COUNTING IT ALL JOY!
Vibrant Colors Of Beauty!
BOO!
It's The Great Pumpkin!
The Great Pumpkin Awaits!
For October 31st
October 22~ Good morning Sunday! Time for a large cup of coffee, pack, and get ready to watch the Clackamas Cougars play volleyball at eight sharp! Thinking I'm going to need that second large cup of coffee for sure. So many things to learn and remember about this sport. Thank you Cindy Forsythe Rieder and all the parents that helped me learn some of the terminology and understanding of the sport this weekend. Who knew there was so much to know about this sport. Not so black and white. Great job Clackamas Cougars. Fourth place and Katelynn was selected for the All Tournament Team! Way to go Katelynn! Thankful the the great experience I had this weekend with Cindy and all the volleyball parents. Today Lord I'm blessed to learn about a sport I really didn't know much about. For meeting and talking with some great people and young adults. I'm thankful that we had great weather driving home and that we arrived safely from Moses lake to our homes. I'm thankful that even though at one time this day had a lot of meaning to me; I was able to fill it with new memories and good times with a great friend and her daughter. Lord I'm so thankful for the funds provided for this weekends adventure and the blessings as well. Thankful that tonight I get to sleep in my own bed in my own home. So thankful for my hot shower and comfy clothes, as I close this night and weekend looking into a fresh new week ahead of me. Truly am grateful for all I have been blessed with. Blessings
October 23~ Another Monday! A new week to write another chapter of my life. To fill with God's amazing gifts of love that He has for me to delight in and fully enjoy. Gifts and treasures He has just for me. Good morning to my beautiful daughter Racheal Perry who brought a cheery good morning and I love you mom! I treasure those calls and I love you's from my daughter's when I get them. Like receiving a check for a million bucks paid straight into the heart account. Early morning dental appointment. Oh no! Not so much fun! But an evil that has to be done. Thank you Geo Sutter for referring me to Dr. Kwon DDS. I think I'm going to like him. Next Tuesday I have a very full day with him. Time to speak with a case worker at the Senior Disabled services. Sometimes it pays to get more information. Especially when it comes to medical and insurances. Thank you nice lady at the government office. Home for a short moment then run out the door once again. Lunch is good and filling! Over to Clackamas Town Centre. Thank you Cindy Forsythe Rieder for telling me about Kat Von D eyeliner. So excited! I purchased it today. Karina the young lady at the counter very knowledgeable and helpful. Sephora has a gem in her. Walk around the mall, get some walking exercise in. Yea! On the way home the beautiful Mary McCormick Loomis calls. Walked around Wal-Mart and got to catch up with Mary. I'd say a great start to week and a very productive day. Lord I'm thankful for my new dentist and getting my pearly whites cleaned. I'm thankful for talking to the case worker today even when it messed up my day. I'm thankful for the warmth of the sunshine today. For the excellent service I have had today and very prompt. For the laughter that fills my heart with joy and happiness. The phone call that fills my heart with love and the snap that brings a smile and perk to my day. Thankful for the resources and provisions you daily provide Lord. Thank you for the sample of Tres'sor perfume today also, an old favorite of mine. Love the little surprise gifts that make me feel so special and loved. Thank you Lord for another day to unwrap all these gifts and so much more that you provide daily. Blessings
October 24~ Good morning! It is time to rise and shine for that early morning testing. Oh so would rather stay in bed. But... I will rise an get this day started with coffee, prayers and this early morning testing out of the way. Home for brunch and a nap! Yes I think a nap sounds wonderful! Grabbing my pillow and blanket for this wonderful little trip to dream land in the middle of the day. So thankful for a little shut eye. Yes! Sherilynn Ganther come on over, we can find a trail or something to do. Thank you for driving today. A long beautiful walk in Gresham. Who knew this little town had so much to offer and all the historical history. Glad I'm never to old to learn. Then we were invited to dinner. Thank you Geo Sutter for having us over. Your homemade stuffed peppers were so yummy! A perfect Fall meal with those yummy home made biscuits! Love home cooking! Home to get ready for work tomorrow. Lord today I'm so thankful for the beautiful Fall weather. For the little town I live in. For afternoon coffee withSherilynn Ganther as we strolled through town and the park. I'm thankful for the rich Fall colors that are so vibrant in the leaves. As each one swirls and twirls around to the ground and those that hit the water and float down stream; taking all the cares of the world with them. Thank you Lord for the breezes that whisper I love you. Thank you Lord for great friends that are up lifting and encouraging. Thankful for hot showers and big bath towels. Thankful for a day filled with many colorful scenery's as well as all the colorful characters we meet long the way today in our journey through the cemetery, the city of Gresham, and the parks. So much life to enjoy. Thank you for filling this day with the gift of life. Blessings
