Mid September Hodgepodge…

1. What’s changed in your life, home, or community since your last birthday?

A lot…

One of the biggest thing is that Dear is either unemployed or retired. We don’t know which one quite yet. This of course makes a huge impact on life at this old house.

Another one is that with my last birthday I am now at Medicare age.

Not quite at this stage yet but I hope we can still walk about and we’re still holding hands when we are this old.

2. September is Classical Music Month. Do you like/listen to classical music? If so what’s a favorite piece and/or who is a favorite composer?

We do enjoy classical music at this old house. We enjoy Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and others. We enjoy string quintets. Another favorite is Mozart’s clarinet concerto.

3. Besides The Bible, what’s a book that has positively changed your life, relationships, career, or perspective? How so?

Hedges: Loving your Marriage Enough to Protect It: Jerry B. Jenkins

This book has great safeguards that will help to protect a marriage from the pitfalls that can lead to adultery.

4. I read (here) these ten hobbies will make you smarter…play a musical instrument, read voraciously, meditate regularly, work out your brain (puzzles, sudoku, board games, etc), exercise often, learn a new language, write your feelings down (blog, journal, just write), travel to new places, cook different kinds of meals, participate in sports actively

Are any on this list your current hobbies? Which hobby on the list would you be most inclined to try?

Cooking and traveling to new places are current hobbies both of which do not help me in my goal to lose some fluffiness!

I’m inclined to try meditating more but the kind of meditating I’m talking about is clarified in this quote:

“Biblical meditation, unlike the popular varieties, is not a relaxation technique for emptying the mind but rather one that fills it with truth, using thought and memory to set your heart on fire.” ~Timothy Keller

5. What sports traditions does your family have?

The sports tradition that I share with my children (not my Dear who isn’t a team sports fan) is soccer. We have season tickets to the Seattle Sounders soccer games and enjoy these games together. If our football team makes it to the playoffs we’ll host a Seattle Seahawk Party to watch the game. Our family also enjoys hunting and shooting.

6. In a few words, weigh in on the current football/National Anthem brouhaha. Keep it family friendly please.

My feelings are that the football field is not the place to show your angst since you are not the primary person on the field but part of a team and part of a tradition that honors the flag and country. It’s a sport’s field not a soap box. You should find another place that is more personal to share your feelings. You are being paid to play and paid well to play. Do your job and leave your platforms for another venue. I feel the same way about actors and actresses sharing their platforms on the Academy Awards Stage. I choose to honor the flag and those who have died protecting our freedom with these young men and others…

Our very own Marine and our daughter.

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7. Where do you have loads of patience, and where do you most lack patience?

Loads of patience with my children. A horrible lack of patience with other drivers on the road!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I’m enjoying the little and big hints that Fall is just around the corner. There will be lots of leaves falling to deal with but I like the changing seasons and what each season holds. Growing up in Southern California we didn’t have the same distinct passing of seasons. I’m still not sure if Fall or Spring is my favorite. Here are images from each season in our state of Washington.

Linking up with From This Side of the Pond for Hodgepodge Wednesday. Thank you Joyce for coming up with the questions and inviting us to join in.

Lavender and Pewter…

I’m joining the Tiered Tray Extravaganza hosted by Thoughts of Home. I used a metal tiered tray that I’ve had for a few years purchased at a thrift store. The tray and pewter make me think of fall so I decided to use some of my pewter pieces on the tiers. My lavender is still blooming so I cut sprigs of it and added them on the tray.

The sugar and creamer on the top level of the tray are part of set with a coffee server, too. The photo below shows the coffee server.

The next level has an older pewter creamer that I purchased at a thrift store and a pewter wine bottle coaster that I have some old nails and clock winder in.

On this next level I have my pewter napkin rings and Salt and Pepper Shakers. The shell rings are from the U.S. and the more ornate pair of rings are not pewter but silver plate bought in Canterbury England.

I’m sharing two other tiered pieces I have at my home that aren’t trays.

My attempt at a little fall decorating outside our front door.

This is my Russian Heritage 3 tiered piece with some of my Matryoshka Dolls and wooden spoons. I have samovars, laquer boxes and other Russian treasures in other parts of this old house.

Thanks to the ladies that host Thoughts of Home on Thursdays for this extravaganza. Click on the logo above to see more!

September 13th is the day we have always celebrated my parents wedding anniversary. My pop is still alive but my mom died 3 years ago on her and my pop’s 70th wedding anniversary. I’m happy for all the years they had together.

Blue Danube Mosaics

The blue and white bunting is a recent purchase from a vintage store in Eastern Washington. It’s double the size you see. I folded it in half to hang in this spot.

