Traffic Jam

When I travel down the highways in the Dallas area, I expect to find a traffic jam or two. If not a full-fledged, jam of cars at least a major slow down is expected. I schedule the added time into my drive. I plan for it.

Besides my city driving and my highway driving, I frequently drive a lovely backroad in and out of town. Only on one occasion have I experienced a real clog-up of traffic there. In fact, the morning of that traffic jam, my 20 minute backroad drive took an hour and a half because the main highway had been closed and my backroad was the detour.

But that was only the one time.

Until today.

Today I was tootling along on my wonderful country road. Gorgeous big trees lining each side, casting shadows on the ground making an archway over the road. Lime green fields. Horses and their babies. And stretched out in front of me, nothing except an oncoming car going the opposite direction. I noticed the driver slowing down and as I approached the car I saw something in the middle of my lane, heading for her lane at a very slow rate.

I had to stop since I didn't know why she was stopping nor what was moving across my lane.

It was a tortoise (or is that a turtle) that was quite large. It moved slowly and didn't seem at all intimidated by my machinery on four wheels.

Now I'm stopped in the middle of this road and in the other lane, the car is stopped as well. We sit, watching this turtle creep onward, to cross the road. Soon, another car pulled up behind me while a few more cars pulled up on the other lane. We sat and waited while the turtle moved out of my lane. I drove on. Looking in my rear view mirror was a long, long pile of cars. And in the other lane, still at a stand still, were dozens of cars piled up, waiting on the turtle.

Why did the turtle cross the road? I have no clue.

I only know that it was amusing and entertaining to me as the wheels of activity paused momentarily for the honor of a turtle.

Air Conditioning

Today's weather finally gave us a break from the double digit days. Relief was here. I could walk from house to car without melting. The notion of eating lunch outside with a few of my friends crossed my mind as the weather was absolutely gorgeous.

Which is a good thing.

My electric bill arrived and I fell out of my chair with a brain spasm. If we had washed and dried one more load of clothes the bill would have been an even 600 dollars. Thankfully, it was only 598.42.

Can you believe it? I might need to put one of the dogs on ebay to pay for it.

The heat has suffocated me for weeks, causing me to mutter unkind things towards the warmth. Generally, I'm a southern gal who loves the toasty daily waves of sunshine. But enough is enough.

Add to the heat, the air conditioning is killing me. How is that for irony? I suspect I'm on freon overload. And yet to turn off the A/C would mean that I'm too hot. I'm menopausal, remember?

I need cooler fresh air.

I'm readying my jeans, socks and shirts with sleeves for the cooler weather. Its an exercise in faith although I am a native Texan and know that summer is still here for quite a while.

HGTV!

I'm an HGTV addict. I love to watch the home decorating shows to be inspired for room makeovers. I love the colors on the walls, the fabrics on the windows, the pillow covers, the lamps and accessories. I love to see the excitement on the homeowners' faces when their room is revealed.

And then reality sinks in.

The shows are inspiring, but quite frustrating if you end up believing what you saw in a one hour show can be accomplished in one hour. Ha!

Its not a matter of time to paint four walls but the time to prepare those walls. Its not a matter of changing out the fabric on those chairs but time to find the perfect fabric, find an upholsterer (if more than a few staples are needed), deliver the chairs, pick them up. Its not a matter of hanging the drapes, but finding the fabric, hanging the hardware, measuring the fabric and making the drapes.

I've learned this with my latest HGTV project. I'm trying to get my kitchen chairs reupholstered. I found the fabric. I have the chairs. Now I need to find someone to sew up the piped edged cushions and reattach them. And then get them back in my kitchen before supper.

Its the illusion of TV makeovers.

I'm glad that God's plan is for my life is a makeover where he manages the details and drags off all the old stuff. I show up to renew my mind and rely on Him to make the needed changes. While its not easy, its certainly the best makeover this side of eternity.

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

Rain like Manna

Its raining!

Its absolutely, water falling from the sky in bigger portions than a moment of spritz, water getting the grass wet, water getting streets wet, water coming down rain gutters.....R A I N I N G.

It started Saturday night. There was evidence when I woke up that it had really rained during the night. Then, later in the day, it rained again, thoroughly wetting our grass and giving our sprinklers (and city water bill) a break. This morning, I woke up to completely gray sky and now here I sit, watching water pour from the sky.

