I’ve watered the garden now a few times here at the house where I’m house sitting. I’ve figured out a routine that seems to work pretty well.
1. Roll up pant legs to below the knee and flip flops on feet.
2. Start sprinkler on vegetable garden.
3. Crawl around under the plum tree with a bowl, picking plums that are ready.
4. Water the flowers at the front and sides of the house.
5. Stop the water on the garden.
6. Water the rest of the trees, flowers, and shrubs.
Takes about an hour, maybe a little more.
I love it. Crawling around under the plum tree in the dirt, picking fallen plums that are ripe, smelling the roses, dead heading the old blossoms…it’s like therapy. And it’s fun. Even picking stickers out of the palms of my hands is fun…I know, that sounds weird, but it’s just part of the watering process. I could wear gloves, I suppose…but where’s the fun in that???
Happy Fourth, everyone 
I found this over at Dr. Laura’s blog a few months ago and thought it was pretty awesome. It’s definitely something to contemplate as we celebrate our country’s independence.
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; for as American citizens trusting, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, ‘Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.’
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, the in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
The thirteenth fold: when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto: ‘In God We Trust.’ After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.
The next time you see a flag ceremony honoring someone that has served our country, either in the Armed Forces or in our civilian services such as the police force or Fire Department, keep in mind all the important reasons behind each and every movement. They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us by honoring our flag and our country.
Stay safe
But there are no peas…haha.
I made this tonight for dinner and thought I’d share since it’s tasty and Keenan ate it.
1/4 bag extra wide egg noodles
5 links Italian sausage
1 eight oz can tomato sauce
1 thirteen oz can artichoke hearts
1/4 c heavy cream
1 t Italian seasonings
salt and pepper to taste
Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta cooks, cook sausage links over medium high heat in a non stick skillet. Remove when 3/4 of the way done and place on chopping board. Let rest for about 5 minutes. In skillet, pour in tomato sauce and add about a half can of water. Chop artichoke hearts lightly and place in with sauce. Slice sausage links into and add to sauce. Add spices. Let simmer for about 5-10 minutes. Add pasta and stir to coat. Then add heavy cream and let heat through. Serve with shaved Parmesan.
The beauty of this is that you can use whatever noodles you want, whatever meat you have on hand, and you can pull whatever veggies you have out of the cupboard…
It’s really good alongside a Caesar salad and a nice slice of baguette…….
Good good stuff Happy Friday y’all!
Today, I was about ready to get on my high horse about something inconsequential with a friend. I practically had to give my tongue a restraining order so I wouldn’t be spiteful, hurtful, bitter, and jealous. I sat, with my mouth clamped shut, even though I was sorely tempted to accuse a friend of not caring about poor little old me.
I began reading emails to distract myself and in there…was a Scripture, which reads as thus:
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. Romans 12:2 NKJV
Suitably chastised, I let it go. My whole indignant accusation went right out the window.
See, God gives you what you need when you need it. I’m not perfect and neither is anyone else, but God gives us what we need, at the exact moment we need it. It’s our job to pay attention, and sometimes that is the hardest part for me. It’s easy for me to get wrapped up in the emotions in a situation, and forget to pay attention.
This is just one little example of things that happen to prune a person, as if he or she were a grapevine.
Maybe some of you don’t even agree with me, and that’s all right. I’m not going to thump anyone over the head with a Bible or anything – all I can share is what I experience
For this week :
1. People who are willing to pray for someone they’ve never met.
2. Learning to be transparent – more here from This Is Reverb.
