Happy Birthday Eric!!

"And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in the streets." Zechariah 8:5

Happy birthday, my love.

This verse fits Eric perfectly. As a child, he and his brother organized the best games I've ever heard of. They would get their friends together for bicycle fighter pilots, the adventures of Lewis & Clark along the creek in Mulvane KS, or war with all the little soldiers and rubber bands as ammunition. Mind you, this was not ordinary war. There were definite rules and no one could move their soldiers until it was their turn!!

Thanks Mom & Dad for providing a strong, stable environment for my future husband.

This photo was taken several years ago while on vacation at Biltmore Estate in NC.

terror in the night

"Sounds of terror are in his ears, while at peace the destroyer comes upon him." Job 15:21

Just barely asleep, Eric and I were awakened last night to the most hideous screams of terror. Before Eric was out of bed, he had the night vision monocle in one hand and protection in the other. It was coming from behind the house, but where exactly?
Gingerly, Eric walked out onto the deck. Somewhere in this tangled mess, the screams of the prey continued as it desperately tried to escape. Each act of defense forced the predator to find a new grip, dragging his victim until he found another stronghold.
Were the goats still in their pen? Neither of us spoke a word. Posed for action, I stood guard at the patio door ready to slam it shut after Eric's dash inside. Still in pursuit of a meal, the predator gave no relief to its prey. Chills of the hunt were right in front of us. But, where?
With one last bolt of energy and every ounce in his spirit, the prey did not go down quietly. Branches crackled, screams intensified, battles enraged. We stood breathless, stiffened to the bone. As Eric wildly scanned the tree with the monocle, protection prepared, the war ended as quickly as it began.

No more screams. No more struggles. No more defense. Just the tired, deliberate steps of a conqueror's victorious parade home after a long battle. It was done.

The goats were fine. Wide awake and just a breathless as we, they knew Eric's voice and were comforted by his presence.

Sleep came once again - finally. Will we ever know what succumbed to the terrors of this night? Probably not. Isn't this reason enough to continue landscaping?

Count Your Blessing Monday

Another great start to a what's going to be a great week - thanks to Marci at Amazing Graze Farm. She started this concerted effort to be conscious of our blessings. Check out her website and see what other people are thankful for. You'll meet some great people!!


These two little ladies have become wonderful source of entertainment.

Bravo (black) loves affection and will usually let you walk right up to her then put her head under your hand and expect you to stop what you're doing to pet her.

On the other hand, Alpha (brown) will let you pet her only when she's good and ready. She's the vocalist of the two, also. If she has something to say, she'll let you hear it - loud & clear & as long as it takes!

colors & textures of His hand

"One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD." Psalm 27:4

Enjoy these treasures we found as we trekked a mountain trail Monday.

The dew of the earth

"Then the remnant of Jacob will be among many peoples like dew from the LORD, like showers on vegetation which do not wait for man or delay for the sons of men." Micah 7:5

In the stillness of the morning,
the air heavy with dew,
the Olympic Peninsula
cries out praises
to His glory.

A few more photos from our trip.

The last section!!

"The enemy has come to an end in perpetual ruins, and Thou hast uprooted the cities; the very memory of them has perished."
Psalm 9:6
The enemy? All the tree roots and gravel from the previous owners' landscaping/circle drive. Thou? It actually means our LORD; however, today it means Eric.

We're getting started on the final level to our front patio!! See this post for the lay-out.
After Eric dug the trench for the timbers, we were able to get the walls built. Everything has been tied in with rebar. Next? Level the inside for layers of gravel and sand, then those enormous pieces of flagstone!

With Michael back in school, we're not sure how to move the flagstone unless we hire someone again. Maybe two someones!

(PS - We know we could break the stones to make them smaller, but both of us really enjoy the statement made by the huge pieces of stone. Too, it makes for a much safer place to put a chair!)


Just had to share this picture of the girls with you.

Aren't they cute?

The beauty of flowers

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8

Just a few photos from our recent weekend to the Olympic Peninsula.