Friday, May 31, 2013

Theme

I've noticed that recent blog posts have centered around outdoor activities. While that doesn't mean that I am spending all of my time outside, it does reflect my appreciation for the warmer weather and plethora of flowering plants, bushes and trees.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Splash

Charlie and I like the huge puddle in the middle of the sandhill on my parents' farm. Charlie races in and out of the water. Of course, he shares his joy by shaking water all over me. 

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Relax

Book, hammock, dog.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Buggy

It may not be the coolest set of wheels, but it's hard to beat the Beachy Buggy for practicality. 

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Abundantly

When God entrusted the Cookie House to Julie and me, He blessed me abundantly beyond my expectations. Not only does the house meet my needs by providing shelter, but it also appeals to my longing for beauty.

God gave me a cute house, surrounded by trees, flowers, rocks and even water. I have apple, crab apple, red maple, catalpa and pine trees. My flowerbed are lined with rocks and overflowing with lilies, violets, daffodils, tulips, daisies, and flowers I don't even know the names of. My driveway is lined with lilacs, hibiscus, flowering cherry and roses. Every couple of days a new plant or tree or bush bursts into bloom. The air this week has been fragrant with lilacs and lily of the valley and I've watched cardinals and robins as they sing in the tree branches.

God, my good Father, has blessed me with good gifts. 

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Work and play

 My family helped spruce up the Cookie House yard last Saturday. They cut down a dead tree, mowed the lawn, weed-whacked under trees and around bushes, hung a hammock and burned some of the twigs and brush that has been accumulating in a pile at the edge of the property. 

Then Mom and Naomi brought over homemade pizza, and we sat around in lawn chairs watching the fire, roasting marshmallows and visiting with our friends Lydia, Tim and Caleb. 

It was a good end to a good day.




Friday, May 24, 2013

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Yard work

Logan is my lawn care man. Libby is the garden expert. We had a long list of outdoor chores last Monday when they came over. We didn't get everything done, or even started, but the yard looked a lot better at the end of the day. 


Charlie likes yard work, too. Especially, when he finds a lost bone.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Biking

Betsy and I took Charlie on a three mile bike ride/jog. When we got back Charlie sprawled on the porch and took a nap.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Mother's Day

We celebrated Mother's Day at the Cookie House this year. I prepared the ham that Betsy received from her work at Christmastime. Libby brought scalloped potatoes and rolls; Betsy contributed salads and Naomi baked lemon meringue pies. Julie even joined us by Skype. 


Monday, May 20, 2013

Marblehead

Though Libby and I stopped in Sandusky, Ohio on our trip home from Pennsylvania, we had no desire to visit the Cedar Point Amusement Park. Instead we followed a finger along the bay to the Marblehead Lighthouse on Lake Erie.



Sunday, May 19, 2013

To know him

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17 NIV

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Friday, May 17, 2013

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Sandusky, Ohio


Libby and I sojourned overnight in Sandusky, Ohio on our trek from Pennslvania to Michigan last week. The light was perfect as we stretched our legs in downtown Sandusky. 


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Lilacs


I confirmed the other day that I am still allergic to lilacs. Happily, I discovered a way to enjoy the fragrant blossoms without having to blow my way through a box of tissues.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Picture time

After I snapped a picture of Kaelyn, she took pictures of Libby and me. 


Sunday, May 12, 2013

Promise

I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
Isaiah 43.1 NKJV

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Friday, May 10, 2013

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Blue

I was informed that no one gets tired of baby pictures and I should post some more. 

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Monday, May 6, 2013

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Rain barrel

I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. 
I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.
Ezekiel 34:26 NIV

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Friday, May 3, 2013

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Austin

Austin was considerate enough to time his arrival with the break between semesters. Libby and I took advantage of the opportunity to meet our first nephew.


Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Haraam

forbidden
(one of the few Arabic words I've picked up)