Monday May 9 2016  YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN

8:45: a.m.

How awesome it would be if every day went just as you planned.  Very rarely does that ever happen around this place.  Perhaps the best plans to make would be to make no plans.  Then, whatever happens, you just roll with the flow. 

Today I had it all planned out so I could make my day work the best for me.  However, sometimes my plans go by the wayside due to unexpected situations.  Fortunately, today’s unexpected situation was just a blip in the road and nothing major.  It is very interesting (and satisfying) how unimportant some things are when you are retired. 

I was all dressed to go to the gym for an early morning workout, then to get my car washed, then to the major grocery store in Madison, then to Costco and back home with plenty of time to work on decluttering and have time to go to a friend’s house in the evening.  Dave was at his early morning breakfast with the old geezers.  I was ready to begin my day of quick accomplishment but soon discovered that was not to be.  My car battery was dead.  When I called the car dealership they told me (by the sounds I described) what had happened.  So I waited for Dave to return so he could use the jumper cables and help me start the car.  He has just arrived home and now the car is running, charging up a bit.  And, I will be off to the car dealership for a replacement battery, then off to the grocery store, Costco, and home.  Then I will go back to town to exercise.  Just a simple rearrangement, and for whatever reason my battery died, it happened, and in the scheme of life it is but a small blip.  I am so thankful that I have a husband.  And, I am thankful I didn’t have a job to go to.  I am so thankful that it was not something catastrophic that caused my day to change, and I am so thankful that I have the where-with-all (meaning the finances) to have it repaired immediately.  There were days when something like this would mushroom into a big problem.  I just have so much to be thankful for that I cannot even think of anything to gripe about.  Well, I will be off and running.  I will finish this blog later today.  Signing off at 9:00 a.m.

6:38 p.m.

I am back.  A longer day than I suspected.  Arrived home about 3:00 p.m..  Dave took off for an important appointment and I needed to be here because our son was dropping off Dave’s “new” used, John Deer Tractor, Model 111.  It was one of last models made with the entire housing being metal.  Our son arrived later that I expected and Dave was even later than that.  Courtland just left after giving Dave a refresher course in driving the riding lawn mower.  It’a been a few years since he owned one.

I find that even when days don’t go as planned, there always seems to be a moment in the day that redeems the blip.  Today it was redeemed at Woodman’s Grocery store when I met up with a past acquaintance.  After our conversation I believed that I was meant to be there, at just that time, and so was she.  So, as far as I am concerned, the day was planned perfectly.  It seems God always knows best!

GOD DIRECTS THE FEET OF MAN

By Kathleen Martens

May 9, 2016

So it is with any day

Very few go my way.

What I do is think and plan,

And God directs the feet of man.

My life is in God’s care,

And Him I follow anywhere.

So when my plans go askew,

I figure God has something new.

And as my day does unfold

His desires I’m always told.

God’s ideas are always great,

Though at times I need to wait.

Sometimes I don’t even know

What it is that God will show.

I just choose to walk His plan,

Because God directs the feet of man.

God, thank You for a peaceful heart.

Thank You God that I need not fret.

Thank You God for supplying all my needs, all the time.

Thank You Lord for the opportunity You gave me at Woodman’s today.

Thank You Lord for the abundance of all that is stocked on the shelves at Woodman’s.

Thank You Father that I now have a new battery in my car.

Thank You too that my car battery actually died in my own garage so I was safe at home.

Thank You for peanuts because without them we would not have peanut butter.

Thank You for order.

Thank You for each and every scripture in Your Holy Word.

Thank You that I have lived long enough to be able to enjoy a bit of retirement.

Lord, thank You for all the times Your Angels have diverted disasters from happening to me even when I was unaware.

Thank You for songs.

Thank You for my new glasses even though I cannot see out of them.

Thank You for Dave’s riding lawn mower.

Thank You for hairspray.

Thank You for lotion.

And thank You for support stockings.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Signing off at 7:20 p.m.

Saturday May 7 2016  FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES

Gary Chapman, PhD wrote a book titled, “The 5 Love Languages”.  He explains how each person perceives and receives love in a way that is personal to them.  The five ways of receiving, and thus giving love, are words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch.  Pause for just a moment and reflect on how you most perceive love from others.  Not just how the other gives it, but what aspect of the five gifts of language speak most to your heart.

I believe the most important love language for me is through acts of service.  Dave’s love language is perceived through the gift of touch.  So the gift I give him is to touch him, snuggle with him and allow him to hold me in his arms.  And because Dave knows that acts of service mean more to me, he reciprocates and does acts of service for me, both little and big.  It is not that we don’t enjoy being the recipient of words of affirmation, receiving gifts, or spending time with each other, but it is just that our each individual preference would be what I referred to above. 

As I mentioned yesterday I am in the process of decluttering and downsizing personal belongs.  I take them out of one place and then they sit cluttering another space.  Dusty dishes and glassware on the kitchen counter, expired cleaning supplies in the hallway downstairs, a broken broom leaning against a wall, and I could go on and on.  I left early this morning for my Aldi’s run and then to work out.  I came home and walked into the kitchen and was delightfully surprised to see the dishes were hand washed, the delicate stemware upside down drying on a towel, and all the drinking glasses clean and pristine.  Dave had washed everything (all very delicate glassware) because he knew I planned to put them in the garage sale.  He had vacuumed the house, taken out the throw rugs to shake, screwed my broken broom back together, moved the heavy leftover cleaning supplies (I don’t know where he stored them).  He plans to take them to be recycled on Tuesday morning.  It is only after I notice everything thing else that I turned and viewed a beautiful bouquet of mixed flowers sitting on the kitchen table.  I had walked right by them because I was blinded by all the acts of love that were so obviously staring me in the face. 

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day.  He said that the flowers were for me to enjoy early and his cleaning the house was his gift to me.  You know, when you have a husband like mine gifts aren’t even necessary.  Every day that I have with him is my gift.  He has never treated me with anything but love and respect and tenderness.  I have so much to be thankful for.  And I am ever so grateful that God brought him into my life.

AS TOGETHER WE GROW OLD

By Kathleen Martens

May 7, 2016

A beautiful flower bouquet

Received from my one true love

To celebrate my motherhood.

Our children, gifts of God from above. 

I am the mother of His children

And he is the Father of mine.

And every day is full of love

Which makes my life quite fine.

He is the gift God gave to me,

And oh what a great treasure!

Just to have him by my side

Is my daily pleasure.

He does of so many things

That make me laugh and smile.

And when I need some help,

He goes the second mile.

In the course of a normal day

His presence is such a gift.

He always listens when I talk,

Which gives my heart a lift.

He is the one I go to

When I need a bit of advice.

He carefully chooses how to respond,

And his wisdom does suffice.

I am so grateful

For the husband that God gave me.

He is my kindred soulmate

That makes me happy as can be.

His faithfulness is my joy,

And it takes not riches or gold

For me to know how much he loves me,

As together we grow old.

If you have a husband, be sure and tell him today how much you love him.  Never let a day go by without telling him so. 

God, again I thank you for picking Dave out for me out of all the men in the entire world!  You did good!

Thank You for Mother’s Day so that we as mothers can be reminded what an honor it is to be the mom.

Thank You Lord for dryer buzzers so I can remember to get my laundry out of the dryer.

Especially thank You Lord for clean water to wash my clothes in.

Thank You Lord that I live in the best country in the world even on its darkest day.

Thank You Lord for putting love into my heart for others.

Thank You Lord for Your amazing grace of salvation.  I can never tell You enough thanks for giving me eternal life.

Thank You for batteries.

Thank you for cauliflower and broccoli.

Thank You that I have pots to cook in and a stove to cook on.

Thank You for my restored hearing.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS ALL!  AND THAT MEANS YOU!

Friday May 6 2016  A NIGHT OF CONFESSION

This is one night I am certainly glad that I did not take any photos.  I have worked to declutter my laundry room from sun up to sun down (and later).  And I’m not quite finished.  This room which also serves as our central utility area, as well as for the laundry, is 16X15 feet.  It is quite a large room to tackle.  It has the washer, dryer, water softener, hot water heater, a boiler and three pumps and lots of shelving on two walls facing each other.  Not to mention all that we have free standing.  Every shelf was maxed to capacity, every drawer filled with things that I had totally forgotten about and every table piled high.

Over the years things were stacked and stored, forgotten and never moved.  I will confess and admit that I had cleaning supplies on my shelves that expired in 1987.  Yes, you read that right.   Things that were moved from California, placed on the shelves, and then as new things were put in front of them they were forgotten.  Just so you know, it took a bit of bravery to admit what I just admitted, because a lot of people I know read my blog. 

All in all it seems like it didn’t take any time at all for the room to become neglected, over crowded, and very dusty.  But I will attest to the fact that it did indeed take a lot of time to clean it up!  And like I said, I am not done yet.

LET THE ROOMS OF YOUR LIFE SHINE LIKE A STAR

By Kathleen Martens

May 6, 2016

Just as a room, overused and neglected,

So our lives can become as rejected.

We pack so much into the rooms of our lives,

And the dust and age then causes such strife.

We wonder why our hours seem cluttered.

We do even more, as under our breaths we mutter.

We don’t take the time to clean up our mess,

And overwhelmed, we become depressed.

Deep inside we seem to sag with time,

Our energy defeated, we can no longer climb.

We open our eyes to realize time has passed

And too much clutter in our lives amassed.

So we take a good look and know things must change.

It takes a bit of work to mark our range.

We shed all the extras, all that’s expired,

And once again we’re not quite as tired.

The clutter is gone, you’ve dusted your shelf,

And once again you see your true self.

Emotional clutter departed, life easier to bear,

All because you took the time to care.

So look deep inside and know who you are.

Let the rooms of your life shine like a star.

Take time to stay healthy, rested and pure.

And a cluttered heart you’ll need not endure.

It seems that a room can become cluttered so quickly but it takes so much time to clean it up and get rid of all the unnecessary pieces that have accumulated.  So it seems as a parallel to our lives.  We can make mistakes so quickly and then it takes a lot of time to heal from the damage.

God, thank You for this day of cleansing.

Thank You Lord for the good memories I discovered on my journey today.

Thank You too for the fact that that it now seems easier to part with “things”.

Jesus, thank You for dying for my sins.

Thank You for the wonderful teachings that I receive everyday while listening to sermons online.

Thank You Lord for my IPhone so I can listen to such wonderful messages.

Thank You for my leftover pizza today.

Thank You Lord for all my food.  Never let me take it for granted.

Thank You Lord that I am not homeless.