October 25~Good morning Wednesday smiles of beauty! Today is day one of two that will be bitter sweet! Maybe if I roll over I wont have to go in and this day will go away and can come again another day. Dang! I don't think this is going to work out me rolling over. Oh I will get up! Coffee, prayers, and load up for the day. Don't forget that 99 box to pack after your done today. WOW! My tank didn't take much gas today. Guess my car isn't as thirsty as normal. Guess I didn't do as much driving and traveling as I normally do. This is good for the pocket book! Good morning ladies! You are lined up and I'm ready to take the challenge on. Twelve on the books and nine happy smiles ladies today. Thank you each one for bringing such joy into my life each week with your stories of living a good life and the encouragement, love and prayers you all offer each week to my family, friends and myself. Truly I have been very blessed here by each one of you ladies. It is hard to say good bye to you all. You will be greatly missed by me each Wednesday. More packing and some cleaning. It is surely looking very empty in this little space in the world that has been my salon and where I have spent the last twelve years. It has been my honor and pleasure to care for all of your hair needs ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for this honor and privilege. Home to unload the car. Ummm... think I need a hair cut I might feel better. Darn my gal isn't in. Bummer! Guess I will walk around Troutdale. It is a beautiful Fall afternoon to enjoy all the Fall colors and the last of the beautiful flowers. Enjoying the decor of the season, then a small visit to the General Store to admire all the wonderful goods, Halloween, Christmas and so much more. An early dinner with a friend and the day seems complete. Today Lord I'm so grateful for the ladies that come to have their done with me. For the Hugs and love being sent my way as I say my good byes to each lady today. Thankful for my walk in Troutdale before the sprinkles of rain came. For unexpected blessings. For my new Kat Von D eyeliner. Love it! Thankful for long sleeve blouses that keep me warm. Thankful for comfy yoga pants. Yes Lord for the many blessings that you send my way and leave our for me to find. I am so very grateful. Blessings
October 26~ Good morning final work day! Retirement here I come! Ready or not! I'm not ready......but my body says otherwise. Time for me to get this final day rolling. Phone call with Geo Sutter for pep talk! Check! Put my big girl panties on! Check! Choke back those alligator tears! Check! Big smile! Check! Bucket of extra smiles filled with love! Check! Ready to rock this day! Check! Okay Lord you and I got this! Check! Three beautiful ladies to close this day out with. One a brand new resident. Thank you Veva! You helped make this day special with your kind words of encouragement and smiles of laughter and joy. Marge I've known you since day one I started; guess its only right you'd be one of my last today. I love you my sweet lady. May the Lord answer your sweet prayers you are praying for. Dolores a blessing from the day I meet you thank you. Sherilynn Ganther thank you for coming and helping this afternoon I truly appreciate it. David thank you for helping to move the larger items and taking them to the house. Last load of towels from salon washed folded and packed. Oh my! Dinner out....thank you David. It is retirement day! This day has been an emotional roller coaster. Thankful it's coming to a close. So today Lord I'm thankful to have made it through the day without being a blubbering mess. I'm thankful for all the love that has been showered upon me. I'm thankful that you carried me through. I'm extremely thankful for the love and support from everyone. Thankful that you hold my future. Ready for the next challenge and chapter you have for me. Feeling sad and excited all at once. Truly grateful for all you have blessed me with daily. Blessings
October 27~ Ringing phone in the a.m.to wake me on my first day of retirement. It's my beautiful daughter Webber Heather. Mom did I wake you? Yes! I will let you go. No! I'm awake now. Love hearing my daughters voice, even when they wake me. Nothing better than hearing your children's voices and I love you! At any age. Now to put on that BIG pot of coffee! Yep going to share it with my girlfriend Sherilynn Ganther this morning when she arrives. First things first put the pot of coffee on, then a hot hot shower. Perfect! Slow moving I am! Mom calls! Love my mom! I have the best mom ever! I love you mom! Playing some great R & B from the 50's - 70's, as I dance around the house this morning! Really I think I'm in a really strange mood. I'm enjoying the morning and the first day of actual retirement! Time to get moving in the right direction. Still have to do banking and o my final deposits for the hair salon. It still doesn't seem real! Lunch on the run in the car with Sherilynn Ganther. Thank you for the chicken on the move today as we did my errands before heading out for an afternoon adventure. HelloGeo Sutter! Plans change again....lets go get Geo Sutter. Heading to Rhododendron,to go to Ramona Falls in the Mt. Hood National Forest. What a great day for a drive. The rich colors of Fall everywhere. The golds like hitting the mother load in a gold mine, the reds are like finding the best rubies out there. The jewels of Fall are everywhere. Two beautiful