Busy Saturday

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Uncategorized

Whew!  Have you been busy today too? 

We had a beautiful day today – bright, hot and no rain.  My hubby tackled the jungle-that-is-our-yard.  He even used the weed eater to clear out around my plants.  It looks wonderful!  I just love a freshly mowed yard.  It gives me great joy!

I worked on our little back porch.  Our washer and dryer are there, as well as shelves for tools, hardware, the dog kennel, old therapy equipment, empty boxes and water jugs, vacuum cleaners, brooms, mops, ironing board…well, you get the idea!  It is certainly a "catch all" for us, and it needed a little work. 

I threw away as many things as I thought I could get away with ; ) and boxed up a few things to give away.  The rest I tried to rearrange and minimize.  It certainly looks better and we have a bigger "path" to walk through.  It could really use a complete reorganization, but it will do for now.  I also swept, gave the rugs a good shake and brought in the finished laundry. 

Doug also worked on our second car…the one that doesn't work, but that we need to get rid of.  He was able to move it so that he could mow under it, so it doesn't get all "snakey" under there, as my mom says. LOL!

I cleaned out the frig and worked on a grocery list.  Then Doug cleaned up, dressed Isaac and they headed to the grocery store.  Isaac always loves shopping.  It's one of his favorite things to do.

My mom and dad worked outside today, too; so we were able to fellowship a little over the fence, just like housewives used to do in the olden days. : )  It is one of my favorite things about living next door to them.

This evening we're resting and enjoying some fresh produce that Doug found this morning at a local produce stand.  The nectarines are just yuMMy! : )

I hope you have a good Sunday.
Alesha

The Slow Days of Summer

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Florida Weather, What's Happening

Well, here in Florida, we've hit that part of the summer that means daily showers and hot temperatures.  And THAT means that the grass needs to be mowed about every 72 hours!  It just grows so fast!!!

Isaac went to therapy yesterday and is a tired puppy today.  He's content to watch some Veggie Tales and of course he basked in Grammy's visit earlier today.

I've been working on some jewelry this week.  That's always fun for me.  I love the creative part of it.

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Of course, I also love it when I read stories like this one!  I do love a satisfied customer!!!

I'm looking forward to a quiet weekend…we'll probably be working on that grass. : ) 

I hope you have a really great weekend, and are able to be in church on Sunday.  What a blessing is to worship the Lord God with believers of like faith!

Blessings to you,
Alesha

Some Things Won’t Get Done Today

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Florida Weather, Recipe, What's Happening

Doug and I are starting a new schedule this week, and we are going to see just how well it works.  Isaac will be going to therapy twice a week now.  I know the therapy will be good for him.  I'm just not sure how well our poor old truck is going to hold up with all the traveling.  I'm also not sure how the traveling will affect Doug – not that he is old, or anything!!! : )

I was really looking forward to my afternoon yesterday.  I have several rearranging/organizing jobs that need to be tackled in my tiny house.  I was going to jump into those projects while the boys were out. 

What I did not anticipate, however, was the headache that decided to attack with all its fury during the night on Monday.  I'm pretty sure it's related to sinus issues and all of the rainy weather we are having right now…lots of fronts coming through every day.

So yesterday, I did a whole lot of nothing…while trying to make the headache stop.  I finally took some migraine meds, which did ease the pain.  Unfortunately, it had caffeine in it, and I was awake until nearly 4 a.m. this morning.  8-o

Needless to say, my organizing jobs did not get done, but I'm not thinking today looks good for them either.  I'm feeling a wee bit sluggish and oh, so sleepy!

By the way, as per yesterday's advice, I am totally going to try this recipe with my fresh vegetable harvest.  (Please note my linking to this recipe does not endorse this entire site.  Surf with discretion.)

Well, I guess that's it for today.  If anything exciting happens, I'll be sure to come back and let you know.

: )
Alesha

Well, This is What I Think…

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Just My Thoughts

How many times have you heard the above comment? 

And how many times has that comment been followed by a list of grievances, complaints, or negative opinions about someone who is not usually present in the conversation?

