So Good You'll Slap Your Mama!

Bisquick Impossible Buttermilk Pie

I've been making this custard-like pie for nearly as long as I am old. I can go from start to finish in under 45 minutes, and have a pie on the table. It's easy, it's quick, and it tastes good; that is my kind of recipe. Don't be put off by the fact that it has buttermilk if you don't like buttermilk. You will not taste it. I solemn pinkie promise. Now, go make one and tell me what you think!

Bisquick Impossible Buttermilk Pie

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup Bisquick baking mix, or any other brand baking mix (I used Kroger's brand)
1/3 cup melted butter
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
*1 tsp lemon extract*optional (I like the hint of lemon flavor it gives it)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Grease a 9" pie plate (I use a nonstick spray)
Put all ingredients into a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds;
or mix in a bowl with a hand mixer for 1 minute
Pour into greased pie plate and bake for 30 minutes, or until sharp knife inserted in center comes out clean
Cool 5 minutes before slicing.
You can eat it warm or chill it in the fridge first, it's great both ways.

Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

~1 Corinthians 14:20 NKJV

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today...
Outside my Window... I'm still seeing a lot of green, though there are some leaves collecting on the ground beneath the huge oak tree. A squirrel is racing across the top of our wooden privacy fence. Leyna is watching from the futon in the sunroom, irked and perplexed as to why I won't let her out there.


I am thinking... we leave for our camping trip in one week, and I have much to get done. Lists, shopping, more lists, packing, and more lists to be made. As many times as we've done this, camping in our 5th wheel, we still inevitably forget something.


From the learning rooms... let's just say, someone somewhere is learning something...it's just not here!


I am thankful for.... the beautiful weather we've been having. It's such a pleasure to be outdoors. We spent all of Saturday outdoors at our town's annual Pumpkin Festival, and the weather could not have been more perfect than it was.


From the kitchen... leftovers from a delicious cranberried pork roast I cooked in the crockpot on Saturday. I'm shredding the remains for sandwhiches. I got the recipe from Karen, at Over the Back Yard Fence. She mentioned it in a previous Simple Woman's Daybook post, and shared the recipe with me in an e-mail when I expressed an interest. Thanks, Karen! :-)


I am wearing... a t-shirt and capris, my 'uniform' until the weather turns cold.


I am reading... I'm in a slump. I need new books. I hate borrowing from the library. I'm such a procrastinator, and the library is on the opposite side of town from me. I always end up taking books back late. I am not allowing myself to check out anything else until I can improve this area of my character.


I am hoping... I hesitate to say, as it may sound selfish. I'm hoping our ladies group meeting at church tonight goes the way I want it to. Hmm...seeing that in print, it does sound selfish.

We each bring food to share, from a fast food joint, or from our kitchens. The plan is to then eat and fellowship for a half hour before getting to our meeting which ends with prayer....but it seems our food and fellowship time inevitably drags out until some have to leave before we get to a meeting or prayer. I want us to have the fellowship time, I do know it's important, but yet I would like a balance of fellowship, meeting, and prayer. I need to spend time in prayer about this. both that the Holy Spirit will lead our meeting, and that I will be submissive in my heart to His leading.


I am creating... I haven't picked up my needles in a week. I need to get back to my Christmas knitting!


I am hearing... a call to prayer and intercession.


Around the house... are too many dustbunnies, which breed faster than real bunnies!


One of my favorite things...is the phone calls from my daughter. At twenty-four, she's finally going to college, yea! Her first class begins in a couple of weeks. She'll be going all day Saturday and Sunday for about a month. That's after working all day Monday through Friday. I hope pray she is able to stay healthy and strong, as she tends to get sick when she burns the candle at both ends. She's really excited about the course. She's also scouring the internet to determine a plan of action for online courses toward a child development degree. She found she cannot get the necessary classes for it through the campus on base. The classes she'll be taking there will be toward a business and management degree. She already has a bad cold, something the other daycare workers informed her comes standard with the job. I'm praying over her!


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... After I finish making my shopping lists, I need to go to Big Lots this week. We get a lot of our non-perishable foods there much cheaper than at the grocery store. I also need to pick up supplies at the Dollar General, as well as at the grocery store. I need to check the weather forecast for the area of Arkansas where we'll be camping to determine the type clothing to pack in the trailer. Mr.Studley does all his own packing.

