CONFLICT AND CRITICISM

As we passed through the marvelous depiction of the life of Abarham Lincoln, one could
not escape the impact of the terrible division and hatred that the issue of slavery was having on this country in those awful years of seemingly unending conflict, death, and destruction. And one could also sense the toll that it was having on the President as he strove to fight for the preservation of the Union and the abolition of this horrible wrong. His critics were many and relentless.

This scene depicks Frederick Douglas and Sojourner Truth waiting for the opportunity to speak to the president.


"If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how - the best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what's said against me won't amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference"



"We should be too big to take offense and too noble to give it." Abraham Lincoln

http://www.lkwdpl.org/wihohio/trut-soj.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Douglass

THE READER AND THE RAIL SPLITTER

We began our journey into Abraham Lincoln's life with a visit to the famous "log cabin". The young Lincoln was stealing away a moment from his daily chores to follow his great passion...reading.


"The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who'll get me a book I ain't read."

On cutting down trees and "splitting rails":http://www.answers.com/topic/rail-splitter

"Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax."

A VISIT WITH MR. LINCOLN

The day trip I took last week (destination unknown) was wonderful. We went to Springfield, Illinois and spent about three hours (not near enough time) at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. I would strongly urge one and all to take the time to take the trip. The library is about three years old, and words cannot adequately express how they have used modern technology, vast research, and incredible insight into the life and times of this man to bring to life this period of time in the history of our country.



This week I am going share some pictures taken and some words of Lincoln.

"There are no accidents in my philosophy.
Every effect must have its cause.
The past is the cause of the present, and the present will be the cause of the future.
All these are links in the endless chain stretching from the finite to the infinite."












HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARK!

NO PICTURE TODAY

Computer is not cooperating in posting a picture.


But here's a great quote from William Longgood

"Dreams and dedication are a powerful combination."

Have a wonderful weekend. Hope to have pictures again Monday; but if not, I will simply continue to steal some more thoughts from those wiser than I. (That gives me a very BIG library of wisdom to choose from!)

BEFORE WINTER COMES

It won't be long until the blossoms are gone.

Until then, this daily visitor to the garden is busy, busy, busy.

" Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; his going forth is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the rains that water the earth." Hosea 6:3

Re: SKIPPING

Yes, I did remember!

Tried it first in my bedroom so as not to embarrass myself too badly outside.

Although I'm not sure my neighbors would be very surprised by anything I might do.

I was really a bit awkward, but am going to keep working at it.

Hopscotch? Maybe next spring..I already have some side walk chalk. : )

By the way...it does seem to bring on the laughter!

Going on a daytrip today with Arline and Allen Clark, friends from the Senior Center. Have no idea where we are going...but they invited me to go along and I know it will be fun. Have to catch the tour bus at Zion UMC at 5:45 am!








TFT: "Friendship comes with long acquaintance -- or in a sudden smile.





Friendship is deep-rooted as an oak or light and lovely as a bird." Pam Brown

I JUST CAN'T RESIST

On my morning walks, I pick up leaves. Just can't help it. Beauty that can't be resisted.

It seems I am not alone in this compulsion.

"I still get wildy enthusiastic about little things...I play with leaves. I skip down the street and run against the wind." Leo Buscaglia




TFT: I think this morning I will see if I still remember how to skip!

JOY

"The God of the universe--the One who created everything and holds it all in His hand--created each of us in His image, to bear His likeness.


His imprint.


It is only when Christ dwells within our hearts, radiating the pure light of His love through our humanity that we discover who we are and what we were intended to be.


There is no other joy that reaches as deep or as wide or as high--there is no other joy that is more complete." Anonymous

THROUGH THE FENCE

This morning glory is brightening up the alley side of my neighbor's fence.





It came up volunteer and really cheers my almost daily trips to the dumpster.





I'm glad it didn't think it was beneath blooming outside the established garden.








And yet another lesson from the flowers.


Have a great weekend.

SIMPLE BEAUTY

The tiny allysum almost gave up during those long, hot, August days.



But now it is blooming it's little heart out.
Seems to know that soon the frost is coming.http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/wildseed/37/37.7.html












TFT: "The simplification of anything is always sensational." G.K.Chesterton

JENNIE AND ME (AND DOROTHY)

This past Saturday, Jennie and I went up to Milo's Bocce Garden for the 18th Annual Championship Risotto Cook-Off.



Jennie brought along her "Big Brown Bag" in which she had a just-baked, fresh apple cake with caramel topping and a thermos of hot coffee.
















































When we arrived, we were joined by Dorothy, whose daughter and son-in-law own and operate Milo's.



The three of us are anxioiusly awaiting a wonderful time.












































The preparations begin, and Dorothy is called into service by her daughter.











































continued:

You went through the serving line and got 7 numbered containers, each with a variation of the traditional Risotto dish.














































We were to sample each one and then vote on a special ballot provided, ranking them in the order of our preference. They were to be judged on appearance, taste, texture etc. Jennie was very helpful in explaining to me just how this dish should be cooked.








































We had a great time. It was very much a family atmosphere. Here we have a Grandfather instructing the youngsters in the fine art of Bocce Ball on one of the courts there at Milo's.


















































TFT: "A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love, and encourages you with hope." Anonymous (this is a very good description of my friend, Jennie) And she makes a really good cake too. :)

INSPIRATION

This tiny miniature rose seems to be enjoying these lovely cool days.

