MY WEEK...

and my favorite part of the evening prayer COMPLINE

Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace.

1Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled.

2My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people;

3A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace.

********

Be present, O merciful God,


and protect us through the silent hours of this night,


so that we who are wearied


by the changes and chances of this fleeting world,


may repose upon thy eternal changelessness;


through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SWEET DREAMS

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

So what is in a dream?

Few thoughts:

1. I never remember my dreams.
2. I seldom sleep 6 plus hours in a row.
3. Currently the only common denominator in my life is change.
4. I am not afraid of change - I have done much to prepare for it inside - mostly prayed to accept what was to come.
5. Trying to take each minute as it comes and not anticipate what is ahead because that causes anxiety and stress when things turn out different.
6. My plate is full and I have abundantly been blessed.

So the other night - Sunday or Saturday night - I went to bed around 11 or so which is common. I went right to sleep and slept very soundly for about 5 hours or so. I then had this dream...

It was a beautiful summer day. I was in the backyard and the kids (not sure if they were my own children or my grandchildren) and I were playing some game with a ball and we were laughing a lot and just really enjoying ourselves. We noticed some birds and butterflies in the air as we played.

All of a sudden we saw a "HOPTER-COPTER" as we use to call Helicopters when my own children were small - it is a family game to rename things like that.

All of a sudden we see the "Hopter-Copter" swirl about in a huge circle and flip upside down continuing to swirl in this big circle. Reminded me of some of the M*A*S*H movies I have seen where they showed a crash or maybe another war movie - that vintage of helicopter.

I screamed "the children" and woke up as it cleared the trees what seemed to be about 50 to 100 feet away. I never saw the crash. There were no flames or noise. The trees remained green and the environment serene.

I told my friend about this dream and she said there was probably a lot of fodder there for an analyst. I agreed.

I rolled over and went back to sleep for a few more hours. Very strange indeed.

To me it says there is change about you - no one is going to crash and burn - but normal flight patterns will be disturbed and flights will change. No one will be harmed and we will all sleep better when it is over. Growth requires change. Even rivers have to move along to stay alive. Water left sitting becomes stagnant.

The Lord promised us water to refresh our souls so that we would thurst no more.

I trust that she is providing that water each day.

Everyday I trust a little more that the Lord in her Heaven knows what is best for me and leads me to the pasture just at the right time to feast upon the meal she has set before me.

No harm will come my way and I will live safely in Her protected garden forever.

Yep - my own rendition of the 23rd Psalm...

Now to sleep - perhaps to dream - thanks Will!

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

Message from Casey

Dear Dad,

I thought I was in heaven. With the way you treated me, the good times we had, and the life that I was living---I didn't know that I would go to sleep and wake up in dog heaven.


I guess I am writing this email to you because I wanted to say a few things. First I gotta say thanks. I know humans say you can't choose your parents and us dogs are in the same boat. But if I had to choose I would have chosen you and mom. You both were listed under my "ideal" category. I didn't know God would actually give me you two.


So, thanks for everything. Thanks for how you rubbed my belly, let me out the backdoor, gave me brothers and sisters, fed me more than I could have ever asked for and took me to more places than I could remember.


Second, I should say that you were the best. I know I was getting old and you loved me until the last day, last minute, last second. I guess I couldn't expect any less. You had it in your heart to take me in when Jan couldn't handle me. You were looking for a good home, I was looking for a good home, and we kind of just fell into place.


I fell into love with you and your beautiful kids. Especially you. I think we were best friends from the start. You know I would have done anything for you. Lord knows you did everything for me.


Up here in Dog Heaven I am getting all kinds of dogs barking about how well I had it. They bark about you a lot, all of them barking that they wanted you too.


Well, God had something special in mind when he put us together---and boy am I going to miss you. Not only you but everyone. Last, I knew I was going. In the middle of the night when you thought I was barking I was singing to you... I knew I needed some practice but I was just trying to tell you that I loved you and that I was going to miss you and mom. I sing much better up here.