Today's daily provision in the form of rain. Whew!

"Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make music to our God on the harp.

He covers the sky with clouds;
he supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills.

He provides food for the cattle and
for the young ravens when they call." Psalm 147:7-9

And now a confession. I took this photo from a fellow blogger because it was perfect for today. (Thanks Mike!)

Oh Baby!

Yesterday we spent the afternoon with a houseful of ladies, showering gifts on a lovely young woman who's belly pronounced her condition. A baby is on its way into a great family!

Wow! A lot of items have changed since I was a young mom. New gadgets for a new generation. Video baby monitors. Portable mobiles. Electric breast pumps. Pampers diapers that are so thin, 88 of them fit in a small package.

Most, are still the same. Precious outfits with baseballs and cars embroidered on the front. Little socks with Winnie the Pooh. Towels and blankets. Stuffed animals and special teddy bears. A Baby book. Baby Powder.

I realized once again that another generation is on its way. I've moved from young mom to mom of grown children to a Fabulous Fifty with a promise of grandchildren someday. (No pressure, kids! ;) )

What a joy to know that God's blessings extend from generation to generation as the truth of Jesus is passed from heart to heart.

"But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." Psalm 33:11

"We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done." Psalm 78:4

"Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise." Psalm 79:13

"For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:5

Forming Habits

My dogs have been great tools to help me form good habits.

The experts say that it takes thirty days of repeat behavior to have a habit formed. I'm here to tell you that sometimes it only takes one day (and one incident).

They have taught me not to leave the house without the pantry door completely closed.

Their dog food is purchased in 20 pound bags which I empty into large tupperware containers. The containers are stored in the bottom of the food pantry with smaller tupperware containers and a measured scoop, in the kitchen for easy access for dinner time. If I leave the house without the pantry door closed, they manage to find a way into the tupperware containers. I return home to find two dogs that are literally stuffed to capacity.

They have taught me to move any bread products away from the edge of the countertops in the kitchen.

Dora and Thelma may be short dogs, but their love for bread provides enough incentive to bounce their way upward to grab a loaf of bread or a sack of rolls off the edge of the counters. I have found half eaten loaves of breads in the dirt in the backyard where Dora had attempted to hide the evidence for a "stash to eat later".

They have taught me to close bathroom doors.

They have taught me to put any snack trash in the garbage right away.

They have taught me to pick up dirty socks.

They have taught me to push the chairs under the table when we have finished eating.

I wish all habits were as easily formed.

Pooped

This week my days have been fuller than normal. As the fall season gets back into full swing, the women's bible study I'm a part of is gearing up for a wonderful year. I've been meeting with a team of awesome women who have planned, planned and planned some more while seasoning it all with prayer.

In the midst of coffee making, lunch planning, volunteer gathering, book binding, tablecloth hunts and registration, the activity and organization takes over for a full spotlight. Appointments are planned around the needs of this upcoming study. Its a dizzy schedule.

This fabulous fifty's body has a hard time keeping up. In fact I spent some of my time last night, when I should have been sleeping, fretting about the volunteer list for clean-up, greeters, coffee-making and so on. Sometimes I get in such a planning mode the details replay over in my mind.

And even in my human exhaustion to try to make sure I've done all I need to do, God is soooo full of mercy.

He surrounds me with the most precious women who remind me of His purposes. There is a bigger picture!

When I remember the utlimate purpose of our activity is to point women to Jesus who can answer all their questions and meet their most inner needs, I get excited!

What a wonderful thing that I get to be involved in what God is doing and be a part of women's lives, even as my human flesh suit gets pooped.

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him." 2 Corinthians 2:14

Time out

I need a day off but won't get it for a while. I need to plan a day without opening up my laptop, without checking my email, without the need to answer the phone. Yes, I need the personal downtime to relax. But more importantly, I need to get my house de-cluttered and cleaned.

Its not a matter of cleaning the bathtub or doing the laundry.

Its a matter of some piles that keep getting deeper that if I don't get to them, I fear we will lose the dogs under them.

My clues:

I have a pile near my sitting spot that is taller than my iced tea glass.

