I am red hot!

Alright, I know I am heading to the beach but there are few stories that have really got me fuming! Well, actually more than a few but these are the few I am suggesting you take a peek at if you have not heard about them. Click on the links below to read more about them.

Car dealerships are being targeted by our president and his administration based on their political alignment! Our government has NO BUSINESS BUSYING ITSELF IN THE CAR BUSINESS OR ANY BUSINESS FOR THAT MATTER!


California is trying to stop those meeting at home for Bible Study! We do still live in the United States, right? I mean we Americans send missionaries to countries like this where they have to hide from those governments. Are we coming to that here in the U.S.A.? I pray not!

Our country is making mandates and planning all aspects of our lives based on perceived climate change! Global warming is a fallacy and man can't have the impact on our world that some are giving us credit for. Complete government control over all aspects of our lives is very frightening to me. Nancy Pelosi thinks otherwise.

Now I am hoping I can go to the beach, stay away from the media and read fiction because the reality of where our country is headed makes me see red!

Just beach'n it

Did I really think I could go on vacation without finishing my burlap party?! Here is the pillow I promised and another yardsale frame painted and with a great quote.



Now I am ready to kick off my shoes, put a flower behind my ear and sit on the beach! I will check in from time to time but not sure about posting.

For some good reading, check out the Restless Patriot. I liked this post she put up recently.

How many Gosselin children in this picture? 8 or 10?

I hate to even give the impression that I follow tabloids. I do not. I probably would not even be interested in these two if they did not live in the same area where I just moved from. I have friends who have helped these folks and later were hurt by these same folks. I have driven by all three of their homes over the years just out of curiousity. I have seen the children playing in their preschool classroom and I have listened to my son and daughter in law as they have seen them out and about. Yeah, I guess you could say I am curious about this family. Now I am simply saddened. Parenting is a tough job for anyone and I can't imagine a large family of multiples such as this BUT the decision to become parents is a deliberate one and was especially deliberate with this couple. All parents face challenges and make sacrifices. We never know exactly what the challenges will be when we sign up for parenthood. I do stand firmly in my belief that the best gift we can give to our children is to love the other parent, and hopefully he or she is our spouse.

My curiosity led me to watch Monday's airing of this family's life (probably the 4th time I have been curious enough to do so). I was so sad as I watched. It seemed to me that there were 10 children and not 8. I wanted to shake that mom and dad and tell them to grow up! I don't think either has heard the word sacrifice. Perhaps the greatest gift they can give their children, in addition to loving one another, is to sacrifice this show and their earnings from it. Is this really the best way to raise children? Stuff is destroyed and long forgotten by children but the love of family remains as do memories-both good and bad. (Had these parents planned accordingly, they probably would have had enough money to live comfortably from this point on.) Shame on TLC for promoting this abuse on the children. That is what I believe this public airing of these parents' behaviors is.

Burlap Party!

I added a burlap bow to the twine wreath I made.

Found the frame at a yard sale for $3. Attached burlap and ribbon to foam core for a great board to showcase some favorite photos of my guys.

I will show you the pillow I am working on AFTER vacation.

Actually it is done! You can check here to see it and one other burlap creation!

I can't wait to see the other Burlap Creations at Rhoda's party!

Is Justice Blind?

From everything I ever learned I was under the impression that those in the position to judge should be blind to things such as race, sex, religion, income or one's "class." From what I have read about our president's nominee for Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, this does not seem to be the case. Here is one story reported by the NY Times.. I find it amazing that it is ok for certain segments of our population to use race and gender in such ways yet if it was the dreaded white male saying these same things about his race and gender he would be in big trouble! I believe that lady liberty wears a blindfold for a reason and bias plays no role in our courts.

I don't know about you, but I find this very scary. Earlier I had posted about my fears concerning the election of this president. His changes to our Supreme Court was a concern that I mentioned. It will have ramifications for years to come. Unfortunately I am afraid that those who have the ability to question this nomination have lost their spine.

