For Today…February 8, 2009
Outside my Window…overcast, grey skies and cool (40 degrees Fahrenheit) but dry weather today. This is typical late-winter weather for us. As we were driving to church this morning, I noticed more and more signs of spring on the way. There are catkins on some bushes, and the weeping willow stems are getting greener. The distant craggy peaks across the border in Canada still look plenty cold, though.
I am thinking…of the devastating wildfires in Victoria, Australia. Blogging friend Remote Treechanger
lives in that part of Australia, and talks about the fires a bit on her blog. Over one hundred people have died in the fires so far. Some communities have been completely destroyed. What a reminder that our lives can change (or end) so suddenly and unexpectedly. This makes me think of the importance of being on right terms with the Lord NOW, for we have no assurance of tomorrow.
From the learning rooms…I have been learning about detached retinas, lattice degeneration, and sclera buckle surgery. Our 22 year old son suddenly lost vision in one eye this past Wednesday because the retina (the eye’s ‘movie screen’ inside at the back of the eyeball) detached. He had surgery on Friday, and can now sense light. It will be one month before he knows how much vision he will regain.
I am thankful for…God giving us curiosity about creation, so that such things as the intricate working of the eyes have been studied, and reparative operations have been developed. The surgeon who operated on our son has 20 years experience.
From the kitchen…I have been making quick and easy meals during this stressful, busy time. Today we enjoyed a friend’s recipe for CHEESY POTATOES. Since it’s so simple, I’ll just tuck the recipe in right here:
¼ cup melted butter
½ cup chopped onion
1 can cream of celery or mushroom soup
1 small carton sour cream
1 or 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 pounds frozen hash brown potatoes
Sauté the onion in the butter, then combine all ingredients. Pour into a 9×13-inch baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to one hour.
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I am wearing…white, ruffled blouse, dressy black skirt with black leggings, and blue/green oversweater.
I am reading…The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith, set in the African country of Botswana. My friend Nancy at school recommended this book to me. I’ve only just started and will try to pick it up again on Monday.
I am hoping…our son has a good report from the surgeon when he returns to the hospital for a follow-up visit tomorrow.
I am creating…my Daybook one day early because I already know I’ll be too busy tomorrow. Sunday is a lovely, relaxed day at our home, a day of piety, and of rest, so I’m not feeling the pressure of a ‘to do’ list. (Uh oh! One of my daughters just informed me that I have a remarkable ability to remain on the computer. This is why I don’t do more of these long posts; I wouldn’t get anything else done!)
I am hearing…our young people conversing together in the living room. This is one of my favorite sounds. It gives me so much joy, knowing that our grown and almost grown up children enjoy talking with one another and being together.
Around the house…the perennials are still sleeping underground. Nothing deciduous has made its appearance yet. For color we have only the faithful evergreens, and the mossy grass.
One of my favorite things…is that the duties of each day are what make the days interesting and full of variety.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…
- I take my elderly mom to the doctor tomorrow while my husband takes our son to Seattle for his post-operative visit.
- Our twin daughters have their 24th birthdays this week.
- I still want to celebrate my husband’s birthday, which we missed last week due to our son’s medical emergency. At least I want to bake him an applesauce cake and give him his birthday card, signed by each one of us.
- Two of our girls received tickets to the Seattle Symphony performance scheduled for this Thursday evening. How they are going to get there and back is still up in the air.
- Friday, our church youth group is having a square dance fundraiser, and I’m scheduled to help with food preparation and serving. All-in-all, it’s sounding like a busy week ahead.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…
Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:
Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!
