Wonderful Warren

 Omaha's most famous citizen, Warren Buffett 

"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently. 

Warren Buffett

Tuesday Table Setting

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitably to one another without grumbling.  

1 Peter 4:8-9  

When your host greets your family in their garden, we anticipated a special brunch. We were not disappointed. We felt  loved from the moment we entered their space.  

Everything about our visit.. spoke, love, comfort, and peace. How does one create that atmosphere? I think it is  genuine love. 

The  menu

Chilled Water

Mimosas

Breakfast Casserole

Roasted Potatoes

Fruit Salad

Tossed Salad

Pastries

Monday Musings ... Memorial Park

 Monuments in Memorial Park honor men and women of the armed services who were killed or missing during service in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.  This year marks the 75th Anniversary of this park. 

 "This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as not the home of the brave.'

Elmer Davis 

... with boldness

 "And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness." Acts 4:31 NKJV

term of endearment ... Juanchi

 Juanchi is the pet of the week.  He is a Teddy Bear!  You may ask, What is a Teddy Bear?  They are a crossbreed between the Shih Tau and Bichon Frise. 

What makes this breed so popular? They are friendly, loyal, and affectionate. That combination offers many families a great addition to their family. 

Juan... Juanchi you are a handful of sweetness. 

Thursday Travel

President Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Act of 1956 on June 29, 1956. The Interstate Highway System transformed travel for Americans. Now, the Interstate System is a part of our culture. I cannot recall a time when the interstate system did not exist.

Traveling this week reminds me that we are not alone.  Millions of American will begin taking some long anticipated trips. Along the way, we have to make some stops.

New Rest Stops in different states are beginning to showcase of bit of the state's history. Now, I look forward to seeing how states represent their history. I enjoy seeing art in unexpected places.  Can you guess what state this art represents? 

What are you wearing today?

 "Elegance is not being noticed.

It is about being remembered."

Georgio Armani 

What is your style? Professional? Business Professional? Soccer Mom? Sassy Senior?  Do you dress to impress? This morning, The You Version devotional app reminded me the important qualities to put on.  You might consider putting on these qualities as well. 

"Therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering: Colossians 3:12 (NKJV) 

I want to remebered for the qualities of kindness and mercy. How do your friends describe your qualities?

Tuesday Tea Time

Tea time is a change to slow down,

pull back 

and appreciate our 

surroundings. 

Letitia Baldrige

This evening, we took time slow down and  learn about tea, taste different teas, and talk. 

Monday Musings ...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

 "Mental illness is considered taboo in the African American community. 

Many of us try to mask our illness or pray it away, which in turn perpetuates stigma. 

Let's eradicate stigma. Asking for help is #notacharacterflaw

Valerie

The heavens ...

Psalm 19: 1 - 7 

" The heavens declare the glory of the God,

and the sky above proclaim his handiwork.

Day to day pour out speech, 

and night to night reveals knowledge.

There is no speech, nor are there words, 

whose voice is not heard. 

Their voice goes out through all the earth, 

and their words to the end of the world.

In them he has set a tent for the sun,

which comes out like a bridegromm leaving his

chamber,

and, like a strong man, runs it course with 

joy. 

Its rising is from the end of the heavens, 

and its circuit to the end of them,

and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

The law of the LORD is perfect

reviving the soul. 

Cash the Cat

 

Cash is this week's pet. Cash's limited vision is no barrier for his ability to have exciting adventures. 

Whether he is playing with his toys or finding a way to put a Kleenex box on his head. Cash brings his family  joy. 

He has found a forever home filled with love.

"A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere."  Grouch Marx

Friendship Friday ...real friends

"When someone invites me into their messy house,  I think, "Yes! I've crossed into  Real Friend territory!" Real friends let you see their less-than-perfect lives. One time a new friend served me wine in a random little tumbler that they had probably also used for water or milk, and I felt so loved! I knew then that they weren't trying to impress me; we were just having fun and enjoying each other's company. Whenever someone shows me their unfiltered life, I feel like we become family." 

-Nic, Cup of Jo reader 

What is a Labyrinth?

 "A labyrinth is a irregular network of pages or paths in which it is difficult to find one's way; a maze" Online definition 

While the word labyrinth is not find in the Bible, Christians and other faith traditions often use a labyrinth as a tool in mediation.   This labyrinth was at a Bed and Breakfast we visited last week. 

Tasty Tuesday

 

Monday Musings... Mothers

 

"One of the most important relationships we'll have is the relationship we have with our mothers."

Ivanla Vanzant

Yesterday, millions of individuals  celebrated their moms. Many of us also honored the memory of our mothers.  I'm grateful to have sweet memories of my mom. 

I thank God for the blessing of being a mother. 

Trust

Psalm 20

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble!

May the name of the  God of Jacob protect you!

May he send you help from the sanctuary 

and give you support from Zion !

May he remember all your offerings

and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices!

                                                    Selah 

May he grant you your heart's desire

and fulfill all your plans!

May we shout for joy over salvation,

and in the name of our set up our banners!

May the LORD fulfill all your petitions. 

Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;

he will answer from his holy heaven

with the saving might of his right hand.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,

but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

They collapse and fall,

but we rise and stand upright. 

O LORD, save the kings!

May he answer us when we call. 

Friendship Friday

I'm a little tired. Why? I am recovering from  Girls Getaway.  Where? Snug Hollow Bed and Breakfast. 

    "Snug Hollow was chosen by National Geographic as one of the 50 best Girlfriend Getaways in North America." 

Indeed Snug Hollow is place of quiet bliss.  This secluded organic farm is filled with wildflowers, babbling creeks, birds, bees, a labyrinth, and several cottages. 

Science supports what we know. Friendships are important to our emotional, mental, and physical health. Social relationships should be taken seriously.  So we take our friendships seriously.  

Take time to plan for fun. We did.  We brought a Mah Jongg set, comfy clothes, hiking shoes, books, snacks and wine. We laughed, hiked, played Mah Jongg,  told stories,  sipped wine, and went outside at night to star gaze. Snug Hollow might be a perfect place to plan your Girls Getaway. Go for it! 

Where is greatness?

 "Human greatness does not lie in wealth or power, but in character and goodness." 

Anne Frank

12 June 1929 born

February or March 1945 died

My son, purchased these tulips in 2022 while he visited  the Netherlands .  He also visited the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam. I have been eager to see the blooms.  The colors are  beautiful.

Oh Lord, hear my voice

Psalm 30

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD!

Oh Lord, hear my voice!

Let your ears be attentive 

to the voice of my pleas for mercy!

If you, O LORD should mark iniquities,

O Lord who could stand?

But with you there is forgiveness. 

that you may be feared.

I will wait for the LORD, my soul waits, 

and in his word I hope;

my soul waits for the Lord

more than watchmen for the morning,

more than watchman for the morning.  

O Israel, hope in the LORD!

for with the LORD there is steadfast love, 

and with him is plentiful redemption.

And he will redeem Israel 

from all his iniquities. 

Thank you notes

 

Teaching children to write thank you notes is a wonderful way to teach them the importance to expressing gratitude to others. 

This week, we received so many creative thank you notes from middle school students. Here are just two of the cards that that hubby and I  received. 

Tasty Tuesday

 Tasty Tuesday Birthday Treats.

Monday Musings ... birthday celebration

 "God gave us the gift of life; it is up to give ourselves the gift of living well."

Voltaire 

In our family, we celebrate birthdays.  We savor this incredible gift of life. This weekend, hubby celebrated a birthday. He enjoyed a video from our daughter, an in person visit from our son, texts, emails, and cards. Birthday Yay!