Wondering and Remembering

Our President: "When America strays from our values, it not only undermines the rule of law, it alienates us from our allies, it energizes our adversaries and it endangers our national security and the lives of our troops."

My question: What values are you talking about? Why don't your actions reflect your words? Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are the values that immediately come to my mind. If you value life, why do you condone abortion? If you believe in liberty why are you adding more and more controls to our society and taking over industries? If you value the pursuit of happiness why is it becoming more and more difficult for decent hard working people to do so?

Do you honestly believe that being nice will keep our country safe? That is what I hear you saying. What needs to be realized it that there are evil people in this world who do not care how nice we are. (and we are already a pretty nice country when you consider the resources we share with the rest of the world)

What keeps us safe are the brave men and women who are defending and who have defended this great country of ours. What keeps them safe is providing the monies needed to keep our country safe. Let us not forget them this weekend as we enjoy our burgers, friends and families.

Here comes the sun!

Last night I had my mind filled with ideas for today's post...all of a political nature but today I find myself so exhausted and overwhelmed thinking about the mess our country is in that I need a break from cerebral things. So instead I am going off for my daily swim and will spend all morning in the pool (my favorite, well one of my most favorite, spot). We are preparing for a vacation at the beach. I am so looking forward to just sitting in that sand with a book, the shade of an umbrella and a cold drink..for hours...and hours (oh and a gorgeous little grandbaby discovering that sand between her toes)! So I will share this fun song with you by one of my favorite artists (oh, I did already mention that Phil is one of my favorites earlier, didn't I). Have a wonderful weekend!

Does anyone else shop at ALDI?

Years ago when I was not working over the summer and money was very tight I discovered Aldi. I can remember my sons complaining about the "unique" brands at Aldi and the not so pleasant shopping trips there that they endured with me. It did what I needed, saved us money.

Since moving to NC I have rediscovered Aldi and am pleasantly surprised. Someone at church mentioned the pineapples and tomatoes she was getting there so I thought I would try it. Sure enough, she was right! In fact on my first visit I sought out a manager to tell her how impressed I was with the cleanliness of the store. The prices on produce- and most are grown in the USA- are great. The selections on a lot of their food is super and I can't think of one thing we have purchased there that we have been disappointed with. They even had fresh mozzarella to go with the fantastic vine tomatoes! My favorite has got to be these dried blueberries!


I also usually leave with a bouquet or 2 of flowers- where else can you get 6 roses for $3.99? I even bought a tube of their lipstick for under $3 and I like it! They have an entire line of cosmetics. Think I will try one at a time. You can go here to see if there is a store near you. Oh and be sure to bring a quarter with you. You will need one to get a shopping cart. You get it back when you return the cart. Rather ingenious way to keep the parking lot clear, I think!

Finding time to be still

Taking time to make those quiet times special...


"Cease striving and know that I am God: I will be exalted in the earth." The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Psalm 46:10-11

You can see some really great tablescapes at Susan's and then from her site link to many others because today is Tablescape Thursday!

Taxes taking their toll

When were driving back from Philadelphia last week we went through numerous toll booths on I95. No, we weren't squeezed like this but we are feeling the squeeze in other ways. I was just amazed as we drove through and handed our cash over to the folks in the little booths. I have done this how many times without thinking over the years. But on this trip it became an image to me of what our country has become. At the toll booth we reach into our pockets, pull out our bills to hand to someone in a box. What for? Probably not much more than their salaries and benefits packages plus the upkeep of the buildings they sit in all day. I recall reading an article a while back that the PA Turnpike would save an average of $65,000-$70,000 with each layoff. (Can you imagine getting those earnings while sitting in a box with your hand out all day long?) With each paycheck we do the same thing, drop our prescribed donations into that big box called government. How much of those "donations" are spent in paying salaries and benefits for jobs that are less than necessary? At least when it comes to toll roads, we can choose an alternate route. We can't do that with our taxes.

