Recent Activity and Observations

 

Bougainvillea at one of our local nurseries

"For, lo, the winter is past,

The rain is over and gone..."

Song of Solomon 2:11 KJV

Here in Florida we are hoping to get more rain because much of the state has been in a severe drought status with low humidity, next-to-no rain, and as a result, a heightened fire danger. 

But with that said, it appears the unusually cold spells are behind us. (we hope!!) We lost 4 bushes in our back yard, in spite of diligent efforts to cover the plants. Gary dug and pulled them out of the ground and replaced them.

Pittosporium Variegated

When we went to the nursery to buy replacement bushes, we chose 4 of the same thing and got assurances from one of the employees that Pittosporium Variegated is very cold-hardy. Actually, we already knew that because the one in our front yard has not suffered at all. I had snapped a twig from it to take with us to the nursery. It was just good to have a professional verify our own conclusions.

after the transplanting

This picture (above) shows 3 of the 4 bushes planted yesterday, where other bushes did not survive. As you can see, the palm trees suffered frostbite, too. The palms are alive but the branches will be dealt with another day. 

The river rock that replaced the bark mulch a year or so ago is serving us well. Water is expensive here in Florida, so we've put in as much rock as our HOA will allow, leaving less grass to irrigate.

Let's see..... what else have we been up to lately?

Gary had to deal with one of the sliding windows in the lanai that had become contrary. It is so good to have a capable man who takes satisfaction in keeping the home in order.

Have you noticed that I'm not posting as many really good snapshots of people (close-up, full-face) as I used to? While AI is very helpful in some respects, we've seen on the news how AI is also increasingly used for unseemly purposes, misrepresenting people in unflattering even immoral ways and compromising identities. Until the general public finds out how to avoid that, using discernment with our people photos seems to be the best course of action.

Betty Crocker's recipe

I baked chocolate chip cookies the other day.  They are all gone now. I married a Cookie Monster and (true confession here) wives don't let their husbands eat cookies alone).

a library book we both enjoyed

Our trips to the pubic library have continued. As I've said before, Gary tends to pick up books about World War II. He's read about aircraft, tanks, artillery, infantry, and ships, along with biographies. Most (if not all) of his books are about what actually happened (as opposed to fiction). 

These books are interesting studies in not only war tactics but also the character of humans. The saying, "truth is stranger than fiction" comes to mind when we talk about what we've read. I've learned a lot about life (the good, the bad, and the ugly) as I've picked up his books when he is finished. 

Last month the Shalom Club in my retirement community invited this lady to do a monologue of Corrie Ten Boom. She did an excellent job. Some of you may remember the movie of her story, The Hiding Place, that came out in the 1970s, as well as the book by the same name. I've since then read yet another book on her life, The Watchmaker's Daughter. 

keeping my hands busy 

Podcasts. I don't usually enjoy watching them because, just as with telephone calls, I don't like to be tied down for so long. But lately there have been some I really did want to see. I've discovered that is an excellent time for me to enjoy coloring with pastel pencils. And if I want, I can take notes on what the podcast is saying. 

Castle Rock, Colorado

Facebook posted some pictures of my former "home town" (2013-2017). I'm sharing 3 of the photos here. I think this picture was taken on the side of town where I lived, looking toward the east and sunrise.

This view is facing west, with the foothills transforming into the Rocky Mountains beyond the Rock. My house was somewhere to the far right beyond the Rock. I have climbed to the base of the Rock several times with the more athletically-inclined of my guests. We stood under a large overhang of the Rock, which gave us a panoramic view of Interstate 25 and much of the town below us. As you can see, it is the prominent feature of this "bedroom community" of Denver (20 miles to the north).

Yes, people can climb to the very top of the Rock, but that required more athleticism than I had.

At all times of the year, the views of the Rock and from the Rock are striking. Standing at the Rock's base, there is so much to see and observe: traffic on the Interstate, train cars winding their way from north to south, other hikers, the clouds, Pikes Peak 70 miles to the south, and how the sun creates shadows as it moves across the sky. 

I am reminded of the perspective God has of humans populating earth. He sees what we're doing but even more so, He sees what we are thinking, our attitudes, our intentions.

Scripture says this:

The Lord searches all hearts

and understands all the intent of the thoughts.

I Chronicles 28:9

From heaven the Lord looks down

and sees all mankind;

from His dwelling place He watches 

all who live on earth --

He who forms the hearts of all,

who considers everything they do.

Psalm 33:14-15

One can read these verses and feel judged, but not all of our thinking is bad. The fact that God sees into my thoughts encourages me. While people can (and often do) misjudge us, God knows what is really going on between our ears. 

God really is on our side. When we mess up, He's right here to guide us into the right ways. When we "get it right," He sees that, too. 

I hope this encourages you. Until next time, grace and peace.

Barbara

P.S. Check out The Christian Lounge for more uplifting thoughts: http://thechristianlounge4u.blogspot.com

Shadows and Sunshine

 

one of the multi-purpose paths in our neighborhood

It's been a week of Shadows and Sunshine in my world -- probably for many of you as well. 

Of course, the news coming out of the Middle East is a mixture of shadows and sunshine. I won't get into that except to say, "Lord, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10).

the back of my house
as seen from the multi-purpose path

Since I've already shared a photo of the path on which we ride our bikes nearly every day, I'll tell you of an unpleasant encounter (a shadow) that began there last weekend. 

Pedaling along, nearly home after our 45-minute ride, all of a sudden I began to itch on my neck, just under my left ear. Then very quickly it began to also sting. That growing unpleasant sensation progressed down the front of my body for the rest of the way to our house.

At home I quickly disrobed enough to discover that an ant had either flown or fallen onto my skin and then bit/stung me as it wandered about on my person. 

I caused his life to come to a sudden end and then watched as deep red spots began to rise along the trail he had made on my skin. Eleven in all. What a nasty beast he was, although tiny in size. 

Thankfully, I had a tube of anti-itch cortisone cream that I applied daily and by now those spots have faded considerably. 

While I have no hesitation to murder insects, they seem to foresee their future demise from me and take out their vengeance before their death.

signs of a possible stroke

The incident with the ant was followed by news that one of our adult children (who will go unnamed, for reasons of privacy) was preparing to go out for ice cream when some of these signs of a stroke manifested. The spouse immediately recognized these signs and whisked the patient to the ER. 

If you don't already know, when these signs happen, do not sit and debate with yourself as to what to do. Time is extremely important! Better to get a medical evaluation and be wrong than to misdiagnose oneself. With a stroke, the longer you wait to get medical attention, the more serious (even devastating) the outcome can be.

Blessedly, the necessary medication was given very quickly along with fervent prayer. Tests were run and after a couple of days in the ICU, the patient was sent home with minimal effects of the stroke. The word is that the patient may return to work this week! 

The attending doctor said our patient did not "dodge a bullet" but rather "dodged a cannon!" We thank the Lord this happened during the day instead of at night while sleeping. The outcome could have been vastly different! 

Some sunshine came out of that shadow!

this is in our water closet window;
a comforting reminder every day

Now, for more of the "sunshine." 😊

Azaleas in our yard

Spring, winter, summer -- we've had all this week, along with about two inches of much-needed rain for our extreme drought. Both the white and the pink Azaleas have kept up with their blooms through the weather changes. (The pink ones are just a little more showy for today's post.)

Spring cross stitch from my past

It's the first week of March (finally!) so I switched out the cross stitch out on the lanai. On my calendar I've made notations throughout the year to remind me to change out these stitched projects. As I've said many times in recent years, my cross stitch days are behind me, but I've kept nearly every project made 2018-2020 and enjoy posting them seasonally. Many of them include scripture to remind me where my thoughts should be planted.

recently completed reading

Speaking of scripture, this is a book I ordered, featured on Focus on the Family. The main point of this book is how you can use scripture to pray. (the Psalms and Proverbs most easily, but all of God's Word) 

Use passages to articulate what's in the deepest part of your spirit. If you don't know what to pray, read the verses back to God, personalizing them as you go. It's an amazing way to really say what needs to be said and to feel like the Lord has actually heard you!

fountain near my house in Jacksonville

Just being in the Bible is like a refreshing fountain that washes off the stuff that has brought us down, and reminds us of how much God really cares for us.

one of my sons (on the right) with his wife

Scripture is a huge help to me for coping with the shadows (and the sunshine!) of life. Of particular interest to me as I age is how to relate better to people, how to strengthen relationships and how to cope with weak areas.

click here for purchase information

Have you read this book? I did about a year ago and wow, it really helped me to get my head on straight about life. It is true that the bulk of our lives is made up with our response to what has happened to us, and not so much a result of the actual events. 

