GOOD BYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE !!!

Well I am happy to say Gustav is gone and forget him. We are all fine except for being with out power and phones for a little over a week and a world of debris and trees down. I didn't even take pictures. I pray for those in Ike's sight and that is all I want to say about hurricanes for a while.

I am busily washing and putting all in order around here and trying to focus on our family reunion that will be held in the "piney" woods of Mississippi in a couple of weeks. Some of us are going early and renting cabins to "visit" before and after.

My precious little grandaughter said Maw Maw for the first time and cut her first tooth on the same day. I know I am so annoying BUT I am biased (SMILE).

EVER FEEL LIKE YOU ARE A BULLSEYE?

This is a map of TS Gustav and I have heard all to frequently today that it has us targeted and predicted to be a Cat. 3 or 4. Of course that is all according to who you listen to. Our local channel goes so far as to extend that cone all the way to our coastline (which covers 610 miles across) and then they have this this red line drawn with La. dead center. We had a run on the gas pumps yesterday. All this news conferences, etc. are making all of us a little nervous. Understandable for those who went through Katrina and Rita. But I am remembering God is in control and staying in contact with Him (smile). I think I have had quite enough thank you very much. I want to get in and clear up my ground and get it ready for a fall garden. Right now the love bugs are making their bi annual visit. UGH! For those of you that have never experienced love bugs I hope for your sake you never do :(
I have been drying a few of my herbs and making ready to use some of them in my cleaning supplies. I have been also been trying to teach my grandaughter how to stitch seems she just wants to design and me do the actual work....Ah well so it goes. Stay safe.

WE ARE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME FUN !

We, meaning my other 2 grandbabies (that live close by) and I. I don't know who is having more. Them at play or me playing with camera. This is not as clear as on my computer but if you click on it it will get larger and you can see their sweet smiles. I love them dearly my Sierra and Caleb.

We are experiencing some bad weather from TS Fay so I will have to finish this post later.

Sorry

Now I have the posts out of order! I have so much to learn...

Here is her profile (smile).

Alright I have a third reason. Maw Maw need practice with her camera.

Alessa has some pretty cute siblings and they will probably get caught in my camera lens when

they least expect it. SHHHH! I know these are too dark so I am off to practice.

PRESENTING MISS ALESSA SHAE

During this very WET Saturday I had visitors and one of them was this sweet little one. My

most recent grandbaby. She is 8 months old and

she gets here picture put up today for a couple of reasons. She sat entirely up on here own today with out any help. Her mother was changing her diaper and she had no time for that she had to much to investigate! She has been a curious if not down right nosy rosy from the start. She sat up just like she was doing a situp. The other reason is because she is just too darn cute. So I am a little biased

FRIDAY'S DOIN'S

I decided to share just a few of my MANY gravy boats. I have collected them for quite a while now. I would not say they are antiques but most of them are 50 + years old. I have added a platter or two for a back ground. Some of them have a story that goes along with them. Heaven only knows who will be "blessed" with these dust catchers when I am gone. But for now they give me pleasure. I also use them and carefully wash them by hand after use. Here in the south we do like our gravy!

I haven't posted in a while for I have been very busy and since I struggle with a health issue from time to time that cuts into my blogging. I purchased a digital camera today so I will be able to post photos now with out having to borrow one. I am a novice with this as well as the blogging, but I will learn.

We missed Eduardo and now Tropical storm Faye is out there...such is the hurricane season.

We tend to get a little antsy around here when hurricane season is upon us. The Lord has us in His hand and for that we are eternally grateful! We are getting some nice tropical breezes from it but it is very hot and humid. If you want to do anything streneous outside you have to be up at almost day break or in the early evening. Thank God, for the man who invented air conditioning.

We have so much rain it is almost impossible to keep the pool clean. My grandchildren love that afternoon swim. More later as time permits

Home Sweet Home

Good Morning!

