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....

My Gold Card

Anne, of Palm Tree Pundit fame, was nice enough to pass on this blogging Gold Card. Thank you! -- and this card won't hurt my slowly climbing credit score either :)

Here are my loyal, blogging friends, who encourage me often -- and that I pass the baton on to -- simply follow these meme rules:

1. Only 5 people allowed.
2. 4 have to be dedicated followers of your blog
3. one has to be someone new or recently new to your blog and live in another part of the world.
4. you must link back to whoever gave you the award.

I hereby pass this award along to:

Beth - her blog shows a passion and love of family, the mountains, nature and wild life, and the state of Maine in general. I discovered her blog by jumping from another blog, as is my custom, and have her on my blog list to the right. I love that our states are both northern US states, but far apart in the east-west direction. She inspires me both in her thoughtful writing and blog comments, and in her care for her family (and blog friend) relationships. My goal is to explore our own nearby Beartooth Mountains or other Montana locales, so that I can share some pictures (and the accomplishments) with her.

Amanda, is a Christian sister, and a kindred spirit in friendships and fellowship, reading and writing, cooking and eating. She has more than one blog - in her other blog, she posts pictures and journal entries, from her mission time and relationships in Uganda - among the Karamajong people (which, I hope, identifies her as someone from another part of the world). I'm so pleased that she has followed through with her writing talent, and still hope to hear of a completed and published novel in the future :)

Trixie's blog allows me a free trip to Alaska any time I want, to explore the region, enjoy the wildlife, and get to know her amazing family and blog friends. Trixie loves birds, and cares for their feeding needs, even when the snow is deep, and her life is busy.

Julie and I have been co-laborers for the Lord until very recently. She is, indeed, a hidden treasure,who will take many years to "mine" in friendship and fellowship. We also share a passionate love for our families, and especially enjoy the role of aunt. Julie will, no doubt, continue to be an important support and help to her hubby, Steve, as they minister together, and extend the Lord's kingdom.

And then there is Tara, my newcomer to the blog -- but someone I've known for the past 9 years or so. Tara is a gifted and loving lady -- in her career and ministry, her parenting, her home in general - especially organization -- and her fellowship and teaching in our local church. Our early Friday morning ladies group, began with the idea of reading through Tara and Judy's book, Peacemaking Women, and remains one of the best books we've studied, in my humble opinion ;)

So, friends, now it's your turn. I hope you will enjoy both the exercise and the promotion of blogging. I also encourage any lurkers to comment occasionally - you may be included in a new meme....

Adam & Hannah's Wedding Reception

 These three girls are a little older as we speak - I'm sorry for the delay in posting the wedding reception photos. Theresa, Sophia and Grace are good friends, and blessed me as they posed so nicely before the ceremony.

This wedding was undoubtedly Noah Boll's first...

The wedding reception was held at The Depot, a wonderfully refurbished passenger train station. Note the wood dance floor, which is larger than the usual postage stamp size offered at most receptions. When it gets too warm inside, or you want a break from the music, there is a platform outside for visiting and enjoying the night air.

I had the opportunity to take a four generation picture that evening, which included my father, brother, nephew and grand-nephew


The father and bride dancing
...and the cutting of the cake...


Family traveled from Pennsylvania, the Denver area, St. Louis, Idaho, and areas of Montana,to celebrate with Adam and Hannah
...and dancing was enjoyed by the very young and those who seldom dance...
And once the music stopped, we relocated to a local tavern for more music and fun. Here are the "guy" cousins at the end of a l-o-n-g day

J. R. and Molly' wedding reception -- in stages :)

The great thing about being on the "outer circle" of a wedding celebration, is the chance to snap lots of pictures. The wedding we attended on Sunday, August 31st had lots of people and photo opportunities. Unfortunately, my camera was in my car during the wedding itself, so I had to wait for the reception that followed.

I'll start with the "candid" pictures of the bride and groom. After all,it was their day...B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L wedding cake made by friend, Chris -- and a replica of J.R.'s car for the groom's cake....the first dance as husband and wife
...they each had their turn playing with the bandPeter and Angus playing a prank on Molly - and no, the candles were not real...I hope it wasn't the food...Molly with special friends, Melodee and Susan
Last minute words from mom...and encouragement for a bride-to-be -- before taking off for a short getaway in a "sweet ride"J.R's dad described the getaway vehicle like this:"I believe that it was a ’32 Ford pickup with a 400 cubic inch Chevy motor. Lots of power, not much weight, sort of like Molly."

Next up: Friends and family danced the night away....

The Simple Woman's Daybook - September 2nd

For today --- this Labor Day 2008

Outside My Window... A heartening, green grass in my front yard from yesterday and today’s rains

I am thinking...what a joy three-day weekends are

I am thankful for...a variety of wonderful snapshots at last evening’s wedding

From the kitchen... a few ingredients that will have to wait for another day

I am wearing... a blue sweater and sweats for the 48 degree Montana weather

I am creating...this blog post…and relationships as I comment on other blogs

I am going...to stay inside today and enjoy the quiet, following a very social and loud night of music and fellowship

I am reading...The Grace and Truth Paradox by Randy Alcorn

I am hoping...to plant new bulbs and relocate others sometime this week, for next spring's show in my front and side yards.

I am hearing...the slow traffic noise of a holiday

Around the house...wonderfully quiet – with a comfy couch and comforter for nap and reading times

One of my favorite things...serving my friend’s family at yesterday’s wedding

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: downloading wedding pictures – wishing a beloved sister a happy birthday; a visit with a good friend, who is home before being deployed

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...
....earlier this summer -- introducing Trask to a new toy

Please visit Peggy's site -- she's such an inspiration.