Outdoor Wednesday

This is Christmas in Florida!

Love me some swaying Palm Trees and balmy weather :-)

Join me at Outdoor Wednesday!

Twinkling lights

Twinkling lights
shining bright

Sweet helping hands
making work light.

What a wonderful way to start the Christmas season :-)

Tea Cup Tuesday

My sweet daughter gave me a set of FireKing cups and saucers for Christmas last year. She found them on ebay, and they are in perfect condition. I had never seen this pattern before, so it was a very delightful addition to my cups and saucer collection.

A few months ago we were browsing in an antique shop and I spied this sugar and creamer set. It's so fun to be able to add serving pieces to the 6 cups and saucers that I already have.

Please join me for some tea party fun with

Lady Katherine's Tea Time Tuesday
Tea Cup Tuesday
Sandi's Tea Things Tuesday
and Martha's Favorites

Wishing you a tea-lightful day.

Words to Live By

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Colossians 3:16-17

Please join me at Spiritual Sundays.

She's going up

More to come....................

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is nothing if not a glad and reverent lifting of the heart to God in honor and praise for His goodness. ~Robert Casper Lintner

Wishing you and yours a Happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

Outdoor Wednesday

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him,
and bless his name. For the Lord is good..."

[Psalm 100:4, 5a]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanksgiving is nothing if not a glad and reverent lifting of the heart to God in honor and praise for His goodness. ~Robert Casper Lintner

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As we give praise and honor to the Lord our God, may you and your family have a very blessed Thanksgiving.

Outdoor Wednesday

Tea Cup Tuesday

The Tea Cup I am sharing today is one that has traveled many miles.

My dear daughter brought this cup and saucer to me from Russia when she went on a missions trip during Christmas 2004.

The purpose of the trip was to serve and bring the Gospel to hundreds of "Pensioners".

The "Pensioners" are the retired school teachers whose lives changed at the end of the cold war. Once in a very honored position, they were now living with little. But once a year, a small group of young people would serve them a banquet meal, share God's Love and bring a little bit of cheer into their lives.

After sharing my beautiful Tea Set last week, I thought you would like to see the Tea Cup.

Please join me at these lovely tea parties -

Lady Katherine's Tea Time Tuesday
Tuesday Tea for Two
Sandi's Tea Things Tuesday
Tea Cup Tuesday
Martha's Favorites

Wishing everyone a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Words to Live By

The Lord will lighten my darkness.
--2 SAMUEL 22:29

A Christian may for many days together see neither sun nor star, neither light in God's countenance, nor light in his own heart, though even at that time God darts some beams through those clouds upon the soul; the soul again by a spirit of faith sees some light through those thickest clouds, enough to keep it from utter despair, though not to settle it in peace. In this dark condition, if they do as St. Paul and his company did, cast an anchor even in the dark night of temptation, and pray still for day, God will appear, and all shall clear up, we shall see light without and light within; the day-star will arise in their hearts.

~Richard Sibbes
Please join me at Spiritual Sundays.

Vintage Thingie Thursday

I really enjoyed my excusion to the Good Will last week. But as sometimes happens, I saw something there that interested me, but I left it. You see it was this huge white platter. But the platter had a chip in it. And even though it was only $3, I still left it. And I regretted it the moment I got home.

So yesterday, I got myself into the car and I drove back to the Good Will, knowing full well, that the $3 platter would be gone. I mean it was a week ago. As we all know, things don't last at the Good Will.

Low and behold, after a little searching, what do I spy.............

Yes, in all of her $3 glory!

Now just to give you an idea of how large this platter is I've set it next to the cup and saucer I found there last week.

Not only is it large, but it is heavy! No markings on the back, but the design looks old. I am picturing this platter with greenery and candles in the center, or a coffee service. Or even just hang it from the wall.

Happy day at the Good Will, once again :-)

Please join me for more Vintage Thingies at Coloradolady's blog party.

Outdoor Wednesday

There is just something amazing about the winter night sky!

