First attempt

It is time once again. I believe it is Jan's fault. Now I feel the need to participate in these photo challenges. Why? I ask myself this; because it is yet another challenge. Here is my first attempt.
The picture above is what is left of the house where my grandmother was raised and lived until she got married and left for America. The house is in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. Today, the land is till owned by relatives of mine. The old house is surrounded by apple orchards as far as the eye can see and the largest greenhouses I have ever seen. I touched the walls of the house. I cried when I was there. It was an emotional tie to my past. My guess is that the house is at least 150 years old.

Esther

For two weeks now, I've been involved in a new Beth Moore Bible study. As you can tell by the title, it is on the book of Esther. I've joined my friend Ruth at her church, Altizer Baptist for this. I am totally enjoying and learning. One of the best parts for me is that I am learning from quite a few new women! So far, I have a whole new idea of reasons not to be a queen: way too many pressures there for me. And the idea of being in a harem to be picked from, no way!
I look forward to other new insights. What am I the most surprised about? Mike!! That's right, Mike has joined us in this study. Ruth's husband is the pastor and he wanted male support and invited Mike so he goes with me. I am very proud that Mike is open minded about this and willing to learn from a female who has very female views. I guess since Mike has lived with all females for 24 1/2 years now, he's had no choice. This is another way for the two of us to grow closer to God together.

Old Cabin

This old cabin is also in Lindsey's backyard and slightly up a hill to the left. You have to cross a creek to get to it. Mike was brave and went over to check it out. There is an old bed frame inside and a couple other items but I forget what. I never even knew it was there for about 2 years because I was always there when the leaves blocked the view. I was shocked when it appeared for me last winter. I bet if someone let us know when they were coming this way for a visit, we could take said visitor to the cabin!

Old Barn

My friend, Jan, loves barns. So, Jan...... check out this barn. It is in Lindsey's backyard!!!!! She and Scott live in his great-grandmother's house. I'm not sure exactly how old the house is, but the bathroom was added in the early 70's I think. I peeked inside but did not go in. I love the old stuff too but I prefer for someone to go in before me and check things out first. I'm even OK with critters when I know they are there. I do not like to be surprised by them under my feet.

Thoughts

When Mike and I visited Ireland in the fall of 2007, we climbed the side of a hill by the water to see buildings from many, many years ago. There we found what is in the picture on the left. I was amazed. So, of course, we did not bother the cross, but I think of it often. If you could see the "houses" people lived in so long ago and to see the faith they had in God and how they expressed it is amazing! I think of our modern inventions today (cell phones, microwaves, etc.) and wonder what we would do without all these things. (I know, many of us are old enough that we have done without them).

I thought of this picture during the day today at work and knew I would share it when I got home.

A wonderful, shining example of a Christian man and a member of our church lost his short battle with cancer last night. Our thoughts and prayers (and hopefully yours) will be with the Grass family.

Back to Work

It was back to work (school) today. The students were on a two hour delay. This really confuses some parents; we got lots of calls asking what time the kids have to be there if it is a two hour delay. It is good to see the kids happy to be back at school. I realize for some, school is the best place for them to be most of the time. I worried last week when we were out all week if everyone was eating at home. It was the end of the month so I'm sure some were hungry. Everyone knows this happens but I had no idea it was happening within 10 minutes of where I live. Weight Watchers began again today after work. I'm heading to my first Zumba class in about 30 minutes then to a meeting at church. We will be celebrating 200 years at church next year so we have lots to plan.

Trapped

I told myself NOT to do this, but here I am.
I love reading other blogs but knew it was not for me.
So, I am home because of snow again and I guess all the whiteness and cold got to me.
My life does not seem nearly as busy as other blogs I read but here I am to share my life. Mike and I became empty nesters about a year and a half ago. Both girls and their husbands live close so that is the best part. We travel a lot and I catch a lot of grief from others about that. I just love to go and see other places and parts of the world. When I return home, I appreciate where I live more than ever. We are active in church here and that is our family!