rivers the Zig Zag River and the Sandy River. Rushing water over the beauty of the black pearls. Finding gems at every turn. Didn't quite make it the Falls today so we will have to go back. But had a wonderful time on the trail head. Found a stop sign in the middle of the forest on the trail. Still not sure what all that was about. Though if looks like it surely must of a purpose of some kind; what who knows! Played with the different filters and lens on my phone camera today. That was a lot of fun. I have been challenged by Regina Heginbotham to do a black and white photo everyday for the next seven days. This should be fun! A stop at Barlow Trail Roadhouse. A perfect place to grab an early dinner before heading home. Today Lord I'm thankful that I got to sleep in just a little bit. I'm truly thankful for really hot showers that leave your skin red! I love having morning coffee with friends. I'm thankful to get my errands and banking done so I could enjoy the afternoon. I'm thankful for friends that enjoy the great outdoors and fresh air as much as I do. I'm thankful for the still quietness in the forest and the peace that comes over me. I'm grateful to have ears to hear the sounds all around me in the quietness. The rushing water flowing, the rustling of the leave, the wind whistling through the forest, the voices of other trail enthusiast, and other undetectable sounds. My sight to watch the dancing limbs on the trees and the leafs as they swirled and twirled to the ground to dance about in circles of beauty. Thankful for safe travels.Very thankful for finances to pay bills, for gas in the car, to have a bite eat. Yes! Lord you are good. You meet every need and bless me with abundance in life. I'm so grateful to have a cup that overflows even on the days that are rough; you turn the upside down to an up right smile. Your love for me is endless. I'm thankful for my first day of retirement and the rich gifts i found to unwrap on my journey of adventure today. Thank you! Blessings
October 28~ Good morning! So cozy under my blankets! Don't want to get up. It's the weekend. What kind of mischievous can I get into today. First coffee! Ummm.....I have several ideas. Okay I have a plan. It is open to interruption. Hello Sherilynn Ganther, I have some great ideas for adventures. They are open ended and could change in a moment's notice, hope your up for the unexpected in some Fall beauty and fun. First stop of the day is at The Chapel for a Christmas Bazaar. Were I get to see Kim Hager, Patti Shepherd, and Carlie Sunshine Hall. And the best part they are set up next to each other. Got some great ideas. Next stop the Women's Forum. Spoke with the rangers. Eagle Creek fire, still only 50% containment. It's dang windy and cold here. Glad I have my coat. Off to Starvation Creek. Windy very windy! So much beauty tucked and hidden away like rare gems waiting to be discovered and found. Not ready to go home. So off we go to Wah Gwin Gwin Falls. At the historical hotel in Hood River. What a beautiful day. Then what next? I know lets go to the The Dalles. Sister Christine Goodinvites us for dinner. Sure! Thank you! Jennifer Merritt-Estep made her macaroni and cheese so yummy. The boys show us their costumes for Halloween. So cute! We end up staying the night. So the adventure continues. I love my family. I try and help Brandy Estep with her hair but it didn't work out. Though Sheri was able to safe the day. Today Lord I'm thankful for the sunshine. The beauty of Gorge that pops through the scars of fire. I'm thankful for my hiking partner Sheri. For my camera on my phone. For lunch at the Falls. I'm thankful for adaptability. I'm thankful for my family. I'm thankful for silliness and laughter. I'm thankful for my down coat today in the wind. For the many hidden jewels we found today on our adventures. For the hello this evening that brought me a smile. Yes! Lord you filled my day once again with the joy of life. Thank you! Blessings
October 29~ Waking up to great nephews and dogs jumping and crawling into my lap. Wonderful good morning hugs to start the day from little arms wrapped around my neck. What could be better than waking to the love of little people and fur babies. Morning coffee, and chatter from the family. Breakfast and more coffee with laughter to fill the house. Thinking we should get this day started. Thank you Christine Good for putting us up last night. Jennifer Merritt-Estep thank you for just being you. Look forward to your visit in November. Sherilynn Ganther and I finish up our coffee and say our good byes until we come again. We head East out of town to parts unknown. First stop Celilo Park. Beautiful morning as we walk around the park taking in the peaceful beauty and stillness of the start of the day. Then off to get gas. More bunny trails that lead me nowhere. Time to cross the bridge and head over to Washington where we head over to Stonehenge Memorial. Already a busy little hub of people taking in the views and sites. Thankful to all the men and women who have given for our freedoms that we so richly enjoy. A walk around the grounds and watch the sun break through the fog. Thankful for this beauty that I'm able to enjoy and see. Let's go to Maryhill Museum. So off we go to see the world on the Washington side. A beautiful park and museum. So much to take in. Beautiful pieces of art rich in history and the story of a man and his vision. The rich colors of Fall all around us. The windmills peeking through fog and clouds making a mysterious beauty in the sky. Where is this day going. It is time to get back on the road. Wishram and locomotives find us on another trail. A town that has only one way in and dead ends. Back to SR14 to find our way towards home. Cross back over to the Oregon side at Bridge of the Gods heading into Cascade Locks where we stop at East Winds for some ice cream to complete the day. Today Lord I'm thankful for the beauty in the fog and the beautiful scenery that awakens the soul to the peace that is found in the stillness and beauty of each place. I'm thankful for those who have given their lives for my freedom, those that have served our country and those that serve now. I'm thankful for family and friendship. I'm thankful for my eyes to see all that is around me. I'm thankful to be able to share my adventures and journeys with others. I'm thankful for the finances, and gas to go on these adventures that bring me such joy and peace. I'm thankful for the rich history of this great country we live in and for those that share it and keep sharing it with those who are interested. For the beautiful art that I enjoyed today and for the man Samuel Hill who made it possible for me and many others who enjoy it and all the donors of the art throughout the generations. Thank you for all these gifts that you have given me and so much more. I am truly blessed to have this life I have. Thank you! Blessings
October 30 ~ It's Monday and a fresh new week. Good morning sunshine! Wait! It's still dark out! Maybe its still night and I can sleep for another few hours. Wouldn't that be nice? As nice as that would be I must get up and get this day started. Morning coffee with prayers and then a weather forecast. Time to head to first appointment of the day. Glad I could help you out with boxes. Loved seeing you this morning. Dang it's windy and cold! Those East winds have a bite and guess no need to fix hair. I will wear the wind blown look today. Lara Hurst thank you for meeting up with today. Appreciate you helping me out. What a blessing you are. Costco here I come. Go in for one thing and leave with ten other items. More errands to take care of. And need to take some black and white photos for challenge. This should be interesting! Let's go to Party City Sherilynn Ganther. To fun! So many customs. Okay I have an idea! These items will work and I have things at home that will work. Then Geo Sutter asked if we'd like to ride out to Clackamas Town Centre with her. Sure! A nice walk around the mall and some great window shopping. Looking for Daddy Warbucks! Nowhere to be found! Darn! Got our exercise in. Then a bowl of soup with friends before heading home. Yum! Today Lord I'm thankful for my bathrobe and hot coffee. I'm thankful for safe places to vent, learn, and share. I'm so grateful for friends that are there to help and make you laugh as well as being supportive and encouraging. Thankful I don't have to lie, or pretend to be someone I'm not, that I can be me. Thankful for soft foods. Thankful for a day filled with opportunities, personal growth and learning. That at the end of the day I can say it was a successful day with good results. Feeling accomplished, and tired! It's been a good day. Thank you Lord! Blessings
October 31~ Happy Halloween! Oh I may not have to dress for this day at all! Must get up and just throw on some comfy clothes. No time to look cute at this appointment. I have about three-four hours in the dentist chair today. Do not like dentist at all. Oh not going to be fun! Okay Geo Sutter, I pray he is as good as you say! Yep! He is! Good job! And good job surprising me today by coming by and taking care of me after that long stay in the chair and the mouth pain. I'm so blessed to have you in my life and as my friend. Thank you so much! Good! Enough time to run home and change clothes and dress for the next appointment. The challenge is I am dressing up for the day. Sherilynn Ganther bet I wouldn't make it or be there. Fooled them all! She lost! I love dressing up and having fun on Halloween. I always have had fun dressing up on Halloween. I remember when the kids where little everyone wanted to know what I was dressing up as. I guess I've never grown out of it yet! Though maybe I should have stayed home. Wasn't easy to try and be focused when your in tons of pain. But I did it! Then home to really freshen up the look for the rest of the day. Then we went to see Geo Sutter and spent the late afternoon and very early evening with her. Thank you for putting up with two wild and crazy ladies. Love you! Thank you doesn't even begin to say it all. It was fun! Then out for a little fun before it got late and home to watch the last four innings of the world series. Today Lord I'm thankful for the new dentist and my teeth being fixed. I'm thankful I was in the dentist chair when my tooth fall out. I'm thankful for safe fun that brings laughter and happiness and wonderment. Thankful that the little girl inside never ever really grows up. I'm thankful for the beautiful day and nice evening for the little ones to go out and trick or treat. I'm thankful my daughters post pictures of my grandchildren that I can steal and share on my page. I love that they love to dress and have fun. I'm thankful for friends that always have my best interest at heart. I'm thankful that you hear our prayers and and that you meet each one in your perfect timing and love for us Lord. I am truly blessed. Thank you! Blessings