Don't worry. I woke up yesterday and my tumors were gone, I took off running and for the first time in about three years I had no arthritis pain. You even knew how to get rid of all my pain.


Littl’ bit says hello and she is as young as beautiful as ever. We have caught up on our time apart and plan on sticking close to you. Dog heaven is a little better because they took away all my pain...but boy was it great living with you.


Dad, you are the greatest. Tell everyone I said good bye and that all my pain was gone as soon as I fell asleep. I will be with you forever Dad....always remember that.


Casey


P.S. Make sure Indy doesn't get near my two cats. I got friends in high places now.

*^*^*^**^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Thanks Brian that was the sweetest thing and just think no calories!

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

One Grand Dog - Eulogy by the hearts he owned

He was a great friend and a boon companion. I remember my daughter carrying him on her shoulders when he was a pup. I remember his earning my undying admiration when early in our acquaintance our granddaughter, as a toddler, ran across the family room floor and leapt upon him like he was an air mattress. He turned his head and licked her nose, as I recall. The kids used to use his great golden body as a pillow while watching television. He always got the last bite at lunch.

I always wanted a dog I could call, from Herriott, "a great daft bugger." If you never met Casey, he was that and more. Purebread golden retriever, he was a head taller and a body broader than the average of the breed. As old age, arthritis and a thyroid condition robbed him of the speed and agility of youth, he got greater and dafter, and more loveable. He was the kindest, gentlest, most patient dog -- except when you were trying to groom him. And even though he didn't play like he used to, chasing rocks and sticks, he was always a comforting presence.

At one time, we had two dogs: Casey and Mary Ann. Mary Ann was small, in counterpoint to Casey's bulk. We called them "Big Dog" and "Little Bit." They were the best of chums. When Little Bit passed on a couple of years ago, we worried about Casey. He mourned his friend for a couple of days until Moose, the grand cat, adopted him. For the past two years they have been the inseparable "blonde boys." It was always a hoot to see Moose curled up in the protective embrace of Casey's loving arms.

I think the only thing we won't miss is his middle of the night barking. My wife, the lighter sleeper between us, always had the duty.

Lately, he's been lethargic, full of tumors, and had difficulty getting up. Yesterday he opened up a tumor on his right foreleg, making it bleed. On our way to the vet, we hadn't decided whether to treat him or grant him. He made the decision when he couldn't get up and walk from the lobby to the treatment room. At 130 pounds and over 12 years of age, he was too much to carry around.

My wife came home from work to see me through it. Thank you.

When Lazarus died, Jesus wept. As Casey went to sleep, I wept.

Thank You, Lord, for giving me this time with a companion who taught me a little bit of how to love You and trust You. I pray that letting him go at this time was the kindest thing I could do for him, and within Your will. Reunite him with his friend Little Bit, and introduce him to Sammy and Charlie, who went before him as your messengers of love and acceptance in our house.

Well done, good and faithful friend.

SonofJack
July 25, 2007

*()*()*()*()*()*()*()*()*

and so we are gathered to remember another good friend to the Malone family:
Casey "Big Dog" Malone
lover of kids, dads, cats and meatball sandwiches.
i, personally, will miss his tail, which would jump up and down in hope and anticipation no matter his state of health or age, whenever anyone walked in the door.
i will remember Casey creeping ever so closer to the edge of the table as my sandwich got smaller. casey's hot breath on my thigh during summer picnics and the drool that would enevitably end up on my jeans. and the times i was lucky enough to be wearing shorts...
i will remember playing catch with him throughout the years, and more point, walk and toss again as he got older. i will remember toys absolutely shredded in hours of bringing home and tossing out the back door.
i will remember dad and the longest army green leash i have ever witnessed when dad actually believed he was going to train a dog to obey his vocal commands to heal and fetch.
i will remember dad saying "we'll give him a place to stay *until he finds a permanent home*" full-well knowing that Casey had already found one.
i will remember my peculiar obsession with blowing into Casey's nose to listen to his lips flap against his jaw. i don't know why, but it still makes me giggle just to think of it.
and i will always remember his large eyes looking up to anyone he loved [and who didn't that dog love?] as if to say "you want to pet me? don't you? go ahead. you can pet me."
he was a good servant, an incredible pet and the best friend anyone could ask for.
we did him well.
amen.

