Simple Woman's Daybook - November 17th

Please visit Peggy's (The original Simple Woman) blog and leave a comment if you'd like...I'm sure she would appreciate it.

For this day......

Outside My Window......an eerie, white-gray fog resting over the valley, giving the illusion of quiet and closeness.

I am thinking......that the Lord continuously surprises me by answered prayers for our families' temporal needs -- and I'm pleased that after many years I can still be surprised -- hopefully that means I don't take His goodness for granted all the time...

I am thankful for.... a specific answered prayer for a new tenant -- someone I've known for years, and that this new home will be a blessing for him, and bring peace to his extended family...and for the current tenant's weekend cleaning of the apartment - whew!! I did not want to have to take that on over the Thanksgiving holiday :)

From the kitchen... Bertoli for guests this evening, orange rolls, an iced, butter cake for dessert that I made on Saturday....

I am wearing... Red shirt with khaki pants, tan sweater -- just the right outfit for a cold Monday.

I am creating...budding friendships with co-workers and visitors at our ministry...

I am reading... How People Change by Paul Tripp and Tim Lane.

I am hoping... to make sense of a co-worker's bank reconciliation spreadsheet this week, and complete at least a month or two before training part deux on Friday....and to be productive in getting this year's records ready for the auditors :)

I am hearing... keyboard tapping, CPU humming, -- another nice, quiet Monday morning...

Around the house... A few stacks of books calling my name to complete reading them...the never-ending organization and culling of memorabilia and paper stuff...

One of my favorite things... Seeing the learning growth of a special young boy named Ryan, and watching the world through his eyes this past Saturday - having his help with the bird feeder and leaf collection....

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Making reservations for our annual Christmas ladies brunch -- a state football playoff game on Saturday for my alma mater Rams...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Friends from a mission in Uganda - during a recent visit to our church and the U.S. - helping us sing a praise song in Karamajong: “Aiokini ayoŋ akisyon ke Ekapolon ŋikaru ka ŋikaru
[I will sing of the mercies of the Lord, forever,]
Aiokini, aiokini
[I will sing, I will sing]
Aiokini ayoŋ akisyon ke Ekapolon ŋikaru ka ŋikaru
[I will sing of the mercies of the Lord, forever]
Aiokini ayoŋ akisyon ke Ekapolon
[I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.]”

Simple Woman's Daybook - November 10th

Please visit Peggy's (The original Simple Woman) blog and leave a comment if you'd like...I'm sure she would appreciate it.

For this day......

Outside My Window... rain-filled clouds in the east - with a hopeful tinge of blue sky in the west, wet pavement and streets from this morning's rain.

I am thinking......that I will need the Lord's strength and wisdom this week to accomplish all my tasks -- that 'crunch time' awareness when my plate is already full...

I am thankful for.... a tasty Sunday lunch and visit with my niece, Anna...

From the kitchen... More homegrown tomatoes, Gala apples, red grapes, Bertoli Chicken Parmiagiana leftovers....

I am wearing... Black and white striped shirt, black pants and shoes - and white sweater....

I am creating... ... a rental agreement :)

I am reading... Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley.

I am hoping... to be faithful in all the details at work and at home....

I am hearing... keyboard tapping, CPU humming, -- a nice, quiet morning...

Around the house... Clean, clean, clean because I've been showing my apartment for those interested in my duplex apartment...New furnace!!!!!

One of my favorite things... Sunday's sermon by Pastor Jason on Galatians 4....

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Continuing to do all the fun landlady things to get my duplex rented by December 1st -- emailing some motherly advice for an upcoming baby shower...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Janice and Danielle - the first place winners in a recent office competition....

Simple Woman's Daybook - November 3rd

For this day......

Outside My Window... a beautiful blue, and sunny Montana sky.

I am thinking... that the time change and I are friends; only two days into it, but I'm rising earlier and getting a jump on my work...

I am thankful for.... a friend who wants to help me clean and organize our church's food pantry...

From the kitchen... More homegrown tomatoes, Gala apples, red grapes, the remainder of the Harvest bundt cake from Saturday, teriyaki chicken.

