard or uncomfortable on the surgical incision. It is amazing how long it stays cold and lasted beyond the required 20 minutes. I made two because I was not sure how long it would take to get cold but I only needed one.

Blessings to all.

Shirley

Friends & Family

2013-02-05T16:04:00.001-06:00

Life at our house seems to be busy at times. We've just had family come for a 1 day visit and enjoyed having them around. Today it is quiet. It's Saturday and it usually is quiet in my neighborhood.
My mother passed away November 16, 2012.
My husband has had Sciatica since October of last year. December 28, 2012 he had microsurgery to relieve the pinching of the nerve. Now it is the patience to heal. When Ken is feeling better he over does it.
We are also anticipating twin grand babies to arrive sometime in March.
Visiting with friends and family are a blessing we enjoy any time we can.

The Old Couple

Brother-in-law & wife

Nephew and wife

Sciatica

2013-02-05T15:49:00.000-06:00

If you have ever been afflicted or know someone who has had sciatica, it's a painful experience. The back has many nerves but the sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, across the buttocks, and down the leg to the foot. In my husband's case his foot was numb.
My husband has been afflicted since October of 2012. Finally with an x-ray and MRI to show a herniated disk an option of microsurgery was discussed.
Surgery was in late December and today he is free of the intense pain of sciatica. He was walking bent over with the aid of a crutch or cane. Today he is walking more upright without an aid. Check out this web site to get more information about this painful problem. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sciatica

Time

2012-09-29T13:40:00.001-05:00

James 4:13-14
13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"--
14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

When you are working it seems that thoughts of retirement would include lots of time to do whatever you wanted to do. WRONG.
No matter what your stage in life, as long as we are living and breathing on this earth, we are controlled by time.
My week at times is very busy and I wonder what I did that week that was not scheduled in. Facebook is great for keeping in touch with friends and family but I am finding that the games on the website are major time wasters. Involved in these games are "things" you work for that involve asking your friends or other "gamers" for gifts. Many times these gifts lead to more gifts. You acquire land, buildings, and etc. Total waste of time.
As I pondered the time I have wasted, I also see friends who are playing these games and the only time there is contact with me on Facebook is to "brag" (part of the game) about a conquest or request something.
I deleted my apps to these games and plan to use my time wisely.
I hope you will evaluate where you are spending your time. I hope it is to encourage, teach, and share as the above Bible verse says "What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."

Shirley

Update on Serger

2012-09-29T12:34:00.002-05:00

I have my serger back!!! I love it and hope I can do some cool sewing on this machine. Thanks to Randy Cole at http://abcsew.com/ for fixing it.
I have already done a pillow case.
There is a group on Facebook where you can post problems, triumphs, and questions and I find that sergers are an interesting machine and it doesn't matter if you've spent $1200 or $100, there are problems. I am so thankful for this group, Mr. Randy Cole, and my friends Aline and her daughter Karen for helping in my situation.
I was down in the dumps when I found out through my conversation with the repairman that I may have just wasted my money on a garage sale item. I decided to have him look at it and see if it was worth fixing. It was fixed in a timely manner, works great, and was told that I had made a wise investment and this was a nice machine. My emotions were low to high in a short time.
I'm still of the opinion that if you find a bargain at a garage sale, check it out before you hand over money. If you have someone with knowledge, call them up and ask. With cell phones and pictures it's easy.
Check back often. I plan to do more sewing in the coming months.
Thanks for stopping by.
Shirley

I'm Still Learning

2012-09-15T19:43:00.001-05:00

Singer Serger

You would think that at almost 65 years old that you wouldn't make mistakes. Well, that is a myth.
I love to sew and am doing some sewing. Not nearly enough to suit me but that's another story. I have a friend who is so talented she has a sewing machine, serger, and a quilting machine. She lives in Nebraska and I wanted to be as talented as she is.
There was a garage sale across the street and there was a serger. I bought it. It wasn't working right. It may have been my fault because I did not know how to sew with one. It will be going to a repair shop soon.
I have learned with sergers that you need to take a class or find someone you can spend some time with and learn to operate it correctly. They are tricky and if you do not know how to run one you can damage something before you even get started.
I am told that JoAnne Fabrics has classes regularly and sometimes on sergers. If you have any desire to get a serger, research sergers and what they do. If you can find someone who has one and have them show you or take a class before you buy one.
The other part of the story which does not have an ending yet is that I asked about finding someone to repair sewing machines and sergers. I called this repairman and his advice is to find an older used well-built serger because the new cheaper ones are not built as well.
I will update you when I get this serger repaired. I hope I can prevent someone from making the same mistake.
If you find one at a garage sale plug it in and see if it sews before you pay for it. If the owner is there have them show you.
Hope this helps.
Empty Nest Homemaker

Quote

2012-08-06T17:08:00.001-05:00

I found this post which is great. I would like to share it with you.

