Friday's Fave Five #149

Oh my goodness, I can't believe I haven't posted since last week's fave five.  But I have been a busy little beaver this week.  But that doesn't mean there wasn't blessings in all the busyness.  Are you ready to look for yours from the last week?

1.  Safe arrivals.  Always a favorite when I have family on the roads.  My oldest girl brought the youngest home from her 3 weeks away at a youth training summer "camp".  And my son arrived at his camping spot safe and sound.  When I see that car pull up or get that phone call say they've made it,  there is always a huge sigh of relief and a prayer of thankfulness going to God for keeping them safe once again.

2.  Oldest daughter home.  It's the week out of the summer that she comes home.  It's nice to be able to sleep in a bit and then just have casual days with no agenda just to be with her.

3.  Stories of fun, adventure and drawing closer to God.  I've loved listening to the interesting stories of what my youngest experienced in her 3 weeks away.  She's grown so much in maturity and in drawing closer to the Lord.  It's exciting to pick up on her excitement of her adventures.

4.  The best bbq sauce evah!  Oh my goodness.  I can drink this stuff.  It's absolutely perfect for pork or chicken.  I'm stocking up to get me through the winter when they probably won't be stocking it so much.  Yum, apple-y and cinnamon-y and butter-y.  My mouth waters as I type about it.  And I'm sorry to my American FFF's but I think it's a Canadian thing.  Lucky us!  Although I think you may be able to order it online.

5.  Goodbye red, hello green.  Dill pickle green to be exact.  We are repainting younger girl's (16) room from red to green.  I don't what possessed us to do red but we haven't really liked it at all.  The green is lovely and worth the effort it's taking.  Now when I look at her open door it makes me smile.

What are your favorite blessings, your favorite happenings, your favorite quotes, songs, thoughts, whatevers, from your week.  Do a post and don't forget to sign up on Mr. Linky, linking to the specific post please.  If you need a few guidelines they are here.  And now I'm off for more visiting and relaxing.  Have a great weekend!

Friday's Fave Five #148

Welcome to Friday and Friday's Fave Five!  Are you ready to look back and remember some good things from your week?  It might be easy and it might be a tough exercise but it's always worth it in the end.  So here we go:

1.  Phone calls from my youngest girl away at youth outreach training.  They are as a group helping out this week at a children's camp and having her phone to excitedly tell me the good things she was witnessing God doing in the hearts of kids was amazing.  I was grinning ear to ear after talking with her.  I can hardly wait for her to come home and share it all.

2.  Knowing that I have one me work day before a week off and before my two girls will be home.  I can hardly wait.

3.  Aircraft filling the sky.  It's air show weekend around here and I always get thrilled watching the aircraft coming in for the show.  The loud and fast CF-18 fighter jets thundered in yesterday and always literally make the hair stand on my arms.  It's so exciting watching them do pass by's right over top of my house. Hopefully there will be no repeat of last year where something went wrong with a fighter jet and the pilot had to bail and crash the jet very close to the ground on practice day.  It was a miracle he wasn't seriously hurt or killed and no one else was hurt. I'm praying it's an accident free day. The Canandian Snowbirds should be arriving and practicing up a bit tomorrow and that will be awesome.  They always bring tears watching them.  Not sure why.  But they do.

4.  Clutter disappearing before my eyes.  I've been getting the yard sale ready to go and it's been thrilling to see shelf space opening up.  Hopefully the yard sale will go well.  No matter what that stuff is not coming back into the house.

5.  Bike rides.  Love going for bike rides and we've been able to get a few nice rides down our favorite roads.  Hopefully lots more of them coming up during the summer.  No pics though as hubby was just not enjoying the constant stop/starting and waiting when I bought my friend, the camera, along.  Sigh, I've got to figure out a way to sneak it along somehow.

Have you thought of your favorites from the week yet?   If it's a tough one, maybe grab a coffee and join some others and read along.  It just might inspire you.  Don't forget to link up if you've done a post.  If you're new and need some guidelines for posting please stop by here first and then just join right in!  Have a great weekend everyone!

Book Review ~ Save Me

"Save Me" by Lisa Scottoline


Rose McKenna is on her first shift as a volunteer lunchroom mom at her daughter Melly's new elementary school.  After having just moved here because of bullying in Melly's other school, Rose is dismayed to see her daughter running to a washroom to avoid the teasing of another child.  Making her way over she determines to talk to the girls about bullying but in the middle of their conversation an explosion occurs in the kitchen.  When Rose comes to, chaos abounds as fire is tearing through the building.  Now she must make a split second emergency decision.  Take the girls she was talking to to safety or go look for her daughter who is hiding.  An impossible choice in the middle of a nightmare.  Making the decision, she acts upon it but it very quickly comes back to haunt her and her family as accusations and mob mentality take over the community.  Acting against the advice of her husband, a lawyer, and her attorneys, Rose takes matters into her own hands putting herself in danger as she starts to uncover what really happened with the explosion.

An emotional, page turning story, I could not put this book down!  My heart broke for Melly and the teasing she had to endure, and Rose's dilemma of when to step in, and then the consequences of her decision to confront the bullies, and her decisions in the midst of the emergency.  I had to cheer her on in her one track mindedness to get to the bottom of things and her determination to stick to what she believed was the right thing to do even though others with more experience were advising her differently.  There is twists and turns in the story as she pursues her decisions that the reader doesn't see coming which kept it edge of your seat.  The chapters are short and quick paced throughout the book and it makes you not want to put it down so you can see what happens next.  This story really makes you explore as a Mom, "What would I do if that happened to me?", "How would I react if I was the other parents, or school staff, or a member of this community".  It also made me think about the role media plays in our lives and our "right to know at all cost" mentalities.   Faith, if you're reading this, I think you'd like this one!

Friday's Fave Five #147

It's Friday's Fave Five time!  Take a moment and reflect on the past week and take notice of your blessings over the week.  Sometimes they are obvious and sometimes we need to look a little deeper.  May you feel uplifted when you look for yours.  If you need the details to posting and linking you may go here.  but make sure you come back!  :v)

1.  My unexpected day off in the middle of the week.  So nice to have that when it was least expected.  I did a little work, had a little fun, and a bit of relaxing.

2.  Nestea Refridgereated Iced Tea.  The kind you buy in the cooler.  Real tea, real lemon, no preservatives.  This is the first time I've ever bought iced tea like this and definitely really good. Very refreshing and I think I may have spoiled myself from going back to the powdered stuff.  

3.  New towels.  It just feels really nice to have a new set.

4.  Long walks with the dog.  I really enjoy getting out and taking the pooch for a walk.  He gets me out in the fresh air and moving.  And he'll go forever, if I let him decide.  Of course, after a long walk,  he does like his naps too.  This is in the hotel a couple weeks ago after a long walk around a lake.  I think he thought he was in heaven with all those pillows.  He makes me smile.

5.  Free meal surprise.  Saturday we celebrated my mom's birthday by taking her to our favorite restaurant because we knew they made the dish that she was wanting.  The restaurant was busy, but we were having fun and we slightly noticed that it was taking a little longer than usual but we were busy in discussion.  It was a real surprise to find out that they gave us a gift certificate that covered the cost of my meal because there was a mix up with it and that's what the delay was.  Great meal, great company and now I get to go back and eat free.  I love that restaurant!

What were your favorites?  Please join us as we celebrate our five favorite blessings from the week!

I think I need to find someone who will run for Prime Minister that will bring in a 4 day work week.  I will back them, for sure, 'cause my unexpected day off yesterday was gold, pure gold, I tell ya.  It was so productive and yet so refreshing, I can't believe it.

So I'll tell you what I did 'cause I know you all are just dying to know.  :v)

I made the major decision of doing some big work in the morning.  I know me and had I started out the day shopping or reading, nothing would get done!  So until 1 p.m. I worked on getting all my yard sale stuff priced and sorted and ready to go.  I've got boxes of stuff.  Man, why do I hang onto to some of this stuff that I will never use.  I need to have Laura come and give me a good talking to.  As I went through all the things on my shelves in the storage room, I asked myself a couple of questions:

•  Have I used it in the past two years?
• If not, what is the likely hood that I will use it in the next year?

If I didn't think I'd use it in the next year, into the box it went.  I figure on the off chance I need it that bad, I'll go buy another one.  I'll bet the item won't be on my shopping lists anytime soon.