Thank You Father for helping me get ready for whatever you have planned for me. 

Thank You for the sharp knife I found today.

Thank You for a newspaper dated May 31, 1974.

Thank You God for the beautiful world around me.

Thank You for green grass.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS ALL!

Thursday May 5, 2016  HONEST TEA  (HONESTY)

Today I listened to a sermon regarding integrity.  Integrity is an interesting word.  We have many words in our English language that take on many different meanings when used in different contexts.  Some words in the dictionary are actually entered more than once, each entry having their own definition.  The word INTEGRITY has many synonyms, but the interesting thing is that each synonym all point to one, and only one meaning.  Here are the synonyms of integrity:  honesty, truth, truthfulness, veracity, reliability, and uprightness.  These synonyms are the character qualifications that men of character possess.  There is one word given as meaning the opposite of integrity.  That word is “DISHONESTY”.

An example was given in the message I listened to about a tea company named “HONEST TEA”.  This tea company set out to do a challenge called “THE HONESTY CHALLENGE” when they set out tables of tea on street corners of major metropolitan areas in The United States.  Next to the tea they put out a box and the basic idea of the challenge was that when a person takes a bottle of tea, they were instructed to leave a dollar in the box.  It was an honor challenge.  It was found that the most honest city in the United States is Atlanta, Georgia.  It was documented that 100% of those who took the tea left a dollar (as a hidden camera showed).  The least honest city in the United States is Washington D.C.  Not only did people not put money in the box, but if there was money in the box, they took the tea and then took the money out of the box.  That too was documented on film.  I just wonder if this tells us more than we want to know about those who live in Washington D.C.?

In this same sermon, the late General Norman Schwarzkopf was quoted;

“THE ROLE OF CHARACTER ALWAYS HAS BEEN THE KEY FACTOR IN THE RISE AND FALL OF NATIONS.  AND ONE CAN BE SURE THAT AMERICA IS NO EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE IN HISTORY.  WE WON’T SURVIVE AS A COUNTRY BECAUSE WE ARE SMARTER OR MORE SOPHISTICATED, BUT BECAUSE WE ARE STRONGER INWARDLY.  IN SHORT, CHARACTER IS THE ONLY EFFECTIVE BULWARK AGAINST INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FORCES THAT LEAD TO A COUNTRY’S DISINTEGRATION AND COLLAPSE.”

 (The above information was taken from the message I heard on the website:  www.southlandchurch.org   Sermon title: First Timothy:  “Dialed In To Character”, presented on August 30, 2015.

Now as we all know, this is a crucial time in our country as we are currently in a presidential election year.  I personally do not vote based upon party labels.  I try to watch as many of the debates as possible with an open mind as to whom I think would be the best president for our country.   I have only the information that is available to all of us.  It is interesting to hear what is said in the debates, to read each candidate’s history, and to listen to both conservative and progressive news stations in order to form an educated opinion about each candidate’s integrity and character.  So much hinges upon who leads this country.  We are heading into a difficult era for our society.  In case you haven’t noticed, our country is in dire straits.  As a country we cannot balance the annual budget which has resulted in an extremely high national debt.  And we are more divided than we have been since the Civil War.  So the big question is…who should I support?  And who should you support?  We all have our own biases, and our likes and dislikes.  We come from different backgrounds, different nucleus “societies” within our larger society, and have different issues that we want to see succeed or not to succeed.  So…what to do?

What is the most important factors upon which we base our vote?  What about character traits?  What about past history?  What about integrity?  What about the principles our country was founded on?  What about our Constitution?  What are the most important messages that we need to focus on when the candidates are vying for the office of the President of the United States of America? 

Personally, I think General Norman Schwarzkopf had deep insight in regards to what he said.  I fear our country is headed for the cliff.  I don’t really think it matters at this point for whom we vote.  All I know is that ultimately God is in control and He has a plan.  I believe His plan is already in action.  I only have a few years left before I am an old woman, dead and buried.  I hesitate to think how different our country will be when our grandsons come of age.  

QUANDRY

By Kathleen Martens

May 5, 2016

What kind of words can be said

That one has not already read?

Each have their own choice

And the vote is our voice.

What is truth and what is veracity?

Who speaks fact with capacity?

Has integrity gone to sleep?

As for promises, who can keep?

The future looms with a shadow,

Like being up a creek without a paddle.

Who will steer the right direction?

What will we see in our reflection?

God, thank You so much for being in control.

Thank You Lord for the peace that reigns in my heart amidst all the chaos of this world.

Thank You Lord for Your protection over the hearts and souls of my children and grandchildren.

Thank You Lord that You gave me such a man of integrity to be my husband.

Thank You God that I had the opportunity to live in a time before the world was so angry.

Lord, thank You for Your sweet Spirit that abides in me.

Thank You for the beautiful sunshine today.

Thank You for the rain on Tuesday.

Thank You that I have eyes to see all the beauty that is blooming around me.

Thank You for my dog friends next door, Dexter and Duke.

Thank You for such a helpful husband.

Thank You for all the pictures I have taken in my lifetime that bring joy to the lives of others.

Thank You for pencils.

Thank You for indoor toilets!

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS ALL MY FRIENDS WHO READ THIS BLOG.  AND LORD, ALSO BLESS ALL MY FRIENDS WHO DON’T READ THIS BLOG.

Wednesday May 4 2016  EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER

Experiential knowledge is sometimes the best teacher. 

Think about a newborn baby, born into the world without any experience, no knowledge, and no language.  Just think of all the experiences that await that newborn in order to acquaint them with life.  Life is experience.  Experience becomes knowledge.  Knowledge builds and as we grow we draw upon our life experiences for each decision we make.  And through the experiences we go through we have better understanding and compassion for others who may eventually go through some of the same situations we have already gone through.

Some experiences are good.  Some experiences are not.  Some experiences cause grief and sorrow.  God never “makes us” to go through painful situations but it does happen, such as death, accident, injury, divorce, abuse, and many other situations which leave sadness and regret in their wake.  What the devil means for evil God turns it into something good.  And what more perfect thing can one do with their experiential knowledge than to walk alongside someone else who is now going through what they experienced.

Think about the ways that you can use the lessons you have learned through your experiences in life to help another find healing.  My friend recently lost her husband to Parkinson’s disease.  It was a long road of grief and sorrow for her before her husband died.  So many new obstacles to overcome as the unknown and dreaded disease took its toll.  It was not easy for her, nor for her husband.  She has been in support groups in order to help her learn and adjust to all the changes that took place in their lives as they battled this unrelenting disease.  And today she told me that she is still going to the support groups, but now it is to reach out to others and to help them walk through their journey.  Experience is the best teacher.  Suffering the emotional pain that she went through is the best teacher that enables her to help others make it through their pain.  God is bringing people to my friend who just need to talk, or cry, as well as those that just need to know there are others out there willing to help them get through one day at a time.   Experience, it speaks a thousand words, sometimes without even uttering a sound.

I would venture to say that none of us have gone through life unscathed.   What in your life has given you the experience to help another?  Think back to your darkest days and remember those who were there for you.  Ask yourself this question: “What do you think God would have you do with your experiential knowledge?”  Many people are hurting.  Each situation is a bit different but oftentimes the pain is universal.  Perhaps you could think about making yourself available to help others through something you have already forded.  Maybe it will even make a difference for their eternity.  When you reach out to another it is recognized and received as “LOVE”.  God commands us to go and love one another.  What a better way to do that, than to reach out when someone is in pain, and help them get through the kind of pain you have already experienced.  We ALL NEED HELP at some time or another in our lives.  Perhaps we should ALL EXTEND HELP at some time or another.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE GOD’S GREAT PLAN

By Kathleen Martens

May 4, 2016

Just one life I have to give

In the perfect will of God to live.

When He beckons do I come?

Or away am I apt to run?

Pain and sorrow I’ve lived through,

And with that experience what shall I do?

Have I learned what I need to know

In order to show others new ways to go?

Have I wisdom to share with another,

To give a helping hand to a sister or brother?

Even when I have experienced sorrow

God makes it good in my tomorrows.

That I in turn will reach out and extend

A helping hand to stranger or friend.

To be their strength and give them hope,

Offering encouragement for them to cope.

Never underestimate God’s great plan

Of what He has for each woman, each man.

Your experience may save another’s soul.

Let God’s plan, be your ultimate goal.

God, thank You for all the people in my life who have helped me in so many ways.

Thank You Lord for every poem I write.

Thank You Father for being such a good Father. 

Thank You Lord for the plan You have for my life.

Thank You Lord that I am sitting here in the quiet of my office with my heart turned toward You.

Thank You that I still have the freedom to worship You in my country.

Thank You Father for daily opening my eyes to the needs of others.

Thank You Lord for the beautiful gift of song writing that you have given Your children.

*Thank You for Fanny Crosby.

Thank You Father for all the poems you have given me over the years.

Thank You Lord for being so awesome and loving.

Thank You Lord that it is well with my soul.

Thank You too for my three hole punch.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.

From website:  www.wholesomewords.org

*Fanny Crosby

Tuesday May 3 2016   WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN YOUR LIFE?

There are so many topics swirling in head that I would like to write about.  I will tell you about just one of them.

I was listening to http://www.southlandchristian.org while at the gym this morning.  The sermons are only 30 minutes in length so I can usually listen to three or four episodes per workout session.  Today I was listening to the series “PERISCOPED”.  The sermon title is: “Peri-live” presented on November 15, 2015.  The pastor relayed a story about a 96 year old man who died.  This elderly man had known the Lord only the last three years of his life.  Before he died the man recorded the words he wanted to share with those who would attend his funeral.  After living 96 years in this world he wanted to share what he felt mattered most in his entire life.  He said, “If I could just tell you what matters I can also tell you what doesn’t matter.”  The man then spoke about what really mattered most to him by quoting the following verse:

1 John 2:15-17

“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world you do not have the love of the Father in you.  For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements, and possessions.  These are not from the Father, but are from the world.  And this world is fading away, along with everything that everybody craves.  But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” (nlt)

Just this little excerpt from Jon Weece’s sermon gave me much pause for thought.  What words would you speak at your funeral if you really wanted to get your most important point across as to what was most important in your life?  I wonder what words I would share?

I have never really been at a loss for words but this question has been circling around in my thoughts off and on throughout this day without coming to a full conclusion.  After giving this some serious think-tank time I have indeed come up with something I would like to share with others.  My first impression is that the most important thing for me to do would be to focus on my family, my friends, and those I come in contact with to make certain that I share God’s love and salvation with them.  And the most important question I could ever ask myself would be: “ WHAT CAN I DO WHILE HERE ON EARTH THAT WILL MOST AFFECT ETERNITY?” 

