Busy Week

I probably won't have time for a lengthy post until later in the week.  A church library conference has my time scheduled this weekend.

Last weekend's weather moved our house's foundation quite a bit.  But we are still waiting on an insurance person to evaluate it so I won't elaborate on that at this point.

But life is good cuz God is good!   Couldn't do life without HIM!

35 years

That's how long we have been married.  Today is our anniversary.  Here we are at the AFLAC Christmas Party in 1977 - - married a year and a quarter.

 

I think I was a size 3 at that point in life.  Fast forward - - and it has flown by fast - - to last year.

Did you recognize us as the same people?  Maybe if I took off my glasses and he put on a suit, would we look similar?

I knew I struck pure gold when Bill and I met.  And the years have only proven it more and more.  Today we didn't travel out of town but stayed close to home because we just wanted to relax and not be on the road.  The furthest we journeyed was down Memory Lane while dining at Aubrey's.

When discussing the highlights and challenging parts of all the years, I told Bill if I had it to do over again, I would have treated him nicer more often.  Rather than 'fussing' at him over 'stuff', I would have tried to be sweeter in conversation.

However, some things I think have strengthened our marriage and kept us really happy together are:

1.   Focusing and being thankful for the positive things about your spouse.  Bill's good points are numerous! 

We all have faults but why dwell on them?  It just gives you the wrong mindset.  Have an attitude of gratitude.

2.  Treat each other with respect - - especially in public.  Don't do or say anything that would be derogatory or embarrassing to your spouse.

3.  Enjoy each day and every minute you have with each other.  Time flies by way too fast.  I really wished we had realized that sooner, too.

Any other suggestions you might want to add?  Thanks for recognizing our milestone with us.

And this provides a good picture of how each husband is to treat his wife, loving himself in loving her, and how each wife is to honor her husband.  Ephesians 5:33

It Rained!

Praise God!  Praise God!  It was a wonderful shower.  Thanks for praying.

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