Random 5 Friday

It's Random 5 Friday, where you share 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever! 

1.  I love riding around in the countryside and finding beautiful old churches here in VA. This one had a sign on it that said it began in the 19th century.

2. I chose Carnations as my flowers for Mother's Day because they last such a long time. I should get at least three weeks of enjoyment out of them.

3. We had a lovely visit with our daughter and her family over Mother's Day and the early part of this week. The grands had a blast at the beach. We played and walked until they were exhausted. Fun memories!

4. I just discovered the BBC program, Call the Midwife. Oh. My. I am addicted!

5. A Raccoon likes to saunter across the deck of our apartment in the evenings. I have let the landlord know about this before but the animal trapper has failed to trap it. Not a happy camper here. Not at all.

Today marks the fourth anniversary of our oldest daughter's home going. I'm trying to think on that which is lovely and pure, which was the embodiment of our Amy. If you feel so inclined, I would appreciate your prayers for our family.

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Random 5 Friday

It's Random 5 Friday, where you share 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever! 

 

1. This Osprey swooped down on the beach the other day and snagged himself a big fish for supper. You can't see it in the photo but it's there, under the water. A few minutes later another Osprey came along and I thought there was going to be a fight over that fish but the one just stood off to the side watching this one eat.

2. House hunting is not for the faint of heart. We've had six homes that have been snatched right out from under us. My husband and I both dislike the competitive market here. If we had known how difficult it was going to be to find a home (and the actual cost of housing) before he accepted this position, we might not have done it. Seriously.

3. Most of the time it rains. I would have thought there would be more sunshine on the coast but our pastor's wife told me yesterday they usually get more than they've had. What?!

4. I'm really missing my children. Our oldest son was in Tech School last year when Mother's Day rolled around, and this year our youngest son is house sitting for our daughter and her family so they can have a vacation at the beach. Now, granted, they're coming here, but I thought I had a few more years before my youngest wouldn't be with me on Mother's Day. So many changes....

5. Living in an apartment has limited space. It's making me appreciate not having a lot of stuff up here yet. Less really is more!

I hope each one of you has a blessed day!

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 And in case any of you read Kindle books, I'm having a giveaway on this post--  In My TBR (To Be Read) + GIVEAWAY -- You Can't Hurry Love (an E-Novella) by Beth Vogt

 

Random 5 Friday

It's Random 5 Friday, where you share 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever! 

1.This view. 'Nuff said.

2. I'm taking an Essentrics class. Some days it kicks my butt.

3. I participated in another tea cup/mug exchange. This time I chose to give and receive a mug. You can read about it here.

4. My husband and I took a drive down to the Great Dismal Swamp last Sunday afternoon. It isn't dismal at all! Such a gorgeous place to visit. We want to go back when we have plenty of bug repellent though. The black flies are massive in size!!!

5.  I'm seriously going to pray for the rain to hold off until Monday. The Air Show over Hampton Roads celebrating 100 years of Langley is tomorrow and I want to see those fabulous planes up close and personal. Yesterday, the Thunderbirds were practicing and they flew RIGHT OVER OUR CAR!!! They were so low, and it was so COOL, and I started crying because I am SO STINKIN' PROUD to be an AMERICAN and a USAF MOM!!! 

(I did NOT take this picture.)

Image found on BING @ https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCh9kilKw33OTmbY8a4OG2FvqUjpv97WQb425xG0WRQApORZXqXbOmUNRk6FKytEu8nONYqZ7DNzemYUYLEqWcpm_gxkEAPc-XccOxd0rF80qTBU79Z-5kHEtDjqdigHG3Z_AELxPk0A/s1600/thunderbirds.jpg

Yep. I'm a little enthusiastic.  

It's a gorgeous day here and I'm off to get my butt kicked, then on to lunch with some friends. 

I hope each one of you has a blessed day!

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Random 5 Friday (Thinking back to April 2015)

It's Random 5 Friday, where you share 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever!

1. ONE YEAR AGO tomorrow, I received the BEST HUG EVER!!!

2. My son graduated from the USAF BMT (Basic Military Training).

3. A trainee has earned the right to be called Airman when the Airman's Coin is placed in his/her hand. In this photo, my son is receiving his coin from MTI Severance. Watching these young men and women (especially your own), who have trained long and grueling hours, take their oath to serve our country faithfully and with integrity-- it brings you to tears.