A cousin of mine was in Washington State and we invited her and her husband for dinner. The table was set with our Aunt Anna’s Blue Danube tablecloth and napkins. I added pewter chargers with a combination of blue plates since I don’t have 6 Blue Danube dinner plates. I used the Blue Danube tea pot, tea cup, and sugar bowl for vessels to hold my waning white hydrangeas. We enjoyed tri-tip, a favorite Russian salad of ours called vinaigrette and barbecued beans. We had a cucumber/tomato salsa for an appetizer and for dessert we had my Creamy Cheesecake. We were so engaged in conversation and catching up that we forgot to take any photos of the people who enjoyed all of this! Oye.

Linking up to Mosaic Monday with Maggie at Normandy Life.

We had a good weekend and are ready for a new week. There was an estate sale at my neighbor Pat’s home and I bought something to remember her by. I’ll share a photo soon of Pat’s Tea Trolley.

Monday Mural

When we were in the Northeastern part of Washington state I took a solo country roads drive to see what I could see. This is a mural on highway 395 between Chewelah and Colville in Addy. Definitely country as opposed to rock an roll…

I’m linking up with Oakland Daily Photo for Monday Mural.

The Barn Collective

These are the final allotment of my farm scenes and barns from Northeastern Washington that I took in August.

I’m linking up to The Barn Collective hosted by Tom the Backroads Traveler.

I’m posting this next photo on all my posts that go up on 9-11, remembering.

The Patriot’s Prayer, 9-11

The Patriot’s Prayer

God of our sires that joyful sang,
While forest shades triumphant rang,
When on the wild New England shore,
Their sails were furled, their voyage o’er.
O Lord, defend Thy children yet,
Nor let our hearts Thy name forget;
O Lord, defend Thy children yet,
Nor let our hearts Thy name forget.

God of the brave that sought Thy aid,
And in Thy robe of strength arrayed,
They won for us beneath Thy care,
The flag we prize, the peace we share,
O Lord, defend our nation yet,
Nor let our hearts Thy name forget;
O Lord, defend our nation yet,
Nor let our hearts Thy name forget.

And when the call to arms again
Was heard afar o’er hill and plain,
Thy mighty hand upheld the right,
Thy love restored Thy banner bright,
O Lord, defend our nation yet,
Nor let our hearts Thy name forget;
O Lord, defend our nation yet,
Nor let our hearts Thy name forget.

God of our land, Thy gift so free,
O hear the prayer we breathe to Thee;
Let union’s bond our souls entwine,
And guard alike the palm and pine.
O Lord, defend our nation yet,
Nor let our hearts Thy name forget;
O Lord, defend our nation yet,
Nor let our hearts Thy name forget.

Words: Fanny Crosby, 1905

Psalm 27:3-4 (ESV)

Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.

One thing have I asked of the LORD,
   that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
   all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
   and to inquire in his temple.

InSPIREd Sunday- Colville

I copied the description of this church from their webpage.

We are a congregation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church located in Colville, WA. We are a Reformed church. Our prayer is to reach out to this world with the good news of the gospel. We proclaim God’s free grace in Christ, we worship our Lord in Spirit and in truth, and we seek to grow in unity and maturity in the Lord.

Emmanuel Presbyterian Church…is a worshiping body of believers, united to the Lord Jesus Christ by faith and nourished by means of the public ordinances of Christ’s Church. We are a local congregation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, a conservative, Reformed, and Presbyterian denomination.

The Word “Orthodox”…

…in our name means: “committed to correct teaching and doctrine.” We are unswervingly committed to the whole Word of God as the divinely inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word from God — the only rule of faith and godliness.

I took these photos in August while visiting our son and daughter in law.

To see more of InSPIREd Sunday posts from around the world go to the link up hosted by Beth and Sally.

We are having a beautiful weekend here in the Seattle area. We celebrated Dear’s birthday yesterday and tomorrow we are looking forward to a start of a new series at church called God and Politics. Should be interesting and of course it’s timely. Hope you are having a peaceful weekend.

Pop in Five or More…

These two…always the best when they were together. Together for 70 years before our mom died. My Pop has been fragmented ever since our mom died on their 70th wedding anniversary, September 13, 2013. They could communicate well in Russian with each other. None of us kids are fluent so he’s lost that aspect of his daily life. We’ve all tried to support him in his sorrow. He would love to be reunited with mom and His Savior. But…until then we try to keep him looking up and staying in the light. Can you imagine sharing life together with someone for 70 years and then trying to live on your own?

Pop lives with our oldest sister’s family now. God bless her and her family for being there daily for our Pop. He has a special buddy in our dear niece Miss on the right in the photo above. Our sister Lana tries to visit regularly while she is in Southern California. I love the photo above of the 3 musketeers.

My Pop loves eating breakfast out but nowhere fancy please! He likes Denny’s or a similar spot where he can get his 2 eggs sunnyside up, with hashbrowns, sausage links and a cup of coffee. Oh yes…white toast only!

For lunch if you are going to take him out he enjoys a hamburger at the Habit. If you order or bring in a pizza he does not want thin crust healthy nonsense. Bring on the dough and all the good toppings, please.

Our best purchase ever was this recliner that he tells me every time he sees me in person that he loves. Thank you Lyena for my chair.

His latest sweet great granddaughter Eleanor. He thinks she’s the best.

No birthday cake just bring him a cherry pie!

His last sibling that is alive today. Aunt Anna and Pop live a few miles from each other. She lives in a senior care home. They talk most every day for about 30 seconds top. That’s another thing about Pop all you need is about 30 seconds a week to stay connected. He does not talk long on the phone!

These are some of Pop’s grandchildren with their spouses. He has many others and a very cool thing I’ll share about my Pop is that he gets down on his knees every night and prays out loud for each of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

My niece captured this image of our Pop on his knees praying. Although my Pop and Mom had a language challenge in communicating with us children and grandchildren they showed us all love in different ways. My mother expressed her love through her cooking and preparing meals for us. Our Pop expressed his love in working hard all his life to provide our basic needs. Both my Mom and Pop prayed for each of us every day. These days if our Pop feels his bank account has more money than he needs he gives us some extra cash. My parents always lived with the bare necessities. Another thing my Pop would want you to know is that he is a sinner like the rest of us and that he has been saved by grace. He’s not perfect but he loves God and is grateful for all that God has done for him.

My Pop turned 93 in May of this year. We thank God for Him and how God has blessed him and kept him all these years.

Although my post is not a clear 5, I’m linking up to Five on Friday with Amy at Love Made My Home and for Friday’s Fave Five with Susanne at Living to Tell the Story.

Here, There and Everywhere…

Here are some fences and signs and other things that Dear and I have seen together as we travel here, there and everywhere.

On the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington State.

Signs from Fort Langley, British Columbia.

A fence along the river in Fort Langley.

All is well with our electrical at this old house. Today, Wednesday, is a shopping day with our daughter. The neighborhood kids are rising early for the start of school in our district. Thursday is the first day of an Estate sale at my neighbors so cars and people will be filling our street. Friday is Dear’s birthday and we are meeting our western Washington kids for dinner. So far the weekend is free. How’s September shaping up for you?

Linking with Lesley for signs, signs.

Also linking with Tex*Wis*Girl for Good Fences #129.

I is for Indiana

Later this month all the Mennonite Girls and many of their husbands are headed to Shipshewana, Indiana for …

This is all very surreal to all of us and we are excited to see the show and enjoy the experience. I’ve been reading up on the area and want to respect the people in this community. This article is helpful.

LaGrange County and Shipshewana are home to the third largest Amish community in the nation. This community’s simple way of life is the reason many people visit our area—to observe, learn about, pay tribute to, and purchase items from the Amish.

With the travel season upon us, here are a few things to remember as you travel to our area and interact with the Amish:

1. Upon your arrival, you will notice the roads filled with bikes and buggies; many people will be walking, and kids will be riding pony carts.

Please slow down and take extra caution as you travel. Buggies follow the same road rules as vehicles, so they are allowed to be on the road.

2. Please don’t honk at the horses pulling buggies. The sound easily could spook the horses.

3. The Amish in our area understand the fact that visitors come to get to know them. Within limits, they will visit some with you, but if they choose not to, that’s okay. Even if you don’t get into a conversation with them, they will provide a smile and a nod.

4. As part of their religious heritage, Amish believe photographs are “graven images,” so please do not take photos of their faces…grown-ups or children. It’s tempting, we know, but please honor their culture by not taking photographs.

5. DO stop in at their home businesses on the Amish backroads. Many of these businesses help sustain the Amish way of life. You’ll see many signs on our county roads advertising these small “cottage businesses.” When you see a sign, you’re automatically invited to stop in; you’ll be welcomed.

6. Most shops are closed on Sunday so the Amish can honor the Sabbath with a day of rest and spend uninterrupted time with their family. Plan your schedule accordingly.

Welcome to LaGrange County. We’re so glad you’re here!

After a few days in Indiana we continue on to Ohio for the second location of our play at the Ohio Star Theater (Sugarcreek). Somebody pinch me…but not too hard!

I wonder what items I will find to buy and bring home with me from these industrious people.

If any of you have been in this part of the country and you have a recommendation on what to see let me know in comments.

I’m linking up with ABC Wednesday started by Mrs. Nesbitt and carried on by Roger and a team of exceptional bloggers!

The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b.

To honor and encourage

Author Archives: Ellen