I've not yet made it to the vet with Leyna to get her nails trimmed, so that's on the agenda. We'd do it ourselves, but she turns into a little piranha whenever we try. It is not a pleasant experience! I've been wondering if that Peticure product advertised on tv is any good. It works like a Dremmel tool to file down the pet's nails. Mabye a Dremmel tool is what I should consider?


Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... This cute little tyke was turned and watching Leyna, our Min Pin who we took to the Pumpkin Festival with us. I thought the child looked so cute that I grabbed my camera. When his mom saw me focusing for a picture, she had him (her?) turn toward me. When he saw me, or more specifically my camera, he broke into that huge smile and waved. He's obviously not at all camera shy! Isn't he a cutie?

~Visit The Simple Woman's blog to see how you can participate in the weekly Daybook on your own blog. Click on The Simple Woman's Daybook icon in her sidebar for instructions.

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

~Hebrews 4:12 Amplified Bible

From the Kitchen

Banana Smoothie

• 1 sliced frozen banana


• 1/2 cup skim milk


• 1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt


• 1 TBSP honey


• 1 tsp vanilla


• 1 cup crushed ice, or ice cubes

Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth & creamy.

Pop in a straw and slurp away. It's good for what ails you!

And now for a bit of comfort food....

Chicken & Dumplings

• stewed chicken, parts & amounts of your choice


• low sodium chicken broth, plus broth created from stewing your chicken


• 1 tsp (or so) poultry seasoning


• 1 large can cream of chicken soup (optional-I used it with a can of water to make my broth go farther)


• Bisquick mix


• milk

Stew the chicken, then remove from the broth and strain out any icky pieces of fat and such left behind in the broth.

Set the chicken aside to cool, remove the meat from the bone, chunk or shred the meat.

Return the meat to the broth, also adding the storebought broth, and poultry seasoning.

If you wish to add the cream soup and soup can of water, do it now. They will taste just as good without it. I just happened to have it on hand and needed more broth.

While broth is coming to a full boil, mix dumplings according to package (2 cups mix, 2/3 cup milk).

If you wish your dumplings to be chewy, hand mix the dough and let it set awhile.

If you wish your dumplings to be light and fluffy, mix lightly with a fork, just until mixed, and put in boiling broth right away.

Make SURE your broth is at a full boil when you add the spoonfuls of dumpling mix to the pan.

Gently drop the dumplings onto the top of the broth.

Keep the heat high and let them boil for ten minutes, then lower the heat, cover the pan, and let them cook an additional ten minutes.

I have made my dumplings the long way, from scratch. These are a fraction of the work, and I like them every bit as much.

It's comfort food at it's finest!

If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land flowing with milk and honey.

~Numbers 14:8 Amplified Bible

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today...
Outside my Window... the view hasn't changed much since last week. I'm still seeing Morning Glories, though the blooms are looking a little smaller. The vines are still quite green. I'm enjoying the color while it lasts.
I am thinking... about what I'd like to share at our ladies group at church tonight. We're going to discuss the movie we saw, and talk about ways we can implement what we learned from it in our own marriages.
From the learning rooms... I was tempted to simple delete this line of my Daybook, as I don't seem to be learning much these days. I'm doing good to keep doing the things I already know these days. I should be challenging myself more.
I am thankful for.... my husband. I'm sure I've said it before, and will likely say it again, but I'm saying it today. I saw the movie Fireproof this afternoon. I went with the ladies group from our church. I don't believe there was a dry eye in the theater. It was such a good movie, such a good story. It had gripping drama, burst-out-laughing humor, heart break, and victory. It was an awesome story of love, both the love shared between a man and a woman and the love of God for all men and women. It's the kind of movie that you take something with you when you leave the theater. It made me want to be a better wife to my husband, to make more of an effort to show him how much I appreciate him. I can't say that about too many movies I've seen.
From the kitchen... is the aroma of freshly brewed, freshly ground coffee. Ahhh. Did you know a recent study found evidence to believe the mere aroma of coffee helps wake you up? It seems they found found that the aroma of coffee helped restore brain activity in sleep-deprived rats to normal or near-normal levels. That's all nice and dandy, and no one loves whiffing the coffee beans in the grinder more than me, but it's that first actual sip of a brewed cup of joe which gets my motor running in the mornings.