I am wearing... Magenta blouse, black pants and shoes (I think this is a repeat from a past Monday post -- how funny!!!)

I am creating... less piles of paper on my desk -- or maybe they're just getting rearranged...

I am reading... Running Scared (Fear, Worry, and the God of rest) by Edward T. Welch...

I am hoping... to mow and rake the lawn this afternoon, as I should be able to leave work earlier than dusk....

I am hearing... conversations, keyboard tapping, CPU humming, and whatever slight ringing is affecting my ears today :)

Around the house... Piano sheet music that is sorted and ready for one or more new homes...

One of my favorite things... An audio clip of my grandson's voice on my cell phone - taken while he was standing on their living room chair and looking out the window. I swear he says grandma....

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Furnace installers on Thursday - WOO HOO!!! Doing all the fun landlady things to get my duplex rented by December 1st -- looking forward to my next Netflix arriving tomorrow -- it may be my choice over election returns :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:David's youngest brother, Will, actually won my Harvest Cake, during Friday evening's Cake Walk, but it was too heavy for him to carry :)

John Wayne's Delight

So, a recent blog post here, mentioned me enjoying "John Wayne's Delight," and I received a comment regarding the recipe's title. I know that I asked the same question of the lady who brought it to a friend's baby shower (over 20 years ago...)so my secondhand knowledge may be faulty here...

What I recall, is that this book had recently been published. The book was on stereotypes of masculinity...and John Wayne epitomized masculinity in many people's minds. At this point, I'll leave it to the reader to either follow that train of thought, or provide their own knowledge or conjecture on why this quiche has this name:)

Anyway, I loved this quiche from the first time I tasted it, and it has been enjoyed by family and friends for the past 20+ years.

Did I mention it is very easy to make? Here is the recipe if you are interested:

John Wayne's Delight

2 (4 oz.) cans chopped green chilies (I prefer mild ones)
1 lb. grated cheddar cheese*
1 lb. grated Monterey Jack cheese*
4 eggs, separated
1 Tablespoon flour
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 diced tomatoes

(* this last time, I used a bagged mixture of grated colby and M Jack cheeses)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In large bowl mix grated cheese and chilies together, put in a buttered 9x13 inch pan. Separate eggs. Mix yolks, evaporated milk, flour, salt and pepper. Beat egg whites until peaks form. Fold into yolk mixture. Put over cheese mixture, and fold egg mixture into cheese. Bake 30 minutes. Put diced tomatoes on top and bake another 30 minutes.TAAAA DAHHHHH!!!! Especially for you, Karen :)

Simple Woman's Daybook - October 27th

Outside My Window... It is dark -- I think this is the latest I've ever posted this meme.

I am thinking... How beautiful the autumn season is -- changing colors, cooler temps...

I am thankful for.... Family reconciliation -- or, at least, the seeds of such --

From the kitchen... More Dirty dishes....an empty bottle of wine -- leftovers to be used for tomorrow's lunch...

I am wearing... My blue Denver pullover with pajama bottoms...a real fashion statement.

I am creating... frienships and fellowships that last...

I am reading... More of When Women and Mountains Meet: Adverntures in the White Mountains by Julie Boardman, and marveling at bold and courageous women of the past.

I am hoping... to find a tenant by December 1st.

I am hearing... intermittent traffic outside my home -- and the hum of the CPU inside -- general, late-night house creaks.

Around the house... The quiet before the storm ????

One of my favorite things... Raking my maple autumn leaves -- the second of many times until the city comes to clear them away :)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: ...A friend is in town -- hopefully some visiting with him...One last mowing, as we have several days in the 60s... Reformation Party at church on Friday -- look forward to introducing a new friend to that tradition -- finishing one or more of the books I've been reading...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:My grandfather, Theodore and his cousin, Casper circa 1910....

Simple Woman's Daybook - October 20th

Outside My Window... Cloudy sky -- with the morning fog or haze finally lifting over the valley.

I am thinking... How blessed I am to be in generally good physical health -- lately there have been many stories of cancer, brain and spine trauma that I have been praying for...

I am thankful for.... The generosity of the body of Christ in times of need...

From the kitchen... Dirty dishes....homemade food depleted over the weekend -- leftover pizza :)

I am wearing... Brown pants, blue blouse and tan sweater -- nylon knee highs with black shoes...

I am creating... a notebook of my photo CDs....

I am reading... Snippets of Red State Rebels, edited by Joshua Frank and Jeffrey St. Clair...

I am hoping... to receive an estimate for my tenant's furnace problem this week....

I am hearing... the voices of my accounting cohorts -- keyboard tapping...

Around the house... Trask's toys in the kitchen -- ongoing culling of stuff -- quiet and calm...

One of my favorite things... Driving to and from church with special lady friends from church..

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Meeting with the heating installer tomorrow -- also a bridal shower that evening - Wednesday ladies' brown bag lunch with a peacemaking friend from Kenya... Yark clean up from last week's snowstorm -- raking maple leaves :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Yes, he does have that look in his eye :)


Please visit Peggy's (The original Simple Woman) blog and leave a comment if you'd like...I'm sure she would appreciate it.

Simple Woman's Daybook - October 13th

Please visit Peggy's (The original Simple Woman) blog and leave a comment if you'd like...I'm sure she would appreciate it.

Outside My Window... Snow! Lots and lots of snow...drooping maple tree branches -- cloudy sky -- windy weather.

I am thinking... that this was the largest snowfall for an October weekend in recent history...

I am thankful for.... Gas heat, warm wool socks, Netflix selections....HBO's John Adams (part one) and lots of Good Earth tea -- link sausage and bagels - and an SUV with 4 wheel drive....

From the kitchen... John Wayne's Delight tonight with fresh tomatoes and white wine...

I am wearing... Black pants, raspberry-magenta blouse and white sweater -- blue wool socks with black shoes...

I am creating...very little lately I'm sorry to admit :)

I am reading... Still enjoying slices of Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer...

I am hoping... and praying that my tenant's furnace problem can be solved this week....

I am hearing... the voices from a downstairs office -- keyboard tapping...

Around the house... Housekeeping took a back seat this past weekend to snow removal and the furnace problem...so things are in disarray :)

One of my favorite things... Friends on furlough from Uganda -- sharing stories, introducing us to another family at the medical mission -- along with a wonderful church potluck....

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Working on details and help for the furnace problem -- anyone notice a theme here???

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Sunday morning snowfall - BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Simple Woman's Daybook - October 6th

(I have been very remiss in linking to Peggy's (The original Simple Woman) blog each week.... Please visit, and leave a comment if you'd like...I'm sure she would appreciate it.

Outside My Window... Maple leaves with a rusted edge - telling me they are ready to change from emerald to gold.

I am thinking... that parenting adult children takes wisdom, grace, patience, mercy and love --- from God.

I am thankful for.... Salvation, the Word, new babies in the church, health, my home, and my family and friends....

From the kitchen... Clean and light, but needing some paint and patch-up work...

I am wearing... Capri Jeans, blue top and white sweater

I am creating...a set of piano selections to play for friends, neighbors, or just myself...

I am reading... A River Runs Through It, and other stories by Norman Maclean.

I am hoping... my daughter finds some suitable work this week, that still allows her time with her son at home...

I am hearing... the hum of the CPU, file cabinets closing and a dear friend's voice on the phone...

Around the house... Several projects that need completion, like cross stitch and photo or scrapbook album..

One of my favorite things... More Table Fellowship with new friends following yesterday's worship.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Preparing a meal for a family from my church --- having lunch with a special friend -- on Sunday, hearing about the Ugandan mission work and meeting a new missionary family.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Sunset over the Anaconda smokestack...

I took a walk today...

I love taking walks in early fall.

