. . . too cold to be witty!

Yesterday all of this cold weather finally paid off with a little snow event! Yay! There wasn't a lot, but enough to make everything pretty. And it was cold enough that it's stuck around and made driving messy. Here's a picture of the road coming up from the camp. Todd called me to assure me that it was okay to drive into work this morning. Drats! It was fine, but I sure didn't take it with my usual carefree abandon (or my usual speed)!

As I drove into the camp last night, I had to catch this pretty photo of our frozen, lower pond. On the news last night, they shared a story about a mule that had wandered out into the middle of a frozen pond and then got stuck out there. It finally started thrashing and kicked a hole in the ice and went into the freezing waters. Rescuers were able to get it out and it was recovering nicely when the story was reported. The same man who owned the mule also owned a bull (a baby one) which he'd named "Coach Saban". Evidently the owner was such a Crimson Tide fan that he named all of his livestock after the team. Interesting. Or amusing. Hmmmm.

I don't think I'll chance skating on the pond this weekend (especially not after the mule story), but I think I'd like to walk down for a closer inspection. Unfortunately we're to experience very bitter, cold temperatures (highs in the upper teens) for the next two or three days; I'm not sure I have enough under-gear to make such a trip!

We had our own splash of crimson as the snowflakes fell yesterday afternoon. I got one decent shot of this handsome cardinal. Maybe I should name him Nick. Heh. So far, he's the only male cardinal to venture into our feeding stations. We saw two female cardinals yesterday; our count is up to three! Out of the half a dozen photos I took of Nick, this was the only one that he was still enough in to not be a fuzzy blur. I did also take some video of him, though! He hopped around and hammed it up for the camera. A couple times he'd look directly at me and cock his head as if to say, "I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeVille!"

I also took video of the seven deer (does and fawns) that made their way up to A-corn Hill late in the afternoon! Oh what fun! If I can figure out how to edit and upload the video, I post it. They are so comical to watch! Todd and I sat in the window for better than an hour, drinking our hot drinks and watching nature. I always feel so blessed -- and incredibly content -- watching from our window. It's a nice way to feel. :)

Finally, I've finished the top of the rooster wall hanging! I really like the look of the letters; I whip-stitched them. It gave them a real rustic, iron look, which is what I wanted! The chicken tracks are hard to see here, but if you look closely you can spot them! I am very pleased with the overall look. Can't wait to quilt it! One of the guys at the shop is going to build me a decorative rod & brackets, using the same finial I used as a template for the weather vane. I thought that would be a neat touch.

Maybe they're a little easier to see in this photo. It was while I was searching for a template for the chicken tracks that I came across the "Chickens in the Road" blog. Have you checked it out yet??? It's worth the read. After a bit more research, I learned that she's not just a blog writer, she's a book writer! She's written quite a number of the paperback romance novels. And from what I could tell, her readers are quite happy to give her good reviews, too! Her name is Suzanne McMinn.

I still need to get busy on my Fall Quilt Swap Project! It HAS to be in the mail by Monday the 18th . . . which is a holiday . . . so by Saturday the 16th!!! YIKES!!! I know what I'll be doing tomorrow!!! It shouldn't be too bad; the topper is pieced and the appliques are cut. I just need to attach them and quilt it. Deep breath. I can do it.

Last night I made beefy nachos for dinner, and then Todd & I sat in bed and watched the BCS game. What a nail biter! Since the game came on so late, we decided to watch it from bed. Our new mattress topper arrived yesterday, so we had an addition 4 inches of plushness to lay on! It fits our regular mattress perfectly. Anyway, we watched the game for better than three hours. Gosh, I could hardly stand it!! I'd get to feeling like I just couldn't watch anymore, and I'd flip over and read my book. But there's a mirror at the head of the bed, and I'd find myself taking surreptitious glances into it, watching the TV. Then I'd have to flip over and holler at the TV for a bit. It was a good game with a GREAT outcome. Congratulations to Coach Nick Saban and the team. They played hard and well. Roll Tide! :)

As an aside, we rarely ever watch TV in bed. Usually the only time that TV is on is when I'm getting ready for work in the morning. It helps me to stay informed about current local weather and traffic conditions and I'm able to know about what time it is just by where we are in the format. Last night was a special occasion. College football, national championship game. I mean, c'mon. And again I'll say, ROLL TIDE!!!

