Take Me Out to the Ballfield

I'll admit something...  I don't like to watch most sports on television.  Baseball is one of those.  Televised baseball to me is Bor-ing.  But watching the game live.  That is a completely different story!  One of summer's pleasures is an evening at the ball park.

 We enjoyed just that on Tuesday which we spend at McCormick Field watching the Asheville Tourists take on the Greenville Drive.

The weather was perfect.  A clear blue sky.  Not too hot.  We had front row seats right behind the visitors dugout.

We enjoyed seeing our across the street neighbor as the On-Field MC. And the fact that one of the little between inning games involved someone dressed up in a bee costume... Bonus!!

It was a great game.  And the Tourists won!!  Which always makes for a happy ending to the game.

Mr. Moon

What are some of your favorite summertime activities?

Sunday Inspiration: The True Measure

Friday Favorites: Spice Things Up!

Happy first Friday of Summer 2017!!  Which means it's time for things to heat up.  In honor of that, I'm highlighting a few of my favorite spicy things today. Despite the fact that I prefer things a little more mild.

1.  Pacqui Tortilla Chips

"Pacqui" is the Aztec word meaning "to be happy".  And these chips certainly do make me happy!! No GMOs, no MSG, no gluten, and no trans-fats.  The entire family likes the nacho cheese.   The Man of the House enjoys the Ghost Pepper variety.  (and is eagerly awaiting the return of the Carolina Reaper One Chip Challenge)  While I'm crazy for the Cool Salsa Verde.  Yum!



2. Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack

This is my very favorite chicken restaurant here in town.  I stick to the plain, but the Man of the House has conquered their XXhot.  🔥  And the sides are extra yummy.  Especially the fried okra and pimento cheese grits!



3.  Good Earth Sweet and Spicy Tea

A blend of cinnamon and sweet orange gives this tea the perfect blend of... well, sweetness and spice.  I was introduced to this by my youngest sister and it is one of my two favorite teas.  It's available in black tea or green.  Both are delicious.  (also available in regular or decaffeinated)



Do you like things spicy, or more on the mild side?

"It's OK" Thursday #2

Today is "It's OK" Thursday!   This is our chance to acknowledge all those things that would probably never make an appearance on your Pinterest boards, but in the grand scheme of things are, well...  OK.

It's OK that I have been feeling a little "off" all week.

It's OK that I overcooked more than a dozen hard boiled eggs when I forgot them on the stove

It's OK to take a nap at 3 in the afternoon, even though there are a million things that I should be doing.

It's OK to wish for one day where I can sleep in and have absolutely nothing that needs to be done

It's OK that I can't seem to find any cute sandals that don't leave my feet achey at the end of the day

Also...  It's OK that I almost forgot to post this today!


Now it's your turn! Add your own "It's OK" Thursday post to the link up!

Let It Begin With Me

It makes my heart hurt. 

Everywhere you turn, it seems as if people are...  well...  one big bunch of angry, hurtful, hateful beings.

Being rude to each other in traffic and crowds. 

Posting terribly mean things about others online and calling it free speech.

We consider anyone with an opposing viewpoints or opinions to be ignorant, close-minded, or just plain evil.

We turn our backs on those we see as different or less-than.

Police shooting people.  People shooting police.

Shooting into groups of people for their political beliefs or religious beliefs or sexual orientation (or just because...)

Driving vehicles through crowds.

Blowing up young people just trying to enjoy an evening of music.

ENOUGH!! 

The hate has to stop.  It has to begin with each and every one of us.  We ALL have to be nicer to each other.   Kinder.  More understanding, patient, and tolerant. I realize that's a major over-simplification.  We aren't going to stop the violence, the terrorism, and the wars overnight just by being a little nicer to each other.

But it HAS to start somewhere.

If each and every one of us was active and intentional about being kind, tolerant, and patient.  More forgiving - what sort of change might we start seeing in the state of the world?

I know...  I hear you thinking it.  I've thought it myself.  "But they don't deserve kindness! They are so _____! "

Don't do it because they deserve it.  Do it because it's the right thing to do.  Do it to set the example.  Do it because it has to start somewhere.

• Rethink before you post that snarky tweet or that negative comment.

• The next time you want to point out what someone is doing wrong, instead point out something positive you have seen.

• Bite your tongue.  

• Pray for someone you disagree with or someone who has hurt you. 

• Look for opportunities to be kind.  To show patience. 

• Forgive someone.  Whether or not they have asked for it.  Whether or not they deserve it or not.

It's like the old saying - "Be the change you want to see in the world."  We can't change the entire world.  But we can each change our little piece of it.

Sunday Inspiration: Fathers

"It's OK" Thursday #1

It's that time of the week...

"It's OK" Thursday!   This is our chance to acknowledge all those things that would probably never make an appearance on your Pinterest boards, but in the grand scheme of things are, well...  OK.

It's OK that I have been meaning to make the same meal for the past three days, but keep forgetting to prepare the crockpot to start it in time.