Internet illustration

The best part of that is we get to control our response, we can control our attitude!!

As my regular readers know, both Gary and I experienced some tough stuff before we met. Some of those hard experiences had a lot to do with our initial introduction and attraction to each other. (as the saying goes, "Misery loves company.")

us

Then love came along.... and in all of that I began to see how my responses to life's events and relationships with others are largely up to me!  

Many, O Lord,

are thy wondrous works 

which thou hast done.

Psalm 40:5

Until next time, grace and peace.

Barbara

Celebrations Soon and Later

Internet illustration

America is celebrating a birthday this year, a "big one," as we like to say, 250 years. Today's post begins with a reference to this birthday. The questions are provided by Joyce from her Hodgepodge blog. 

Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
(internet photo)

1. America celebrates turning 250 years old this year. Primary cities set to lead the celebrations on July 4th are Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. Other significant locations for celebrating will be Charleston SC and the 'historic triangle' which includes Jamestown-Williamsburg-Yorktown Virginia. 

Internet photo

Of the cities listed how many have you seen in person? Of the cities listed which would you most like to visit this year? Any plans to do so? What's one place in America you think everyone should see? 

as a 6-year old I climbed to her crown 
with my family and we looked out at the city and harbor

I have been to 5 of the cities listed (Boston, New York, Washington DC, Charleston SC and Williamsburg) and lived in 2 of the cities listed. 

from our trip in 2023

an example of Charleston, SC charm
from our trip May 2023

Let me amend that. I have lived in New York City and just outside of Washington DC in a Virginia suburb. My husband commuted into DC in a carpool.

George Washington's home, Mount Vernon
(internet photo)

I would like to make a return visit to Boston and much of New England but I have no plans to travel that far any time soon. Visiting the sights of Florida keeps me busy enough!

Old Ironsides in Boston Harbor

Everyone should see Washington DC. The Smithsonian Museums and surrounding historical sites are wonderful.

2. Three sounds you love to hear? 

1) I love the sound of my husband's voice because at least 25 percent of the time, whatever he is saying makes me laugh!

2) Christian hymns played on the piano and sung in a cappella harmony.

3) hard rain on the roof while I'm sleeping

3. Three sounds you hate to hear? 

1) gunshots out in the distance

2) the chirp of a smoke alarm when the battery needs to be changed

3) profanity

4. February 24th is/was National Tortilla Chip Day. Are you a fan? With salsa, guacamole, queso, or just plain please? Do you like nachos? With what on top? Is there anything (besides nachos) you make that calls for tortilla chips? 

Yes, I'm a fan of tortilla chips in any form with any of the dips listed. Yes, I like nachos. Melted cheese is enough, but if chili is added, that's even better. I like a taco casserole that calls for tortilla chips. Here is what I made for lunch today:

In a shallow pasta bowl for each serving, spread Fritos or tortillas, etc. 

Brown 1/2 pound ground beef. Set aside and keep warm.

Combine in a saucepan over medium heat 1 can of Campbell's Cheddar Cheese soup with 1/4 cup milk. Heat until it simmers. 

Top the Fritos with the hot cheese sauce, ground beef, and chopped tomato. Sooo good (and quick and easy!).

5. We March into March with next week's Hodgepodge...what's one thing on your March calendar that makes you smile? 

My husband has made some REALLY NICE PLANS to celebrate my birthday and I'm definitely smiling about that!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

For the first 2 years of my widowhood, a family member took care of my bookkeeping. Then the duties became mine alone. Embarking on that big responsibility was an unknown "wilderness" to me. 

Dealing with finances, accounts, usernames, passwords, and all that goes with it was scary terrifying. In retrospect over 3 years later, I have learned A LOT and am able to navigate through that "wilderness" with surprising capability, even a fair amount of confidence.

A little song I learned as a teenager in youth choir has been a wonderful encouragement to me when despair tried to overtake me...

"My Lord knows the way through the Wilderness, 

All I have to do is follow.

Strength for today is mine alway

And all that I need for tomorrow

My Lord knows the way through the Wilderness

All I have to do is follow."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9w-n6D_im0

How thankful I am for the Lord's help in the worst of times! May we all take advantage of the abundant grace and help the Lord has for us when confronted with frightening challenges. He is there for us.

Until next time, grace and peace.

