Brrr! A Day on the Ball Field

October 6, 2012

Brrrr! Baby, it's cold outside!! The alarm went off at 6:30 this morning ... I promptly punched the snooze button hoping that Michael wouldn't forget coffee this morning.  He didn't and it sure tasted good on this windy, cold morning.

We got dressed and headed for North Texas to watch our grandsons play baseball.  As usual, I enjoyed my views from the car ... it almost looked like Winter.  The sky was overcast and sprinkles of rain dusted the windshield.  We had dressed in layers hoping that it would warm up in time for the games.  No such luck!


Baseball - A Family Affair

My daughter in law was saving us seats and had some blankets with her.  The Red Sox were out on the field warming up...  What??  The opposing team didn't show.  They had a choice ~~ they could either win and not play OR reschedule the game for 2:15pm and risk a loss.  The main coach and boys wanted to play and were raring to go.  We headed for Tommy and Angie's home to warm up and have some wonderful coffee.  Wasn't long and we headed back to the field ~~ Nicholas's team, Team Prodigy was to play at 1pm and the Red Sox at 2.  We took extra scarves, blankets, gloves, etc.

We sat down on the bleachers and wrapped up in blankets.  Since Zach was going to pitch we had to make sure his pitching arm and hand were kept nice and warm.  Readers, I don't know about you but when we huddled together as a family, there was more than just a sense of being warm ~~ I felt that joy in my heart that comes from the bond of Family ~~ For Better or Worse.  We snuggled and laughed and got set to cheer up a storm for Team Prodigy!

Nicholas struck out his first time at bat.  Bummers!  Rats!  The score began rising until it was tied 9-9.  Nicholas warmed up on the pad and headed for the plate.  BAAM!  A hit!  Nicholas ran to 3rd base and his teammate ran home making the game 9-10.  What??  The main coach from the opposing team ran out on the field claiming that the score was really 10-9 before the last batter came on home.  The game was stopped as players scuffed their feet in the dirt and danced around trying to keep warm.  Okay, game on!  Next batter up slapped that ball a good one and Nicholas got his little legs in gear and crossed home plate!!  Final score 11-10 ~~ Team Prodigy won!!  Everyone was hooting and hollering.  Nicholas came through!!

My grandsons are fine young men.  They are focused and genuinely good to the core.  They are so different, yet alike.  Zachary, at 9, is thinking about which college he wants to attend  and knows for sure he wants to go into the Air Force. He is extremely bright and talented in so many different arenas and excels at everything he tries!!

Nicholas is a warrior.  He's shy but my goodness, when he gets out on that ball field, he comes alive.  At 7, he was selected to play on a tournament team, The Stix.  Coaches are amazed at his talents in baseball.  He is a great student ~~ his teachers melt when he gives them "that grin."  He is my youngest grandchild and there are times when I wish I could just keep him 7.  I was hoping for one more grandchild but they all tell me, "We're done."  Rats and double rats!!

In all the craziness going on in our nation ... in all the selfishness and meanness ... there are times when I experience so much serenity and joy.  My family means so much to me.  After the games today, we all went to Palios for Italian food (and to celebrate Zach's birthday).  We laughed, we stuffed ourselves, and enjoyed the closeness of just the normalcy of living life.  All we had was today and boy howdy, we made the most of it!!

The Lord God has taken me on a wild and wonderful journey this year.  I have been tested and retested over and over again.  I have been asked so many questions that I THOUGHT I knew the answers to.  I had prided myself on being a follower of Christ for many years.  I've been so humbled at what God has been showing me.  Last night, I cried out ... "Lord, why didn't someone tell me?"  Was it because so few people actually read the Bible and study it?  How could I have been so blind?  Why now after so many years??  Maybe I wasn't ready ~~ OR, maybe I just didn't want to know the truth about my own choices.  I'm still trying to figure it all out.

Scriptures state that God alone is the One who can opens our eyes to see Biblical truths as He wrote them. This is implied in Deuteronomy 29:4 which says – “Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.” It is the workmanship of God to give “eyes to see” – the ability to understand and learn His wonderful truths.

 

It is night and my bones are weary from the cold.  I lit a fire in the fireplace and it warmed the cottage within a few minutes.  I read some articles on the Internet tonight and decided to spend some time with the special people who read my blogs.  I know that many of you have had some pretty fantastic days like I did and that's awesome!