It is another hot day here on the old homeplace and we are busy little bees. My Sweetheart is out cutting our 4 acre yard it seems...LOL. I am washing and hanging out laundry knowing the hot sun will do it's job before the afternoon thunderstorms start up also baking bread and enjoying my homemaking in general.

You see my small still green cantaloupes above ( Look close I promise they are there) This was taken a couple of weeks ago.

Something ( probably a raccoon) ate one of my cantaloupe last night. They were so late coming in that I was trying to leave them on the vine till the last moment that they had to be picked soooo I guess that moment arrived. So I have 5 nice plump cantaloupe sitting in my window ripening. The other handful I will have to chance for they are still too small. I only planted a few. Our gardens are almost over for now. It has become to hot for most things. I am getting okra for it THRIVES in the heat and some eggplant. I have been picking my cayenne peppers and drying them for grinding since I have plenty of pickled hot sauce from last year. Of course, I will start a few bedding plants soon to use in our fall garden.

My sweet brother came to visit and brought me 2 gallons of plump sweet blueberries and a yet to be eaten watermelon from his own garden. I promptly showed him my appreciation by making a blueberry cobbler along with fried catfish and potato salad and iced tea. We passed a good time. Since my mother passed it seems each time the family gathers they becomes dearer.

My daughter just dropped by with her sweet babies, time moves so fast they are grown before you know it so I am slowing down the pace and savoring the blessings.

I have just completed my morning devotions and am still a little reflective on them. I was reading in John 15 the passage where Christ states that we glorify God when we bear much fruit. I never really thought much in the physical sense about this verse.

I know the fruit of the Spirit is love,joy,peace,long suffering,kindness,goodness,faithfulness,gentleness, and self control.
These fruits are produced with in us and manifest themselves on the outside in our lives.

The physical side however is my actions, my words. Am I glorifying God with my everyday interaction with others. I need to examine this daily.

I read a really thought provoking devotion on a fellow blogger over at Morning Ramble (link on the side if you would like to read it). About doing good and it seem to just follow along with my devotions. Well time to go again. I pray all are well and happy. Deborah

LOOK WHAT I GOT!!!

Peggy at the Simple Woman recently held a swap and the theme was Summer.

This was my first ever and I am soooo happy. It was such a positive experience that I can't wait to do it again. I am sure since I was fortunate to have been paired with such a great partner had a lot to do with it. You have to remember we don't know each other . So you take a little info from this and a little info from that and try to put a picture/idea of that person's personality and pray you have made some good choices.

It was challenging and so much fun. To stay with the guidelines for the swap makes it even more challenging.I chose an item to put in and pulled one out and so on.... Finally, I settled on a package that I felt I had give it my best and it was sooo much fun! I hope DEBY over at Apples of Gold likes hers as much as I LOVE mine.

The theme was summer as I said and we had to have something that said "SUMMER".

What says summer more than a picnic...Look at this great towel with the ants running away with the hamburger appliqued on it...LOL.

She sent me the cutest napkins with watermelon slices depicted on them and since I guess she couldn't send me a watermelon by post she sent me...."watermelon candy"

I absolutely love vintage linens and aprons. Deby knew blue is my favorite color. Would you look at this gorgeous apron! The picture doesn't do it justice. The white material is a lawn type material (a dressy apron) with appliqued morning glory(?) on the front. But what really bowled me over is how well it matches my kitchen wall. This photo is not showing how close the apron color is to the smaller print on the wall I pinned it against the wall so you could see.

In the left hand corner you will see a vintage crosstitched, crocheted lace edged scarf/doily. This view cuts it off maybe you can see it better in next photo. Last but not least herbal transfer in the envelope. I not only have an herb garden but I also enjoy various needlework. These will certainly be put to use soon. To sum it up ....

THANK YOU DEBY I am well pleased with your choices.