Barbara

If you would like to link up with this week's Hodgepodge, click here.

 http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/2026/02/hodgepodge-questions-volume-642.html

Grateful For Yesterday, Blessed With Today

The first thing I need to do is to clean up [clarify] an impression I left with readers in my previous post. I was writing about a state park we visited where a couple of women were swimming in the warm mineral spring. 

I also mentioned alligators and unintentionally left the impression that the gals were in the same body of water as the gators. They were not. 

A dam with a waterfall separated them and they were safe from the reptiles. While it is true that here in Florida one must always be aware of the possibility of gators in virtually any body of water, in this mineral spring great care is taken to ensure the swimmers are safe.

Thanks to those of you who commented concern for the swimmers.

the mineral spring is to the far left;
gators (unseen) are in the lake to the right

I continue now with Joyce's Hodgepodge questions. If you want to link up with this meme, click here.

1. The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Do you mark this season in some way? Will you be giving something up or adding something to your life in this Lenten season? 

While I have observed the Easter season all of my life, the church denomination in which I grew up did not talk much (if at all) about Lent. As a result, I don't typically "give up" anything while leading up to Easter Sunday. I do try to worship the Lord with a holy life every day of the year. Some days I'm more successful in that than others. 

Give to the Lord the glory due to His name;

bring an offering,

and come before Him:

worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

I Chronicles 16:29

2. Pancakes...are you a fan? Syrup or no syrup? Plain, blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or some other add in? Are pancakes on your menu this week? 

                               

Yes, I'm definitely a fan of pancakes. For years I used Bisquick to make them but now prefer to use another brand of a boxed mix that requires just water combined with the mix. Very simple and I like the taste better, too. I like to use a sugar-free maple syrup (any of several brands), and margarine. Other add-ins are fine but just with the butter or margarine and syrup is enough for me. 

In my last blog post, I talked about cooking our own pancakes at our table in a restaurant. If you missed it, click here. 

3. Tell us about a time recently when you felt 'spread too thin'. 

We are well into our retirement years here, so feeling spread too thin doesn't happen often with us. On occasion it turns out that we have several medical, dental, hearing, and eye appointments in one week. We try to avoid that as much as possible.

4. What's your favorite jewel or gemstone? In terms of your wardrobe would we find more gem tones, pastels, black and white, or primary colors? 

Do I have a favorite gemstone? I like them all but my current favorite is the garnet-and-diamond necklace Gary gave to me for Valentine's Day. I love it and will be wearing it year 'round.

As for what colors I wear: jewel tones (the cool colors) with black when dressing up, and blue or white denim for casual. In the 80s the book, Color Me Beautiful classified me as a "winter."

5. What responsibility do you think is hardest about being in charge? 

I try to make choices people are less likely to second-guess. My success rate with that is about 50/50.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Glimpses and comments regarding Valentine's Day at my house:

When Gary was paying for this big box of chocolates, the cashier commented that some gal is very lucky. But his reply was, "I'm the one who's lucky!" (gotta love that! ❤️)

Our Valentine outing was the lunch at the pancake place earlier in the week, so on the 14th we dined at home. I prepared Billie Jo's Sloppy Joes for our lunch. They were really good! (click here to see her blog post with the recipe) 

We slow-danced in the lanai to "our song," Have I Told You Lately [that I love you?]".

link to our song on Youtube

Then of course, we exchanged cards....

Gary has a delightful ability for finding cards (for any occasion) that say the most wonderful things. The opening words on his card to me address the subject of "love the second time around." As I read the card aloud my voice wobbled and nearly gave way...

Yesterday's love is a sweet memory.

Today's love is happiness unfolding...

This is our 5th Valentine's Day together, but we continue to treasure the good times of our previous marriages. In total, those relationships came to nearly 100 years. In large part, who we are today is because of those who loved us before they went to Heaven. They essentially taught us how to be married.

a permanent display in our home
honoring our late spouses

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy,

it does not boast,

it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others,

it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered,

it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil

but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects,

always trusts,

always hopes,

always perseveres .....

And now these three remain:

faith, hope and love.

But the greatest of these

is love.

I Corinthians 13:4-7 and 13

Until next time, grace and peace.

Barbara

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for further reading, visit The Christian Lounge.

"A Lesson in Gratitude"

https://thechristianlounge4u.blogspot.com/2026/02/a-lesson-in-gratitude.html