My sweet husband took off today, so I'm happy he will be there tonight with me. I'll make a special breakfast for him tomorrow. I saw a recipe in the Farmer's Journal for Sausage Apple Pie. At first I wrinkled my nose at it, but then I got to thinking about it and the more I thought, the yummier it sounded. I'll use turkey sausage, sugar-free apple pie filling, shredded cheddar cheese, and pie crust. I'll report. :) I'm glad I'm making it for him, and really glad he'll be there when I get home tonight. He's my happy. :)

Today's verse is, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3.

That describes how I feel perfectly. Praise be to God.

Amen!

:)

to every thing . . .

Yesterday, I wrote, "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heavens."

It wasn't just a random thought (although it probably read that way).

And it's not an original thought, either. (I know, right? You're blown away!) It's straight from God's Word -- the third chapter of Ecclesiastes.

What an incredible passage of Scripture. God the Almighty has deemed a season and time to every purpose.

It begs the question, what is my God-deemed purpose in this time & season of my life?

My answers (the easiest ones) also come from God's Word . . .

in Ecclesiastes He tells me, Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.

in Matthew He tells me, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

in Romans He tells me, "Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God."

in 1 Corinthians He tells me, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

and in James He tells me, "But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger" and "Submit therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you."

In 1 Thessalonians 5 there's a whole section of verses dedicated to a believer's conduct (and I've written about some of those verses previously):

But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.

And this is just a smattering -- a tiny sample -- of God's direction to us. To me.

Wow.

So if I'm hard-pressed to know what my purpose is, I don't have to go far to know what the end result should be. And I'll be honest, sometimes I do wonder what it is God wants from me. What should I be doing? How should I be serving Him? And lovingly and gently, He brings me back to the conclusion that His Word holds all the answers. I don't need to wander aimlessly in the desert, looking for a clue. If my day-to-day living is based on the principals of His Word, I'll be serving my God-given purpose. In the season and time God's given me.

He's so faithful!

:)

on frozen ponds . . .

It's a bit chilly here in the deep south. It was twelve degrees when I got in my car to go to work this morning. Not quite the temps Alabamians are used to! It's been several (five, to be exact) days since the temperatures ventured above freezing. I had to laugh when the weatherman reported this morning that we would be experiencing 'bitter cold' temperatures by the end of the week. Buddy, we're there!

Driving down from Acorn Hill over the last few days, we've noticed that slowly, but surely, the ponds are freezing over! It's been an interesting progression to watch. Neither of them are ready for ice skating, by any means, but another week of these temps and they most likely will be! Thinking of frozen ponds and ice skating brings with it a wave of childhood nostalgia. I have fond memories of trekking through Severndale (our community) to Oakhill Elementary School (up hill, both ways), to the pond behind the school. We'd skate and play for hours and hours. When there was snow on the ground we'd take our sleds and go down the hill from the road to the school. What fun! When the sun started to set we'd head for home, shivering and worn, but happy and rosey-cheeked, too. Hot chocolate was always ready for us, and the smells of a home-cooked meal promised our bellies would be warm and full in no time.

I remember one particular trip to the Oakhill pond (which was probably more like a big swamp) during Christmas vacation. I'd gotten a really cool pair of boots that were Eskimo-ish and fur lined. I believe that may have been one of my favorite gifts under the tree that year. Anyway, a group of us trekked up to the pond, me wearing my new boots. It was cold, and I think I remember there being snow on the ground, but evidently it hadn't been cold long enough; there were some thin spots on the ice, and it didn't take long for me to find one! The water wasn't deep, so it wasn't like I fell in and got sucked under the ice or anything dramatic; I merely stepped *through* the ice and down into about twelve inches of water and muck. Cold, cold, COLD! That was my first thought. Pull foot up! That was my second thought. Unfortunately, when I did, the boot stayed down below, caught in the muck. I was so heartbroken! I remember getting down on my knees and fishing around in that cold water until I found the boot and pulled it back through the hole I'd made. I remembering walking back home (maybe about a mile) with one boot off, totally dejected. But thinking back on it makes me smile. I cleaned the boot as best as I could, but it was never quite the same. It didn't stop me from wearing them, but they were certainly no longer my prize.