Until we meet again, always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!

Miss Dottie

PS  While Nicholas was waiting on third base (and for the game to resume), I snapped a photo of Nicholas and Coach Tommy (his dad).  As third base coach, Tommy was there to tell Nick when to head for home base and when he should stay put.  You know, our Heavenly Father is like that.  He's there to protect us from bad choices and moves and also there to say, "Go for it!!  Come on, get moving!"  How does He talk to us?  Through prayer, Christian brothers and sisters, and, most importantly through his word, the Bible!

Listen to me, son ...

It's Thursday!!

October 4, 2012

It's a great day ... yes, it is!!  Sadie woke up hell bent on conquering the varmints living in the wood pile.  She has been so fixated, that she is unable to hear me calling her in.  I sat outside taking photos of her.  She was so funny.  She managed to scale to the top of the wood pile and poke her head down inside ... then, she'd do circles around the pile, her tail straight in the air.  My dogren give me such joy ... they entertain me all day long.  I also took some photos of Toby.  He loves to follow me wherever I go.  I call him my velcro buddy!

Mom isn't doing well.  There are times that I think she has small strokes -- she was unable to hold her head up straight last night.  I'd bought some shoes for her to try but they were a no go.  She has gotten sores between her toes and is only able to wear socks.  That wouldn't be so bad except that she had polio as a girl which left her with crippled feet.  Without shoes with a wedge heel, she is unable to stand.  The aides now use a small crane to get her out of and into bed.  I was sad when I left wondering what the future holds for her.

Even to your old age, I shall be the same, And even to your graying years I shall bear you! I have done it, and I shall carry you; And I shall bear you, and I shall deliver you.
~~Isaiah 46:4

Going to the nursing home makes me realize how very precious each day is.  I am so thankful that the doctors were able to rebuild my right foot when it got arthritis in it.  I had gotten to the point where it was either using a wheelchair or surgery.  Dr. Crates opened my foot from the top on down to my toes.  After the surgery I competed in a million step contest at work and completed it!!  Oh the miracles of modern medicine!! 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
~~Psalm 119:105

I did a walk through my gardens and am so pleased at how many mums made it through the hot Summer.  They are so colorful.  I moved the hammock that poked me in the eye to the back of the yard.  My eye is still black and blue!!  My neighbor brought me a lily and some German Thyme to plant so I got out my trusty shovel.  I was surprised to see that the Lime Tree had a big mature lime on it -- think I'll have a Gin & Tonic tonight!  The little Fig Tree I planted has sprouted another little fig ... maybe I'll have a little treat before Winter comes!

The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.

~~Isaiah 58:11

I just HAD to make a trip to Walmart today to pick up manly stuff for Michael and some coffee for me.  We were out of coffee this morning and I sure missed my morning treat.  Already looking forward to tomorrow morning!!  I laugh every time I go to Walmart ... I think it's a daily stop for almost everyone in the town!!  At least I got a chance to dress up ... I got out my boots, leggings, and put on a top I got yesterday at Belk.  Several people stopped me and told me I looked chic.  At 65, I'll take all the compliments I can get!!  :0)

Did you watch the presidential debate last night?  I'm so glad that I've been doing a lot of studying and digging into each candidate (including the vice presidential candidates).  For once, I can say that I'm a very informed voter.  Thank you to all my friends who send me facts on their candidates of choice.  We are so fortunate to live in a country where we can agree to disagree!!  I like it when people try to change my mind ... it only makes me dig deeper into the facts!

A leader of good judgment gives stability.
~~Proverbs 29:4

 

I am looking forward to the vice presidential debates.  Now that one is going to be interesting.  Mr. Biden has a tendency to "open mouth, insert foot" so we'll see what he has to say!  Hold on to your hats, folks!!

 

Evening is just around the corner.  It's time to fold another load of clothes and round up Miss Sadie from the wood pile.  No rats, mice, or snakes at Miss Dottie's!!  It's also time to fill the claw foot tub with bubbles and pull out my jammies.

 

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

 

Miss Dottie

PS  A word to the wise:  don't take B12 vitamins before bedtime.  Couldn't figure out why it was taking me forever to go to sleep at night.  Was taking all my energy boosting vitamins in the evening.  Duh!!  Wonder what my pharmacist daughter would say??!!