I am wearing... capris, a t-shirt, and my Obakashi's. Our highs this week will be in the upper 70's, so it's not time to pack away my capris yet!

I am reading... only blogs these days, I fear. I am subscribed to too many blogs! Who do I let go, though, not you, for sure! ;-)\

I am hoping... Mr.Studley's bloodwork comes back good today. He's at the VA getting labwork done. Due to a condition he recently developed called Polymyalgia Rheumatica, he's being treated with prednisone. For those unfamiliar with prednisone, it's a steroid, which preferrably is not taken long term, though with some people that's unavoidable. It causes an increase in appetite, and can lead to diabetes. My sweet hubby, who's never had a weight problem in his life, and never had a sweet tooth, has now gained five pounds, and can't stay away from the sweets. Welcome to my world, honey.

I am creating... a list of camping supplies. Mr.Studley and I will be pulling our 5th wheel travel trailer up to Arkansas in a couple of weeks. We're hoping to time it with the peak fall foliage there. I need to decide what all to take from the pantry, as well as what pots and pans I'll need. We keep dishes and various sundries stocked out there, but some things from the kitchen will need to be packed.

I know I'll love it once we get there, but I always get overly anxious before we take out-of-town trips. I mean, I really dread them. I always end up having a good time once we get there, but it's the leaving part that bothers me. Plus, I know we're going to be pulling the trailer up (and back down again) some very steep grades. I am the world's worst chicken when it comes to traveling on mountain roads. I've cried all over Colorado. I try and pray, but I suffer the worst anxiety attacks when we're traveling. I know I'm a nuisance to those traveling with me (which in this case will just be Mr.Studley) , but I simply can't help myself.

I am hearing...birds, delightful singing birds.

Around the house... is scattered evidence of Leyna. Chew toys, half-chewed rawhides, stuffed animals, and pull toys are lying about in every direction. The other day while she was napping, I walked around picking up all her toys and placed them in a basket in the living room. She woke up and spotted me doing it. Immediately she ran over and started pulling each one out again. She's a mess, I tell you, a MESS! And I love every minute of it. ;-)

One of my favorite things... is sitting at my computer each morning and reading my e-mails and comments left on my blog. Seriously, it's one of the highlights of my day.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... is to start packing the travel trailer, take Leyna to the vet and get her toenails trimmed, hunt for the plastic tote bucket which has our sweaters and jackets stored in it (am hoping it's not in the attic-such a pain), gather up more things to take to the thrift store donation box. There's more to be done, but truthfully, I haven't planned too much out yet.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Pagosa Springs, Colorado, as we watched the geese flying over the river at our campsite

Hearing and seeing a flock of geese flying overhead always thrills me. I usually hear them before I see them. The faraway sound of their honking, which I sometimes mistake for dogs yapping in the distance until they get closer, alerts me to look toward the heavens. I frantically bob my head around, so fearful I'll miss my opportunity to see them before they've flown out of eyesight. Their appearance in the spring marks the arrival of our coming summer, and this time of year, in the fall, it lets us know winter will be here soon. I've seen two flocks in the past couple of weeks, both flying south, of course.

I'm thankful that Mr.Studley gets as excited about seeing the geese as me. He'll come running in the house, shouting "get outside quick or you'll miss the geese!", and we'll race each other out to the street where the trees in our yard don't impede our vision. I imagine some would find us 'simple' getting so excited over a flock of geese, but there's something so majestic about them soaring across the sky in formation, wings flapping untiringly, driven by instinct to push onward to their destination. As I'm forced to look upward to see them in all their glory, I am always reminded of God's glory, and I never fail to thank Him for letting me witness it.

~Visit The Simple Woman's blog to see how you can participate in the weekly Daybook on your own blog. Click on The Simple Woman's Daybook icon in her sidebar for instructions.


And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly and swarm with living creatures, and let birds fly over the earth in the open expanse of the heavens.
~Genesis 1:20

Pink Heaven

Is this not the most delightful thing you've seen today?


What about this?

Or this...
It just keeps getting better, doesn't it? Want to know what the best part is? They contain zero calories. As mouthwatering as these delectable creations are, they are not edible. These luscious faux pink Cupcakes, Cookies and Petit Fours were created by Miss Rhea at Miss Rhea's Sweet n Shabby Roses. Truthfully, I've never been what you'd call a 'pink' sort of girl. Yes, I like feminine things, but pink's just never done it for me... until now.

