Great Movie, The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

Our family thoroughly enjoyed this movie this past week, we've watched it in parts for several evenings since Mothers Day.

This is one of those wonderful movies worthy of a purchase indeed, as it has been in our collection for years now. Winner of 7 Academy Awards. I recently purchased the soundtrack for our family as a treat, I can't wait to receive it, so poignant...

One fact you may be interested in is that the actor who played Homer, Harold Russell had actually lost his hands in war...No one else could have played the part with the true life experience as he did...

Each time we watch this film we are so very moved by it. These movies are gems, nothing like what they are putting out today. There is nothing like them!

See the Trailer Enjoy the beautiful theme music too....

One of my favorite parts HERE ...A tender, poignant testimony of a faithful marriage, this middle aged couple, the husband returning from war... They with their young adult daughter having a heartfelt discussion on the disappointments in life...This scene never fails to either bring tears to my eyes or a sobering silence in our living room because it is so true. We have four daughters ages 17 to 28 and I can so understand both sides and have sometimes seen similar thoughts and outcomes... We have been married for almost 31 years...We were young once and still are in many ways. This most remembered part is wonderful...Just as relevant for today.

This film paints a picture of the struggles of World War II servicemen that they faced AFTER the war was over. It was a more personal struggle of men returning home after being away for many years, and after experiencing horrors that their loved ones could never fully understand. They return home as changed people, and come home to changed lives.

The story of such a homecoming experienced by thousands of men after World War II is told from the perspective of three fictional characters: Captain Fred Derry, a bombadier in the Army Air Corps (Dana Andrews), Sergeant Al Stevenson, an Army infantryman (Frederich March), and Seamen Homer Parrish(Harold Russell). They happen to meet on the plane to their hometown, having never met before, and immediately form a bond built upon mutual understanding of the experiences of war and the anxieties of returning home again...

Captain Derry came from a poor background before the war, and married a blond bombshell (Virgnia Mayo) while in the Air Corps. He hopes to return home to a better life, a nice home with his wife, and a better job. This was not to be, as Derry struggles to try and deal with bad job prospects (no one in the civilian world needs a bombadier) and a cheating wife. In a poignant moment in the film, Derry (at his lowest) tells his Father to throw away the citations for his medals, because "they don't mean anything". His Father reads the one for the Distinguished Flying Cross, signed by General Jimmy Doolittle, and a look of pride comes over the old man's face for his son's heroism that makes you want to cry and cheer all at the same time. It also makes the viewer see how criminal it was for such a man to be made to feel worthless...

(My note: Captain Derry's parents are gems...I loved the character of these precious parents. They were truly rich in what counted, sweet hearts, they remind me of my Italian grandparents years ago. I wish more people would value such sweet hearts.)

Seamen Parrish's problems are the most obvious. He lost his hands during the war, and now must come home to his family and fiancee with hooks for hands. The actor who potrayed Parrish, Harold Russell, was a real disable veteran, and lends credibility to the role that no one else could have due to real life experience.

This may seem like a depressing film, but it is actually uplifting in its entirety because it does show that hope doesn't die, and that you really can come home again after all. It is also a film of historical importance due to the insights it provides into post-World War II America, and the struggles of veterans in the post-war years. Captain Derry, Sergeant Stevenson, and Seamen Parrish, and their individual struggles to reclaim their lives can provide the student of history an important perspective on the many real life veterans who returned home, and the country of the time they returned home to.

The film has certainly earned accolades over the years. It won the Oscar for Best Picture of 1946. It was named by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 Best Movies ever made, and was also named as one of the most important films of all time by the National Archives for the National Film Registry.

"The Best Years of Our Lives" is not to be missed for both its dramatic poignancy and its insight into an important period of American History. And its a beautiful sight to behold in DVD quality. ~Captain Hornblower


I hope you all enjoy the movie as you see fit for your families... Mothers, grandmothers you may enjoy the Bible Study link on my Vision for a Godly Home.blogspot too....Be encouraged. : )

If you are an old fashioned family or person who values the old fashioned values and ways of life, the Lord Jesus Christ, please be encouraged and may we encourage one another. Until the next time... ~Amelia

Lookie What I'm Makin'!