Our economy has taken a hit, well lots of hits lately. Many in our government and the main stream media are completely out of touch with the real people of our country. Considering the state we are in, why does our President think he needs to add one more thing? The new fuel economy and emissions standards are not a smart move in my opinion. They say they are doing this to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and to help save our planet but I would argue this is ridiculous. Reducing our dependence on foreign oil can happen when we drill here not by creating new legislation. Greenhouse gas standards! Nuts! What impact on the world will this have? The United States already has enough legislation regarding pollution on the books. Implementing new standards will hurt an already ailing automotive industry.

Drive around in little cars? Are you nuts? What strain will that put on our crippled health care when injuries from accidents in these little cars start flooding our ERs? (Besides how many yard sale treasures can you fit in one of those "smart cars"?)


Apparently Diane Sawyer was promoting a gas tax on Good Morning America. (Now I know why I do not watch this show.) Does she really think Americans can afford to pay more taxes? I know we can't. What good does taxation do anyhow? Creates more government jobs, just what we need!

I am saddened when I see Americans not reacting to increased tax proposals. Too many are just stuck in their lane driving through and dropping in whatever is asked without questioning why. I for one am tired of being a sheep!

So as to not upset those who come here wanting only decorating and pretty things, I found an image of a pretty toll booth to share as eye candy today!

Sorry but I have no choice but to make another interjection!

Are we living in a bad dream? Do we have children running our country? I wrote of being embarrassed by our president's press secretary, our first lady's crass choice in footwear and now, again, our vice president sticks his foot in his mouth. What has taken over this country? Check out this story about Joe Biden sharing top secret information. I hate to even read the news anymore, it gets scarier and scarier.

Kim better save her dad's life. We need Jack Bauer...but will have to wait until January to see if we have him! I am beginning to think that 24 may be closer to reality than I care to believe!

Heritage Tea Room, Oley PA

I thought I would share photos from the Heritage Tea Room, one of my favorite tea rooms in Pa. I have not had a chance to explore tea rooms in NC.

The owner, Peggy Klein, is so welcoming and has actually provided programming for me in my previous job. She does etiquette teas for children.









If you would like to buy a tea room, I know one for sale-The Garden Angel. It is right around the corner from where I used to live and at one time was quite a lovely tea room.

Head on over to Barb's for more tea time eye candy!

One of my favorite musicians....

I have so enjoyed Phil Keaggy's music for so many years. I last saw him in person more than 20 years ago in New York at a great little theater. It was a fantastic venue to hear this talented musician. Lately I have been playing his songs over and over again on my ipod. Some of his Beatle covers are fun too!

I watched this clip and realized we are all aging! I still picture Phil as he was on this album cover above.

What a day it will be when we all will be together in heaven. I sure hope I can hear Phil play and sing!!

I am amazed at what you can find on YouTube! I listened to lots of my old favorites and for a moment was a teenager again! (Joe, do you remember that Larry Norman concert I dragged you to?) It is also amazing what you can find to download on an ipod. So why are we keeping all those vinyl lps?

It is also amazing how certain songs bring back memories of certain people. Right now the faces of friends I have not seen in many years are flooding my memories, good memories!

So is this music that any of you enjoyed??

Finished

Joe finished the painting for over the fireplace. Of course he still wants to tweak it a bit.

Garage Sale Finds Help With My Transformation!

I got this coffee scoop, hook plus 4 matching measuring spoons for $3.

This little McCoy pitcher and crystal dish were also $3 each.

This blueberry patterned stoneware matches a bowl that I loved but broke several years ago. Got it for $8!