 

 

  

Wednesday at Miss Dottie's Little Casa

 

October 3, 2012

Good Morning, Readers! I know it's early but early is the first fruit of the day.  I like praying early, reading early, and walking through the garden early.  Come on in and rest your weary bones. I went over to the bakery and got some fresh scones and put a pot of coffee on. As I've mentioned in previous blogs, I have been getting 1038 Franklin Street ready for Autumn.

I have felt so peppy the past few days.  For someone with Fibromyalgia, those are times to celebrate!!

My career as a homemaker has spanned some four + decades now and each year, my passion grows for making our home a place of refuge ... a place where friends and family feel loved and welcome. I've had other "jobs" but my heart beats strongest for my home and family.  As a young bride, my attempts at homemaking were feeble at best ... I had a lot to learn.  As the years passed, I not only made my own home beautiful for each season but I helped others make their homes warm and inviting using what they were drawn to.

I love all the different seasons but Autumn and Christmas are my favorites. I have tubs and tubs filled with collections of holiday decorations just waiting to be unpacked as the seasons change.  It's fun to create vignettes of colorful scenes ... conversation pieces.  My grandsons love Grandma's world ... everything is for touching and enjoying!  Besides, they know where the snack baskets are!!

 
My favorite design is an eclectic blend of Country English and French. I love a lived in feeling of comfy furniture and deep colors. I have found lately that I have been drawn to pinks and yellows ... go figure... I'm not picky where I shop whether it be GoodWill or the antique shops that dot the towns of Texas. My favorite shop for many years was The Market in Dallas ... I would walk through the their shops taking notes and putting vignettes in my memorex.  It's been an amazing journey from Yuma, AZ to Central TX ... my decorator tubs in tow!!

I spent some time yesterday, taking photos of the little casa -- she's ready for company!!  Actually, she's ready for company any time ... you just have to understand that when I take on a project, things get really messy before they get beautiful.  Hey, kind of like us, huh?

Beverly and I took a walk through Hobby Lobby last time we were in Waco.  My gosh, the Autumn stuff is crammed into 3 aisles and the rest is Christmas.  The good news is that they had marked everything (Autumn) down 50%.  I didn't need anything but it was fun to peek through the goodies!  Hmmm...I wonder if they have marked their Fall decorations down to 75% yet??  Beverly wants to go to Waco to do a walk through of the stores!!  I might just go along!!

Seasons come and seasons go ... I pray that you are enjoying Autumn 2012!  Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!



Miss Dottie says:
These boots are made for muddin'
I think that's just what I'll do
These boots are made for muddin'
And, planting Fall plants too!

I heard your voice in the garden

I Come To The Garden Alone...

October 2, 2012

It must be the cool Autumn air that is invigorating me!  (Either that or the B12 I take!)  I can't get enough of being outside, working in my garden, and doing deep breathing exercises.  Ah yes ... Fall is here.  I thought I would share some photos I took in my gardens yesterday!

One of my friends in Minnesota posted on Facebook that they were closing up their lake home for the Winter.  I looked over at the cottage in the back yard and was glad that it was going to be inhabitable year round.  I do remember though Autumns in Minnesota when temperatures dropped below freezing in September giving way to snow in later October.  Brrr!

I do my Bible reading and praying in the early morning hours.  The cool thing is that now I can sit on the back patio OR in the cottage and look over the garden.  Sometimes, I will be deep in meditation and a flower will catch my eye ... there, in the midst of powerful thought is that brief interruption that makes me smile.  There are other times that I choose to walk on the paths leading here and there in the gardens praying as I go.  I was thinking this morning that I should name my plants after people I pray for, pausing for a moment at each one.  I like that idea.  I planted a fig tree in memory of a dear man, Frank.  He died a short time ago ... funny, that little tree has a lone fig on it!

It's so easy to walk through the gardens and find all sorts of things amiss ... weeds, sickly plants, no grass (that's a big one!!)...  Then, I need to remember that my gardens are a work in progress just like me.  One day, our ugly dirt filled back yard will be a wonderful oasis of color, greenery, and serenity.  Until then, I focus on the plants that survived the August heat, the aphids, and my neglect when I hated going out to water in the extreme heat!

