No . . . please, not yet . . .

Did someone mention the dreaded S word? Texas must've heard you - we are going to be creeping into the warm SUMMER-like 80's this week. But its not just that. . . something was waiting for me when I stepped outside this morning to get the paper. . . a familiar enemy, ah yes, humidity. And, on top of that, with everything blooming, the pollen count is off the charts . . . icky

I am trying to focus on the good things this week - like the Spurs winning by ten over the Orlando Magic last night, or more importantly, the wonderful BSF retreat this weekend in Dallas :)
But > > >
I just can't seem to shake my disappointment with the weather.

I really would rather be here right now. . .

Sigh ;)

Strawberries and Sunsets

I made chocolate-dipped strawberries this past weekend. Accompanied by brownies, we had some sweet post-Valentine's treats. . .

But the sweetest thing was this stunning sunset we saw on our walk :)

Looking back

If I had a penny for every time I looked back. . .

I'd be filthy stinking rich right now.

So what? Looking back is normal, right?

I guess it depends on how you are looking back. I really wish that I could focus on the warm memories. There are lots of shadows that cloud the sunshine though. But the grace of God is evident through the cloud-cover. The blessings are endless, all the way around.

Sometimes I wonder how things might have been if this or that didn't change. . . life would be so completely different, so completely not what God has set out for this life. And that brings me to these things called memories. Memories are like photos. Still life. Time, frozen.

Some of these photos strike the core of me, making me feel everything in that moment all over again. And then I have a lot of pictures that baffle me, what was so important to me then is now so trivial now.

But at some point, you have to put those pictures away, slipping them back into an album, or a box, tucking them in an envelope or putting the frame back on the wall. You walk away and you thank the Lord for yesterday, but you embrace today and you look longingly toward the future.

Christmas Blessings

What sweet surprises have come our way, making our Christmas so merry this year -

Thank you Grammy - the bells are lovely! Seeing you was the best gift of all!

Thank you Dad and Laurel - we love our Spode dishes!

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . .

Christmas Decorating :)

We need a stocking for our pup ;)

Central Park

New York, New York, What a Wonderful Town . . . ;)

Here is a cluster (or, more like a CLUMP) of pictures from our first day trip to Manhattan.

We started out with a ferry ride from Staten Island into the city - we saw the lovely Lady Liberty from the boat and the spectacular city in the distance.

We landed in Battery Park - featuring Statue of Liberty mimes

Oh yes, and a Thanksgiving turkey strutting his stuff.

Lamps at dusk

This was a statue of an eagle, dedicated to all those who had died at sea

I think that I remember this was an art museum - bordering the park

This mission was crammed next to a high skyscraper and it just made us smile -

Times Square -

we passed by where they shoot "Goodmorning America" :)

This store CAUGHT my EYE - GREAT AMERICAN CHOCOLATE COMPANY?! YUM!!!

We walked by this little church that seemed the only serene spot in the bustling city - it also had this weird 'root' sculpture that didn't seem to go with the rest of the architecture. . .hmmm

Umm . . . roots can't grow in cement. . .

Here we are on Wall Street - Haven is posing with Washington ;) I personally think my husband is better looking ;)

I loved this particular scene of Washington praying. The fact that it was such a central part of the Wall Street square really stood out to me -

And we wandered by Carnegie Hall - awww, shucks, didn't have golden tickets to get in though ;)

And, speaking on golden things, well, and diamonds . . .

Gotta take the dog for a run - more to come . . . stay tuned ;)

Sweet Memories

Our Second Wedding Anniversary is coming up, but, as we will be on the east coast that day, I have to do a little posting ahead :)

~ *~

October 8th, 2005 was a precious day for us. I married my Haven, and I thank God for these 2 years He has given us together & I cannot wait for many many more!