I have a pile near the phone and backdoor that is tall enough to lose a grocery sack.

If you don't see me for a while, you will know I am either de-cluttering the piles of my life or have been lost beneath them.

Running Under Duress

I never intentionally run. I will walk. I will walk fast. But to run, is a painful ordeal.

Today I ran.

My office is on the same mail route as my house which can make things very helpful. If its Saturday and there is a package for the office, my mail carrier drops it by my house. This is usually a good thing but can be a "not so great thing" if the package is big. This means I must lug the gigantic package from my house back to the office. Usually though, its a good thing. But I digress.

A customer notified me of an ordering error on a package that was picked up this morning at the office along with other out-going packages by the USPS carrier. It was a slim-shot but I watched for the mail carrier late this afternoon near my house. I usually miss her.

I heard her drive by, heading the wrong direction down our street. I had missed hearing her when she drove down my side of the street. And now I saw her puttering along, about 3 houses past our house. She was driving away!

I had on my strapless, cork-heeled sandles.

Forgetting my footwear, I took off down the street, waving my arms and hollering her name. I'm sure the neighbors thought I was nuts.

I'm also sure it was a sight to behold. I would get within 20 feet of the back of the mail truck and off she would go to the next mailbox. I'd start to holler and run again, trying to reach her before she had deposited more mail in the next box. Rats! This wasn't working.

I ran past ten houses and almost gave up. But rather than giving up, I tried it again.

I reached her truck this time and appreciated her kindness in opening up her truck to hand me the package I needed. I was able to email the customer that all was well, her corrected order would be in tomorrow's mail. Whew!

I think I could call this afternoon's run: perserverance. Its not always easy to keep going in the face of discouragement, difficult circumstances, Texas heat and heeled sandals. Reminds me of the daily choices to walk on:

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1: 5-8

Relieved

A follow-up appointment with oncologist today included results back from MD Anderson and the best of news. My sister's breast cancer was misdiagnosed. She does not have breast cancer. No further treatment is needed. We are all doing the happy dance of relief. This was a scary 6 days.

Reminder: If you haven't had a mammogram this year, schedule it now!

Stay cool

The temperatures are still over 100 degrees in the Dallas/Ft Worth area of Texas. The news continues to tell us that we have had over 32 days over the 100 mark and will continue to add to that total. Hot is okay. Broiling is not. Of course this is okay if your oven happens to malfunction. Baking on the sidewalk is an option.

Wherever you are, stay cool. Drink lots of water. And think about the cooler temperatures that will come. And pray for rain!

"For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants." Isaiah 44:3

Have you had a mammogram lately?

Breast cancer and ovarian cancer run in our family and so my sister and I have been on alert and patrol for breast invasions for years.

If you haven't scheduled your mammogram this year, now is the time. Do not delay. Yes, monthly self-exams are good but the mammogram catches spots that you simply can't find yourself.

I usually schedule my mammogram during my birthday month but got sidetracked a few years ago so my schedule got out of whack. I think this year I'm going to get back on schedule by adjusting things. Its easier to remember that way.

We received the hard news this week that my sister has breast cancer. Yes, she had regular mammograms. And yes, self-exams too. The mammogram picked up a spot that couldn't be felt either by her doctor or her own fingers. We are grateful for those wonderful imaging machines that squish and squeeze the "girls" into pancakes.

And out of the distress, heartache and pain of receiving such frightening news, we will rejoice in God for the technology marvels of the mammogram.

And I ask for you to add "Kathy's sister" to your prayer list as surgery is scheduled and treatments are explored.

"I am in pain and distress;
may your salvation, O God, protect me.

I will praise God's name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving." Psalm 69:29-30

Monster House

One of the great things about being a teacher, is to hopefully live long enough to see how some of your students turned out. I had the privilege of having an outstanding young man in my classroom when he was in middle school. And then again, when I moved to the high school to teach advanced drawing and AP, he was there, shining amongst the best.

He graduated in the top group (top 12) from our large high school, went to Ringling School of Art and Design, graduated 4 years later and was snatched up for employment at Sony Imageworks in their animation studio. But most importantly is the character of this young man. Talented. Industrious. Trustworthy. A follower of Christ.