Crunching leaves can be very stress-relieving...
I got to greet several walkers along the way on a day that would otherwise be pretty silent :)
I heard the referee whistles, the applause and cheers of the fans, and marveled at the high school soccer competition at Daylis stadium.
I saw a 60s style Volkswagen bus that was painted with all the right slogans of that time...
I drank in the smells and colors of fall foliage, and was thankful to see many unmowed lawns like my own.
Many homes are gearing up for the Halloween holiday by decorating -- some inviting -- some, not so much...

All that in about 30 minutes -- and a mile radius -- but enough to give me a better perspective on my Saturday.

Well said, Carrie Jean!

A few posts back, I alluded to the ministry I work with, and offered a link to the first part of Ken Sande's talk on Thursday at the annual conference in Orlando --

Well, my friend and former co-laborer, Carrie Jean has given her reaction and response to her time at this year's conference in a recent blog post. It usually takes a few days to get this kind of perspective, after attending a conference - it really is unique in its effect.Tomorrow, I look forward to our weekly staff gathering, when each person is given the opportunity to express a story or experience from the conference, that made an impact on their life. I know from my own past experiences that this time will be sweet -- and lifted up as praise to our Lord, for His goodness and grace.

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside My Window... a panoramic view of our city; local businesses at the forefront - sandstone rimrocks at the northern edge;

I am thinking... that life is good because God is good;

I am thankful for.... over 600 attendees at our ministry's annual conference; and for safe return of several co-laborers - it was getting pretty quiet here.

From the kitchen... a half bottle of Riesling - Dad's fresh tomatos - clean window valance - swept floor - available countertop....

I am wearing... white top with striped capris and tennis shoes.

I am creating...a wonderful group of friends on Facebook.

I am reading... A Blossom in the Desert by Miriam Huffman Rockness

I am hoping... to listen to and watch the teaching from the conference, with other friends and neighbors.

I am hearing... laughter and conversations

Around the house... A more uncluttered look to my bedroom as a result of a major assault on Saturday;

One of my favorite things... Table Fellowship with gal friends following Sunday worship.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: To enjoy autumn in the great outdoors; time to meet and get to know pastors and leaders from our regional presbytery; celebrate a sweet sister's 37th wedding anniversary.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

A fishing stream near Missoula, Montana

Our finest hour...

So, this year I was on the "home team" for Peacemaker Ministries - which means that I, along with a core few (Jon, Becca and Jo) held down the fort for the Billings office, while the majority served the guests at our annual conference in Orlando, Florida.

I have been able to attend the last five conferences, and each of these begins with a keynote address from our President, Ken Sande. A friend has linked the video for the first part of his Thursday evening address - I encourage you to watch this segment and follow up with the next segments when they are offered.

Before leaving work on Friday, my co-laborer related a story from the conference that he had heard. A woman who was intent on a divorce from her husband prior to Ken's talk - was later intent on contacting a judge on Monday to reverse that option.

I'm always amazed at how the Spirit works in people's hearts as they hear the Word preached - and how that work has an amazing impact on not only their lives, but is a testimony for others' struggles as well. I'm also thankful for her change in perspective....

Friday Links

One of the blogs I frequently visit is ConnorWatch - which provides daily updates of Connor's recovery from a diving accident this summer.

A while ago, his family began going through the alphabet - and on a daily basis, assign an attribute of God for that day's letter. They then invite their readers and commenters to add other attributes using the day's letter.

So, yesterday's letter was "V." Now, the newest change for Connor is his ability to use a computer, even though he shows little movement response yet below his chin -

Here is what Connor was able to put into the computer for a "V" attribute of God.

V is for Victor. Jesus defeated Satan at the cross, and because of that we don't have to be afraid of him anymore. The Bible says that "greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world", and James 4:7 says to resist the devil and he will flee. So because Jesus is our Victor, He gives us power - power over the world, power over our sin, power over our enemy.

Thank you for giving up your precious time to pray and to check up on me.

Love, Connor"

Once again, I know Connor and his family would covet your prayers...

Teacher time

So, a commenter begat a favorite, and my visit to that favorite today begat a jump to this blog...

Whether you are a teacher (Rachel, Anne, Tara...) a poet or literature bug (Melodee, Amanda, Molly, Hannah...) - I hope this inspires and encourages you today.