TELL THEM YOU LOVE THEM NOW

I recently lost an uncle and as I sat listening to others describing him, I thought one word would have summed it up. BELOVED! I had to wonder did he know he touched so many lives in a positive way? Did he know so many held him in such loving regard? Did i let him know?

Yes, that is what he was to me a much beloved man. He demonstrated every day whether at home with his family, at work , at church or at leisure time. He was the same always. I can truthfully say this is not a case of after one passes that he is cast in the role of sainthood. Any one who knew him would say that was a man who walked the talk. He extended a helping hand to all and never seemed to expect anything in return. He was a faithful husband of 61 years, loving Father of 3 and many grandchildren and nieces and nephew that loved and respected him.

We'll miss you, Uncle Em. Earth's loss is heaven's gain.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

I pray you are all enjoying a safe and happy 4th of July with family and loved ones. Something that I hope we as Americans never take lightly. I thank all the men and women and their families down through the ages that have made this day and what it represents possible.

God bless America and our people for "We are one nation under GOD indivisible...."

THE LAST OF THE HOME CHALLENGE

Whew! I know it is now a new month. But last week of June was a very busy week for me.
I did not neglect my challenge I just did not get to get photos or the posting done. We are knee deep in putting by our garden harvest. I am not complaining, just stating a fact.
The Lord blessed us well for the small garden we planted this year. I have 2 small blueberry bushes and a single peach tree that bore well enough this year to enjoy several homemade cobblers. I only wish I could have shared it with you all.
My peach tree has had problems since the hurricane so we cleaned it up, pruned it very hard and fertilized it well and gave it a last chance. We had decided if it didn't bear fruit this year we were going to cut it down. Hmmm.... I remember this analogy from a Bible lesson. We are still harvesting eggplant, tomatoes, peppers and the Okra is starting soon. Almost a staple here in the south. I am hoping that my cantaloupe and watermelon bear well, but it is getting very hot! We will see....
It is times like yesterday that make me happy that we made the choice years ago to raise our children in the country and live a simpler life Even though it meant a long commute for my husband.
A couple of our grandchildren came over yesterday to visit and decided to take a dip in the above ground pool we set up in our backyard. I heard one of them tell the other with childish delight. I am SO glad we live in the country. I was so blessed to be sitting with my daughter and my newest granbaby on the near by porch and over heard this. It gave me such a feeling of contentment.
Both of my children chose to return to the country. Tried the town living on for size and said it wasn't for them. It was a nice place to visit but didn't want to live there type of thing. It gives you a satisfied feeling to know you have chosen well.
In keeping with the home challenge..to make our home more inviting and comfy. We maintain that pool religiously., which is no easy task with this humidity. We spruced up the gazebo and keep a ready supply of towels, sunblock, and liquids on hand. We enjoy gathering on the back porch/yard a to visit to laugh, to eat, to play and even to worship some times. When the mosquitoes permit we watch the lightning bugs or the stars.
Simple to some yes, but it is the stuff memories are made of, I have them from my own childhood. I will post some photos later. Deborah

HOME CHALLENGE

This is one of my perennial beds.




I wish I had taken a photo of my gladiolas while they were in bloom. They were spectacular. I really had some vibrant colors this year.



I love the look fresh cut flowers in my home and we keep several cutting beds and flowering shrubs to be able to dress a table or cozy up a nook at a moments notice.







PURPLE SAGE

I also like the pleasure that having fresh flowers and growing my own herbs give me . I love to place gardenia or sweet olive by an open window so the breeze can carry it through our home. To spritz my linen with my home made Lavender water. Not only does it have a fresh scent but it aids your sleep. I also like to use my sage such as you see pictured and make vinegars, rinses etc. and place the bloom in side the bottle. It is nice having flowers and herbs around so it is pleasing to the senses. It all makes for a comfortable home.

The Simple Woman's Summer Swap

Head over to The Simple Woman's Summer Swap today's end is the last
day to sign up! See my side blog roll for link. This is a wonderful blog
and Peggy is truly inspired. Check out her blogs and archives while your
there.

