Popcorn

I love air popped popcorn with a bit of butter.

But the popcorn on the ceilings has to go!  In many of the rooms, pieces were starting to fall - - - - so in our recently vacated bedroom, we are scraping the ceiling.  It will become the guestroom.  After blogging, I will go back in there.  The scraping should be complete within the hour.  Then we have to wash walls, spackle, etc etc.  Painting may not begin for two weeks because we both have plans next weekend.

We are looking forward to the predicted rain tomorrow.  I do not ever remember it being this dry in the 15 years we have lived in Cleveland.  Trees are dropping their leaves due to the drought conditions.

On the flip side, the area  where I grew up known as Schoharie County in New York State had huge devastation last weekend due to flash flooding from Hurricane Irene.  Their crops drowned.

Parched ground that soaks up the rain and then produces an abundance of carrots and corn for its gardener gets God's "Well done!"  Hebrews 6:7

Heaven on Earth

That's what bookstores are to librarians - - Heaven on Earth!  Yesterday, I got to go shopping for our church library.  For my first stop, I decided to pick up some excellent condition used books at  McKay's

They have an amazing selection of books/videos/cds.  It's almost overwhelming.

Yes, it is a two story building.

I did some shopping at our Lifeway Bookstore, too.  We definitely have quite a few books to process for the library shelves beginning next week.

On the way home, I had intended to stop at Lee University and sign up for Encore Classes at Lee

This are for 'seniors' who are age 60 or above.  Basically for only $25, you can sign up for two classes - - mini classes or a full semester.  If you do the 'regular' classes, you can either audit them or do the assignments and tests and receive college credit.

However, I decided to wait until I retire.  I could fit one more activity in my schedule but I am tired of having a lot to do every day and every week.  Plus, we have a lot we want to do around our house for the next few months.

My main interest in taking a class was to learn more about Microsoft programs - - - but there is a free online tutorial.  I started working on it last night.  Here is the link if you are interested.  It's impressive that they have so many versions available.

MicroSoft Office

Today was a lovely lunch with a birthday girl at Gondolier 

My meal of choice was spaghetti and meatballs - - some of the best meatballs I have eaten in any restaurant.

(I have no spaghetti pictures - - that is their pizza.)

And that's all the news for tonight.  There is more to post - - but will do that another day.  Right now I have a book to read!

. . . . of making many books there is no end . . .   Ecclesiastes 12:12b

 

Celebration #3

 

Saturday morning - - - my husband and Amanda's husband got to the auditorium at least an hour before commencement began to save our seats.  The auditorium was over half full at that point.  I had left home 30 minutes before Bill to deliver food to the fellowship hall.  Produce was put in the refrigerator.   Taco meat was put in the crockpot as well as the Rotel/Cheese Whiz Dip in another.

 

Graduation - - - after the welcome and music and speeches, it was time to award the degrees.  Here is Amanda being hooded with her Master of Arts in Teaching.

Outside the auditorium, waiting in line for a formal picture.

 

A picture taken by her husband in front of the Education Building on Lee University Campus.

 

Amanda and our friend, Barbara.  She is the one who helped me set up the food the day before.

Do you see the Golden Apple in the lower left-hand corner of the pic?  Amanda was awarded the Cliff Schimmels Excellence in Teaching Award - - - the highest award given to a student in her department.  She explains what it is on her blog.

Let the eating begin!  We had 'build your own Nacho Salad'.  Joshua's family brought DELICIOUS desserts to finish out the meal.

 

It has been a wonderful, wonderful two weekends of celebration (Housewarming party & moving for older child and Commissioning & Graduation for Amanda).  My husband and I are blessed beyond words to have two precious daughters who are our friends.