Isn't it funny how a simply thing like driving past a pond that's icing over can bring back such a vivid childhood memory? I haven't thought of that boot/ice incident in years and years. But it's a part of who I am.

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heavens.

I'm looking forward to Saturday and the opportunity to 'test the ice' on frozen ponds . . .

:)

simplicity on earth . . .

There's so much I want to share and say; but in order to get it all down, I'd have to be sitting here 24/7 in order to catch it all! Of course, the conundrum of that is, if I were sitting at the computer 24/7, I wouldn't be living the life that I want to capture & share. Same ol', same ol'. :)

I was up early enough to catch this yesterday's sunrise. The sky was mottled with steel gray clouds, so the sun streaked through it in pinks and oranges. Quite beautiful. It struck within me this continued pressing for simpler life - simpler eating, simpler routine, simpler belongings . . .

Regardless of all our careful preparation and winterizing, the water connection from the source to the RV froze Saturday. Thankfully we'd filled the freshwater tank, and it's not been too big a deal. It has emphasized to me how much for granted I take my fresh water source! I was very conscious each time I turned on the tap for a drink, a wash, a rinse . . . even to flush! I think I'll get a couple gallon jugs of water and put them up, just to make coffee and oatmeal without worrying about having enough water for showers! :)

My friend, Sondra, and I headed to Franklin, Tennessee, over the weekend for a trip to Whole Foods Market. This may what prompted my 'back-to-basic' longings this morning! I really, REALLY want to go to a less-processed foods, more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, diet. No. Scratch diet; lifestyle! To that end, Todd & I purchased a small George Foreman grill and a two-person Crock-Pot. Tonight for dinner (which took 20 minutes, tops) we had lean pork chops which I rubbed with a homemade rub, on the grill -- they took less than 7 minutes to cook, and they were *wonderful*! Tonight I'll put the steel cut oats in the crock pot and we'll have yummy oatmeal ready to go in the morning! Yummy!

Todd finally figured out where the water line was frozen and got it thawed! YAY! I'm telling you, you don't realize how much water you use in day-to-day life until it's not readily available! Tonight as I ate dinner and thanked God for His provision with every bite, I was also thanking Him for each drink of water I took. :) He is good.

This morning neither Todd nor I wanted to get up; it was too cold!! When I finally stuck my foot out of the bed, I knew something was not quite right! All the heat vents were ice cold, so I took a peek at the thermostat . . . rut roh! It was at forty-five degrees! Luckily we had filled our backup tank last night, and Todd was able to hook it up and get the heat cranking within minutes. Life in the RV will *never* be boring! :)

I had planned to take down Christmas decorations and the tree today. Nope, didn't happen! By the time we got home this afternoon, and I was able to wash dishes and we had lunch, I just wasn't interested. Instead, I did the Turbo-Jam 20-minute workout and the P90 resistance training. Go me!!

Tonight I'll shower (really enjoying the hot *and* the water), and I will finish up the chicken feet on Julia's wall hanging. In searching online for the best template to use for them, I came across a new blog -- Chickens in the Road. It's wonderful! The author moved to a very rural and small town in West Virginia, and is living a simple life, sharing her experiences with all. It really struck a chord with me . . . perhaps because I have ties and roots in West Virginia, or perhaps because of my longings for living a simpler, more rustic life. Whatever the case, I really like her blog and website and encourage others to check it out!

This afternoon, over our coffee/hot chocolate, Todd and I sat at the big window, watching the birds flit in and about until the deer moved in. We are such a pair; sitting together at the table with all the lights off, pulling binoculars up to get a better look! I like our life.

Shower then quilt . . . life goes on . . . tomorrow it's back to the real world again! By God's good grace, I'm ready!

Ciao!

:)

three, two, one . . .

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

:)

I love sharing life with you . . .

Still . . . I love waking up beside you,
for whatever the coming day brings,
you'll be there to share my life with me--
both the big and the little things.