Home Challenge week 3 and other things

In keeping with the home challenge I am posting a picture of a hutch in my kitchen. My kitchen is a working farm style kitchen and all though it is neat to collect things. I want things that I collect to also be useful. I think this sends a nice homey touch and still very functional. I have my baking supplies and cook books in the below cupboard. The upper cubby holes hold my "collectible" mixing bowls, tins of spices, etc. I have a nice surface for working dough on middle shelf. The picture is not that good but on it I have a pink glass rolling pin. This was a real find. You can fill it with hot or cold water to help work the dough.Sometimes I hang bundled herbs to dry from the pegs on it. I love my old stone crock you see there complete with spigot. Great for lemonade or sweet tea. The hand painted tile you see in the background with Deborah's Kitchen on it was a gift and I treasure it.

This week continues to be a busy one as we harvest, preserve and tend our bounty from the garden. Way in the back is a big basin full of my first peas of the year freshly shelled. I put up tomatoes yesterday and today it will be eggplants. I have a few peaches on my lone tree ripening and I hope to get a pie or two from it. We received another beneficial shower last night so everything seems to have renewed its vigor. Including the grass! We really needed a little rain unlike so many unfortunate areas that are flooding.

It is that time again and my duties call. I just have to keep in mind when the spirit is willing and the flesh is weak.
I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS WHO STRENGHTHENS ME!
Isn't our God great. Later, Deborah

Wanted to mention

I wanted to mention there is a" neat" giveaway at HOME SWEET HOME
by Noble to celebrate her birthday she is giving away a
"Pretty in Pink" Patchwork Apron.and an Americana Pincushion Set
if you are interested in helping her celebrate you must visit her by
midnight June 12th. this is the link
auntdaisyscottage.blogspot.com.

Home Challenge and Doings

THE BEFORE DISASTER

I have struggled with this post for I have tried repeatedly to upload the images of my home challenge( issued by Blueberry Cottage) and as I write this I still do not know if they will magically appear on the blog or not. I am late posting because of this so I am posting with or with out pictures. I have learned, however to add a blog list as you will see on my sidebar. They are so many well written, inspiring heartfelt bloggers out there I want to help direct others to their sites. I am determined to get the feel for this technical stuff....eventually.

I chose for my month of June challenge to clean, declutter and spruce up an area that has gotten totally out of hand. It is a shame for it really is a nice area of my home. I am speaking of a wall in my den/computer room. If the pictures load, you will see the disaster that it has become through a move, an extended illness in the family, etc. and has become a catch all. Well I am proud to say it is pretty and inviting again. My BIL is a skilled cabinet maker and he built these custom made floor to ceiling book shelves out of solid cypress complete with window seat between and hand routed molding for the finishing touch. I keep my personal library of books on the shelves. There is amble room above and it and below the window seat for storage in rattan baskets. I am glad to have it back..hmm that window seat is calling me to browse
in my herbal books.
THIS IS ONE SIDE AFTER
The other side much the same. I promise I am not hiding anything
I am not good at this picture stuff
hopefully I will get better

If you are wondering what that is on the right of your screen it is a ribbon board to hang my incidentals like photos, cards and sundries.




I know the one below is very dark. I don't know what is up with that since there was light streaming in. This is the window with new curtains hanging above the window seat and there is a sweet little sign hanging above with an angel saying "sow seeds of kindness" Given to me by a dear friend.









I have been busy preserving my extras from my garden this week and I also made a Blackberry and Blueberry cobbler this week and it was very tasty if I say so my self. I have to give credit to another blogger though. She posted a self crusting cobbler recipe on her site Bayou woman .
It was simple, fast and good. She has some breath taking photos o(which by the way she is VERY good at) http://bayouwoman.wordpress.com/

It is very late now and I have quite a day ahead of me tomorrow and I still want to look at a blog or two so I will say goodnight.

