Day 4 of Bike Triip

I'm sitting at the hotel computer in Franklin, Tennessee. Exhausted. It's the first day I haven't actually been wet while riding or had to wear rain gear. Oh, don't get me wrong. It rained today. Thankfully, I was not out in it.

We've done lots of riding and sightseeing along the way of our 700+ miles so far. Mammoth Cave. Jack Daniels Distillery. Civil War Cemeteries. Cute shops and boutiques. Tomorrow we're headed down the Natchez Trace Parkway.

I have tons of pictures and stories. There was even a murder/suicide. But for now....I'm headed to bed.

Thinking of you and praying for you.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Summer Gotta Do!!!

I've kind of been working on my "things I want to do this summer" list. Working on it in my head. Nothing on paper. Time to change that! This is what last summer's gotta do list looked like and how I did on it.

Here are some of the activities I want to accomplish this summer.

Bike Trip with Jess (me and my buddy are heading out on our Harley's for a few days) This was on my list last summer too. We're actually leaving Saturday...as in TOMORROW!!!!

Mammoth Cave

Water Park

Go junking. Have you ever been? Yard sales. Estate auctions. I'm on the hunt for photography props.

Have a water balloon fight.

Go to the library. Read a book. That might not seem like a big deal, but believe me it is. To read a book, I have to actually sit in one spot for more than ten minutes.

Bake something original.

Enter baked goods/canned goods at local state fair.

Have a squirt gun fight

Picnic

Go to the pool every other weekend (at least)

Make s'mores.

Clean and organize my pantry, closet, dressers, life.

CANNING:

Strawberry Chipotle Jam (already made this)

Refrigerator Pickles

Zucchini Relish

Peach Jam

Tomato (some with basil. this stuff is amazing)
Salsa (definitely) Last year I made salsa from a recipe my sweet friend, Gigi @ *afterthoughts* shared. THANK YOU GIGI!!!! It is by far the best salsa I've ever had. I'm hoarding my last two jars.

Apple Pie Filling (definitely)

Something new (not sure what just yet, gonna search the canning book)

FREEZING:

Strawberries (done)

Blueberries

Raspberries

Peppers (green, red, yellow, hot)
Herbs

OTHER PRESERVING:
Last year, I also made herb vinegars and oils. My sweet blog peep, Pam @ Sidewalk Shoes made some and I followed suit. This stuff is wonderful! They add punch to ordinary meals. She has introduced me to exceptional recipes and cookbooks. THANKS PAM!!!


PHOTOGRAPHY:

I'm going to be taking more pictures. Developing my own style. Studying. Coming up with a unique name (future contest for this). Learning. 


That should keep me busy for a minute or two...don't you think? Something else I had on my list from last year was to start an exercise program. Commit to working out at least three time a week. I actually did that! I'm loving it. I even conned one of my friends into joining me. She lost 40 pounds. You can read about that HERE and see the pictures I took of her.

What are your summer plans? Going camping? Taking a vacation? Where do you/will you go? Doing a stacation?  Please share. I can't wait to read all your comments when I get back. Until then, I'll miss you all.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Summer Nights HodgePodge

1. Summer's here-whoohoo! What's your favorite sight, sound, AND smell associated with summer? The vivid blue of a summer sky. The chirping of life. The fragrant floral and fauna. AND The feel of the wind on my face riding down the road on my motorcycle! lol

2. Fireflies or lightning bugs...what are they called in your neck of the woods? I call them lightnen' bugs.

3. What is something from the past week that reminded you of your childhood? Walking in the rain.

4. Define 'the good life'. Being with my family, all of them healthy and happy, sharing our faith.

5. Tell us what we'd see if you took a snapshot of your desk/work space? A muttled mess!

6. Peaches or watermelon...yes, you have to choose. Peaches. I make jam with the intention of keeping that summer fresh flavor all winter long. Or until I run out of jam.....whichever comes first. lol

7. Ever been skinny dippin'? Is that too much for the Wednesday Hodgepodge? Rest assured we won't need details...unless of course you feel you must but remember, this is a family friendly blog so keep it G rated. Nope!