I first discovered Miss Rhea's a few weeks ago when I clicked on a link in a blogroll at Melony's Whimsy Daisy. I love Melony's style of decorating, so I figured there was a good chance I'd enjoy reading blogs which she enjoys reading. The creations at Miss Rhea's is eye candy at it's best. I took a peek at her profile, and, not only is she incredibly talented, but she's also a lovely christian lady with a passion for children's ministry. Plus, her husband ministers to inmates and aspires to enter seminary soon. What I'm saying is, these are good people, y'all!
I hope I've piqued your interest enough to click on the links and look over her blog. Just don't go hungry! ;-) While there, you'll discover Miss Rhea is celebrating her 100th post, and the opening of her Patisserie Shoppe by giving away an an assortment of her faux sweet pink Pastries, including the ones I've shown you. The drawing will be held on Saturday, October 25th. If you like pink, or know someone that does (Christmas is around the corner), then visit her blog and leave a comment on this post. Now, I think I'm going to have to visit the local bakery today. I suddenly have a hankering for something slathered in frosting!





Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.
~Psalms 27:14 Amplified Bible

Friday's Fave 5

I had some computer~slash~google problems yesterday (still unsure which was the culprit), so I wasn't able to do my FFF. I figured I'd just wait until next week, then I saw that Karen, at Over the Back Yard Fence (she is such an upbeat person!) did her FFF a day late. I figured, if Karen can do it, so can I! I'm cheating, though. I'm changing the date on my post so it will look like I did post it on Friday. What powers I possess! ;-Þ

1)Monday evening was a favorite this week. Our ladies group at church, which recently began meeting again, doubled in numbers since the week before. It was a good time of sharing and getting closer aquainted with each other on a different level than what chatting before and after church on Sundays offers.

2)My son cooked dinner for us twice this week, even providing the groceries for it. Anytime I get out of cooking is a favorite time of mine! ;-)

3)My daughter, Nikki, called from England last night. She was excited to report that they are now in their own home. It will likely be a month or so before their furniture arrives, but the military base has provided them with decent loaner stuff until they get their own. She's loving her new job at the CDC (daycare on base). The biggest news of all is that she has decided to work toward a degree in childcare development. It's such an obvious choice for someone who loves nothing more than spending time with young children. Due to her work schedule, she's going to be forced to do a lot of her schooling online. That was a disappointment to her, as she'd already registered and signed up for two college classes when she found out about the scheduling conflict. She took it in stride, though. She sounded so happy, which naturally made me happy. :-)

4)I set out my fall decorations in the house and on the porch this week. The biggest reason that was a favorite time this week is that I've been racking my brain for a few weeks now, trying to remember where I'd stored the stuff. I'd looked everywhere I store things at least twice, to no avail, when suddenly it hit me where I'd put them. Decorating for fall is always fun for me.

5)Another favorite of mine this week was getting my blog's facelift, thanks again to Marilyn. ;-)

Thanks to Susanne, for hosting the Friday Fave 5!

For all my favorites this week, I give God the glory. He blessed me with new mercies every day. He lifts my head when I am down. He gives me strength when I am weak. His grace truly is sufficient to meet my every need.

Things In My House Thursday

I was having trouble getting inspired with what to share today. Anything I generally show that's in my house has been photographed outside of my house. I love the tall trees surrounding my home, and the shade they offer works wonders at keeping our electric bill down in the summer. The downside to them is that my house is very dark. Many of the things I'd like to show you in TIMHT posts are not easily portable, so I was struggling with what to share.....then I read Marilyn's TIMHT post, and decided to just copy her. Again, thanks, Marilyn! ;-)

The item I'm featuring today is this little burned out child's Singer sewing machine, but notice how sneaky I am, in that I'm using the opportunity to also show off my porch stitchery scarecrows? Later about that, though. This little Singer should really have been relegated as garbage long ago, but I'm helplessly sentimental. It's one of the first Christmas gifts I received as a child that I actually remember. I'd have to ask my mom how old I was, but I think I was 4 or 5. I don't think I'd started to school yet.

Christmas wasn't far away, all the packages were wrapped and stacked under the tree. My mom being the perfectionist she is, I imagine it was a beautiful sight to behold. My mom, dad, and brother were all outside, visiting a neighbor, I think. At least I know they were doing something that I figured they'd not likely walk inside and catch me if I were to take a little peeksie. I could barely contain my delight when I gently removed the wrapping and saw what I was getting. I thought I was so smart as I carefully rewrapped the present and returned it to it's position under the tree. Roooiiiigght. We all know 5 year olds are such excellent gift-wrappers! I did get found out, for sure, but I can't remember getting in trouble. Maybe I did, but if so, it wasn't severe enough for me to remember it.

My folk's home burned to the ground nearly 20 years ago, and my mom had my little Singer machine proudly displayed on an old antique buffet in her large farm style kitchen. It was still in perfect working order. Neither my mom or I could bear to throw it away after the fire, so I keep it on a shelf as a reminder, not so much that it survived the fire, but simply as a childhood memory I've managed to hang onto in a mind that seems to forget too many things these days!

The big old crock to the right belonged to my late mother-in-law. I believe it came with her from Kentucky to Texas, as a young married woman. I know her father used to make moonshine in the Kentucky hills. Whether or not he stored it in this crock, I don't know, but it's certainly possible.

I sewed the stitcheries from a pattern I bought on the internet a few years ago. I'd give the pattern author credit, but it would require me dragging my lazy behind out to my workshop. If anyone's interested, just drop me a line or a comment, though, and I'll muster up the energy to go out there tomorrow. You can't see it under the fabric draped over it, but the chair is an old antique folding wooden chair from a long ago church. I laid claim to them from my mom's garage when she moved. I have such a teeny little covered porch that there's only room for one out there.

It's so much fun seeing what others have in their house on Thursdays. If you aren't participating, but would like to do so, please consider yourself invited. After you make your Thursday post, be sure and go to MSM's and sign the Mr.Linky there, so everyone can come see your Things in Your House on Thursday!

Whoever says he is in the Light and [yet] hates his brother [Christian, born-again child of God his Father] is in darkness even until now.
Whoever loves his brother [believer] abides (lives) in the Light, and in It or in him there is no occasion for stumbling or cause for error or sin.

~1 John 2:9-10 Amplified Bible

It's Blog Fodder, Baby!

Apple Pandowdy

Some time ago, I told Mr.Studley a story I'd heard from my Nanny about a woman who went nuts (Nanny's word for crazy) while going through menopause. The first time he saw me taking pictures of a plate of food, I think he thought the big M really had me by the throat. Trying to explain it was useless as, at that time, he didn't know what a blog even was. He still doesn't, really, but at least he knows my mental status hasn't declined....much.

Hmm....what does it need?

I'd never had Apple Pandowdy before, but it sounded really good. It was good. The problem was that I was craving Apple Crisp, but I made Apple Pandowdy instead. You know what it's like when you're really wanting a particular food like, say, spaghetti, but when you arrive at your favorite Italian restaurant, they're closed. You go somewhere else and eat an equally good meal, but it just doesn't suit you because you're still thinking about that spaghetti.

That's how I was with the Apple Pandowdy. I should've saved it for another day and made the Apple Crisp. My solution? Make both. That's right, I went ahead and made a pan of Apple Crisp, so now we have both. To justify it, I reckoned to myself that I really did need to use up the rest of that markdown bag of Granny Smith apples. Besides, I know my next door neighbors have a sweet tooth.

Ah, yes. Come to Mama!

Apple Crisp

I want to thank you all for the comments on my blog's facelift. I would like to point out that the package of graphics Marilyn purchased from Karla's Korner Shoppe to design my blog came with a LOT more graphics than what we used. Hence, Marilyn could have added a lot more design qualities to my blog's face. As she pointed out in a comment, I stressed I was a 'minimalist'. I did design the blog to my specifications, and she did it exactly as I requested. So, yeah, Marilyn, I guess I did "design" it (using Karla's graphics, of course!), but we both know I could design 'til the cows come home, and my blog would still have it's old face, as I don't know the first thing about the actual hands-on 'doing' of it. I just know I'm pleased, and for that, I thank you, Marilyn (and Karla!).

He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends.
~Proverbs 17:9 Amplified Bible

TaDa!

Quite some time ago, my good friend, Marilyn, at A Mixed Bouqet, offered to spruce up my blog for me. Several weeks went along, maybe months, while I was supposed to be thinking of what I wanted my blog to look like. I was reading blogs one day when I happened to land at Karla's Korner. I don't even remember how I ended up there, but I immediately e-mailed Marilyn and said, "I really like the look of this lady's blog". I thought I was just giving Marilyn an idea of what I like. The next thing I know, Marilyn's writing me back that Karla offers clip-art packages for sale, and she is going to buy one and redo my blog with it. I didn't want her paying for it, but she can be quite stubborn. It may be her only fault. ;-) Kidding, Marilyn, I'm kidding!

Since I'm the total opposite of a computer geek, meaning I know nussink, I couldn't help but wonder if Marilyn regretted her offer at any time. Everything she asked me was met with a "huh?" or "whaddyamean?". I can't overestimate the degree of my lack of computer know-how. It simply doesn't exist. Fortunately for me, I'm blessed with a friend who has enough of it for both of us. She often claims otherwise. Her only fault is modesty....well that and that stubborn thing.

There is more work to be done yet. I'll be adding back in the items in my sidebar. Hopefully I won't forget anyone or anything. Meanwhile, I'm pleased as punch with Karla's pictures and Marilyn's efforts.

Thank you, Marilyn!

PS-Karla's having a giveaway right now for a $50 gift shopping spree to her blogstore or her webstore. She's got some great stuff, and she's a truly sweet christian lady. Check it out!

*****************************************
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
~Corinthians 2:5

Nothing Spells Comfort like Q.u.i.l.t.

Back when Dana, at Old Red Barn Co., had her last quilt giveaway, I had all my fingers and all my toes crossed. Walking and writing were a little difficult, but I wanted to win her quilt sooo badly. Somebody else won it. Rats. Well, now it's time to cross my fingers and toes again, maybe even wear a lucky rabbit's foot.

Nah, I don't really believe in that stuff, but I do really, really, really want to win the lovely quilt being given away at (no, not Dana's this time) Pigtails and Snails. The quilt is gorgeous! The lovely blogger giving it away says in her profile that she's a mother of three. GET OUT OF TOWN! She doesn't look a day over sixteen in her picture....but I digress. Go check out her blog and sign up for the quilt. The giveaway contest ends at 7:00 PM MST, Friday, October 17th. Plus, she offers extra entries if you blog about it. You can check out the details on her blog.

*****************************************Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
~Romans 12:2 NIV

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today...Outside my Window... I am seeing the dwindling down of the Morning Glories. Before long, the view there will be drab. I'm thinking of planting Pansies this year. They bloom through the winter. I love their smiling faces, which always make me smile back.

I am thinking... about our ladies meeting at church tonight. Last week was enjoyable, though I do hope we can spend less time eating and more time meeting. I love the fellowship and sharing of our meal beforehand, but last week, we barely had time for a quick prayer at the end of our meeting, as some needed to go to pick up kids. I feel that prayer is such an important part of our time together.

From the learning rooms... eh...not so much going on there.

I am thankful for.... the two new (to me) burgundy leather recliners in my living room. My next door neighbors ordered new ones and asked if we knew anyone interested in buying their old ones. They aren't old, they just aren't new. They look great, and I know she paid mucho money for them new. She said she'd sell one for $75, and let the other one go for free. You just can't beat a deal like that! ;-)

From the kitchen... there is a queso dip with taco meat in it, ready to take to my ladies group tonight. I just need to stop and pick up a bag of dipping tortilla chips. I need to figure out what to leave here for dinner, though. I'm thinkin' somethin' simple.

I am wearing... my nightshirt and flipflops. I haven't even had my first cup of coffee or put in my contacts yet. My day is definitely out of order.

I am reading... eh...not so much. Does bathroom reading count?

I am hoping... I can sell the two small wingback chairs I had in my living room.

I am creating... dishcloths and hats with my knitting needles.

Around the house... I've been decluttering. It's an ongoing chore around here. I've always been such a packrat. I've either bought (mostly at thrift stores) or been given way too many things over the years that I've kept for "some day". I don't do that anymore. I have a hard and fast rule with myself now. If I can't use it now, or at least within the next season, or if I don't know someone else who needs it, it doesn't come home with me. The problem is, I have years and years accumulation of "stuff" that I got before I instituted that rule! Which reminds me of one of my favorite movie lines, from the Jerk.