HOME CHALLENGE

I just visited a fellow blogger and was inspired by a challenge she issued. Suzanne at Blueberry cottage is hosting the Make Your House a Home Challenge in June. Each Monday in June you will post a picture and a blog entry on your blog showing and explaining how you have added a homey touch to your home. I am going to be apart of this. I just hope that since I am a rank beginner at blogging I can figure out how to post a picture on here. I have failed miserably at this so far.
I have spent almost all week preserving our rewards from our garden. I can't believe I am saying this but we could use a little rain.
Because of gas prices it makes you think twice before running out for this and that, all the more reason for our little garden to flourish. It is supplying us nicely with fresh veggies and herbs. I
can not wait for the taste of my first vine ripened tomato. MMMM! the store bought ones are tasteless. Off to clean the pool. It is that time, it gives us a lot of enjoyment. I bought one right after Katrina. It will be very useful if we lose our electricity again. I pray that is never the case again. Deborah

A very experimental week

Whew it really heating up here, in the 90's. Goodby spring and hello summer!In jut a few days we will officially enter hurricane season again. I know the whole nation has really experiencing some turbulent weather all year.I have a number of projects that are ongoing and I hope to get to them this week end.Right now I am in the middle of canning pickle Relish. I seemed to have gotten a recipe that calls for 2 days of canning. Oh well it will be time well spent if it comes out right. I have had a glut of cucumbers this year. Not complaining, just stating fact. I tried a homemade laundry detergent recipe this week and I must say I am impressed. I found it on one of my fellow bloggers sites. If it continues to perform as it did thais wash day, I may never go back to commercial detergent again. I wonder if there is some type of home made bleach out there?
I also was very fortunate to stumble on a going out of business sale of an antique shop and found some wonderful hand crafted items for my home and for various sewing projects. I am truly a happy soul! Later.

I remember Mama...Happy Mothers Day to All

I trust everyone had a good Mothers Day. I truly enjoyed my children, grandchildren and husband, they are such a blessing to me! It was a bittersweet one for myself and my siblings. Our Mother passed away a little over 4 months ago and she is truly missed. My love of gardening especially flowers "stem" from her.
We had our church and then we had a crawfish boil with all the side dishes followed by sweet tea. It was such a beautiful day weather wise. I know there are so many having some vicious weather and my heart and prayers go out to them. So many tornadoes this year!
I am finishing up an apron I am making from a vintage pillowcase complete with hand embroidered edging.
I don't know if I will bring myself to wear it or just display it. I wouldn't want to ruin it.
My garden vegetables and herbs are really looking promising. we will pick our first "mess" of snap beans in about a week. I have small summer squash, cucumbers and tomatoes on the vine. MMMMM I can almost taste them.
My little garlic experiment turned out well with little fuss. So I think I will try for a fall crop this year.
The frost caught my plums this year so there will not be a lot there. Foolish trees.
I have a few peaches though and have high hopes for my lemons. This beautiful weather is calling so.. Bye for now

Spring Musings

What a beautiful day it is today as I sit on my back porch listening to the birds sing
in my near by herb garden.
It is the perfect place for my morning devotions. The weather has not permitted that
much of late. The Lord has richly blessed me and mine.

Have you ever looked up the meaning of your name and it's characteristics"? I
think mine is appropriate. My first means Bee and the second means Lily. The
characteristic is seeking and grace/graceful. Well, thats me for I am always
seeking GOD's grace in my life. He is so faithful. What a wonderful Father we serve.

This morning I repotted some tomato seedlings to larger containers. It has been so wet
it will be a while before we can work the ground. I am experimenting with garlic this year
in a small bed. So far I have some really nice sprouts, I hope the cloves are becoming BULBS.

I thought of my Mother as I set some flowers out taken from her yard. She would have liked
that. She passed just before Christmas. I miss her...hug your parents while you can.

Well, I've laundry to do and supper to plan for now, I best get to it.