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

just keep a good thought

Your pets become your family.

You hurt when they hurt - You are happy when they are happy - the loyalty astounds you 24/7

Pets are to always be remembered for their finer days of youthful vitality.

My friend Barbara Crafton on the Geranium Farm wrote today ever so lovingly about her pet cats. Her Story is the First Checkup. Dated 7-24-07

Well worth the time I spent reading the Emo.

So we will keep a good thought tomorrow as we take Casey, 12 year old, oversized Golden Retriever, who came to us through some convaluted events, but nestled himself deeply into our daily fiber, to the vet for a check on the tumors on his leg.

Long will you be the BEST dog ever.

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

HARVEST TIME

DELICATA SQUASH

MORE DELICATA SQUASH

POPPY

CUCUMBERS

PURPLE FLOWER FORGOT THE NAME!

So it seems that the garden is about to produce in abundance. I was happy to discover that Delicata squash is a winter squash and will keep 4-6 months. I have a shelf in the basement waiting for it.

My DD#1 came for dinner (I grilled some pork tenderloin and potatoes on the grill I did not want very much!) After dinner I wanted to show her the squash and while we were out there she discovered the cucumbers had begun to grow. I have been so busy watching the squash, tomatoes and peppers that I completely overlooked the cuces. Way to go daughter. She did say that havesting was her favorite part and she much preferred vegetable gardens to flower gardens any day! So out comes the sun pickle recipe and the collection of herbs and spices I need to make the pickles - an old family favorite...

Stay tuned we are going to have lots of pictures of harvest time I am sure!

Sunday Sabbath - I sat for one hour and I fell asleep and I even know I snored... Confession is good for the soul... my goal was to sit for an hour.... that was success in my book.

Have a peace filled week - give hope to the world - listen longer - encourage one another by being kind.... walk if you can instead of using the car - - - try that two times in the next week and see how you feel about walking on short trips...

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

I AM SO BUSTED

Long ago and far away I said I never wanted a microwave - they were a fad and they took up so much space - - - well once it came into my life it has stayed and been a very useful tool that I use about everyday...


Well with the completion of the deck I was asked if I wanted a grill - - - no I said - - - and was reminded of the microwave incident by a child or two - and then thought about it and agreed as long as it was propane and not charcoal...


Well I have only used the oven to bake cookies since the arrival of the grill. I cook EVERYTHING on the grill. This includes stuffed peppers the other night that I individually wrapped in foil and baked them! They were most nummy. I also steam vegetables and have even cooked fish in foil. Fast and easy and it keeps the house cooler...


So I am soooooooooo sorry for refusing the grill at first and I soooooooo love cooking on it - new adventures every night...


On to garden matters: Deer have had roses and Rose of Sharon for breakfast this week. The tomatoes are growing fine. The daylillies are fine because I park my car near them to protect them. The finches amaze me everyday. Last night hummingbirds were zooming around the yard like crazy.


Tomorrow I will have sock and blank wall pictures - er' not so blank wall pictures.


The collection of siblings are together for the Harry Potter festival in Irving Park IL. I wish them a good time and safe travels...

Do you play the Kevin Bacon game?


GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

Wordless Wednesday part two

Quiet the novelty in our house a blank wall

How long will it stay blank?

We will see next Wednesday

I also have some Chamomile drying but the pixels are too many!

Have a good week - be extra patient with the world - that is my new life goal - - just gonna be patient and try to be kinder to everyone... You are not responsible for the ineptitude of others BUT you are responsible for the response to these people of God...