We cannot take anything with us when we die except those we love who have also accepted Christ into their own lives.  And one of the greatest investments of my time on earth was, and is, living a life that would be acceptable to God so that our children too would know and accept God’s love, and thus pass on that truth to future generations.  Our investment in our children’s and grandchildren’s spiritual destiny should be of the greatest importance.  It is only though our children and grandchildren that we can influence the future generations.

I AM BUT ONE

By Kathleen Martens

May 3, 2016

I am but one so what can I do?

That will affect now and eternity too?

What is most important, as I live my days?

Is it how much I accrue, or is it what I say?

Is it my possessions, or prayers for another?

My time on the job?  Or time with my brothers?

Years on earth short, eternity unending,

To the earth’s cravings I will be unbending.

When I give to the Lord my precious hours

He fills our lives with His amazing power.

When I share with others God’s precious love,

God pours down more from heaven above.

When I love not the world nor the sin it offers

My treasures are deposited in heaven’s coffers.

I need no pride in what I achieve

Rather place my trust in whom I believe.

When I please God I will live forever,

And throughout eternity we’ll never be severed.

So what is the best investment of my time?

To take to heaven those who are mine.

Thank You God for your amazing Living Word.

Thank You Father for the faith I have in You.

Thank You Lord for all the miracles I experience each day through Your love.

Thank You Lord that I had the opportunity to share a recipe with a lady I met at Walmart today.

Thank You God for a husband so sensitive that he waited to mow the grass so I could rescue a new little Trillium sprout.

Thank You for all the early spring flowers that bloom in our woods and yard.

Thank You for Bluebells.

Thank You for shade.

Thank You for Raspberry Jam!

Thank You that my husband is alive.

Thank You for the powerful sermons I listen to.

Thank You for loving me so much God.

Thank You too for libraries.

And thank You for Your Holy Spirit that speaks to my heart.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Monday May 2 2016  A TIME TO REMEMBER

Oh WOW!  I made it through the weekend.  It was busy, interesting and fun…and exhausting.  I didn’t feel the exhaustion until this morning.  And as I look back over this day I am very proud of myself for getting out of bed, dressing for the gym, doing my grocery run, and working out like a pro!  Had a great lunch and have spent the last two hours working out computer situations that had to be upgraded as well as new downloads that were past due.

All day Friday (the beginning of this past weekend) was taken up with errands and necessity shopping.  Rushed home, changed and attended a performance put on by The Philharmonic Chorus of Madison.  It was absolutely awesome!  It was held at a local church with great acoustics.  The harmony of sound reminded me of what one might hear in nature.  The voices were rich and mellow and the harmony felt as if it were velvet, caressing your heart.  I could just feel the smile spread across my face and fill my spirit to its depth.  It was a magical time of awareness, living the moment.  It was like being in a magic garden of soothing sound.  It was somber, yet lively.  It was both serious and light hearted.  There was a resonance that infiltrated into my soul.   Not only was it beautiful to listen to but a delight to watch the performers.  I could see the sincerity and intense enjoyment they received as their voices blended into exquisite significance.  The moments went by too quickly.

Saturday was an early day, work out time, lunch time, and then off to see a live production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.  It was performed by Abundant Life Christian School which is the school on the campus of City Church, the place where we worship.  It was produced by Sarah Karlen, a long time veteran of many productions in the Madison and outlying areas.  She did a superb job.  The settings were grandiose, the costuming was simply elegant and amazing, and all the actors were outstanding.  The facility was packed with hundreds of people of all ages.  Dave and I both enjoyed it immensely.  Because we were gone while the tickets were being sold we ended up in about the farthest wing, in the third pew from the back.  And still we had a great view!  The show was bigger than life, the sound was excellent and I think I enjoyed the perspective of being so far back so I had a better visual command of the entire stage and surrounding areas.  There was a lot of acting and movement that took place up and down the aisles as well as close to the platform. 

We left the three hour production and headed out to Sun Prairie to pick up our grandsons.  We had a nice dinner out and then home to our abode.  Dave wrestled (the boys’ favorite past time when with Grandpa), I read stories and before I knew it, it was bedtime.  A little later than I would have liked because we all had to rise early the next morning.  At least, as it turned out, Dave and I had to get up extra early to get ready for church, and we didn’t know if the boys were ever going to wake up.  By 7:30 every one was up.  We had a quick breakfast, clean-up and teeth brushing and everyone was out the door by 7:50 a.m.  Gramma and Grandpa can make miracles happen when we need to.

We had a very busy afternoon (which is still a secret), and finally the youngest fell asleep.  Believe me, it was a much needed nap.  I prepared dinner, and the kids (older kids), came over for dinner.  Everyone left but I can’t remember what time it was.  All I remember is that after I had finished putting the house in order it was 9:00 p.m. and I then sat down to watch a little T.V.  That was the end of my day.  I was down for the count.  I did finally make it to my bed when I needed a potty break.

And then came morning.  This morning, when I had not one ounce of energy left.  It was if I had been ZAPPED!  But so far I have made it through the day.  As soon as this blog is published I will be showered and in bed so quickly that Dave won’t know what happened to me.  Another busy day awaits me tomorrow.

I have so much more to talk about.  Having the boys here this weekend reminded me of so many memories from the past.  It is quite uncanny to see how much Zachariah looks like his father.  His resemblance propels me back in time to the memories I cherish of my own little boy and girl.  I think I was fortunate to have one of each.  It’s as if two little boys instigate so much more rambunctious activity than did one little boy and one little girl.  Whew!  I dodged a bullet.  Sorry Amy that there are so many males that reside in your house.  Boys may be easier to rear when they are older, but they certainly are not easier when so young and full of vinegar.  Dave is a bit worse for the wear after being a human springboard in the wrestling arena on the living room floor.  He said the after-pain is worth it because these are the happy memories that his grandson’s will carry forward.  What they’ll probably remember about me is that this was a weekend without T.V., computers, I Pads, cell phones, or video games.  That’s how I planned it.  I didn’t say anything about the loss of such items until Zach brought it up and asked if he could use my computer.  He was not such a happy camper but went along without the use of electronics as graciously as any 8 year old boy could possibly do.  However, he did say he might not come back again.  Uh-Oh!  Oh well, we are still bigger than he is.  He said it with a smile!  He brought a book with him so when he was not engaged by one of the adults and Xander was sleeping, he enjoyed reading his book.  I also did a lot of reading to both boys.

IT’S HARD TO IMAGINE

By Kathleen Martens

May 2, 2016

How can I remember I need to slow down?

I forget old age has me bound.

I bite off a lot and it gets tough to chew,

And I’ll do it again before I am through.

Two little boys can run you ragged,

Make you tired and feel quite haggard.

But a mom needs a break as well as a dad

And so it’s our boon because we get the lads!

I’ll use my last strength as well as last breath

To do all I can before I meet death.

Making memories is the gift we can give

To two little boys, to remember as long as they live.

And it is so much fun to tell our stories,

Yet I’m sure at times it may be quite boring.

But the boring times they won’t remember

When they are old and no longer quite limber.

It’s hard to imagine that our years will end,

But I hope not before we can be their friends,

All grown up with families of their own,

With great-grandchildren who are yet unknown.

God, thank You for such a wonderful weekend.

Thank You Lord for the energy to make it through this day.

Thank You Father that I had honey roasted peanut butter in my refrigerator this weekend.

Thank You God that these two boys survived this weekend.

Thank You God that WE SURVIVED THIS WEEKEND!

Thank You God for the great sermons I am listening to everyday from SOUTHLAND CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

Thank You Father for being such a good Father to me.

Thank You God for all the smiles You have placed on my face.

Thank You God that I was able to get everything accomplished on my computer today.

Thank You for grapes.  They are so good.

Thank You for creating music Lord.  The very sound of beautiful music just seems to worship You.

Thank You for loving me God despite knowing me so well.

Thank You God that I still have some hair on my head. 

Thank You God for my fingers.

But mostly, thank You for two such wonderful grandsons.

GOOD NIGHT EVERYONE.  GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU.

Saturday April 30 2016  MULTI-TASKING:  THE ART OF THE YOUNG

I will be the first to admit that I don’t multi-task as readily as I was able to you when I was younger.  I’ve only recently noticed in the last year or so that it is a bit more difficult.  But, I want you to know that as of this moment, while writing this blog, I am MULTI-TASKING in a big way.

Lots to do today so I must put all gears in motion.  Right now I am writing, chewing a mouthful of lunch, as I sit at the kitchen counter, keeping watch over a pot that is cooking with rice for tomorrow night’s dinner, as well as keeping an eye on the clock to make certain I am prepared to wrap things up in one hour so I can get ready to see a live musical production this afternoon.  We then leave from there to pick up our grandsons which we will have as our guests for the rest of the weekend.  We plan to take them out to dinner and then have a quiet story time and conversation before bedtime.  Now that might sound interesting to a couple of old fogies like us but I am skeptical as to whether or not the boys will think it will be “fun”.

By the way, the lunch that I am eating consist of my famous AMBROSIA with black angus beef patties scrambled into it.  It is delicious.  I also have a beautiful salad (beautiful because I say it is), topped with avocado and feta cheese.  My two prunes snuggle in close to my three delicious strawberries.  How do I know that the strawberries are delicious?  Because I just ate about 4 or 5 right out the cleaned bowl full.  They actually have a true strawberry flavor!

Dave and I spent time perusing Michael’s Craft Store looking for just the right something for the boys to do as a gift for their mom.  I can’t say what it is, I don’t know how it will go over, nor do I know whether my house will survive the potential mess, but I think they will have fun doing it.  We’ll do that Sunday after church.  I just hope it takes a bit of thought on their part and they are not finished in five minutes or less.  More about that after Mother’s day.

Tomorrow may be my first day in months and months (sans the night I was sick and Dave wrote my blog for me) that I will not write a blog.  You may want to check just in case.  Our day tomorrow will be even more packed than today.  The boys have a way of keeping us both busy and occupied.  However, do check to see if one is there because if I have time after publishing this one there is something I would like to get ready and will go ahead and publish my concoction tomorrow just so you know I’ll be thinking about you.  I really do appreciate all of my readers who check in every day and I even appreciate all of my readers who check in every once in a while.  I know I write a lot and people’s schedules are busy and hectic.  But hey, it might be worth it, because every once in a while I actually write something pretty good.  I just have fun doing the writing.  I hope you enjoy reading what I write.

