And then there were two...

Do you remember how I was impatiently waiting for this book to arrive? Well, it finally came, and I have been enjoying it. But, just the other day, my husband went to the mailbox and found another book. I was charged for both books, but I have decided to give the extra book to Foodie since he loves history, and I believe he will enjoy it. It's just crazy how things like this happen sometimes, isn't it?

Not much on the agenda - I'm tired from too much running around today. I went to the butcher, grocery store and the bike shop with Foodie where he purchased a $1100 mountain bike. Glad I am no longer buying his toys! His e-bike doesn't do as well as a mountain bike. Anyway, those wheels are for commuting to work. 

KOOL APRIL NITES

The Cruise

Taken a few years ago - 

The Cruise is happening tonight. According to the news, more than 1500 people from outside California have registered for it this year, making it even bigger than before. Not counting those who are inside California. We won't be able to attend the cruise tonight. If you want to secure a good spot to watch the event, you need to bring your chair out on the sidewalk early in the day. Some people even stay there all day, but that sounds boring to me. As you drive along the route during the day, you will see many empty lawn chairs on the sidewalks. Some businesses mark their grass with tape to prevent people from sitting on it. It used to be easier to claim your spot, but now you have to get there as early as possible.

Tomorrow, we plan to head over to the civic center to see the cars on display.

The good thing is that it brings in a significant amount of revenue to our restaurants, hotels, and boosts the economy. In addition, it brings joy to people. There is a buzz in the air and people are having fun. 

It's only 4:15 but I'm feeling sleepy. I'm going to take a nap and hope to get a second wind later.

Debby

 

Thursdays This and That.

It's already Thursday, and we're at the end of the month again. 

Time flies, doesn't it?

I had a phone meeting with the BSF ADMIN the other day, after playing phone tag for a while. She had sent me all the necessary paperwork and application to fill out beforehand. We had an insightful conversation where she asked me some questions and also invited me to attend the Leaders Meeting for the next two Tuesdays so I could observe what that is like.  I arrived at 8:45 am and was warmly welcomed by everyone. I tagged along with my Group Leader, Jaime. I was impressed by their dedication to staying focused on the main topic and not straying away from the main purpose.  

We spent around 15 minutes praying for every aspect of the ministry and then listened to a message on Reconciliation from John 21. After that, we divided into three groups, consisting of approximately 50 group leaders in total. The groups discussed the questions that they would be facilitating in their respective groups the following day. Since I was not a leader, I simply observed the discussion.

Yesterday, I was asked to observe a different leader's group instead of Jaime's to learn how each woman has her own style. I am planning to do the same next week. I found it interesting and enjoyable. After attending the group study for leaders on Tuesday, I realized that they are all very well-prepared and I will be too, next year. 

We have only two weeks left until the end of this year's study. On the last week, there will be a one-hour session where anyone willing can share how this year's study has enriched them and what they have learned. Then we'll have the summer off till mid-August when the Group Leaders return to prepare for the September start of Revelations. 

While I was initially hesitant to accept this role, I believe I will enjoy it and be blessed by it. I'm excited. 

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4;13

Yes, my son made it back! Hallelujah!

No, I do not have photos...YET. 

He changed his photo cloud to a platform other than Google Photos, so I don't know what's going on, but he was clearly frustrated. I hope he didn't lose them. 

He described how he saw the forest come alive with the arrival of Spring. Every day, he spotted new sprouts poking through the ground, witnessed turkeys mating, saw hawks swoop down to grab their meal, and even encountered fresh bear tracks and scat. At night, the animals make their sounds.  - he heard coyotes. He didn't see or hear any humans for four days, except for a logging truck he saw from afar. In total, he hiked for 60 miles. The snow was patchy, depending on which side of the mountain was shady or sunny. Surprisingly, he didn't use his tent and instead slept in a hammock because he didn't want to miss the night show of stars. He even saw the full moon during his adventure. One night, it got down to 29 degrees, and he commented on how those hand warmers work very well. He ate well - had plenty of fresh water, and the daytime temps felt like the 80s but were really in the 60s. 

This is what is blooming in my yard - 

The white Irises are spreading...

And then these... I can't describe this color. 

The grape vines are starting to grow. 

I missed most of Kool April Nites. By the evening, I was exhausted and didn't want to be out with more people. Tomorrow evening is the big parade of cars. 

Since I am gone three mornings a week, I am behind on gardening, cleaning, and decorating.  I want to get back into swimming. As an introvert, I enjoy people, but the constant socialization drains me and I need those alone times to rejuvenate. That is what my summer will be like!  

See the resemblance?

They are 4 weeks old. 

Take Care -

Debby

 

Todays Menu: A bit of Hodgepodge

1. When did you last have canceled plans? Were you happy about that or disappointed? 

Something we were to go to was canceled, and I was overjoyed! 

