Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY




Outside my window... the storm is a brewin'. The wind is gusting and howling.  This morning the lid to the sandbox in our yard was blown off. 

I am thinking...  I hope we don't lose power. 

I am thankful... for electricity.  I can use my dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, fans, watch TV, cook on my stove, and turn on my lights.  So easy to take for granted the things we use everyday. 

In the kitchen... I baked pumpkin bread and oatmeal raisin muffins last night knowing that I may not be able to use my oven soon if we lose power.  I want to make some cookies and bake some chicken today. 

I am wearing... my pjs still.  Pink Lands End pants and a red Old Navy flag t-shirt. 

I am creating...

I am going... to the chiro. later this week is the weather clears up and power is on. 

I am wondering... how much longer until the worse part of the storm hits. 

I am reading... The Bible- right now in the book of Colossians for my morning time.  I took out two allergy-free cooking books from the library that I am enjoying: "The Food Allergy Mama's Baking Book" by Kelly Rudnicki and "The Divvies Bakery Cookbook" by Lori Sandler. 

I am hoping... that all my family and friends stay safe through SANDY. 

I am looking forward to... this storm passing. 

I am learning... how to trust the Lord in all things. 

Around the house... most of  the curtains and blinds are still closed.  The news is on and we are waiting. 

I am pondering... why people don't evacuate when they are warned. 

A favorite quote for today...

"Jesus is a rock in a weary land!

Weary land! Weary land!
Jesus is a rock in a weary land!
Shelter in the time of storm!"

One of my favorite things... the smell of baked goodies coming from the kitchen. 

A few plans for the rest of the week:.. not sure yet.  For now just bunkering down.

Join in sharing your daybook here.http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ 

~Theresa

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I am linking up with Joyce for another great week of hodgepodge. 

1. So, do you like beer?

I like root beer and kielbasa cooked in beer. 

2. What's your least favorite repetitive task?

Exercising.  I know it is good for me but honestly don't like it.  I have to force myself to go through the motions and then I feel great afterwards. 

3. When was the last time you rode a bus? Where was it headed?

If given the choice I would never choose public transportation.  When I was a young girl I was on a bus in the city and I smiled at an old bag lady.  She started cursing me out.  Thankfully there was an off duty police officer on the bus that calmed me down. 
I took a shuttle bus at a golf outing about six years ago.  The parking was so far away, it was raining and we had our two little ones with us so it made perfect sense. 

4. What song from your childhood or from your own children's childhood could make a parent's nerves stand on end?

This is the song that never ends.....

5. The US Presidential election cycle is drawing to a close (can I get an AMEN??), and the third and final debate was held last night...what was the last thing you 'debated about'?

Well it was a friendly debate but rather deep.  It was about God's forgiveness vs. having to pay for your sins. 

6. Can a person make too much money? How much is too much?

I don't think so.  There are lots of great things to do with money.  However any amount that makes someone too selfish is too much for them. 

7. Pop-soda-coke-something else...what's it called where you live?

Soda is what we call it here on Long Island. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The phone calls are just beginning for the upcoming election.  I think I am going to have to lower my ringers and stop answering "unavailable".

~Theresa

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY


Outside my window... it is dark and the crickets are chirping.

I am thinking... it will be time to watch the debate soon.

I am thankful... for Sundays. A day of rest and gathering with the saints to worship and fellowship.

In the kitchen... clean dishes and leftovers are put away. We had grilled steak, mashed potatoes (boiled potatoes for me) and green beans.

I am wearing... denim capris and a gray button down with a coral tank.

I am creating... a warm home for my family. 

I am going... to acupuncture this week :)

I am wondering... how to respond graciously to every situation. 

I am reading... the Bible, Lies Women Believe, fall magazines.

I am looking forward to... a hot cup of tea while I relax on the couch tonight.

I am learning... that not everyone thinks the same way as I do and it isn't always easy to get along well with others.

Around the house... the laundry hamper is filling up. I didn't feel like doing laundry today so I didn't. That is not so easy for me.

I am pondering... why certain things bother me so much.

A favorite quote for today... "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."  Matthew 6:33
One of my favorite things... spiced cider. I bought some at Trader Joe's and it is delicious.

Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook.

~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

Link up with Joyce and join the fun!

1. Noah Webster was born this week back in 1758....besides the online version, do you own a dictionary? Do you ever use the hardback copy or is your hunt for a definition strictly online these days?