I just discovered that writing a blog while I am eating actually makes my lunch last a very long time.  It seems there are advantages in most things.

WHEN YOUR ATTITUDE IS RIGHT

By Kathleen Martens

April 30, 2016

No matter how busy

Or how hectic my day

Life is so awesome

Whether at work or at play.

I look forward to living

Regardless what’s to be done,

When your attitude’s right

Whatever you do is fun.

And I find satisfaction

In whatever the task

Because my body still functions

And does what I ask.

I never take it for granted,

For each year strength wanes,

So I’ll do all I can

Until I’m riddled with pain.

And perhaps then

I’ll just sit around.

And if you can find me

I’ll be writing something down.

But in the meantime

I thank God for His grace,

And for my daily strength

I will seek His face.

For however long I can do

And for how long I can think

I will thank God for all the words

He allows me to capture in ink.

Lord thank You for this day of life.

God thank You for creating strawberries.

Thank You Father for the knowledge I read in Your Scriptures.

Thank You God for all the words You have put in my heart.

Thank You God for the fact that I was born and was introduced to You at a young age.

Thank You Lord for holding me close and never letting me go.

Thank You for grains that You have created.

Thank You that I was born into a country that was fashioned to be a country of freedom.

Thank You God for all that will not be allowed in heaven.

Thank You God that there will be no more death in heaven.

Thank You God that there will be no more darkness.

Thank You God that there will be no more pain.

Thank You God that there will be no more disorder or chaos in heaven.

And thank You God that You have given me peace in my heart while I am still here on earth.

Thank You God for chickens.

HAVE A BLESSED DAY, EVENING AND NIGHT.  REMEMBER THAT GOD LOVES YOU AND WANTS TO HOLD YOU CLOSE EVERYDAY IF YOU BUT ALLOW HIM TO.

Friday April 29 2016  DEAR ELDERS, I’M SORRY

Interesting title to say the least, but I thought it worth repeating.  Dave asked me to listen to a message on U-Tube with this title.  And I am going to pass on that suggestion.  The web address is too complex so just google “Dear Elders, I’m Sorry, U-Tube” and it should come up.  Several come up.  This one was the first on the list when I googled it.  The speaker is a young woman with blond hair, sitting behind the wheel of a car.  If you listen I think you will be amazed at what she says.

Now the question regarding this blog is if I can write it by the time Dave gets out of the shower.  I just arrived home from a doctor’s appointment and he just arrived home from the gym.  We have an exceptionally busy day ahead and the only blog I will be able to write is in these few moments.  Tonight, our night out ends later than usual and I know I will need to get to bed.

It looks like everything shows fine with the mammogram I had today.  There was some suspicious areas of concern so they scheduled an ultra sound immediately following the mammogram.  The ultra sound showed nothing suspicious so I received a good report.  If you know my history you will know that this is good news.

Today I am still basking in my great accomplishments over the past two days (remember the freezers).  I feel liberated from that job for another year.  Now Dave and I have the freedom to go and gather all that is needed to sustain our household for the next couple of weeks.  In order to save money and not have food products expire, we choose to shop more often for exactly what is needed, instead of stocking ahead.  It is actually more fun that way because I then tend to cook up all the food I buy as I have all the spices and ingredients I need for that specific recipe.  I discovered a lot of new recipes today as I was waiting and perusing a magazine.  I took a few pictures of the recipes I wanted to try.   If they turn out great I’ll let you know.

I just heard the shower water go off.  Must hurry!

I REALLY DO LIKE THIS RETIREMENT THING

By Kathleen Martens

April 29, 2016

This poem is just a hello

As well as a quick good-bye.

Today is gone before it’s begun

So quickly away I must fly.

All is well on the home front.

My mind is full and spinning.

My list is long of places to go

So thus my early beginning.

Here and there and everywhere

To get all the little things done.

But when we do it together

It is always a lot of fun.

I really do like this retirement thing

Of planning my day as I choose.

So I try to plan my time wisely

For I no longer have an excuse…

…Not to finish what I begin

For each day is at my heeding.

I can plan according to what must be done

And spend the rest of my time just reading.

Lord, thank You for the time I have every day to live life.

Thank You that my mammogram had good results.

Thank You for books.

Thank You than I can read.

Thank You for the love you put in my heart.

Thank You for the lovely spring we are having.

Thank You for yesterday’s rain.

Thank You for paper.

Thank You for a bathroom that is all put back together.

Thank You for wash cloths.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!  AND GOD BLESS YOU.

Thursday April 28 2016  ANOTHER DAY DONE

I truly did not believe that so much could be packed into one single day.  Which is a good thing because it makes my days seem very long, thus, it makes me feel as if I am living longer.  And on the flip side of the coin, it seems as if my days fly by every time I write the date on a new blog.  I know the months disappear with the bat of an eye (not to mention the years).  You may just have to get old to experience such a malady.

Again today we packed a full one.  Yesterday and today are days I am glad have passed.  Two freezer defrosts in two days!  That is a bit much.  And I have one more small one to do tomorrow (maybe).  It may need to wait until next week due to how packed our tomorrow is.  The freezer left to do is the one in the kitchen under the fridge compartment.  It is packed full and needs some purging.  I have a little bit of space left in the outside freezer I defrosted today.  And as much as I hate to admit it, I think some of the inside foods may be too old to eat because I never dig deep enough to see what is under the top layer.  I would never choose to have an “under drawer” freezer again.  Nor a side by side. 

All that is left to do is to wash all the towels I used to sop up the melted ice.  Both freezers are repacked in order of what to use first.  I don’t think I will need to make more soup this year.  We’ll just need to eat all the produce up as we receive it.  I need to use up about 150 quarts of soup before making more.  It is one of my favorite breakfast meals.

One last worker had to show up today to fix our self-closing magic drawers in our bathroom vanity.  He spent quite a bit of time re-working them and tightening some screws in order to make them function properly.  The drawers are now working fine, for the time being.

Tomorrow is prep day for our boys coming to spend part of the weekend with us.  Court has finals this weekend and Amy needs a bit of a reprieve on occasion.  We are glad to have any excuse to have them over.  Court will come over after work on Sunday (yes, he works most Sundays) and Amy will meet him here for dinner.  Guess what we’re having for dinner?  YEP!  SOUP!  I’ll set the jars out on Saturday and have them defrosted by Sunday.  I’ll add a salad to it and put fresh chicken breast in the soup when I heat it up.  It is a vegetable medly so I will also add a rich hearty grain to it also.  It will be yummy! 

Dave and I have come up with a unique weekend for the boys.  I hesitate to write anything in the blog, perchance Court and Amy may read it and mention it to the boys.  If they knew what we planned the boys might not want to come.  I’ll let you know how it turns out.  It should be an interesting experiment because it is totally opposite of what they are used to.  But, we think it will be fun once they realize we are serious about our endeavor.

Time is passing all too quickly and I still have hopes of getting to bed early.  I must leave the house in the morning by 7:00 a.m. as I have a 7:30 a.m. doctor’s visit scheduled.  Then I’ll go to the gym, then Dave and I have a myriad of other forays that must be accomplished before the setting sun.

A DAY’S END

By Kathleen Martens

April 28, 2016

Oh the sweetness of a job well done,

Especially one you didn’t want to do.

And what makes it even better

Is that I had to do two.

Now evening yawns offering solace,

And my bed offers promised rest.

Such a good feeling it is to know

That today I did my best.

Whatever I do, I do unto the Lord,

For He gives me strength for each day.

I’m just thankful I can work so hard

And that God is with me all the way.

Someday I may not be so able to work

Or do things for another.

That is why I put in my years

To be the world’s greatest mother!

And I say the last, all in jest,

Hoping these words my kids will read.

So they can get ready to work real hard

When it is them that I will need.

Uh Oh, I hope they hear my smile in the last two stanzas above.  I couldn’t resist writing them because I needed something to rhyme with “another”.  I love you Court and Amy!  I love you Rebecca and Neil!  AND JUST FOR THE RECORD…THEY ALL WORK REALLY REALLY HARD!

So…do I send the poem or not?  If this last sentence gets printed, it means I sent it.

Thank You Lord for my children.

Thank You for our grandsons.

Thank You God for my extended family.

Thank You for this day of hard work.

Thank You that my feet are doing well.

Thank You for my shoes.

Thank You for the sermons I found to listen to from Southland Christian Church in Lexington Kentucky.

Thank You Lord for bringing to me the messages I need to hear at such appropriate times.

Lord, Thank You for soup.

Thank You God that I like soup.

Thank You God for electricity.

Thank You for lilacs.

Thank You for my nose.

Thank You God for loving me so much.

Thank You for words.

Thank You God for ideas.

Thank You Lord for BLANK ANGUS HAMBURGERS.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!

WEDNESDAY APRIL 27 2016  IT IS OVER…ALMOST

Christmas day, December 25^th, 2015 was a delightful day…ALMOST.   It was delightful up until my shower time when I decided to take an early shower so I could get to bed early after all the celebration of the week.  Oh, if I could just have a do-over of that evening it certainly would have simplified my life a bit.  But…it is over…almost.

That was the night I left the sink water on while I was showering, only to discover when I was finished showering, I had created a flood. And what a mess it was.  And what a mess it caused for all these months.  A lot of clean up, weeks of professional cleanup with loud water suction machines emptying our walls and floors of water.  Lots of high powered blowers (on two floors) going nonstop with one bathroom vanity moved to an uninvited location, the very middle of our dressing room. 

We have walked around displaced pieces of furniture, been totally inconvenienced, had sawhorses in our dressing room to protect us from falling through the floor that had been removed, had a myriad of people coming and going from our house on many occasions, all doing their specialized skill, and taking the time to order a new vanity, a light fixture, and paint. 

We had to leave parts of our house in somewhat disarray while on our trip only to come back to the final makeover.  Everything was ready to be assembled the week we were leaving but it didn’t work out with the rebuilders to do so, which was fine with us.  We knew when we came home we would be facing what we have just finished today.  ALMOST finished that is.

We have had people in our home all week and today was the end…almost.

The carpet stretcher came today (we once again have a floor), the light man came today and reconnected our light fixture in the bathroom below our master bath, and then the plumbers showed up for the afternoon.  Yeah!  We have water again in our sinks (water was turned off Monday morning) and all three sinks in two different areas are once again hooked up and working.  Today in the midst of all the mess, and the coming and going of so many people (on my day off), I was also concentrating on defrosting one of our freezers in the garage.  That in itself was time consuming and exhausting.  But it is done!  And the house is done…ALMOST.