I actually am making some headway in my craft room. This room is a great room- private the only room we have on our second floor. It has its own full bath and access to our large walk-in attic. Perfect guest room and that is what it will eventually serve as BUT for such a large space to go unused 99% of the time is a shame SO it is where I will sew and craft. My goal was to create this space without spending a lot of money. This weekend as I was at yard sales I came across a great desk for the room and last week at my son's I found a long storage piece. He had purchased it but it didn't fit where he planned to use it so I bought it. It fits perfectly over my sewing table. Here is a glimpse- I still won't show you what is behind me as I took this picture!

(You can see the before pictures at this post.)
As my husband helped me put it up and move the desk in I started to see a metaphor in it all. I procrastinated about this room, not knowing what I would put in it and how I would arrange it yet as you can see, everything fit like a glove on this wall- to the inch! Sort of like life. We worry about stuff, wondering what will happen and how things will all turn out yet in Jeremiah 29:11 we read "...For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future..." Our whole move to this house has had the hand of God evident in it. Everything has just come together so well, better than we could have ever planned or imagined.

Now go to Rhoda's Monday Thrify Treasures and see what other treasures were found this weekend!
And also to Susan's for Metamorphposis Monday!

Let's Go Green!

Did you see this story about the celebrated solar house (which looks like one of those toilet trailers at the beach)? Apparently the sun is not enough to keep pipes from freezing, even with all this global warming. That's another thing that you could get me on my soap box about. What a load of bologna. What a waste of money. I just can't imagine what will happen when we all start plugging our cars in. People in Europe are already being warned of the dangers of plugging cell phones in to recharge!(this item shows it to be ridiculous- I do not know this person nor have I read his book but thought this site was interesting)

Just before Mother's Day I found a sweet wash basin and ewer at Cottage and Castle Consignments. The owner and I were chatting about how tough life must have been when you had to rely on using the pitcher and bowl to wash up. Look out, that may be what we are all going to be asked to do next!

I do believe in taking care of the world that our God has given to us, however I think there are some really radical folks who have taken this to extremes! People speak of global warming as if it is a factual phenomena when it is not. I do not want to live in a portable structure resembling a beach toilet.

Time for Gibbs to go is NOW!

Today's note to our president:

I am embarrassed for our country every time I hear Gibbs fumble through a briefing. My next question is, why must we ignore Pelosi’s wrongdoings? Gibbs said your policy is to look forward. Why are we told to look forward when it is one of your own who is in question yet your administration continues to look back and point fingers to Bush and the Bush administration? Seems like the promise of transparency was wispy more than transparent as it never sticks.

Not included in my note ....just some thoughts....
Yep, my friends say they will soon come knocking at my door and be after me as I am not a natural born citizen. Obama and I were both born on an island. Well at least I know I was born on an island and I do have papers to prove that I am a naturalized citizen. I could not feel anymore like an American than I do. I am so saddened over our current state of the nation.

Words of Wisdom

"Governments have a tendency not to solve problems, only to rearrange them."

"Above all, we must realize that no arsenal or no weapon in the arsenals of the world is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women."

"Education is not the means of showing people how to get what they want. Education is an exercise by means of which enough men, it is hoped, will learn to want what is worth having."

"If you analyze it I believe the very heart and soul of conservatism is libertarianism. I think conservatism is really a misnomer just as liberalism is a misnomer for the liberals -- if we were back in the days of the Revolution, so-called conservatives today would be the Liberals and the liberals would be the Tories. The basis of conservatism is a desire for less government interference or less centralized authority or more individual freedom and this is a pretty general description also of what libertarianism is."

"I do not believe in a fate that will fall on us no matter what we do. I do believe in a fate that will fall on us if we do nothing."

"The one thing our Founding Fathers could not foresee -- they were farmers, professional men, businessmen giving of their time and effort to an idea that became a country -- was a nation governed by professional politicians who had an interest in getting re-elected. They probably envisioned a fellow serving a couple of hitches and then eagerly looking forward to getting back to the farm."

"I used to say that politics was the second-oldest profession. I have come to know that it bears a gross similarity to the first."

