Monday Coffee Talk

 T

I think I might just move into that barn!

Today I'm having my coffee in a teacup because I love pretty teacups!💙

Well, we've endured a week of overcast skies with a few, I say FEW, rays of sunshine.  It's making my mood dreary. {{sigh}}

Saturday was Sylvan Beach Day here in our little town.  Big parade, lots of people and lots of excitement.  A carnival set up at the park and concerts were happening in the evening.  From the pictures I've seen all went well and everyone there looked to be having a great time.  Mr D and I didn't go this year, too much to handle for me, BUT ~ we went for many years.  We both marched in the parade when we were in school, me with the Chatos and him with the band.  As the years went by all of my children have been in the parade at least once maybe twice.  We have so many precious memories of those days.  Today our home is one street over from the parade route so we can hear the festivities from the porch, and that's good enough for me.

I'm so happy for our grandson Matt who is moving into his new home next week. His life journey has been turned upside down with his divorce and trying to settle into a new routine. The break-up was handled well by both; they came to mutual agreement about it all and have 50/50 shared custody of the kids. Needless to say, this was such a shock to the entire family.

And life goes on.

Ya know, I really hate to admit this but I think Amazon has become my new very best friend. lol

I've been shopping/looking again. 

Once upon a time when we lived on Catlett Lane, we had a beautiful fountain in the back yard.  It was very big and I loved it, alas, fast forward to our home today, there is no fountain to enjoy.  A big one would be just too much for our small space so I went looking for a tabletop fountain.  Amazon had so many to choose from, I managed to narrow it down to these two:

Two very different styles and I like them both. I really like the blue one because of its color and I think it would really pop by the swing.  The cranes are really pretty but I don't know about the color, I'm thinking it might fade into the background too easily.  I'll have to ponder this for a while.

We have a birthday!!

Happy, Happy Birthday to our Blakester, aka Blake.

💙💙💙

He's our third born grandchild, a blessing beyond measure.

As April winds down, I’m reminded how this month always feels like a soft exhale, and I hope to inhale May with coffee on the porch sitting in the swing, swaying with each little breeze as the last month of spring begins.

On a Serious Note:

Saturday night’s shooting in Washington left me with such a heavy heart. I don’t post political things here, but I can’t ignore the sadness of seeing so much hatred and hardness in our country. It feels like we’re forgetting how to treat one another with simple kindness and respect.

 I’m praying for healing, for peace, and for hearts that choose gentleness over anger. We can’t fix the whole world, but we can tend our own little corner with love.

Help us Lord.

I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony.

I'd like to build the world a home and furnish it with love,

Grow apple trees and honeybees and snow-white turtle doves.

I'd like to hold it in my arms and keep it company,

I'd like to see the world for once all standing hand in hand;

And hear them echo through the hills "Ah, peace throughout the land.

Until Next Time

Monday Coffee Talk

We didn’t do too much last week; we really are homebodies at heart. Sometimes a quiet week is its own kind of blessing.

One day we drove over to CVS to pick up a prescription, then took the long way around through Lomax, the little community where Mr. D grew up. Now our granddaughter lives there, along with Mr. D’s brother, so it always feels familiar and comforting to pass through.

From there we made our way back toward town, wandering through a few residential areas just to be sure everything looked the same. Lol—we have to keep up with any changes. We noticed quite a few new homes going up, which was nice to see.

We kept driving and ended up in Shoreacres, passing the Yacht Club and then easing down Miramar, the road that skirts Sylvan Bay. The homes along that stretch are so beautiful, each one with its own charm. It’s a lovely little drive.

On the way home we passed Fischer’s Hardware, and of course we had to stop and admire the new plants they keep out front. So many pretty choices, yet somehow we came home empty‑handed. Maybe next time.

I’ve started a new diamond art project and cracked open a new book, so that’s what I’ll be working on this week. A little creativity, a little reading, and plenty of quiet moments—just the way I like it.

The following I wrote back in March and just didn't get it posted:

Our grand daughter Maegan has several wild bunnies living on or near their little farm. One momma picked her jasmine plant to have her babies. It gave Maegan quite a fright when watering a few days ago one jumped out, she didn't know they were there. She put baby back in her nest, and momma came quick to check on her squealing babies.

Back to today:

They've sure grown since March!  I love their coloring, they are pretty little bunnies!

Baby News:

Just a few more weeks until precious Adeline Jane will present herself 

Grandson Travis and his lovely wife Savannah are having their first child, which will also be the first grandchild for both sides of their family. Needless to say, excitement is in the air!  As for Mr D and I, this will be our 11th great grand.

Patience doesn’t come naturally. The Holy Spirit strengthens our resolve to endure without complaint. After all, God is slow only from a human standpoint. From a divine, eternal perspective, He’s always working at the perfect speed.

Charles Stanley

Until the Next Time

 

December 22, 2025

 

Matthew 2:7-8

⁷ Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. ⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

 🕇

This passage highlights Herod's deceitful intentions, as he actually seeks to eliminate Jesus, whom he perceives as a threat to his throne. It contrasts Herod's manipulative behavior with the wise men’s sincere quest for the Messiah, emphasizing themes of fear, power, and the genuine search for truth.

Monday Coffee Talk

Yesterday was wonderful, I think a good time was had by all.  Peggy’s home was all dressed up for Christmas and our hearts were merry and bright.  What always touches my heart is when we all gather in a BIG circle, hold hands and praise God for all our blessings.  My heart overflows.

I’m sorry I have no pictures to share ☹  But I do have some exciting news.  We have another great grandbaby on the way!  Our g-son Travis and Savannah are expecting their first child in May.  What’s the gender you may ask, let’s just say,

 

They are thrilled and we are too!  This will be daughter #1’s first g-child, making this even more wonderful.

New Parents

New Grandparents

We visited, we ate, we played games, and the guys pulled out their instruments so we could sing along. Six full hours of fellowship—enough to warm my heart for the whole year.

So today, I’ll be right here in my recliner, Christmas lights glowing, my little fireplace humming, a good book in my hands, and soft Christmas music playing in the background. Ahhh… sweet rest.

I’ll be taking a little break this week, but I hope each of you enjoys a beautiful Christmas. Remember—the Christ Child is the reason for the season.

Merry Christmas!

 

 ♥

December 3, 2025

24 Days of Christmas

Isaiah 11:1-10

The Reign of Jesse’s Offspring

 

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,

And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.

2

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,

The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,

The Spirit of counsel and might,

The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.

3

His delight is in the fear of the Lord,

And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes,

Nor decide by the hearing of His ears;

4

But with righteousness He shall judge the poor,

And decide with equity for the meek of the earth;

He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth,

And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked.

5

Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins,

And faithfulness the belt of His waist.

6

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,

The leopard shall lie down with the young goat,

The calf and the young lion and the fatling together;

And a little child shall lead them.

7

The cow and the bear shall graze;

Their young ones shall lie down together;

And the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

8

The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole,

And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den.

9

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,

For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord

As the waters cover the sea.

10

“And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse,

Who shall stand as a banner to the people;

For the Gentiles shall seek Him,

And His resting place shall be glorious.”

 

IN THE FUTURE MESSIANIC KINGDOM THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD INCARNATE IN THE PERSON OF THE MESSIAH WILL ESTABLISH JUSTICE, PEACE AND UNITY

 

Believers can look towards the promise given in Isaiah to receive hope and a reassurance of peace amidst the harsh realities of life and be motivated to continue in the work of Jesus to usher in the era of peace Isaiah promises in the here and now. The promise Isaiah gave to Judah was first fulfilled in Christ, and expanded as He actively brought the kingdom of God. Yet, there is still restoration to come. Therefore, it is imperative that believers look to the prophetic words of Isaiah not only for personal encouragement but strive to reflect the ministry and life of Jesus as he fulfilled the prophetic words. - Kaeley Sells

More Christmas Past:

       My two oldest, Tracey and Tammy, long ago and far                     away♥                                

 

That’s Merica’s mom, Maegan, sitting in her Mom’s (Tammy) lap.

 

My oldest two grands, Maegan & Matt.

Matt is Hazel and Henry's dad.

This is all the grands last Christmas.

These young people are such a delight to be around.

Blessings to All

Until Next Time

Yummy Recipe

🎄 With the holidays fast approaching, the calendar fills with parties, gatherings, and joyful moments galore! And where there’s celebration, there must be good food. This delicious appetizer is not only a treat for the taste buds—it’s a cheerful, festive addition to your buffet or snack table that’s sure to delight your guests!

Mr D and I certainly don't party or gather much anymore, but I will be making these for us to enjoy.

Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Ingredients:

- 1 box Ritz crackers

Mix together:

- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded

- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced

Spread on the crackers♥

Recipe By: Mia Awwa 

Patsy Clairmont always has something nice to share:

Holy One, enter my heart's sanctuary. Purify my intentions. Inspect my thoughts. Create an acceptable place within me for Your Spirit to dwell. Amen

♥     ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥

My sweet girls and hubbies enjoying Central Park in October.  They enjoyed so many sights before they set sail for Nova Scotia. 

 Blessings to All

Until Next Time

On The Porch

“It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.”
– Sarah Addison Allen

♥♥♥ I am loving this cooler weather♥♥♥

The weather here has been wonderful and each morning calls us outside to enjoy time on the porch!  As you know, my porch swing is one of my favorite places to be, a place where I can lose myself in my thoughts and prayers.

“Living in a state of gratitude is the gateway to grace.”
– Arianna Huffington

I still have hibiscus blooming.

I think these pink ones with the red centers are so pretty.

I was late hanging my fall flags, but finally got it done.

“The morns are meeker than they were – The nuts are getting brown – The berry’s cheek is plumper – The rose is out of town.”
– Emily Dickinson

And on a family note:

Henry was here a few days ago and I let him play with all my trucks!  Oh he loved them, lining them up and rolling them around, kept him busy for a while.  Now I keep them on the kitchen window sill so they'll be ready for his next visit.

"In your laughter, the world feels bright,
Every moment with you, a pure delight."

He is all BOY. He makes my heart happy.

As the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, November invites us to slow down and reflect. It’s a month of gratitude, of gathering, of remembering God’s faithfulness through every season.

Scripture: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." — Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

Even when days grow shorter and life feels quiet, His goodness remains. Let this month be a gentle reminder to pause, give thanks, and rest in His enduring love.

Blessings to All

Until Next Time

Quarterly Lunch Memory

August 12, 2025 

🌿 Scripture for the Day 🌿
"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" – Psalm 133:1

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🍽 Quarterly Lunch Memories 🍽

We had another one of our quarterly lunches with the girls and their hubbies, and oh, what fun we had! There’s always so much to talk about and catch up on. I love our big family get-togethers, but these smaller lunches are something special—just the kids, Dean, and me.

Yours truly, Tammy, Mr D, Peggy, Tracey

This time Peggy and Hank hosted, and they served the most delicious pulled pork sandwiches with pickles and chips on the side. They had all the drinks covered—Diet Coke, iced tea, water, and of course, coffee. Dessert was simple and just right: cookies and little brownies, the perfect sweet bite with my after-lunch coffee.

Hank, Scott, Bo, Mr D

Next time, on November 4th, Tracey and Scott will be our hosts—and I’m already counting down the days!

Mr D and his girls.

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💛 A Little Poem 💛

Around the table laughter flows,
The love between us always grows.
A simple meal, a warm embrace,
These moments time cannot erase.

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Scott, Bo, Mr D and Hank back there in the kitchen.

I drank my coffee from this pretty mug.

Random photos of Peggy and Hank's home.

Thank You Lord for the blessings of family.

Blessings to All

Until Next Time