🍎 Monday Comes and Monday goes

 

Happy Monday! 

I like Mondays, but I didn’t always feel this way when I was younger. I read that people spend about 33 minutes complaining about Monday. When you think about it, that’s a lot of time wasted grumbling about something we can’t change. 

Monday comes and Monday goes. 

So let's dig into this Monday post about...Friday! 

After returning from the grocery store, we decided to have a picnic and take Laydee along, as she’s been so bored lying around during her healing process. We drove about 10 miles past Old Shasta, along Whiskeytown Creek, to French Gulch.

The day was beautiful, with pleasant breezes and temperatures in the mid-70s. This site was once part of a large estate featuring 1,000 fruit orchards, including apples, pears, and peaches, as well as 400 grapevines. Established around 1850 by a local pioneer searching for gold, and Shasta became his home. 

A portion of the property has been designated for various uses, with the house now under the jurisdiction of the parks department. We visited a small area off the road, featuring decent bank fishing and remnants of the original heritage fig and apple trees.

Berries make it a great foraging spot in season. We missed picking figs this summer, and most apples were gone, except those on the upper branches.

I could practically taste the sweetness of those apples in the tree, and the aroma was delightful. It's been a long time since picking apples off a tree. 

My husband, ☝ ☝ ever the romantic, always seeks ways to delight me. He sets off to climb this old apple tree, its sturdy branches laden with ripe apples just waiting to be picked.  While he pretends it’s my wish for sweet, succulent apples that drives him, we both know the truth: it’s his desire for me to create an apple dessert that truly inspires his adventurous spirit.

I always deeply cherish my time here. When we travel 10 to 12 miles out and find ourselves in solitude, and it's truly remarkable for someone like me, who has always lived in congested areas with hordes of people and cars. My mind often wanders back to the days of the gold rush, and I try to envision the experiences of those pioneers.

The whole time we were there, not one person came - we were truly alone. 💗

Walking around the yard - the flowers that struggle in the intense heat are starting to bloom again.  

I think it’s fair to say that Autumn has arrived in Shasta County. Although our Fall differs from that of other regions in the country, it is indeed present and has been acknowledged. Daytime temperatures hover around 80, while the evenings cool down to the 50s and 60s, making it perfect for sleeping with the windows wide open.

 I've never had better sleep.

I'm excited to embrace this Monday with a sense of renewed energy and feelings of peace and gratitude. It's incredible to think that this feeling began with a simple picnic last Friday. I feel well-rested and ready to take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead for this week. 

Until Next Time,

Debby

Embracing the Day

Monday, oh Monday, you’re here again,

A new beginning, not the end.

Embrace the day, seize your fate,

It’s a brand-new week; don’t hesitate.

With every dawn, there’s a chance to shine,

To make a difference, to redefine.

Monday, oh Monday, let’s not delay,

It’s time to embrace the day.

By Dan Higgins 

5 AM

This Monday morning, I was excited for the week ahead. I took my coffee out to the patio, where my husband and I usually kick off the day.  Being outside always gives me a boost, and by the time I finish my second cup of coffee, I think I can do anything!

Oh, THANK YOU, JESUS, for a NEW Day! 

I decided to paint the front of the house, paying special attention to the wood trim. It’s been a year since I last painted anything, and getting everything out—like the drop cloths, tape, paint can, roller, and brushes—felt like a hassle. I just wanted to get to the painting part. I finished taping and started cutting in, but I couldn’t reach too high since my husband won’t let me use a ladder. 

Oh man, the irony… I was sitting on a stool that was only about 4-5 inches off the uneven rocky ground when I lost my balance and fell backward right into a wheelbarrow. 🤣

THUD...Ouch!  

No Blood! After about 20 minutes of ice, there was no bump, and it doesn't even hurt. My dad always used to say I had a hard head, and maybe he was onto something! It felt like proof of the toughness he always encouraged in me.