The house is even put back in order.  Everything reassembled where it should be.  The guest room is emptied of its burden of all the bathroom and toiletry overflow.  Dave even vacuumed the stretched carpet, beat out the throw rugs, I have scrubbed mirrors and counters, dusted furniture, replaced all the linens to their rightful home, as well as cleaning supplies, and I am all set to take another shower tonight.  However, I WILL NOT LEAVE THE SINK WATER RUNNING WITH THE STOPPER PLUGGED.  ACTUALLY, I JUST WON’T LEAVE THE SINK WATER RUNNING AT ALL…E V E R!

Now, to fill you in on the “ALMOST” of what is not yet done.  Now we must write the check.  Fortunately for us the insurance has covered the expenses.  We just wonder if we will still be insured when this year’s policy expires.  And we still have one last physical thing that must be done.  The insurance also covered to have our carpet cleaned.  We chose to just take an allowance for that because we are picky when it comes to who cleans our carpets.  We will choose who will do it rather than allow the builders choose for us.  It will cost us more but it will be worth it because we know they use less water and we always have good results.  What we don’t need is more moisture in the house

So that was my day.  Just a final word on the fact that I did finish getting the freezer reassembled with all the food stuffs and it looks so much better. I do not have frost free freezers.  Nor do I want them.  Tomorrow I plan to defrost freezer #2 before I chicken out.  It is a lot of work and tomorrow I must go and work out.  It was nice to do it today on my day off when I did not need to go anyplace at all!  Defrosting a freezer is an all-day affair so it won’t be too difficult to duck out a couple of hours while the ice melts.

THE DAY IS DONE…ALMOST

By Kathleen Martens

April 27, 2016

A quick blog, a quick poem

After a long and tiring day.

So soon night will come

So to bed I am on my way.

But to know a job’s well done

Is a great and inspiring feeling.

It was worth the hours of toil

From which I am now reeling.

And tomorrow comes all too soon

Another day with a full plate.

So many things that need to be done

Which absolutely can no longer wait.

So I’ll suck it in and finish my tasks

And be thankful for my frozen food,

Knowing I’m eating summer’s bounty

Puts me in such a grateful mood.

And I am so thankful I have energy

To fulfill the tasks at hand.

Other than leaving the faucet running

My brain I usually command.

Lord, thank You for all my frozen soups.

Lord, thank You for electricity to keep my food frozen.

Thank You God for the energy to do what I did today.

Thank You too that our house is back together.

Thank You that I have the guest room emptied out so our Grandsons can come for the weekend.

Thank You for the gentle rain that is falling right now.

Thank You for space heaters.

Thank You for our dehumidifier.

Thank You for insurance.

Thank You for plumbers.

Thank You for honey roasted peanut butter.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.

Tuesday April  26 2016  A NOSTALGIC MOMENT

Well, now I know how to get responses from my readers.  Just write a long blog like I did yesterday!  Sorry readers, I promise to keep them shorter.  Let’s just say I heard from some who follow me daily.

Okay here goes.  I have one hour before I am needed so I plan to make this short and sweet but still with some meaning.  It is easy for my desk to become overcrowded quite quickly.  I have moved my laptop down to my office due to the issues I was having with the computers.  It was easier to have the equipment all together so I could work with the Geek Squad.  I just now decided to tidy my desk and came across a poem that was written by my daughter Rebecca twelve years ago.  She gave it to me as a birthday gift.  It touches my heart each time I read it.  I share it with you so you can see the heart of my daughter.  She and our son have been the greatest gifts that God could have ever given us.  Having been with Rebecca and her husband so recently made me feel all the more nostalgic as I read the poem again.  Rebecca and Neil were so good to us while we were guests in their home.  They lavished us with great meals, treated us to dinners out, bought tickets to some amazing attractions and escorted us to see beautiful sights in the Palm Beach area.  But there is nothing that they could ever do that would be held as dear to my heart as this poem written for me twelve years ago.  Words create a powerful picture filled with memories.

MY MOTHER’S ARMS

By My Daughter

February 2004  (Presented to me on my Birthday in 2004.)

My Mother’s arms have held me through

The best of times and when I’m feeling blue.

They held me when I was newborn,

They picked me up when my heart had torn.

My Mother’s arms gave me such love,

Always at my level, never held above.

Her loving arms and such soft hands

Clapped as I sang or at marching band.

My mother’s arms are always open,

No matter how I acted or how poorly I’d spoken.

Her arms reassured me as they held me tight,

They even played doctor during asthma and wasp bite.

Those arms gave love without any lack,

How those hands could sting when I deserved a smack.

My Mother’s arms are a special place

For me and my brother, and don’t forget Papa’s space.

How lucky am I than her arms are around,

One wrapped tight to my Papa, their strength does abound.

They’ve taught me so much, and so much I have learned,

The most import would be, where in trials to turn.

Your arms your hands have always spoken volumes

When they turned to the Lord, quietly folded, you sought Him.

So Mother, dear Mother, I thank you today

For the gift of your arms and the roll that they played.

Happy Birthday Mom!

I LOVE YOU!

R.A.

Never underestimate the power of your words!  Her beautiful words I will carry with me forever!

Is there someone in your life with whom you would like to share special words of love, filled with memories?  If so, take the time to sit down and write them.  Someday it may be too late.  They may not be around or it may be you who will not live long enough to write them.  Reveal to those who are special to you just how much you love them. 

Since I do not know how long I will be here to watch our grandsons grow I write them letters to read on special occasions in the future.  If I live to go to their graduation and engagement and wedding and the birth of their children then I can give them the letters myself.  But if I am not here the letters will be tucked away in their secret treasure box I have for them, to be read on the events specified on the envelopes.  I want them to always remember and know how special they are to me and how much I love them, and especially how much God loves them.  Who is to say what a powerful influence it could be to receive such a letter written so many years ago from a “Gramma” who loved them and prayed for them?

God has given you a language.  Use it to enhance someone’s life.  The words you say might mean more to someone than you could ever imagine.

WORDS ARE BUT LETTERS

By Kathleen Martens

April 26, 2016

Words are but letters

All strung into words.

And sentences are words

Spoken to be heard.

What you speak is mighty

When it touches a heart.

What you say might give them

Courage for another start.

Words spoken with a love,

Received like a butterfly kiss,

Soothes the spirit and the soul,

Creating internal bliss.

So choose your words carefully,

Especially those you write,

That they are a lamp to another

Spreading warmth and light.

Long after you are laid to rest

Your written word may resound in hearts,

As if your voice still speaks,

For the written word does not part.

And if you can’t write your thoughts

Let your loved ones hear them spoken.

Kind and gentle words of encouragement

Can often mend what might be broken.

Thank You God for two such important little men-in-the-making.

Thank You God that I am a Gramma.

Thank You God for words. 

Thank You for the beauty of the spoken language.

Thank You for giving me the idea to write words of encouragement for grandsons to read when they reach the milestones of their lives.

Thank You for butterfly kisses.

Thank You for doing such a GOOD job when you created the world.

Thank You for creating a way for man to be reconciled to the God of the universe.

Thank You for this day, even with all the unexpected that has happened.

Thank You for all the good food I purchased today.

Thank You for pineapple.

Thank You for sea shells.

Thank You Father that You have spoken to me through Your Written Word.

Thank You that I can read.

Thank You for all the people in the world that do their jobs in order to make our world function.

Thank You Lord for my precious daughter.

GOOD AFTERNOON AND GOD BLESS EACH ONE.  I SO HOPE THIS BLOG IS SHORT(ER)…

Proverbs 16:24  New International Version (NIV)

 ^“Gracious words are a honeycomb,
 sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

Monday April 25 2016  A RAVE REVIEW

What would I do without my husband?  He is always so helpful when it comes to my blog.  Today he gave me an interesting suggestion along with a “Rave Review”!  He reminded me of the times when my mind is just blank and I haven’t a clue as what to write.  That happens more often than not.  Oh believe me, I always have lots I want to say but to stop long enough to put it into a semblance of a story or factual reporting, is another thing.  Well, while we were having lunch today he suggested that on the days I lack for something to write that I choose a recipe to discuss, share, and tell about why it is so good for you.  Has he morphed into a believer or what?  I know I like to talk about food and I have really tried not to over discuss it because I am really not a website for cooking or recipes.  But…how can I pass up such a good idea?

Today I made Dave’s favorite dish.  He once asked me the name of it and since I did my best to copy it from something I ordered at a fine dining restaurant, I didn’t really have a name for it.  I can’t even remember what it was called on the menu.  It was a “FLATBREAD” something or other.  I can’t remember what the something or other was.  However, it was so delicious with such a unique flavor that I asked the waiter if he could ask the chef what the special ingredient was that gave it its unique essence.  Not only did the chef give me a verbal recipe via the waiter he even told me the brand of that “something special” that made it taste so good.  And I am going to share it with you.  Except I can’t remember the brand name but I have found something that taste just as satisfying and about 1/5^th the cost.  And of course I don’t have the kind of flatbread he used but I have found a couple of things that made it even more delicious (according to me). And since I didn’t have a name for my recipe I asked Dave to name it.  He calls it “AMBROSIA”.  What makes it even more interesting was that when I ordered it in the restaurant he wouldn’t even sample it.  I made it at home for a long time and ate it all myself until I one day I talked him into sampling it.  That was all it took!

I have made Ambrosia for many different people and so far I believe about 99% loved it.  There is always that 1% that just doesn’t have a palette for such exquisite tastes.  Their loss.

Now, after saying all that, I will tell you that it is nothing more than a glorified pizza.  But it is what is in the pizza, how you make it, and what you put on top that makes it so stunningly delicious.

Now, for my version of Ambrosia.

For the crust I use Naan bread.  Two egg shaped slices of bread come in one packet.  I try to buy the whole grain.  The grainier the better.

INGREDIENTS

2 or 3 TABLESPOONS of good olive oil poured into a very large skillet or wok-like cooking skillet.

About 4 heaping TABLESPOONS of jarred chopped garlic. 

1 very large red onion.   Peel and cut in half side to side and then cut each side into about 8 or 10 wedges.

1 very large red bell pepper cut into strips and then cut the strips into thirds

2 very large Portabella mushrooms.  Wash and then slice into strips about ½ inch wide and then cut those long strips into four equal parts.

4 or 5 Roma tomatoes.  Cut in quarters from top to bottom and then depending how tall the Roma tomato, cut the quarters in half or thirds.

About 1/4 cup of Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar

DIRECTIONS

Pour the oil into the cold cooking skillet.