"If we lose freedom here, there is no place to escape to. This is the last stand on Earth."

All these wise words by one man....Ronald Reagan. We need a leader like him again.

Favorite times of the day

I am a morning person. I do my best work in the morning and have a tough time sleeping in. I love to be up and out early enough to hear all of the birds starting their day. It usually takes me several nights to get through a Netflix movie. In fact, both of us are usually asleep within a half an hour and have to retrace where we left off the next night and plod our way through another few scenes. This can go on all week until the movie is finally done. As much as I love the mornings there is another time that I also love and that is when Joe gets home! Now that I am home I have dinner waiting when he arrives. This is such a treat. I used to be the one getting home last. Joe typically had dinner ready for me as I usually had to head back out to teach or go to a meeting. Yes, being home to make dinner is a treat and I am loving it! And Fridays are my favorite nights as the promise of a weekend with my favorite person awaits!

We have a winner....

the one who procrastinated beyond the deadline! Despite my best intentions I have not made much progress on my sewing/craft room. Didn't help that I was away for 5days! I had to go away to deliver this new outfit to this little miss.

Remember where it started, on my steps.

See, I did do something. Perhaps the problem is not procrastination but rather setting unrealistic expectations for myself. (After all these years you would think I would know what I am capable of!) I do promise that the room will get done, one of these days. And when it does, you all will be the first to see it!

If you have not already done so, head on over to The Inspired Room to get motivated by those who stopped procrastinating and finished their projects. I was impressed by Vee who posted her completed project bright and early this morning! I was also impressed that she chose my favorite color,red, for her project!

An email from the White House

Shortly after we moved here I had to go to an urgent care. While waiting, two young women checked into the office but were declined as one had an outstanding bill and the other had no way of paying. The one commented to the other, "Why did I vote for Obama? He is supposed to get me in to the doctor." Her friend replied, "Give him time, he just got in." Well it looks like the time is here and I am shaking in my boots over this one! The thought of government involvement in our healthcare REALLY frightens me!

I agree that healthcare is a problem and I do admit that I do not have the answers but I do know that socialized medicine does not work. I also know that I can't afford to pay anymore taxes and I am tired of supporting those who choose not to work and YES there are many people who choose not to work. There are also many who can get health insurance through work but would rather not pay so opt out. Instead they buy snakes, fish in aquariums, large screen tvs, vacations and then run to the emergency room for health care and then never pay those bills. Others do the right thing and contribute to health care, sacrificing frivolities. I KNOW this to be TRUE. Personal responsibility needs to return to our society!! NOW!

Look at medicare and medical care for our vets and the mess they are- that is enough of a reason to not allow our government involvement in this.

I have sent our President several emails lately on a variety of topics. Now I guess I am on his "list." I got the email below from him last evening and quickly replied (my response is at the end).

Good afternoon,

You are receiving this email because you signed up at WhiteHouse.gov. My staff and I plan to use these messages as a way to directly communicate about important issues and opportunities, and today I have some encouraging updates about health care reform.

The Vice President and I just met with leaders from the House of Representatives and received their commitment to pass a comprehensive health care reform bill by July 31.

We also have an unprecedented commitment from health care industry leaders, many of whom opposed health reform in the past. Monday, I met with some of these health care stakeholders, and they pledged to do their part to reduce the health care spending growth rate, saving more than two trillion dollars over the next ten years -- around $2,500 for each American family. Then on Tuesday, leaders from some of America's top companies came to the White House to showcase innovative ways to reduce health care costs by improving the health of their workers.

Now the House and Senate are beginning a critical debate that will determine the health of our nation's economy and its families. This process should be transparent and inclusive and its product must drive down costs, assure quality and affordable health care for everyone, and guarantee all of us a choice of doctors and plans.