It's OK that I removed the polish from my fingers and toes last weekend - and still haven't repainted them

It's OK that I thought there are three weeks left in June - when there are only two!

It's OK that Cleveland lost the NBA Finals

It's OK not to have any clue what I'm doing for The Man of the House for Father's Day (or my dad either, for that matter)

Now it's your turn!  Share your "It's OK' post below:

Sunday Inspiration: Think About It

Friday Favorites: Good Taste

Yesterday I made chili for dinner.  Which seems like an odd choice for June.  I usually reserve it more as a cold weather meal.  But, for some reason, when I made the menu for last week it just seemed like a good idea to have chili one night.  And wouldn't you know it - by dinner time the weather was cool and rainy.  A perfect chili night!

The lesson?  Always listen to that little voice inside. It knows what it's talking about!

Besides the yummy chili, a few other tasty things crossed my path this week:

Um... have y'all tried these?  Because - Oh. My. Goodness.  They are so, so yummy.  I finally found an M&M to replace the great void left when I could no longer enjoy the peanut ones.  If you like M&M's and caramel - go get a pack.  Like, right NOW!  The only problem I have with them?  They don't perform well on ice cream.  The caramel freezes up and gets too hard to chew. Otherwise... yum!

Earlier this week I tried this recipe from Moms With Crockpots.  It is so simple to make, but tastes like you spend hours over a hot stove.  The mushroom gravy turned out better than I imagined it would.  We enjoyed it served over brown rice with some green beans on the side.  And I am sure it will become part of my regular recipe rotation!

I wouldn't suggest eating this one, even though it is made from edible/food items.  Though, I guess it could be called "food for your skin".  I found this on Pinterest, but unfortunately the link indicated in the pin takes you to a skin care product company and I can find no reference to the masque on their website.  But regardless of that - I have tried this a few times and I am so happy with it!  My skin feels so clean and soft after I use the treatment.


Have you discovered any tasty treats recently?  Share in the comments!

Introducing - It's OK Thursday

We all know that things in life aren't always bright and sunny.  There are things we wish we were better at.  Times when we feel that we come up a little short.  Situations that challenge us, confuse us, frustrate us, and drain us.  The mundane. 

And you know what?  That's OK!!

The Bible tells us that all things, even the not-so-pretty ones, are all part of a plan and that God works all things together for good.  Those things can help us to grow.  To learn.   And sometimes they're just what they are.

But in this Pinterest world - we often feel like anything less than perfect is to be hidden away.  Brushed under the rug.  Embarrassing.  When we might be better served by telling ourselves and each other  "It's OK"  and "Me too!"  That It's OK to be yourself - flaws and all.

Which is why I am launching "It's OK Thursday".  To acknowledge all those things that would probably never make an appearance on your Facebook or Instagram page, but in the grand scheme of things are, well...  OK.

For Example:

It's OK that I was going to make meatballs with spaghetti squash for dinner tonight, but I'm feeling lazy so it's just going to be a simple meat sauce instead.

It's OK that I bought new note cards about 3 weeks ago because I owe my oldest and dearest friend a letter - and I haven't even opened the pack yet.

It's OK that the same cutting board and measuring cup have been in the dish drainer since Sunday because I haven't bothered to put them back in the cabinet.

It's OK that I sometimes just the silliest little things can make me cry.

I would love to have all of you join in and share the things in your life that are OK.  A little honesty.  So... next week (Thursday June 15) write your own "It's OK' post, then come on over and share it with us.

See you then!

Sunday Inspiration: Don't Give In

Currently... June 2017

June has arrived!  (Which means we are almost half way through 2017!)  Around here the days getting hotter and longer. This month brings Father's Day and the beginning of summer.  But not much else.  Which is perfectly fine by me.  I need a breather after the busyness of May! 

Reading:  The Widow of the South by Robert Hicks - a book recommended to me by my father.   I'm also reading/studying my way through Fervent by Priscilla Shirer.   

Eating:  A little better.  Lots of fruits and veggies. Drinking more water.  May involved a lot of eating out and more than a few barbecue ribs, so I'm trying to make up for all that indulgence.

Working On:  A LOT of crocheted washcloths!  I was blessed with a large wholesale order, and right now working on completing that is taking up most of my time.

Enjoying:  Getting ready for summer!  Between the Male Offspring and the Man of the House, my porch furniture has been cleaned and waterproofed.  We found a good deal on a nice big umbrella to replace the one which was damaged in a storm last year.  I have filled the hummingbird feeder.  And I want to get a new lantern and some plants.  Then I'm ready for a little reading and crocheting outside while enjoying the fresh air.

Anticipating:  So many summer activities:  Spending some weekend evenings at Antler Hill Village on the Biltmore Estate listening to live music.  Our upcoming vacation.  We've reserved a cabin on the lake, and I'm looking forward to some lazy days on the water and a little sight-seeing.  Oh... and seeing the Wonder Woman movie! 

Feeling:  Hmmm, well - Tired.... Happy...  And a little bloated.

What are you up to as June begins?