Add garlic to cold oil and heat slowly for three or four minutes warming the garlic with the oil.  This was one of the secrets the chef at the restaurant told me to do because it allows the full richness of the garlic to come out.  Start cold and heat slowly while gently stirring.

Then add the cut up onions to the now medium hot skillet (I set my electric stove on about 6).

Stir for another three or four minutes.

Add the red peppers.  Again stir for two or three minutes.

Add the portabella mushrooms and stir for about 4 or 5 minutes until you can see that they start cooking.

Then add the Roma tomatoes and heat while stirring.  When it comes to a simmer, about 3 or 4 minutes later you add the Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar.  I estimate using at least a quarter of a cup or more.

After the vegetables have simmered in the hot vinegar drain the liquid using a colander and bowl to collect the juice. 

To prepare the Naan bread place it on a cold pizza stone and spread ¼  cup of marinara sauce on each slice.  I then put a tiny little covering of sharp cheddar cheese on the sauce.  Use the cheese sparingly.  Then I use a slotted spoon on the drained veggies and spread one thick layer of cooked vegetables on the bread.  Adjust your ingredients to the size of bread you use.

Top the pizza with crumbled Feta Cheese.  I use that liberally.  On my slice of pizza I put a layer of pickled jalapeno peppers and sprinkle with a bit of a hot pizza spice.  I leave the peppers and spice off Dave’s piece.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and bake pizza for about 12 minutes.  Check every two minutes or so until the feta cheese begins browning.  Once cooked to my liking I turn the oven to about 300 degrees and slide the pizza onto the bare rack, stand beside the closed oven door and check the bottom of the bread every 30 seconds until it becomes a bit hardened but not burned.  Slide the pizza back onto the pizza stone and remove from oven. 

Each piece of pizza is cut into three equal portions.  We now have three separate meals prepared.

END OF RECIPE

If you are not ready to use the recipe right away you can leave it on the stove for a while to steep in the juice.  Though you drain the vegetables for the pizza make certain you save the juice because it is used for another recipe later.  This recipe freezes well.

The restaurant’s vinegar cost right around $100.00 per bottle.  I looked it up on the website and now I can’t even remember the exact name of it.  I decided not to buy it.  Instead I used what I love the most of the balsamic vinegar that I buy.  You may have a favorite that you would like to experiment with.  My vinegar cost considerable less than what the restaurant used..  AND IT IS DELICIOUS! 

I have also made it with the Balsamic vinegar that Costco sells.  It is their Kirkland Balsamic and it too was excellent.  But for me, there is just something a little bit special about the Raspberry Balsamic.  My friend Carolyn picks it up for me in Door County when she and her husband visit there.  I have her buy me a year’s supply at a time.  It taste delicious on a lot of things.  To be truthful (said in all humility), I think my recipe tastes better than what I ate at the high priced restaurant.

Each piece of pizza is cut into three equal portions.  We now have three separate meals prepared.  I served it today with a large fresh garden salad, a slice of cantaloupe and three crackers for each of us. We also had two prunes each.  Remember, we are diligent when it comes to balancing carbs with proteins and fruits.  We also had two slices of rotisserie chicken breast equaling about two or three ounces of protein.  We were so full that we each have half of our salads left over for dinner.  What we don’t eat at one meal we just save it for the next.  Tomorrow we’ll have another piece of pizza and a half of a cup of soup with it.  I will also include some kind of protein along with fruit. 

This pizza freezes well.  I freeze the slices on a cookie sheet then package the frozen slices in a freezer bag so they do not adhere to one another.  To reheat it I simply set it in the oven toaster on the bare rack, allow it time to defrost naturally and then BAKE it for 10 minutes on about 250 degrees.  The pizza tastes as fresh and crispy as the first day I made it.

I hope someone will try the recipe and let me know how you like it.  When I make it I cut up everything first and put each item on a separate plate.  It is so quick and easy to cook when all you must do is reach for the next plate and stir it in.  I probably use about ¼ cup or more of the balsamic.

Now, for the leftovers.  One batch will easily make three packages of the bread into pizza.  Sometimes I assemble them all at once and sometimes I just freeze the vegetables in the juice and assemble more pizza later.  But our favorite recipe as a leftover is to heat a Costco, Black Angus precooked hamburger, scramble it, add some dark, crunchy,  already cooked grains I make each week, and then pour the Ambrosia, juice and all, over the meat and rice.  It makes an absolutely company worthy dinner.  Serve with a small salad and a piece of fruit and you have a healthy beautiful, tasteful dinner.  I cook for leftovers because it makes life so much easier.

So, how could one recipe take up so much space in a blog.  Let me tell you, I just have a way with words.  I can make them last a long time.  I hope my directions make it easy for you to try.  It is very simple and doesn’t take must time.  It probably took me longer to write about it than it would for me to make it.

A lot has happened in these past hours of my life.  I was up until 1:00 a.m. last night with computer problems and they still weren’t resolved when I went to bed.  Today I again pursued to find the answer through the Geek Squad team that works with me when I run into brick walls.  I really do not like computer problems.  Well, today it was resolved.  It all had to do with my router and modem needing to be reset so my computer would “speak” to my printer.  I am believing that all is well! 

We also had the demolition of our beautiful bathroom vanity today.  What a shame.  We will not have full use of the bathroom until Wednesday night.  At least the toilet and shower still work.  I will be so happy when it is all behind us.  Not only is it disruptive to our schedule but it is very noisy and causes a lot of dust.  The workers are respectful and about the cleanest crew you would ever want to find.  Unfortunately we have had to use them several times for other situations but we are fortunate that they are so conscientiously tidy.  We had one builder that remodeled our lower level a few years ago who was so messy and haphazard with his equipment that we knew we would never use him again.   Not only was our place a mess, it was actually dangerous.

GOD CREATED THE FIRST FAST-FOOD

By Kathleen Martens

April 25, 2016

There just seems to be

Something so refreshing

When handling real food

Of God’s bountiful blessings.

Food that is real

Not processed or altered

Eaten fresh and alive

Without man to falter.

To touch the skin,

A red pepper so smooth,

And inhale its aroma

As it simply sooths.

And to feel the touch

Of an avocado’s skin

Before it is cut

To eat what’s within.

The bounty God supplies

Is alive and flourishing

So we may partake,

Filling and nourishing.

If only others knew

What’s in those boxes and bags

That add on the pounds

And makes the skin sag.

For there is no life

In that which one eats

If it is processed to death

Before your tummy it meets.

Peel a banana or an orange.

To encourage your mood,

Just like apples or grapes,

God’s original, fast-food.

Thank You God for Balsamic Vinegar, especially Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar.

Thank You for oranges.

Thank You for pizza stones.

Thank You for all the things You provide when I don’t really even need them.

Thank You for the Geek Squad.

Thank You for dogs.

Thank You for teaching me new things every day.

Thank You for this day.

Thank You for the book “THE LAMB”

Thank You Lord for a kind heart.

Thank You Lord for the love You lavish over me every day.

Thank You for the green paint on my office walls.

Thank You for the comfortable chair I am sitting in.

Thank You for my office desk.

Thank You for my computer and printer working together.

Thank You Lord for being with me all the time.

Thank You for songs.

Thank You for dirt.

GOOD NIGHT FRIENDS.  THANKS TO THOSE WHO SEND ME THEIR COMMENTS.  I ENJOY HEARING WHAT MY READERS SHARE WITH ME. 

GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU!

Sunday Sabbath April 24 2016  LOST AND FOUND

I am so good at hiding things that even I can’t find them when I go to look for them.  And I guess that is not really anything to laugh about.  Either I must quit hiding things or perhaps write myself notes as to where I hide them.  However, I did that once and then I couldn’t remember where I put the note.  Oh well, all I can say it is that it is a good thing that I have God to help me along the way.  So I just do a lot of praying.

Now, just so you know, it is not my normal behavior to “hide” things.  I only do that when I am leaving town for a while and decide I should not leave my hard drives available to be found by possible intruders.  The hard drive of which I speak is the one with all my family photos on it from the past eight years or so.  I also have some big projects I am working on that are included on the hard drive.  So I pick a spot, tuck my hard drive away, and promptly forget where I put it.  I have not been down to my office since we returned home this week.  I realized that on-line back up of the computer was overdue and I needed to hook up online so any changes could be downloaded.  I was receiving email reminders about this saying:  “ALERT: YOUR BACKUP IS OVERDUE!”  That’s when I noticed my external hard drive was not yet hooked back up.  I immediately started looking for it and could not find it.

So, what did I do?  I prayed.  Then searched.  And then I prayed some more.  And after looking some more, I prayed some more.  And then I looked some more.

I decided to give up, knowing in my heart of heart that I would someday find it because God already knew where it was.  A sentence fleeted quickly through my consciousness saying, “You haven’t looked everywhere yet”.  EVERYWHERE in this house means about a million places.  So I looked one more place.  And lo and behold I found some things that I had totally forgotten about.  These were things that I put there several years ago and promptly dismissed them from my mind.  Well, they may be very useful at this point in our life so I took them all out (the mystery is what were they?).  I set them aside to show Dave and decided that I would quit looking for my hard drive. I knew it would show up when the Lord was ready to remind me where I put it.  (I know most of you are probably thinking by now that Kathleen has really gone off the deep end.)  Just as I was turning to abandon my treasure hunt I believe it was that quiet whisper of God in my thoughts that told me exactly where my hard drive was.  I truly believe I was meant to find the treasure I found just the moment before.  Once I discovered it, I was given the “all clear” sign to go and fetch my hard drive.  I went right to it and there it was.  See, God knew where it was all the time.

All’s well that ends well!

Next time I hide something I wonder if I’ll have learned my lesson.  Maybe I’ll call my sister and tell her where I hide the next item.  Oh, on second thought, maybe I shouldn’t do that either because it might just be an age thing and she is 9 years older than I am.  Remember what I recently said, “aging comes with its own challenges”.  By the time I learn about all these challenges and try to overcome them I’ll probably be dead.  But that’s okay, because when that day comes you’ll know where I am!   Remember, ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL!

THE WAGE OF OLD AGE

By Kathleen Martens

April 24, 2016

Oh dear the dilemma of age.

Because of living a long life,

Forgetfulness our wage.

And so are the bones

That creak and groan,

And aged muscles without tone.

As is eyesight that dims with years,

And we crank the volume louder

For those who don’t hear.

Yet it is true we do have bliss.

We forget that we don’t remember,

And what we’ve lost we don’t miss.