Still . . . I love spending evenings with you,
talking over the events of the day,
enjoying each other's company,
even if there's nothing to say . . .

Still . . . I love sharing my life with you--
there's so much to look forward to . . .
And I know in my heart,
for the rest of my days,
I'll be sharing my love, still, with you.

Merry Christmas,

Todd

(author unknown; from Hallmark Christmas card)

:)

closing in on the countdown . . .

Blogs, journals, diaries . . . whichever one uses to express oneself (and in my case it may be all three), the end of the year usually finds entries full of retrospective comments, resolutions for the new year, and blah blah blah.

This one will be no different!

On the quilting front, I've had a marginally successful year. I started _and_ finished six projects, and started an additional seven projects that need to be finished! Plus I did a bit of regular sewing, too (like aprons, stockings, curtains, etc.) I also entered my first guild challenge, my first ever judged quilt show, and entered into my first swap (which actually won't be swapped until next month/year). I became more active in my local guild, took a bus trip to the AQS show in Knoxville, and joined a stitcher's group. Wow! Some of the projects I need to commit to finishing are the swap, first and foremost, because that has to be in the mail by January 18th (eeks!), and then my sister's Rooster (which is close), and then Joc's wedding quilt. I'll work on that non-stop at the Quilter's Retreat I'm going to in February, which my Stitcher's group (a quilt retreat -- another first)! Then there are grandbaby quilts!

I've also got things mostly figured out for quilting in the RV; once the Christmas stuff is down and put away, I'll be able to finish that up and get comfy in the space. I'm looking forward to it, though, and I have to remember that there are places like Patches & Stitches that have BIG tables and are gracious to share their space if I need to lay out a quilt top or baste a quilt sandwich! We also carried over my quilt books this week. I feel better. :)

Life held some MAJOR changes in 2009! I can't believe how fast it all flew by! I guess the whirlwind of activity causes that to happen. It's incredibly rewarding, as my own nest has emptied, to see my children begin to feather their own. Instead of feeling like I'm empty, or lost without the children around, I feel incredibly blessed to still be a part of their lives, and to see them grow and mature and live out the lives God's given them. I'm proud of them -- in a humble and praising God for it way! :)

Todd expressed it best in the card he gave me for Christmas . . . I'll have to repost it in its entirety. I read it and teared up; and then I wanted him to read it as if from me! Whoever wrote the sentiment it contained didn't get paid enough! :) Sharing life . . . I love sharing life with my husband. Our quiet moments, our accomplishments, our fun times, our memories, our future plans; I like living life with Todd. Thank You, Lord, for such a wonderful, wonderful man!

With the coming of 2010, I've now lived in four homes/cities/zip codes in Alabama. I've learned not to say (or even think) this is IT! because it rarely is!

Already 2010 is filling up . . . Michael Jr's wedding in January in Atlanta (and with it, another mini-Fowler family reunion -- YAY!); the quilter's retreat in February; a grandbaby -- Sawyer Graham Panter -- in March (along with lots of birthdays and anniversaries); Beth Moore live at Woodstock -- a mother/daughter trip -- in April; June is our 14th anniversary and somewhere along the line both Todd & I celebrate 30 years out of high school; and my parents silver wedding anniversary in September. So many wonderful things to look forward to! It would be easy to waste the year looking ahead to the next 'event'; but I am resolving to take each day and celebrate God's goodness in it!

So many thoughts; our ministry, our lives together, our family, our friends . . . .

May 2010 be a year filled with growth and a deepening relationship with God and my cherished ones. And praise Him for His goodness and overwhelming blessing in 2009!

. . . .

Merry Christmas!

:)

snow daze (and some unfinished business) !

First, as promised earlier, here's a shot of the kids over Thanksgiving. The clothes coordination was TOTALLY unplanned, but quite delightful! In fact, Joc & Kim were so tickled that their guys were matchie-matchie, that they bought themselves the same shirt so they could all be a matching foursome! I love 'em! They are quite the dramatic group. Never a dull moment!
post script: I should point out that darling Sawyer Graham is figuring more and more prominently in pictures with Kim! It's all so exciting to this grandma-gonnabe!