Jesus loved going to the garden to pray and did so before hanging on the cross.  I wonder, if he surveyed his surroundings like I do?  Somehow, I think He did!  He prayed that his father's will would be done.  He was tempted, he was threatened, and he was comforted ... there in the garden!!

A couple nights ago, I was asleep in the cottage.  I heard a voice calling to me and I opened my eyes to see an angel on my left.  Poof, she was gone.  I thought I must have been having delusions and went back to sleep.  Another time, I heard a voice ... this time I opened my eyes and an angel was to the right of my bed.  I was so tired that I drifted off to sleep.  When I woke up, my mind immediately returned to the visit by the angels at my bedside.  I cannot tell you the peace I felt.  I wanted to tell everyone about the angels then wondered if they would think I was crazy.  I did it anyway.  It's a good thing that my family are believers ... they were in awe like I was.  My neighbor who is an agnostic, looked at me like I had lost my ever loving mind.  Oh well...

I do hear God's voice in the garden ... I relish my time there digging, pruning and planting.  My husband is NOT an outdoor person but I think he appreciates the beauty of the flowers.  Every now and then, I can coax him away from his computer and television set to walk with me.  He is a germafobe ...which he admits to, by the way...  Dirt is NOT his thing!!  He watches me digging and filthy from head to toe and cringes ... I remind him to not worry, dirt washes off!

I wish you joy this day ... I wish you love and good fortune, always remembering that you are loved and prayed for.  Maybe I have pushed you a little bit to get out and enjoy the fresh sights, smells, and tastes of Autumn.  The botanical gardens are so colorful this time of year.  I am pushing for a trip to the State Fair of Texas as well.  I got two free tickets ... might as well use them!  I'm sure they must have some wonderful caramel apples there!

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

 

Miss Dottie

He who hath many friends hath none

October 1, 2012

Well, Good Morning, Readers!  After two days of soaking rain, my garden is looking so perky & pretty.  Funny how much better plants do when watered from above!!  The little casa is ablaze with the colors of Autumn and I am feelin' gooooood!! 

Saturday, brought the heaviest rains.  Michael and I had gone to Walmart and had gotten some Fall plants that were on sale.  When I got home, I decided to plant them in the planters on the front step.  I felt like a little kid tromping in the rain and playing in the mud!!  Michael kept sticking his head out the front door, "You're nuts ... come in out of the rain!!"  When I finished, I looked at the front step as a child would look at an important undertaking ... "Ah yes, I did it!"  I was soaked from my head to my toes but grinning from ear to ear.

I was perusing through some quotes and came across one that hit me ... "He who hath many friends hath none."  (Anonymous)  I was thinking about how difficult I find it to have many close friends.  I have a lot of acquaintances but only a few close friends.  I take friendship very seriously, and cultivate those relationships where I can be me -- my friend can be whomever they are -- and, we can be better people together. 

First of all, I am a Christian and God is most important in my life.  I spend time with Him by reading the Bible and praying.  Jesus is my best friend ... I tell him everything and take shelter beneath his wings.  When, I feel most alone, I know that he is with me and that gives me comfort.  In my world of ups and downs, he has whispered ... "Am I not enough?"  I came into the world alone and will leave alone ... yet, I know that He is in Heaven ... waiting with arms open wide!

 

^"...If God is for us, who can be against us?~~Romans 8:31

Secondly, anyone who is in a marriage relationship knows that it takes time and energy to cultivate that special union.  Michael and I have made it a point to connect at least once a day on what is going on in our lives and how we are feeling, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Thirdly, anyone who has a family knows that keeping in touch is important and that takes time and effort.  I text family members letting them know I love them.  We keep in touch by email, phone, text sometimes several times a day.  We are family - for better or worse and we stand together working out our differences and rejoicing in love for one another.  I am blessed to have the family I do...

Fourthly, friends...  I am fortunate to have a nice neighbor who lives across the street from me.  I am allergic to cats (she has 4) so she comes over at least once a day.  We plan day trips and car pool when we need to do errands.  My next door neighbors (a young couple with two little girls) are so sweet.  They saw me out in the rain Saturday night and Sam brought over some sandwiches and Tres Leches Cake.  If I needed something I know I could count on them -- if they need something, they know they can count on me.  It is important to me to check in on Facebook to see what my friends are doing and thinking.  It's been a great way to "keep in touch."