I've been reading about all kinds of complainers in the Bible…and I'm not too sure that I feel like complaining about anything for a while.

  • When Miriam complained about God's man, God gave her leprosy. 
  • When the 10 spies came back complaining, God refused to allow them to go into the Promised Land.  
  • When the children of Israel complained about the giants, God refused them admittance into the Promised Land also.
  • When those same 10 spies encouraged the children of Israel to complain, God killed them with a plague.

The Bible also uses the word "murmur" quite often.  It has the following definition:  To grumble; to complain; to utter complaints in a low, half articulated voice.

Hmm…

Well…I think…

God doesn't like complaining.

Quiet Middle, Then BOOM at the End!

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Holiday, Isaac Update, What's Happening

The balance of our week has been relatively quiet – which is ok by me! 

For some reason, Isaac has decided that nights are for singing and laughing and playing, while early mornings into the afternoons are for sleeping, sleeping and sleeping!  We usually don't have any idea why he occasionally gets his days and nights mixed up, and this time is no exception.  We just do our best to keep him awake during the day, and hope he will break out of the cycle before too long.

I was looking for a good guacamole recipe yesterday.  I've tried several, but I haven't been really pleased with any of them so far.  I finally "googled" "guacamole" + "authentic recipe" and on page 3, found the Pioneer Woman's recipe for guacamole and pico de gallo. 

The recipes were fabulous!!!  So simple and yummy.  I don't know why I didn't think to search her site first.  Maybe because most of her recipes sound so rich with butter, cheese and meat that it didn't dawn on me to try her site for two vegetarian dishes.  These were great though.  I heartily recommend them!

Well, Doug has the day off today, and we're trying to find something fun to do.  It has to be an inside activity, though, because the temps are supposed to be in the mid 90s today.  We're thinking of going back to the Wh*le Foods Store.  What???  Isn't going to the grocery considered "something fun to do" at your house???  : )

Isaac will be enjoying the "BOOMS!" this weekend!!!  The first July 4th after his adoption, we went with friends to the local fireworks display.  We had no idea how he was going to react, but he loved it!!!  Giggled and laughed the whole time.  We've not taken him for years due to the seizures, but he still enjoys the big noises every year.  We call them "BOOMS!" because to Isaac, that is a very funny word.  : )

Well, the boys are waking up…I guess I need to finish up.  I pray you
have an exciting and safe Fourth of July holiday.  For those of you
outside the States, go ahead and light a few sparklers on our behalf! 
You know you want to! : )

Blessings,
Alesha

Did you know…? (Fun Food Facts)

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Food and Drink, Hallelujah Diet, Obtaining Mercy Croft

…green peppers are actually unripened red or yellow peppers?  They should mainly be used for cooking.  Red and yellow peppers are sweeter and taste better in salads.  If you are picking green peppers, pick the ones with red streaks as they will be sweeter.

…when celery is too green, it tends to be bitter; but if it's too white, the nutrient value is low.  Try to pick stalks that are in between.

…asparagus becomes tougher the longer it sits.  For the best flavor consume within a few hours of picking. 

…cucumbers are technically a fruit, as are avocados and tomatoes.

…summer squash – including yellow crookneck and zucchini – are interchangeable in recipes.

…avocados should yield slightly to gentle pressure when ripe.  Store unripe avocados in a closed paper bag on the counter.  When ripened, remove from bag and refrigerate immediately.

…the sweeter the carrot, the higher its nutritional content.

…cauliflower is known for its cancer-fighting properties.

…bananas are not ripe until all the green has disappeared and speckles begin to appear on the skin.

…green grape stems indicate fresh grapes, while those that are old will be dark.

…a well-ripened mango will be multi-colored and aromatic, and will yield to pressure, but not be mushy.

…the best way to choose a cantaloupe is by smell.   Also when ripe, the end of the cantaloupe opposite the stem should be soft and yield to gentle pressure.

…pineapples do not ripen after they have been picked – they only rot.

All Fun Food Facts taken from Recipes for Life from God's Garden by Rhonda J. Malkmus.