Thankful Thursday:) A Big Thank You To All Who Celebrated My NHL Anniversary

“Those blessings are sweetest that are won with prayer and worn with thanks.”

― Thomas Goodwin

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Ah, you’re probably wondering what the NHL has to do with my anniversary party last week. When I was out walking this morning, I was contemplating what to write about today. I knew I wanted to use the topic, Thankful Thursday, but I have so much to be thankful for. Where do I begin?

It was probably the heat of day, and my brain being a little fried from the scorching sun, but I thought, hmm… I want to thank everyone who came to celebrate my NEW HOUSE & NEW LIFE on August 23rd. Four years in my new house and special anniversary miracle celebration from God. I thought, “New House/Life…NHL. Like a Hockey celebration without the sticks and pucks

🏒🥅🏒 and bloody noses. Just good friends, food, fun, wine, and no bloody noses.

A big thank you to all who came and thank you for all the wonderful gifts. I was so busy having fun and answering the door and receiving presents, I really can’t recall exactly who gave me what. So many flowers and bottles of wine and champagne and beautiful gifts and cards. Some of the great bottles of wine were shared and enjoyed by all.

And, I apologize if I forgot to invite a few friends. It wasn’t on purpose, I just went down my email list alphabetically and there were hundreds and hundreds of names that repeat with first or last names. Then, I just verbally invited some people. I forgot who all I talked to. I’m getting old! Just remember, August 23rd, every year…you’re invited.

Thank you!

Here are the flowers today. One week later, still beautiful and fragrant. A reminder of friendship and love.

Thanks everyone. And a huge thank you to my sister who helped clean and cook and bake and

move furniture and prepare, then helped to clean up the mess afterwards. It was a great NHL Celebration.

Love youse guys!

Wednesday:) What I See On My Walk

“Always seeing something, never seeing nothing, being photographer”

― Walter De Mulder

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My sister paid me a very lovely compliment today. She said,”You take very nice pictures.” She was looking at the photos I took at the Arboretum and the Reunion Tower yesterday. I told her that I didn’t think it’s because I have a special talent, but because I take so many pictures and I know what I like. I take the pictures for me, always looking for unusual angles or backgrounds. I like the unusual. But, I also like the beauty that surrounds me every day, always appreciating the little things. My favorite photos are sunsets and sunrises and sultry summer skies and clouds that clutter the blue skies, and the misty moon in the dark of evening.

Tuesday:) A Toasty Steamy Busy Dizzy Day In Dallas

“SSummertimess is always the best of what might be.”

― Charles Bowden

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This morning, my sister and I braved the blistering Texas heat to drive into Dallas to do a little sightseeing. We started a little after 9am, so morning rush hour was past, and the traffic wasn’t too unbearable. But, those of you who know me, well, you know that I’m directionally impaired, so driving to new places is a definite challenge.

My dear friend, Siri, on my cell phone got us to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. We only had a couple little setbacks trying to find a parking spot, but we eventually found a very good spot.

The gardens were gorgeous, and so lush and green, considering the Texas heat and water shortage and lack of rain. I’ll let the pictures do the talking…

I sat on a bench and had a long conversation with a really “HOT” guy. Really! He was really hot and I burned my bottom when I sat on the metal bench. Worth a sonnet or two.

Also, I couldn’t help but snap a photo of a beautiful young lady during a photo shoot in the gardens.

After the Arboretum, we drove into downtown Dallas to visit Reunion Tower.

More pictures to tell the story.

The orangish building on the left is the 6th floor Book Depository and Museum. Always eerie just thinking about it.

It was a good day in Dallas. But, it’s good to be home in the air conditioning, under the ceiling fan, writing and sharing my day.

From 470 feet up you experience breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views, high-definition zoom cameras, interactive touch screens, telescopes, a free digital photo and an indoor/outdoor observation deck that lets you see for miles in any direction.