2. On a scale of 1-10, how much of a planner are you?

I'm a 4 -  Years ago, I used to be someone who planned everything in advance. However, I found that this approach didn't alleviate my stress levels. Instead, it made me feel anxious and nervous. As I have grown older, I have become much more spontaneous and prefer not to plan everything out in advance and just enjoy the adventure.  For anything that requires major planning, my husband and I share the responsibility. 

3. Do you have a menu plan for the week? If so tell us one or two things that are on it. If not, what's your plan for not having a plan lol? 

See Above: I used to plan my weekly and monthly meals, but I lost my mojo. However, I still have a flexible mental list of what I want to cook. This week I plan to make Carne Asada and Grilled Chicken. I usually go grocery shopping on Friday.

 

4. The Hodgepodge lands on National Bucket List Day. Do you have a bucket list? Is it written down or just in your head? What is one thing on your bucket list? If you don't have a list, what is one thing you'd add to a list if you did? Yes, I'm going to make you think about it. 

I don't have a bucket list, although being on a jury is something I would like to experience at some point. However, if I don't get the chance, I won't be disappointed. I prefer to live my life without a checklist of things to do. Lists and reminders can take away from living in the present moment.

 

5. Rain buckets, a drop in the bucket, couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, sweat buckets, cry buckets...which 'bucket' idiom applies to your life in some way currently? 

None of these idioms apply to my life at the moment.

 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Great news! My son has returned safely 

from his backpacking adventure. 

I have to admit that my resolve to not worry was tested, but everything turned out well. Over the years, I have worked hard to give my worries to God, and thankfully, my worries have been minimal. I have learned to trust God with my worries over my adult children, especially after having lost one adult son to death. However, as a mother, I still have a natural urge to worry, and I have to fight against it. That's when I remind myself to hand them over to the care of a loving God who loves them even more than I do. It's up to me to trust. 

Yesterday, I became even more anxious as I knew my son would be checking in for the first time. In my darkest moments, I imagined what I would do if he didn't check in. I kept asking the Holy Spirit to give me peace, and I felt as if Jesus was asking me, 

Do you trust me? 

Do you really trust me? 

Do you trust me more than anything?

Finally, I felt the peace that I had been seeking from the beginning, but my mind wasn't cooperating. I feel like a failure as a Christian because I know that I am supposed to trust God fully, without excuses. After all that He has done for me, I had gone back to the pit of worry, like a dog to its vomit.

I don't want to control my worry; I want to trust God fully with my mind, body, and spirit.  By not fully trusting Him, I am telling Him that the work He did for me was not enough.

Because of Jesus,

I am Debby

And We're Off...to a New Week!

I hope you all had a great weekend and are ready to tackle this new week with renewed enthusiasm!

Today, I went to the grocery store for last-minute items, had a session with my Christian counselor, and have an interview for BSF leadership later this afternoon with the administrator.

My husband went to urgent care at the VA this morning with some ear pain. Apparently, he was a bit too aggressive in removing ear wax - OUCH!

On Friday evening, we went to the college to watch a jazz concert. The performance was outstanding, with alumni returning to showcase their talent. I am always amazed by the level of skill exhibited by these young performers. We sat with some friends from church and enjoyed the show. The concert ended at 9:30 pm, which is usually my bedtime. Despite living only 7 minutes away from the college, we were both so wired that we couldn't go to bed until almost midnight. I am not used to staying up so late, and as a result, I was dragging all day on Saturday. I took 2 naps to recover! 

What a lightweight I have become!

I spent most of Saturday reading my new book on the Civil War. I highlighted it in yellow every time it mentioned one of my ancestors. It also cleared up some brick walls in my family tree. My dad's family were amazing! 

This week on my A-Z blog posts:

One Family's Sacrifice

The Story of a Thief

Uncle Jay

Salem Witch Trials

So far, I have NOTHING for X and Y.  

I have thoroughly enjoyed writing these blog posts on my other blog because it improves my brain function. I'm finding it easier to formulate somewhat intelligent sentences. Use it or Lose it! I enjoy the research and always dig deeper for the whole story. I would have made a good Detective. I'm grateful that I joined the challenge this year, as it helped me rediscover my passion for writing.  I thought I had lost the skill, but the A-Z challenge has reignited my love for it. Now, I'm excited to keep writing and improving my skills. 

Uh Oh - There goes the budget!

We indulged ourselves this past weekend by eating out twice. We used to eat out more often, but recently we haven't due to the high prices. It was a nice change of pace for us. On Saturday, we visited our favorite Taqueria, and last night we went to In-N-Out. Both meals were enjoyable, and it was nice not to cook!

Foodie will be back tomorrow. Excited to hear about his trip and see photos!

Until Next Time,

Debby

“But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed” 

(Isaiah 53:5).