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

Almost wordless Wednesday part one

Dahlias and I think Bellflowers from the Nobis farm
Far right wall of office
Desk nect to book shelf far right wall
Desk and computer space left wall
Carpet pattern
GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

correct the spelling

I do know the difference between manners and manors

Manners: the way a person should behave politely and with regard to others
Manors: an estate or other fine housing establishment

I prefer to live in a Manor with people who have fine manners....

Have a good day!

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL

REALITY SUNFLOWER STALK

HOPE PLANTED BY GRANDDAUGHTER AND DEAR HUSBAND
HOPE BLOOMING
HOPE GROWING ON THE DECK (see note)
HOPE

SPRINGS ETERNAL

Hope has to spring eternal - it is what keeps us going.

In the last few days I have seen and heard some very rude and outrageous things. It makes me wonder if the parents ever taught these people any manors.

My DH is a very intense and studied man. When he gets going on a project - you either get on his side or get out of the way. In all my years - no matter how irritated he may have been with people trying to break the process - did I ever witness him being rude or inconsiderate of another human being.

I have heard him dress people down - but he used such a vocabulary that the victim had to go to the library to find out if he was praised or corrected.

My DH has a friend and they joke about which part of the Body of Christ they are in the large scheme of things. Well after the things I have witnessed these past few days -

THEY BOTH ARE THE HEART.

*************************

OK - I trust the person who picked the two dozen green tomatoes from my garden in the last 24 hours was homeless and needed the tomatoes to sustain himself. They picked the plants clean. The person was skilled at picking because they did not break a leaf or harm the plant in any fashion. I am a little pissed - OK I am a lot PISSED. They left a few plants unpicked. I put up wheelbarrows and cans at the end of each row. Signs that I know they were there and please stay out.

RESOLUTION: NO MORE GARDENS WITHOUT FENCES!

HOPE STILL SPRINGS ETERNAL

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

A DAY AT THE BEACH

Or so it would seem

Gardening, watering and feeding the roses.

Then there was time for the wading pool -- water and sun and relaxation - there was the most gentle breeze - and the sun was hot and it reminded me of the deck on the beach house we rented two summers ago - the only difference was the birds chirping were not seagulls!

I got into the rather cold water but my head was VERY hot - so I kicked my legs and the cold water cooled my blood and I got the wierdest sensation in my head - hot on the outside and cold on the inside - very strange indeed!

Then there are always flowers....

and what is a weekend without ....

and then there was some progress on the socks... starting here Saturday morning and ending







here on Sunday evening

Then there is the eat or be eaten saga of the garden. I wanted to plant a surprise bouquet for my friend. She LOVES Sunflowers. So I planted 2-ten foot rows of sunflowers. I had one plant left this morning.

Guess the deer have decided that sunflowers are the gourmet treat of the month. I will try again next year to grow a bouquet of sunflowers for my friend.

I planted more seeds but I am not sure they will mature in time for this season.

So in light of that adventure I harvested enough herbs to make a great cup of tea tonight... chamomile, lemon verbena, lemon balm, and some apple mint.

OK so a quick shower some hot tea and then to rest for the Sabbath day is indeed for rest.

I had a great day at the beach! Hope you did too!

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

Sunday - A DAY IN THE LIFE

Sunday, productive in that I played all day after church...

In the garden, cut the grass, went to dinner, went to the Bookstore (Summer read: BLUE SHOES by Anne Lamont) and watched a movie Bridge to Teribithia. It was a book long before it was a movie...

Full day!

Above pictures...

There is an ample amount of goodness in my life.

I have many heros in my life.

There is a couple at the end of the street that we always see together.

We stopped on Saturday and told then that they were our hero.

Turns out they have been married 57 years June 30, 2007.

They were married before I was!

People need heros of all sorts.

I have been lucky to find many in my travels.

The Teddy Bear was my Mother's Day present.

