Welcome to ...

Welcome to Shepherd's Manor Creamery in New Windsor, Maryland! You can step right through this entrance and be surrounded with sheep and lambs! And that's just what I did!

I was thrilled to return to Shepherd's Manor Creamery for their open house on shearing day. By the time we got there all the shearing was done and the workers went up to the house for Refreshments. That left Jerry and me in the barnyard with 60-70 lambs. I was living a dream!

There lay mounds of lambs around the yard and numerous ones running here and there. Baahing, nursing, sniffing and laying beside the emu filled the barn yard. Some lambs were still in pens with Mom where they'd stay 5 to 7 days after birth. There were about 20 sheep in waiting, in their own pen.

One larger pen had two sheep and six lambs together. When the sheep were birthing, two sheep lay together with three lambs between them. Michael and Collen weren't sure which lambs went with which sheep so they decided to leave them together and come back later. When they came back there were six lambs! Both sheep are accepting any of the lambs to nurse. I bet their a handful!

I enjoyed seeing sheep at the hay feed with their heads buried in the trough and the fellow seem to be saying, "You want me to do what?"

One little black lamb chased after a chicken! He wouldn't give up. Circled it all around the barnyard!

Mom and lamb contented laying together. Just can't get enough of those cute faces!

This little guy jad his front and back legs spread out next to the barn wall. It was funny to see!

The house is an old farmhouse and takes your thoughts back to early years. Enjoyed talking with Michael and Colleen about the work they're doing. 

The rain began to fall just as we were leaving. It was a fun time in the barnyard. I got my fill of lambs!

Sobering Thoughts

I have struggled since last Wednesday when I drafted this post as to whether I should put it online. It certainly isn't my normal words to encourage, bring a smile and share what I've been doing. But everything I've read since then, my Sunday School lesson, devotions and other reading material seem to say yes, post it.

As I've shared in previous posts, the last several years have found me reading about historical people and events. I believe these readings have impacted my beliefs and inspired me to be a bolder individual in what I believe. This post is from one of those readings.

Jerry and I enjoy watching the movie Amazing Grace which came out a number of years ago. It's about William Wilberforce and how his passion and perseverance changed the world, ending the British slave trade. I think Jerry and I watch movies like this in hopes of gaining insight into the courageous people who stood for right.

The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler and Hidden in Silence are two others that inspire us to do good as we watch heroes of WWII saving jewish people.



I mention these movies to lead into a book I picked up at Gettysburg titled: We Lived in a Little Cabin in the Yard. Virginia slaves were interviewed and asked about their life. I wanted to learn for myself what actually happened in the days when American humans lived evil lives as they mistreated a different race.

But the words I read last evening stopped me cold. I was humbled by the atrocities this world has seen done by evil men and women, and thousands of others that just stood by and let it happen. Angry thoughts flooded my mind, and the question, "How could they?" surfaced! And I think, "they were human just like me."

I'm going to share the words that caused me to stop reading. I closed my eyes and just sat there for awhile because I couldn't believe how someone could do this. This is a reminder of how evil this world can be and a reminder that God is the only one who can change hearts.

In his words, slave Robert Williams talks about how female slaves were sold:

"The women would have just a piece around her waist, her breast and thighs would be bare. The seller would have her turn around and plump her to show how fat she was and her general condition. They would also take her by her breasts and pull them to show how good she was built for raising chillun. They would have them examined to show they was in good health. The young women would bring good money, such as $1,000 or more, because they could have plenty chillun, and that where they profit would come in."

I'm almost finished the book. I'm glad I read it. It's a part of American history I would rather forget. But lessons can be learned in every book we read. My lesson: We're all human and if not by the grace of God, there goes I. Only God knows the consequences this world has known because of the inhumane actions of evil persons. And may I be so bold to say, "What about the gospel?"

Standing for God isn't popular in our lives today. It has cost me severely in my own family life. But I can do no less than live what I believe so that my life reflects what I believe. May I always stand for right, like so many that have gone before me. I fall terribly short of the mark, but with God's grace I will succeed.

Will you stand with me? We have the good news of truth that God says will never return void. Now that's an enlightening thought!

Keep or Delete

Before the snow began falling last week I cut off one of the blooms from my Lenten Rose Helleborus plant to create a scene. I didn't want to lose the beauty of the first Lenten Rose that bloomed in my second garden. I thought, "a winter bloom, how lovely!"

I think the scene I created was too busy, but I thought I'd post them here and hear from you. My friend, Carol, liked the scene below best, with it highlighted with the lavender, because it takes away some of the business.

