July 4th has been a fun holiday for our family. We celebrate our country’s freedom with a family bbq followed by a group outing to the local fireworks display. Everyone brings their favorite summer foods and we have quite a feast. This year will feature much of the same and I am looking forward to being with family. I must admit I am feeling a little down this holiday though. I have been quite concerned with the lack of quality candidates for this year’s presidential election. I do not believe any of the candidates have a real plan to get our economy back on track or our troops home without jeopardizing our country as well as others. Without going into a long analysis comparing end times to current events, I do want to say I believe the lack of a solid Christian leader for our country is sign tribulation is upon us and America as we currently know it will cease to exist and be overtaken. Although I know this has to happen for our Lord to return, and being a Christian there is a better place being prepared for me, I am still saddened my grandchildren will never know what America used to be - the home of the free and the brave, the land of opportunity for all its people. Today as my family celebrates in our traditional July 4th holiday, I will also pray for those who have transformed the land of opportunity to the land of opportunist - may God have mercy on their souls.

I thought I would participate in this week’s 10 on Tuesday meme. The object is to make a list of ten items that meet the propmt category. This week’s prompt is Inventions that have made life easier. You can pick inventions that were created in the last decade, century, millenia or whenever. My list is not in order of importance, just what I first thought of that has made my life easier.

10 Inventions That Have Made Life Easier

1. Telephone - makes communication quicker. Of course we now have cell phones which keep us in constant communication - but I’m not sure that is actually a good thing.

2. Pam, non-stick spray for cooking - I am lost if I run out and I have to fry something.

3. Washers and Dryers - I remember well the wringer washer and hanging clothes outside to dry.

4. Electric Hot Rollers - I can curl my hair in just a few minutes and I do not have to keep getting perms.

5. Fitted Sheets - Making beds is so much easier than with a flat sheet.

6. Spray & Wash Stain Remover - It is amazing how many stains do come out of your clothes.

7. Debit Card - I like not having to carry cash or write checks.

8. Internet - Information at your fingertips! Not to mention being able to participate in memes.

9. Computer - I am sure everyone will have this on their list.

10. Electricity - I think electricity is the catalyst for so many other inventions.

Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now:

Why is it that we wait too long to take a too short vacation? I can not express in words how wonderful it was to see my best friend again. It has been almost two years (in August) and I have missed the peacefulness of her home and the time we spend talking. Mo is a wonderful cook and I always enjoy watching her make the most scrumptious meals. This trip she introduced me to Onion Pie made with Valdalia onions -yum yum! We had such a wonderful evening at her neighbor’s home, Steve & Dawn. We had a great picnic and set around the campfire talking until 1:00 in the morning! I had a very nice visit with “mom”, Mo’s mother. Marge has been an important part of my life since I met Mo twenty-five years ago. She has been a mother to me since my mother died ten years ago. I had a wonderful much overdue vacation. And although I was told I could not share the details, I must say the Lord made sure I made it out to Tim & Mo’s safely and they made sure I made it home safely. No one could ever have better friends. And I miss them deeply.

It has been almost two years since I have found my way down I 71 to I 70 west to a few state routes through a few more township roads and then down a couple of cow paths. It has been so long I’m a bit concerned I might get lost - but then I remembered Mo’s post (greatfullivin) about the visiting cows and now I am confident I will find my way - I will just follow the cows!

I am not sure what kind of mischief we will find ourselves in, but I will try to keep you posted. I have family staying to look after dad so I can truly enjoy five days with my best friend. Man, my mouth is already beginning to salivate thinking about real home cooking!

 I try to always visit everyone who stops by to visit me. I recently had a new visitor to by blog by way of 40 or less photo challenge and that’s how I came across Mariposa’s Tales. At her blog, I found a new meme, at least new to me, called Fun Monday. It seems this meme has been around since January of 2007 and features a different volunteer host each week. Now how cool is that!?! The meme was actually started by none other than Robin of Pensieve, who also is the founder of 40 or less Photo Challenge. That Robin is one busy and creative lady! The assignment for Fun Monday this week, from the inquizative mind of Mariposa is Collections. 

 I have been collecting teapots for more than 30 years and have more than 100!

I collect teapots because they remind of people. Both teapots and people have similar parts - a body, a handle/arms, a lid/head, a spout/mouth, etc. They both come in different shapes, sizes and colors. They both sometimes have broken parts that may lead others to think they are of less value than an unbroken one. But the main thing teapots and people share is one definite quality-regardless of their outward appearance, it’s how they are made on the inside that will determine their goodness - whether it be the goodness of a cup of tea or the goodness of their human spirit.

Inspired by what you see and how you interpret the picture, write:

• - A 40-or-less-word caption
• - A 40-or-less-word title
• - A 40-or-less-word post
• - A 40-or-less-word poem
• - 40 or less syllables of either!

Short…sweet…and hopefully a lot of fun!

ohhh. . . ahhhh. . .  just a little lower sweety

SOME THOUGHTS ON MOTHERHOOD

Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct… that somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.

Inspired by what you see and how you interpret the picture, write:

• - A 40-or-less-word caption
• - A 40-or-less-word title
• - A 40-or-less-word post
• - A 40-or-less-word poem
• - 40 or less syllables of either!

Short…sweet…and hopefully a lot of fun!

The view is so much better above the clouds!

I first saw this new meme at Red Pens & Diapers. This is the first edition of Pensieve’s latest writing challenge. The premise of the meme is she takes a photo and urges her readers to write 40 something or less words about the picture. Syllables? Words? It’s up to us. Check out her site for more 40 or Less submissions. I loved the picture so I decided to play along this week. Of course I am a day late.

YES! There is life after winter!