Yes, I do own a dictionary or two.  The children have a couple on the shelf in the schoolroom too.  I haven't used one for myself in a long time.  If I need a definition I Google it. 

2. Should public schools ban Halloween celebrations? What about other holiday celebrations currently under fire?

Well since I don't celebrate Halloween I would say no.  Also I still remember when I was in public school there was a fourth grade teacher who would dress up as a witch and go around to all the classrooms and barge in scaring the kids.  One year I remember one of the kids being so scared they threw up in the sink. 
As for the other holidays under fire....I don't know. Our country was founded as a Christian nation so I think public schools should acknowledge and celebrate those holidays. 
When I taught in the public schools I always had Christmas decorations up and no one ever complained.  If there were Jewish children in my class or I worked with a Jewish teacher then they shared about their holiday. 

3. What's your favorite 'dog' movie?

I would have to say "Lady and The Tramp". 
4. When were you last somewhere you'd describe as 'too quiet'?

Sometimes when I am alone in the car it is too quiet so I turn on the radio and open all the windows. 
5. Are you a neat cook or a messy cook? In other words do you clean as you go or make a big mess and then deal with it later?

I don't think of myself as a neat cook but I do clean as I go.  I think part of the reason why I do that is I have a small kitchen so I need the room.  As an ingredient is used it gets returned to the pantry.  I put used measuring cups and bowls in the sink to wash when I am all done.  I like everything to be clean so when the food is done I can sit and enjoy it.  Just last night I was baking oatmeal raisin cookies with my daughter and I found myself telling her to put something away before getting the next thing needed.

6. Did you hear about Felix Baumgartner, the skydiver who broke the sound barrier via parachute? Was your first thought COOL! or was your first thought CRAZY! Are you adventurous?

CRAZY!  I am not adventurous anymore.  As someone who deals with dizziness just the thought of skydiving makes my head spin and my stomach turn. 

7. What's not a word but should be?

Gazillion.  I used Google to help me with that one ;)

8. Insert your own random thought here.

These questions have me thinking that I should use my dictionary more ;)

~Theresa

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window... the sun is hiding and there is a nice breeze. 

I am thinking... I am glad we finished our schoolwork for the day. 

I am thankful for... cool, fall breezes.
From the learning rooms... North Carolina (we are studying the states and capitals), math, penmanship, reading, spelling.
From the kitchen... penne and a meat sauce for dinner.  The tomato sauce is simmering and smells good :)

I am wearing... khaki Bermuda shorts and a purple print shirt.  I haven't put away my summer clothes just yet.

I am going... to the doctor, book club, soccer and church this week. 
I am reading... the Bible, "Lies Women Believe" and a biography on Fanny Crosby. 
I am hearing... a click ticking, a bird calling and the TV.
One of my favorite things: jeans.  There is nothing like a comfy pair of jeans on a cool fall day. 

Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook.
~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

I'm linking up over at Joyce's today.  Visit her and join the fun!

1. In what ways do you indulge yourself?

I don't think I do often but every so often I will treat myself to a coffee out.  I don't think it makes much sense to spend $3 on a coffee when I can make several pots for that price, so for me it is an indulgence.

2. Have you ever taken a cooking class? Any interest? What type of class would you most like to try?

No, I have never taken a cooking class.  I don't really have an interest in taking one although if I had to I would pick a cake decorating class.  Does that count?

3. What does it mean to be a good citizen?

A good citizen follows the law and looks out for others.  They realize they are part of a community and see what they can do for the good of that community. 

4. 'Tis the season of the political advert...do these ads influence your vote?

I don't think they influence my vote because to be honest there are so many of them it is hard to believe any of them. 

5. What's something you see today that makes you wish you were a kid again?

I tried not to come up with a technology related question but...I have to say texting.  I don't text as an adult but I am sure it makes things easier for a kid.  I remember as a kid trying to call my friends on the phone.  If the phone was busy it was so annoying.  There was no call waiting back then and the only way to get through was to call the operator and ask her to make an emergency break-through.  Then you prayed that it was your friend on the phone and not her parents.  I realize that not being able to get in touch with your friend for fifteen minutes isn't really such a big deal, but when you are a kid it sure feels like it. 

6. What's your least favorite cliche?

"Pardon my French".  Well usually that is followed by the offensive language.  So my thought is if one can think enough to say "Pardon my French" then one can think enough to choose a better way of expressing yourself.  If it is said after the offending words, what is French about it anyway?