So ... why did the quote, He who hath many friends hath none" strike me?  I meditated on that this morning.  There are only so many hours in a day to be spent.  If I am spread too thin, everyone suffers -- mostly me!  No one really knows me because I haven't taken the time to share my innermost thoughts and listen to theirs.  I detest superficialness and welcome deepness.  If my family is struggling, I am not there to judge -- I AM there to listen, share my wisdom, and support them.  I am NOT their judge and jury.  I have no secrets from my closest friends and my family.  I breathe easy when I go to bed at night knowing that my hours were spent wisely!

Every now and then, I stop and take stock in what's important and what I want to accomplish.  I write down a plan and how I am going to get there.  If I don't plan, I wander aimlessly moving from this task to that ... this person to that person ... and, never seem to accomplish anything.  God - Michael and family - Friends - Goals ... all important and need my time.  You might wonder where "I" fit in all this order.  Well, I start and end my day with God which gives me a healthy spiritual outlook.  I do something special for Michael every day and we take at least a half hour to connect giving me peace and direction in my marriage.  I take time to connect with family and friends which gives me joy.  Then, there are the things that I do to bring me a sense of accomplishment -- writing my blog, writing children's stories, decorating my home to make it homey and welcoming, tending my garden which gives me good exercise, reading, cooking, household duties.  My life is full to the brim!!

God is so awesome.  He uses the trials and joys in our life to refine and transform.  I have had the opportunity over the past few months to develop a very strained relationship into one of budding love.  If you'd have told me in 2011 that she and I would address our issues and come to a common bond in Jesus Christ, I would have told you that you were crazy.  You know what?  This didn't happen without both of us devoting the time to becoming transparent.  Our common bond has become our faith.  We share devotionals and questions of believers.  She's stretched me, making me study more.  She has humbled me realizing that there were things I missed in scripture.  I have a friend that I WANT to know more.  It hasn't been easy and I've had to set aside my own hurts and judgements knowing that (yep) I might get hurt again.  Somehow, someway, I am willing to take that risk.

Are you guilty of having so many acquaintances, none of which know the real you?  Are you running from yourself afraid that if a friend knew the real you, you would be discarded?  Are you so tired at the end of the day and feel that you accomplished nothing?  Maybe it's time to take a Miss Dottie breather and regroup.  My daughter is doing just that and I admire her willingness to STOP and smell those proverbial roses for thirty days.  Jane, I am so proud of you, I could just burst!!

Enjoy your day, Readers!!  It sure is mighty pretty here.  Think I will take a trip out to the gardens and see what new blooms have opened.  Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie

PS  "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."~~Proverbs 27:17

 

Wishy, washy ... and, I'm not talking about clothes!

 

September 28, 2012

Oh my gosh ... what a beautiful Fall day. It's cool, the sun is out, and dare I say there are more blooms on my garden mums!! It's time I got outside ... I've been holed up like a mole in the cottage doing my Fall cleaning and definitely need some fresh air!!

We're supposed to get rain tomorrow but my plants needed a drink and I thought I'd best not take a chance on waiting and risk losing some mums. I enjoy spending time outside. Guess what I did though? I was carrying a mum and not paying attention where I was going. I ran straight into the end of the hammock ... oh goodness, I gave myself a shiner! Felt so stupid!!  Every day more mums open ... I did give them a dose of fertilizer a couple weeks ago and I think it gave them a boost.   The garden is starting to come alive!! 





Dr. Romance

For quite a few years I had a career as a matchmaker, a writer of a Dr. Romance column, and worked with a multitude of singles. It was probably the most fun job I have ever had and I regret ever turning in my resignation. It was a job that I didn't have to work at ... it just came naturally and I received a nice paycheck as a bonus!! The hours were long ... the rewards high ... but, not a great job for a newly married lady! Every now and then, I go through my files and wonder what happened to this one or that one...

People are quite complicated at times. They think they know what they want but when they get it, they find that "it" wasn't what they really wanted after all. I used to conduct interviews of clients lasting a couple hours just trying to pin down what issues they'd had in the past with relationships and how they wanted to make their new relationships more rewarding. I laugh... So many people lie to themselves ... not on purpose but subconsciously, I guess. My clients included people from all walks of life ... the ordinary boy and girl next door to the super star on television and in the newspapers.

Ever meet a wishy washy person? Someone who has a tough time making a decision? I like people who say what they mean, and mean what they say.  I like people who have purpose in life and who make me think deeply. I like people with integrity. I've always felt that if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything. Ever hear the saying, "She/he can sell ice to an Eskimo?" Well, if you're one of the wishy washy crowd, consider yourself fair game cause you're a sitting duck!!

There are people who don't know what they want ... one day it's this and the next day, it's that. They pretend to want something long term and are devoted to their cause (at the moment) making commitments that are as empty as a deflated paper bag!  How sad...  It's more than just not knowing what they want ... it's that they are people pleasers who change with the weather.  They can't or won't make decisions because if someone else does the deciding they won't be blamed.

My nephew posted a video about the hookup culture.  I hadn't heard that term before and decided to watch the video.  The priest was right ... more and more I am hearing from our younger generation that sex is just sex ... no big deal.  Ever noticed how nonchalant people have become about sex?  If it's consensual, then who is going to get hurt?  Do we really believe that?

As a Christian, I encourage young people and adults to wait until marriage to become intimate.  Why?  Because to make promises to or mislead without commitment is to steal from another human being.  Stealing affection, time, energy, intimacy -- all under the guise of a potential long term relationship.  To receive all the benefits of the kind of love and affection without the responsibility or the accountability  that goes along with it is misleading.  We all know right from wrong. I don't buy the hookup culture phenomenon.  Words may lie, but actions never do.

It's been fun sitting outside and blogging away.  The fountain is bubbling loud enough to be quite soothing and I enjoy watching Toby and Sadie chasing the leaves (and the squirrels).  Sadie brought her bone outside and has been looking for a place to bury it.

Enjoy your day!

Miss Dottie

PS  "Don't be so busy 'working' for God that you don't do what God has asked you to do."~~ Joyce Meyer  





 

Autumn Blessings

 

September 26, 2012

 

OOPS!!  I published a blog this morning then flipped back to blogspot.  The format is quite different than it has been and I figured I would delete old drafts.  Good grief!  I deleted the published blog...  Augh!  Mama told me there'd be days like this!!

 

Okay ... since the blog was written yesterday, let's try again today.  I'm still singing about Autumn blessings and hey, this will give us another chance to chat.  I appreciate your dropping by ... Coffee is for morning, so let's have a Coke and a sandwich as we visit.  It's a another gorgeous day here and I am invigorated by the cooler temperatures ... won't be long and I can fire up the chiminea!

 

The Autumn leaves have been falling making sweeping the walkway to the cottage a daily chore.  They are so pretty though and I love swishing through them.  The Summer garden has given way to the wonderful deep colors of red, burgundy, gold, yellow, purple, and shades of brown.  The mums I planted last year are covered in buds and will come ablaze with color within a couple weeks.  I figure any time I can keep my plants alive through the hot August heat, I've accomplished something!

 

 

"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains."

James 5:7 NIV

 

 

Yesterday I spent several hours in the garden watering and checking for weeds and bugs.  The leaves were gently falling down on my head and Toby was chasing them as they hit the ground.  He loves being outside with me helping me dig, pull, and fill trash bags!  Miss Houdini, Sadie, managed to scale the barrier I had placed in front of her "entrance to the world."  For a Scottie with short legs, she sure manages to climb and get where she wants to go.

 

I managed to climb down into the storm shelter and retrieve, Freddy, the Scarecrow and got him positioned beside the french doors of the cottage.  Will get more tubs of Autumn treasures out today and do a little sprucing up of the little casa and cottage for Fall.  I do a deep cleaning with the change of seasons so that's on the agenda as well.  Between you and me, I think small houses are harder to keep neat and clean than big houses!!

 

Yesterday, my friend, Beverly, phoned and asked if I needed anything from Walmart.  We had agreed to start carpooling on errands and this has been her week to drive.  Actually it's been saving on gas AND it's always nice to have the company.  We did our grocery shopping and had to make a sashay through the garden section to check out the bargain table.  I got a mum for between the two chairs outside facing the fountain for $2.22!!!  It's so pretty!!