Another thing I dealt with on a tough basis with myself was the emotional attachment I had to some things.  Mostly things from my kid's childhood.  When my kids were little, they always had fun when they went to Grandma's (my mom) and they got to dig in the "treasure box".  This treasure box was a mish mash of stuff she had saved from my childhood.  Toys, clothing, books.  They loved going in there and getting to bring a "treasure" home.  Funny thing, all my polyester goodies were almost right in style again when my oldest wore them home.  Anyway, I always thought that would be fun for my grandkids one day.  But it was getting on the ridiculous side, much beyond a "treasure box" size.  So I tried to do what Laura suggests, and I gave myself boundaries and borders.  I picked a small sized rubbermaid tote I knew I had room to store.  And I didn't allow myself to have more than what could fit in there.  I got tough.  So as a result, I've even got baby clothes in my yard sale.  What was I thinking hanging onto those?  Seriously, it was cute when my kids wore it but it will be so out of date or old looking by the time grandkids come along that the parents probably won't want them anyway.  And I know one of my girls is not the sentimental hanger on-er type anyway.

Another area that was tough for me was my books.  I love my books. I love the look of lots of books.  I would love to own a home that has a library room with walls that are floor to ceiling built in shelves and a fireplace.  But seriously folks, the likely hood of that ever coming true is very miniscule.  So I got tough with the books too.  I took out every book, mostly old paperbacks, that I knew I would never read again, simply because the print was way too small.  I asked myself if I seriously would ever spend the time to reread a story when there are so many books I haven't read yet that are on my ever expanding want to read list and hold for later list at the library.  And into the box they all went.  If they don't sell at the yard sale they will go to a used book store or senior center or women's shelter.

So by 1 p.m. I was tired of all that.  I did a quick vacuum job upstairs just because I love a clean, vacuumed look and then I went shopping!  Not for long because I'm trying to be a good girl and not spend willy-nilly. And I'm the type that tends to buy if I just wander.   But I had a goal of blue towels to match the shower curtain.  And I found them for a good price. Yipee!

A good cup of coffee and putting my feet up reading my book, which is a really good one, while my chicken was roasting in the oven ended the unexpected day off.  I'd say it was a good one.

What to do?

Wow, I'm experiencing an unexpected day off.  I'm in shock.  A Wednesday off, all to myself.  What to do, what to do?  My happy, lazy side wants to go for coffee, go for lunch, go shopping, go to the library, take a nap, read my book, watch a movie, take my dog and camera to the lake, do anything but work.  But it's at war with the side that is whispering that the house needs cleaning, the yard sale stuff needs some more pricing, there is painting that needs doing, curtains that need hanging and I can write my name in the dust around here.  So I'm taking a vote.  What should I do, people?  My day off agenda may ride on your say. (Probably not really, but doesn't it give you a sense of power ordering someone else's day?  LOL.)

Book Review ~ The Seeker

"The Seeker" by Ann H. Gabhart


Charlotte Vance is the daughter of a Kentucky Senator and has big plans for her life.  Raised in privilege, she is used to having black slaves on their estate to do the family's bidding and do the work of the estate.  After her mother passed away, Charlotte became her father's helper in planning the parties his job required and in essence became the lady of the house.  So her heart was really with the estate and it's continuation and growth.  Her plans were to marry her childhood friend who had the property next to theirs so that the estates could be combined, but those come abruptly to an end when several circumstances, including meeting a handsome artist who stole her heart, the unscrupulous machinations of her father's new wife, as well as  a life changing decision on the part of her fiance, combine to derail all her well laid plans.  In a desperate attempt to free her personal slave who was like a sister to her, Charlotte ran away to join the Shaker community. Thinking her involvement with the Shakers was a quick and temporary fix to her problems, those plans also got thrown into a tailspin when the Civil war hit and moved right through their community.  Now Charlotte must stay with the Shakers much longer than planned and while there she starts to realize who really is in control of her life and whose plans are the best.

I really enjoyed this story.  It is rich in character development and historical detail.  I never knew anything about the Shakers before I read this and the author did a wonderful job in weaving details of their beliefs into the story while not making it sound like a text book lesson.  I could totally relate to the main character and her  being a planner and committed to making those plans work and then having to face the fact that we, actually are not in control.  This was a great summer read and I'm going to look for the other titles by the same author.

Friday's Fave Five #146

**An odd request:  But in the off chance that you come back, may the author of Glenridge Cottage please contact me through my email.  I cannot get access to your site to read or leave a comment and I'd hate for you to think we are ignoring your post.

Welcome to Friday and that means it Friday's Fave Five time!  What have been your blessings this past week?  Can you pick out five of your favorites and share them with us?

