It's the Little Things - Lessons in Life part 2

Weeks ago my bloggin' friend, Patty, post this on her site.  It's worth a trip over there to find it and read it.
It's about a few of the people who didn't make it to work on time on 9/11 and were saved from what happened there. 
Anyway,,,with that in mind, now to part 2 of my story.
I have been planning a "spring break" trip to California for almost a year now.  Lisha is a school teacher and spring break would be a good time to visit, nice weather and just fun get away.  She sent me her dates so I could make my flight arrangements,,,,March 29 - April 5th.  I even had given those dates to Pat to research plane fares for me....seems easy enough.  He had some saved overtime hours that he turned in so we would have the funds to pay for my ticket. 
Late Feb. I went on line with Expedia, found just the flight I was looking for.  Carefully chose my times of departure, seats I would want, etc.  Plugged in my Debit Card info and stared at the reservations, noting the  warning to recheck everything as this ticket is non-refundable, not-exchangeable, etc.  Yes, I had a little "reservation" within myself.  I just have so much trouble with something that is so LIMITED.... and maybe this hesitation on my part was that "still small voice" trying to talk to me.  Finally just thought, I just need to do this and punched the "purchase the ticket".   That being done, I went on to other things. 
Last week while browsing the calendar (in the kitchen) I was looking at dates for Easter, etc.  And noticed Easter is on the 4th of April and then realizing Lisha had commented it will be so nice mom, you'll be here for Easter.......but my travel arrangements were to leave on April 5th.  Suddenly, flashing before me were dates, dates and dates.......I rushed to my office and there on my calendar I had noted: Lisha's Spring Break - March 26-April 5th....I grabbed my printed out airline confirmation and sure enough I had booked April 5th - returning April 12th....somehow April 5th was stuck in my mind when I made the reservation.......but should have been my departure from Calif.
There I sat in my office with this numbing feeling washing over me...How could I have done this thing?
Then I quietly prayed and knew I would not have a "melt-down" over this.  I wasn't pleased with what I had done, but none-the-less, it was not to be "un-done".  I did make a call to Expedia and United, made a calm request for a change but they would not budge.  In order to change my tickets at this point would cost more than my original fare.
I remembered "It's the Little Things" and wondered if this was just one of those things God had arranged for me.  I don't know.  Should I have listened, been more attentive when I had a question before I pushed the "purchase ticket"? I don't know...But was God watching my reaction......I do know!!!
So, we made calls, Lisha and the girls adjusted their schedules and plans and I off to California on Monday.
And somehow.......I think it will be a good visit
This in not the end of "My Lesson in Life" and part three will be forthcoming soon.

Lessons in Life

I've had the adventure in "learning the lesson" lately. 
A few weeks ago one of the lessons in our Bible Study spoke on how we act or react to a situation.
She went on the give an example of how sometimes we whine at "that always happens to me".  Told of how you get your toast buttered  or spread the mayonaise on and then drop the bread and it lands face down.  Good visual and we have all "been there, done that".  A few days later I got out a cracker, spread on some cream cheese (low fat cream cheese) and sure enough I dropped it "face down" and with all the critters in this house, it was definitely "lost".  As I bent over to pick it up, the visual lesson came clearly in sight and yes, I just laughed.  I wasn't going to let that overcome my "joy in the Lord". 
A few days later, however, while checking out thru the express lane at the grocery store and quite pleased at my $24 savings on sale items, my "joy" was stolen.......or should I say, my $20 was stolen.  I had requested $20 back on my debit card.  I loaded my bags, picked up my receipt and hurried out the door.  Just minutes later, while driving home I remembered my $20.  I had forgot to retrieve it in my haste.  I promptly called the store ( I know their # by memory) and asked to check the stand I had just gone thru.......well, it was gone, no one had turned it in.  I was instantly "blown a gasket" out of control, not with the person on the line, but when I hung up, I was "blown up"....my little "joy of the Lord" was no where to be found.  I tried ever which was to persuade God that I had always returned any money that I had found there, etc, etc.... you know the routine.  I continued home, put away my now only "$4.00 savings on groceries, did some more mumbling and foot stomping.........and then........the lesson or "reacting" to such situations.
I had some confessing to do and some repenting.  I was still wounded but knew I needed to "get over it" and get back into my day.  As I headed back to town I was determined to "let go and let God", so although not so melodious, I chose to sing praises as I drove to my next clients'....yes I did find that "joy" of the Lord once again and relinquished the $20 as the cost of my lesson that day.

This is only the beginning of the "Lessons in Life".  Part 2 Tomorrow.

Winerack Birdfeeder

This was a little project I tackled last fall.  I converted a winerack by adding some small mess wire inside and a little roof on the outside.  My goal was to allow small birds to feed inside and keeping the larger, Pinyon Jays out.  It works pretty good, most of the time.  We have had it outside my fence thru the winter so when we bring it in and restock it I'll include a new photo.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day?

Well, I'm not too knowledgable about this day..........my "Patrick" isn't  a saint :-),,,,but he is a pretty good guy.  I gave him a card one year...the front read "Patrick" you are a Saint.......inside was a  hugh "NOT" sign and lots of laughs.

I don't do anything traditional for this day....ugh....but I think I will wear green today.  If I find someone who wants to share some corned beef and cabbage, maybe I'll have a bite of that too. 

So anyway, ya'll "laddies and lassies"  Happy Day to ya'll!!!!

Happy Birthday - Jeriah

Kendall Jean Hunnicutt

Happy Birthday to You

Such a Doll Baby - Sweet Little Girl

Sweet Granddaughter

We Love You

Grandma & Grandpa

March 6, 2000 Remembering Today

Kelley and Tracy

We Miss You Here.

Home Alone

This has been my week of solitude. HAH!  Well, I have been "home alone", that meaning Pat has been out of town.  But with him gone the dogs seem to "freak out".  Turbo wants to be plastered up against me or disappears to his dog crate leaving me wondering where he is and go check on him.  Badger is my constant shadow.  Buster will lay in the mudroom staring at the back door, just sure it will open any minute and his favorite person will come through it. And then there's Bubby.  He spends a lot more time "shakin' and tremblin".  If Ben was here he would pace incessitantly wondering where's Pat.

I usually spend this week each year watching "chick flicks", you know the ones that men just don't get.  Kevin Costner, Richard Gere and maybe Mel Gibson.  Well, just couldn't get into that this year. Thought I'd have lots more time to "Blog and Facebook", but gosh, I hardly even had the TV on and still I could use a few more hours in my day.   I'm not even on the phone much.

As I sit here at my desk and computer, Buster is staring me down, wanting to go outside so he can come back inside and get his "cookie"  Turbo and Badger are stretched out listening intently to traffic down the hill, any diesel trucks going by will have them bounding for the back door.  Sammy is laying at my feet hoping it's soon for his evening snack.  So much for being "home alone".  I am a prisoner in my own house, subject to each critter.  Squeaky is the only one who does her own thing and seldom demands much of me.

So tomorrow my man returns and all will be settled in our domain.