 

 

 

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."  John 15:12-15

 

 

After we dropped off our groceries, we decided to go to the local Chinese restaurant and share an entree of Shrimp Lo Mein.  We hadn't been there in quite some time.  It was so nice to actually sit down and get waited on.  My friend, Beverly, is a bargain clothes junky and asked if I minded if we stopped at the local Dress Barn (about the only place in town to shop for decent clothes) ... we'd both gotten coupons in the mail so I thought it would be fun to check out the newest Fall attire.  I get the biggest kick over watching Beverly drool and salivate over the newest styles, fabrics, textures, and colors.  She is a redhead with a personality to match!  Personally, I think she just loves to shop ... and shop ... and shop some more!!  I found some great socks in Fall colors at 75% off.  Can't beat that!!!!!

 

Every time Autumn rolls around I think about my childhood years in Minnesota.  Talk about God's paintbrush ... the trees would come live with color making hikes through wooded areas an adventure ... I found a leaf not long ago as I was going through a book I have kept.  It was pretty crumbled but it took me back to a elementary school combination science/art project. We had to find interestingly beautiful Fall leaves, name the tree, and make a picture using our imaginations and our leaves.  As the townsfolk would rake their leaves out to the street, the piles were fair game for kids looking for some fun.  I would jump into the mounds of leaves trying to see if I could become invisible!  I still think jumping through leaves is great fun.  Who can ever forget the taste of caramel apples, popcorn balls, and hot apple cider?  Yum!  The scent of burning leaves, bonfires?  Heavenly!  Hayrides?  Those bales of  prickery hay could be downright brutal on the skin but, the rides were such adventures!  Ah yes...what sweet memories!

High School Football Stadium - Allen, TX

Fall in Texas means FOOTBALL!  I've never seen marching bands performing more magnificently on fields of green, fans more exuberant, and entire cities so enthralled with the game.  A town just north of Dallas (Allen) just completed their new high school football field to the tune of $60M in time for their first game of the season.  For those of you who watched the TV series, Friday Night Lights, you got a glimpse of how crazy Texans get over high school football.  My son played receiver in high school so I got indoctrinated  right quick and joined the multitudes of fans cheering ... huddling close together sharing a blanket ... and, smearing my car with war paint!!  And, who can mention football without mentioning the illustrious Cowboys.  My daughter is a HUGE fan and does a war whoop running around their home each time a touchdown is scored.  If the Cowboys are playing, our TV is on full blast!!  How 'bout them boys?!

Autumn in Texas can be as colorful as Minnesota depending on the area you live in.  The arboretum and botanical gardens are places of beauty to explore on cooler Fall days.  The State Fair of Texas starts this Friday so Big Tex will be bellowing once again ... I think the newscaster said Tex is 60 years old.  He's a sight to behold.  When I lived close to the city, I used to take the Dart bus to the fair ... easy on and easy off.  Sights, sounds, and entertainment galore -- something fun for children/adults of all ages.  I might just have to make a trip north before the fair closes this year!!



President Obama vs Mitt Romney

This Fall we are in the middle of a political campaign between President Obama and Mitt Romney who are in competition for the position of President of the United States.  My Facebook page has been littered with friends trying to push the candidate they most favor.  Never before have I done so much research as to who is the best man for the job.  Our media doesn't really report truths accurately so for an Independent like me it's become an every day project to be able to sort out truth from fiction.  I am supporting Mitt Romney because I believe in his business expertise to turn this nation around.  What's been done, hasn't worked that well and the facts speak for themselves.  I don't mind those who share different opinions ... we have that FREEDOM in this country!!

That being said, no matter what may happen in this world, God is in ultimate control. As you see the seasons change, take time to reflect that the God who causes this to happen, is awesome and worthy of our wholehearted devotion and trust.  With each new day, we are covered knowing that He knows our needs, our sorrows, our joys!!

This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
Hymn, 1901

 

Don't you just love that old hymn?  I was humming that today as I thought about how precious our days are ... no matter what time of the year it is.  Autumn truly is a season in which we are blessed ... let us be thankful in ALL things.

 

Mexican Petunias from Miss Dottie's Fall Garden

 

Y'all take care now ... Miss Dottie signing off  for today

 

PS  Always remember you are loved and prayed for.  Gotcha covered!!