"I don't care about losing all the money. It's losing all the stuff"

One of my favorite things... is apple crisp. Maybe I'll bake some today!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... to go through the antique buffet in my dining room, which is used for anything but a buffet table. It's a huge piece of furniture with three drawers across the top, and a cabinet on each side below. There are things stuffed back in those cabinets that have probably not seen the light of day in fifteen years. Disgraceful, I know. It's definitely time.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...of my little dog, Leyna. Bear with me, I don't show a fraction of the pictures of her that I'd like. I do realize not all people melt into puddles over cute pup pics the way I do. When my son and daughter were packing their overnight bags to go to 6-Flags last August, Leyna crawled into one of their bags. My son zipped it nearly closed and snapped this picture of her. I think she wanted to go to 6-Flags, too.

~Visit The Simple Woman's blog to see how you can participate in the weekly Daybook on your own blog. Click on The Simple Woman's Daybook icon in her sidebar for instructions.

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

~Jeremiah 29:11

The above scripture was spoken to me by a friend the day after I learned my late husband had drowned while scuba diving. I felt like I was drowning in despair, and truthfully, the scripture did not bring me great comfort at the time. However, she told me God gave her that Word for me. In the days, weeks, months, and years ahead, I did cling to that Word from God. I stood on it as His promise to me, and He kept good on His promise!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...
Outside my Window... I see drooping tree branches, their still green leaves weighted down with the morning's rain.


I am thinking... about how very much I love this time of year. Even when raining, it's so nice to sit outside on my porch and enjoy the cool air .


From the learning rooms... I am hoping to learn to use the embroider/sewing machine my mom left here for me to try. It would be nice to be able to make personalized gifts for family for Christmas.


I am thankful for.... so very much. My mind, as most people's these days, has been on the upcoming election. Though I have strong opinions of who I hope gets elected to the job of presidency, I know that whatever the outcome, God is still on the throne. He will never leave His righteous forsaken, and we are made rightous by the precious blood of His Son, Jesus.


From the kitchen... await the makings for tortilla roll-ups for taking to my ladies meeting at church tonight. We bring our own dinner or snacks, whether picked up on the way by those ladies working all day, or prepared in our kitchens by those of us fortunate enough to spend our days at home. We then pool our goodies and have a meal and fellowship for a half hour or so before beginning our meeting. I'll probably prepare spaghetti with meat sauce (ground beef/italian sausage) for Mr.Studley and my son John to eat for dinner.


I am wearing... a cotton t-shirt and a pair of cotton shorts. I'm barefoot with my Obikashi slip-ons nearby for when I take Leyna outside to do her 'bidness'. I pretty much wear my shorts around the house right through winter, especially now that I'm in the throes of the pleasures of menopause.....rooooiiiiiggghht.


I am reading... I'm still making my way through Spirit, Soul & Body by Andrew Wommack. It's not difficult to read, but I'm not finding much reading time lately. That, and again, that whole pleasures of menopause thing seems to be affecting my ability to concentrate.


I am hoping... that we have a good turnout for our ladies group meeting tonight. Our meetings have pretty much been on haitus since earlier this year. I'm happy we're starting up again, as I feel it's a good means of the women at church getting to know each other and being connected. Plus, my pastor's wife is leading it, and she always has good indepth things to share with us.


I am creating... scarves and hats with my knitting needles. My daughter, Nikki, informed me it's already cold in northern England where she's now living. "Make me scarves", she pleaded!


I am hearing... the whir of the Stanley fan sitting at my feet. They market it as being powerfully built for use in workshops. If they were smart, they'd add to that "powerful enough to cool a woman having hotflashes". That might be false advertisement, though, 'cause there are days when even my little Stanley doesn't do the trick. Seriously, my body feels like a racecar engine. I can go from a comfortable 98.6 body temperature to a raging 500 degree internal inferno in 0-60 seconds!


Around the house... I see signs of a very playful little dog. It looks like there's a toddler in residence. A toddler who likes to chew on rawhides. There are stuffed toys, balls, and half-chewed rawhides strewn about the living room and our bedroom. I wonder if I can train Leyna to put her toys away?