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside My Window... Storm clouds a gatherin' with patches of blue

I am thinking...that parenting is the hardest job in the world...and requires much love and support from others.

I am thankful for.... the blessings our country provides; the first day of fall.

From the kitchen... Fresh tomatoes from dad's garden - and pears from the Farmer's Market.

I am wearing...khaki capris, green top with bead design and tan sweater

I am creating...a hospitable home for friends, family, and neighbors.

I am reading... Singing through the Night by Anneke Companjen.

I am hoping...my daughter may create a homey atmosphere in Helena.

I am hearing...computer keyboard tapping - very quiet this Monday morning.

Around the house...quiet, peaceful after my daughter and grandson's visit last week.

One of my favorite things... is getting to know the families in our church. Yesterday I was blessed with the company of Brook, Ian and Cameron.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: so many areas to organize and clean; my bedroom area is a priority for this week. Yard and lawn cleanup.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Misty and Trask at Tot Land in Big Timber, Montana.

U of M campus highlights

I first enjoyed the University of Montana campus, as a freshman in the early 1970s. This was my freshman dorm, Corbin Hall,
an all girl's dorm - with dorm mothers, evening curfew, and restricted male visitors. We enjoyed Star Trek each evening after supper in front of the dorm lobby television and held candle ceremonies to celebrate any and all engagements -- I even remember the traditional song was "Tell Me Why" sung in beautiful harmony for the couple- here are the lyrics:

Tell me why the stars do shine.
Tell me why the ivy twines.
Tell me why the sky's so blue,
And I will tell you just why I love you.

Because God made the stars to shine.
Because God made the ivy twine.
Because God made the sky so blue.
Because God made you, that's why I love you!

Continuing my walking tour, I came to Main Hall, which rests beneath Mount Sentinel or "the M". Third floor housed the office of Information Services (centered beneath the clock), where I worked each week for 15 hours allowed by the work study program. I have many great memories of the wonderful staff I worked with that first year of college, including my older sister, who was completing college as I was beginning. Just behind Main Hall is the University Center (UC) Commons, which has been expanded much since my days at U of M. I marveled not only at the beautiful plants, ...but the variety of places to eat -- totally unknown in my day :)

Jay Rummel, a singer-songwriter, and artist, painted a spectacular mural located on the second floor of the UC Commons, entitled "Five Valleys Trilogy." The mural depicts, in amazing detail and psychedelic style, many legendary people and events of western Montana, and specifically, Missoula and Hellgate Canyon historyEddie's Club, featured in this portion of the mural, was a downtown hangout where students rubbed elbows with local characters...while this portion portrayed Chief Joseph, who surrenderd, along with many from the Nez Pearce tribe, to the infantry at Fort Missoula in the 1870s.

Finally, I admit confusion on just how many new buildings have been added to the campus. Here is the newest one being built - for the Education Department. I liked the view of the hills, between the levelsMy son phoned as I returned to my car; we made lunch plans at the Old Post downtown, as Sunday continued on...

Did you miss me?

So, I have been away from computer, email, internet for about four days, and can't say that I missed being away (no withdrawal problems, here :).

DRIVING
My first day of travel was to Missoula, where I would spend the weekend - with a Sunday evening worship service being the main intent for the trip.

I set out after work in my rented, blue Subaru Forester -- a smooth ride with the necessary rpm to cross several mountain passes that evening.

By Big Timber (80 miles), I was able to gaze on the Crazies, but needed to get back on the road to reach Missoula at a decent hour. Since radio signals wax and wane after a mere 40 or so miles, I relied on a variety of eclectic music to help my energy and provide contemplative background to the wonderful Montana scenery; still prairie at this location -- and then, a glimpse of the Yellowstone River

Driving between Bozeman and Butte, I was sampling photos of the setting sun amidst the clouds...
while going over Homestake Pass, I tried to capture the rock formations (elevation 6356 ft)
More to come....

Love those Links

I'm sure you all have your favorite links -- and have many ways to organize and/or find those sites.

Here are a few that I browse during my week:

The BBC News Online - their Day in Pictures is one of those sites. The photographs may be of a current event - usually featuring an international array of people and places - and are high quality photographs.

I have no idea how I hopped to Frugal Dad; but there he was one day. His site offers hope and information for our finances,and that is a worthy cause in our country today. He speaks as "one who has been there" in making financial mistakes in his life. I admit to reading his blog to keep me on track in my budgeting and saving, etc. - affirm what I already know, and remind me of where I have been...

...and as with Pray for Ian on my sidebar -- Connor is another young man trying to overcome the physical obstacles following an accident. I'm sure Ian, Connor and their families would appreciate your prayers and support. Later this month will be 2 years since Ian's car accident - going through the early, intense days in ICU, later in a rehab center, and continuing his recovery at home; Connor's diving accident happened earlier this summer, and he is currently in a rehab facility.

So, whether it be a fresh perspective from my seat here in Montana with BBC -- or a thankful heart for my physical or financial "health," these are welcome sites.

Simple Woman's Daybook - September 8th

Ahhhh...another week, another Monday, another daybook meme:

Soul Satisfying Sunday

* Galatians small group in Sunday School
* Knowing God is sovereign over a-l-l things
* Holding baby Ethan
* Sharing wedding reception photos
* Manicotti, fellowship and ice cream
* Man From Snowy River music
* A bit of John Denver memory
* Rain...rain...rain
* God's grace in Jody's life
* Practicing music on my grandmother's piano

A great cause

Ruthie, at Nature Knitter, is auctioning off a beautiful hat she just completed. Those benefitted by her, and the purchaser's generosity, are children from an orphanage in the Ukraine (an area close to my heart - both family and missional-wise)

Thank you, Ruthie, for using your talent to help others.

More Netflix

It was w-a-y back in June when I last posted about a Netflix movie selection that I had enjoyed.
So, this time, I simply copied off my rental history for anyone in need of a movie idea - that is "usually" quite good (I rated 95% of these three stars or more :)
-if you know Netflix, as you select a movie or tv series you're interested in knowing more about, this appears
Average of raters like you: 3.0 stars
Average of 157,427 ratings: 3.6 stars
Sometimes I shake them up, but they seem to know me well....

Some of my selections have been movie referrals from trusted family and friends; a lot are from Netflix suggestions, based on movies I've already rented, and a very few from movie trailers.
I like to mix some (limited) television series in, as they are both nostalgic and easy to watch - because the first few seasons are "usually" the best, one or two discs are all I select.

My plan is almost the cheapest per month - the one-at-a-time choice, because I find more than two movies per week to be too many.

So, here they are - enjoy any or all of them...

The Inn of the Sixth Happiness, 1958

The Second Chance, 2006

Once, 2006

7th Heaven: Season 1: Disc 1, 1996

The Best of Match Game: Disc 1, 1973

House of Cards Trilogy I: House of Cards, 1990

Sense and Sensibility, 1981

Children of Men, 2006

Hot Fuzz, 2007

Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, 1992

Where Angels Fear to Tread, 1991

The Remains of the Day, 1993

Breach, 2007

Spartan, 2004

A Mighty Heart, 2007

Fierce Creatures, 1997

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 1999

J.R. and Molly's Day - The Music and Dancers

Tim announced that the dance floor was open to the married couplesNancy and Ernie headed to the dance floor...and the floor filled quicklyFannie and Bill are great dancers...and Susan and Rich always enjoy a few turnsThe band switched tunes, and the younger set joined inJill and Frank could follow the country beat...as could Emma and JeffA great opportunity for Rebekah to show Sy what she knows...as her parents, Marilyn and Christian do their own thingKerri was successful in getting her son, Adam, out on the dance floor...but Stephanie could not budge Jared to do the sameAnother mother and son -- Ben is getting with it...but the music may be a bit loud for Donna...I know that was the opinion of these brothers :)The band kept the dancers moving throughout the evening...
and thrilled the youngest set by letting them play alongAnd what wedding dance would be complete without the Conga....