A Broader Perspective

Health, as we know, is more than just physical health, although this is certainly the foundation.

True wholistic health also includes financial health (apart from poor nutrition, stress from lack of money is statistically the largest cause of degenerative disease), time health (freedom

to do what is in our hearts), relationship health and being part of a healthy and supportive

community, health of purpose, and so much more....and we get to offer all of these things

to people.

Christa Way, Medical Herbalist, Life Force Crown Diamond & Philanthropist

Update

2012-08-05T23:57:00.001-05:00

It seems to have been busy for us since we have moved our oldest son to our home. We have been getting a chance to visit with each other and I am enjoying being able to attend worship services together.
With the move there is a dog. We have had dogs all our married lives. Our last dog has been gone for a few years and we had decided that we would NOT get another dog. This little dog has been a joy to have around but also work. She needs to be taken out for exercise, potty, and making sure she always has food and water.

As you can see she is a cutie.
That is all for now as it is late in the evening.
Shirley

Summer is Here

2012-07-05T21:49:00.001-05:00

Life at our house will be changing in a week. Our oldest son is moving to the city we are living and we are excited about having him close by.
We are enjoying the fresh vegetables from our garden and not willing to share with the insect world. The temperatures are heating up and watering is critical to our food supply.
It's July already and we are not able to keep up with the watering because of the heat. Therefore our garden and the flower beds are drying up.
Our son has arrived! It has been good to be able to visit with him for an extended period of time. We haven't been able to do that for years.
I'm wondering too if I can still call myself the empty nest homemaker.
I've been a little busy with cooking and household chores.
I hope everyone is doing well.

The Farmer's Wife: Pioneer Woman Cookbook Giveaway

2012-06-20T09:43:00.001-05:00

The Farmer's Wife: Pioneer Woman Cookbook Giveaway: Woohoo, 100 FANTASTIC followers are keeping up with The Farmer's Wife!!! I have been waiting {like biting my fingernails off kind of wait...

Cinnamon Rolls

2012-06-11T19:48:00.001-05:00

Cinnamon Roll

Baked Cinnamon rolls are a treat at our house. I acquired a recipe for Butter Horn Pecan Rolls in a class i was taking at the YWCA many years ago. I've used the recipe for cinnamon rolls.

BUTTER HORN PECAN ROLLS

3 Eggs, beaten

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup shortening, melted I use butter

2 pkgs yeast, I use 5 teaspoons of loose yeast

1 cup scalded milk

1/4 warm water

4 cups flour

METHOD: Soften yeast in 1/4 c warm water. Mix beaten eggs, salt, melted shortening, sugar and cooled milk. Beat in 1-1/2 cup flour.

Add softened yeast. Beat. Add the rest of the flour. Beat. Let rise in a greased bowl, cover with a little shortening. Cover the bowl with a towel.

When doubled I roll out on a floured surface and make a rectangle with the dough. You may have to divide the dough in half and roll out half of the dough. The rectangle or oval should be approximately 1/4 inch thick.

Spread the rolled out dough with softened butter. Sprinkle with brown sugar or sugar. I used Sucanat. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll up to have a long roll. I use sewing thread doubled to cut my roll into rolls 1-2 inches thick. Be sure to keep track of your string. I lost mine in the dough and had to find it. Line up in a pan to allow for rising. I had the caramel sauce in the pan before putting in the rolls.

BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE

1/4 cup oleo or butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 tablespoons cream I used milk

1 tablespoon corn syrup I did not use this and recipe was fine.

Melt above ingredients and pour equal amounts in greased muffin tins with pecans.

Bake Cinnamon Rolls at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. I checked after 15 minutes

Plain Butter Horn Rollls bake 15 minutes at 375 degrees.

Baked Cinnamon Rolls and Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar

Raising Cinnamon Rolls

Makes Me Hungry

Rolled up Dough

The Month of May

2012-05-26T16:53:00.002-05:00

Well, May is almost over and it has been a busy month for us. I've been helping more at the Resale shop. We had a gospel meeting the first week of May and I had a Ladies Night Out at my house last week. Whew. Oh and Mother's Day. My sons surprised me with a bouquet of flowers and a plant. Thank you guys.

We are enjoying vegetables that were planted and look forward to more this summer. I've learned some things about container planting. One of my planters has too many plants in it. When planning what I want to plant I get carried away with plans. It has been fun.

We planted two rose bushes in the flower bed out front and it looks like both are going to bloom. The pansies were covered up by the petunias. The petunias are gorgeous but they spread out a lot. I want to plan flowers that make good bouquets in the future. That will take some doing to figure out what grows well in this area.
We have a couple of ravens who frequent the bird bath and soak their food.

We are looking forward to family moving closer to us soon. Our oldest son is moving this way. We are looking forward to spending more time with our boys and our daughter-in-law.

I have found a blog that is so neat. This lady is so creative. http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/ . See if you agree. I made up the aphid spray today and hope the aphid problem with my plants will improve.

It is Memorial Day weekend and hope everyone has a safe holiday.

Let us not forget what we are observing and remember those who have lost their life for us.
Shirley

May We Never Forget

2012-05-26T14:25:00.005-05:00

It is Memorial Day Weekend! As a reminder of the holiday and what it stands for I've copied, somewhat, the information from the Wikipedia website. It is a good reminder of how Memorial Day began.
Personally, I am thankful for all those who are and were willing to fight for the freedoms of our country. May we never forget the price they have paid. This time of year is also a time when we reflect on family and friends who have died and their legacy that they have left behind. We are what we are because of them. May we never forget.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that is observed annually in the United States on the last Monday of May. It has been called Decoration Day in the past also. It originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. As a marker it typically marks the start of summer vacation season while Labor day marks its end.

Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.

By the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as people visited the graves of deceased relatives in church cemeteries, whether they served in the military or not.1

It also became a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family gatherings, fireworks, trips to the beach or lake and national media events such as the Indianapolis 500 auto race, which has been held since 1911 on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

So, to end this post, be sure to fly your American flag, and have a great weekend. Be sure to thank those who have served and are serving in the military. Be safe all of you.

Shirley

Children Learn

2012-04-21T21:41:00.001-05:00

Children Learn What They Live
By Dorothy Law Nolte

If children live with criticism,

They learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility,

They learn to fight.

If children live with ridicule,

They learn to be shy.

If children live with shame,

They learn to feel guilty.

If children live with encouragement,

They learn confidence.

If children live with tolerance,

They learn to be patient.

If children live with praise,

They learn to appreciate.

If children live with acceptance,

They learn to love.

If children live with approval,

They learn to like themselves.

If children live with honesty,

They learn truthfulness.

If children live with security,

They learn to have faith in themselves and others.

If children live with friendliness,

They learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

This is the author-approved short version.

This poem was on a card we received from the obstetrician/gynecologist office when our youngest son was born. I liked it but when you are busy with an infant the meaning of it gets pushed aside. Thinking about what to put on the post reminded me of this card.

As I reflect on my life and raising my family I see how important this poem is. Watching parents and grandparents these days interact with their children stresses the importance of the above poem.
Thinking back on the time when my boys were growing up I could have spent more time with them doing things that they liked doing.I could have spent more time complimenting them rather than criticizing them. They grow up so fast.
I was at a ladies gathering last evening visiting and a couple of the mothers shared with us that their husbands take time to take their children fishing and the children look forward to it so much. They put everything aside just to go out with dad and fish.
I wonder if all the time I spent away from my family when they were home could have been better spent doing something with my boys.
As the poem says the things you say to your children and if you treat them as blessings or curses are programmed for life and they are played over and over through their lives.
We are precious to God. Think about how precious our children are to us and the lessons we teach as they are growing up. As they are treated by their parents so they treat their spouse and children.

Shirley

Service Project

2012-04-17T01:17:00.000-05:00

Material for a Service Project

And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. Galatians 6: 9-10

As part of the weekly Gratituesday theme by Heavenly Homemakers.com, I'm posting an activity I am involved in to serve others. As an American Christian woman I enjoy sharing my talents and desire to be a light to others in the world. We live in a land of plenty and I am so thankful for that ability to share.

It is a good thing for Christian women to gather and work on a service project and share time together. For those ladies who could stay after Ladies Bible Class last week, and brought their sewing machines and supplies, cut and sewed material for pillowcases. Some stayed to help.

I get excited when I see fabric. I am so thankful that I have that excitement. We spent time using our ability to sew pillowcases for the residents of local nursing homes.

I'm thankful that the Elders of our congregation are endorsing and encouraging the women on this project and of course our husbands for allowing us to spend time together.

3 Finished Pillowcases

3 Soon to Finished Pillowcases

A stack of pillowcases soon began to appear but because we are busy women, we packed our machines, supplies, and our fabric up to work on at home and look forward to finding another opportunity to work together again on this project or another worthy project. I am anxiously waiting to see how those residents will react to all the colorful pillowcases they will be using in their rooms soon.

Shirley
www.lamptomyfeet.org
http://greatsongschapel.org/?page_id=1317#comment-9970

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Recycling

2012-04-17T00:46:00.000-05:00

Aluminum Can in a Paper Sack

Ken and I walk almost everyday for exercise and while walking we noticed the trash and aluminum cans along the way. We decided to do what we could to pick up the aluminum cans and the trash. If there is a place to dispose of the trash nearby, we dispose of that, but the aluminum cans we crush and haul home to add to our storage container. When we collect a container full, we take them to the local recycling center for cash. It's not very much but we use that cash for yard equipment we need.

Have you ever heard of the term "hidden in plain sight"? As the pictures above and below show, if you are not looking for this, it can be easily overlooked, especially with the background of brown leaves and branches. Another interesting place we have found them has been bushes and trees overhanging the ditch or street. It has been comical to me to see where these cans land.

It is not only aluminum cans that we find but coins, silverware, baseball bats, baseball gloves, baseballs, golf balls, and drinking glasses have been discovered along our walk.

Recycling is a valuable venture to undertake in this day and time. The plastic grocery bags from the store tend to collect quickly at our house. I have determined to remember to take cloth tote bags with me to use instead. Future plans for me are to make tote bags from dog food bags, birdseed bags, or any suitable bag to convert into a tote bag. I have also discovered a web site for making rugs out of those pesky plastic grocery bags.

Ken and I have determined that if plastic bottles ever reach the point of having a cash value we just might be rich. Maybe not.

One of the most disgusting items we have run across on our walks are used disposable diapers. It is so refreshing to read that the cloth diapers are coming back into use by some moms today.

We are fortunate to live in a city that has a recycling program in place. We have trash pickup twice a week. One day a week is designated as recycling day. Recycling bins are provided by the city for residents to place their recyclables in and set by the curb. A list is given to each resident of acceptable items for recycling. Among items the city will take are plant brush, tree limbs, appliances, furniture and bagged leaves on designated days.

Because of local lakes, the city has a storm water pollution solution program also. Residents are encouraged to plant plants and trees that are native to our area and use landscaping practices to impact the natural environment, especially water quality and water conservation, composting and recycling yard wastes. There is also emphasis on mulching.

I would like to hear about some of your ways you recycle our enormous amount of waste that we Americans provide. Let me hear from you.
Shirley
.

National Volunteer Week

2012-04-16T22:27:00.003-05:00

Banner From the Local Hospital Website

April 15-21 is National Volunteer Week

Celebrate America's Greatest Asset

Matthew 25:31-46

But when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all the nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats; and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or athirst, and gave thee drink? And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? And when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry, and ye did not give me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not unto one of these least, ye did it not unto me. And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.

Everyone has been a volunteer at least once during their lifetime. There are many benefits to being a volunteer. In addition to helping others, volunteers have the opportunity to meet new friends, learn new skills, gain new insights and achieve a sense of accomplishment.

Our local senior center would not be able to serve the area senior citizens without volunteers. Volunteers help serve meals, keep count of those daily attending, decorate tables, building, and help with all the activities that the senior center provides. Meals and activity charges are affordable because of the volunteers who serve. For senior citizens it is beneficial to be able to meet together with other seniors for a meal and conversation.

As a volunteer at the hospital auxiliary resale shop, I can see that the income from the shop supplies needed equipment and material for the hospital that is not in their annual budget and it gives me an opportunity to meet people from the community.

There are many other areas where volunteers are of benefit. I will mention just a few that I can think of.

Coaches and helpers for local sports teams and activities
Coaches and helpers for the area schools
Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Girl Scout Leaders
Local church as a child and adult teacher, prepare food for a need, lawn care and snow removal, repairs, janitorial, van driver and giving rides
Many civic and social organizations
Neighborhood litter pickup
Humane society

I am sure there are many more that I have not mentioned but I hope you get the idea. If there were no volunteers, the cost of activities would be beyond our budgets.

If you know a volunteer be sure to thank them.
Shirley

Life At Our House

2012-04-16T21:39:00.002-05:00

View out our back door in Nebraska. This was a small snow.
Winter of 2010

As I've shared in previous posts , we sold our home in Nebraska and moved closer to our sons in Oklahoma and Texas last summer.

We like the weather in Texas better than Nebraska, the winter here was a pleasant change from the snowdrifts and cold we have had in the past. We live in a great neighborhood, and our church congregation is a wonderful part of our life here.

We are enjoying being part of a church family and our physical family. We were included in our son and daughter-in-law's family gathering over the past weekend, watching the parents and their young girls hunt for plastic filled eggs and the excitement in their pretty spring outfits.

I have just recently signed up as a volunteer for the local hospital and their auxiliary resale shop, so I can spend some time meeting people in the community. I am finding this volunteer avenue has been a great way to learn about the wonderful people of this community who have made a difference in the city.

Patio tomato, green pole beans, among other plants in this pot.

Our garden taken a few weeks ago. Today it is fuller .

My container gardens have already produced green peppers, green onions, spinach, leaf lettuce and radishes for our table. I have planted strawberries too. I bought 10 plants and 5 survived. They are growing but I'm dealing with bugs and have not found a safe bug repellent yet. The garden pictured above now looks lush and full and has little tomatoes, the green beans are getting bushy and the green peppers are blooming. Cucumbers are too have bushy vines.
We are looking forward to fresh vegetables from the plants that are growing in our yard. Looking at a package of seeds and thinking about how much food each seed could produce reminds me of the parable Jesus related to the disciples of the sower and the seed.
The seed is the word of God and the field is the world. The parables are in Matthew 13:3-30 and Luke 8:11-15. Jesus explains to his disciples that some seed falls on the roadside and the birds come and eat it up. Some falls on rocky places where there is not much soil and the roots did not have depth in the soil and are scorched by the sun. Others are among thorns and are choked out and others fell on good soil and yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty. Jesus then explains examples of the hearers in each of these examples and their reception and retention of the word. As Christians we are to sow that seed and hope that the soil is good and will yield fruit.

There are numerous butterflys and it may be because of the plentiful rains and the many flowers and foliage. The wildflowers this year are just breathtaking. One type goes to seed and a new type provide color for the fields.

This bush is full of blooming flowers at this posting.

We are mindful at this time of the areas in our country that have been affected by the tornadoes and storms. May everyone stay alert and keep current of weather conditions in their own area.

As I close this post and think about other posts that I would like to do my prayer is that my followers are blessed with good health, many friends and loved ones around you. Let me hear from you. May the Lord bless you and may you always stay faithful to the word as we all look forward to the home in heaven at the end of time.

Shirley

Hint of Month

2012-04-06T13:23:00.003-05:00

Heavenly Homemaker.com has challenged all of her followers to post a hint for the month.
I always have iceberg lettuce in my refrigerator. We eat a lot of lettuce!
Unwrap the lettuce and take off any leaves that you do not want to keep. Take the lettuce head and whack the bottom of the lettuce head where the core is, on the counter or sink corner, to loosen the core. If you hold the head and whack it straight down, the core will loosen. Remove the core and run warm water in the space where the core has come out, as you hold the lettuce head upside down. It doesn't take much water. Turn it upright and shake to remove as much water as you can. Place in a container with a lid with paper towels in the bottom to collect the remaining moisture. Refrigerate. When you are ready to use the lettuce it will be crisp and crunchy.

SALAD SPINNER

I invested in a salad spinner several years ago. I grew spinach and leaf lettuce this spring in containers. After cutting the leaves from the plant, sort them to make sure there is are no foreign debris among them. Put the leaves in a salad spinner, run water from the faucet through the hole in the spinner and spin the basket with the knob. Turn off the water and continue to spin for a short time to remove as much moisture as possible. Store your lettuce in a container with paper towels in the bottom.
Salad spinners are good to use for strawberries or any veggie or fruit you would like to clean.

Life at our House

2012-04-02T15:43:00.004-05:00

Special Iris

In Nebraska we had planted these bulbs. It was in an area that would have grown cactus for sure but to get anything else to grow was a challenge. These came up one year and bloomed and never came up any years after that.

Ken's digging up the garden patch

It is a month later and the weather has been warming up. Our patch has been planted and with water, care and a lot hope, we plan to be eating the fruits of that labor.

The first Rose to bloom

This rose is in the back yard but we have a rose hedge in the front yard that is covered with blooms. We have birds singing before sunrise and all through the day in those bushes. I love to hear those happy active birds as they look for food and sing to everyone.

Jigsaw Puzzle

My husband loves to do these. Me, it frustrates me to have 1,000 pieces and not be able to find matches. Me, I can stitch a piece of Aida cloth from a graph and make a wall hanging or a memento.