Below are others I worked with. Help me made the decision: Keep or Delete!

Below is the same snap, but I didn't hide the businessness of the hanky.

I'm thinking I may have just taken snaps too close, and used handkerchiefs that are too busy.

I like both of the tiny vases, the solid blue and the floral one above.

It may be that I didn't have good focus on the closeups.

I always try and get my Longaberger baskets in my created scenes. The one above had a "Hope" heart pillow in the background, but it wasn't in good focus.

Leave a comment here or on Facebook and let me know what you think. Let's number them 1 through 6 as they appear in this post.

I like the color combinations but not sure what looks best. Will enjoy your comments so I can decide whether to keep or delete!

Below are two scenes I created last year. The first in reds and blues was admired by many. The second in creams and oranges I didn't used often. 

I'm hoping to have a lot of fun creating scenes for the flowers in my two gardens this year. What great hobbies: photography, writing, reading and gardening!

Eclairs, birdhouses, art, homemade cards and cherries!

My February 13th post was about my first attempt at baking chocolate eclairs. As you can see by the picture above, my second attempt with a different recipe was much better! Not perfect, but delicious. I won't be afraid to make these yummy treats again. The third attempt should be fully acceptable!

For my March birthday I purchased a bird house and butterfly house for my two gardens. My friend, Karla Dornacher, in her book "Down a Garden Path," drew a beautiful garden scene, with different parts of the scene highlighted throughout the book. One of the scenes has three birdhouses at a white fence with sunflowers and morning glories. Near one of  the bird houses is a sign which reads: God lives here. I've always loved that part of the picture. My church birdhouse will also have a sign with those words. It's ordered, and I'm waiting patiently for the package!

One of my favorite pictures is from the art of Mary Englebreit. I love the above quote from W. S. Gilbert. Two of my friends, Kathy Kreyling and Gail Noda bring laughter into my life. Mary's art of two friends laughing certainly go with this quote. Thank you Kathy and Gail!

Another quote I enjoy and the art to go with it is above. Some might think this is what retirement is all about. Well, as a veteren retiree, with one year under my belt, I tell you it isn't! It has definitely taken me a full year to feel rested, unpressured and serene. This second year I'm not feeling like I have to have a full agenda and busy day to be important or satisfied. I keep busy as I want to and allow myself restful times of leisure.

In the March Country Extra magazine, I found the following quote by Richard Gustafson, "When asked how I spend my free time, I say, 'Retirement is like a barn. You can fill it full as you want, or just leave it empty.'" With my photography, card creating, working occasionally at the church office, writing and baking, I'm enjoying this season of my life, and thank God for the opportunity to be retired!

At my breakfast date last Saturday morning, Cheryl brought happy yellow daisies for our centerpiece. I was to take them home for my March birthday. She also handmade this cute card for me. This isn't the first card she's handmade for me. When I talk about note writing, her cards are on my display table. What a lovely creative way to bring a smile to others! I love her homemade cards! Thanks, Cheryl.

And my friend, Kathy, who was also at that breakfast, surprised me with a giant jar of cherries! She knows how much I enjoy my cherry muffins and found this 4 lb 10 oz jar! Yum! Yum! Thanks, Kathy! What a treat to have loving friends to get together with!

I leave you with this quote! "The better part of one's life consists of his friendships."  Abraham Lincoln.

But There's More

Most of us are familiar with the movie "Chariots of Fire" and Eric Liddell who wouldn't race on Sunday because of his faith. But there's more, much more.

In the first post of 2013 titled "Still Learning" I spoke about the two Christian history devotional books I purchased for the new year. It has been interesting learning about people who made a difference all through the ages.

The February 21st devotional was on Eric Liddell, with the first paragraph mentioning the well-known movie. But the rest of the devotion was on Eric's ministry in China, where he was imprisoned at a Japanese prison war camp for being an "enemy national."

The year after his famous race he went to China to teach at the Anglo-Chinese College at Tientsin. He married and had two children. But 16 years later, sensing politial turmoil, he sent his wife and daughters home to Canada. His wife, Florence, was expecting their third child.

Eric organized a school in the prison camp after 300 students from the Chefoo School of the China Inland Mission were brought to the camp. He taught math and science at the school, administered camp athletics, and acted as chief translator.

He became ill and died. Later it was discovered he had a brain tumour. He was 43.

Here is a man celebrated by the world for a small step in his early life. His service in China a little unknown fact for most of us.

Eric Liddell was a humble man with a simple and personal faith whose life's purpose was to glorify God. The book, Eric Liddell: Champion of Conviction, is about his life.

