Charles' Bride-

Remembering a friend & neighbor in Texas: Millie Northrop was our neighbor @ 10 years-just across on the road on 2626. She prayed for us b 4 she knew us; She & Charles prayed for us Daily I am sure. Millie had such a joyful spirit-His JOY-She shared so easily-her tomatoes.to be sure we had a taste of fresh ones in season-She knew who she was-what she believed-her role in life-her role in family was no-nonsense, practical person willing to mentor & share..if  wanted.

I will think of Millie  when I make her recipe for carrot salad and when we have Peas that remind me of the Miller  Peas she so often served for company..

I will remember her when I am in touch with Alana -knowing how she appreciated the time we spent with her grand daughter.

  I remember her good dishes & bought a cup/saucer of same pattern just b/c that's Millie's pattern.  I will think of her when I drink morning coffee from it as I did early today..the day Charles buried his Bride.  [ he often referred to her as his BRIDE.]

Millie knew the value of praying God's Word-she experienced the joy of answered prayer and the knowledge that God is Who He Says He is..God can do what He says he can, that she was who He says she was, that she could do all things through Christ and His word was real and alive in her.

 What a beautiful picture remembering how Charles served her coffee in bed early in the morning before they had their Bible study/prayer time before starting the day. She often mentioned how they worked like A TEAM.  They were like  Guardian Angels across the road..always praying - taking our needs to Him even when they were not sure what the needs were..they still prayed faithfully as they did for so many family and loved ones especially the lost or broken.

Later, beautiful person~ jwh

post script: I must remember to use spell check and take a second look at the sentence structure & punctuation-She was always the teacher ~

Believing God~

• God is who He says He is
• God can do what He says He can do
• I am Who God says I am
• I can do all things through Christ
• God's Word is alive and active in me

" I AM BELIEVING GOD."

[ From Beth Moore's Study " Believing God"]

A ~COOL~ Gramma

How do I find the words?  We had difficulty lingering on GRAMMA'S FRONT PORCH this morning. Remember, we are in South Alabama.  After two days of Heaven Sent Rain from tropical storm Lee, with a little wind thrown in for drama and a bit of tension to go along with the Tornado  Siren and TV weather watch ..we had to grab something with sleeves this morning.  After sleeping late I slipped out of my comfy spot, pulled on a chambray, long sleeved Auburn shirt, grabbed my coffee mug and slipped out the front door to discover the temperature was right at 60 degrees. Ah, what did I do to deserve this moment?

"Every good and perfect gift...."  Yes, it's just as easy to oooooooooh and ahhhhhhhhhhh over that near chilly outdoor air as it was  the long awaited rain the past two days.  It all comes from Him.

Nevermind- we Southerners all know the warm, even hot humid weather is not over..just let us revel in this sneak preview of wintry mornings in the deep south. 

Hey,I agree it does not take much to make me happy-even giddy with excitement. LIFE IS GOOD!  Grab it, hug it, snuggle with it, be thankful ..in another week there will be new "gifts" to rattle on and on about.  Don't wander off too far...We'll share those with you.

Dream vs Reality

As a teenager I always wanted to look like so many other girls.  I wanted to be considered Vivacious like Faye.

I would have 'as they say" died to have clothes like Laura Jean, Joan, Charlotte and toward the end of high school what I wouldn't have given to be able to see on my feet wearing those incredible,  princess like ..ballet type flats [shoes] usually with a dainty little strap that buttoned on the side with the tiniest little pearly white button.  mmmm let's see who wore those? Linda Ann, Bonnie, Ann, Sybil- EVERYONE or so it seemed everyone except me.

Funny thing..many of those shoe styles have COME BACK in recent years.  YES! I can have those shoes that made me GREEN WITH ENVY.  Let's go shoe shopping!  Ahhhhhhh can you imagine how I felt when I looked down at my feet wearing the fantasy  of my dreams...They looked hideous. [on me]  What happened? Who played a trick on me? They killed the wonderful designers who made them just perfection in the late 50's.  This  can't be. [Big, big sigh~]

Again this reminds me of another thing I always wanted.  I shall never forget the ORCHID my sweetheart-now husband of 52 years] gave me to wear to my Junior /Senior Banquet [same as Prom]. That was the most unspeakably beautiful ORCHID I have ever seen..actually I think that might have been the first one I had seen up close. [It's okay you can laugh with me]

I don't want to ask for special things. It's is much more enjoyable to have my husband read my mind and know that I wanted him to find that orchid again..ya'll I got tired of waiting. My husband would have given me that. I don't ask. Finally at about 50 years old I got sick and tired of waiting for the mind reading feat.  One Easter Sunday I showed up at church with a yes, you guessed it the most beautiful big orchid.  People assumed he gave it to me.  He wasn't  going for that. He told the truth.  I bought it for myself.   I am completely "over" that orchid thing.  The thrill was gone- On Monday I gave it to a friend to give to a bride to be at her shower.  Someone else truly did enjoy it.

I really need to write self a note to revisit this line of thought.  There are numerous other "I always wanted" stories I will continue and share with you after I stop ROFL at myself~
post script: September 7, 2011
Another 'remember when' little story..remember when you had the rare opportunity to go to town and buy new shoes? Memorable? Yes for two reasons.  The shoes were new.  That was noteworthy,true and  they always hurt my feet.  I grew up with the thought that new shoes aways had to hurt one's feet.  You had to 'break them in" and part of that process was blisters on the heels...just part of the suffering for the blessing of new shoes I guess.  No matter how pretty they were, they were always hard, stiff and painful.  I can just "feel" the rubbing and the blisters.  It never seemed to occur to anyone to TAKE THOSE SHOES BACK TO THE STORE & get some that feel or fit better. 
Maybe that's why I so love wonderful kid glove soft fitting shoes on my feet today!
And perhaps that has something to do with my enjoying a spa pedicure so much it's gotta be sinful.. Okaayy..that can be my excuse for this extravagance! YES, that Will work.
Remember, the title is 'dream vs reality..
My high school years I sometimes refer to as A Cinderella Experience/Story! It's too long a story to share with people who know nothing of my childhood growing up years in south Georgia. I have to hit the high spots.  What became my wonderful reality could never have been a part of my dreams.  It's all about God's merciful provision in choosing people & placing them in my life -to serve His purpose.  This God thing and these special people have been a part of me..and will continue to be as long as I live.  As a very young child they made it possible for me to be in church and Sunday School regularly.  As a teenager those chosen ones were almost like guardian angels and 20th century fairy Godmothers.  Literary license taken here?  No, not much!

Bubbling Over~

No, No, I did not put bubble bath in the tub and leave it to run over.  The Bubbling Over is my heart. Actually it's a vanity thing.. one of the PHS Class of '59 emailed such a sweet note -I am so thrilled to know that it may be someone from my South Georgia past showing up when my blog tracker reads "Jacksonville" stopped by.

Thanks "Joan Crawford" you just made my day!  Only one other event today  competes with your note. [  the generous RAIN we have gotten yesterday and today thanks to TS Lee.]

True, I don't write or maintain my blogs to gather a  following-but there's something so surprising  and unexplainable about what an ego trip I experience when I'm able to share what I do with that elite group of people with whom I shared so much of these memorable sights, sounds and events.  They were all there.  They know what I am talking about.  And they know why a little insignificant  Georgia Girl is so thrilled with this life God has blessed us with~

looking back is sweet-it keeps my heart tender and that is something for which I have prayed for many years-that God would keep my heart tender & thankful.  He has-He does. 

Post Script:  I love you Lord & I lift my voice to worship you....O my soul, Rejoice...... [you  know the praise chorus.]

 

Connections~

Saturday morning~I do love being awake before anyone appears to be stirring on our street. When the air is a wee bit cooler I enjoy sitting back and whispering prayers for the neighbors. Some have obvious known needs and a few I have no idea what's going on in their lives. They still need prayer to cover their day, their relationships, choices. I don't have to know anything-God is ever present-He Knows
I finish my first cup of coffee and just try to soak in the quiet, the amazing birds flitting about, the freshness of a new day and the best place to turn in my Bible at this time of day is the Psalms.
It's impossible to observe my surroundings without spotting work that needs to be done~weeds to be pulled, dry pots of asparagus ferns to be watered, plants that are needing to be trimmed back -some even need to find another home [not in my yard].

Have you ever noticed a healthy thriving plant or bush and you have no memory of planting that-it's very green, year round and growing like a weed? Neither of us claims planting it..weird! [ moving day for that bush].
This is a great time to think about loved ones, near & some far, way too far-wondering what they are doing and longing for them to be sitting here in this beautiful spot enjoying it with me.

Ahhhhhhhh, Creation & The Creator~How can anyone NOT MAKE THE CONNECTION!!
I love you Lord..thank you for loving me/us.

Advice From Another Blogger [ not me ]

The advice comes from a very successful blogger with years o experience, tons of talent and surely as much energy. That would be Ree Drummond who shares so much of herself on http://thepioneerwoman.com/ .
Her advice to bloggers [ that's me & you ] is no matter if you are posting something pages in length or just sharing a photo you should post regularly, often.

Sooooooooo here goes. I dont think there is anything creative or inspiring or entertaining left in me at the end of this hot summer day in south Alabama -so todays post will be just this, to share  The Pioneer Woman's blog site with you..now dash on over there. There is more to read, copy, mull over and make use of than you can handle in ...who knows, quite a while.  You just have to stop by her ranch regularly. You'll be in good company and I might add a large gathering of visitors.

Laundry Day~Don't You Love it?

Yes, I do love laundry day at the Harrison House. You didn't know anyone has a specific day [ & only one] to do the family laundry? Well we do.  It's one of the changes we  made about five years ago when we both became  officially retired. 

For so many years any day could be laundry day..and most days did find at least one small load being done. 

There is something comfortable about knowing when we wake up on Thursday [ that's our day] we know exactly what is about to happen.  Since I am most often the last to get out  bed I begin removing the sheets and pillow cases. Next the laundry basket comes out of the hamper in my bathroom and colors & whites are grouped & dropped into a basket outside my bathroom door.  That way "the help" can't miss it or forget  that  today is laundry day. 

If you are not yet at that 'loving laundry day' place in life then I must remind you that the HELP is my laundry service or to be more specific [& truthful] the HELP and laundry service are one and the same: My husband. That's his choice.

Now you understand why I celebrate this special day.  There is nothing quite like seeing those clothes come in the door on hangers or in neat little perfectly organized stacks.  I cannot wait to rush and take those beautiful stacks of white sheets and towels [ just being thoughtful] from him  and begin to put them in place.  That way everything is in perfect order..just the way his wife wants it.  You realize 'trust' just goes so far ladies.  The right way to store and stack is MY WAY...period.

What's Better ?

What's Better Than Having a Wonderful Pear Tree Loaded With  Fruit ready to pick?  ANSWER: Having a neighbor who has that tree in her yard and she never uses them.

Thanks my dear friend!  These are just begging to be used for those crescent roll turnovers that have mountain dew soda as the last ingredient. Yes, it works with Granny Smith Apples too.  YUMMO! [Quoting Rachel Ray, of course]

Do you NOT HAVE that recipe? Just go to  Ree Drummond's   http://pioneerwoman.com/  website and search using some of these key words: apple dumplings, crescent roll, mountain dew.  Apples or Pears it spells delicious!

 If you don't find it just ASK ME. It's super Easy! She not only shares the recipe but she does it step by step WITH PICTURES.


Country Scene-Summer Harvest

I Could Not Leave the Larger Ones-Afraid They
Might Not Hold On Until Tomorrow_

These Six Pears Are Enough to Make 3-4
of the Crescent Roll Fruit Turnover Recipe

In Brundidge~The Kids Have to Play!

[more pics when I figure out where they are]

A New Day -New Lessons

I always want to fix everything~I CANNOT fix everything.  A difficult lesson to learn. [mmm re-learn?]

Note to Self [ again ]

"Self, even when LIFE IS GOOD-

There are dissapointments. 

 Amen, Thank You & Praise the Lord

 For A NEW DAY to TRY to "get it right."

*postscript: Also known as GOD'S GRACE

Time and What it Means

Time has a totally different meaning to us at various stages of life. As a teenager and then as a young bride and mother of little ones time was a very practical thing.

I knew ahead of me there was what we called "A Lifetime."  Then I longed for a little TIME for myself.  The luxury of time for browsing the local shops alone  was indeed a luxury.  I did have that occassionally because of the thoughtful husband who was staying put at home with the babies.  I appreciated that time.  For several years I longed for the TIME when these 3 little boys  would be able to feed, bathe and dress themselves.  I think I dreamed of  TIME when we [ my husband and I] would be able to get away somewhere special to enjoy doing unnecessary things without the usual [if mundane] and normal demands of a very young growing family.  This didn't happen often so we soaked it all in when we did have such a carefree event.  Money was always an issue and then along with that [even if we could come up with the money] there was ALWAYS the issue of someone available, willing and responsible  to care for [3] preschool age boys & later 4 as we were blessed with a precious daughter.   I always felt I was being scrutinized [critically] as a mother-then one day it "came to me" that with 3 stair step boys -13 months and 18 months apart it was reasonable to expect that things around us would be three times as loud, three times as difficult, and three times as often! And I learned to accept the fact that "if my three boys had not done it [whatever] they would." That way you aren't quite as surprised by the things three healthy, active, creative & very normal  boys come up with on any given day!

Back to the subject of TIME:  I easily recall the years when my mother-in law was in her 70's and the times we would visit her.  When It came time for the last hug, and last minute goodbye post scripts I could see how very sad and a little emotional she became...as the years passed [she lived to be 94] she couldn't hide the emotion.  Even back then when she was in the 8th decade of life I realized that the reason she was so noticeably sad when we were leaving was that in her mind she was thinking " This could be the last time we see each other on earth."

NOW I know and understand exactly how she felt. The parting at those times did not affect us quite so much..after all we had each other and our own homes and our own very full lives and interests to return to at the end of the trip. We went along our merry way and returned to the places, things and people that filled our lives.  Life was good and we had to get on with it.   I wonder how often we thought about what Nanny was doing or thinking a few hours after we were gone.  Did it ever occur to us that she might be reliving each hour or day we had just spent with her. I wonder.  Maybe...maybe not.

I suppose it all goes right back to that part of the human condition we all are cursed with....SELF will always be a major part of our being..SELF meaning self involvement and self importance   and self sufficiency.  Is it any comfort knowing that everyone else has that same negative to deal with throughout life? No, not really.

But we cannot go back ..the choices we made are what they are-that was then and this..the now is what we have left. As we have often been told and even said to others "We just have to be thankful for what we have."  I am!! But being the controlling person I am  don't you know I am going to always be trying to change things.?!!

 [Laugh with me-that's meant to be a funny..with a sprinkle of truth, of course]

*Post Script: If this is a little more introspective than you the reader can handle I apologize..lol I will try to post on a more light hearted subject next time.:^)

Wedding Bells~

Those Wedding Bells
~are getting closer.  It appears the "revised plan" means we will be having a FALL WEDDING-Spring would have been just fine but all the projects and plans have so fallen into place there is just no point in waiting until February 2012. [Heavens No!]


Steve and Carol met on a blind date one year ago May 2010.

And yes, of course we are excited and happy anticipating this big day.  Steve is our oldest son and is 51 years old- never married.

It's a Happy Time!

 

 

 

Thoughtful Thoughts~

Francis Chan relates the story  [ http://www.crazylovebook.com/  ] of a man -first name Stan- who while giving the Eulogy at a memorial service closed his remarks by saying:  " You never know when God is going to take your life. At that moment there is nothing you can do about it. Are you ready?"
He then sat down, fell over and died. Efforts  to resuscitate him failed.
So many of us as Christians are disappointed with ourselves because we know  that we have not shared Jesus Christ as we should. I have not.
We CAN make use of our blogs and facebook pages . Let's share it- Are you ready? Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior..I'm not asking if you know OF GOD, OF JESUS, OF CHRISTIANITY..but do you have a RELATIONSHIP with Him?
I am not asking if you are a member or attendee of some church. I am not asking if you have walked down a church isle, said a prayer and been baptized.  That does not save you.  And we cannot count on getting a 3 MINUTE WARNING to allow time to turn to HIm immediately before slipping into Eternity.
The only time you have to make this choice is TODAY! We are not assured of Tomorrow  .

Here I Go Pondering Again~

~I actually thought I was simply REPURPOSING..didn't realize it had a GRANDMA look & feel~

~just thinking about the name of this blog [ "like Gramma's House" ] and how often I hear that phrase on the Home & Garden Television programs.  People  searching for a home to buy  so often   comment as they tour the property: "This reminds me of Grandma's house."

I often use the same phrase in conversation-that's how I came up with the blog title.  I know what the phrase "like gramma's house" means to me but what are house hunters on HGTV  suggesting when they make this observation.  It usually feels very negative.

So tell me what do you mean when you describe a room or a home as 'Like Gramma's House.?"

Ladies & Gentlemen?

What does the title "lady/ladies" or "Gentleman/Gentlemen" mean anymore?  As I ponder in less than amused fashion I can only tell you what it means at my house.
Here goes~

At our house I stand alongside my husband [ of almost 52 years now] in more ways than a few.  In the shop as he works on his building projects I stand right there ..to critique & supervise.  I can always spot the paint drip or the rough edge he missed with the sander.  I seldom miss the ugly dab of carpenter's glue that should not be showing and of course I am going to take note of the finished project that still needs another coat of paint.

And who says Mom has no sense of humor..enough of that and on to the intended slant of this post.

Other real ways in which I stand alongside or behind in a supportive role include working in the flower beds, washing down the house and other outdoor walls when they need a fresh look, repainting outdoor furniture, lifting, loading and fetching whatever needs to be as we dig into those seasonal hot and yes sweaty, dirty jobs that are a part of life and the joys of home ownership.  At the end of one of those days when all the batteries [ours] have run down and the bodies have soaked in more grunge than anyone can abide, we call it quits, shut down the storage and shop areas and retreat to shade, comfort and indoor modern 'thank you Lord" A/C. 

Here's the first illustration.  As we two sorry sights [not to mention smelly?] move indoors headed for the showers..My silver fox OPENS THE DOOR, STANDS ASIDE AS HE ALLOWS ME TO 'GO FIRST'...Now that's a Gentlemen. There is no audience he just does it because he is...a gentlemen.  And guess what~ I allow him to be a gentlemen as he shows deference to a lady.  [that would be ME, his wife ] I am a strong, independent female but I am not a dumb one.

My observations of our world close by reveal to me that men often are no longer gentlemen because there is no Lady allowing them to behave in a gentlemanly manner.

Girls, for heaven's sake let the men treat you like someone special.  Are you not? Then when you get into place at the office where you have responsibility and perhaps some authority..do your job.  Allowing men to treat you politely does not have to weaken or dimish your strengths.  It's no wonder so many men are pitiful specimens of what God intended  them to be.  Women {the 'women's movement,etc] have told them they are not necessary, not wanted or needed.  It didn't take too long for them to "get the message" and learn quite well  this role of "being a man",  without respect for self, for women or any clear understanding of what responsibility really means in the context of 'the family."    It is now quite common to find that a man often thinks his responsibilities are done with when he has a job and brings home a paycheck..how sad!

How thankful..how very thankful I am the  children in this family never saw that kind of example at our house.

Have I told you my illustration of the BIG UMBRELLA?  One Sunday morning in Texas it was raining cats and dogs when church was over and as we left the worship service Ted pulled out the BIG UMBRELLA..and with both of us protected from the drenching rain he walked us to the car securely closing the door  as I slipped into my seat untouched by the downpour.

[I will post an "umbrella" pic soon]

At that moment as I was about to get into the car I thought: "What a perfect picture of a Godly man and his role regarding a wife and children." I have never forgotten that beautiful simple picture.  Thank You Lord!

Miles and Milestones~

Ah, the miles! The miles traveled and the milestones in the lives of our Grands -they keep coming.

Just a reminder-our only daugher has our only grand daughters..two,ages 13 and 18 this year. The oldest, Dylan graduated from high school this month-May 22, 2011 in Mason city, Iowa. 

We traveled the 1,000 plus [one way] trip by way of western Kentucky where we took a slight detour and spent a few days with my "little sister, Gwen" and her husband.  Since she retired about a year ago they live near Lake Barkley.  That's convenient since he eats, sleeps, breathes and worships FISHING -taking time off only for the deer in season and golfing when the fish run away from home.  Of course none of you will share this with him...he doesn't know.  Over the span of our adult years my sister and I have had so very few opportunities to spend time together. For this reason it has been such a joy to be able to visit a huge total of four times since 2007. Joy, Joy!

Ted and I  managed to dodge any treacherous areas where flooding was a problem and arrived in Nora Springs, Iowa on Saturday night -just right for getting to attend church with our daughter Deanna, husband Tim and Grands, Dylan, Zack and Samantha.

During that first week we attended a track meet,  a choir concert, an awards program and a Garden Club in Mason City where Dylan sang, accompanying herself on guitar. [And we are not even to Graduation yet. ] During this time Deanna and I finished our shopping list and set up plans for Saturday night's Graduation party and put together a Display photo collage and photo album to show off high school memories and family pictoral treasures  at the party. Dylan gathered trophy mementoes and Dance Team uniforms, etc to add to her display which she put together without any help from us.  All this had to be done working around the last few days of school and Tim's crazy work schedule but we did it!

Graduation party was wonderful ..could not have been better.  People appeared to really enjoy it..liked the food and lingered to visit.

I will insert pictures as I can.  One perfectly delightful observation I must share. When I noticed an opening at her Guest reception table I went over to grab a hug  and take a picture..and was more than amused [ it was hilarious ] she had her autograph pillow for her friends to sign and spread out on the table beside the card box were a variety of wallet size photos of herself..and I overheard her tell some of her friends that she would AUTOGRAPH the photo for them..To appeciate that you must know that Dylan is very passionate about pursuing  a future in the music industry [ Nashville? Of course!] Her piers were not surprised at all..they know her!



Baccularete service and Graduation ceremony  wound up on Sunday with mobs of graduates, faculty, family and friends taking photos with the newest alumni braving winds strong enough to rock our heavy vehicle at the gas pump afterwards.

After family gathering and departures Sunday afternoon and early Monday Dylan spread out her savings and Graduation cash gifts  and the car lot tour in Mason City began.  This wound up with a little red Ford Escort as Dylan counted out her savings, grad gifts, tips from Appleby's and a generous loan from her big hearted 16 year old brother Zack.

Family-Always!

Having left south Alabama on May 11th [ it is now May 26th] We directed Gertrude [ GPS ] toward home.

Tornado Weather~ Phillipians 4:7

What do Grammas everywhere  do when such destructive storms are pending?

Pray people - they pray..and accept the peace that is offered us in scripture, that peace that 'passes all understanding.'  [ Phillipians 4:7 ]

Gramma's Bible~ circa 1983

 The oldest personal Bible I have is the dainty white Bride's Bible I carried with me down the isle when I was married June 21,1959 in Mershon Baptist Church-in south Georgia.  It was a gift from our church's Girl's Auxiliary organization. It cost $4.95. I know because the tag was accidentally left inside.

I used it regularly for the first few years then graduated to a larger edition with larger print I am sure. I seldom read from it now and never use it to study but it is a proudly/humbly displayed treasure in our living room placed next to our Wedding Picture..the only one we have.

Over the years I had several Bibles, some received as gifts and used regularly some remained in new condition because I was not comfortable using it..the edition of THE LIVING BIBLE was a beautiful book and gift from someone who loved me but I was never comfortable with it.  The black KJV above was a gift from Ted, Steve and Deanna on my birthday 1983. This was the most used Bible of my life.

From 1983 until 2011 this Bible with all it's notes, highlighting and marking tells a story of God's Word used in a person's life. When I left it to be restored earlier this year it was very difficult to use..one might easily say it was ragged.  Some pages were even unattached. One of our children remarked a few years ago as he saw me carry this "falling apart" Book "Mom, are you trying to shame us all?"  After a minute I realized what he meant.  He was referring to the 'testimony' of a well used Bible [I think].

This is the restored precious Bible we picked up from the Lifeway store today after paying them $175.49.  I am sure that is several times the amount paid for the original one given me in 1983.  That's okay..I would have paid twice that if necessary.  It has been suggested that perhaps I will take better care of it this time. No, my heart's desire is to wear it out again with use.

What a sweet thing to open the returned old worn out cover and find so many little treasures that had been between the pages. There were love notes from "my girls" I taught in southeast Texas, Book marks from the Grand children, one from Turner, another from "Amie Simmons", a little love note from "Holly", another from Lindsey and one from Dylan,  All these priceless little treasures from loved ones.  I had overlooked these and am so thankful they were salvaged and returned to me.

[ ~post script: I am thinking about buying a brand new one to wear out  and if God allows enough years perhaps another one so there will be one for each of our children to have when I am gone.]