Sometimes a bit of “tongue in cheek” (even in poetry) is a good way to release tension.

Lord, thank You for directing me to my hard drive.

Lord, thank You for protecting my hard drive while I was gone.

Thank You God for the positive outlook on life that you have given me.

Thank You God for our friends that came over for lunch today.

Thank You God that we can still worship freely at our church.

Thank You God for such a great husband. 

Thank You God for this room I am sitting in.

Lord, I thank You in advance for the rain that you are going to bring to our dry and thirsty land.

Lord, thank You for Your Living Word, the Holy Bible.

Thank You Lord that I have lived a long time.

Thank You Lord that someone invented ONE STEP CORN REMOVERS! 

Thank You Lord for door knobs that open with handles.

Thank You for bananas.

Thank You for the ingenuity of clear glass.

Thank You that I can walk.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU ON THIS DAY OF REST!

Saturday April 23 2016  NATURE’S EASE

My topic tonight comes from a statement Dave said to me earlier this evening.  We were sitting outside in the back yard enjoying the 60 degree weather.  Dave has worked so hard in the yard these past few days and we were just relaxing in the warmth of the day as we looked out over all the new spring growth.  Most of our yard is natural habitation with only a portion carved out that we keep weeded and manicured.  We have planted hundreds of hosta plants of many varieties that border our lawn areas.  We have several other flower garden areas, fern gardens, shade gardens, and a small area where full sun loving plants can grow.  And the ubiquitous hosta plants scattered throughout. 

The part we cultivate is backbreaking, time consuming, and beautiful to look at.  Just beyond the garden areas (which are so easily overrun by weeds) is a beautiful natural setting of wooded land.  As we sat in our bouncing, rocking patio furniture looking at the contrast, Dave said, “Nature’s natural growth is just as beautiful as what we have done but without all the work.”  It gave us both pause to stop and wonder why in the world we added all the “frills” in the first place.  It was (and still is) a lot of work, and expense.  Thirty years ago we were a lot younger and felt it would take less work to have the border than it would to always fight the encroaching woods.  Whatever you leave un-mowed allows the woods to relentlessly march forward and reclaim new territory.  We learned that lesson the hard way and we have never been able to reclaim the area we chose not to mow for a season.  We recently had several trees cut down which sprang up, towering and leaning over our house.  So I guess the moral of our dilemma is that either way, a big yard is a lot of work.   We again are taking a closer look at whether or not we would like to stay or leave.  We both realize that the older we get the more difficult it will become to acclimate to  new surroundings.

If I could go back 30 years and relive these past 30 years knowing all I know now, I wonder how different my decision might be.  That is not possible of course, but an interesting thought.  I wish I had been a lot wiser, a lot sooner.  But then again, who’s to say I am wise now?  DON’T ANSWER THAT QUESTION!

WE CANNOT LIVE IN THE PAST

By Kathleen Martens

April 23, 2016

Oh to be wise

Sooner than later

Without need

Of life to cater.

To buy a house

That is the best

Regardless how long

We stay and nest.

But alas,

Not to be

For the future

We cannot see.

Each decision

We make today,

For a time

Will serve our way.

We cannot live

In the past,

Yet today’s decision

Will not last.

As time marches on

We each will change

Though our choices

Have far reaching range.

So we do the best

For what we need,

And as time moves forward

New decisions we’ll heed.

I guess my poem sums it up quite well.  The decisions we made 30 years ago served us well for that time.  Now is another time and we must look forward, not behind us. 

Thank You Father for the hours we have to look forward to.

Thank You Lord for being with us every single day.

Thank You Lord for helping us make the best decisions for our future.

Thank You Lord that You are our strong shield and help in time of trouble.

Thank You Lord for our two little Kia Souls.

Thank You God for my toe socks.

Thank You too for my shoe inserts that help my feet feel good.

Thank You God that spring is here.

Thank You for the beautiful sunset I see out my sunroom window.

Thank You God for sisters.

Thank You Lord that my oldest sister wrote a poem and sent it to me.

Thank You for my eyeglasses so I can still read and see to type.

Thank You for my pillows.

Below I will close with a poem my sister sent me a couple of days ago.  It touched my heart to know that she too gives thanks to God for all that He provides for her.

Below is a sentence describing when this poem came to my sister.  Let me explain what she means by “court cats”.  My sister lives on a small court with 4 houses on it.  When a neighbor moved away they left their cat(s) behind.  I think other cats have joined their cat and my sister’s tender heart could not bear to know that the cats were hungry so she started feeding them after the neighbors moved.  That was a long time ago.  She still goes up a couple of times a day to make certain they are fed.  And yes, she buys it all.  One more comment from me regarding this sister.  Growing up she was always very special to me and a role model I looked up to.  She is truly about the most generous person I have ever known.  I have been recipient to her generosity more than on one occasion.  Thank you Sister.  And thanks for the lovely poem.

“I have a prayer/poem that came to me tonight giving the court cats a second helping of food.

THANK YOU LORD

Written by my sister VFM

4/21/16

Thank you Lord for trees

Thank you Lord for cool breezes

Thank you Lord for sneezes,

that clears the nasal ,

Thank you Lord for the green leaves.

Thank you Lord for all of my bountiful

Blessings

Thank you Lord for my sister to care for

and all the people I have cared for.

Most of all Lord I thank you for the means,

the energy, the patience, required to do so.

VFM 

GOOD NIGHT TO ALL MY READERS AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH MANY BLESSINGS FOR WHICH TO GIVE THANKS.

Thursday April 21 2016  A QUICKIE BLOG

This is the day we leave early to go to be with the grandchildren for the evening.  Gramma and Grandpa to the rescue!  It is so wonderful to be retired so we can do just that!  Our schedules have always been too full, too tight, and too stressful to allow much time in the evenings to watch the boys.  Now we can.  Even in the daytime!

Rather than take my computer over there and be busy writing, when I’d rather be playing ping pong or air hockey with the boys, I decided to type off a quick little hello to my faithful readers. 

Just as I said about last year that everywhere I went it seemed as if God was teaching me something.  There was no difference on this trip.  Everywhere I went I learned new lessons and received new insights about myself as well Dave’s and my relationship.  I’d like to speak briefly about one such learning experience.  It is something that was brought to my attention when I was staying with David and Carole.   Carole is a stay at home mom and grandma, as well as the true example of homemaker.  She has an easy spirit about her and makes what most of call “work”, look easy.  Nothing seems too hard or difficult for her to do.  She is an excellent cook, makes the best muffins you would ever want to taste, and moves from one task to the next with a gentle spirit resting upon her.  Now if she reads this she may not agree but that is how she came across.  David is a self-employed music composer. 

What I noticed is that due to the fact that they have the freedom to create their own schedule they do just that.  They sleep until they want to get up.  They go and do what needs to be done without the pressures of outside forces and rules and regulations.  They are responsible and take charge of what must be done, handle time much easier than I find possible, and seem stress free in all the areas I mentioned.  It made me realize that I am still living by the clock as well as self-imposed deadlines I try to live up to.  I realize I am still living under the “driven mentality” of always having deadlines to meet, obligations to fulfill, places I must be (self-imposed), when all I should really be doing is taking time to heal from the years of always living on the edge as far as time goes.  I lived under deadlines and then more obligations would crop up that would usurp the original deadlines.  Being a self-employed photographer was really a daunting feat.  I AM SO HAPPY TO BE RETIRED!  Now I just need to realize I no longer must push myself the way I do.  I have far too many deadlines and time frames that I have put upon myself. 

I think there is a fear factor involved in my above reasoning.  The fear is that I will not complete all that is left ahead of me to finish.  I have a fear of becoming a “couch potato” if I become too comfortable watching television.  I have a fear that I will let myself down in some way.  As irrational as it sounds, that is what I learned about myself as I examined my heart as we traveled home on the last long car ride.  Perhaps it is time for me to stand back, regroup my plans and ambitions by looking at my current situations, and realize that it is time for change.  I need to be easier on myself.  Maybe I don’t even need to accomplish all that is on my bucket list.  Unfortunately my bucket list is not all fun and games.  It is taking time to sort out the past 43 years of accumulation, and business paraphernalia, and records from two businesses I have had in this home.  It is time to downsize just about every aspect of our lives.  It is time to need less and want less.  I want more freedom to do what God wants me to do.  I want to go from one task to the next in a beautiful rhythm without hurrying or putting guilt upon myself if I do not accomplish my list.  Maybe I just need to get rid of “LISTS”!

When I think about what I just wrote above (it surprised me that I said all I said), I think what I am really saying is, that I am just ready to be the “older me”.  Take from that statement what you will because I am not even going to worry about explaining it. 

PONDER ON WHAT TO ENSUE

By Kathleen Martens

April 21, 2016

It is so good to finally find

The inside of you that was lost.

All those years of deadlines

And I’m still paying the cost.

So now that my mind is clearer

I’ll do something about it.

Instead of always rushing around,

I think I’ll just meander a bit.

I’ll sit and contemplate my future

And the differences in how to live.

And when I get rid of accumulated stress

To myself more pleasure I’ll give.

No need to always be so driven

With seeing how much I can do.

I think it is time to sit back and relax

And just ponder on what should ensue.

Hmm…much left unsaid.  Much more I could say.  But for now…I think I’ll just do some deep thinking.  Maybe I am finally getting the hang of this “thing” called RETIREMENT!

Thank You God that I have lived long enough to retire.

Thank You for the hours you have numbered for me.

Thank You for all the learning experiences You bring my way.

Thank You for neighbors.

Thank You for giving me new insights about myself.

Thank You for avocados.

Thank You for two special grandsons!

Thank You for this evening before us.

Thank You that our salads are already made.

Thank You God that I am aware that Your Holy Spirit lives within me.

Thank You for safety pins.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.  Early blog.  YEAH!!!!

Wednesday April 20 2016  THE FRAGRANCE OF SPRING

I smelled it today, the pungent fragrance of early spring.  It is the smell of warming earth after a rain that releases the spores in the damp earth.  It is what some people refer to as the smell of rain.  I decided to look it up after writing the above sentence, so I could better explain what it is that is happening to cause that fresh smell.

http://science.howstuffworks.com/

“Most people notice a distinctive smell in the air after it rains. It’s frequently linked with spring, as the smell of fresh cut grass is associated with summer. You’ll find it in a lot of poetry and also on many inspirational lists of things to be happy about. But what causes it?