Feast there in the Presence of God, your God. Celebrate everything that you and your families have accomplished under the blessing of God, your God.  Deuteronomy 12:7

On the Go Dinners

This is an icon from
On the Go Dinners

Today was the first time we ordered from them and will not be the last.  We got the Roast Chicken Bake with potatoes and carrots.  It was delicious!  For a very reasonable price, a 12' X 9" pan was delivered to my workplace.  All I had to do was pop it in the oven for 30 minutes when I got home.  Some people have said it is enough for 4 people but at least five people with average appetites could have been fed.  If you had small children, perhaps six or 7.

 

So if you live in Cleveland, you might want to consider trying a meal that someone else has made for you.  It sure saves some time in the kitchen and it was nice to relax after work.

Give me enough food to live on, neither too much nor too little.  Proverbs 30:8

Celebration #2

  

 Clock on Lee Campus

Last weekend was a whirlwind of activity.  Even when you plan things to be spread out on your calendar, sometimes things happen and you end up doing everything at one time or for three days non-stop!

Thursday, July 28 - - all the locks were changed on the older daughter’s house so she could begin moving in.  Our son-in-law’s precious, precious parents were in town with Dad's truck so they moved the larger pieces late that evening after work.  My equally precious friends, Barbara R and Connie F worked the library so I could take the day off.  Words or presents could never be enough to appreciate them for the gift of time they gave to me.

 Sandie & Me on Monday Morning

Friday, July 29 - - My super sweet sister, Sandie, came over from Augusta.   With her was daughter, Carrie, and granddaughter, Cobii.  We met for lunch at Lombardi’s for pizza - - - then the pace accelerated.  The three ladies from Augusta chopped a BUNCH of produce for a party on Saturday.  Then the terrific trio packed two vehicles of boxes from my living room and took it to the ‘new’ house.

 Meanwhile, Barbara R and I went to the youth building where my son-in-law is youth pastor.  She and I set up for Saturday’s party.  Notice we labeled each dish so we wouldn't have to think when it came time to fill them the next day.

At 6:30, it was time to attend the Commissioning Service at Lee University for Amanda’s graduating class.  Commissioning is a bit like baccalaureate in high school except the speakers are some of the graduates who talk about their academic/spiritual/social experiences.   Each graduate is given a Bible at the end of the service.

 Amanda in her Master's gown with her new Bible.

 This ceremony is always followed by a very nice buffet.

(Graduation & Luncheon pictures will be on the next post.)

All these you must eat in the Presence of God, your God, in the place God, your God, chooses . . . You are to celebrate in the Presence of God, your God . . Deuteronomy 12:18

Celebration #1

Do you ever get too busy to blog?  Well that's what has happened to me the last two weeks.  Remember I told you our older daughter had bought a house.  On Sunday, July 24, friends gave her a housewarming shower at our church.

 

I bought the napkins and tablecloth at Target.  They do have some great color combinations and contemporary patterns.

 

My library friends made some divine, delicious desserts!  Our daughter got a lot of very, very nice gifts - - that I forgot to take a picture because I was having too much fun visiting with everyone.   She had registered at Bed, Bath, & Beyond.

I would post of picture of this beautiful daughter but she doesn't allow us to do that - - - so I am respecting her wishes.    This is how our younger daughter honored that request when she posted our family's Christmas picture!

 

She (older daughter) is not a big person - - - the cutout is just over-sized.

There are 3 other events to post but may combine 2.

Bring gifts and celebrate . . .  Psalm 96:8  The Message

What Color Are You?

These colors are some of our favorites from the Color Collection at Sherwin-Williams.

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/hgtvhome/color_collections/

 On HGTV, we saw they had coordinated color palettes where you could combine any of 20 colors and they would compliment each other - - no matter which ones you used.  (You will see all the colors below the pictures of the room on the above link.)

I am not color-blind but I am definitely challenged when it comes to decorating.  The color collection idea was made for people like me!!!

 And the best part is there is a great sale this weekend - - 40% off paints and stains.  I will be there tomorrow to get paint for the first room we will paint after our daughter gets completely moved into her new home in about a week.

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/sherwin_williams_products/on_sale/

. . . have you ever seen color and design quite like it?   Luke 12:27b  The Message