Reforming health care should also involve you. Think of other people who may want to stay up to date on health care reform and other national issues and tell them to join us here:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/EmailUpdates

Health care reform can't come soon enough. We spend more on health care than any country, but families continue to struggle with skyrocketing premiums and nearly 46 million are without insurance entirely. It is a priority for the American people and a pillar of the new foundation we are seeking to build for our economy.

We'll continue to keep you posted about this and other important issues.

Thank you,
Barack Obama

P.S. If you'd like to get more in-depth information about health reform and how you can participate, be sure to visit http://www.HealthReform.gov.

My response to our president:
Please do not involve the government in the business of health care! All I can think about is having my experience of being at the doctor become similar to my experience getting a driver’s license! Government bureaucracy will compound our healthcare woes!! I can’t afford new taxes that will be required for implementing nationalized healthcare! I have family and friends who have suffered at the hands of Canada’s socialized medicine and I DO NOT WANT THAT HERE!

DO NOT PASS A HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL BY JULY 31 or at anytime.

How ironic that my president, senators and congress would consider imposing programs on me that they themselves are unwilling to adopt- I am quite sure you and they will continue to have health care that is far superior to your recommended reforms.

This is very frightening to me and not at all fair to those of us who work hard – absorbing more costs for those who choose not to.

I love to bake but...

now that it is just the two of us there are not enough mouths to feed the baked goods to. (It figures, I finally have time to spend in the kitchen and no one to feed it to!) I am so glad my husband's co-workers like to eat because now I can bake and not negate my efforts on the treadmill or in the pool. Don't these look good? I got the recipe from Kathy at Mennonite Girls.
Instead of sampling those tasty morsels, I will stick to enjoying this sweetie!

I won!

I was surprised by an email from the Nester last week. I had won a platter in her Dayspring giveaway. It arrived yesterday and she was right, I do love it! I do have a thing for platters too! I hung it in a corner of the dining room and for now it seems happy to be there. Thanks, Nester!

So how do you capture a child on the move?

I sure can't do it with my camera! I wanted to be able to show Hannah modeling her new outfit but just could not catch her at the right moment as you can see.

I really think she was trying to crawl into the pages of that Vogue magazine on the floor!



We enjoyed some wonderful time with this little lady! What fun when language enters the scene! She can communicate so well! I can tell her mommy and daddy spend a lot of time talking with Miss Hannah. The greatest joy was having her express excitement to see me! I was so afraid she would be shy since we are far apart but she wasn't. We had a blast! It was wonderful to spend time with her mommy and daddy too!

We also got to enjoy time with Tom and Gina! Soon we will be cuddling with their new little one as well! As an added treat we went to see Forbidden Broadway in Philadelphia. It was a great show and even more exciting when the pianist/musical director is your daughter by love!

Today was a great day to reflect on how blessed I am to be the mother of these wonderful men and to share in the love of their wonderful wives. (Being a grammy is indescribable!) Since it was Mother's Day I spent a lot of time on our ride home contemplating my experiences as a mom. I have concluded that there are many things I would like to do over knowing what I know now, but I have also concluded that I had a lot more energy to be a mom then than I do now! Mothering is tough work but OH SO WORTH IT! Despite my mistakes in this learn-as-you-go job, I have two wonderful sons that I would not change one smidgen. Love you guys so much!

Happy Mothers' Day!!

Being a mom has brought me the happiest moments. Time spent with my sons (and their dad) are my favorite. I only wish I could go back and relive those early years (and do some editing because I am so much wiser now!).

Learning to be a mom starts with your own mom. My mom is a wonderful person to have learned mothering from. I love her and cherish the memories she created for me. Happy Mother's Day, mom! I wish I could spend the day with you. Let's plan a fun day together really soon!


Celebrating new moms in our family this day as well.

Sharon is a wonderful mom to Hannah! I can't wait to meet her new little one!

We can't wait to meet Gina's son face to face!


I am so thankful that my grandchildren have such talented, loving and beautiful women as their mothers! Happy Mothers' Day!