Please join me and visit Outdoor Wednesday for more beautiful outdoor views.

Teacup and Teapot Tuesday

Several years ago my dear sweet husband gave me this lovely blue and white Russian teapot.

He found it locally at an Antique/Gift shop. I fell in love with how delicately it is painted with little bits of gold trim.

When my dear daughter went on her second Missions trip to Russia, she brought these back for me.

The matching sugar and creamer, both with lids. They are both such fine pieces of china.

I love this tea service set. They have been presented to me by two special people that I love very much.

Please be sure to stop by the following blogs and enjoy what is shared today.

Lady Katherine's Tea Time Tuesday
Tuesday Tea for Two
Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday
Sandi's Tea Things Tuesday
Teacup Tuesday
Martha's Favorites

Have a wonder filled day!

Words to Live By

Even Though

Trust His ways, even though they may not be your ways.

Take His hand, even though it means letting go of what you are hanging onto.

Depend upon His strength, even though you are aware of your weakness.

Please His heart, even though it means not having the approval of others.

Wait for His time, even though you desire to do it now.

Obey His Word, even though you hear different opinions.

Follow His path, even though it takes you through valleys and hills.

Seek His wisdom, even though you don’t understand everything He’s doing.

Give Him praise, even though you wish things were different.

Be at rest, even though you’re tempted to worry and fear.

~ Roy Lessin

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

Please join me at Spiritual Sundays.

Sweet Goodness

My daughter makes this yummy dessert recipe. With the holidays very soon upon us, this is one recipe you will want to make. This is almost like a pumpkin pie cobbler. Try it warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pumpkin Pie Cake

Ingredients:
2 (15 oz) can canned pumpkin puree
1 (12 fluid oz) can evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 (18.25 oz) package yellow cake mix
3/4 cup butter
1 cup chopped nuts

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease one 9 x 13 pan
2 In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, salt and pumpkin pie spice. Mix well. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Melt butter and drizzle over the cake mix. Sprinkle nuts over the top.
4. Bake 55 to 60 minutes or until done.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Vintage Thingie Thursday

This has been a very exciting week for me! Do you want to know why????

This is why!!!

For the first time in over three months I was able to go into a thrift store!

And more importantly, I found a few treasures while I was there.





























I found this sweet blue and white cup and saucer. I can't remember the name of this style, and there was no markings, but you've seen these before. I've seen them in blue, green and I think red.

And these little gems were begging to come home with me.





























Autumn's Delight by Johnson Brothers. There were more saucers, but only the three cups, so they will have to do until I can find one more, hopefully to match.

Yes it was a fun time for me to step back through the GW gates. And as always, it's fun to find some treasures.

Please join Coloradolady for more Vintage Thingies.

Outdoor Wednesday

One year ago, I spent the most incredible week with my BFF in the heart of Ohio Amish Country. Because it was already November, most of the Fall foliage was fading fast, but there were still signs of brilliant color left on the trees. What a wonderful way to spend a week. Good friends don't really need a reason to spend time together :-)

The Blessing of a Friend

There's a blessing in our friendship.
It's a bond between we two.
For the Lord brought us together,
And I thank Him now for you.

You've been there when I needed you,
We've shared our dreams and plans.
And when at times I've fallen down,
You've given me your hand.

You are always such a joy
Each time that we're together
But more than that you are my friend
And in my heart forever.

(Ginny Hobson)

Please visit the Outdoor Wednesday blog party.

Tea Time Tuesday

A Fall Birthday tea for a very special sister.



Plates are served, water is hot, guests are arriving.

Enjoy!

Please join me at these special Tea parties -

Tea TimeTuesday
Tuesday Tea for Two
Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday
Sandi's Tea Time Tuesday
Tea Cup Tuesday
A Stroll Thru Life

Metamorphosis Monday

What is it that makes a house a home? Is it the building, or the furniture, or the neighborhood? No it's you, it's the people who live and dwell together.