Montage Monday:) A Week In A Peek

“I’ve learned that all a person has in life is family and friends. If you lose those, you have nothing, so friends are to be treasured more than anything else in the world.”

Trey Parker And Matt Stone

A week in a peek… Friends, firemen, food, artists, baking, celebrating, museums and appreciating life…

Sunday Sermon, Scandal, and International Dog Day

“What people need to remember is they are eternal beings and that they never die.”~Kuan Yin”

― Hope Bradford

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It has been hot, hot, hot here in Texas. But, greeting at the door before morning Mass is always refreshing. It was exceptionally crowded at 9 o’clock Mass. I think all the back to school hub-bub and chaos has settled down and the families are back into their routine. Lots of hugs.

I’m sure you all are aware of the news, controversy, scandal and pain the Catholic Church is going through right now. We were all asked to pray for our church and all the people involved. So, today’s Gospel is very appropriate for what’s going on.

Jesus spoke to the disciples, knowing before hand that not all would believe in Him and that some would betray Him. He didn’t stop them from leaving.

My take on it…Man was given free will. Not all will believe in the word of God. Not all will be honest and good. It’s not just priests. Men and women have choices. There are good and bad priests, ministers, politicians, teachers, doctors, husbands, wives, men and women. I think Jesus was telling us that we have a choice to follow Him and have eternal life, or leave Him and only live an earthly life. There will be a judgement day.

“The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life.

But there are some of you who do not believe.”

Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe

and the one who would betray him.

And he said,

“For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me

unless it is granted him by my Father.”

As a result of this,

many of his disciples returned to their former way of life

and no longer accompanied him.

Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?”

Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go?

You have the words of eternal life.

We have come to believe

and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

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The other stuff… I found out on Facebook that today is international dog day. I no longer have dogs of my own, but I did for many years. I know about their unconditional love and loyalty. Mankind could learn a lot from a dog.

But, I am the proud doggie auntie of little Bella. She belongs to Mr. Mike, my friend and neighbor. He travels a lot for business, and I have Bella stay with me when he’s gone. She loves me. Sometimes it seems like I have her at my house as much as her own. The funny part is, Mr. Mike and I have the same house model, so she’s very much at home in both.

Isn’t she cute?

Here she is saying…”Not another walk! I’m not going one more step. It’s too hot!” Not really. She likes to roll in the cool grass on a hot day. She loves her walks. She would go every hour if I took her.

“If your dog is fat, YOU need more exercise.”

via clipartqueen.com

Saturday at the Collin County History Museum

“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, however, if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”

~Maya Angelou

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This afternoon, my sister and I visited the Collin County History Museum just off the square in downtown McKinney. The historic museum is located at 300 East Virginia Street in McKinney.

https://www.collincountyhistorymuseum.org/

The historic building is featuring an exhibit observing the 100th anniversary of America’s entry into World War I. There were scrapbooks filled with photos of local men serving in the war. Vintage uniforms, weapons, photos, letters, and other memorabilia, were displayed throughout.

I was impressed by the posters that encouraged citizens to voluntarily reduce their consumption of vital foods and supplies to help support the military fighting in the war. And they did!

I wondered how our materialistic, self-absorbed society would handle such a request in today’s day and age. I’m not optimistic.

It was a very informative and inspiring visit. A flashback into days gone by and a simpler time and place here in North Texas.We can only dream of a future without wars and hate. Can we learn from history or just repeat it?

Friday:) Fine Art, Friends, and a Few Firemen

“To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it.”

― Osho

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This evening, my sister and I had the pleasure of visiting The Cove, an artist cooperative gallery at 402 N. Tennessee. The featured artist this weekend is Bradley Donaldson, who has taken resin art to a whole new level of creativity.