8. Insert your own random thought here. It would seem the only blogging being done here lately are these weekly hodgepodge answers. Summer is trudging along pretty uneventful. Perhaps I'll find inspiration after my motorcycle trip.

 A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.  ~James Dent

I leave you with this "summer" song and video by Brad Paisley:

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan  

Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)  He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

My Running Pal, Photo Shoot

A few weeks ago, I talked my running buddy into being my guinea pig. She was such a good sport. I needed some practice taking some "on-location" pictures. Honestly, she was kinda excited to have her picture taken after losing 40 pounds. Yep. You read that right. FORTY pounds. She and I began working out together in January. Weights. Treadmill. Running. Calorie counting. She lost 40 pounds. I lost .....um, maybe five. *sigh* Granted. I don't really have a lot of weight to lose. It's just that my weight is distributed a little differently these days. It happens.

But I have puppy A.D.D., so let's get back to the photo shoot and a few of my favorites.

So....what do you think. She's a beautiful gal, yes? But are the pictures professional quality? What say you?

Thanks for your honest comments.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Do You Know What Today Is???

Today is "National Milkshake Day!" It seems there is a "national day" of just about everything. But milkshakes? Sign me up!!! If I had this beauty.....

I could whip out milkshakes in no time. Wait. Stop. Hold everything. I'm working out diligently and eating healthier. Milkshakes are not on my regular meal rotation. What about you?

Perhaps I can figure out a way to make them healthy enough to have once in a while. What is your favorite flavor? Do you make you own or go to your local fountain store?

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Have a fabulous week.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Mark 8:36 (NKJV) For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

Cueing HodgePodge

Another Wednesday HodgePodge from Joyce.

1. What is one thing on your bucket list? If you don't have a bucket list let's pretend you do. Travel to Europe, Ireland, Egypt, the Middle East (if it's ever safe enough to go there), and..... ok Travel!

2. What makes a good dad? A dad is someone who spends time with you, instills integrity and values, and teaches you about having your own personal relationship with God.

3. Are you afraid of insects? Which ones? Nope. Not afraid of them. Just don't like them. The only good insect is a dead insect.....eaten by something bigger than it and smaller than me. lol

4. We're barbecuing...what's on the grill at your house? Chicken, turkey loins, steak, locally grown veggies and fruit....how many are showing up for dinner?

5. Do you believe that playing is more important than winning? Playing is a teaching.

6. Do you tan? Use self tanners? Visit tanning salons? See your dermatologist at least once a year? Ummm, I ride a motorcycle. There's no way to avoid sun. I slather on the sun block before my rides. But, I'm also a pool junkie. Have been since my pre-teens. Not as much sun block at the pool, so I see a dermatologist. Yes, I've had spots removed. I'm fair skinned and blue eyed. It's a natural hazard.

7. Five years ago I would never imagine that today I would_______________. Still be alive, praising God for removing the cancer from my body.

I saw this question on Marla's facebook page and I thought it was perfect for the Hodgepodge. Everyone go say hi to Marla...she has an E-book launching this week.

8. Insert your own random thought here. Did my first paid photo shoot of this lovely couple. They are getting married in October and they asked me to do their engagement pictures. What do you think? Professional looking?

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own. 

 

Peace and Joy,

Susan 

Proverbs 23:24 (NKJV) The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who begets a wise child will delight in him.

It's Flag Day Y'all

That's right. Today is set aside to honor Old Glory. Did you know there is a correct way to fly our beloved flag, and also a wrong way? Let's look at how to fly the flag: (There are pictures at the bottom of this post, so please hang in there through the code. You can click on the photos to enlarge.)

United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1 — The Flag

§7. Position and manner of display The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.