Also as promised, here are full length shots of the Boy Scout Quilt! I'm so pleased with how the quilting turned out on this! I've trimmed the edges and have the binding mostly ready, so I hope to finish it up this week!



The back, being black flannel, really showcases the quilting beautifully!


I totally love the Boy Scout crest! It's awesome!

Saturday morning we woke up to a light blanket of snow. What made the scene all the more enchanting were the deer that came in! Todd and I were captivated by them all. We sat for over an hour just watching them eat and move through the camp. I was so excited by how well the pictures came out, considering I was taking them through the window of the RV! The snowy background really afforded us a clear picture of our usually camouflaged critters!

There was a group of about four does and four yearlings.

There were two sets of two bucks; they're supposed to be in rut, but I guess ours hadn't gotten the memo. The picture below is of the most handsome buck I've seen. He really was a majestic and regal looking creature! Stunning.

When the deer had finally moved on out of the camp, Todd & I collected our wits enough to make it outside! Here's a picture of Home, Sweet Home, in the snow!

Below is the view out of our picture window, left.

And this is out the same window, straight on.

Below is coming out of the camping area, looking at the pavilion. Isn't this a beautiful campground?

Here's a shot of the bridge between the two ponds, covered in snow! Isn't it pretty? It's like living in my own personal winter wonderland!

And here's the winding road leading to the 'outside world'!

I hope this early December snowfall is a portend of things to come . . . !

Adieu!

:)

It's here!!!!!!

Finally, the long-awaited BSQ has been quilted! This was my first experience sending a quilt "out" for quilting, but it was well worth it. My quilter was Becky McCarthy and she did a simply marvelous job! She designed the Boy Scout crest that she used; she said she had to do three separate templates -- the shield, the eagle, the outlining fleur-de-lisle -- and then put it together into one design. She used gold and olive green thread which really makes the quilting pop, especially on the back!


The back is a whole piece of black flannel. The quilting is really showcased on the back; I've got more pictures of the whole quilt; I had to wait until I'd trimmed all the excess off, and had a sweet, helpful person (i.e., my darling husband) to hold it for me while I took the photo! I'll post those later.

All that's left now is the binding! Hurrah!

Scout's Honor.

:)

Capturing fleeting moments . . .

My sweet daughter-in-law, Kim (on the right), and her friend, Kim!
They are both due within a month of the other.
Aren't they precious? Expectant mothers are darling!
Especially when they are carrying your grandson!!!! :)

Thanksgiving Table 2009!
The last one (more than likely) on Hunter Road!
We have had some awesome Thanksgiving dinners around this table,
but I truly believe this year's was the BEST!

Close-up of the center.
I had just been wondering what I was going to do
floral-wise in the center of the table, when who should show
up at work with flowers, but my darling husband.
Oh my, how blessed and doubly blessed I am.

Old Tom, stuffed, seasoned and ready for the oven!
(It was early, EARLY in the morning, hence the coffee cup!)

Yay! Tom's goose is cooked! LOL! :)
James took all the family photos with his camera,
so I don't have any of all of us! Pooh.

Pretty little Christmas tree in its new space!
I need to cover the milk crate. One day I'll quilt an appropriate cover!

There's my Russian nesting Santa scene!
There's Santa, a snow angel, another Santa,
a snowman and a Christmas tree!
I purchased this in a flea market in Moscow.

A closer-up of the tree!
It took us about 5 minutes to decorate it! :)
We had sugar-free egg nog and sugar-free cookies
to help put us in the mood, then we watched Rudolph!
It's beginning to look a LOT like Christmas!

How appropriate . . . my nesting doll Nativity scene under The Last Supper.
And if the picture on the TV is throwing you for a loop,
let me explain by saying it's the Bumble, from Rudolph.
The red (which looks like a big, glowing, floating eye)
is really his tongue in his open mouth!

Last night it was so windy, we had to pull in the awning and the antenna! Hopefully it will die down and we'll be able to string up our lights! YAY! I can't wait to have pretty colored lights on our RV -- it will be lots of fun to come home to!

Todd is busy winterizing the RV and getting his space all worked out. Every time I come home it's a little closer! There are still things at Hunter Road that need to come over, but not pertinent stuff -- more like the optional stuff. I thought I'd found all my Christmas stuff over the Thanksgiving weekend, but I'm still missing a bunch. Who knows where it is! Time for another trip to the 'cinderblock' basement!

This is a busy week; getting things settled before the cold weather settles, moving stuff in and around, church, and then a ladies' cookie swap on Friday! I'm going to see if the girls want to join my in cookie baking on Saturday; then the bustle of the season starts in earnest! Parties, church events, meetings . . . wow! I did find out today that we're closing the 24th-25th and again on the 31st-1st! That means two, five-day weekends in a row!! Whoo whoo!

Let the reindeer games begin!

:)

Can you believe . . .

. . . that it's been two and a half weeks since I blogged last? :(

. . . that I haven't shared a single thing about our move since they physically moved the RV?

. . . that we've been living full-time in the RV for, well, two and a half weeks?

. . . that I am no longer a cat owner?

. . . that I see deer on a daily basis, from our picture window?

. . . that I have done no significant quilting in better than two weeks?

. . . that I do laundry in a single machine that is both a washer & dryer? (And it's pretty cool, too!)

. . . that Thanksgiving has come and gone?

. . . that I went out, for the first time EVER on Black Friday? (Even if it was just as a chauffeur.)

. . . that for (also) the first time ever, our tree is artificial?

. . . that I'm excited I have an artificial tree??!

. . . that it's DECEMBER?? Where did 2009 go?!?

. . . that Christmas is in 23 days?!?!?!

. . . that there are recipes for sugar-free, low-fat eggnog?

Me either. But it's all true!

:)

today's the day!

So . . . it all comes down to today.

We loaded up all my quilting stuff. Ha! Todd was amazed at how much all that fabric and those notions weighed!! I was so tickled to be able to fit all our boxed DVD sets, my whole Jan Karon collection, *all* my tea-related books and a dozen cookbooks in the cabinets over the sofa. I feel better already!

We decided against loading *everything* into the RV before pulling it. Clothes were a problem because the washer/dryer hasn't been installed yet. Because it's in the master closet, we knew we'd just have to unload everything for the guys to be able to get into the space to install it.

We bought some tubs and racks at WalMart last night to use. We didn't get lots of stuff -- just enough to try out. Until we're living in it and have our stuff put up, it's hard to know exactly what we'll need!

I did get all our toiletries and stuff over there. Not all my hair accessories and jewelry, though. I do want my necklace rack over there today! :)

So much to think about! Todd's swept all the leaves off the roof . . . we're getting ready to pull in the slides and hook her up . . . this will be a busy day!

This evening we'll drop Merlin off at James and Kim's. Sigh. He snuggled with us this morning before we got up and going. He has no clue!

Tonight we'll spend our first night in Camp Macoba in our new home!!!

Pray for us, please!

:)

Happy Veteran's Day!

Yesterday I had the privilege of going to Lynn Fanning Elementary school to speak to several third grade classes about the time I spent in the U.S. Navy, why I joined, and why Veteran's Day is so important. There were three of us speaking; a young second lieutenant from the U.S. Army, a WWII U.S. Marine vet, and myself, the U.S. Navy Vet.

The first thing I did was hand out pictures of me in my uniform, so they could see that I really was in the Navy! I also let them pass around my ribbons and my medals. I wished I had more carefully saved more of that stuff.

They were interested and asked some very good questions. It was a lot of fun. Listening to Mr. Mullins, the Marine vet, was lots of fun, too. He had some great stories! The kids were mostly interested in guns and shooting. I had to share with them that sailors and soldiers can do lots more jobs than just fighting! LOL!

In the end, we took a picture with the three of us and as much of the students as we could fit in the frame. It was a fun hour. The kids were absolutely great. A couple of the kids asked each one of us if we knew someone. In their minds, I guess, the military is a small club and we should know everyone in it!

The lieutenant had told them that he wore his uniform so that everyone on his "team" would know that he was on their team and wouldn't shoot him. One of the children raised his hand and asked if the lieutenant knew so-and-so. The lieutenant shook his head no. The child then said, "Well he wears that same uniform, so he's on your team." The lieutenant smiled and said, "It's a really big team!" I thought that was great!

Here's a young Legalman Second Class Petty Officer, fresh out of Justice School, serving at the Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Virginia. When I passed this picture around, the children kept exclaiming, "That looks like Mrs. Merkel!" (My daughter, who is one of their teachers, who is close to the age I was in the following picture!)

And here I am in the group -- the NAB Little Creek Color Guard! The elite of the elite! What fun that was -- I do miss it! Gosh, didn't we look serious????

You know, as proud as I am to have served my country, I know that there are so many, many more who's lives were given as sacrifice on my behalf and on behalf of this great country. I am truly thankful. May I always remember--and in remembering, cause others to remember--the tremendous service of others to this country.

Happy Veteran's Day!

:)

camp macoba

Ta dah! Here it is . . . our Camp Macoba sign!

Todd & I took a trip out there over the weekend . . . it was such a beautiful afternoon. The fall foliage is absolutely incredible right now!

Here's a fall-view of the lot we'll be on. Gosh it's just so gorgeous!

Here's the view from our big bay-style window.

This is my new parking spot!

Another campsite view.

The end of our very long, gated drive.

Six days and counting!

I spent today in my kitchen trying to figure out what exactly would be making the transition from house to RV. I first went through my tupperware stuff. I dug out only the stuff that I thought would be appropriate. I left behind some stuff that I like, but I thought just wouldn't be practical. I laid out the keeper stuff, put it on the table, and looked at it and thought . . . this ain't gonna work!

So I ran out to the RV, stepped inside, and looked at the cabinet and drawer space. I opened everything. Then I returned to the house, looked at the tupperware stuff on the kitchen table, and realized I had just filled every cabinet that I had. Ummmm, Houston, we have a problem!

I just need to rethink . . . regroup . . . drop back and punt!

I tried to spend some time in my quilting room getting that stuff together. After the kitchen debacle, I'm askeered!

Maybe I'll just take my dvd's and tv dinners.

Oh wait . . . the freezer's not big enough for tv dinners.

The last couple days, a prominent passage of Scripture that's been running through my head is Luke 12:24-26, "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life's span? If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters?"

You know, if I can't add a day to my life by worrying, why worry about what I'm taking to the RV? What purpose does worrying about it serve? What practical thing does worrying accomplish? Nothing. Zip. Nada. So I won't. I am done with worrying. I'm into flat-out believing that God's going to pull together the exact perfect stuff that needs to go. Hah! What a relief! Can't take my joy!

That makes the next five days far more exciting!

:)

Cupcakes!!!!

Oh my; what fun we had last night! Kim & I headed to Emma's (my favorite tea room), for a class in cupcake decorating! It was wonderful! We used decorator tips and butter cream frosting to create some of the prettiest Christmas cupcakes I've ever seen!!

Here's me with two of my offerings . . . the holiday wreath and the Christmas tree!

We also did one in fondant -- the light purple one -- and made it to resemble an ornament! I also had to do a monogrammed cupcake. After all, I *am* a Panter girl! :)

This was our darling teacher, Heather. She's a cake baker/decorator extraordinaire! She was very helpful and lots of fun . . . and a great teacher, too. She will be working her cake magic in Emma's kitchen, and selling her craft there as well. She's new -- and she has a clever business name, card and website, but I can't find her card, so I'll have to post it later!

This was the group of ladies taking the class with Kim & I. In the very front left corner of the pic, you can just see the top of Emma's head. Yes, she's the young lady for whom the tea shoppe is named!

And here is a sampling of their cupcakes! Everyone did a great job and had lots of fun. The big group at the end of the table were all sisters, daughters, and daughters-in-law. Lots of laughing and joking! See all the teacups? Well, we were at Emma's! She served a cinnamon-vanilla tea, a chocolate-coconut tea, and an apple-something tea. YUMMY!

Next month they are doing a Gingerbread House night. I'm in! I hope Joc is able to go, too. Plus Lynelle's has free candy decorating classes on Thursdays! FUN!

Tonight starts the Bible study . . . I'm racing home early today to get ready!

Bienvenu!

:)

where does it all go?!?

The time, I mean. I *know* where all the calories from the Halloween candy go . . . duh! That's why I did my level best to stay away from it this year! I was quite successful, too, if I do say so. I didn't bring a drop home with me from the church!

Speaking of which, Trunk or Treat at the church was a GREAT time! We had so many kids come through our parking lot! And so many unchurched families . . . my heart breaks for families who are dealing with the economy and just the everyday stresses and everything without the support of a church family; and possibly without the support of Jesus. Knowing and acknowledging Jesus as my Savior and Lord does not make my circumstances easier, but it certainly makes it easier to face my circumstances. I can't imagine doing it without Him. So this week I'll think about the sweet faces (and some not-so-sweet faces!) that passed by my car looking for a treat, and I'll pray that the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ will touch their lives and the lives of their families.

Saturday morning, Tina & I headed to Hooked on Quilting for the Sept/Oct birthday bash. I found lots of fabric that I absolutely *needed* (especially with my birthday 25% discount), but I kept it /relatively/ small. :) After the quilt shop, Tina treated me to lunch at Houlihan's. They have the best sandwiches there! I got a hot Reuben on toasted pumpernickel (I think). Yummy! From there we headed to WalMart, and then on to home. I get to see my friend so infrequently -- it was good to spend the day with her!

I would have spent Saturday night in the RV, but I couldn't get the heat to come on, and it was *way* too cold to be out there without it!

Ah HA! And guess what? My sweet husband took me clothes shopping. Insisted, even! We had a nice lunch at Sbarro's and then headed over to do some clothes shopping. I like having Todd with me when I shop, because I always want to be certain that what I'm purchasing is something that he likes me in. Then it's a happy all the way around! I picked out two really great over shirts, a white cotton shirt with red and black plaid buttons, cuffs, and collar -- really cute -- and a couple of shell shirts to wear underneath. Tops to give me options! Hurrah! I can't wait until Sunday to try it out!

Monday. Oh. My. Todd left relatively (5:20 am) early to go fishing with his dad. Ten minutes later I was up, too. I tackled our DVDs! I pulled all of them from their cases, cut out a 4.5" square from their labels, and alphabetized them in one of those CD/DVD sleeve books. I filled it up! It was awesome!

I also made a sugar-free apple pie for us for supper, with apples from our tree. It was super easy, because the apples were already peeled, cored, and cut. Oh and was it good! I was thrilled! Todd was too -- we had some for breakfast this morning! Hey -- it was made without sugar!

I also went grocery shopping yesterday. Quite the productive day! Todd brought home a little over two dozen fillets. His dad had told him about boiling the fish, flaking it, and using it like tuna. I fooled around with the other ingredients and make a bowlful. I have to admit, it was quite good. Todd thought so too! We both had tuna-less fish salad wraps for lunch today. I'm really impressed! Besides, the white fish is LOADS cheaper than good canned tuna!

What else? Ugh. I'm having hot flashes quite frequently. They're not bad . . . just a little annoying. I feel like my face has a perpetual fever! Bleh.

Jocelyn e-mailed me this morning. Their third grade classes are doing a Veteran's Day celebration on Tuesday of next week, and she's asked me to come and speak to the students. Wow! :) That's an honor, especially since there will be decorated veterans there, too. It's always such a privilege to stand beside others who have faithfully served this country!

Have I won anything lately? LOL! Now that you mention it, I did win a $10 gift certificate from the September FabShop Hop. Yay me! It was from Quilts With A Hearts! Can't wait to go ahead and check 'em out and spend it! Free money, whoohoo!!!

I know when I wait so long between posting that I forget stuff. Like . . . the washer/dryer came for the RV today . . . we've found someone with a fifth-wheel hitch to help us tow the RV to Macoba in . . . ELEVEN DAYS!!! . . . and other stuff that I can't remember.

Looking forward in this week to: working at Stuckey Builders tonight; cupcake class with Kim at Emma's on Thursday; Bible study retreat Friday/Saturday . . . what an incredibly full and blessed life I have. :)

It's time, I'm telling you. I'm filling it faster than I can find a free moment!

Freeze-frame!

:)