Old thought for the New Year!!! BY Ray Pritchard

In the last several years I’ve thought a lot about how Christians should respond to the pressures we face every day. We know that in this world we will have many trials. Jesus said as much in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  Both parts of that statement will be true in the new year:
You will have trouble in the world.
Jesus has overcome the world.
What do we need to stay strong in 2011? I can summarize it in three words. We need . . . 
Tenacious winsome courage.
Tenacious means we hang on to the truth that Jesus is Lord.
Winsome means we face life with a smile, not a scowl.
Courage means we do what needs to be done.
Tenacious means we keep believing when it would be easier to give up.
Winsome means we don’t lose our temper and say something stupid.
Courage means we take our stand for the truth.
Tenacious means we keep on praying.
Winsome means we are cheerful when others attack us.
Courage means we do hard things without complaining.
Tenacious means we love people anyway.
Winsome means we display grace under pressure.
Courage means we speak up instead of wimping out.
We need all three qualities together to face what life throws at us. So perhaps this is a good Monday morning prayer. “Lord, grant me tenacious winsome courage as I go through this day. When I am tempted to give up, help me to keep going. Grant me a cheerful spirit when things don’t go my way. And give me courage to do whatever needs to be done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Tis the Season

I can't believe I have ignored my blog for so long... I will do things different 2011.

Take time to define BILLOWS...

Everything that could be moved was lashed to the Esperance's deck or bulkheads.  No one seemed inclined to joke as the ocean's mild swells grew into frothy peaks.

  "All ship's company, below decks! No hands on weather decks!"  The orders were barked out repeatedly over the ships internal address system as well as the exterior bullhorn.  Excited sailors, some pale and sweaty with fear, glided down the steel ladders to safety with newly acquired dexterity,fueled by adrenalin.

Paul Schlener young Navy recruit.  Fighting for freedom!

You can purchase your copy/box by clicking add to cart button... 

Both prices include shipping.

Take Time to Read..WHEN SEA BILLOWS ROLL by Paul Schlener

60 Years Later....look who's in-charge :))

RELIVE THE MOST TERRIFYING TYPHOON IN NAVAL... HISTORY AND EXPERIENCE THE DRAMA OF A LIFE THAT WAS CHANGED FOREVER.

The wind howled and roared as Paul Schlener found himself plunged into the ravages of the powerful typhoon Cobra, Stationed on an open bridge, 62 feet from water level, the sailor boy clutched to a vertical one-inch pipe while being pelted by 100 mph stinging rain and salt water spume.

Fear gripping his heart, Schlener watched the small aircraft carrier’s planes being tossed, tumbled, and swept into the sea like toys. Would this be the last day of his life? Far from home at the age of eighteen, Schlener wondered if he’d ever live to see his parents and his pretty girlfriend, Jessie, again...

An amazing book that tells about how a young sailor came to faith in Christ, and how his life was changed forever! Great witnessing tool! A "Gospel-tract" in book format!

You can purchase your copy by clicking ADD to the CART button

both prices include shipping.

WHEN SEA BILLOWS ROLL by Paul Schlener

Pappy and Mother Schlener, Paul and Jessie,Grandma and Pa MacDonald

RELIVE THE MOST TERRIFYING TYPHOON IN NAVAL... HISTORY AND EXPERIENCE THE DRAMA OF A LIFE THAT WAS CHANGED FOREVER.

Four of us high school buddies took off in a Model A Ford one summer, hoping to join the Forest Services disease control crew.
Before skipping town, I charged a pair of expensive logging boots to my dad's account at Kreugel's Men's store, and purchased a one-pound can of pipe tobacco..... 

You can purchase your copy by clicking ADD TO CART button.
Both prices include shipping.

WHEN SEA BILLOWS ROLL by Paul Schlener

RELIVE THE MOST TERRIFYING TYPHOON IN NAVAL... HISTORY AND EXPERIENCE THE DRAMA OF A LIFE THAT WAS CHANGED FOREVER.

The wind howled and roared as Paul Schlener found himself plunged into the ravages of the powerful typhoon Cobra, Stationed on an open bridge, 62 feet from water level, the sailor boy clutched to a vertical one-inch pipe while being pelted by 100 mph stinging rain and salt water spume.

Fear gripping his heart, Schlener watched the small aircraft carrier’s planes being tossed, tumbled, and swept into the sea like toys. Would this be the last day of his life? Far from home at the age of eighteen, Schlener wondered if he’d ever live to see his parents and his pretty girlfriend, Jessie, again...

An amazing book that tells about how a young sailor came to faith in Christ, and how his life was changed forever! Great witnessing tool! A "Gospel-tract" in book format!

clicking add to cart button.

Both prices include shipping.

WHEN SEA BILLOWS ROLL by Paul Schlener

RELIVE THE MOST TERRIFYING TYPHOON IN NAVAL... HISTORY AND EXPERIENCE THE DRAMA OF A LIFE THAT WAS CHANGED FOREVER.

The wind howled and roared as Paul Schlener found himself plunged into the ravages of the powerful typhoon Cobra, Stationed on an open bridge, 62 feet from water level, the sailor boy clutched to a vertical one-inch pipe while being pelted by 100 mph stinging rain and salt water spume.

Fear gripping his heart, Schlener watched the small aircraft carrier’s planes being tossed, tumbled, and swept into the sea like toys. Would this be the last day of his life? Far from home at the age of eighteen, Schlener wondered if he’d ever live to see his parents and his pretty girlfriend, Jessie, again...

An amazing book that tells about how a young sailor came to faith in Christ, and how his life was changed forever! Great witnessing tool! A "Gospel-tract" in book format!

You can purchase your copy/box by clicking ADD TO CART...
both prices include shipping

When Sea Billows Roll....by Paul Schlener, author of, PORT OF TWO BROTHERS....

YOU MUST CONTACT ME VIA THE "COMMENT BOX first.

You can purchase your copy by clicking buy now... for $12.50  includes SHIPPING

(Less if you purchase a box of 56.) plus shipping.

YOU MUST CONTACT ME VIA THE "COMMENT BOX first.

This makes a wonderful gift for the Veterans in your life.

This book is about a young man in his teens who runs off to join the Navy to fight for his country. It gives a very accurate account of surviving one of the worst typhoons known in world history as

the "COBRA".

This book is written by one of our nations  few living WWII Veterans,

Dr. Paul L. Schlener.

If you are interested in a copy or have any questions about purchasing a box please leave your name and e-mail in the comment box below and I will contact you.
on how you can receive your copy/copies.

Letters from Africa

http://www.fh.org/work/africa
Oct.26,
Long day today but a real good day. Feel like I am in the Amazon where you were raised. It rained today too but it didn't cool off at all.

They just told us that we might have internet up at the round huts we stay in.

Love,
Larry

oct.26
Dear Cindi

I only was able to get on internet now since we talked last night. The signal is always weak and most of the time not available. Tomorrow we leave for out in the sticks and will not have internet until Saturday. We start heading home on Saturday and arrive in Albany Monday night.

Pastor Tomas says that at times we will have a phone signal so will try to call between tomorrow and Saturday while we are out there.

Love,
Larry
 Hi Cindi:
I have been texting but I guess you have not been receiving. We got in save and sound. Many delay for mechanical reasons. Its 1:35 AM and I just got into the room and we have internet. I preach in the morning at Tomas church.
I called the house a few minutes ago and left a voice mail message. I also called Presley so he would know all is well.

Love,
Larry

 Hi Cindi:
Just got back to the room after a real long HOT day. Its like in the high 90's and high humidity. Church goes a long time ... hours both in the morning and evening. Tomorrow we leave at 6 AM to start with the FH staff.

Had fish for supper tonight. Roballo. Was real good. I just went online and saw the temperature. Already getting cold every evening there.

Tuesday we go to Gorongoza were we will not have email .. but the phone does work every once in awhile. .. if you can get to the right spots. Gorongosa is were those round houses you have seen in the pictures. Tomorrow is staff here in Beira and than we are up there with the pastors.

Sleep well with our two little friends.

Love,
Larry

Taking Time to be Thankful...

My husband, who works for the organization called Food the Hungry, (www.fh.org) takes these by-yearly trips to Mozambique, Africa.  He is the translator and one of the Bible Institute teacher to 200 African Pastors (or more) the trip usually takes three day, two nights and the one day’s trek to the bush country. The last couple of trips he has been able to communicate via texting/e-mail so I sent him on his way without any worries because I knew he could touch base.  He always calls when he arrives to the field of service and always calls when he is on his way back home.  This time however, he didn’t.

I was fine for the first 24 hours then as one day turned into three I became considerable worried.  No word at all through any avenue of communication.  So I began to call around, everyone I asked that could promised to call as soon as they heard anything at all good or bad.

So my mind started imagining the worse and preparing for it. I love the film called, Blood Diamond, so that came to mind in my despairing thoughts. I pictured him taken captive by that scenario. The show, Lost, played havoc with my thoughts one whole night as I tried to sleep, I didn’t want to watch the news because it can be so graphic at times I feared seeing the plane in a field with nothing left but the smoking remains of the fuselage.

The fact that, from all the people I contacted, hadn’t heard anything either, just seemed to multiply my apprehension. I tried to keep busy, sang out loud, and prayed without ceasing.

He left on a Wednesday afternoon…and finally 1:35 AM Sunday morning Mozambican time,(5 days ) I get the call from a very tired weary yet relieved traveler.  After 3 days and 4 nights and lots of flight delays and mechanical situations he was there safe and probably not so sound for the lack of sleep. He apologized because he had tried to communicate and knew they couldn’t and there was nothing they could have done about it.

You know what I did, of-course, I took the TIME to be thankful. After realizing all that could have gone wrong I was grateful it hadn’t.

O...let us give thanks...
http://www.fh.org/work/africa

   

Take Time To Bake This Bread....

EASY PEESY NO_KNEAD WHOLE WHEAT BREAD!

JUST FOLLOW the directions to the T especially the greasing part because it is sticky(able)

1 cup(8oz.)lukewarm water
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup melted butter or veg.oil( I used oil)
3 TB of molasses or maple syrup(I used molasses)
2 tsp instant yeast(rapid rise kind...really measure because the packets have more the 2 tsp)
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk(I buy the little box that has packets in it Wal-Mart)
3 cups King Aurthur Whl.Wheat flour(100%)
1 1/2 tsp. salt(I used kosher)

Thoroughly grease an 8 1/2"x 4 1/2" pan....very IMPORTANT to grease the pan well as the bread tends to stick

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Beat the mixture vigorously for about 3 minutes;an electric beater on high works well...(I have one of those large kitchen-aid beaters) Scope the soft dough into the prepared pan.(it will be sticky/glue-like, but comes out easy.

Cover the pan with lightly GREASED plastic wrap, and it will rise for 90 minutes: it becomes puffy.

Bake pre-heated @ 350*oven Bake for 30-35 min. Cover with tin foil after 15 minutes. The bread is done when golden brown on top.(my was in for 40 minutes)
If you insert a instant-read thermometer it should read 195* (I don't have one so I don't do that') Let cool on rack for 5 min. before removing from the pan...and IF you can don't cut til it is completely cooled....RIGHT!!! I can't wait.
ENJOY!!! It is SO easy and is SO good. 

SERVES 16  (sixteen )

Take Time to go Back...

.......................  These are question that were asked of me for a  Missions Conference..................
                                                October 23-24


1. When you transitioned from one ministry/field to another or back to the States, what was the most difficult aspect for you personally?
The most difficult aspect for me transitioning back which most definitely outweighed some of the others was saying good-bye to 20 some years of friendships. Several that had become closer than actual family. Accepting the fact that they wouldn’t be just around the corner anymore and knowing that communication basically stops. The fellowship(face-to-face kind) with each other ends. Several other aspects were, change of culture, change of position in the ministry, making new friends and not necessarily in that order. Not to forget those tears, the tears…oh …the tears. I tried to keep them back and keep a positive attitude in front of the children least they thought God’s will is making Mommy cry.

2. What was hardest for your children/spouse?

Hardest for my children, was their educational changes the new school and making new friends. My children went to the public school system on the field. So you can imagine their English grammar was weak, weather, food/diet; other then these few things nothing that required counseling or special attention. My spouse, the answer to question #1 would apply for him too.

3. What were some great things other people said or did in your new location that made it easier for you or were an encouragement?

I really can’t recall any great thing anyone did for us. Not even our church, quite frankly I expected some sort of hoopla but we sort of slipped in/back quietly. In fact I think people seemed annoyed to seeing me break down to tears a couple of times. I could have been just my thinking it, but no encouragement at all. Hum…. I hope that I am not stepping on toes. Let me be clear, we did return to a location where we had relatives/family so maybe people assumed we were all set in the encouragement department.

4. What were some things that were hurtful or made the transition more difficult that others did, said or failed to do?

Because we suddenly re- appeared back without the above (lack of hoopla) I think people assumed we were back for some negative reason, would naturally lead them to ask questions that seemed to dig into one’s soul and hurt. So I think the answer to this question would be both did or failed to do and said or failed to say.

5. What would have blessed you or made things easier for you that you "wish" people would have done/said/not done?

I really feel uncomfortable with answering this question because I don’t want to judge I don’t know people’s hearts. But in their defense they really didn’t know how to help so I will answer this the best way I know how so to help others see the problem and fix it. 1. Pray with you; ask what they can pray for; 2. Have you over for a getting acquainted time; 3. Make sure one knows upcoming events that could help involve you back into it all 4. Encourage their children to reach out to yours and it doesn’t take much to encourage kids,

6. Looking back on your transition, would you do anything differently?
The actual mechanics of it all went very well. I insisted on bringing all my precious things (Praise the Lord I was able to) because if the truth be known and I recommend others to the same, it helped the children feel like they were home with all the familiar “things” surrounding them. Some wise old missionary had advised me to do this and I took her advice.

7. What advice would you give to anyone who knows a transitioning missionary?

I believe the advice has been given/specified in my last several answers. I could not reiterate/restate any better than I already have.

8. What (if any) resources were helpful in your transition ( ei: books, websites, etc)

What was helpful with our transition was that before we totally moved and said our goodbyes we were able to return for several summers and eased our way into the new ministry. It was less brutal then up and leaving.

9. If you feel comfortable sharing briefly, what were the reasons for your change in ministry?

The reasons for our leaving the ministry were to be able to serve our mission in a larger way, getting involved in the bigger picture. Our leaders felt that my husband’s gifts could help the whole of the organization.

10. Was your change a relief, very difficult or combination?

I would say our change was a combination.

11. If you remained in a supported ministry, how was your support affected?

We didn’t remain in a supported ministry but those that had supported continued to do so to the work we left behind.

12. How long were you at the previous location?
We were at our previous location 23 years.

13. How long did it take for you to feel "at home" in your new location?

I felt right at home at certain places like shopping…but socially it has taken longer.

14. Did you accept new ministry opportunities (personal) quickly or did you need a break for a little while?

I tried to get busy right away I got involved in a customer service capacity which allowed me to learn the system as well as make friendship the staff members.


I might add one more thing, I was saved at a early age and was a MK myself so I suppose that is a culture in and of itself in all these years of seeing God’s love and spirit touching lives and changing people and on and on. I am humble that He allowed me to do the same. Sure there are heart breaks and hardships and yes, it is hard to leave family and friends and transitions to places that make us uncomfortable…but I put my trust in Him and He promised to never leave me or forsake me when life seems unreasonable at times confusing…He has a plan because he loves me.
Hope this helps a little bit. God Bless

CLBollback

Taking Time to savor the summer of 2010.....

Luke 26 years of age,

This summer has gone so quickly… one of the highlights had to be our son’s brief visit which allowed us to be a complete family for a while, five days total.  My daughter thinks HE gets the royal treatment, over herself, maybe he does I don’t know. I suppose he might be harder to please so it just seems that way. His birthday is this month and I find myself in disbelief that it was 28 years ago that he became our first born.

Luke 1 year

During these years he has survived so much. Let me share some of what has taken place from an early age on.  He had to drink predigested milk as a baby, however before the physicians could figure that out he suffered substantial weight loss along with quite a bit of pain,because of this undiagnosed digestive problems. He took a leap out a window at the age of 13 months; onto solid concrete one story high, scarlet fever, and a near drowning in the Atlantic Ocean, where he was pulled under several times out of sight. These are just things I know about. It seems as though these visits with our son require that he  share more adventures that he and his friends had growing up. (in the most beautiful spot on God’s earth…Ericeira, Portugal.) Although we do listen with delight and allot of suspicion as to their accuracy, we find it all  hilarious and highly entertaining we continue to be most grateful for his many guardian angels, might I add, will always depend on them.

 

Whenever he is around we find ourselves, curbing our enthusiasm,he is just like having our very own Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm) in the house (if you have ever seen that show.)

We love our son more than words can say.  We know he makes good choices and studies the pros and cons to the whole thing before he decides to take his next step. All that stubbornness and mischievousness has only helped him be what he is today.

Until we see you again your presence is so missed…..and we are blessed to have you in our lives.

Taking time for a rule of THUMB!

A good rule of thumb for selecting wedding cake flowers is "When in doubt leave it out!"

Below is a list of common edible flowers:
Bee balm
Bachelor button
Borage
Caledonia
Chamomile
Chive flowers
Chrysanthemum
Dandelion
Day lily
Dianthus
Fuchsia
Gardenia
Gladiolus
Hibiscus
Hollyhock
Impatiens
Lilac
Marigold
Mint
Nasturtium
Pansy
Roses
Sage
Squash blossom
Snapdragon
Sunflower
Violet
I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT.....  Lily-of-the-Valley  are poisonous...so many have placed them on cakes...Hmmmmmm

Take Time To TRY Recipe......

WITHOUT A DOUBT THE BEST PIZZA EVER!!!!AND I HAVE TRIED MANY!!!!



Pizza Dough: Makes enough dough for two 10-12 inch pizzas

* 1 1/2 cups warm water (105°F-115°F)
* 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast (check the expiration date on the package)
* 3 1/2 cups bread flour (can use all-purpose but bread flour will give you a crisper crust)
* 2 Tbsp olive oil
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon sugar

Pizza Ingredients

* Olive oil
* Cornmeal (to slide the pizza onto the pizza stone)

* Tomato sauce
* Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, shredded
* Feta cheese
* Mushrooms, thinly sliced
* Bell peppers, stems and seeds removed, thinly sliced
* Italian sausage, cooked ahead
* Chopped fresh basil
* Pesto
* Pepperoni, thinly sliced
* Onions, thinly sliced
* Sliced ham

Special equipment needed

* A pizza stone, highly recommended if you want your pizza dough to be crusty
* A pizza peel or a flat baking sheet
* A pizza wheel for cutting the pizza, not required, but easier to deal with than a knife

Method
Making the Pizza Dough

1 In the large bowl of a heavy duty electric mixer (such as a Kitchen Aid), add the warm water. Sprinkle on the yeast and let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is dissolved. Stir to dissolve completely if needed at the end of 5 minutes.


2 Attach a mixing paddle to the mixer. Mix in the olive oil, flour, salt and sugar on low speed for about a minute. Remove the mixing paddle and replace with a dough hook. Knead using the mixer and dough hook, on low to medium speed, until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. If you don't have a mixer, you can mix and knead by hand. If the dough seems a little too wet, sprinkle on a bit more flour.

3 Place ball of dough in a bowl that has been coated lightly with olive oil. Turn the dough around in the bowl so that it gets coated with the oil. Cover with plastic wrap. Let sit in a warm place (75-85°F) until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours (or several hours longer). If you don't have a warm spot in the house you can heat the oven to 150 degrees, and then turn off the oven. Place the bowl of dough in this warmed oven to rise.

At this point, if you want to make ahead, you can freeze the dough in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Preparing the Pizzas

1 Place a pizza stone on a rack in the lower third of your oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour.

2 Remove the plastic cover from the dough and punch the dough down so it deflates a bit. Divide the dough in half. Form two round balls of dough. Place each in its own bowl, cover with plastic and let sit for 10 minutes.

3 Prepare your desired toppings. Note that you are not going to want to load up each pizza with a lot of toppings as the crust will end up not crisp that way. About a third a cup each of tomato sauce and cheese would be sufficient for one pizza. One to two mushrooms thinly sliced will cover a pizza.


4 Working one ball of dough at a time, take one ball of dough and flatten it with your hands on a slightly floured work surface. Starting at the center and working outwards, use your fingertips to press the dough to 1/2-inch thick. Turn and stretch the dough until it will not stretch further. Let the dough relax 5 minutes and then continue to stretch it until it reaches the desired diameter - 10 to 12 inches. Use your palm to flatten the edge of the dough where it is thicker. You can pinch the very edges if you want to form a lip.


5 Brush the top of the dough with olive oil (to prevent it from getting soggy from the toppings). Use your finger tips to press down and make dents along the surface of the dough to prevent bubbling. Let rest another 5 minutes.
Repeat with the second ball of dough.

6 Lightly sprinkle your pizza peel (or flat baking sheet) with corn meal. Transfer one prepared flattened dough to the pizza peel. If the dough has lost its shape in the transfer, lightly shape it to the desired dimensions.



7 Spoon on the tomato sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and place your desired toppings on the pizza.


8 Sprinkle some cornmeal on the baking stone in the oven (watch your hands, the oven is hot!). Gently shake the peel to see if the dough will easily slide, if not, gently lift up the edges of the pizza and add a bit more cornmeal. Slide the pizza off of the peel and on to the baking stone in the oven. Bake pizza one at a time until the crust is browned and the cheese is golden, about 10-15 minutes. If you want, toward the end of the cooking time you can sprinkle on a little more cheese.
--

Taking time to Live...

Lilies, rose’s and at least five to six other flowers are referred to by that name.…and all mentioned in one of the most renowned book on earth, the Bible They are also compared to the brevity of a human life. How they/we grow and bloom and then wither and die. And just like life…it can produce a wonderful aroma and yet prick like a thorn. In order to grow strong and be fruitful and successful, flowers need to have a good root system and source of good nutrients in order to thrive. They need sunshine/light and water and air as do we. We need to be trimmed, and if need be, cut way down to be able to grow even stronger.
"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; nor yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Roses are mentioned many times in the Bible. Yet documents from which the
Scriptures were translated; botanists now agreed that a narcissus, a crocus, a rock rose and an oleander were variously referred to as “Roses"
There are at five or six kinds of plants referred to by the name lily. Certainly, considering the context of some of these passages, one of them was the yellow flag, an iris common in the Holy Land. Botanists are convinced that the lilies of the field" were actually the chamomile, a plant with white daisy-like flowers, also common there. The lilies in the Song of Solomon are now regarded as being a hyacinth with deep blue, fragrant flowers, native in Palestine and Lebanon, is the white Madonna lily -- our traditional symbol of Easter.
So….take time to smell the roses…means take time to LIVE!!!!

Taking the Words of Thomas Jefferson to Heart...

But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine.

Taking Time to Celebrate the Life of a loved one....

The Katie we knew and loved lay there, peacefully, as we filed by her white-eyelet lined coffin.  The sting of death was not getting its victory here, because the blessing that Katie brought us all is and will have the victory.  This beautiful young woman knew her savior and served him well the proof is in her testimony of a life lived for Him. Because of it we know beyond a shadow of doubt, she was ushered front and center to His arms.
The ceremony celebrating her life was filled with beautiful pictures of Katie and her family.  Not only pictures seen but pictures sung with beautiful words describing her life on earth as well as her life now in heaven.
I was with Katie's mom (a family friend) for the first months of her "womb" growth.  Her Mother and I watched the belly growing and felt her kicking and moving waiting to get out and live outside.  It almost seems she felt the urgency of it all even back then.  My friend and I (since this was her first and I was childless) read all the books together on prenatal care followed all the charts and ate all we wanted...so much so my friend grew and actually miscalculated the due date. Katie E. Dorman was born on August 25, 1982, but not without my friend stopping to let me know (while in labor pains) she was on her way to hospital and that Katie was finally coming. Everything was just so wonderful and joyful and exciting because of her entrance into this world. I was glad she stopped by we all prayed even more for her safe delivery.)
Well, Katie lived the way she came and I must say did so in many places in the world; Europe, South America, and many other countries that her family's ministry took them. From power tools to garden tools to complex computer programming Katie was used for the Lord and was a BLESSING to all that she met. The Bible clearly quotes that all of our days are numbered and yet we live like we have all the time in the world and waste most of it. I went away that day trying to re-define my priorities and re-focus my life...because where eternity starts hope ends.
THANK YOU KATIE DORMAN-FUHRMAN...for the good example of a job well done for your master.

I wanted to “Take Time” to honor my Pa!! For Father's Day.

I would like to share a portion of my Dad’s life and  his weekly duties as he ministered to the Indians In the Amazon Jungle.This excerpt is taken from his autobiography...  I think you will get a kick out this section of the book as well as get a glimpse into my life as a child.  ENJOY!!!  

Mercy Drops and Showers of Blessings (1960-1964)

Seldom had a day gone by without people arriving holding their jaws with supposedly medicinal leaves pasted to their faces.  Young mothers from 14 years of age on up who never had prenatal care were the most pitiful cases. Some had cavities in all their teeth, surrounded by gums as red as cherries. Others were in such unbearable pain they extracted their own teeth with knives and scissors.  Pus sacs were common.

I recalled Dr. Johnson saying, “You don’t just yank a tooth out of it socket.  A normal extraction, using the proper instrument and proper technique, usually takes a tooth out without minimal or no actual pulling.  Never hurry the tough ones. Some are floaters and be picked out with little resistance.”

I chose Mrs. Flora as my first patient.  She was known in the village for her fits of rage.  Everybody got out of her way while she brayed and beat the walls of her house. I was relieved to see her smile as she came in.  Just the thought of tooth extraction can take the tucker out of the most courageous. I demonstrated how to get into the chair.  Flora put a foot onto the plywood crosspiece, pivoted around, and plunked down into the chair.  Everything I had studied about tooth extraction evaporated: names of teeth, names of instruments, and pressures.   I thought I had suffered a mini stroke.

I had Flora rinse her mouth with rain water and spit in the potty.  She was an accurate shot.....so far.  The tooth she wanted extracted was a mandibular molar, a good tooth with no decay.  It was all by itself; there wasn't another tooth in her mouth.
                   .............................to be continued. tomorrow.........................

continued...

I had hoped for a couple of floaters for my first extractions.  Flora rinse again while I slid behind the partition that separated the workshop from sterile territory.   I wiped the perspiration from my brow and confessed to God that I should never have dreamed of extracting teeth.
 After getting hold of myself, I returned to face Dona Flora, who was waiting patiently.  I tried to force a smile while I had her rinse yet again.  Her mouth had never been so clean! I was killing time until I gathered the courage to take hold of the loaded syringe.
I held the syringe behind me, remembering how lethal it looks to a helpless person trapped in a chair.  My intention was to hit close to the nerve as it passes from the maxilla to the mandible.  Oops! I hit the bone, so backed off a tad and slowly pressed the syringe plunger.  Flora flinched a little and blinked excessively.  Any sign of life was better than having her slump over motionless.  After Flora admitted to feeling numb on one side, I stepped over to my diagram.  I appeared to be studying, but I was making fervent supplication to God for the ability to remove her tooth, and leave on her own power afterward.  I wished, even more fervently that I had never heard of Dr. Johnson.
I tucked the points of the cow-horn forceps between the two legs of the tooth's root and started applying pressure with a straight arm, as far away from Flora as I could get. Her head, as though it was on a hinge, tipped from shoulder to shoulder; very little pressure reached the tooth.  "Lord, by our Grace, get out of this situation and I'll never touch one of these secondhand tools again.  I admit that you didn't call us to this jungle country to pull teeth.  I've stepped out of your will,"  I confessed to the Omniscient.
I finally got the courage to put a headlock on my patient and was able to remove her tooth.  I was wiped out.  I dismissed the other two ladies after Dona Flora left.  Nearly every Thursday afternoon. and while visiting remote villages by riverboat years later, tooth extraction continued, totaling a few less then 10,000 extractions.  But that first extraction still remains the freshest in my mind.

Taken from the "Port Of Two Brothers" by Dr. Paul L. Schlener.  HAPPY FATHER"S DAY, DAD....you are the best!!!!

                                                                      
                                                  My eldest sis and me in the USA, for furlough!!!.

Taking Time to talk FUTEBOL….

So what is it that makes for a good player!!!!

Endurance…yes, I just get worn-out watching them up and down that field.  They stop then sprint then jump and kick…for 90 minutes.

There are rules to follow…The official soccer rules are called the "Laws of the Game" and are revised annually (usually in July) by FIFA (pronounced "FEE' fuh"), the world soccer governing body, but youth organizations usually adjust the rules to fit children. Typical adjustments are field sizes, game lengths, number of players per team, the number and frequency of substitutions, "offside" is sometimes not called, and slide tackling is sometimes not allowed. Field sizes, ball sizes, length of games & rules vary by age group. The FIFA rules do not require separate teams for girls and boys, but many soccer clubs and associations have separate leagues for boys and girls. Discuss the rule variations with an official of your league. You can find the "Laws of the Game" at FIFA.com (on the FIFA Home Page enter "Laws" in the search feature).

There is a prize in the end and it involves both fame and fortune.  There is a good bit of fate or chance implicated which of course keeps us wanting to see more and to hope that we can be the victor and succeed.

There is a bit of dependability or faithfulness as a fan….I live with and all around athlete… In his prime he made All-American twice (in soccer) and has made nationwide records that have yet to be broken.  So you can imagine the atmosphere in our home towards sports in general all our married life  .He knows firsthand the determination the strength of mind to put that ball in the goal.

All that said…and it is one of my biggest complaints is the wasted time sitting there, absent minded watching something that means absolutely zilch; least to me personally, and for anybody that is just sitting there for that matter…Maybe the athletes’ family, but not much more, because in the scheme of what really is important, it, to me, gets nothing. Well, not totally nothing I have gotten good shopping trips in while he sits there just blissful letting me enjoy “my very own waste of time”

So let’s see, rules, endurance, trophies, faithfulness and all the ability you have, and sticking to the basics should make you a winner….hmmmm!!!

.

That is another story

Taking TIME takes patience....

So how does it happen? When you have every intention to be a success and all the T’s are crossed and I’s are dotted…but somehow the door to temptation is left open or stuck or whatever the reason and what you never wanted to happen, happens. And you say, I always thought this couldn’t happen to me or why ME????

So, what do you do…some 12 step check off list that some Shrink came up with? Do you run and hide and hope it just goes away. Maybe you play the blame game and come up with all kinds of excuses for it being someone else’s responsibility.

I do know what works for me…tell yourself not to PANIC. Ask for PRAYER from people you trust and that love.. Seek that PEACE that passes all understanding…and then be PATIENT… waiting on the Lord and claim His Promises.

He (if you are His child) has a purpose for you. And He promises never to leave you or forsake you!!!! I know I have been there this is quite accurate and undeniable true!!!

Taking time to mourn those who have gone...

my sister as she ministers to those that weep...Dirge

TakeTime to LAUGH!!!

GARDEN SNAKES CAN BE DANGEROUS...

Snakes also known as Garter Snakes (Thamnophissirtalis) can be dangerous. Yes, grass snakes, not rattlesnakes. Here's why.

A couple in Sweetwater , Texas , had a lot of potted plants. During a recent cold spell, the wife was bringing a lot of them indoors to protect them from a possible freeze.

It turned out that a little green garden grass snake was hidden in one of the plants. When it had warmed up, it slithered out and the wife saw it go under the sofa.

She let out a very loud scream.

The husband (who was taking a shower) ran out into the living room naked to see what the problem was. She told him there was a snake under the sofa.

He got down on the floor on his hands and knees to look for it. About that time the family dog came and cold-nosed him on the behind. He thought the snake had bitten him, so he screamed and fell over on the floor.

His wife thought he had had a heart attack, so she covered him up, told him to lie still and called an ambulance.

The attendants rushed in, would not listen to his protests, loaded him on the stretcher, and started carrying him out.

About that time, the snake came out from under the sofa and the Emergency Medical Technician saw it and dropped his end of the stretcher. That's when the man broke his leg and why he is still in the hospital.

The wife still had the problem of the snake in the house, so she called on a neighbor who volunteered to capture the snake. He armed himself with a rolled-up newspaper and began poking under the couch.. Soon he decided it was gone and told the woman, who sat down on the sofa in relief.

But while relaxing, her hand dangled in between the cushions, where she felt the snake wriggling around. She screamed and fainted, the snake rushed back under the sofa.

The neighbor man, seeing her lying there passed out, tried to use CPR to revive her.

The neighbor's wife, who had just returned from shopping at the grocery store, saw her husband's mouth on the woman's mouth and slammed her husband in the back of the head with a bag of canned goods, knocking him out and cutting his scalp to a point where it needed stitches.

The noise woke the woman from her dead faint and she saw her neighbor lying on the floor with his wife bending over him, so she assumed that the snake had bitten him. She went to the kitchen and got a small bottle of whiskey, and began pouring it down the man's throat.

By now, the police had arrived.
Breathe here...

They saw the unconscious man, smelled the whiskey, and assumed that a drunken fight had occurred. They were about to arrest them all, when the women tried to explain how it all happened over a little garden snake!

The police called an ambulance, which took away the neighbor and his sobbing wife.

Now, the little snake again crawled out from under the sofa and one of the policemen drew his gun and fired at it. He missed the snake and hit the leg of the end table. The table fell over, the lamp on it shattered and, as the bulb broke, it started a fire in the drapes.

The other policeman tried to beat out the flames, and fell through the window into the yard on top of the family dog who, startled, jumped out and raced into the street, where an oncoming car swerved to avoid it and smashed into the parked police car.

Meanwhile, neighbors saw the burning drapes and called in the fire department. The firemen had started raising the fire ladder when they were halfway down the street. The rising ladder tore out the overhead wires, put out the power, and disconnected the telephones in a ten-square city block area (but they did get the house fire out).

Time passed! Both men were discharged from the hospital, the house was repaired, the dog came home, the police acquired a new car and all was right with their world.

A while later they were watching TV and the weatherman announced a cold snap for that night. The wife asked her husband if he thought they should bring in their plants for the night.

And that's when he shot her.

flowers by: A Flor De Lis Flower Shoppe

Some of the many flower arrangements....

Taking Time To Weed...

Today I planted the last of my tiny perennial sprouts.  As I unfolded my poor aching back and legs I thought to myself the following things:

1. When my seedlings were tiny I could have confused them for weeds.

2. Therefore, I was glad I waited to nurture them before I transplanted them.

3. Weeds are like bad habits.

4. If you let them grow UN=noticed they will take over your garden.

5. Make sure you can tell the difference (between a weed and a seedling) before you cultivate it.

 I am looking forward to enjoying many years of these beautiful flowers that have been cautiously chosen and cared for.  Our lives should be just as vigilantly cared for.  Weeding out the bad and the awful…not letting them crowd out the good-quality in OUR garden of a life.

I love the spring time new growth and new beginnings the symbol of HOPE!

Taking Time to Celebrate Mother's Day

 Faces of the Mother -to-Be.

May 8,2010
event by: A Flor De Lis Flower Shoppe

Taking Time to Write to Baby Addison...

Elizabeth B. J.

You are embarking on a wonderful NEW role –

You are going to be a MOTHER!

I can imagine since the moment you saw that first scanned image of Addison & saw Addison's little heart beat…you have been overjoyed, worried, been concerned, planned every detail and loved her for these almost 9 months and that it has probably consumed your thoughts and mind and heart almost constantly… you know sweetheart, it is just the beginning of a lifetime with her.

Yes, all of your planning, care, preparation and love will be embodied in this precious little baby girl who will one day grow up to be a woman.

I am not sure if you know this or not, but I was on the Island with YOUR mother during the weeks before you were born.

I was also at the hospital waiting for you to be born when your mom was in labor with you.

The very prayers I prayed for my sister those 28 years ago I am praying for you…all those things I just have imagined you might be feeling, I imagined with your mother before you were born ~ how she longed to have a baby girl to add to the Nelson family!  How she too worried and dreamed…was scared…then she had YOU - this bundle of pink …healthy and just perfectly beautiful, GIRL…and now a grown up, competent woman…ready to become a mother yourself.

I know she is so proud of you, and grateful for the woman you have become.

Elizabeth, I want to take a minute to tell you from my heart to yours…

When you think of Addison and her future ahead,

There will be times throughout her life that …

Your soul will be so happy with her ~ then there will be times where it will ache for her.

She will delight you … and she will also, believe it or not, devastate you.

You will hope for the very best for her…and then have her make an unwise decision.

She will be sick or sad, and no matter how hard you try, you may not understand what she needs.

You will always want her to sleep well, eat and be healthy and happy…and you will do all you can to provide those things for her…for ALL of her life.

Addison will have the power to hold YOUR heart in her hands.

There will also be times where you will be so pleased with yourself as a mother…you have got this baby schedule figured out…that you knew just what she needed…that you could get her that perfect dress…that you could help her with her walk with Jesus…you had just the right advice to give…that you could give her a wonderful home to grow up in & be loved in…

But there may also be times where you may struggle, you may be impatient, you may not have the money to get her something, you may feel dissatisfied…you may not like the journey you are on…you will feel like a failure…and believe me… those things are all a part of life

So here is where some “words” from your Aunt – way down in Texas, will be passed on to you…they are my “mantra’s” and thoughts that have kept me going throughout my life as well as motherhood…I have to fall back on them…even now.

1.              Anything that makes you feel angry or stressed but is beyond your control…

”LET IT GO … and…TURN IT OVER TO GOD”… Let yourself feel what has gotten you so upset, then lift it up as a prayer…and move on.

Picture your hand held tightly in a clenched fist (cause you’re angry) ~  then turn your hand over & open up your palm, fingers stretched out….lift your arm up…and give it to God.

I promise you WILL find peace in your soul as you do this…even if you have to do it 10 times in one day…whenever that nasty, angry thought creeps up…open up that fist and give it back to God.

HE KNOWS.

2.                 Anything that makes you overwhelmingly happy – even proud – no words to describe it…No one can imagine your joy…first thing you do is:

“PONDER IT” …just like Mary in the Bible, after she gave birth to Jesus, and the Shepherds & Wise men came to honor Jesus…she didn’t run around telling everyone she met what had happened…the scriptures tell us “she kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”.   Take time to see how God has worked to bring about these blessing in your life ~

Just a thought…

PONDER God’s goodness and providence in your life…

3.                 When you are discouraged or scared – with yourself… your expectations, your faith… your family and friends ~ maybe you feel you have been let down…

“KEEP WALKING”…I picture Fievel Mousekewitz…the little mouse from “American Tails” (a movie you watched when you were a little girl…sometimes even at my house!) –

See if you can picture this with me…

Little Fievel is boarding the ship that is coming to America – the humans are walking the big planks onto the deck of the ship from land, while the mice are walking on the ropes that tie the ships to the land for their unknown future…Fievel and his family are weighed down with their luggage…and Fievel says…”I’m scared Papa”…and Fievel ’s dad says…”Keep walking Fievel…keep walking”. –

God is like that too – We can say to Him…”I’m scared Papa”…Hebrews also tells us of the examples of people who have walked by faith…just trusting that they would reach what they were expecting and hoping for…as they “just kept walking”.

When you hit those “hurdles” of discouragement…fear…and disillusionment…remember…

Things will get better…don’t give up …don’t stop …and what at times may seem insurmountable can turn out to be a mountain you climbed and is now behind you… that has now given you courage to face more of the future.

You know what is exciting?

You and Stephen will now not just be the two of you …you will be a family.

And your hopes and dreams are being realized.

…and tomorrow is Mother’s Day…

What a special time for you…for your mom….for Grandma…as you see the “footprints” that have walked before you…and as you dream of the new “footprints” to come!

With love, Your, Tia Suely

May 8,

Taking Time to Celebrate a New Baby Girl...

Taking time to celebrate a new life…is what’s been on my mind lately.  I was told I was “spearheading” the event and I am quite happy to do so.  The theme motifs are footprints, flowers and butterflies, all of which describe signs of spring…  I don’t know about you but the first opportunity I can walk barefoot on the grass you can be sure I WILL.   And I suppose our prayers are that this newborn’s footprints will take her to the moon if she wishes, but too that they be healthy and strong and sensible as she grows.

Butterflies because her Daddy likes them, I am sure he hopes his little larva/bug-a- boo of a baby will transform into a beautiful butterfly one day.  And lastly flowers are incorporated just because we are thinking about a spring bouquet.

One hundred invitations have been posted and the enthusiasm of it all almost feels like Christmas!!!  So wish us luck!!!!!
event by: A Flor De Lis Flower Shoppe

Taking Time to THINK PINK.....

Here it is Monday again. Weekends seem too just sneak by so fast!!!
Ended nicely though, with a lovely family dinner. Everything fat free and low calorie ….of course, no, but usually with a nice leisurely dinner one can skip supper and go straight to the hot butter and Parmesan-ed popped corn and root beer. No, no counting here.
So now it’s a new week and the madness starts all over again. I say madness because I am home alone again and I have a list to do and consider and prepare and cut and paste and all the fun things that one needs to do in developing a party; a Baby Girl shower to be precise.
So of course I am thinking Pink!!!
Any good,innovative and fresh, ideas are welcomed!!!

Take Time THURSDAY...

Thursday, is my day. It is the day reserved in the week to do what I desire. I will never schedule an appointment or make any other plans but those that I want. It sounds lofty, I know, because usually it is the day I do housework.
I change the bed linens so there is laundry involved. If the fridge needs emptying and reorganized so be it. If someone should want me to do something on Thursday, I am booked because no matter what I actually do on Thursdays it’s what I WANT and intend to do only!!!!
The vacuum cleaner and duster typically are involved in the plan of the day. Especially for the floor level that has been ignored during the week; our house being a three story one, I seem to have to do the main floor several times a week with the dogs in and out the other two can get overlooked.
No doctors or dentist or any other annoying person/situation can interrupt this day, unless I choose to let it.
Mondays are blue days. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are “get busy doing” something days. So you see how perfect Thursday is? Friday starts the weekend, at least in my mind. Saturday and Sunday are always for everything else, planned or not.
So, today is Thursday. And the rebel in me is so happy. Yes, I can do just what I please!!!!

Taking Time To Rearrange...

What is it in a woman that causes her to “have” to move furniture around? Rearrange it, oh, maybe twice a year.
I was just sitting there this morning sipping my third cups-o-coffees and it came to me....yes, the urge to change the arrangement of my living room. Maybe it was the caffeine talking but I just couldn’t deny the impulse to get up and start the procedure.
Mind you there are a series of steps that are involved in tackling the job by oneself. There is propping up (which takes considerable amount of strength) to move the huge Oriental rug, then the need to balance out the lighting system. Making sure that the view out the windows to the yard is most effective. When its summer I like to make sure I can enjoy my window boxes inside as well. Then I must think about my husband and his chair and make sure he will be happy. After all he resides here too. I like to have a nice flow in and through and around too.
Half way into the foolishness, I find myself talking out loud saying, "Self, what the heck were you thinking you not only will need to clean and wipe down all the new spaces but you probably will need a chiropractor besides". Then after a couple of miss-tries and working up a sweat I sit back and take it all in and hope I like it and if I don't then I say to myself ,"give it a couple of days". I walk away from it with my fingers crossed. Convincing myself this is the best way ever. But if Larry doesn't like I will put it all back...with his help of-course.
I suppose the best part of this story is that it our home and I am blessed to have one, for be it ever so humble…

Take time to be a vanguard kind-of-person...

 Before I write my thoughts please read the below definition of the word "vanguard"

***********************************************************************************  

 Moby Thesaurus words for "vanguard": advance guard, airhead, ancestor, announcer, antecedent, armed guard, avant-garde, bank guard, battle line, beachhead, bellwether, bridgehead, buccinator, bushwhacker, coast guard, cordon, cordon sanitaire, explorer, farthest outpost, first line, forebear, forefront, foregoer, forerunner, front, front line, front rank, front runner, front-runner, frontiersman, fugleman, garrison, goalie, goalkeeper, goaltender, ground-breaker, guard, guarder, guardsman, guide, harbinger, herald, inlying picket, innovation, innovator, jailer, latest fad, latest fashion, latest wrinkle, lead runner, leader, line, messenger, new look, newfangled device, novelty, outguard, outpost, pathfinder, picket, pioneer, point, precedent, precursor, predecessor, rail-head, rear guard, scout, security guard, spearhead, stormy petrel, the in thing, the last word, the latest thing, trailblazer, trail-breaker, train guard, van, vaunt-courier, voortrekker, warder

*************************************************************************************

Here I thought it was used exclusively in describing the latest fad or fashion 

or new look for the year!!!

When, quite frankly I can experience it with every new day!!! I have the power to say to myself something extraordinary could happen to me today.  Something that I could hear or see perhaps. Just feeling it could be the "vanguard" of  a miracle. After all part of believing in God is to believe in miracles.

IF, a little word like vanguard defines itself with so many other words.Try defining the word FAITH!!!

 REALLY!!!

Take time to try these..

http://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/oatmeal-peanut-butter-bars/32986.html

Just  COPY and PASTE the link to watch the video!!!!

St Patrick Day.

St. Patrick: Why His Message Still Matters

Brother Colmán Ó Clabaigh, OSB

Author

March 17 is upon us again, and all over the world everyone is an honorary Irishman or Irishwoman for 24 hours. St. Patrick's popularity is a result of the wanderlust of the Irish, and there is no corner of the world in which his name is not honored.
Yet, if his name is known, his story is less familiar and his message often gets drowned out by the parades, the plastic shamrocks and the green-dyed beer.
The little knowledge we have of him comes from two letters he wrote in the course of his missionary work in fifth-century Ireland.
In one, he fearlessly condemns a warlord who carried off some of his converts into slavery. The other document, known as his "Con­fession," gives a moving account of his conversion and his work as a minister of the Gospel.
Patrick was born in the year 389 into a  comfortable Christian background in Roman-occupied Britain. Like others, he took his family, his faith and his good fortune for ­granted.
All this changed when a group of Irish raiders captured him and sold him and his young companions into slavery. Snatched from the comfort of his Roman villa, he found himself herding sheep and fending off wild animals on the side of an Irish mountain.
Exiled, abused and exploited, Patrick turned to Christ in his desperation, and the relationship of faith that followed transformed his own life and the lives of the Irish people.
Escaping from captivity, he returned to his family and became a priest.
He would perhaps have settled into a comfortable clerical career had it not been for a dream in which he heard the "voice of the Irish" begging him to "come and walk once more amongst us." This he took as a summons to return and proclaim the freedom of Christ in the land of his captivity. It was a courageous decision and one that demanded all his reserves of courage and forgiveness.
Personal challenges
But Patrick's story doesn't end there. From the "Confession" we learn that his mission was anything but an easy one: He was subjected to threats and extortion, his converts were enslaved and brutalized, and his own personal integrity was called into question.
For Patrick had a dark secret. Around age 15, he had committed a very serious crime. What the nature of this offense was he does not reveal, but it would have been an obstacle to his ordination had it been disclosed.
He confided this to a close friend, who subsequently betrayed his trust. In consequence, Patrick's mission was called into question and the "Confession" contains an anguished defense of his ministry in the face detractors, whom he dismissively addresses as "you men of letters, sitting on your estates."
God working within
All this is a long way from the sanitized image of the saint banishing the snakes from Ireland in his green vestments, bishop's staff and over-sized shamrock.
However, the reality of St. Patrick as revealed in the "Confession" shows us someone in whom the grace of God was powerfully active. The Lord habitually uses weak and fragile people to accomplish his will, to build up his kingdom: "My grace is enough for you, my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians, 12:9).
Patrick himself recognized this; he was conscious of being "rustic, exiled, unlearned," of lacking the sophistication of other bishops. But more than this, he was conscious of the power of God working within him.
Anyone familiar with the stone-walled fields that partition the Irish countryside will appreciate the image that he uses to describe this: "I was like a stone lying in deep mud; and he that is mighty came and in his mercy lifted me up, and raised me aloft and put me on top of the wall. And therefore I ought to shout out aloud and return something to the Lord for the great mercy he has shown me now and for all ages."
Weak though he was, Patrick's success lay in his recognition of the Gospel's power to transform, transfigure and uplift, and this is as true for us in the 21st century as it was for him in the fifth.

Take time to read about Jamie Oliver, it will be worth it...

• Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

  Posted: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT

  Jamie Oliver is on a roll.  You might know Jamie as “The Naked Chef”, television chef and cookbooks author from the UK, which is actually a gross understatement because, according to The New York Times, Jamie is “head of a multinational corporation that has produced 12 television series and associated specials seen in 130 countries, has written 10 cookbooks translated into 29 languages - besides owning restaurants, selling his own kitchenware, and publishing a magazine.”
  Continue reading...

Taking time to share my blues...

           

            It's not because it's Monday that I am writing about the blues, I am just so partial to the color blue. In the country of Portugal it is interesting to see how much they loved that color too. The Portuguese of course are experts in the history behind the blue in their designs.  

Every object you see in this collage are made in Portugal and while they are full of the color blue they don't give me the "blues" just wonderful memories of days gone by.