Her name is Petunia.

I have long collected Teddy Bears.

Petunia is special.

She came into my life on Thursday, June 28, 2007 but I gave her my birthday so she and I could understand the aches and pains on rainy days!!

She has a mate but his picture would not load. Next time...

The sock is further because when all was said and done yesterday I got wrapped up in the one more row syndrome.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Say a prayer for all those that travel this night.

Those who weep and watch this night.

Pray for surgeons and those facing surgery at 9 am tomorrow in Cleveland.

Be thankful for your good health and do something tomorrow to ensure your continued health.

My DH has stated that he has been in the curiosities business lately. Been playing Rube Goldberg of sorts. Today as I was describing this frame that I want for my berry bushes next year I admitted that a goodly amount of his Rube Goldberg is my doing.

I have this idea and tell him what I want - the dimensions etc. and he makes it so.

Did I tell you I have a great amount of goodness in my life?

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

NOT SO wordless WEDNESDAY

Oh well

I was not going to type anything

I was going to post pictures of rain

No pictures today

Not able to post pictures today

Oh well

BUT it did rain

Sideways

I got really wet getting some gifts and then some cheese

Sideways rain

Made the umbrella a useless tool

Felt really stupid in the store soaking wet from the waist down carrying a very wet umbrella

Oh well

Did not stop me from shopping

Shoes were boats squish squish squish

Hair was even wet because the rain went under the umbrella

Big spots all over the glasses

It rained indeed

The frog is croaking his joy

The trees are happy and the grass is greener

The Holly bush looks better

It rained

Enjoy what comes your way and if it rains and you get wet - might as well enjoy that too!

If you complain enough you can make your comments become stand up comedy and make your family roll with laughter

I had fun with the rain and the wet shoes and the wet pants and the useless tool called an umbrellla

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

Socky Socky Rainy Rainy

This is a really cool sock pattern and I love the yarn - they are going to Illinois in a week or so because they are especially made for the feet of my daughter!

The pattern reminds me of her.

These are the small cherry variety of tomatoes. Can you see the deck is wet? It rained enough to wet the deck. That was all. I was watering in the front yard under the tree while it rained because the Hosta were begging for water. As I sprinkled I heard a big frog croak thanks. That was so cool. The thunder chased me inside but I left the hose there because tomorrow I will water the frog again!

After the rain I went outside and watered some plants that followed me home with the two bales of straw. I hate to weed and the straw will break down and help the soil not be so clay like and my feet will not get so muddy when walking on straw.

I have a sneaking suspicion that the bird nests are all lined with straw - which is fine with me.

I think the plants like to be mulched with the straw. I hope so because I have almost two more to apply. Then it is just growing season = * = * = * = well - I do have a few packets of seeds that I am just going to put in the soil and let them grow - a few more sunflowers - some nasturums - some four o-clocks - a few wild flowers and a couple of swiss chard packets and lettuce seeds. Then I am finished planting... just in time to harvest the 'maters.

Something about earth and plants and the hope that they bring out in me.

I love the hope that planting represents. It is eternal.

I can hear the pulsing of life as I watch things grow.

How small things like straw mulch, water, a few granules of fertilizer and some staking all make such a difference in the plant itself.

Life is just like that - hope filled.

These are my prayers tonight - they are real people with real pain attached O Lord - hear my prayers.

I pray for the sick and infirmed.

Please heal the new mother who got sick while giving birth to new life.

My friend is facing some challenging surgery, guide the hands of the surgeon, I pray.

Pray for me so that I exercise to keep the body in a working mode.

I pray for the ones that are homeless tonight.

I pray for the sad that lost a friend to terrible violence.

I pray for those facing change.

I pray that leaders develop a strong sense of what is right and what is wrong.

I pray that people look for the soul in everyone and take the time to bless the soul in the other.

I pray for those having a birthday tomorrow! What a great day to be born.

I for one am glad I know someone who was born on June 27.

