A Little Birdie Told Me.....And A Confession

The other day, in near 100 degree heat,

I was getting reading to head home from a trip
to the store.

As soon as I closed the car door,
this little sweetie landed on my windshield wiper.
He sat there and talked and talked and talked.
I wondered if he was trying to tell me something.
I love birds, so I didn't hurry to leave....and honestly,
I was contented to just sit alone for a minute and watch him.

His chatter was delightful and almost non-stop.
He looked like a baby, and I began to wonder
if he was lost or hurt.

After (no exaggeration here) about 10 minutes,
I really had to get going. I thought once I moved the
car he'd fly away. Well, I slowly backed out of my space,
then headed forward to leave.......and still he
sat there. I asked an elderly man if he could gently
get him off. He did.......and the little guy
flew to the back windshield wiper!

Finally, the man was able to coax the
little bird off the car.
Some story, huh?
All true.......
**********************
I wanted to take a moment to thank
all of you who leave such encouraging comments
about taking care of my mom.
To tell you the truth,
I am not always patient enough with my mom.
The physical work of taking care of her
never gets me down. I really don't mind it!
The thing that is so hard on me is
the being tied down.
Believe me, this is why I pray for patience
every day.
Somehow, I just felt the need to
let you all know that.

"And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle,
encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone."
1Thessalonians 5:14

"Liberty is not a means to a higher political end....
it is itself the highest political end."

~Lord Acton

I can't believe it's already July!!

So far, this year is flying by for me.
Independence Day is one of my favorite
days to celebrate.....we are so blessed to
be living in America.

Life continues at the 'Acre.
My mom's physical health is still stable,
but the dementia increases some each week.
So, here's some highlights from the 'Acre....

My friend Sherry made this lovely garden art for me.

Originally Sherry made it with a pole to

anchor in the ground for the garden. I thought it too pretty for
outside, so she made it "table art" instead.
I LOVE it!!!

There's been some good times in the sewing room with
my girl lately. I was her right-hand man as she stitched up
some pj's made from a vintage pattern and a thrifted bed sheet.

They came out adorable!
I did a little fun sewing for me....

The pattern for this clothespin bag can be found in Mandy Shaw's

"Quilt Yourself Gorgeous."

A stop at the dollar store was fun....I found these buttons.
Two of the packs have 10 buttons in them!
My favorites are the bigger white ones, they
are real pretty. I didn't need to add to my button
collection, but finding these is sure inexpensive therapy!

There are finally a few flowers around here.
Lack of time and being down in the dumps
almost meant no flowers this year.

Just a few makes such a difference.....


That's the latest.....
So, as we look forward to July 4th,
my prayers will continue
for our country and her leaders.
My hope for everyone else is a safe
and Happy Independence Day!
May we always enjoy our freedom.


Prayer List
Sherry........to receive good news
Cheryl and Mike.......wisdom
Karen........God's healing hand
Amy......patience

A Little Bit........Of Progress

Yes, there's been a little bit of progress
here the last couple of weeks.

What used to take days now takes weeks, but
you won't hear me complain.

There was a startled gasp from my sewing machine,
but she soon recovered enough to welcome me "home."

I sewed up one of the two nighties I cut out.

I have used this pattern since I was first married.
The other nightie is about 1/3 done.

I caught the "bootie bug" from Jennifer and found the pattern
for these little shoes on Ravelry.
I picked a crochet pattern.......needed a "quick" fix.
These sweeties fit the bill, each pair only took a little
over an hour to make.
**Warning**
Bragging about the kids ahead........

My daughter.....the COLLEGE graduate......has received
an offer to teach at the University while
studying for her Master's Degree!
I'm so proud of you, Honey xoxo

My son........the college junior.......interviewed
and won an internship with a
German-based company here in Michigan.
It was stiff competition......congratulations, Kiddo!!!

If you are a praying person, please
add Karen to your prayers.

And finally, who is this little dog, and
what does she think she's doing?
"I need to rest now......cause I play work so hard."

"Conspicuously absent from the Ten Commandments is
any obligation of parent to child.
We must suppose that God felt it unnecessary
to command by law what He had ensured by love."
~Robert Brault

Memorial Day Roses

These roses are a beautiful thing to see on the way in
and out the door of work.

These lovelies have been
greeting me all week.

Now it's time to get crackin'
around here. I was going to take
a picture of the weeds in my flower beds,
but it is just too shocking.

I'm off the "paying" job now until
next Wednesday!!!
I have a long list and
high hopes to tackle some
projects around here.

Have a lovely weekend.......
........and thank you to all our Servicemen and women.

I thank my God every time I remember you.
~Philippians 1:3

Kiss and Pray

Hi all....how are you?

Everything is about the same, so I'm starting a little
something new here.

The power of prayer is so strong, and I know so
many who need to be lifted in prayer,
I'm starting a little weekly
prayer opportunity here at the 'Acre.

There are no rules....let's just kiss,
Keep It Simple,
Sweetie.

If you know of someone that could use
some extra prayers, leave a comment with
their first name and what we should pray for.

I'll keep them on my prayer list and
readers, you do the same.

Today, please pray for

Sherry-Divine Guidance and Hope
Angel-Good Health
Margaret-Peace
Cheryl and Mike-Wisdom and Hope
Michele-Strength
Amy-Patience and Strength

Amen.

A Little Bit

Since I don't have much in the way of news these days,

thought I'd touch on a several things just a little bit.
Hope to.....
* Make some new nightgowns
I have the fabric and an oldie but goodie pattern
* I found the cutest hat pattern at the last $.99 Joann sale
It's either too late or very early for this hat.....so my timing is perfect!
I love the waffley texture of this dishcloth....more are in my future
This little doily began as a lark during a five-minute break
Little bit of progress......
* Cleaned out one flower bed and planted two
perennials (coral bells)
* Organized my bookcase....it still looks a mess
but it's an orderly mess (oxymoron)
* Purged my stationary supplies, cleaned out
the desk and sent two bags of stuff to my neighbor
And....I tried a new recipe. It's super easy...

SWEET AND SALTINES
You can find the recipe here, at Sandra's food blog.

This is the first time I've made this recipe,
although I've tasted it before.
I made one change and used graham crackers instead
of saltines. I like it both ways, but my family
LOVED it and said to use
grahams all the time!

Lastly, my thankfulness today
is for the hubby, once again.
Here's why.....
Every night he takes my mom her medicine.
And just about every night the conversation goes like this:

Glen: "Mom, I have your medicine."

Mom: "Oh, I already took my medicine, Glennie."

Glen: "No, not yet. Here it is."

Mom: "Did you ask Amy?"

Glen: "Yep, Amy said to give you this medicine."

Mom: "Oh, okay Glennie. Thank you."

Pure sweetness........:)

Friday Follies

Not too many "follies" here at the 'Acre....just a lot
of the same stuff from day to day.
There have been a few exciting things, and
I think my friend, Susie, had a great idea after coming back
from a blog break.

Susie wrote a list of 100 things that
had kept her busy while she was away.

I can't come up with 100, so here's just a few, along
with some pictures.

1. Big project at work...when
I was done it was a major "WHEW"

2. Caring for Mom

3. Celebrating Mom's 90th birthday

My oldest brother & friend with Mom.

4. Trying to keep the laundry up......I enjoy
the process but not the piles :)

5. Working on organizing my house
and Mom's (going to take a while)

6. Fund raising at work....meaningful
but so time-consuming

7. Taxes (need I say more?)

8. Getting ready for my girl to
graduate from college (she's my hero)
9. Mom to doctor

Mom's first doctor visit as a 90-year-old.

10. Attending a few estate sales and vintage shows with Emily
(Mom is wearing a vest from one in above picture)

Those are the highlights, anyway. I really miss
this little place when I'm gone for so long.
I try to keep up with all of you....and I think of you so often!