1. The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff, or as provided in subsection (i) of this section.
2. The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
3. No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations.
4. The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag's own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.
5. The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.
6. When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's right.
7. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.
8. When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff. When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.
9. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.
10. When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.
11. When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.
12. The flag should form a distinctive feature of the ceremony of unveiling a statue or monument, but it should never be used as the covering for the statue or monument.
13. The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from any State, territory, or possession who dies while serving on active duty, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff, and the same authority is provided to the Mayor of the District of Columbia with respect to present or former officials of the District of Columbia and members of the Armed Forces from the District of Columbia. The flag shall be flown at half-staff 30 days from the death of the President or a former President; 10 days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives; from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress. The flag shall be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. As used in this subsection —
1. the term "half-staff" means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff;
2. the term "executive or military department" means any agency listed under sections 101 and 102 of title 5, United States Code; and
3. the term "Member of Congress" means a Senator, a Representative, a Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.
14. When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.
15. When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a building with only one main entrance, it should be suspended vertically with the union of the flag to the observer's left upon entering. If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with the union to the north, when entrances are to the east and west or to the east when entrances are to the north and south. If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union should be to the east.

These are a couple photos I snapped over Memorial Day weekend:

Here's another one:

And this one...probably my favorite:

Are you flying our flag today?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Philippians 3:20 (NKJV) For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Sum-Sum-Summertime HodgePodge

1. Do you and your family enjoy camping? What do you enjoy most/like the least when it comes to family camping? When was the last time you camped? It's been years since I camped. My idea of camping does not involve this:

I have done plenty of that over the years. My idea of camping now is to pull up in a trailer that has all the comforts of the hut. Like this:

2. Did you attend a summer camp when you were a kid? Is that a happy or not so happy memory? I attended a church camp with one of my high school friends. That's the only time I ever went to a summer camp. It was a good time.  

3. Over the course of your life, what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else? Ugh! Now why didn't I think of that????

4. Which of the seven natural wonders of the world would you most like to see? There are many lists of 'wonders' but this is the standard natural wonder list-Mount Everest, The Great Barrier Reef, The Grand Canyon, Victoria Falls, The Harbor of Rio de Janerio, Paricutan Volcano and The Northern Lights. I've been to the Grand Canyon. It was amazing. Don't know that I'll make it to any of the others.

5. What was your first real job? I worked as a bookkeeper/clerk for a metals company.

6. Lemonade or Sweet tea...which do you prefer on a hot summer day? Ice water with slices of orange, lemon, and lime. Oh wait. That wasn't an option. Whatever.

7. What is something that always brings a smile to your face? My husband.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I'm still seeking ideas for my summer gotta do list. You know, the no/low cost kind of activities that you can do on the spur of the moment or with little planning. You can read about my plight here. What are your plans for summer? Summer reading programs at the library? Day at the beach (even if it is the beach at the lake)? Please share.
 

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own. 

 

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Habakkuk 3:19 (NKJV) The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. 

2011 Summer Gotta Do List - Seeking Ideas

For those of you new to my blog, and those of you who need a nudge to remember, last year I posted an extensive list of places I wanted to go, produce I wanted to can, and things I wanted to see. You can read that list HERE. If you're a real gluten for punishment, you can go HERE and read how much of that list I actually accomplished.

This summer my canning list will be very similar. But I'm kind of stuck on the "places to go" and "things to see" part of the list at the moment. I'm definitely going on my motorcycle trip with my pal Jess. I also want to go to a water park.

Perhaps you can help me. What are some things you want to do and see this summer?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Friday Confessional

I confess

That I might be just a little CDO. It's very similar to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, only in alphabetical order like it should be.

I confess

I detest plastic "glassware." It's a thing with me. So, please. Don't serve me coffee in styrofoam, tea in cardboard, or milk in plastic.

I confess

There are two plastic "glasses" in my cupboard. My husband begged me to buy him a jumbo plastic "glass" for his tea. I did not deny his request. 

I confess

I purchased four clear plastic "glasses" for the grand-boy to use. But they have a milky coating from the dishwasher, and I'm ready to throw them away.

I confess

I make guests use red plastic "glasses" at our outdoor social gatherings. How can you tell whose glass belongs to whom? I have them write their name or draw on them with a Sharpie.

I confess

Even though my guests are forced use plastic, I'm sporting a real glass. 

They still love me. I hope.

Confessions are good for the soul. If you'd like to read other confessions or join in with your own, hop on over to Mamarazzi's.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV) A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.