4. The men and women who have trained and encouraged and shaped our sons and daughters into future Airman are called MTI's (Military Training Instructors) and they are a force to be reckoned with! But all of them that we spoke to that day were kind and encouraging. I appreciate their hard work in taking raw recruits and making them into some of the finest our country has to offer.

5. My son 'coined' me after his graduation. He said he couldn't have done any of it without my support. Can you say more tears?!

I wrote him every single day he was at BMT, telling him how proud we all are of him, encouraging him to hang in there, that the best was yet to come. And of course telling him how much Moma loves him!

~I AM a proud Air Force MOM~

but I guess you figured that out by now ;) 

God bless our military

and

God Bless America!

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Random 5 Friday

To participate in R5F, just make a blog post and share 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever! Then link up at A Rural Journal.

Here's my 5--

1. The photo above has been posted on the blog before but this past weekend my husband had an 8x10 printed out and framed for his office. Be still my heart!

2. 100 Years of Langley happens this month and I'm stoked! Can't wait to see up close and personal the airplanes the USAF will be showing off. The sounds of freedom fly over our home daily!!!

3. I didn't get a lightening photo last week. We only had high winds and rain. Phooey!

4. This moma isn't ready to not be 'first in your affections'. Do you know where the reference comes from?

5. Goodwill had an explosion of amazing art on Saturday!

: : :

Thanks again, Nancy, for starting R5F back up.

   Hope y'all have a great weekend!    

Random 5 Friday

WooHoo!!! I didn't know Nancy @ A Rural Journal had revived R5F until this morning. I'm so excited to participate in this meme again. It's always such fun!!! All you have to do is share  

5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever!

So here goes...

1. I love watching the sun rise each day, even on mornings like today. It was partly cloudy and the color palette was soft and inviting.

2.  There is nothing more soothing to my soul than hearing the waves coming onshore.

3. I would live here forever but I have to admit I don't like sand.

4. We aren't allowed pets in our condo.  Here's a little secret...I have a Beta fish :-)

5. I'm hoping for some super big thunderstorms later today. I want to practice trying to catch a bolt of lightening on film.

Happy Friday, Y'all!

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Random 5 Friday

Welcome to Random 5 Friday -- where you share 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever!

1. Smudge knows a good deal when she sees one. ;)

2. We're supposed to get 1-3 inches of snow next week. It is spring in NC, right?!

3. I love quotes. Especially book quotes. This one is so true for me right now. 

“So many books, so little time.” 

― Frank Zappa

4. A sort of cool thing happened a couple months ago. A clip from one of my reviews was used in a press release for an author's second book in a new series.

5. Note to self: Quiche does not keep overnight without the crust becoming slightly soggy and gross. I did not know this. Next time I will try a crustless quiche. 

But then, wouldn't that just be a casserole? 

  

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Have a blessed day in the Lord!

Random 5 Friday

Welcome to Random 5 Friday -- where you share 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever!

"Move your feet, lose your seat!"

1. My kitty, Smudge. This is what she does most of the day. If she knows you have gotten up from a chair or out of the bed, she takes your place, immediately curling up and falling asleep.  

2. The winds blew so hard here on Wednesday that the roof of an old shed on our property collapsed. It's pretty good sized so we have some serious clean up to be done. 

3. My husband bought me a car. It matches his. How silly is that?! I am looking for Duke/Carolina front license plates so we can tell them apart ;) 

4. Now if I could only get him to buy me another camera. I really miss not having my camera available whenever I want it. Of course, I always want it when my son has it at school. 

5. I have five art journal pages that I am working on at once. Of course, you'll notice I haven't made any photos or posts about them because I never have my camera when I think of it. Oh. Did I mention the camera thing again?

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Have a blessed day in the Lord!

Random 5 Friday

Welcome to Random 5 Friday -- where you share 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever!

1. This was an AWESOME sight! These choppers went over our house a few weeks ago. I had to hurry and get my camera so the picture isn't good but they literally were so low our windows rattled and walls shook! I tried to zoom in and get a clearer shot but didn't manage it. My son said they looked like Black Hawks refueling. Then they did it again after dark. It was pretty cool and scary at the same time.

2. My new glasses came in. First time with progressive lenses. My husband assures me I will get used to them but I don't know. They are so different from line bifocals.