The husband will finish what I didn't. I was almost done!  This isn't the end of our work, though! I’m truly grateful that we aren’t painting the entire exterior of the house; that would be an immense undertaking, far beyond what was in my head. 

Time for lunch, and I had my favorite sandwich and a glass of mandarin orange bubble water...

As the afternoon has worn on, my body is just beginning to feel as if it had been steamrolled by a Mack truck. 

It's pretty tough to admit when we fall, and it's the type of blog fodder we'd prefer to keep secret. Even in our human frailty, we can rely on God's strength and grace to carry us through. We are not defined by our limitations but by the life of Christ within us.  I'll continue to paint and work around the house until I can no longer do so. I'll do my best to be careful, but it's those random little mess-ups that always catch us off guard.

 

The Weekend and the Week Ahead

Good Morning Monday 

Well, Mother's Day 2025 is history, but we moms know every day is Mother's Day. I hope yours was everything you had hoped for. 

My experience began at church, where the warmth of great teaching was complemented by a delightful ice cream social. It was heartwarming to see the men serving us and taking care of the clean-up too—we were able to relax and enjoy every moment. There were numerous flavors of ice cream and a wide array of toppings to choose from. I decided to keep things simple and went for vanilla ice cream, generously drizzled with Hershey's chocolate syrup, topped with bananas, a dollop of whipped cream, and just a sprinkle of chopped peanuts. 

YUM! 

My sons work on Sundays in facilities that care for our elders, serving the mothers and grandmothers of others. It’s sad how infrequently these residents receive visitors. Foodie makes a point to visit the moms there. Meanwhile, Navy is dedicated to serving our men and women Veterans, where families often visit their elderly relatives. So that is good. Although I didn't see my sons on Mother’s Day, it fills my heart with joy knowing they are caring for those who need it. Their kindness reassures me that I must have done something right!

Friday evening, it was my turn to go to the ER. 

Earlier in the day, I felt a pressing sensation in my chest, similar to heartburn, which left me hot and out of breath. At dinner, my husband noticed and insisted we go to the ER. I wasn't too worried, but I called my daughter-in-law, Sara, a nurse, who advised me to go.

At the ER, I was seen quickly, but had to wait for test results. Thankfully, my blood tests, EKG, and chest X-ray were all normal; however, the cardiologist recommended a stress test. He was concerned due to my family history—my dad died of a heart attack, and before that had a seven valve replacement years earlier, and my son died from one at 25.

This morning, I checked each test individually, and they were great; better than I expected for my age! I think it was just my GERD acting up. I'm currently on omeprazole, but maybe the dosage needs some tweaking. I made a follow-up appointment with Dr. B for tomorrow and to get set up for that stress test. 

The scripture that kept going through my mind while I was in the ER was one of my favorites:

You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.
 Trust in the Lord forever,
    For the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Isaiah 26;3-4

I experienced a profound sense of calm.  While my husband expressed some concern, I felt an incredible sense of peace. It's surprising to me, because this isn't who I've always been. I've spent so much time worrying and battling anxiety in my younger days, and now I'm embracing this newfound tranquility. 

It's a wonderful way to live.

It's the peace of God! 

Navy caught a bass in Lake Shasta on Friday using my dad's worm lures. 

Now that was special. I gave all my sons my dad's fishing equipment, and I kept a few items for myself. 

✔Clean and organize my craft, sewing, and storage room. 

✔Thursday - Isaiah Study

✔Friday evening and Saturday - We're attending a Friends of Israel conference - 

✔Saturday evening: My husband has been invited to be one of the retired military service members for Veterans Day at the Redding Rodeo. Free admission and a free dinner. 

I can't wait to dive into my first summer read! One of my BSF friends gave it to me—her husband wrote it and even signed it for me inside. It’s a Christian fantasy book, and I’m really excited to get started!

That’s a wrap for me today. I hear thunder rumbling in the background, so it seems like it's gonna be a rainy day. Take Care. 

I am blessed by all of you! 