Peace to you this day and all days.

SOCKS AND GARDENS HAVE MY ATTENTION

Socks and mulching with straw. That is the order of the nights. Being seranaded with chorus of Songs about gardening. Life is good indeed.

Tomorrow more pictures of socks. Garden is doing well. I have several tomatoes and even a few peppers starting to develop. Rumor of rain would be nice fulfilled.

Every nest I know is busy with activity. I am happy that mine is quiet even when the company comes over it is happy sounds.

Birthday parties are the nature of June - that is OK - we have fun. I discovered that I love to bowl on a Wii! Who'd a thought!

Sleep beckons because the chocolate kept me awake last night. Tonight I am too tired to be awake - witness the lack of creative writing... just thought the socks deserved a picture... Tomorrow socks again - different person different sock - see how different they are!

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

WHERE DID THE WEEK GO - in the gardens

Geraniums a favorite in a pot on the deck steps.

Hope springs eternal - a small tomatoe is enough hope for me!

No finches at the bird socks continue searching for the reason why!

Of course there is a cat beneath the bird socks thinking that it is all blended in

What the cat thinks just because they are yellow finches they are blonde!

Purple Verbena likes even the hot weather

Take some time to think in silence

You discover the most wonderful of things about yourself

Happy almost summer...

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - A DAY IN THE LIFE

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

HAD A THOUGHT

Went to the garden and the thought went away... slipped out and grew something...

I work in the garden and the time goes away.

I fill the compost bins. The waste of today becomes the good earth of tomorrow. The clay certainly is awaiting the improvements.

I look at the deer prints... I wonder how they are doing because for the numbers of prints there is a whole herd

I see that the deer did indeed trim the maple tree again

I am beginning to think the varmit that eats the peppers is a rabbit or possibly the turtle...

The rabbit does not eat the lettuce because the jute from the straw is there

I now have foil ears on the stakes of the peppers which is advice from the neighbor

More evidence that it is a bunny

So I guess I will be able to pick up messages from low flying aircraft now with all the foil ears on the posts. It reminds me of something you may have seen on "My Favorite Martian" TV show.

I finished a sock that I think is just sheer fun. I love the knitted socks. They make me feel good when I wear them. I gave my Granddaughter the one sock I had pictured a few days back - she likes to wear two different socks - I had knitted my journey from sorrow to joy in that sock - I could not replicate another sock with the prayers and thoughts that went into it - so I gave it away.

My freind is doing better. Referred to another doctor. More waiting. Her son was home on leave since he finished Marine Boot Camp. She was happy to see him and was at peace at his leaving for more training. We can pray that he can train for peace.

I wonder about people who cannot love. I know a few people whose ability to be loved or to love is broken. I wonder about them a lot when I garden. Seems that since the children are grown and on their own - I nurture plants as much as I use to nurture and love on the kids.

So - go and love someone. Listen to them until that space in your heart is openned.

I have found that is what love is about.

My heart is open to the people that I love and they respect the open place I hold each one of them.

Plenty of room in the heart for love.

After 35 years I can say that the lessons in love never really end.

Love changes and recreates itself constantly.

Each day on the journey is a new opportunity to love.

I am glad it transcends the physical.

I am glad it matures along with us each day.

I am glad that I have loved all the people I know.

I never wasted love.

It has always found its way back to me.

Be at peace.

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

SATURDAY HAS NO RULES

In the garden early (10 am is early enough)

Picked Roses

Picked Lavender

Picked Lemom Verbena and Lemon Balm for tea

Off to shop for a dress

Might get the nails done too

It is after all Saturday and there are not too many rules that apply!

DH is working on the roof - now! Fixing what he has threatened to fix for a while - it sure is a hot enough day to be on the roof!

Pictures soon - thinking of doing some before and after shots - a year apart - there will be a lot of change to see for sure - this year I have lots of green growing things everywhere I walk - WOO HOO!

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD