A dialog you will not hear anywhere else on television was heard on House last night.
It was a painfilled discussion on whether there is a God, whether that God is loving,
whether what we do in this life matters.
It was a hard fought discussion by two people in pain.

If I was a smarter person I could tear it all down and analyze it here and now...

While Hugh Laurie is a brilliant actor, I think House's writers are just as interesting.

I have found profound philosophical musings running thru many of the classics I read last year. Especially The Count of Monte Cristo and Crime and Punishment. Those books have a second layer of meaning (besides just the storyline) if you explore the philosophical ideas of the day.

These ideas are usually discussed in the essays at the back of the books. (If you choose the Norton Critical Ed. like I do)

When I read these essays I marvel how most modern people don't know what philosophy they are following, or that there is a name for what they believe.

I am inclined to believe that the writer's of House studied the Classics.

House is Homer, he is The Count, he is Raskolnikov....he is the Protagonist.


Reading this quote made me think of House.

The deep peace that comes from deep trust in God's lovingkindness is not destroyed even by the worst of circumstances, for those Everlasting Arms are still cradling us, we are always "under the Mercy."

~Elisabeth Elliot

I believe deep down this this true.
But, I do understand why other's might think it is rubbish.

House would definitely think it rubbish.

But, last night, House had the chance to argue his beliefs (that there is no God and if He exists, He is cruel) with a girl who believed in God and was suffering.

It was a rare television moment.

Do you know what you believe?
Can you argue it effectively?


Encourage one another,
Donna

Alllllmmmooossstttt done with yet another pair of socks.
I am starting to bore even myself. Which is pretty hard to do :o)

First of all.

Guess the name of the yarn I used?
Not the company name...but the artsy name of the colorway.

If there is a winner they will receive a pair of teeny socks. (Ornament left over from Christmas.)

So guess away.


I should be making something other than socks very soon.

You see, I have a hard time parting with more than $25 at a time for yarn.
You can not make larger items for under twenty-five dollars.
And really that's okay. I have enjoyed every sock, ever felted buttonhole bag, and every hat I have made.
Totally.

But, yesterday I read about Allison and Evan.
Allsion sells yarn at Supercrafty.
Her little baby boy, Evan, has a brain tumor.

Buying yarn from Supercrafty helps their family pay medical bills.

Now that is a very good reason for me to by some yarn to make a bigger project.
Perhaps that shawl I've been wanting...or a sweater for one of the girls...

So, I did. I bought ten skeins of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in light pink.

Bliss.

If you need to buy yarn or needles, or a pattern you might like to check out Supercrafty.

She has a 100% Ebay rating and her earnings go to a very important little guy.

So that's that. I'll let you know what I decide to knit with my pretty, soft, pink yarn. (It's already been shipped! Fine service!)


Encourage one another,
Donna


p.s. I read about Allison and Evan at Crazy Aunt Purls blog.

So it looks like Google bought Blogger because last night I had to switch my blogs to Google before I could even get to my 'Create' page. I was slightly worried I would lose the whole shebang. And annoyed that I didn't have a choice.
But all is well, with all my blogs.

I griped to my husband and he said, "It's free. That's why it's free."
Hum?
There are strings attached to this free business, aren't there.


*********

Now, about Part II of Jane Eyre.

I loved it!

I thought it was the most romantic movie I have ever seen.

So many movies I am left with wishing for more of the good parts of the relationship.
In this version, it seems the director took the time to give us a longer look at what the characters loved about one another. (In past versions I didn't really get Jane's and Edward's relationship)

For me, this one worked magnificently!

*******

On day 29 of the streak,
we went ice skating.






On to a new week with new adventures and things to learn and people to see and places to go....

Life is good!


Encourage one another,
Donna

(click the picture to see it larger)





'Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening'

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

~Robert Frost



What a beautiful walk I took yesterday afternoon.
The temperature was in the high 30's and as you can see, the sun beamed.
I was passed by only one car and greeted an old man and his old dog.
The only birds I saw were two big, swooping crows.

It was a fine walk.


Have a wonderful weekend.

Encourage one another,
Donna

Feast One Hundred & Twenty Eight


Appetizer
If you could take lessons to learn any musical instrument, which would you want to learn?

I choose handbells. Like in church.
I like them and I think I could succeed.

Soup
Have you ever mistaken a person for someone else?

A few years ago, when we first moved to the Madison area, a woman called and invited Emma to a VBS youth thingy. I did not know who I was talking to...took down the address and took Emma anyway! HA!
I recognized her when I drove up.
We became friends but have since, lost touch.

Salad
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?

TEN. I know it's hard to believe with as much as I like to talk. But I am a great secret keeper.

Main Course
What's the closest you've ever been to a dangerous animal?

At the zoo, I guess. Critter was behind bars.

Dessert
When was the last time you lost your patience?

The day I didn't sleep well...I thought I was fine...but I snapped (really loud) at Katie for talking non-stop talking and interrupting when I was explaining something.


Fine Art Friday





His Master's Voice
Francis Barraud

This is Francis Barraud's only famous painting. His little dog, Nipper, has gone on to represent many recording companies and has been around for over 100 years.

Read "The Nipper Saga".

This internet is an amazing thing.


******


If you want to talk about Grey's Anatomy. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

I don't have much to say about it except;

I loved the long, touching hug between Izzy and George.
I thought both marriage proposals were dumb.
Something was odd about Meredith's face.
McDreamy is a really good actor.



Happy Friday!

Encourage one another,
Donna

Homemaking Meme by Sallie
First spotted at Kim's
I visit Kim quite often and she is a great homemaker! She even made bagels this week! Pretty impressive!



Aprons – Y/N? If Y, what does your favorite look like?
I have never owned or worn an apron. My spotty shirts are a testimony to this fact.



Baking – Favorite thing to bake
Birthday cakes.
Carrot and Red Cake.



Clothesline – Y/N?
Yes, until it fell down last summer.
I need to rig one up again in the summer.



Donuts – Have you ever made them?
No. But my husband and son have.



Every day – One homemaking thing you do every day

Dishes.



Freezer – Do you have a separate deep freeze?
Nope.



Garbage Disposal – Y/N?
Yes siree bob.
I can not imagine living without one.


Handbook – What is your favorite homemaking resource?
Um. Nothing.




Ironing – Love it or hate it? Or hate it but love the results?
Hate it. Rarely do it.
My son, Matthew would rather iron his shirts than hang them up.
Funny kid.


Junk drawer – Y/N? Where is it?
One in the kitchen.
One in the upstairs bathroom.

Kitchen – Color and decorating scheme
Oak cabinets, yellow walls.


Love – What is your favorite part of homemaking?
The moment a room is clean.
I really love a clean house.
I miss my cleaning lady.



Mop – Y/N?
Nope. Hands and knees and a bucket and cloth.


Nylons – Wash by hand or in the washing machine?
I don't have any nylons and can't remember the last time I wore a pair.



Oven – Do you use the window or open the oven to check?
Open the door. I can't see in very well.


Pizza – What do you put on yours?
Cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions.


Quiet – What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment?
Read.
Blog.


Recipe card box – Y/N? What does it look like?
I have a quilted recipe holder.
And a booklet.



Style of house – What style is your house?
1980's colonial



Tablecloths and napkins – Y/N?
Tablecloths for holidays only.



Under the kitchen sink – Organized or toxic wasteland?
Pretty good. Except for the growing pile of dirty washcloths.



Vacuum – How many times per week?
Once or less than once.


Wash – How many loads of laundry do you do per week?
Sevenish


X’s – Do you keep a daily list of things to do that you cross off?
No. But I keep track of the food I eat and the exercise I do on Sparkpeople.



Yard – Y/N? Who does what?
Patrick Sr., Matthew, Emma.



Zzz’s – What is your last homemaking task for the day before going to bed?
Putting a blanket over my knitting that is on the couch because the cat will get it in the night and drag it all over the house.





Well...I am not going to win any awards for homemaking!
Oh my.



Happy Grey's Anatomy day!


Encourage one another,
Donna

Knitting History


I followed a rabbits trail this morning and came upon this article.
The trail started at Julie's blog.

When Knitting was a Manly Art


"Knitting for Britain" became quite competitive. Who could knit the fastest, or make the longest scarf, or make the most noise with his needles? A good many of us took up knitting seriously and made socks, sweaters, and woolen hats. We would knit in bed after lights out and, some of us, even more surreptitiously, in chapel. Finally, the headmaster had to take steps to limit the activity.

"Knitting for Britain" was something of an escape from more serious work, I suppose; therapeutic, perhaps, at a time when life was becoming so tangled. But no one ever thought it odd that a school of 200 boys should be busily whiling away the hours in such an activity.



Do you think boys are naturally more competitive than girls?

I do.

I know a man who says the main, most important reason to participate in sports is the importance of competition.
He says it is vital to compete every day.


I was very surprised by his comment. I had never thought of it that way.

I thought the importance of sports was physical activity, team work...fun.

tra la

Am I just being a girl?


But any way, back to the knitting article.
I thought it was a delightful slice of life. (WWII, knitting, boys school)

Charming.

Just like the book I am reading.

The City of Bells by Elizabeth Goudge.

Enchanting.

It's a nice and pleasant change after the dark, Crime and Punishment.

The City of Bells is Mitford in England. But written by a better writer.


*********

One more British/knitting comment.

Helen Mirren was nominated for an Oscar yesterday for her role The Queen.

She was interviewed wearing the simplest light pink garter stitch scarf, it looked like alpaca or cashmere.

(I don't know what else she was wearing, or what she said, I only had eyes for the scarf)

Elizabeth Zimmerman would have loved it!

I know I did!


Encourage one another,
Donna

Sleepless in Verona, that's me.

It was one of those nights.

Wake up to go to the bathroom,
come back to bed only to
toss
and turn
for hours.

Actually after just one hour of tossing
Katie dashed in the room to ask if she could sleep with me.
Bears were chasing her in her dream.
I usually don't ask about the dreams but you see,
she was staring at me,
so I said,
"What was the dream about?"
With a clear and wide awake voice she relates her odd tale.

"That's silly. Now, go to sleep."

An hour later she is still wiggling beside me and I tell her she can get up.
It's finally 6:45.

She heads downstairs to watch tv. (I just asked her what she watched. She can't remember.)

So of course, I fall asleep. I always fall asleep at 7:00 when I've been tossing most of the night.

And just as I was having a bloggy dream. ( Sis Sue was showing me a blog page where she and Knit and Tonic Wendy were writing back and forth...)

I hear that little voice break thru my dream.
"Mom, it's 8:00 and I'm lonely."

I am fuzzy headed and would still like to stay in bed.
But my mom-guilt will not let me stay in bed any longer.
(What am I a lazy-bones or something?)

I come down the stairs and Katie greets me with,
"I'm sorry I woke you, mom."

"It's okay Katie."



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





Our library has these little tiny( 3.5 in. x 2 in. ) books in 'ipod' form.
I chose The Red Badge of Courage to try out.
Yesterday I walked and listened.
While I didn't care for the story, (I really don't like war stories at all)
and the headphones kept falling out, (I think my earholes are the wrong shape)
I did not get so bored walking that I wanted to turn around immediately and head for home.

I think with the right book, I could learn to like this...walking and reading.

Very cool.

**********

Emma is still asleep.
I don't have the heart to wake her this morning.
Her cast was bothering her last night. She asked me to get her some Tylenol.
My guess is she didn't have the best night either.
With that glow in the dark-Garfield Goose-cast keeping her awake all night!


When you can't sleep,
Do you get up or do you stubbornly keep trying to fall back asleep?

Nothing cures insomnia like the realization that it's time to get up. ~Author Unknown

People who snore always fall asleep first. ~Author Unknown

Encourage one another,
Donna

Hi!
Sorry I'm late.
The computer was down again this morning...
and then we headed to Oz to take care of...








Does that remind anyone else of Garfield Goose?

And guess what?

It's glow in the dark.

I tell ya, we know how to have fun around here!!!

And for those of you who are not 'of a certain age' nor raised in Chicago, in front of a television...

Here is Frasier Thomas and Garfield Goose.




Old friends.


***********

I am toying with participating in Project 365.
All one does is take a picture every day for a whole year.
When I first heard of this I thought the picture had to be of myself and well...I'm not interested in that! But if it's just a picture of our life, in general, that interests me.



Anyone else doing this?



Hope your week is getting off to a good start!

Encourage one another,
Donna

Yesterday, Katie and I drove thru the drive thru to cash a birthday check (from her Aunt Biddy) This was a really big deal! We talked about it as we drove up...
I told her she would probably get a ten and a five. And to her surprise her mom is a psychic and is right. As we drive off, Katie pulls out the ten and five and looks at them carefully.

"This is Lincoln and this is George Clooney"

I start to giggle, "No that is not George Clooney. Let me see it.
It says Hamilton."

"But, it looks like the first president, George Clooney." insists Katie.

"George Washington was the first president. George Clooney is an actor." say I.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure."





George for President?


*********

New BBC Jane Eyre to air on Sunday Jan. 21st and 28th on Masterpiece Theater(PBS).
I can't wait! It looks amazing.

Click here to see the website for Jane Eyre



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

Katie has rollerskating with Awana tonight.

Wee....

Fun with my little one and exercise to boot. (ya hey)

It's been a good and varied week on the streak :o)


Wishing you all a perfectly wonderful weekend!

Encourage one another,
Donna

A really, really, really modified Friday Feast.


Appetizer
What three songs should sis Sue put on her ipod for walking?

Soup
Do you read the comics? If so, which is your favorite?

Salad
What online company do you use to print your digital pictures?

Main Course
I feel like window shopping. Where on the internet, would you send me?

Dessert
What is your favorite foreign food?


***********

Fine Art Poster Friday




Ch. Loupot 1892 - 1962


***********

And Thanks...

Thank you for the kind words and well wishes for Emma.
She is managing well.

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


Any thoughts on Grey's Anatomy?

Addison needs some better impulse control. The girl has terrible judgment.
Kissing. In the bar? What is she thinking. Oh Yeah. She's not.

Christina and George's conversation in the alley was original and touching!
Very nice writing.

Callie's upfront, direct conversation with McSteamy was well done, too.

Meredith and her dad. Not so well done.


It's Friday already. Wow.

Happy day!

Encourage one another,
Donna

About that sledding....





Watch out for little, out of control eight year olds.

They're dangerous!


Emma has made Boucher history by breaking a bone.
One bone in her right hand.

Poor dear.
She is not in much pain at all.

But, this puts a damper on her indoor soccer season...
playing guitar for youth group,
music internship at House of Prayer,
work at Old Navy,
and, well, just about everything....

Like I said, she is one tough girl, and doesn't complain about the pain...
but I think the inconvenience will be very hard for her.

Emma had excellent medical care. There just happened to be three sports medicine interns and the main sports medicine doc at the clinic yesterday afternoon. All four of them came in at one time to watch Emma's hand examination.


Then two of the docs made a splint which will stay on until the swelling goes down.
And Monday Emma will get a cast.

At one point I questioned the young intern about Ibuprofen.

"Is Ibuprofen an anit-inflammatory?" I said.
"Yes, it is. Are you in medical field?" she asked.
"No. I'm not a doctor. I just play one at home." I joked.


Well, I thought it was funny. :o)

(And by the way, the docs prefer Emma take Tylenol for several reasons. But she doesn't seem to need it. Stoic. I hope to be around when she gives birth some day!)


So...

Tell us about the broken bones in your house!
Did you know right away?


Hey...in case you are fed up with the shenanigans over at American Idol...
check out Nashville Star!
Thursday Nights 9:00 USA Network.
It's so much better than Idol!

YeeHaw!


Encourage one another,
Donna

Action Verbs.





Emma watched.
Emma laughed.
Katie squealed.
Katie flew.
Mommy tumbled.
Mommy flopped.


Mommy sweated and counted sledding toward her exercise streak!


We had such fun! Last year I watched. I felt too fat to sit/fit on that little purple sled. To be perfectly honest, it was hard to sit Indian style with such a big tummy. But, this year, I could. It was still a bit burdensome...but I did it anyway...and the best part is the new, fun, memories we made...and the laughs we had.
One time down the hill, Katie and I were making a train and my coat slipped under the sled and I did a somersault. I remember thinking, 'why, I'm upside down.'

Emma was hysterical on top of the hill.
She can't sled due to a previous sledding injury...but she came along to laugh at Katie and me...and direct us, I think.

She went down the hill once with her arm flapping out to the side like a scarecrow.

Katie was so funny. She is a cross between terror and glee. She mutters to herself about how scary it is, but chuckles when she gets to the bottom. Then on the climb back up the hill...she narrates. Out loud.

Oh, she makes me smile.

Katie, of course, wants to go again today.
I told her it must be over 20 degrees to sled.
We won't be seeing 20 degrees today.
Maybe tomorrow :o)


Action verbs.

I highly recommend them.


Encourage one another,
Donna

Fashion fun.




This is Emily Blunt. She was in The Devil Wears Prada. (her hair was red)
I love this neck line!




Now, this is just the perfect way for this little girl (Abigail Breslin) to look.
She is so proud of her purse :o)




Click on this picture to see our Golden Globe Award winning Grey's Anatomy cast.

I searched high and low this morning for a picture of Kate Walsh (Addison) because she was absolutely perfect in her dress last night...
This is the only picture I could find with her in it. But it's nice to see the whole cast anyway.
Behind and to the right of Kate is 'Gary' from 30 Something.
He is a producer of Grey's Anatomy and it was fun to spot him on the stage!

And by the way.

I think I will take some posture pointers from Miss Kate Walsh.

UPDATE:





Isn't this beautiful!?
Kate Walsh aka Addison






Meryl Streep was as usual, funny, smart, lovely...and a winner.
She stood on stage and looked out and said, "I think I have worked with everyone here..." She took off her glasses, looked around the room, and said, "Yes, I have."



For those of you who love Hugh Laurie, but don't watch award shows:
He won and joked:


"I know everyone says they have a wonderful crew and certainly that can't be the case. We can't all be wonderful. Somebody somewhere is working with a crew of drunken thieves. But it's not me. They smell of newly mown grass." — Drama actor winner Hugh Laurie for TV's "House."


He did not disappoint.



For the third year in a row I have chosen (nearly) white dresses.
This year they are McCreamy.


To see more fashion photos...go here

Encourage one another,
Donna

Oh my.
That was just awful!

I missed your companionship today.

I did, however, finish Crime and Punishment...
and shoveled driveway for a little exercise.

Emma went sledding with friends and came home with an injured hand.
Crazy women sledders!

I better go make dinner....

Golden Globes are on tonight....

I'll be picking my favorite dresses...
how about you?

See you bright and early tomorrow!

I hope.

Encourage one another,
Donna

Katie is modeling the first stack of winter books.

Amy Carmichael
French in 15 minutes a day
Italian in 15 minutes a day
The City of Bells by E. Goudge
Huck Finn by Twain
Mornings on Horseback by McCullough
Unconditional Surrender:U.S. Grant and the Civil War by Marrin

Emma is going to have to pick up her reading speed to 'read up to the present' by June.
We are using the WTM list (which I edit heavily, due to time) and recommendations from teacher/blogger/friends.



The City of Bells by Elizabeth Goudge is for me. I am almost finished with Crime and Punishment (I'm finishing it this weekend!) And I have so many books that have caught my eye.
It's that time of the year, you know. All of the 'end of the year lists' are enticing!

What will you be reading next?


Encourage one another,
Donna

Thank you all for the sweet and fun and informative (Jean) comments!

Do you remember how it was in high school?
Walking down the long locker-lined hallways
and as you passed by your classmates, you'd smile and say,
'hi'. 'hi'. 'hi'. 'hi'.

For me it was a time of friends and friendliness.

Here at my blog.
I am always happy to see you.
Sincerely.
I'm always ready with a smile and a 'wave'.

Thank you for your friendliness!


**********

So, did you watch Grey's Anatomy last night?

One of the themes was waiting, I think.
Appropriate after waiting five weeks for a new episode!

Lynn emailed me her reactions to the show (mostly long sobs) and a great observation.
Izzy was covered with muffin batter when she deposited the check for 8 million dollars.
That's perfect.

And Meredith's snoring was funny and hit home :o)
The starring scenes were hilarious. I laughed out loud.

I predict that Izzy pays for the 'bent over' girl's surgery with her inheritance.
I guess that Red-head doctor had an abortion and McSteamy is steamed. ( I watch the coming attractions very carefully.)
I hope George's dad is able to fight the cancer.

George's mother reminds me of myself. Yup. Out of all the characters on the show....that's who I look like :o) I'll bet we're the same age. Yeah. I'm the same age as the mother of a main character. When did that happen?

What did you think of Grey's last night?


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


Appetizer
What comes to mind when you see the color orange?

My down jacket I got for Christmas in 1974. I wanted a down jacket for Christmas. My sister, Nancy, picked it out for me. It was orange. I hated the color.
I didn't say anything and wore it anyway.


Soup
Did you ever get in trouble while you were in school? If so, what was it for?

We painted the bell at Glenbard West.
Sue was there too.
It was a homecoming tradition.
I hid in the car and almost wet my pants.


Salad
Which topping(s) make up your perfect pizza?

lots of cheese, a delicious sausage (Luigi's/Peshtigo, Wisconsin; Gino's, Chicago)
or
Bacon, cheeseburger with pickles. Just like the one from Brother's Three in Marinette Wisconsin. Excellent!



Main Course
Do you believe in UFOs/aliens/etc.? Why or why not?

I don't see any evidence of them at this point, but I believe it is possible.


Dessert
What color is your bedspread/comforter/quilt?

White. I need some color on the walls.


*********

Those were kinda fun this week!

See you in the comments!

Encourage one another,
Donna

Hey, Hey, Hey

It's National De-Lurking Week!!!

January 8-12



On a typical day the comments comprise 2% to 10% of the total visitors.
Sometimes, I wonder about the other 90%.

Just last night I noticed someone from Brazil stopped by.
Wow.

So, if you don't like to leave comments, don't have the time, or can't think of something to say...

today is your day.

Just leave a small crumb.

Cause, you know....






And just cause this button is so funny...

Here she is...





Encourage one another,
Donna

Is anyone still streaking with me? I have completed ten days in a row.

Last night on a very cool starry night I walked along with one cold Katie and one cold Patrick. Even hatless, I was fine. I have this internal heater going...it's my age I suspect :o)

Patrick told me that last night was his last night of walking until it warmed up to the 40's again :o)

Do you need a little motivation?

Try the Iditawalk!

"An event to promote physical fitness in the spirit of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. The Iditarod Sled dog race is 1049 miles long from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. To complete the Idita-walk, walk 30 minutes a day for 35 days between Februray 3, 2007 to March 18, 2007 for a total of 1049 minutes."

I participated in the 2003 Iditawalk and have the t-shirt to prove it!

It's nice to have the company of all those brave, hearty folks up in Nome.
BTW, Nomes high temp today will be 14 degrees.

And check out this picture of Nome.

Somehow I don't feel so isolated.

Wow!

One more thing. Here is a link to the trail that the mushers mush.
It's really astonishing.

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

So... all of you teacher's out there....what do you know about fine motor skills?
Most specifically, handwriting.

Katie's handwriting seems to be coming along slowly.
She likes to do her little books...but her skills don't match her enthusiasm.

Anyone know of an age range for when fine motor skills really kicking in?

Thanks!

I don't want to worry unnecessarily.


Encourage one another,
Donna

Lights.

I forgot lights.

I love lights. Lights in the sky and lights in the city.

Sarah and Ernie reminded me of it here.

I was also a little surprised to see how much my husband's and my personalities mirror Bert and Ernie's. I had always thought of us as Pooh and Eyeore.
But Ernie and Bert are a better match.
Even physically :o)







Shelby mentions in the comments that she is making peanut butter/butterscotch Rice Krispie treats for Patrick Jr.

These are delicious and easy treats to make.

Here is the recipe:

1 12 oz. package of Butterscotch chips
1 cup of creamy peanut butter
6 cups of Rice Krispies

Pour butterscotch chips and peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl.
Nuke for 1 minute.
Check and stir.
Nuke until the butterscotch pieces are melted.
Careful not to burn.
Pour this mixture over the Rice Krispies.
Mix and pour into an 8x8 pan.

Set this pan in the fridge to help the treats setup a little.

Yum.


***********

And on a serious note.

My friend Jeaneen is in the hospital again with tummy troubles.

Would you join me in praying for healing for Jeaneen, wisdom for the doctors, gentle hands for the nurses, and peace for Jeaneen's husband, Peter, who I know must be very worried for his dear wife.

Thank you.


Encourage one another,
Donna

Ten things I love that begin with "L"


Sherry at Semicolon was handing out letters last week...
she graciously gave me an "L".


Liberty:

"No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck."
~Frederick Douglass, speech, Civil Rights Mass Meeting, Washington, D.C., 1883


The Lord God:

I love the Lord. I do.

Learning.

Laughter.

Long talks:

A long talk with someone I care about just fills my heart like almost nothing else.

Long haired dogs:





Lobster:

A rare treat for me.
It has been my favorite meal since I was a young girl.

Looking for:

I love to look for and identify birds. Every day I am delighted to spot a hawk on a wire or circling in the sky.

Listening to the birds:

I miss them in the winter.
I like to learn their calls.

Love: And the greatest of these is Love.

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[a] but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:3-15

I couldn't think of a knitting one...until just now...

I love knitting with Lynn :o)
Knitting with Lynn combines many of my top ten loves; learning, laughter, long talks and a common love of the Lord.
So that is pretty lovely :o)


What things that begin with "L" do you love?

Encourage one another,
Donna

Pat's Hat




Patrick has been wearing Katie's hat when we walk. It's a bit small!
Don't you think he needs a hand knit hat from his sweetie?

Hats are such a nice project.
You finish knitting before you are tired of knitting :o)
One skein of yarn, a day or two of knitting.
And if you use a fabulous yarn...it is extremely enjoyable!

I mean, look at that yarn!
It's so gloriously Monet-ish.

It was actually hard to pick out a colorway that wasn't femmy.
No pick or purple for my hubby.

He recently wore a brown sweater to work...and I tell you...this was a stretch.
And it looked very nice on him.
He is Mr. Blue.

In more ways than one :o)

*******


I don't think I told you, but we have a Trader Joe's in Madison now.

I remember a few years ago, on the Well Trained Mind board, people would rave about this product and that product.

Of, course I wasn't paying attention because it didn't matter to me then, but now, I'm curious.

What are your favorite products from Trader Joe's?

I have already chosen a few winners and a few losers.
Can you imagine cookies that no one would eat?
Strange.

And if you have never heard of Trader Joe's.
Imagine an Aldi's priced Whole Foods.

In fact, I don't think they want everyone to know...but the same people own Aldi's and Trader Joe's!

Don't forget to tell me your favorite products!

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

Today starts the last weekend before the last semester of Emma's homeschooling journey. It's been such a joy to be her teacher.

Did I tell you that she was accepted at DePaul University?

It is not her #1 school...but she was accepted and we are proud of her for that.

She is feeling called, more and more, to be a missionary. She has her hopes on Moody Bible Institute.

We shall see what happens.

“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess.”
Martin Luther

Encourage one another,
Donna

Friday Feast


Feast One Hundred & Twenty-Five



Appetizer
Which celebrity (or celebrities) do you think will make headlines this year?

Soup
They say that good things come in small packages? What is something little that you think is great?

Salad
Name a song that makes you want to dance.

Main Course
What is your favorite font?

Dessert
If you were to write a do-it-yourself article, what would it be about?





Walking in the Hills

Edward Henry Potthast
[American Impressionist Painter, 1857-1927]

Who is Potthast?

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir

See you in the comments :o)

Encourage one another,
Donna

That God might be all in all.



A letter from Francois Fenelon

I beg you not to listen to self. Self-love whispers in on ear and the love of God in the other. Self-love is always worthless, aggressive, grasping and impulsive. But the love of God is so different. It is simple, peaceful, and speaks but a few words in a mild and gentle voice. And the moment we decide to start listening to the voice of self, screeching its complaints in our ear, we can no longer hear the more modest whisperings of divine love. You can always tell when self if speaking. Self always wants to entertain itself and never feels sufficiently well attended to. It talks of friendship, regard, esteem, and does not wish to hear anything that is not flattering. The love of God, on the other hand, desires that self should be forgotten, that it should be counted as nothing, that God might be all in all. God knows that it is best for us when self is trampled under foot and broken as an idol, in order that He might live within us, and make us after His will.
So let that vain, complaining babbler-self-love-be silenced, that in the stillness of the soul we may listen to God.

Francois Fenelon (1651-1715)

Encourage one another,
Donna

Walking

It felt so good to be walking in the cold under the sparkly stars and nearly full moon.

Katie starts out running. She races her daddy to this tree or that pole.
Whoever wins, dances around with their arms in the air.

It's very entertaining.

Patrick's ears got cold and Katie game him her hat.

I was dressed perfectly for the weather although I could feel the cold creeping through my gym shoes.

I think that is key. Dressing right for the weather.
Cause I never would have thought I could enjoy a walk outside in January.
But I did.

(Exercise) Streak
Consecutive days: 3

********

Doing

I searched all day for my husbands birth certificate and didn't find it.
He needs it for his Passport.
So...I had to order a new one on the internet.
Expensive but very convenient.

O la la.


**********

Watching


Patrick, Katie and I went to see Charlotte's Web last weekend.
It was so lovely.
We had fun placing the voices.

One of the cows was Reba McEntire.

We love her television show around here!
It is the only sitcom I watch.
Her son-in-law, Van is a hoot and a half.
His name is Steve Howey.
Remember his name.
If Reba was on a regular channel, Steve would be winning awards.

You can find the show on Lifetime or the CW.


********

Reading

I am still reading Crime and Punishment. (I can't wait to finish it...cause it is taking all my reading time...and it is a big snoozefest)


Listening

Alan Waldecker's sermon tapes.
They are very edifying.

'Read the Bible...it all points to Jesus.'

Good, deep, truths that are clearly shared.

(Emma stayed with the Waldeckers in Manchester last summer)

I would like to share more specifics but I have been listening in the car...without a notepad! There must be a way.


Wishing

you all a great Wednesday!


Encourage one another,
Donna

Oh yes, they call it the streak...


Melodee @ The Amazing Shrinking Mom has been streaking since Aug. 14th.

One hundred and thirty-nine consecutive days of exercise!

She started her diet one month before I did...and has continued to lose weight!
She is at -54.6 as I write this.
She will be less by Thursday.
Cause she is combining the two things most of us must do to lose weight.

Diet and Exercise.

For some reason, the exercise part of the equation just gets lost for me.
And then my weight loss slows down so much...I give up.

WEll.

I have started my exercise streak.
Lynn is going to streak with me.
(Lynn and I live in different towns. Which is too bad cause the two of us could walk and talk for hours. No problem. But we will keep one another accountable.
Did you walk yesterday, Lynn?)
(My husband is going to walk with me when he can...but he is not committing to any streak :o)

We will do some physical activity every day.
Every day.

Now, I have picked 20 minutes.
The minimum time to exercise, for me, is 20 minutes every day.

The benefits for me will be;

weight loss
getting in shape for The Grand Tour
lowering my cholesterol


All very good reasons.
Yes, indeedy.

I promise I will keep a ticker of some sort on the sidebar to count the streak days.
And I will tell you all if I stop.

This will put a little pressure on me...to walk when I just don't want to walk.
Which I know is out there....
that day...

hopefully this promise is the thing I need to get going and keep going.

So those of you with cholesterol a mite higher than it should be...
would you like to join me?

Would you just like to join in the fun?

You are welcome to participate in The Great Streak of 2007.

Think about it.
Go and read The Amazing Shrinking Mom's website.
She is a much more thourough diet blogger than I will ever be.

Then let me know if you're in.

It could be fun.
And fun is good.

(I think that bad Cat in the Hat says that!)


Oh. By the way, I walked Sunday and Monday already :o)

(Exercise) Streaking!
Consecutive Days: 2


Now, where did I put my shoes?


Encourage one another,
Donna

p.s. Once when I was walking to a class at Stephens College,
three steakers streaked past.
I didn't see much.
They were fast!

3rd Blogiversary




Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
when there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand,
to be loved as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying [to ourselves] that we are born to eternal life.

St Francis of Assisi


A lofty yet excellent bloggy goal.
Lifegoal too.





A verse for the New Year...


Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.



As always, thank you for reading and commenting.
Thank you for your love and support.


Happy New Year!



Encourage one another,
Donna