Debby

Up Up and Away

 

This upcoming week will be hectic, with a packed schedule ahead. Due to the tight timeline and numerous commitments, I will be making some cancellations because I need downtime. I don't need to keep up that pace anymore. I disliked it when I was young, and I dislike it now. 

This morning started off spontaneously. My husband's friend has a small business that trains pilots and certifies small aircraft before they can fly. So he had three planes he had to service. He called and asked my husband if he wanted to go to Columbia for the day. 

The battery in the Beast, our trusty old van, and the vehicle my husband uses, was completely dead. We had planned to visit Costco this morning to purchase a new battery, but now we’ll have to push that errand to tomorrow. I quickly put on my clothes, hopped into the car, and drove him to the Airfield.

In the distance, you can see the Sierras

No no no, not that Colombia. 

Columbia, CA in the gold country. 

It was founded as a boomtown in 1850 when gold was found during the California Gold Rush and was known as the "Gem of the Southern Mines."

Rather than providing me with pictures of the town, he has been sharing photographs of aircraft instead.

Friend Eric is on the ground - checking on the engine. 

Columbia has a population of about 2000. 

This aircraft is my husband's favorite model.

This is what I want to see - 

I get this instead! 

No, I'm glad he is having a good time with his buddy. 

Meanwhile, I have had the day to myself. This morning, I took a walk at Clover Creek with a friend and had to stop at the store for milk, bread, and butter.  

Meanwhile, I noticed the Scarlet Pimpernel in my yard - an invasive weed that grows rapidly in this area. While my husband likes it, it has certain drawbacks. Notably, it attracts flies, which I recently learned. As a result, it must be removed. I am not fond of flies. 

It's a picture-perfect day. 85 degrees and lovely. 

It looks like it will be a beautiful week.

He just texted and said he was on his way home. It's about an hour and a half from Redding. 

Spring is in the Air

 

There is a forecast for 100% rain on Wednesday, which is expected to continue for several days.

I'm okay with that. The more rain, the better! 

It was cold this Monday morning. 

I recently reconnected with my old friend, Tammy, after years apart. She moved from California to Colorado to Tennessee and now to Kansas, and we lost touch. Our paths crossed again after seven years, reminding us of the bond we share. We reminisced about our journeys through motherhood, navigating divorces around the same time, and raising our children without an active father. Despite the challenges, we created precious memories together.

Tammy is facing a difficult time after the tragic loss of her 2nd husband, but she is surrounded by a strong support system at her church in Wichita. As she shared her feelings, I listened. She just needs to be heard. 

The week ahead:

I completed my study of Revelation 17, which discusses the Fall of Babylon. 

✔Tomorrow, I plan to visit my eye clinic to adjust my glasses, as they are currently uneven and driving me crazy. I knocked them off my face and messed them up - They are closed today. 

✔On Wednesday, I will attend my Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) group, which has only eight weeks left before breaking for the summer. 

✔Thursday is designated for my Isaiah discussion and study group at my church, which I find very enriching. 

I particularly enjoy where we engage directly with the Bible. Instead of using a study book, we read each chapter, analyzing the text with the help of commentaries and concordances and exploring the Hebrew meanings of certain words. This approach allows me to gain a deeper understanding of the scripture, as I have never been interested in "feel-good" studies—I prefer to delve into the substance of the text. Sometimes we only get to a few verses, but I always walk out knowing more than ever before. 

✔I have a dental appointment scheduled for Friday to have my teeth cleaned.

I walked around the yard, looking for Spring...this morning. 

It's not up there in the neighbor's Redwood Trees. Some Ravens live in his trees. 

My first Poppy for 2025! 

My husband found the second one...

The Vinca on the hill continues to mock me...

And NO, I did not get out there and knock them down. 

I do nothing to these primroses, which are probably one of the easiest flowers to grow. You have to find the right spot! 

You can't put a square peg in a round hole, and similarly, you can't plant flowers that thrive in full sunshine in a shady spot and vice versa. These primroses were in flower boxes in the front, exposed to the intense southwest sun. All they needed was a northeast exposure to thrive.