7. What percentage of your Christmas shopping has been completed? How does that make you feel?

Zero.  That makes me feel great.  I don't do my Christmas shopping until December, and often it is the week before Christmas.  I like to enjoy each season without thinking too much of the next season.  For now I think about Thanksgiving, after that I start thinking more about Christmas.  If I do see something I'd like to buy for a gift I always think I may get a better price if I wait. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.   Way to go- to all those who have started their Christmas shopping.  I know for many that is how they work best.  Plus I now I have some cliches on my mind- LOL. 
~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

I am linking up over at Joyce's today.  Visit her and join the fun!
1. It's a brand new month...share one thing you're looking forward to in October.

Apple picking.  I love fall and one of the things we like to do is drive out east on The North Fork and go apple picking.  The weather this week has been rainy so we will have to find a nice sunny day to go while there are still apples left on the trees. 

2. Is chivalry dead? Explain.

No, I don't believe so.  There are still many today who practice chivalry but sadly it seems they don't get too much attention.  Our society would rather pay attention to the negative rather than the positive.  Then there are those who don't want doors opened for them or their chair pulled out for them.  They have the "I can do it myself" mindset.  The Feminist Movement has had a lot to do with that, IMHO. 

3. On October 2, 1950 the Peanuts comic strip made its debut. Which character is your favorite? Which character is most like you? (Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Snoopy, Woodstock or Pig Pen) If you need a description click here.

Charlie Brown.  I checked the descriptions and took an online quiz to confirm ;)  Charlie Brown often says the things that I think but would never say aloud. 

4. What's something you're competitive about?

Playing board games and cards.  I don't like to lose and I have to remind myself that it is only a game.  Still, I like to win. 

5. October is National Popcorn Popping Month...are you a fan? How do you like your popcorn?

Yes, I am a popcorn fan.  I like to use our airpopper to make it and then drizzle it with melted butter.  I don't like packaged popcorn unless it is Kettle Korn, which is the perfect balance of salty and sweet. 

6. When did you first realize the world is small?

Well this may be a long story ;)  When my husband and I were engaged my great aunt was very sick and was in the hospital dying.  One night I was at my now husband's parents' house and talking to his mom.  I happened to mention my aunt's name and her eyes almost popped out of her head.  She started asking me questions like  "Where did she grow up?" and "What are her siblings' names?"  Once I answered she told me that she used to sit on the stoop with her sister and my aunt and her sister when they were teenagers.  She remembers my mother being in a baby carriage while my aunt babysat her.  Both my aunt and now mother-in-law were in their 70s when we found this out.  We tried to arrange a meeting but my aunt passed away quickly.  That is a small world! 
It amazes me to think that before I was even born my family and my husband's family were crossing paths.  And even more amazing is that God knew that one day I would marry my husband! 

7. In terms of architecture, what's the most beautiful building you've seen up close and in person?

Well being a New Yorker I would have to say my favorite is the Chrysler Building. 

(picture from thecityreview.com)

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I was browsing through my pictures and found this one.  Aren't cinnamon rolls the perfect fall snack?  I am going to have to make a batch. 

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window... it is a warm, sunny fall day.  The sun is shining brightly and there is a gentle breeze. 

I am thinking... what a Monday!   Funny how we have our plan for the day and the Lord sometimes shows us He has another.  We had a little flood in the basement today and I spent much of the day cleaning up and washing all the clothes that got wet. 

I am thankful for... my wonderful aunt.  Happy Birthday Aunt Carol (in case you are reading ;)

From the learning rooms... Christopher Columbus, math, penmanship, reading, writing, science, spelling, etc. 

From the kitchen... I made linzer tarts last night.  I am happy to have found a recipe without eggs.  Today I was planning on putting a pot roast in the crockpot but never got to it with the basement ordeal.  My husband offered to pick up pizza since he knows I am tired from all that cleaning up.

I am wearing... black Bermuda shorts and a hot pink t-shirt.

I am going... apple picking (I hope) this week. 

I am reading... the Bible, "Lies Women Believe".

I am hearing... the fan spinning.  After a while I get tired of hearing it and shut it off ;)

One of my favorite things: driving out east on The North Fork.  I hope we will do that this week and I can visit some farm stands and go apple picking. 

Please excuse any formatting issues with this post.  I am just learning how to use the new blogger layout.  I like the old one much better!
Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook