An Evening on the Water

A couple of weeks ago we realized that this is Syd's mother and her husband Bob's 15th wedding anniversary. Not many people would think that 15 is a milestone that merits a party, but when the two people are 75 and 78 years old, it really does. Knowing that we didn't have nearly enough time to plan a party, we looked into a very special place to eat, the Dinner Cruise. It has rained for the past two or three days but weather reports said that yesterday it would likely be clearing by noon. It was still sprinkling as we drove down to pick Mom and Bob up, and really until we reached the lake. Though we had kept it a secret, as we pulled into the harbor, Bob said that this is where they had come for dinner on their way to their honeymoon. That was a surprise and it made us very happy that they could return 15 years later. About 1/2 hour before we boarded the sun came out so nice and the skies really cleared. It was a beautiful afternoon and evening!

Yes, Mom was really having fun. I had just said, "hey guys!" and I caught her by surprise

You hit the borders of at least three towns while on this cruise. Of course the captain tells you what township you're entering and the names of all the harbors. This little island has been owned by one family for several generations. Many of the cottages have interesting stories.

We left dock at 6:30 p.m and returned right around 9:00. It was a memorable night and we were especially happy that they had a happy 15th anniversary. Both Mom and Bob's spouses passed away and the two of them got together after being alone for 5-15 years. Mom is careful to tell people this, as I heard her do so on at least two occasions last night. We had about 18 people on the upper deck (I'm not sure how many were below) and 6 or 7 couples on the cruise who were sharing anniversaries. It was fun and we're sorry that we didn't get a group picture.

Joy Cometh in the Morning

The rains have surely been plentiful! It makes me pray for those who may be going through low times in their lives right now. We can certainly claim the promise that, "Joy cometh in the morning", from Psalm 30. I think of those who have lost their closest loved one, as we know many these days. I pray that they just remember that the sun will come out again.

Last night on our way to church, Mom listened to us as we rejoiced in the rain that is replenishing our dug well. She patiently responded with, "Yes I'm sure there are many who have dug wells that are glad for this rain." This is when the thought struck me, two or three days of rain are harder for those who are physically alone. It reminded me to pray for them more.

Christians, those who have taken Jesus as their Savior from sin, have an even surer hope. The Lord will snatch us up to meet Him in the air, perhaps today! We will ever be with the Lord. In the meantime, if it is not today, the sun will come out again!

I'm looking forward to the sunshine this afternoon too. In the meantime, Lord, help me to remember your promises.

Planting and Showers

I love it when it sprinkles while you're planting stuff! My neighbor, Deborah, asked me to stop up and divide some of her hostas, which are PLENTIFUL on the shady side of her garage. They're HUGE!
I took Syd's truck over, divided several, loaded them in and even helped myself to some composted manure that she said that she no longer needed. What a blessing!

In front of our house gets afternoon shade, so I thought they should do pretty well here.
As you can see, an unruly paper mache (spelling?) chicken has invaded the garden.

I put another up on the bank, and there are still more, waiting in the wings. With the damp day I expect they'll be fine till tomorrow. Another friend, Evelyn, gave me the hens and chicks. Someday I will take a picture of her stump that is just OVERLOADED with them.

The bank still looks quite wild, especially due to the strawberries that are plentiful (and I hope, fruitful this  year). I've never had a gerbera daisy actually bloom while planted in the ground. I was happy that this one to the right is doing well. I'm enjoying the flowers on the bank more than I did the veggies that we'd had in the past. We moved those to where they'll be getting more afternoon sun now.

We have no idea where this kitty came from. He/she (I hope it's a "she") sits on our log below the house and doesn't seem to be bothered by us. The neighbor said that it was on her porch the other night, talking to her.

And then there's Ruger and all the burdock. Anyone want to dig burdock root? We have lots!

Sturm keeps his eye on everything too

We hope you are all having a wonderful week. Thanks for stopping by Darling Hill.

A Joy-ful Week

We had a nice weekend and now are enjoying a good start to the week. I hope you all are too.

Syd smoked a pork roast...oh the smoky smell and great TASTE!

...some of this was for us to enjoy with company, some to share with neighbors.

Syd's been keeping his eye out for a mower deck to go on his tractor. The Lord opened one up, and very reasonably priced too!

Mom's property was in BAD need of mowing - haying really! We are praising the Lord for this blessing.

Our friends, Denny and Dottie, came for a visit. Here they are with Mom, Ruger taking in the view (actually looking for squirrels, of course)

Syd has taken the week off, his first in quite a few years. Very exciting for getting things done around Darling Hill. I love just having him around.

Syd bought boards (shiplap, but he'll be putting them up like clapboards). Eventually I'll post before and after shots of the gable ends of the house)

Syd's first day off was spent entirely on brush-hogging (but all by hand, using a trimmer with saw blade) down behind our house - phew! then mowing the top of Darling Hill.

Such a blessing was in God's Word this morning reading the section in the gospels describing our vital relationship of abiding in the Vine in order for us, the branches to bear fruit. Verse 5 says that if we are truly abiding, we WILL bear fruit, much fruit. It is amazing that our minds can become so self centered that we could think that we humans could just bear this fruit by effort. Impossible. If we could get our hearts always wrapped around the fact that the Lord does the work, what a transformation that could be in our Christian lives. "If ye abide...and God's words abide...continue ye in my love" (the same love that the Father has for the Son, the Son has for us) "keep my commandments"...these all the result of abiding. 

The last verse in this section hit me, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you and that your joy might be full." In the past I've focused on this portion of Scripture having been given so that we'll "abide", yes, then get out there and bear that fruit!  I'm glad that the Lord never gives up on us.

It is a rich blessing to continue learning that God does the fruit-bearing and would stoop to using vessels such as us; but obedient vessels only. Oh, by God's grace, may I learn these lessons.

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”

"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."

John 15:4, 11