I have learned the hard way - 

Here are Twin Cedars, looking over my roof into the front yard. They do look like two separate trees. The sweet Gum will start popping its spring greenery soon. 

New growth on the Pomegranate tree! 

I've got a few more days to enjoy this lovely 60-degree weather before the rain comes back! I've been spending time in my backyard, reading and listening to the birds sing in the afternoon. There's something special about the quiet, with a few bird chirps here and there. 

However, since Thursday evening, a house nearby has been playing music loudly enough for me to hear it—especially the bass and drums. I've experienced louder music in my life, so I’m not too upset, but I must admit, I prefer the peace and quiet of our usually quiet neighborhood. Sound tends to travel, and I'm still trying to figure out where it's coming from. So far, it's been every evening since Thursday. Grrrrr. 

I only hear it in my living room. 

My husband has trouble hearing, so he doesn't hear it. Sometimes, that's a good thing, but the thumping music does distract me. Luckily, they tend to turn it down at a reasonable hour. It could definitely be worse! I could find myself living right next to them!

May God's grace surround each of you, guiding your steps this week.

Debby

Last Week in February

It's a very cold and cloudy 60 degrees. It’s supposed to be a warm week.

The first Iris of the season has blossomed. You can see others will follow soon. 

My husband is mowing the lawn - it rained a little yesterday. 

A New Week

This morning, I had my hair trimmed. I also bought a green sweater that was on sale for $5 and a pair of capri pants. On Wednesday, I have BSF, and the contractor will come out to take measurements for the garage door. On Thursday, Isaiah's discussion and study will take place. On Friday, we’re going out to dinner with my son and his wife. 

Anything else is just up in the air...

My husband and I have been recovering from the nasty common cold.  It's worth noting that the common cold is not anything to sneeze about. It's highly contagious and while it seems like a minor inconvenience, it can have the right punch to turn into pneumonia and other secondary illnesses.  We often self-diagnose ourselves with the flu when it's really just the common cold. There are more than 200 cold viruses out there creating havok on our health. 

I keep track and I only get a cold once a year. Usually, it is Jan-March. Last year, I had COVID on my 70th birthday. It made me feel like I was 90 instead of 70. I haven't had the flu in several years!

With the arrival of spring, many people may find themselves experiencing hay fever and seasonal allergies. These symptoms can often be confused with those of a cold, leading to some uncertainty about what one might be experiencing. It's important to recognize the differences between these conditions to manage symptoms effectively.

We were fortunate that we didn't catch anything worse than a nasty cold from our emergency room visit earlier this month.

The Good News Rescue Mission 

I thought these were cute - I like how they painted them.

 The Rescue mission in our town will open these micro-shelters on Wednesday!  They are a 17-unit micro-shelter village that will provide transitional non-congregate shelter to help men and women move off the streets and take the next step towards finding permanent housing. 

The village is located on the Mission Campus, offering essential resources like hot meals, showers, a resource center, a health clinic, and a supportive volunteer community for residents.

The Nay-sayers express skepticism, questioning the sufficiency of 17 Micro-shelters, the Christian nature of the ministry, and the living conditions of marginalized individuals. 

However, the Good News Rescue Mission provides crucial assistance to those experiencing homelessness, offering a better alternative than sleeping on the streets. The mission thrives on donations and community fundraisers, focusing on practical support rather than endless debates about homelessness.

It's a good step! 

During His ministry, Jesus demonstrated love and care for marginalized individuals, including the poor and outcasts. His teachings inspire us to reflect His heart by showing compassion and addressing the needs of those around us while recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every person.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it! 

 

Until next time,

Debby

The First Monday of the Year

 

The First Monday 

of the New Year! 

Marvelous Opportunities Await

Marveling at the morning sun,

Opening the week with fun.

New opportunities to seize,

Delighting in the gentle breeze.

Awake, arise, don’t delay,

Your destiny starts this Monday.

By Dan Higgins 2024

I hope you all are doing well and ready to seize the opportunities ahead! 

• As I look at my week starting today - it’s back to BSF on Wednesday—I can’t wait! Those two weeks off felt longer than expected, and I really missed the routine.
• After Wednesday, I’ll be rejoining my church Bible discussion group on Isaiah, which I’ve been looking forward to. It will be great to get back into that groove and be with everyone.
• I also hope to start doing some of my home projects...

On Sunday, I noticed many people at church were giving away their oranges and lemons. The scent was absolutely delightful! It’s such a wonderful reminder of how God sustains us in the winter - bringing in some vitamin C just as we head into the cold and flu season. The aroma of those fruits makes me think of the approaching Spring. Oranges bring a ray of sunshine during the winter, and I’m excited to enjoy lemon in my water as well. 

Oh, Susie...

She couldn't resist...a nibble.

Okay, I love the "look"

I might make another orange cardamom olive oil cake. I'll freeze half of it. 

So, what's this little cupboard you have on your counter? 

My middle son, whom I lovingly call Foodie, surprised me with a beautiful Mother's Day gift when he was just 18 and working at Mervyns. I've always dreamed of painting my cabinets in that same style, but I think it might be a bit too bold for my taste.

My kid knows what I like, and I have loved it from the first day he gave it to me. It gets dusty though and I use a Q-tip to get into all the tiny places -

During our move up here nearly 17 years ago, several little parts broke off - I initially believed I had retained the broken pieces to repair them, but in the chaos of the move I misplaced them. 

This is the year, I plan to address this issue by eliminating the remaining pieces and developing an alternative solution that closely resembles the original.

I decided to take advantage of the $20 Kohl's Cash I earned through my recent purchases, knowing I had to use it up before the deadline of January 9. Excited to find something nice, I wandered through the store, exploring various sections in search of an item that I not only liked but also needed. I set a strict limit for myself, determined not to spend more than the $20 Kohls cash. 

After browsing through racks of clothing, shelves of home goods, and displays of accessories, I found myself drawn to the handbag section. I can always use another purse, especially since I prefer smaller sizes. I came upon this compact purse that seemed ideal; it was just the right size, spacious enough to hold my phone, key fob, wallet, pepper spray, and some chap stick which is all I typically need. 

This purchase had nothing to do with the unfortunate coffee spill. The new bag was reasonably priced at $12.50, and I thought to myself, "Why not?" 

After making my purchase, I realized I still had $7.50 left to spend. However, I knew my options were quite limited at Kohl's with such a small amount. Perhaps I can find a kitchen towel or a small household item? Regardless, I was thrilled that I didn't have to pay out of pocket for anything today and It felt satisfying to score a new purse while sticking to my budget!

Then I went to Target to return something, and I spotted this attractive box of Kleenex with a decorative pattern that caught my attention. I like Target; except for the clothing and shoes. I like that they have a CVS pharmacy, which adds convenience and the Dollar Spot located at the entrance is fun to look through. 

Too bad I couldn't have used my Kohl cash at Target! 

I placed a few things around for that winter touch. 

Next week, I plan to begin decorating for the Chinese New Year, which falls on January 29th this year. This celebration marks the start of the Year of the Snake in the lunar calendar. 

Right now, the electricity to the lights in the dining room is out - my husband is replacing a wobbly switch. ✔One item is now crossed off from our list for this year's maintenance. 

Currently, the temperature is 60 degrees with sunny conditions. The front door is open. The lawn remains soft and squishy due to the heavy rainfall experienced last week. 

The bulbs are beginning to sprout, which is typical for this area.

At the rate they are growing, these mini daffodils might bloom next week with the warmer temperatures and sunshine.

Miracles in the Making

Miracles happen every day,

Open your heart, don’t sway.

Never lose faith or hope,

Dreams are like a kaleidoscope.

A miracle might be on its way,

You’ll find it, perhaps this Monday.

by Dan Higgins

Sincerely,

Debby