So am I.

Hope you are too.










TFT: "Look deep within yourself and recognize what brings life and grace into your heart.
It is this that can be shared with those around you.
You are loved by God.
This is an inspiration to love."

Christopher De Vinck

THE POSITIVITY OF THOUGHTS

"...whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are noble, whatsoever things are right, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are admirable--if there be anything excellent or praiseworthy--think on these things."
Philippians 4:8

THE SOFTENING OF SEASONS

"If we are children of God, we have a tremendous treasure in nature and will realize that it is holy and sacred.



We will see God reaching out to us in every wind that blows, every sunrise and sunset, every cloud in the sky, every flower that blooms, and every leaf that fades." Oswald Chambers







(emphasis mine)

CHANGING SEASONS

I really like the changing seasons. I realize that here in the Midwest, it can mean hot summers, harsh winters, and incredibly unpredictable weather patterns. But "unpredictable" can surely make life interesting and exciting!
I changed my bedroom decor to "fall and winter" this past week.

Of course, I didn't know that record-breaking heat was rolling in!

But I'm pretty certain that very soon, my "interior decorating" will line up with what's going on outside. And today, just might be the day.



One of my favorite things is the warm glow of a candle. But I like to wait until the first chill of autumn to light them all around the house. It won't be long now :)















And I am ready!

Of course, being retired, fall and winter also means a chance to sit and rock, and read, and nap.















"It is in silence that the soul most accepts God." Anonymous

"In quietness and trust is your strength." Isaiah 30:15

IT'S TWINS!

"The fact that I can plant a seed, and it becomes a flower, share a bit of knowledge and it becomes another's, smile at someone , and receive a smile in return, are to me continual spititual experiences." A wise man



It never ceases to amaze me the things that we can literally give away....and at the same time retain....and very often actually find ourselves with at least double of what we started with before the gift was given. It's a wonder!

Can you think of something to which this law of increase applies?

GENTLE BEAUTY

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength." Saint Francis de Sales











"Only the weak are cruel. Gentleness can only be expected from the strong." Leo Buscaglia















"It is only imperfection that complains of what is imperfect. The more perfect we are, the more gentle and quiet we become toward the defect of others."

Joseph Addison

MY "NEW" SCREEN DOOR

After more than 3 1/2 years I have a screen door on my back door.
Now there may be finer, fancier screendoors out there somewhere; but no where is anyone more proud of their screendoor than I am!








It has been quite a process, as my backdoor is very old and is not a standard width. What to do...trim down a wider screendoor, frame up the opening?


Problem solved. A handyman here on The Hill custtom built me an old fashioned wooden screen door just like I wanted all along.

It has an old-fashioned spring closure, an old-fashioned hook, and old-fashioned pull handle and even an old-fashioned sound!
If you grew up with, "don't slam the screen door", you are welcome to come over and slam it all you want!

OR, if you haven't the slightest idea of what I am talking about, come on over and try it for yourself!

Any takers?













My neighbor, Jerry, got so amused at my quite evident and almost uncontrollable excitement over a new wooden screen door! He said, and I quote, "You know our lives must be pretty dull to get this excited over a screen door!" I told him that he was wrong... Because I am convinced that it is the great joy over the little things that really makes life exciting.

Now I am not going to ask for confirmation of this opinion, because I know it is true. But if anyone wants to add a thought...go for it!

CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY

The eggplant brigade!
We worked in the kitchen at DiGregorio's grocery store
It was a lot of work but great fun.











Six cases of eggplant:

First you wash and dry the eggplant
Then you "slice and dice" the eggplant
Then you salt the eggplant
Then you rinse and drain the eggplant
Then you:

Roll each piece in flour, dip in an egg "bath", and then roll in Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
Layer in large trays (using parchment paper between layers)
Stack trays on mobile racks and roll into cooler.

Day of La Festa. Deep fry to a golden brown and serve with marinara sauce and grated parmesan cheese if desired. (Do you think I learned the drill?) I'll know I did OK if they invite me back to help next year. :)

TFT: It surely is wonderful to be a part of a real neighborhood!


ps: For a really great picture of the "full meal deal", check Sarah's blog dated Sunday, Sept. 30.


And while you're there, check out her website. It is awesome! a real review of some of her projects while in school. Be sure to click on the black arrows to see all the pics for each project.



And while I'm bragging about grandchildren...be sure and see Rose's Homecoming Dance pictures on Ladybird's blog dated Tuesday Octo. 2. She looks so beautiful! Very thankful she's feeling so much better. (if you do check out the Homecoming pictures, she's the one with the red earrings and the charming smile!)


TFT 2: It surely is wonderful to be a part of a real family! You're all doing good, guys.