Some of the changes we've made in our new home have come about with the desire to make this house our "home". Before we moved we lived in our home for over 30 years. I thought it would be difficult to leave the place where we had made so many memories. But when this house came along, it was like we knew it was right.

So I've been showing you a few things we've done. Some were small changes, some were big changes. But all in all, we are making it our own.

Here is the living room as we saw it the first time.

And how it looks today -


The dining room as it was -

And how it looks today -

A little closer shot -
We are not finished, as there are still lots of finishing touches that are needed but we love our new home, and look forward to sharing it with friends and guests.

Please stop by and visit the Metamorphosis Monday blog party.

Words to Live By

Be Unto Your Name

Song was written by Gary

Sadler and Lynn DeShazo

Lyrics:

We are a moment,

You are forever.

Lord of the ages

God before time

We are a vapor,

You are Eternal

Love everlasting

Reigning on high

Lord you are holy, holy

Lord God Almighty

So worthy is the Lamb who was slain

Let the highest praises, honor and glory

Be unto Your name

Be unto Your name

We are the broken

You are the Healer

Jesus, Redeemer,

Mighty to save

You are the love song

We'll sing forever

Bowing before You

Blessing Your name.

For you are holy, holy

Lord God Almighty

So worthy is the Lamb who was slain

Let the highest praises, honor and glory

Be unto Your name

Be unto Your name

Holy, holy Lord God Almighty

So worthy is the Lamb who was slain

Let the highest praises, honor and glory

Be unto Your name

Be unto Your name

Be unto Your name

Be unto Your name.

This song resonated through my head all week long. It truly is a worshipful song.

Have a blessed Spiritual Sunday.

Um, um good!

With the cooler days coming upon us (yes even here in Florida), we enjoy making soup for a main course. Here is my version of Pasta E Fagioli

Pasta E Fagioli

1 lb ground beef (I use ground turkey meat)

1 onion (chopped)

2 carrots (grated)

2 stalks celery (chopped)

2 garlic cloves (minced)

1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic & Oregano

1 (15 oz) can Red Kidney beans (drain but don't rinse)

1 (15 oz) can Cannellini beans (white kidney beans, drain but don't rinse)

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

28 oz Chicken stock

1/2 cup water

1 teaspoon vinegar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Ditali pasta (1 cup dry)

1. Brown meat over medium heat, drain off fat. Place in stock pot

2 Saute onion, carrots, celery and garlic for 10 minutes. Add to stock pot

3. Add remaining ingredients, except pasta, and simmer for 1 hour.

4. After 50 minutes, boil pasta according to directions, drain and add pasta to pot of soup

5 Simmer for 10 minutes.

You can add more chicken stock for more broth if desired.

Enjoy!

Please check out the other fabulous recipes at Remodelaholic.

A little bit of history

Stetson University is a beautiful campus in the heart of Central Florida. There are many historical buildings that have been preserved, and are being used as classrooms, and student housing.


Stetson University was founded in 1883. The 175-acre DeLand campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the turn-of-the-century buildings have been modernized and updated without losing their charm.

The latest additions to the DeLand campus (2008-2009 academic year) are the following construction projects: Science Center addition to the existing Sage Hall; Mary B. McMahan Hall, an addition to the School of Music's Presser Hall; the Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center; and the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Environmental Learning Center. Within the past two years, a softball training facility was added at Patricia Wilson Field; five fraternity houses were renovated; and six residential halls were built, five of which feature apartment-style living.


The President's residence -

What a lovely place to spend an afternoon and soak in a little bit of the past.

Please stop by and visit Coloradolady's Vintage Thingie Thursday.

Outdoor Wednesday

Let me take you on a little dri

a view out the side window

Now we will turn right.
And on the curve, you can see............

MY house!

I love my new house, and this tree lined neighborhood. But the even more exciting news is that I took these pictures the first time I drove in 2 1/2 months! Yay!! Thanks for coming along with me.

Visit Outdoor Wednesday for some more beautiful outdoor views.