Bradley Donaldson: Exploration of Resin Art

Friday 8/24 – 6 PM to 9PM

Saturday 8/25 – 3 PM to 9 PM

Bradley works with epoxy resins, a honey like clear polymer liquid mixed with all types of paint. Balancing chaos with control, Bradley creates abstract paintings and art furniture without fear of this challenging medium. He explores color, texture, and abstract subjects through a mastery of techniques that he’s developed over the years. On view will be a variety of his paintings highlighting his resin art journey as well as the debut of his new “River” table series.

It’s also fun bumping into friends and other wonderful artists who always show up to support the marvelous McKinney artist community.

Just a few of the amazing pieces on exhibit…

This one is my favorite. Turquoise Flotsam.

Not only does he produce beautiful wall art, but Bradley has taken the process a step further and has created stunning furniture pieces.

Wonderful show. Congratulations, Brad.

Check out the website.

https://www.bradleydonaldsonart.com/

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So, that was about my artist friends. Now, here is a picture of my firemen friends.

After my anniversary party, I had a lot of tasty snacks, food, and cupcakes left over. Well, not that it was intentionally left over. I always make twice as much as I think I need so I have extra to take to my local fire station.

The guys over at Station 9 always appreciate my visits. And, no one appreciates our brave firefighters more than I do. Thanks Station 9!

Thursday:) This is the Best Anniversary Celebration Ever

” Friends may come and go, but I’ve been blessed with the kind that keep coming.”

~ Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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Today, August 23rd is the second of my miracle celebration days. I had three, and only three days on the calendar that were painful memories from the past. I wrote about the first, 7/11 in July. August 23rd was the day that I moved into my brand new house and started my brand new life after a very devastating and painful divorce. What are the chances of this happening on this particular day? I got married on August 23, 1975. It seems like a lifetime ago, probably because it was.

I moved into my new house August 23rd, 2014, just three days after the final divorce decree. Now, I celebrate the anniversary of my new house and brand new start with so many of my special and wonderful friends. My sister was also here to celebrate with me. As the years fly by, I’ve made even more great friends. This year, several of my new sweet CRHP sister from church visited. It’s God’s way of turning lemons into lemonade, and I will celebrate every year and thank Him for His blessings.

The best way to describe this wonderful evening is to just show you the pictures of the best friends a person could ask for.

It was an Open House from 5-10 pm, so people came and went. This is the first round.

More great friends.

More friends. All of these people stopped by to celebrate my journey and blessings, but most of all, just to say, “I love you.”

Wednesday:) What Do You See?

“You know what? Chicken butt!”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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Such a crazy quote, right? When I was a kid, I remember we always used to say, “You know what? You know what?” That was just part of the beginning of every sentence. Then, we had a goofy response. So, when someone would ask, “You know what,” the response would be, “chicken butt.” I have no idea why, or when it started or when in stopped, I just remember it was funny.

So, the other day when I was walking, I saw this shape of tar or some strange substance on the sidewalk. You know what I saw? What do you see?

I saw an elephant’s butt. It looks like an elephant walking away from me. Do you see it? That’s why I thought of the chicken butt thing.

Now do you see it? Yep! A little imagination and a weird perception of the world. It’s a gift…it’s a curse.

“A novelist is an elephant, but an elephant who must pretend to forget. “

Mary Mccarthy

Tuesday:) Tip of the Day~ Put Visitors to Work

“When your sister comes for a long visit, put her to work. That’ll teach her.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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“The best advice I can give to anyone going through a rough patch is to never be afraid to ask for help.”

― Demi Lovato

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My sister is visiting for two and a half weeks, so I wanted to make her feel at home. What better way to feel at home than to do some housework and outdoor chores. She asked if she could help with anything. Who am I to deny her request?

I’m having a new house anniversary celebration in a couple of days, so I wanted to clean the patio and outdoor furniture. I hosed down the concrete floor and metal furniture, then handed her the patio furniture sealer. She polished all the furniture and straightened up the patio while I went for a walk. (She offered.) I’m not afraid to ask for help anymore.

The backyard looks great, doesn’t it?

My tip for the day…If someone offers to help you, take them up on it. That’ll teach ’em.