One of my favorite things... these days is when Jim (Nikki's boyfriend) sends me pictures of Nikki walking about their new hometown. He sent me some of her standing in a gorgous flower garden park near their hotel this weekend. I keep imagining myself, along with Mr. Studley, seeing all those sights, and walking in all those same places, next spring. Tentatively, we're thinking a possible March visit is in order. Nikki turns 25 in March, and she's really wanting us to come and be there for her birthday. We're praying about it, as it will be a big expense for us. Granted, we won't have to worry about lodging or transportation once there. Airfare, meals, sightseeing and souveniers will be our expense, the bulk of it being airfare, naturally. We never made it to Germany while she lived there those nearly three years. We don't want to let another opportunity pass us by.


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... are to do more knitting, never ending housework and laundry, meal planning and stocking the RV for our upcoming camping trip to Arkansas. Oh, and getting a box of Nikki's stuff packed up and sent to her, that she keeps calling me every day asking if I've sent yet. She left her thick robe, houseshoes, and her ukelele here so they wouldn't take so much baggage space on her flight to Dublin. She knew I was a procrastinator when she left them here, so she may as well quit her nagging/begging/nagging. I will try and get it done this week, though. I need to find some bubble wrap for the ukelele, as she hasn't yet bought a case for it.


Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Fall 2005 Beaver's Bend Park outside Broken Bow, OK. View from our campsite on the river.


Happy Monday, y'all! I pray your week is productive, pleasant, and blessed! ~Visit The Simple Woman's blog to see how you can participate in the weekly Daybook on your own blog. Click on The Simple Woman's Daybook icon in her sidebar for instructions. ********************************Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]
So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?~Hebrews 13:5-6 Amplified Bible

Friday's Fave Five

Friday's Fave 5 is a time to think back over the week you've had, and post 5 favorite things. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week; favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc.
Friday's Fave 5 is hosted by Susanne, at Living to Tell the Story. If you'd like to share your Friday's Fave 5, go here to get the scoop on how to participate with on your own blog. Afterwards, don't forget to go back and sign Susanne's Mr.Linky.


1.) The first thing that comes to my mind is the gorgeous weather we've had this week. Daytime highs have been in the 70's, and a few evenings have even gotten down into the 50's. For a cold weather loving gal like myself, this has been a sheer delight. When you go through the hot & humid summers of northeast Texas, you learn to really appreciate the dryer, cooler temperatures while they are here.

2.) I became better aquainted with a particular neighbor this week. I've been on a 'waving' and saying 'hi' basis with her for a number of years, and we've even had short chats, but lately there have been opportunities for our friendship to bloom. For that, I'm thankful.

3.) My mom's health and frame of mind seemed much better this week. In the past five years, her health has been poor. She's had a couple of surgeries, and she never seems to recuperate to the point of being pain-free. Because of the chronic pain with which she lives, she seems different. She does have to take a lot of pain pills to endure the pain, and I know they affect her ability to think and focus clearly. She called me last night after the vice-president nominee debate and sounded completely like her old self! It was so great to have a conversation with her just like in the old days.

4.) I had a long visit with my daughter in England today. She calls regularly, but today's visit was a particularly fun one. She was cracking jokes and making me laugh. She's excited that they're going to look at house rentals this weekend. Plus, today she interviewed on base and got the job she was really, really wanting.
There were 3 or 4 other job offers on base, where they were wanting her to come in and talk with them. The others were for office type work, but this one was in the daycare, and she wanted it so bad she could taste it. I know, some of you are thinking "daycare over an office job?". Okay, maybe you aren't, but I would be, but then maybe that's because at 52, the thought of taking care of tots all day sounds a bit overwhelming. This is Nikki, though, and there's nothing she loves better than being with kids. She adores kids, and kids adore her. She has the energy to play with them, and a natural aptitude to discipline them authoritatively. It will take a couple of weeks for the paperwork to all go through, and she can hardly wait.

5.) I got to attend my knitting guild's knit night last night. Due to various scheduling conflicts, I haven't been in months. As it turned out, Michelle (owner of the craft store where we meet) and I were the only ones there. It's the first time Michelle and I have gotten to really have a one-on-one conversation of any great length, and I really enjoyed it. I can't say as we got much knitting done, but we had a good visit. If you're reading, Michelle, I'm wavin' at you. ;-)

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name!
~Psalms 100:4 Amplified Bible