I just got home from the movie theatre where we watched Monster House, his the first project. We enjoyed the movie even though it was a bit creepier than my normal choices in movies. And when the movie was over, we stayed in our seats to watch the credits roll.

What a treat for me! To see his name as the credits rolled by....and remember that 7th grade boy with a sketchbook full of drawings that he kept with him at all times and who fussed when I assigned a color project but managed with glowing success....... I couldn't have been much prouder unless I had been his parent.

Applause, Jarred! I'm so proud of you.

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Eph 3: 14-21

Book Meme

I was tagged by a fellow blogger with this book meme. This is a challenge to me since my eyesight has kept me from reading like I used to read. In the past I would gulp down entire books in a weekend. Now, because of a weird retina disorder, up close reading is hard as I have to really concentrate to see the fine print on the left side of the page. But I'll take a stab at this...remembering books as one of my favorite pleasures. It goes without saying that the Bible would be the first I'd choose for many of these answers, but if not the Bible:

1. One book that changed your life:
Mere Christianity. I received this book when I graduated from high school but didn't appreciate its content until I was in college. Awesome truth.

2. One book that you've read more than once:
The Hiding Place. The story of Corrie Ten Boom and her family's decision to hide jews during the reign of Hitler. She and her family were caught and sent to concentration camps where she and her sister, Betsy, taught bible studies from flea infested barracks. "There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still..."

3. One book you'd want on a desert island:
Like Joye, I'd enjoy having the entire Chronicles of Narnia with me to be forever entertained by Lucy, Edmund, Susan and King Peter.

4. One book that made you laugh:
The Eleventh Hour - a puzzle book with awesome illustrations and a mystery surrounding a birthday party. A great gift for my son when he was younger but I think I enjoyed it more.

5. One book that made you cry [or feel really sad]:
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. Really creepy yet riveting book set on an English estate: Mandelay. Very Victorian and mysterious. Not sure if it made me cry or feel sad but it was an alarmingly intriguing book of odd characters.

6. One book that you wish had been written:
Formula and Easy Lessons for Being a Perfect Parent - This has got to be the hardest job in the world and harder still making sure the launch is successful. Thankfully, God provides grace...

7. One book that you wish had never been written:
I'll be brave and say: DaVinci Code. Yes, I know its only fiction. Yes, I know the book inside says it is non-fiction. The controversary has been more than I've enjoyed participating in. Add to that I know of many christians who have glazed over it with the shallow notion that "maybe its possible after all.....". Come on people. Use your noggins. 1500 years later a conspiracy is discovered that was kept quiet all those years? I don't think so. History doesn't support it. And quite frankly I don't know anyone (men or women) that are good at keeping a secret for 1 day much less 1500 years....Its fiction and bad fiction at that (ducking for the thrown tomatoes). If you know art history, you will easily spot the major flaws...

8. One book you're currently reading:
Love is a Wild Assault. Sounds like a silly romance novel but it isn't. Its historical fiction about Harriet Potter, set in east Texas during the early years of Texas as a country and her life throughout the war of the Alamo, the trail of tears, the victory of the Texicans at San Jacinto and her strength along the way. I love historial fiction the very very best of all. One of my other favorites: Follow the River.

9. One book you've been meaning to read:
End of the Spear. I've read "Through Gates of Splendor" years ago and would like to re-read the true story of those brave missionaries who headed to Ecudor to share the good news of Jesus.

Rain!

I woke up this morning to a complete overcast sky. I've rarely seen it in the past 3 months and when I did, it meant nothing by the end of the day. We've been in a very long drought so we are paying premium prices for the privilege of watering our lawn. I think it would be cheaper to purchase new sod each month than to try to keep the current grass green.

But this morning, the overcast sky has turned into a miracle of actual water that is dribbling from the sky. Its not a gully-washing, frog-strangler down pour. But it is a consistent dribble that has now been watering the earth around my house for the last hour.

I feel like doing a happy dance.

Reminds me of God's blessings. When we are in a drought and unable to recognize what He is doing, the days are long, dry, dusty and miserable. When we see Him pouring out those blessings on our lives, the praises easily come. Reminds me further I need to learn to be thankful, even in the drought.

And for today, whether the rain continues or dries up in a few minutes, I'll rejoice!

Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp. He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. Psalm 147:7-8

HRT - Still a balancing act

Its been eight years since my hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo and oopherectomy and it hasn't always been easy. I spent a good part of my first year of recovery trying to find a hormone therapy that worked. It wasn't just a matter of hot flash management. It was a matter of many other things. Stamina. Sleeping. Feeling "normal" - whatever that is.

After a year of trial and error, I found a hormone therapy that worked for me and I've used. And then this spring, seven and a half years later, another adjustment was needed. I started to struggle with insomnia and adrenaline rushes. My doctor is awesome. She checked my cortisol levels and found that my hormone therapy was probably contributing to the symptoms. And so, we started adjusting and tweaking again.

Its a journey requiring persistence. And so I trudge on.

We have adjusted them once again in an attempt to find my new levels and I'm still hanging on, hoping my balance can be measured accurately once again.

Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, magnesium, vitamin D, omega3....

Amazing what a gal goes through without ovaries to manage these things! I'd like to sleep "like a log" once again.

"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me." Psalm 3:5

Red Faced Monkeys

It seems that my mind is full of concerns this week. In my world, they are called red-faced monkeys.

My pastor provided this great illustration of the wonder of our brains. Think about a red-faced monkey, what it sounds like, what it might throw, what it is doing. The monkey takes up your thoughts even when you dont' want to think about red-faced monkeys. Now think about the Statue of Liberty. Her color, what she is wearing on her head, what she has in her hand. Immediately you realize that the Statue of Liberty is front and center in your brain as there is no room for the red-faced monkey to take up your thoughts.

Several concerns this week have me distracted. A health concern for two family members. This mom's concern for her child. Red-faced monkeys that can keep me worried and fretful when there is nothing in my realm of control I can do about them...

And so I pray.

It doesn't have to be complicated or formulated. I've learned (and am always relearning!) that I can replace the red-monkeys in my thoughts with other things that are worthy. And in my simple requests without big words and even when I don't know how to word things right, He hears me and answers.

Don't you love that about God?

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart..." Hebrews 10: 19-22

Bad Hair Day

Have you ever gotten a haircut (one that you requested) and then got home to stare at the mirror and hate it?

It happened today.

Bad hair day? I fear this will be a bad hair month.

Thankfully, hair grows! Until then, I'll find a hat.

The Lord, the LORD Almighty, called you on that day to weep and to wail, to tear out your hair and put on sackcloth. Isaiah 22:12

Yes, I know. Not in context but somehow it fits me anyway.

50!

I woke up this morning and didn't feel any different today than I did yesterday. Makes me wonder if 50 is creeping up on me and will surprise me one day when I'm not noticing?

I had a great party on Saturday night. Both my kids were home. The house was filled with friends and family making noise and eating barbeque from Rudy's. They wore red since red is my eye candy color. My husband put a balloon on the mailbox and a sign in the yard that said: Nifty nifty, Kathy is 100/2. (He is a math teacher. [insert eyeroll here]) The birthday cake was chocolate with chocolate icing and had the same fractional sentiment on it.

By the end of the evening my face was tired from all the laughing. The gifts were a hoot. It took me hours to chill out enough to sleep since I was so hyped up from all the fun.

If I had known turning 50 would be so much fun, I would have done it years ago.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.
Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Ps 90: 1-2

Treasured Paths

I try to walk everyday. This isn't a noble act but one of need. I lead more of a sedatary life now that I'm not teaching school. Most days I walk in the evenings. Its still hot when I head out of the house but I try to time it so that I'm walking as the sun goes down and won't be beating right on top of my head. I take water, a cell phone and my talking pedometer.

Sometimes, if I know the evening will be busy with other activities, I walk in the morning.I'm not a morning person.

No matter when I walk, I have choices on my journey. My intent is to walk over 1.5 miles. If I stick to my planned course I end up at 1.9 miles in about 35 minutes. On this particular course are several hills that wear me out. Literally.

My neighborhood is a wonderful walking neighborhood with winding streets in one direction and there is a spiral street dissecting all the streets. At any corner, I have a variety of choices to make. Each taking me down a different street. All bring me home.

Sometimes, I'm in a hurry or I'm too tired and I take the easy options.

I realized this morning as I was trudging along that when I take the easier streets, I miss the prettiest yards. There are some yards and streets that are absolutely beautiful. Their landscaping is laid out to perfection. The crepe myrtles are blooming. The periwinkles perky. I love a particular street as it has several pretty houses all laid out next to each other. But I realize when I take the easy way home, I miss this street.

Then I thought of God's ways with us. In our choices along our life's journey, sometimes taking the easy way robs us of the treasures we find in the hard stuff. Or, if God takes us down the hard path, through no fault of our own, the blessings in the midst might be a wonderful surprise.

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?" Romans 11:32-34

Holey Moley!

Last summer we fought the battle of the mole.

Early in the summer Dora Mae, (head of homeland security for our property) set up camp and patrolled the backyard on extra duty. She had detected covert operations and was determined to rid the yard of their presence. While we had no idea in the first few days what was going on, Dora had unearthed tunnels and sat, ready to grab, with her head stuck into one end of a hole.

She would wake up on the morning, ignore her bowl of breakfast, and head outside. She would camp for a long time, watching for activities and would only come inside for water and food when she could no longer handle starvation.

I would watch her from my breakfast table as she dug and dug and dug her way across the yard, chasing the varmits. Chasing univited guests is her job.

/sidenote
Dora is extraordinary at her position as head of homeland security. She has caught and killed snakes, birds, a field rat, lizards, bugs of all shapes and sizes. She takes her job very seriously as she protects the family she loves. We know we are safe and secured when Dora is on the job.
/end sidenote

When we finally realized that the object of her interest was a mole or two, I called the pest guys who take care of our yard and home. They sent a mole specialist who happened to be a grown-up ex-student of mine. He surveyed the damaged caused by the mole with Dora Mae in hot pursuit and admitted he couldn't do anything to help. It seems that Dora had uprooted the backyard to such an extent that there was no way to find a tunnel to set a trap. I had to agree. Dora had dug up the entire backyard. He did think that the moles wouldn't be able to stay and would probably be gone soon since they would have no way to stay inside their tunnels. Dora had done her job, he said.

And so, last summer, we fought the battle of the mole. Dora had won.

And in August of last year, we treated for grub worms, which he said were the cause of all the mole activity. Get rid of next year's grubs and you get rid of next year's moles.

And this year (although very late for their arrival), they are back in spite of our treatment for grub worms. The only good thing about it, is that they have stayed in the front yard this year and have not attempted to tunnel into the backyard. Its a good thing, too. The grass has finally grown in back there.

I actually saw a mole a day ago, coming out of one of the holes in our neighbors yard. He is an odd looking critter with huge feet/claws. How odd of God!

God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:25

Frozen Chocolate Mix

I'm still on target for my weight loss, gradually losing 1 pound or so per week. Although my trainer keeps pushing me to a 2 pound loss, I'm happy losing 1 pound per week. I haven't felt deprived. I haven't felt hungry. I haven't given up any meals. I simply have been careful with my portion sizes, increased the amount of protein I'm eating, tried to cut the sugary carbs and most importantly, increased my level of physical activity.

This has worked for me because its not extreme. I can live this way. I'm not white-knuckling a diet. I'm changing my lifestyle.

And along the way, one of the things I've continued to enjoy has been a Braum's treat.

Chocolate Mix with Heath from Braums.

I have no idea how many calories are in a small chocolate frozen yogurt. But I can guess at it. I save my calories on occasion and head over there for my treat.

Today was one of those days. I slurped it down while my brain did a happy dance. And now I'm putting on my shoes and heading out the door for my walk.

Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8

Countdown - A week

Its been years since I counted down the days to my birthday but this year, I'm counting down. No longer will I be forty-something. I will join the ranks of the generation of folks who are 50 and proud of it.

We are having a party at my house on Saturday evening. (You are invited but must RSVP by Wednesday. ha!) Barbeque from Rudy's. Cornbread Salad, Potato Salad, Fruit. A cake from Candy Haven. A house packed full of friends and family and I will usher in this new decade of my life in style.

I'm spending this week decluttering and plotting the serving dilemma (off the kitchen counter or use up one of the tables?) and counting the napkins and plates.

I think I'm ready but still have a few more piles to move in the effort to make sure the counters have room for the food.

I'm soooo excited! 50!