I love to sew simple, yes indeedie.

Right now I'm working on a very simple pattern, it's for a blouse...
It's Simplicity pattern #8523

I made the one in v-neck and short sleeves in a black and lime green mini modern print and belted it with a wide black belt. Looked very cute with a black skirt.

I'm now working on the same blouse in solid black. I love to wear black, and my favorite black dressier simple knit top seems to be stretching out a bit and the other black top is faded. I prefer non-tshirt material on blouses if possible and this is perfect!

Sewing is so liberating. If you can find some simple patterns and some great material to have on hand as it is put on sale you can have a wardrobe at your fingertips!

I use the Brothers machines, bottom line at Walmart. These are inexpensive for new sewing machines and work like a charm. We own two. My last purchase was no more than $50. and bought online at Walmart.com.

Do you or someone in your family like to sew simple?

Have a good day everyone, don't forget to check out the tribute to dear Brother Wilkerson on Vision For a Godly Home, one of my other blogs. Also new thoughts on time being our currency, and being still, enjoying true life.

Take care All! A hug. ~Amelia

Easy Company Dinner? I've Got It!

EDIT. 5.2.11 Please pray for the David Wilkerson family, Brother Wilkerson will be sorely missed. I've linked to his last blog on my Vision for a Godly Home blog.

Hello All!

I know it's been a while but Mrs. Amelia moved recently to the great country, I'm surrounded by boxes and varying thoughts but so enjoying this beautiful creation of the Lord,we've lived in this area before so it's somewhat of a wonderful dejavu.

We recently had a guest arrive and we needed a good company meal, good, comforting and savory.

The meal? Easy Chicken and Rice.

I had found this recipe from a friend on xanga, my old blog home, I've tweaked it a bit and doubled it for our larger crowds.

I figured you gals too would enjoy this recipe to have on file for a good ol' tried and true company meal.

I think it's fun to share tips on making company easier so here is a good tip to do that very thing:



Easy Chicken & Rice

1 Stick of butter
1/2 cup of olive oil
2 large cans healthy choice cream of mushroom soup + 4 c. water
3 c. instant brown rice
2 envelopes of instant onion soup mix
5-6 chicken breasts cut into little pieces (size your preference)

In a pot place butter, oil, soup &water until heated and butter melts, and starts to simmer. Add soup mix. Stir to blend.

In a large casserole pan pour raw instant rice evenly over bottom and then pour liquid soup mixture over this. Then place raw chicken pieces here and there into the rice under the gravy mixture.

Cover with foil and away we go at 300 degrees for 1 & 1/2 hours.

I sprinkle a tiny bit of parsley flakes across the finished article for color or if you have fresh on hand, fresh parsley sprigs would be a beautiful garnish.

We served ours with mixed vegetables, chilled canned peaches in natural juice and homemade rolls. Store-bought rolls work nicely of course.

This is tried and true. This fed 7 with plenty leftover.

Enjoy!

I like this recipe so much and am so confident in it I even brought it to Ms. Helen's Cottage Full Plate Thursday!

We still haven't found dd28's "Fat Baby" yet, I'm thinking the baby doll is still in the attic at our other home, hopefully we'll find her soon.

Pray for me, it's a bit difficult getting organized and this home is not finished yet so there are things undone all around, we have satellite internet so it's not as reliable as far as connection... it can all be overwhelming. Usually all I need to do though is take a nice walk outside and feel and experience the Lord's beautiful creation and I'm recharged. : )

I appreciate all my blogging friends and I do hope you will enjoy the recipe. If you have a recipe or a tip for easy company please let me know here, it's fun to share tips with one another!

Missing you all.... ~Amelia

Packing, Decluttering, Baby Dolls & Muffins Oh My!

Hi-de-ho Everyone!

It's that packin' time! Yes indeedie. : )

The other day I was packing my books from my bedroom bookcase on the wall of my bedside. It was kind of scary. I felt like I was putting old sweet friends in boxes, it was almost as if I was afraid of not seeing them again for a while...Oh I'm such a sentimental mess.

But you know? The thought came to me...Does anyone remember the old Ray Bradbury story? It's the story where there was a nuclear explosion on earth and there is one person left alive? The person is a man who loves books. So he is content reading books until his eyeglasses are shattered....Is that not horrible? I thought of that story as I was packing my books... I hang on to my glasses with a safe hand I tell you! :) For me? I couldn't drive without them...Wow, which is worse, not reading or driving?

I did leave some books out...Just a few..or so. ; )

I kept my pediatrician's book out, the one with medicine dosages and warning signs etc. My youngest is 17 but every now and then those charts come in handy. I loved my pediatrician's detailed-ness. I never understood why more doctors didn't put together a booklet like that for patients. I remember my girlfriends would call me for advice and I would simply go to my book.

The other books are three Grace Livingston Hill books, no four...'April Gold',' The Substitute Guest', 'Crimson Mountain' and the one I am reading now...'Beauty for Ashes'. It's wowee so far and we have experienced a bit of a situation a bit similar as of late. I am so amazed at the protection of the Lord! Even though a situation of a potential courtship doesn't work out, God reveals! He protects so major it is unreal. Talk about a secret detective of the BEST KIND! GOD is the REVEALER. He's the Revealer on a lot of things let me tell you... At 50 I see so clearly now the ways God has protected our family.

My dd25> also likes GLH books...She read them when she was younger and is getting back on the GLH train too these days....The books are so much fun to talk about with our girls, I have even been able to read parts outloud after dinner, and my husband even enjoys them especially "Beauty for Ashes" it has a wonderful dad in the book. Our daughters can also so relate to the young women in these books. Most are written in the 30s and 40s....They also have very strong Christian themes woven into them in the most beautiful of ways.

Hm. Looks like I just went off on a bunny trail there but isn't that what blogging is about? : ) It's my journal, my life, my thoughts for the world to see.

The other books of honor left are: 'The Joy of Less', 'Mrs. Sharp's Traditions' (You never know when you need to pull something out of her book!) 'Best Homes of the 1920s' (In case I catch myself whining about not enough space), 'Stories of Dogs and the Lives They Touch', 'Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health For Dogs & Cats', 'Cold Noses and Warm Hearts' (Yes, I love my doglets and catlet a great deal) 'Mitten Strings for God', 'Clutter No More' and 'Organized Simplicity'. 'To Live Again' by Catherine Marshall is on the shelf to be previewed, I'm thinking it may be nice encouragement for my mil. A 'Reminisce' magazine or two...or three... My Bible and 'Streams in the Desert' will stay out of course. : )


I'll have to do a blog soon on those Grace Livingston Hill books, Carmen here on blogger let me in on them several years ago and now I'm a full blown fan... : ) They are wonderful. Here is a nice blog entry Carmen did on her inherited collection of Grace Livingston Hill books.

I'm a packin' away, I even decluttered more and so did our four daughters. They have nine bags of dolls, doll clothes and toys and such ready for a donation pick up. I told the girls I did not even want to look in the bags, it would do me in. Dd28 tells me it 's probably for the best I don't look. (yikes)


< Dd28 is concerned though. Why? Because FAT BABY is missing. Missing! That was her favorite doll when she was little, her name was Jennifer but most of the time... "Fat Baby". She is a darling lil' baby dolly, she is the old fashioned kind, with a vinyl face & head, with a cloth body and little vinyl arms and legs, and the cloth tummy is sooooo cute and pudgie...thus.... Fat Baby.

I assured Dd28 Fat Baby is probably in the attic carefully stored. I just cannot imagine otherwise! Isn't it funny though, my little girl, now 28 working for her daddy in Real Estate aspiring to be a wife and mommy herself one day...but now? She wants her Fat Baby! lol She was sharing with me when she and my other daughters get together with their sweet friends, other wonderful and godly Christian young women, they turn back the clocks to a carefree youth...Laughter and jokes coupled with girliness....A labor and delivery nurse, a sports writer, a wedding photographer, a master herbalist...all aspiring wives & mommies, lovers of Christ. Where God will lead no one knows, who God will bring these precious young ladies in what timing, no one knows...But He is in control, yes He is. In the meantime let them laugh. Let them laugh and be silly all they want! : )

So much for that, but in case you are wondering my declutter party is still in gear.

Yesterday I even wrapped up a sweet cookie jar someone made, but we all agreed it may be better off with someone else? .... I don't know sometimes....It is cute and the rabbit on the top has the cutest face............... ? : (

My husband brought his musician stuff to the new house today remarking: "You know we're packing seriously when I move my music stuff". Yep, he's right.

I'm also wrapping up sewing projects, my latest, Simplicity 8523. V-neck top with black and lime green dots, will be cute belted with black skirt should be finished up by tomorrow or so. Then I need to pack my sewing. My sewing machine? I have the blue and white Brothers from Walmart and the pink flower Brothers from Walmart online. I love those machines in case you're looking and they don't cost an arm or leg. We all sew thus two machines.

Such freedom in sewing....I keep it easy, I keep it simple. It works.

Last but not least I have a recipe for you, my Dd21>

...just made these and they are marvelous dahlings! Marvelous!

Healthy Banana Oat Muffins

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you could also use half whole wheat flour)
1 cup rolled or quick rolled oats

1/4 cup sugar (I used honey to make them more healthy)
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup applesauce or vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup mashed bananas

Combine flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt. Beat egg lightly in a large bowl and then stir in milk, applesauce (or oil), and vanilla. Add mashed bananas and combine thoroughly. Stir flour mixture into the banana mixture until just combined making sure not to over mix it. Divide the batter among cups of the muffin pan. Bake at 375 degrees for about 15 min. or until golden brown.

As for Dd17>

Our baby girl? I found the sweetest letter yesterday while decluttering she had written a little friend seven years ago after moving to the burbs. It said:

"We used to live on 10 acres, I love the country, I wish I still lived in the country"

Oh it broke my heart...But ya know? Sunday's coming and we'll be back baby Becca. Yes, my Lovely we're going back. Soon. May God be glorified. Amen.

Dh & I

Grace and Peace to All, God's Protection be with you...until next time. ~Amelia

Please pray for Baby Jonathan that God would move on hearts and be with this precious, precious baby. You can read about Baby Jonathan on my Vision For a Godly Home blog.

What a Love of a Movie. 1943. Since You Went Away

I recently viewed this movie, an Oscar winner and just so enjoyed it...I was so touched by both the opening quote and the end scripture.

When we say they don't make movies like they used to, we aren't kidding. I was born in the very early 60s and most of the movies even in the 60s really are not acceptable in many ways unless you are speaking of gems as in The Sound of Music or To Kill a Mockingbird...Beautiful and rare gems indeed..

Those of you who like to keep movies with elements of Christmas in them, this movie would also fit that bill. If you are looking for a wonderful patriotic movie, this would fit the bill and if you are looking for a movie that represents the WWII era...this fits the bill...If you are looking for a poignant movie, this is one of them. Also there is the sweetest scene ever of the young ladies praying in the movie. The music is wonderful, I plan on purchasing the cd in the future to play in the background of our home. An old preacher I knew stressed how we should keep our homes in an atmosphere of praise, and sometimes for me, that not only includes praises and hymns but beautiful instrumentals as well...God is the author of those too many times....The music speaks beautiful stories to my heart and sets a mood in my home. I do wish department stores and restaurants would grasp this!


And now allow me to share some clips of that wonderful movie...

Opening of Since You Went Away...
You will see this quote:

"This is the story of the Unconquerable American Fortress: The Home...1943."



Part a
The Overture. Just sit back and enjoy the wonderful music and scenes...Hang the busyness...Enjoy.



Part q
The End. You will see:

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."



You may see all segments of the movie as well as you will see them labeled by abbreviation and alphabet on you tube. It's nice that there is a way to view the movie in entirety, I'm sure the movie is available for sale and rental as well.

Please join me in a trip to the 40s and what it was like in many a household. Also remember the beginning quote; it really was true then. It was true until the men became passive and the women decided to eat the apple of worldly wisdom and become "liberated". Many have torn their own homes down. Let's do what we can to retain innocence and purity in our homes. Be on guard and shun busyness, so many wearing it as a medal these days, it's epidemic. Let's be found faithful and all there for our families.

This quote CAN be true for us TOO. As a woman, I know my highest and most noble calling is that of a stay at home wife and mother. To me? That is true liberation in the highest sense.

A quiet and peaceful home, yes we can attain that with the Lord's help listening to His quiet voice. We can't be too busy to listen though...Whose voice will we listen to?

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.

We recently had a major death in the family. Alzheimers is a very bad disease, the long goodbye...With all that's transpired we've been under the weather with the flu to boot, but plugging along... As Elisabeth Elliot says.....Just do the next thing. Amen.


I have some sewing projects I've been working on, I'll have to share some nice easy patterns with you all soon. De-cluttering is a constant here as well.

Take care all, until the next time..."Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."
~Mrs. Amelia

Note to Self

Yay! My hero, Purple Heart, came and heroically picked up all the bags, at least nine or ten of them along with several boxes etc. from the homestead here. Let's just say it was a lot. A lot. The volunteer looked like a G.I. Joe with a cowboy hat and black leather jacket, not to mention cowboy boots and Wranglers. Yay Purple Heart!

It's nice to know the things are appreciated and it's nice to know we didn't donate any stained up articles only things with worth for someone, things to BLESS others.

Now for Round III of our De-Clutter party!

Before I begin I must confess to my thoughts on something.

Last summer I had made what I thought to be a super-wowee dress with beautiful black cotton floral material. The material was very pretty, an enchanting array of English flowers in baskets and the dress pattern was one of the more expensive ones an individual designed. Let's just say all my hard work on that dress and enchanted high hopes didn't pan out and in the future I will probably stick with making separates for the mostpart for reasons some of you ladies may get me on. : )

This morning, I was going through my sewing box looking through my material to see if I should take advantage of a nice sale at fabric.com and purchase some nice knit materials to make a couple of simple tops, and another skirt set to tie things together. I am finding it helps to declutter first by checking my working stash before spending one dime.

Out peeps the dress I had made...I had hopes of making a skirt out of the bottom portion but I could tell from a quick look it would still be lacking. Then I thought...But I could make napkins out of it.

<Then self kicked in, at least the nice part of self not the selfish part of self:

"Now Self, you know that that is being very selfish. This dress will be a huge blessing to a woman who loves things like this, just like you love things like this. This dress will fit her very nicely, it will be a blessing for her."

I suddenly felt really rotten for even thinking to make napkins out of that poor dress.


I quickly stuffed it into a bag for Purple Heart and it is now gleefully riding along with the cowboy hero awaiting another sister who will be greatly blessed with the pretty dress.

Yay God!

When we donate to charity, when we give faithfully, we reap the joy of sharing...and God pours out His blessing! ~Inspirational Bible Verses.com

I want to be a cheerful giver, the real deal. God loves a cheerful giver!

38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." ~Luke 6:38
Perhaps I'll be back later for updates, we shall see what we shall see...Today I've watched & listened in the background with Dd17 as she edits photos, the movie: "To Kill a Mockingbird"...Just love that movie. Gregory Peck is such a gentleman in the character Atticus. The music is hauntingly beautiful, we play the soundtrack many a day. The movie is so telling on prejudices of many kinds... Enjoying a cup of french pressed coffee. Dds17 & 25 making Chinese for supper. Goodnight All.

Please remember the Sanctity of Life. It's a sobering time to remember the unborn in our country, I have an article I had written on Roe Vs. Wade and also a sobering grand jury report of recent. There is a holocaust in our very country. Please pray to end abortion. If only wombs had windows! You may read more of these thoughts and challenges on my other blog:

Vision for a Godly Home

Also tips for keeping a Godly Home are found there, its starts with us, it's the heart of the parents that will be ultimately shown.

For an audience of One, my Savior, Jesus. ~Amelia

The Blob - The Clutter!

This is what clutter reminds me of... Horrors!!!!!



This was made before I was born but I remember the kids in elementary school talking about that scary movie, The Blob! Muahahhahaha! Made in 1958. Steve McQueen's first lead role. The history of the movie is very interesting, look at Steve McQueen's salary.

You can see the theatrical trailer here: The Blob (1958)

If you relate The Blob to clutter and excess spending and excess stuff it is quite humorous indeed!



Here is a recipe I would like to share with you all, this is a great last minute supper recipe. Easy-Breezy... That's me!

I'll call it .... Chicken Stroganoff...

Amelia's Chicken Stroganoff

I always think of a fancy name for my dishes, hubby comes home and he asks...
"What's for supper?"

I always think of a fancy name, it makes it more interesting and a delight to the tastebuds. Yes indeedie.

We had 4 home for supper last night.

I had 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts.

I had 2 small onions.

1 can of Healthy Request Cream of Mushroom soup.

Okie dokie, you heat olive oil and butter and fry a sliced onion, one large, two small, whatever you have on hand.

Make it nice and brown.

Cut your chicken breasts in little pieces around an inch each. Brown those really well with the onions.

Then you put the Cream of Mushroom soup with a can of milk added. If you browned the onions and chicken really, really well, it will make a nice brown gravy. You can season it up with salt, pepper, garlic powder and last night I added some sour cream, unflavored yogurt works too, but neither are necessary.

Let it simmer a while to tenderize the chicken a bit.

I served mine over brown rice but of course this could be served over noodles or pasta as well...


I made brussel sprouts on the side. Just 2 bags of plane jane frozen brussel sprouts. I add butter and olive oil. When the sprouts are done, we like our sprouts very cooked but not pulverized. I cut them each in halves so they can absorb the good butter/olive oil flavor. I add garlic powder, salt & pepper and there we go.

Easy-Breezy good food. That's me!



Oh yes, I'm still decluttering, and the party continues at least here in our home it does!

The Blob movie really does describe how it feels some days... The more I give away, the more of the stuff that appears!

Yesterday I threw out the flower arrangement high on top of my bedside bookcase. Oh my goodness, the thing had taken on another life of it's own! It was loaded with dust. I marched that thing out of the house so fast! *Poof* Out it went...And I mean POOF! The dust flew! LOL (Remember it had been way up high gracing my bookcase for several years) Normally I bathe things like this, but this poor thing was coated come to find out and I'm thinking maybe these up-high arrangements are truly dust collectors.

Today. Two pair of shoes that were hiding from me, they were favorites of mine. One pair in particular... They are black leather high heels, a 1920s retro style. I've fixed them and fixed them but the heel is at least two inches, it won't work for me. The other pair is a beautiful pair of beige Leo dance shoes, I never danced in them unless it was just dancing around the house or with hubs dancing out of a store on datenight...Remember, I do things like that. : ) But they are a beautiful pair of shoes I had found at the resale shop in new condition. Think: Rockettes. I loved the look of them and enjoyed wearing the versatile color with fall skirts and such. Such is life, someone like me will be so excited to get them. Once again, the heel is a bit high to keep a nice healthy back and stay comfortable.

Here are a few selected tips from Minimalist.com:

1. Admit that you own too much clothing. That’s all you really need to get started.
2. Wear fewer colors. Most of us already have a few favorite colors that we wear most often anyway – usually because we like the way we look in them. Choosing to intentionally wear fewer colors means less accessories (shoes, belts, jewelry, handbags, etc.). It also makes too much sense not to try.
3. Embrace the idea of one. When one can be enough, embrace it – one black dress, one swimsuit, one winter coat, one black belt, one pair of black shoes, one pair of sneakers, one handbag… insert your own based on your occupation, lifestyle, or climate.

You know? It's interesting, I grew up more minimalist and didn't even realize it. I'm an only child and my parents really, really persevered in keeping me un-spoiled materially. I owned one coat, one pair of school shoes, one pair of tennis shoes, one bathing suit. At Easter time I got a pair of Easter shoes, and usually in the spring, a nice pair of leather sandals used for school as well, etc. My parents paid cash for a new vehicle and would drive them til they fell apart. They just didn't get a new car or truck because they wanted something different.

I'm also realizing and learning things about myself. I like comfortable clothing but classic clothing as well. I like very long skirts, I like black, grey and green especially, I also like navy and good shades of deep red or maroon for tops. I like turtleneck shirts and sweaters, I figure if it's cold enough to wear long sleeves it's cold enough to cover up to my chin. Makes sense to me. : ) I also like several cardigans and a couple of blazers very much.

One big thing I've learned is my long black leather coat is being retired unless it's snowing or freezing out. I wore that monstrosity on datenight with hubby and I backed up to sit down at a restaurant and the coat is so huge it almost knocked my chair from under me! Not good! Bye-bye for a while black coat. I have two others that are a shorter length that will work just fine. : )

That's the wrap for tonight.

Sweet Dreams All...


Wed. 2.2.11 Okay, I'm ready for my dear friends at Purple Heart. I have 7 white bags, 2 black bags, 2 boxes, 1 green gimmie bag containing hubs roller skates, 2 boxes with an actor friend's costumes he used for drama given to our girls, and a box with antique dishes I found for a great deal once. Someone else may be delighted to get them. We're not using them, they are a little chipped and worn, someone may even like them for crafting etc. My old favorite flower arrangement, I don't use it anymore, it was used in our tree house style house, and looked wonderful on my white tile table back then. It's not right to keep it as it deteriorates, someone else will be blessed by it. One large navy suitcase that doesn't stand up on it's own. (Dds tell me, a problem at the airport) but it might serve someone else fine. My neighbor's were throwing the suitcase away because we know now it wouldn't stand up...I do think throwing it away was a bit harsh and wasteful myself. It's amazing what people throw away that could be given to charity.

People are so in a different sphere, I don't understand the waste. Declutter yes, but waste not. Drives me crazy, everyone is so quick-quick-quick. No one even talks to their neighbors anymore. Throw-away. Throw-away. Quick-quick-quick... What kind of a life is that? No heart I tell you... No heart.

Back to my give-away bags....In the bags are sweaters, porcelain dolls, Wilton character cake pans that aren't being used anymore, tupperware dip & chip not being used etc. Like new tupper-like containers we don't use with lids. A salad spinner I bought at a garage sale in '89, used several times, graduation party decor including two mini autograph doggies, never autographed etc. Dd25 took two huge stacks of books and an anniversary collector's covered edition of Gone with the Wind vhs to Half Price books. We netted $10.50. Some of the books were older but not old enough to be retro but in good condition. Dd25 was in the neighborhood so it works. When we are in the half price books neighborhood it is worth it, but otherwise, books will be donated.

I do get tickled with Dh at times... He said he might want to use the roller skates at the new house. We will have polished & stained concrete floors at the new house, (the loft-look) is a good way of phrasing it? : ) Perhaps skating rink-look might be more appropriate if Dh had his momentary whim? (The skates will be picked up tomorrow per Dh)

And don't ya know? Dh found the *poof*- "gone" floral arrangement in the garbage can outside...He tells me it can be hosed off and it might look kinda nice at the new house... And gee just when I was on a roll... Hmmm...And he tells me I'm the clutter-buggy like my grandma.... That guy.... ; ) He is a cute Italian that I can dress up though. JK! (And...the flower arrangement is on the patio table waiting to be hosed down per Dh) We sha'll see how it turns out. It might turn out nice! We sha'll see! : )

Bye for now dear ones!


1.3.11 Today Okie-dokie, all bags are on front porch per Dh. But there is one remaining bag, the bag with Dh's roller skates. Dh decided those roller skates are worth another year's try...I had to laugh, but not too hard because I know how it is. The roller skates had been hidden and we'll see if now that they have been re-discovered he will be able to enjoy them in the coming year. I hope so.

Listening to an old b/w retro Billy Graham sermon this morning. Have things changed, have things changed...We must keep our heads up high and hold the Light for the Lord and standards high, loving others but also warning. May the church be the church again and awake from it's social slumber; church people frolicking in the water as the tidal wave comes... How will the church reach others if they don't have time to be kind or even polite to one another? If the mailman is kinder and more thoughtful than most churched what does this show? It's certainly not an indictment unto our Father but to those who don't seem to understand or know the Father's Heart, simply by watching their actions. Said the sparrow to the robin?......

All is well here, we have the Lord and the luxury to speak with Him in a personal way at anytime about anything, some days are trying but our God is with us. May God be glorified. Amen.
Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever.