I started this list yesterday and just finished it. No googling of any letters! How did I do? (I admit that some grace is required....)
Archery
Baseball; Basketball
Cricket; Curling
Deep Sea Fishing
Equestrian
Football
Golf
Hockey
Inline Skating
Jump-roping
Kentucky Derby
Lacrosse
Motocross; The Masters
NASCAR
Olympics
Polo
Quidditch
Rowing; Rugby
Soccer
Tennis
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball
Wimbledon; World Series; World Cup (of course!)
X Games
Yachting
Zipline
When Pastor Dave asked if anyone had memorized Ephesians 2:4,5,&10, I slowly raised my hand. I didn't bring attention to myself, because I knew what was in store. Lew, however, had his hand way up in the air, pointing at me. (Thanks, Lew....)
After a short and humorous exchange with Pastor Dave in front of the entire congregation, I successfully recited Ephesians 2:1-10 with only one prompt from Lew. Pastor Dave rewarded me with some honey sticks. (See Psalm 119:103).
Now, on to the Sermon on the Mount!
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| "A splash of color" . . . . just right. |
(I'm trying to have all of the below memorized by Sunday, so gotta run!)
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
~ Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV 1984)
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| I still have those earrings! |
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| I love that she's looking right at the camera. :) |
(A special day today. Enjoy Dad's post! ~ Tracy)
Derf Here! Supposed to get showers and thunderstorms today. They haven't shown up yet. Happy about that. This will end a long streak of about nine beautiful days. Once again the weekend looks good with great summer weather. Yippee!!
Twenty-three years ago today my first grandchild was born. A little girl....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAELEN!
Just received a call from sister Deb. The call came from her summer cottage as she has successfully arrived from Florida and her Indiana trip. Summer is officially here. Let's enjoy the next couple months.
Don't feel like writing much today so just a couple notes. Zack is back from a three-day football camp at the University of Maine. He enjoyed his camp time working with the college players. To think he is only going into the eighth grade. What a way to spend three days.
Josh is involved with Junior Legion baseball now as they are scheduled for at least three games a week. Not off to a good start, but Josh has been catching all the games with a couple innings pitched. Looking forward to the next few weeks of baseball. Hope the weather cooperates.
I've been reminded a couple times about this week's post. My editor reminds me. It is a good thing as I didn't quite remember today is Wednesday. It is now about time to order my weekly chicken at KFC. I must do this pronto so we'll have meals the next couple days. Then it will be to Ken's Place across the street for fish on Friday. I've got it all planned out.
Must place my KFC order now, so I'll close this post. Hope to have a more productive day next Wednesday. Please stay tuned. Soon....
Until next time!
Toodle Pip!
Derf!
Today I am going to teach you how to relax.
This lesson will be taught by example.
Please see the photo below.
You're welcome.
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| L to R: Kurt, Jerry, SpongeBob |
Pastor Dave's message today was about Scripture memorization.
I love the Bible, and I agree that we should commit big chunks of it to memory.
Several months ago I decided to memorize the Sermon on the Mount. I got off to a good start with the aid of a great app called Scripture Typer.
I never finished. Memorizing is indeed hard work, but I'm disappointed that I didn't stick with it.
Pastor Dave gave us a challenge for this coming week, so I'm going to memorize Ephesians 2:1-10. I think I can manage that.
And if I'm successful, I'll try to tackle the Sermon on the Mount again.
Let's do this!
I was sitting in the living room, minding my own business, when out of the corner of my eye I saw movement and then heard a thud. Look closely at the picture below to see what I'm talking about.
This article ate up a lot of my time the past couple days:
7 Apps for Teaching Children Coding Skills
I enjoy logic and I have tried my hand at computer programming, so I thought I would check out some of the apps the article mentions.
I've tried one so far: Cargo-Bot.
I am addicted.
There are six levels. Each level has six programming challenges. If your program works, you receive a rating of one, two, or three stars. Three is the best and is only achieved with minimal programming steps. I will accept no rating below a three! So I try until I get it.
I have almost completed the third level, Medium.
The remaining levels are called Hard, Crazy, and Impossible....
Uh-oh! :)
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| Zack (on left) and Josh. They look about the same size! |
(Lew's car inspection... Check! Enjoy Dad's post! ~ Tracy)
Derf Here! Coming to you today experiencing a muggy day in the Northeast. Getting ready for summer to begin. Three days from now it will. Me thinks more people will be around our beach area. OH JOY!
Today's post will be brief!
Today we began using our driveway again after two days waiting for the sealer to dry out. It does look a whole lot better than before the sealcoating was used. The best it has looked for years. A very worthwhile project.
I will spend my day watching the afternoon Red Sox game. I will then be ready to mow our lawn tomorrow. It has not been mowed in two weeks, and should be done weekly during this season. Almost as much of a hayfield as it was when we moved here 40 years ago.
Josh has started his legion baseball schedule. Hope to attend a few games in the next few weeks.
Yesterday I turned the water on in sister Deb's cottage. She is on her way here for the summer by way of Indy. Will arrive in about a week. So you see we are gradually working towards our summer activities.
Right now I must mix up some tuna for lunch. Pepper has been waiting for her tuna so long she has fallen asleep. She will come to life as the can opener is used. Here, Kitty!
So for now....
Until next time!
Toodle Pip!
Derf!
Several things come due for us in June:
My car registration... Check!
Jerry's checkup and shots... Check!
My car inspection... Check!
Lew's car inspection... Tomorrow, 8:30 AM. Lew will take my car to work, and I will take care of the inspection.
I love checking things off of my "due" list!
Dad: "Our driveway had not been sealed for years."
Lew: "We now have a blank canvas for our little sidewalk-chalk artists!"
Wishing my father, my husband, and Matt a very Happy Father's Day!
Lew and Matt were blessed to take part in some three-generation photos this afternoon. The other two participants, Eli and Adam, cooperated as best they could!
Smile!
With my e-mail on ice the past few days, I have been a slug. Yep. Pretty much.
Today I was in my pajamas until almost noon. I eventually threw some clothes on, after which Lew told me to "DO SOMETHING!"
So I walked across the street to return a couple things to our neighbors.
I don't remember what I did when I got home from my big trip across the street, except for....
Ice cream! I wanted some. So I called Laura and arranged to meet her, Pastor Dave, and their girls for ice cream after dinner.
After ice cream, we went to a Little League game and got eaten by mosquitoes. Lew got some popcorn from the snack shack.
Oh, what a day I have had!
(PostScript: I am even cautiously optimistic that my e-mail is working properly now.)
Wile E. Coyote has finally won.
Our household has five Road Runner e-mail accounts. All except one are working fine.
The problem e-mail is mine, of course. Grrrr....
But I am apparently in good company. I heard that 1.5 million Time Warner e-mail customers have been affected, so there are 1,499,999 others in addition to me.
It's been three days and I'm getting frustrated.
I think Acme Corporation would be better at fixing the problem!
George H.W. Bush, the 41st POTUS, celebrated his 90th birthday today by parachuting out of a helicopter. (It was a tandem jump, of course, but it's still a pretty impressive feat.)
I just asked Lew if he would like to go parachuting.
His response: "I'm not interested in that sort of stimulation, but I do like roller coasters."
And me?
It's "terra firma" for this girl, thank you very much!
(PostScript: I don't even enjoy roller coasters!)
(I wasn't around 54 years ago today, but I'm here because of it! Enjoy Dad's extra-special post! ~ Tracy)
Derf Here! Another beautiful day in the great Northeast. Over the weekend we had three days that reached 80°. However, since Monday, the temperatures have been a little cooler. More like normal for this time of year.
Last week I mentioned Josh's baseball team finished with a record of 12 wins and three losses. I thought his season was over, but he continued practicing with the varsity. Then at a league playoff game, with his team down 2-1 in the last inning, he was sent up as a pinch-hitter. His debut as a varsity player ended with a fly ball to centerfield. I was happy to see his varsity debut. Zack's lacrosse season ends today. Fun was had by all.
I'll bet most of you don't know what you were doing 54 years ago today. I'm sure some of you were not yet on earth. Well, believe me, I remember where I was 54 years ago today and I also recall all persons that were with me that day.
You see, this date in history was when Spouse and I were married. I recall then-to-be-Spouse had a nervous stomach throughout the morning. I understand it was then that her dad told her it was not too late to change her plans. (I know I told my three daughters it was never too late to back out right up until the trip down the aisle. So Spouse's dad's comments were not uncommon.)
We were married in Port Deposit, Maryland. The minister renamed me by calling me Edwin.
My parents attended the wedding. It was the first and only time that my parents left the New England states, thanks to my cousin Alvah for driving them to the destination. Alvah also served as an usher.
Our flower girl was niece Kathy, who celebrated her 36th anniversary yesterday. (How time flies!)
It was a joyous occasion and was, without question, the best decision of my life.
And here we are 54 years later, together as lumps on the couch, not quite as active as we were then. Looking forward to another 54 years. (Okay, that probably won't happen!)
Nothing else to say.
Until next time!
Toodle Pip!
Derf!
Lew and I are still cleaning up from a successful cookout at our house.
Everyone came that said they were coming.... 28 people!
We had lots of great food and great fun.
The weather cooperated, too!
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| Bouncy House! |
Our house church group is having a cookout tomorrow night.
This event is going to be held at Chez Lew & Tracy.
It was my idea for us to host, but Lew will make it happen.
He is making hamburger patties right now.
He would not let me help.
He is very particular about the uniformity....
They need to be "properly slapped." LOL!
No Triple Crown winner in horse racing yet again. I learned that California Chrome had lost the Belmont Stakes while I was at the Portland Sea Dogs game. Mom sent me a text message with the news.
Matt, Emily, Eli, Adam, Lew and I enjoyed a lovely time at the ballpark last night. The Sea Dogs got out to an early 7-2 lead but ended up losing 8-7.
The Red Sox also lost yesterday. That's a five-game streak, except the wrong way.
The fourth loss is an anticipated one: Later in the summer there is a drawing for a Red Sox fan to win each of the three recent World Series rings. I bought a raffle ticket at the Sea Dogs game last night, and I then got my picture taken while wearing replicas of the rings. Although my mom fully expects me to win, Lew says I have a better chance of winning the Megabucks lottery.... And I don't even buy lottery tickets!
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| I think the ladies room sign adds a touch of class to the photo, don't you? |
Late morning:
I purchased a mat today.
Instead of putting it on the floor, I placed it on the ottoman in the living room.
The cats have already sat and napped on top of it.
They seem to know it's for them.
My cats must be able to read French!
My father made a very good choice today while shopping.
Triple Chocolate Bundt Cake.
Y.U.M.M.Y.
Hmmm.... Is there a big piece missing already?
Smile!
(It's cold, dark, and damp today. I just want to curl up with a blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, a good book, and a kitty. Enjoy Dad's post! ~ Tracy)
Derf Here! Yes, we have another cloudy, rainy day here in the Northeast. Must admit that we had about three good days in a row. Not the warmest that we could expect, but delightfully sunny. Lew's comment after arriving home on his motorcycle yesterday: "It sure is not warm out and I expect a 'not too warm' summer." Hope he is incorrect! Time will tell.
Josh's baseball season at the high school is over. They finished at 12 wins and three losses. The team and Josh had a really great year. He pitched, caught, played first base, played third base, and even spent some time as a right fielder. The team won all the games he pitched in. They were a fun team to watch. I did miss one game in which Josh pitched all seven innings for a shutout. A good time was had by all.
I've seen Zack's lacrosse team once and hopefully will be able to see a couple more games now that the baseball conflicts are done. Looking forward to it.
Spent most of yesterday outside trimming and mowing the back forty. It looks pretty good, even if I do say so myself. Not bad for a lawn that was created out of a hayfield.
We now have all our "trinkets" out of hibernation and they grace all available spaces under the deck and out front in our garden plot. I decided to not have a small vegetable garden this year. Lazy, I guess. So Lew bought strawberry plants through a fundraiser from a kid at his church. He's planted them in our small garden plot. Will they grow? Only "the Shadow" knows. Stay tuned!
I have much work awaiting for the summer. I must get sister Deb's water on at her cottage before she arrives around June 26. It is imperative that I rearrange the garage attic. While doing so I will also be getting ready for another yard sale at summers end. Must also figure out how to get rid of 400 record albums. Any ideas?
But first I must have the tree removed from the front yard along with a lilac tree (which is supposed to be a bush). Must get busy and make some calls. You can follow my progress on these projects by reading my weekly blog post.
Please stay tuned. Sooo....
Until next time!
Toodle Pip!
Derf!
After seven wins in a row, the Red Sox lost last night.
I stayed up until the very end of the game in order to fulfill my duty.
But now that they've lost, I don't have to stay up late for any more games (unless I want to, of course).
If they go on another winning streak, I will be pleased.
But I will not take on the burden of keeping their streak alive next time.
It is too stressful, not to mention tiring.
Plus, the players get paid to win baseball games and I don't!
;-)
For your viewing pleasure I am posting two recent photos: one of Eli and one of Adam. This way I don't have to write much. :)
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| Enjoying the Sabbath. |
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| Grampa says, "Look at the guns on that boy!" |
This afternoon I attended the memorial service for my friend's daughter.
After the service, there was a balloon ceremony outdoors. We released pink balloons and leopard-print balloons in memory of Haley.
The picture below shows the balloons. What the picture doesn't show is the partial rainbow in the sky. It had not even rained!
Oh, Haley. What a celebration of your life today! You are loved.