Updated with Mr. Linky.  Sorry guys don't know what I did to make it hide but here ya go!

1.  Visiting with my oldest definitely tops my list.  We just don't get to see her enough with her living so far. But we definitely had a wonderful weekend as a family visiting with her.  It went entirely too fast.

2.  Safe travels.  I'm very grateful for safe travels on the way there and back.

3.  Going to the mall and coming away with not having spent more than $30.  And ten of that was for sunscreen.  Pat myself on the back for sure.  ;v)

4.  Air Conditioning.  To some of you I might be a wimp but at about 30*C ( 80*F) I was so thankful we had air the last couple of days.  I know, I know some of you are sitting waaaay above that, but for us that is getting smokin' hot.  And the cool house was most welcome!

5.  Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream dipped in toasted coconut dip.  Oh my goodness. Yummmy!   Our daughter took us to a tiny ice cream shop in her city.  It's an old fashioned little place only open in the summer.  You order your stuff through an outside window, just the way I remember Dairy Queen from my childhood.  Oh and the choices one has.  Unbelievable.  And always a long line up.  But oh so worth the wait.  And all five of us had huge treats for under twenty bucks.  We'll be visiting there again for sure.

What were your favorite blessings from the week?  If you do a post, please sign up on Mr. Linky linking to your specific post (not your home page please).  Then have some fun visiting around and commenting if you can.  Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Little Road Trip to Kick Off Summer

Hellooooo out there!  Just thought I'd pop in and say yes, I am still alive.  Just in case anyone was wondering or were interested.

 We had a busy long weekend and I just have not been able to get back in the groove, blogging or otherwise.

We hit the road and drove 7 hours to go see my girl and to drop off her younger sister to her.

 T. will be attending a youth outreach training program in her sister's city and so gets to live with her bigger sister, whom she misses very much.   It's with a bit of trepidation that this Mom dropped her off, however, because it was this same training program that started the K. on her journey to moving to that city and so far away from us.  But the visit was really nice and it's always nice to get away from the daily routine.

We relaxed and took advantage of gorgeous surroundings and a nice walk around their lake on what turned out to be a beautiful, hot summer day.

Saw some Canada geese who were still celebrating Canada Day.

 And what's a trip to another city without visiting their mall.  And of course, scoring a great deal on a cute purse!

Lots of visiting and eating and another 7 hour drive later, we are back here and struggling to get back to routine even though we were only gone a few days.  Getting back to that said routine is really hard when the weather is so summery and (for us) hot.  I just want to sit on the deck or in the shade with a book and an iced coffee all day long.  But back to routine I must get.  Yes, so here I go.  Any moment now.

Friday's Fave Five #145

Welcome everyone!  It' Friday and time to reflect back on the week and look for our blessings.  Mine was a very busy week.  Getting a 16 year old ready to go away for 3 weeks leaves my head spinning with all the details.  But the blessings are still there to look for and appreciate.

1.  Sparkling clean windows. Hubby has been working hard give all the windows in this house a good scrub.  One just doesn't realize how dirty one's windows are until they are squeaky clean and all of a sudden you notice all sorts of stuff right outside your front window.

2.  Flower pots filling.  Now that we've actually had a few warm days in a row, the flowers are starting to take off.  The pots aren't looking quite so sparse as the the blooms are opening and filling in.  I just didn't have time to take pictures this week, but maybe next week I can get to it.

3.  Home grilled burgers.  Yum.  To me a home grilled burger is the best.  Filled with all my favorite fixings, it speaks summer loud and clear.

4.  All things Will & Kate.  We're back to show after show about Will and Kate's romance as the couple start their tour of Canada.  And of course, along with all the documentaries there will be the news coverage.  I'm seriously wanting to go to Calgary when they make a stop there next week but the thought of fighting the crowds just is not appealing anymore to me.  I'll probably have a better view watching it on tv.  But I would love to have a real picture that I actually took myself.  Either way, I'll just keep enjoying from my couch.

Photo:  Frank Gunn/AP

5.  The long weekend coming up.  Tomorrow is Canada Day and that means a holiday for us.  And a definite fave for me is that I  took Monday off too so an extra long weekend for me.  Yipee!

What have your favorites been this week?  Share with us, sign on to Mr. Linky and then try to do a little visiting too.  It's amazing how sharing our blessings, helps to build gratitude into our every day.  Have a great weekend everyone!