As it turns out, the smells people associate with rainstorms can be caused by a number of things. One of the more pleasant rain smells, the one we often notice in the woods, is actually caused by bacteria!  Actinomycetes, a type of filamentous bacteria, grow in soil when conditions are damp and warm. When the soil dries out, the bacteria produces spores in the soil. The wetness and force of rainfall kick these tiny spores up into the air where the moisture after a rain acts as an aerosol (just like an aerosol air freshener).  The moist air easily carries the spores to us so we breathe them in.  These spores have a distinctive, earthy smell we often associate with rainfall. The bacteria is extremely common and can be found in areas all over the world, which accounts for the universality of this sweet “after-the-rain” smell. Since the bacteria thrives in moist soil but releases the spores once the soil dries out, the smell is most acute after a rain that follows a dry spell, although you’ll notice it to some degree after most rainstorms.”

I figured if I tried to explain it some might think I was making it up.  All I know is that after a rainfall I always open the bathroom window and inhale the pleasant smell that permeates our wooded area that surrounds us.  When I walked outside yesterday morning I noticed how dry and hard the soil was.  I could see little tips trying to break the hard crust of soil but without much luck.  Shortly after I came inside the house it began to rain and it rained constantly all day and part of the night.  It was the soft, slow, gentle rain that the earth laps up greedily.  There was virtually no run-off.  By morning the shoots had pushed up and with the warmth of the sun and the soaked moist earth they are now quite impressive after just one day.  So maybe I spoke too soon when I said we are still experiencing winter.  Yeah!!!!  I had my window rolled down this afternoon when I was driving home from the library and that is when I had my first whiff of spring.  And…then I saw my first robin.  We always look for the return of the robin to signify that spring is around the corner.  I get excited about this time thinking about what to plant in my circle planter.  Last year Dave planted nasturtiums and we had an abundance of blooms until the first freeze.  If they come up by seed this year we may let them have another round at proving themselves.  My all-time favorite flower to plant there is the zinnia.  They always have prolific, vivid, colorful blooms all summer.  Last year I put in some perennials and it appears that some of them have survived over the winter.  The problem is, I can’t remember all that I planted there.  I know a couple of the plants were white daisy bushes but I cannot remember the others.  Oh well, I guess I’ll just wait and see and be surprised all over again.

This is one of my favorite times of the year (mainly because each season is my favorite when it comes) and regardless how many springs I have lived here, each one is new and fresh and anticipated with joy.  I think I must have taken my attitude after my mom because I always remember her looking forward to whatever season was impending.  It makes for a very enjoyable life.

WAKING SLOWLY

By Kathleen Martens

April 20, 2016.

Pungent fragrance of dancing spores,

Set free with heaven’s bounty,

As warmth of sun teases the earth

Tickling and becoming flouncy.

Offering beauty in quiet repose,

Delighting senses to come alive.

Experiencing the miracle of new growth

As nature begins to thrive.

And tiny buds mysteriously appear

Amidst the branches of the oak.

Waking slowly from slumbering rest

Spring has now awoke.

In this area of Wisconsin we usually wait until Mother’s Day weekend to plant our flowers and to begin setting out vegetables.  This year it may need to go one week past Mother’s day since the second Sunday is on May 8^th.  That may be a bit early yet.  Plants such as geraniums and tomatoes need to have nights above 55 degrees before setting out.  After today I am getting the “bug” to hurry up and have spring get here.  Maybe because I have already enjoyed three weeks of spring in several different states.

Thank You Lord for the beautiful seasons that You have designed.

Thank You God for the Robin I saw today!

Thank You too for the poem I wrote today.  I like it!

Thank You God that you have given me eyes to see all the wonder you place on my path every single day.

Thank You God that I too FEEL THE BEAUTY THAT SURROUNDS ME.

Thank You Lord for my refrigerator.

Thank You for sweet potatoes.

Thank You for warm water to shower in.

Thank You for my washing machine and my dryer.

Thank You for the aroma of the earth after a spring rain.  It reminds me of You.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU.  I HOPE YOU TOO TAKE TIME TO ENJOY ALL THE BEAUTY THAT GOD PLACES IN YOUR PART OF THE WORLD.  STOP AND TAKE TIME TO REALLY SEE WHAT IS AROUND YOU.

Tuesday April 19 2016  HOME AGAIN!  

There is nothing quite like walking into my house after having been gone for several weeks.  It is always a relief to know that our house is still intact.  There is just so much that can happen when someone is gone.  It was quiet and empty when we arrived home and looked just like it did when we left except for the big box of mail and newspapers that had been carefully stacked by our caretakers.  Not a dirty dish in the sink and the bathrooms were clean.  What more could I ask for?

After arriving home we emptied the car of absolutely everything, dispersed it to the correct rooms, I finished my blog, published it without having proofed it, and was in bed by midnight.  I slept until 9:00 a.m. this morning.  I left strict instructions on my blog to not call me today as I had some major plans! 

Sunday at church when the minister spoke about money there was a guest video speaker that told how she was able to get out of debt.  She had thousands of dollars of college debt that was hanging over her head.  It weighed her down and she prayed.  She felt God was calling her to get rid of her debt as soon as possible.  Once she found a job she lived on one paycheck a month and the other paycheck she received was paid toward the principle of her loan.  In eight months she paid off her entire school loan.  She told about how concentrated and frugal she had to be.  She decided to do it that way so she would have much suffering for a short period of time, rather than have the cloud of debt affecting her for the next twenty years or so.  She decided she would rather have much pain for a short period of time instead of protracted pain over a longer period of time.

So…that is what I decided to do with the debt of too much stuff hanging around.  I decided to tackle my clutter debt all in one day instead of walking around it for the next two weeks.  I decided to tackle it head on and have everything back to order before I went to bed tonight.  Stuff undone just seems to rob me of time later as I hunt for what I can’t find because it wasn’t put away.  I determined to work nonstop until everything (and I mean everything) was done.  Clutter robs me of time and mental comfort later on.  I did not want to be hunting for clothes, only to have them still waiting to be laundered.  I wanted every single item in its rightful place.  Even the suitcase and bags are already put away.

I started with the laundry.  We decided to wash absolutely everything we took with us.  Dave has very sensitive skin and somewhere along the way something caused him to break out in a very horrible skin rash where his shirts touched him on his upper arms.  They are the same clothes he always wears but we used different detergents at each house we visited.  Because it wasn’t over his entire body we did not think it was a food allergy.  Many foods affect him with allergic reactions as well.  So, to be on the safe side we used our “normal” detergent, did a double rinse on each load and we hope that will help him heal.  I can’t even tell you how many loads of wash I have done today.  That is the one thing that I am still working on as I type this due to the time it takes each load.  I have had the washer and dryer going all day long. 

I still have one other task to finish before going to bed.  I decided to blog first and then do my final so I can settle down in a comfortable place and take my time doing it.  Dave went through the mail and took out all the time sensitive materials, bills, bank statements, that sort of thing.  He relegated the rest of the mail to me.  A lot will be political propaganda (of which I will probably make bookmarks out of), advertisements, junk mail (of which we shred anything with our name on it), and newspapers.  I can probably go through it in one hour or so.  And then I will have paid off my time debt by getting everything back to order in one day instead of walking around it for several days.  Life gets busy for me and sometimes it is all I can do to get everything done that needs to be done on each given day.

What was really wonderful last night was to be able to set out a couple of jars of soup from the freezer so we would have food to eat today.  Dave picked it out after I went to bed and set it in the sink to defrost for today.  Earlier today I picked out frozen grains made earlier in the year and meatloaf I froze before we left town.  We felt as if we had a feast for a king!  I love eating our summer bounty in the winter.  Yes, it is still winter here.  Dave and I have been three weeks acclimated to a warmer clime and now to return to this cold rainy weather, we must again acclimate to the lower temperatures.  Sort of cruel if you ask me.

These past three weeks have been a wonderful experience for Dave and me.  It has been a long time since we have had a chance to take a trip such as this.  I guess this trip was actually a vacation.  Everyone we visited treated us so special.  We had beautiful rooms to stay in, our own bathrooms, delicious healthy food to eat, and we had opportunity of new places to explore.  We had great conversations, wonderful church experiences, and felt safe and secure in the comfort of our friends’ homes.  And all the places we stayed had wonderful dogs to enjoy.  What more could we ask for?  I only wish we could see these friends more often.  And that includes Rebecca and Neil.  We see them as two of our very favorite and special friends.  Yes, we will always be Rebecca’s parents, but our relationship is now more on the “friend” level.  One thing that is so special to us in our later years is having two wonderful children and their spouses as our friends.  I just wish we had more opportunities to spend time together.  What makes it even more exceptional is having two more little people added in our lives that we consider to be very special friends in the making!  And when I say they are “special”, I truly mean they are SPECIAL in a big way!

The dryer is calling.  Time to put in another load of laundry and hang the clothes that are now dry.   

TRUE FREEDOM

By Kathleen Martens

April 19, 2016

Debt comes in all kinds of forms

Money is what one thinks the norm.

Too much to do can also be debt,

When our obligations are not met.

Or our obligation can be to health,

That one commodity our greatest wealth.

To abuse the physical costs a great price

When it is food or alcohol that is our vice.

We must always pay back that which we borrow

Because unintended consequences show up tomorrow.

Be it too much that we may eat

All the costs we will someday meet

If it is money the interest will accrue

If it is time we’ll have too much to do.

If it is bad choices that take our health,

We will be robbed of our most precious wealth.

So chose today and tackle what you owe,

Do that which is right so you will know

That you owe not one penny to another,

So in unending debt you will not smother.

Use your time wisely to do what must be done.

Get today’s work finished before the set of sun.

Do not borrow tomorrow’s wealth for today’s pleasure,

For it is your health that is your greatest treasure.

So search your life and get rid of all debt.

Live all aspects without the fret.

Give it a try to experience liberty

TRUE FREEDOM, IS LIVING DEBT FREE.

Lord, thank You for the food You provide for me every day.

Thank You God for granite.

Thank You for giving talent to men to create beautiful buildings.

Thank You for all the materials of this earth that You have provided for man to create beautiful things.

Thank You Lord for Your Living Word.

Thank You for my peeling knife.

Thank You God that I can still peel an apple.

Thank You God for apples.

Thank You God for prunes!  You just thought of everything!

GOOD NIGHT EVERYONE!  I AM SO HAPPY TO BE HOME!  As much as I enjoy traveling, my favorite place to be in the world is at home with the man of my dreams.  Do you realize how fortunate I am to have lived with the man of my dreams for the past 43 years?  When I think of him I still tingle inside! 

P.S.

Thank You God for my home. 

P.S.S.

AND GOD BLESS YOU!