Back to work for me. It's my "day off" today....with
a long list of at-home chores.....which I wouldn't trade for anything.

No matter where I "roam," my heart remains at home.

The Suffering Ends, The Pain Begins

My sweet little mom passed away Thanksgiving evening.

I will miss her so.........

At the doctor's on November 4th.

I love you, Mom.

Sweet Sweet Valentine

My hubby is kind, soft-spoken, supportive,

sweet and affectionate.
But, like lots of men, he doesn't like to shop, and can
be a little, well, you know, dense
when it comes to picking out gifts.

However, there have been a few
surprises lo these many years.

About twenty years ago, when Glen traveled
all the time for work, he had to be gone
on Valentine's Day. I had recently
lost a favorite pen that I had for years.
So, hubby surprised me with a new, lovely pen.
It is one of the sweetest memories I have of Valentine's Day.

During those long years of work travel,
the hubby became quite inventive.
Here's a beautiful music box he made
for me......in his hotel room late at night.
We had a good laugh wondering what the other
guests thought was going on when they heard the power tools singing.
Hearts are my all-time favorite shape for just about anything,
but especially jewelry. The heart locket on the left
was a birthday gift from my mom.
The ruby red on the right was a little treat
Emily and I found at a vintage and antiques show last year.

I've been enjoying some embroidery
lately....sweet napkins for spring.
Once this part is done, I plan to crochet
a pretty lace edging....I can
hardly wait!

We haven't planned anything too romantic for Valentine's Day....but you never know.
Romance can happen in the most unusual places when you are with your soulmate.

May you find a moment of peace.....
A bundle of happiness.....and
A little romance this Valentine's Day.

"...the reason my heart's beating is for you......and you alone"
~Vince Gill~

Sunday Short Post

It's a cold night........inside and out.

My mom is back in the hospital. I took her in on Thursday, but hope to
bring her home early this week.

She told me she just wants to come home to
"her little room."
Me too Mom.
Taken a few weeks ago, at the doctor's office.

I want to thank you for the beautiful comments....they help more than you know.
I'm off to bed for now.
Sweet dreams........

Healing

Hello again.

Until we meet again, I'll be praying the "prayer that never fails," (quoting Father Tim from Mitford), which is "Thy will be done."
Who could ask for more?

A Recipe...But No Year in Review

It's another beautiful sunny Sunday morning here in Michigan....but it's COLD.

The weatherman is calling it Arctic. I agree.

***********
So many gals out there posted about 2009 in review. You know, I can't do it.
I usually keep looking ahead, and find I spend little time looking back. We had so many happy moments and blessings last year to be sure. When those wonderful memories surface, I will enjoy each one of them.....but I don't plan to revisit last year in any detail. How about you....do you spend much time looking back?

************
Yesterday I put all the Christmas things away and did some cleaning....which always feels good to get done. I have a long to-do list (as usual) for all the organizing I must do around here and at my mom's house. If I think too long on it, agitation sets in. So, best to just tackle one job at a time.....that way I can keep crossing items off the list.

************
Since I'm always on the lookout for a quick yet hearty recipe, I want to share this one with you. My friend, Ann, made this for a small group of us recently and it was delish!

My gang really liked it too....a little like Italian Wedding Soup.

1 lb ground sausage (like Bob Evans or Jimmy Dean)
2 cups cheese tortellini
2 14 oz cans chicken stock
1 large onion, chopped fine
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes w/basil
2 ribs fresh garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped spinach
1/2 cup chopped basil
1 cup water
parmesan cheese
salt & pepper to taste

Brown sausage, add garlic, onion, basil and spinach and cook until tender. Meanwhile, cook tortellini al dente & drain. Add stock, water and tomatoes to tortellini; add sausage mixture and season to taste. Serve with parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. Enjoy!

That's all to report from the 'Acre today. I'm off to start the day.
Hope you are all safe and warm.