My heart is inspired and encouraged when I read these little facts about people who lived for Christ through the centuries. The book is on my wish list for future purchases.

Yes, those two Christian history devotionals are providing me with numerous stories of how people lived for Christ and made a difference.

It's the Best!

"Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations." Henry David Thoreau

Recently in one of my devotion books I came across Catherine Marshall's name. She's written 22 books, and I've never read one of them. Many people came to know her from the television series "Christy" many years ago. I watched the program and have the pilot movie, which I enjoy watching.

Perusing the title's of the books she's written I decided to go for "The Best of Catherine Marshall." Excerpts from 11 books are included in this volume so I thought I'd get a good feel for her books. This book would open my eyes to the life of Catherine and get a taste of her writing style.

One chapter that really spoke to my heart in her "Best" book is "The Dark Night of the Soul." Catherine experiencedthis dark time after her grandchild died. She was extremely open about her difficulties, which lasted several months, and she poured out her heart from that disturbing and difficult season in her life. It shook her faith and tested all her resources.

The inside flap says" One of America's most beloved authors, Catherine Marshall wrote with candor, simplicity and eloquence about the deepest issues of the human heart." I got to taste samples from "A Closer Walk," "Meeting God at Every Turn," "Julie," and others.

She was married to Peter Marsahll, a great Scotish preacher and U.S. Senate Chaplin, whose reputation as a "thrilling evangelical preacher" is captured in her book, "A Man Called Peter." The book was on the bestseller list for 50 consecutive weeks, and made into a movie.

When she was dating her second husband, Leonard LeSourd, he said: "What man wants to play second fiddle to a famous Scottish preacher? Surely you must realize that 'A Man Called Peter' made yours one of the great love stories of our time." "I do like a good love story!

Her words are indeed inspiring. I'm glad I purchased Catherine's "Best" and look forward to reading other books she wrote. I picked up a copy of "A Man Called Peter" and "Christy" at my local library. I'm just in the beginning chapters of "A Man Called Peter."

I pulled out my copy of the video of "Christy" and watched it the other evening. I remember the television series was popular, and seeing life at that time was interesting. Purchasing the entire series which was only $20, Jerry and I watched it last weekend--the entire series! I enjoyed it immensely and Jerry did too!

I'm thankful to God for continuing to direct my mind to books and movies that fill my life with encouraging thoughts and inspiring words. There is a wealth of books to be read on men and women who lived for Christ through all ages of our history. There is always a special nugget(s) to be had in reading how God worked in and through other people that can help me in my walk of faith.

"Books worth reading are worth reading twice; and what is most important of all, the masterpieces of literature are worth reading a thousand times." John Morley

A Chocolate What?

I enjoy reading blogs others have created. I gravitate towards those who enjoy photography, and artists whose pictures and writings I enjoy. Susan Branch (www.susanbranch.com) and Karla Dornacher (www.karladornacher.com) are two artists who inspire me and encourage my heart.

Last week I stopped at Susan's blog and found a simple recipe for chocolate eclairs. (Perfect chocolate eclairs in the picture at right.) I'd never tried making these delights before, and since the recipe was simple I decided to give it a try. Saturday morning I prepared to make them. "I'll take them to my Sunday School class in honor of Valentine's Day.," I decided.

Suffice to say my first attempt was not successful. The little puffs of dough didn't rise, the cream filling turned out ok (much to my astonishment), and the chocolate didn't come out smooth for dripping over the dough. I couldn't help but laugh at my attempt. They certainly would not be going to my Sunday School class. (Pictured ... my first attempt.)

Jerry tasted one and said they were good. Mom even liked them. I finally ate one and must confess it did taste good. Jerry said he'd take them to his Sunday School class. "Only if you tell them it's my first attempt and they don't look so good," I demanded.

Sunday morning came. I walked in my Sunday School class and there were sweet donuts in the shape of hearts for us to enjoy. I began telling my friends about my ill-fated eclairs when in walked Jerry, Floyd, Steve, Talmadge, Dan, Tom and Barry, each holding one of my misshaped eclairs.

"Jerry said we had to tell you that he told us this us your first attempt in making chocolate eclairs. Please bring us all other rejcts! They are delicious!"

It was so funny! They had me bending over with laughter. And my dear Sunday School friends were disappointed they weren't eating them!

My friend, Janet told me: "There is no such thing as a bad eclair if there was something you could lick off your finger!"  I like that!

Yes, I will try again. With a few pointers from my friends I will attempt a second time to make chocolate eclairs. This time, though, I know I can still enjoy the delicious taste, even if they don't pass the "look" test! And Jerry's class too!