3. My cat is driving me crazy. She will not stay off the counters and stove. I find little kitty prints all over in the mornings and have to completely sanitize them. I really don't want to lock her int he laundry room at night. She enjoys hopping on the bed and sleeping with us at night but...

4. Our chickens are going crazy laying eggs; at least 18 a day! But one of our Barred Rocks that was laying the biggest eggs we have ever seen in 14 years of chicken keeping (always streaked with blood on the outside and huge double yolks inside) is no longer with us. I think her poor little body couldn't take the stress and she died. :(

5. Here's to hoping we manage to screen in our porch this spring. I saw a cute little patio set at Home Depot but refuse to buy it until the project is finished. And I want a swing bed out there. Those are so cool. If you haven't seen one, look them up on Pinterest!

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Have a blessed day in the Lord!

Random 5 Friday

I decided I needed a bit of spring after all the snow and cold we've had this month, hence the new blog header and background paper. It's kind of girly but I'm a girl, so I'm going with it ;)

Mr Smith aka Smitty, at 9 months old

1. Smitty has some strange coloring to go with his gorgeous green tail feathers and looks nothing like he did as a chick except he is still the largest of all 26 chickens we bought last year. His favorite place to be is just beneath the bird feeder. Pretty smart, huh?

2. I saw Daffodils blooming at a neighbor's house this week, and shoots of them at my MIL's. Spring really is coming!

3. Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster is a charming and hilarious book. 

4. My not so annual eye exam was this week and I will be sporting new specs next week. 

5. Warm, cold, warm, cold = sick. Need I say more?

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Random 5 Friday {Snow}

Happy Valentine's Day!

~

“Anne came dancing home in the purple winter twilight across the snowy places.” 

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

I didn't exactly dance across the snow yesterday but I did get out and take a few pictures early in the morning. That's when it is the quietest. The silence is beautiful, as is the scenery. 

1. With nearly 6 inches on the ground, the chickens didn't want to venture out into the run for pictures so I was destined to only get the beauty of the snow clinging to the chicken wire. 

2. The first decent snowfall in 3 years entices my husband outside to make a snowman. Once my son joined him, it turned into a Snow Ork with a weapon and earbuds. The scarf is one I have had since the early 1970s. Obviously, it only comes out for this purpose.

3. The tree line was so beautiful. They look like they were dipped in ice. It only lasted the day and then the sun came out and in an instant it disappeared from the branches.

4. The cardinal that lives in the fig bush was delighted I filled the feeder for him. He flitted around all day, eating his fill. He makes such a pretty pop of color. 

5. I made sure the hummingbird feeder was empty before the storm hit because I figured it would freeze and crack it. Isn't it lovely, though? So frosty looking. 

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Could I ask a favor? If any of you collect china or tea cups, would you mind popping over to my post Friends and Tea Cups and let me know if you recognize the pattern on the tea cup? My friend gave it to me and we don't know the name of the manufacturer or pattern. If you do recognize it, please leave me a comment on the post and let me know. Thanks!

Random 5 Friday

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

~ Psalm 90:14 ~

1. The sky was such a lovely color on Wednesday morning. Seeing as it was only about 19* outside, I didn't venture down beyond the old dilapidated barn to get the shot so you'll have to excuse the ugly thing in the left corner. 

2. This will probably be the only snow we see this winter. It wasn't much but it was pretty while it lasted. The chickens wouldn't come out of the coop, though. Guess they were smarter than I was :)

3. I made this Hershey's "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Cake the other day. I'll just say that while I am a chocolate lover, this cake was just too much. My husband couldn't even believe that I would only eat a third of a piece (that was only cut 2" x 2" - I made it in a 9 x 13 pan) because it was so rich.

4. I think my cat is mental. She literally runs around like a crazy maniac at certain times of the day, then collapses in a heap and sleeps for hours. 

5. By tilting my laptop screen way back, I can see the true colors of my photos. Otherwise, if the screen is upright, they look all washed out.  

There you have my totally weird Random 5 thoughts for this week. Hop on over to a Rural Journal and see what others are sharing:

Have a great day in the Lord!

Random 5 Friday {Vintage} & Tea Cup Tuesday

***RE-POSTING***

for Tea Cup Tuesday because I am HOPING someone will recognize the pattern on the tea cup below! If so, please tell me in the comment section. THANKS!!!

I found this vintage 1950s Atomic Retro Ironstone dinnerware vegetable bowl in the "Blue Heaven" pattern made by The Royal China Company, Sebring, Ohio. Made in the USA. Of course I doctored it up a little in Picmonkey so it doesn't really have the writing on it. Isn't it adorable, though? I ♥ vintage!

1. Every day I make at least two meals from scratch. I love to cook but what makes it worthwhile is the love I have for my family. I get all warm and fuzzy knowing they are eating something they enjoy that I made especially for them. 

2. I collect vintage tea cups whether they have a saucer with them or not. But I do prefer a saucer. There's something ladylike about using one. Or maybe I have been watching too much Downton Abbey ;)

3. This little beauty was found at the Habitat Re-store where I bought my vintage plate. At the time, I thought the tea cup and saucer matched but I wasn't really inspecting it too thoroughly. I just loved the little pink and lavender flowers with the wispy spray of sage green adorning the cup. Once I started washing it, I realized they aren't the same pattern. Close but different. I have been searching for the pattern name of the tea cup to no avail. I did find the saucer though. It's Apple Blossom by Haviland. I'm still searching for the tea cup pattern. 

4. Speaking of tea, I bought some Extra Sleepy Time Tea the other day because I have had a slight bit of insomnia. I've drank regular Sleepy Time Tea in the past with good results. Well, let me tell you that if you want to stay awake all night, this is the tea for you! Honestly, I could not go to sleep. It was awful!!!

5. The pictures aren't great. Sorry about that! My son has been using my nice camera for his Digital Photography class so I am back to my point n' shoot. It was acting weird and constantly trying to focus. It was a miracle I managed these two without them being blurry like the other 20 photos I took!  

How's your week been? Have you found any treasures to add to your collection? 

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Random 5 Friday

From the rising of the sun to its setting
The name of the Lord is to be praised.

The Lord is high above all nations;
His glory is above the heavens.

Psalm 113:3-4

1. A stunning sunset the other night, painted by The Master Artist. The treeline looked like fire, it was glowing so brilliantly. Honestly, I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing this view. 

2. Just about 30 minutes before this photo was taken, four Black Hawk helicopters and a C130 refueling plane flew so low over our home that the windows rattled and the entire house shook. Of course, we jumped up and ran out to the porch to see the magnificent sight. I took pictures but they didn't come out very well. 

3. I was very sad to read in the paper the next day that a Black Hawk, carrying three soldiers, made a 'hard' landing at a base in GA and one death occurred. They were returning from a routine training mission. My heart is heavy for this soldier's family. 

4. My son's Digital Photography class is going well. He is happy to share what he is learning and it's kind of fun to have a kindred spirit in the home. I guess he is much like me, as he loves books too!

5. Speaking of books...I've read three in the last two weeks. They are all different and I think it will  be difficult to write a review for one of them. The dilemma is I am (or was) a hard core fan of the author's past works. She was off the scene for a few years and now that she is back, I am not enjoying her stories much at all. The second book is easy peasy to write a review for. I always enjoy a good prairie romance (think Janette Oke books). Then the last one...whew! My absolute favorite author kept me from much needed sleep! I still have two or three more that I need to read and review before the end of the month, so just a heads up. There will probably be an influx of reviews over the next week or two :)

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-- where you share 5 random facts about you, your day, your pets, your kids, whatever!  

Have a blessed day in the Lord!

Random 5 Friday

1. I miss the birds. 

2. It is cold here and going to get colder. Like 4* cold. Dislike.

3. Even with heater tape around the water pipe at the chicken coop, it froze. And busted.

4. In order to encourage myself to clean out my craft supplies, I joined an online art journal group. Yep. I'm sure this is going to get those supplies cleaned out. ;)

5. I can no longer wear most of the shoes in my closet. Hmmm...

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Random 5 Friday

I am approaching this coming week with a heart bursting with thankfulness! My foot is healing well and my physical therapy is coming along nicely. I was able to bear a bit of weight yesterday for the first time in 9 1/2 weeks! And my plan is to be walking with minimal assistance by Dec 31! 

So my Random 5 this week is all about those who have loved on me, provided for me and prayed for me over these last weeks. 

1. I'm thankful for a loving and committed husband who has more than fulfilled his marriage vows these past 9 weeks. I absolutely could not have made it this far without his excellent care and total support, literally at times. He has stayed up all night while I was in pain and crying buckets of tears, handing me kleenex and holding my hand, being a stalwart encourager and prayer warrior. I am delighted that the Lord 'pushed' him into me 33 years ago. You can read a short version of it at How Cupid Shot Me Blog Hop!

2. I'm thankful for two teen boys who have brought me numerous glasses of water and cups of coffee, cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner, fetched ice packs and heating pad, books and laptop, pillows and blankets and done so much more than I deserve!

3. I'm thankful for a daughter who has given up precious time with her husband and children to take me to physical therapy and doctor appts, and many days just to come and visit so I don't feel so isolated. She makes a mean cup of coffee and brings me chocolate!

4. I'm thankful for friends and family, both near, far and online, who have provided home cooked meals and sweet fellowship, sunshine-filled packages that brightened my days, emails and telephone calls that came at just the right moment. Hearing how much someone cares and is praying for me has been a great encouragement!

5. But what I'm most thankful for is the One who has not left my side for one. single. moment. 

He is healer, provider, my Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, the giver of all good things in my life!  

Enter His gates with thanksgiving

And His courts with praise.

Give thanks to Him, bless His name. 

~Psalm 100:4  

Have a blessed day in the Lord!

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Random 5 Friday

Random 5 Friday {Late in the day}

1. Finally, some brilliant autumn color!  

2. I read Starry Night by Debbie Macomber this week. It is worth a thousand sighs :) 

3. My laptop keyboard is doing weird things. I think I need to buy some air and clean it.

4. My blogging mojo is waning like daylight during the autumnal equinox.  

5. We might get snow showers next week. I am not ready for that despite the fact I have listened to Christmas music this week.

Is anyone else having formatting problems with Blogger? I can't get it to center any text today.

Thank you to all who have served our country so faithfully!!! 

I hope y'all have a happy and safe Veteran's Day!

Random 5 Friday

A Pair of Cardinals that live in my Fig bush

For some reason, I woke up thinking about my Granny this morning. 

Well, actually I was slathering lotion on my face after I woke up and it made me think of her. 

So, here's my Random 5 in memory of my Granny, who has been gone over 20 years.

1. My Granny used Jergen's lotion, Cherry Almond scent, every morning and evening.

I can still smell it on her soft cheeks and hands!

Oh, that would be because I just slathered some on my own face and hands :)

2. She loved all birds but her favorite bird was the Cardinal. 

She had a year long linen calendar hanging in her kitchen with one on it. 

Every morning she would walk around her front yard and feed the birds 

crumbled bread from a bread bag and would then sit on her front 

porch and watch them eat their fill. 

3. She always wore dresses. House dresses at home and Sunday-go-to-meeting dresses 

anytime she left the house. And high heels that were so pretty and shiny. 

She dressed 'to the nines' as my mom would always say. 

I loved to play dress up with her clothes and jewelry. 

In fact, I have a few lovely costume pieces that she wore.

4. Her favorite perfume, and honestly the only one I remember ever seeing 

on her vanity table, was Evening in Paris! Oh, to be able to have a bottle of that now. 

It was the BEST!!!

5. She loved Jesus! Every night she knelt by her bed and prayed. 

My first Bible was given to me by my Granny and I still have it. You know, one of those pretty ones with Jesus and the little children on the cover. It has such beautiful artwork in it too.

She was a lovely grandmother, inside and out. I miss her.

Do you ever have fond memories of a loved one pop into your head at the oddest times?

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Random 5 Friday

*Boredom sets in and I play with my camera. 

This is a bad shot but shows a little of our TV preference.

1. Obviously we are Science Fiction fans, especially Stargate. 

We own all the seasons of SG1 and Atlantis.  

2. Right now, we are watching Star Trek Enterprise on Netflix. 

We're on Season 4, the last one, which is quite a dilemma.  

3. If it's a Sunday, we are watching football. Carolina football, of course. 

Oh, and they crushed Tampa Bay last night, on Thursday Night football!

4. While our boys enjoy watching Psych because it is relatively juvenile, 

my husband and I have just started watching Bones.  For the most part, we like it. 

A few eye rolls but the show has quite a bit of humor, which we enjoy, especially Hodgins.

5. On occasion, my all male household (well, except for me) indulges my feminine side 

and watches my Jane Austen favorites, Emma and Pride & Prejudice, 

and of course North & South (Elizabeth Gaskell's book adaptation) with me. 

Rock on, Mr. Thornton!

What are your favorite TV shows/movies?   

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 * Cast is off, boot is on. Still no weight bearing. PT starts Tuesday.