Wedding Song - God Knew That I Needed You

Friday, April 29, 2022

MEMORIES & GOOD FRIENDS

Scheduled Lunch with Becky at Country Folks Deli.
Yesterday AM Friend Connect.

Spending time with friends is always good 😊

Yesterday morning, Becky sent me a text message – and I was glad to get it (I had to cancel the last month’s get together): I’ve been pretty much housebound with asthma attacks and bronchitis flareups during this c.r.a.z.y. Spring weather … averaging about two or three out-of-house escapes a month; if I was lucky.

Cabin Fever was starting to set in ☹

I was out of the house earlier than the scheduled luncheon meet, but that was okay with me: I was out of the house. And I’d have about half an hour to shoot the breeze with my Country Folks Deli cutie (a waiter at the Deli that makes it his personal mission to make sure I have a good time when I stop in 😉). He’s about the age of one of any one of my granddaughter’s – between 32 and 25 – and he’s a joy to be around. I also brought a paperback novel with me, to pass the time with too, until Becky joined me.

But first, I stopped and grabbed a Payday flavored latte 😊 When my eyes read the Red Bull flavor of the day, it triggered a song I hadn’t thought of in decades, to run through my thoughts. Yep – that’s how my brain works. It seems like everything I do, and see in life, is in some way related to a song.

I got the Payday Latte.
Billy Joe Royal – ‘Cherry Hill Park’ song: 

20 minutes later, when I had parked the Highlander and situated myself in a back booth, I saw that Country Folks Deli had updated their Menu’s. And I walked through the building, making vids of the place to show cousins and friends where I like to hang out 😉

While I was making the vids, the owner’s mother asked me how long I’d been frequently the place. I said, “longer than it’s been the Country Folks Deli – I remember when it used to be a Bar with a loooong solid oak bar covering that wall over there, and an equally long mirror behind it. There were pool tables here and here; and I finally got to see my husband’s car (that he had sold before we ever met) that he talked about nonstop.” And she said, “I think you’re talking about the place next door – this used to be a Bank.” And I said: “Well maybe it was a Bank before it was a Bar … but it was a Bar in 1974 when I was standing in this same spot – that staircase is in the same place, so is the front door; the door I stepped out of to get some fresh air, light a cigarette … and spotted my husband’s beloved Camero sitting at the curb, with it’s hood raised and a frustrated driver trying to figure out what was wrong with it. I recognized the car by my husband’s description of it, and my husband fixed the problem for the driver. This place was a Bar in 1974.”

Very nice ...
Back end – alley entrance – of Country Folks Deli.
Don McLean was coming out of the surround speakers.
Don McLean – ‘Starry, Starry Night’ song & The Story Behind the Song:
Front end - Main Street side - of Country Folks Deli.
Bob and his teal-colored hotrod;1967 - before I knew him.
Bob after he'd sold the Camaro, and after we were married.

And on the back of that memory, Becky showed up, and had another memory to share with me 😊

And she sent it to my phone so I’d have it, too – she is a very good friend, and a soul sister.

Becky had a surprise for me. Poker Night at Morton's new home; Claddagh Road, Castle Rock. Fall 2000 - Bob was 50 yo, I was 43 yo. and wearing wire-rim glasses, which don't show up in the pic.
Claddagh Road, Castle Rock; white arrow is location.
This morning’s selfie: I'm a different person now; a chubby Solo Lobo. LOL

We had an enjoyable lunch/convo; and the hour passed too quickly. But this is a standing monthly scheduled thing, so we’ll be seeing each other again.

On my way home, I topped the gas tank off … and saw that the pump price has dropped another 5-cents; I don’t think that will be enough to save the obamanite demonrats though, in the upcoming elections.

A 5-cent drop in price ...

I was also flirted with as I walked from the pump to the Station Cashier Shack, and back ... I smiled, and kept on walking: friday night is generally 'prowl night', and I'm not interested in replacing my husband with a weekend cowboy.

But I smiled because even though I have no intention of shucking my Solo Lobo status - it's nice to be appreciated by the opposite sex, ya'know?

When I parked the Highlander, and was collecting my jacket and purse from the passenger seat, I noticed that a sticky incident had occurred while I had been enjoying lunch: this was not on the car when I pulled out of the carport earlier.

And I could almost hear Bob chuckling and rolling the r of the Finnish word for heron 😉

Hmmm … it looks like Gus-Gus, the favored Great Blue Heron of the immediate area, had passed overhead on his way to The Lake, and relieved himself enroute ☹
Lake Sacajawea from Country Folks Deli; 5 mins.

Inside the house, I was glad to see that the picture of Bob and I, that Becky had sent to my phone, finally fully downloaded 😊

I can never have too many pictures, or memories of Bob. It makes my heart happy to know that others have good memories – and pictures – of him, too.

Memories and good friends are a great combination.

It was a good day today.

I think I will end it finishing up the trims on my own designed/crafted fingertip towels.

Vintage edging on my fingertip towel edges (patterns to be posted to this Blog, next week).

This house that we bought the Summer of 2017, and that I shared with my husband until the Winter of 2018 … is becoming more and more a solo lobo woman’s domain.

Thursday, April 28, 2022

2 CORINTHIANS ~ Chapter 8/Thursday Bible Study

First off, I want to remind everyone reading this chapter, that Paul is directing his letters to the Churches – not to the populace at large.

The Church (Body of Believer in Yeshua Ha-Mashiach) were being heavily persecuted: the need was great for them to help each other in any/every way that help (physical and spiritual) could be given.

In today’s society, the politicians (in DC and in church pulpits) of this world, will twist and tweak the message of the Gospel to further their own biased agendas: but, stay focused on the actual message being given! In that way, you will not be easily manipulated; and the truth of the message will be true as carried out by Elohim’s Will for His Own who are struggling under persecutions today (losing jobs based on skin color, Christian faith, beliefs roots in God’s Word – not the obama bible that allows racist ideologies, and every perversion under the sun), as they were then.

Christians are to help their fellow Christians, first; then they are to do what they can for those suffering the chaos of the world’s mess. There may be some who falsely claim Christianity in order to benefit from the saint’s generosity … but that is not for us to judge: Elohim will deal with them in due time. Our obligation is to help those in the Body who need – and ask – for help.

**********

2 CORINTHIANS ~ Chapter 8

The Macedonian Attitude in Sharing With the Needy

“Brethren, we want to tell you about *Elohim’s grace (benefit, favor, gift) as it was given to the churches (a calling out; a meeting/assembly; a Christian community of members on earth) of Macedonia. They were being tested by afflictions, but they had a great store of joy (cheerfulness, delight, gladness); so, despite their deep poverty (indigence = destitute, lacking, disadvantaged, pauper, and down-and-out), they displayed a wealth (an abundance) of generosity (big-heartedness, open-handedness). For they gave to the limits of their means (assets, material goods, resources), to which I can testify, and they gave beyond their ability (wherewithal = means) and of their own freewill (given readily; voluntarily). They begged us earnestly and of their own accord to be allowed to share in the work of supporting their fellow-Christians. And they gave not only of money, as we had hoped they would, but they even gave themselves, first to the **Lord, then to us, by the ***Will of God. Since Titus had already made a beginning, we urged him also to complete among you this work of charity (aid, help, assistance, contributions, kindness, compassion, consideration). (vv. 1-6)

You are rich (fruitful, productive, powerful, significant) in so many things – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in enthusiasm, and in your love for us; may you also excel in this work of charity. I do not say this as a command (rule, sway, directive, mandate), but to test (prove, try, examine, analyze) the genuineness (realness, indisputability) of your love by comparing it with the eagerness of others. You recall the grace (spiritual = divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; acceptable, favor, joy, worthy) of our Lord ****Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, that though *****rich, yet He became poor for your sakes, that by His poverty you might be made *#rich. In this manner, then, I offer my counsel: it is a good thing for you now not only to complete (accomplish) the task you began a year ago, but also to want to complete it. By all means, complete the work of ingathering (solicitation, appeal, collection). Do it in such a way that your willingness to give is matched by your actually giving out of what you have. If one is willing to give, a gift according to what he has is acceptable; rather than according to what he does not have. This does not mean that others should be relieved (dismissed, released) and that you should be distressed (troubled, anxious, suffering, stressed). No, it is a matter of *##equality. You give out of your abundance to supply their want. Some other time, their abundance may supply your want. (vv. 7-15)

Concerning the Messengers

But thanks be to *###Elohei HaChayim, Who put into the heart of Titus this same sincere (earnest, heartfelt, authentic) concern for you. He not only accepted our appeal (call, request, plea), but was so enthusiastic (eager, afire) about it that, of his own accord, he went to you. We are also sending with him another brother, one who has won praise from all the congregations for his preaching of the Gospel. And not only that, but he has also been appointed by all the congregations to be our companion (friend, chum, accompanying person, fellow traveler) in this gracious work of ours, to help further the glory of the Lord and to show our willingness. Thus, we shall avoid any criticism (reproach, disapproval) concerning the administration of the money we have collected. Our aim is to do the right thing, not only before the Lord, but also before men.

And so we are sending with them this brother of ours, who has in many matters and on many occasions given proof of his faithfulness (authenticity, fidelity, dependability, reliability, constancy); and now he is more eager than ever, because of the faith he has in you. Titus, then, is my partner, and a fellow-worker in your service; as for our other brethren, they are sent by the congregations, and they reflect the glory of Mashiach. Give proof, therefore, before them and all the congregations, of your love and of our pride in you.” (vv. 16-24)


*Elohim (from the Hebrew word, el-o-heem) = the Supreme God. Exceedingly great and mighty.

**Lord (from the Greek word, koo-ree-os) = supreme in authority, equal to God in status, master.

***Will (from the Greek word, thel-ay-mah) = a determination, choice act; specifically meaning purpose, decree, inclination: desire, pleasure.

****Yeshua Ha’Mashiach (from the Hebrew word, ישוע המשיח) = Jesus, the Messiah/the Anointed One.

*****rich (from the Greek word, ploo-see-os = abounding with) & (the Greek word, ploo-tos from the base Greek word, play-tho) = abundance, fill, impact, supply; specifically, to fulfil – accomplish, furnish; valuable bestowment: authority.

*#rich (from the Greek word, ploo-teh-o) = to be/become wealthy, literally or figuratively; to be increased with goods/be made, wax rich.

*##equality (from the Greek word, ee-sot-ace) = likeness in condition or proportion.

*###Elohei HaChayim = Hebrew, meaning The God of the living.

 

**2 CORINTHIANS 7: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2022/04/2-corinthians-chapter-7thursday-bible.html

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

ASTHMA & CONTACT EYEWEAR DO NOT GEL

Monday afternoon, had picked my contacts up at the optometrist office in town.

Contacts.

Tuesday morning, I slid them into my eyes for my 4-hour trial adjustment period.

The contacts were fine for distance.

But after an hour, I was still having trouble with blurriness “up close”, like hand-held things (cell phone: contacts, notifications; books, ect.), laptop keyboard tabs … anything that was not distance related; and that’s a big factor because I like to read my Bible, and read patterns for handcrafts. Plus, I’m a designer, I work with my hands on “up close” handcrafted items, and I put my pattern instructions into print format. Most of my friends are texters: reading and typing are important in my daily life.

I called the optometrist’s office, and the technician said the blurriness may correct itself. Then she added, “If, however, things do not improve today or tomorrow – you may have to get another prescription to put over the contacts”. Uh … NO: that would defeat the purpose of the contacts! I already have glasses coming (ordered the same day I ordered the contacts), that should arrive in a week or so; I do not need another pair of glasses to wear with the contacts!

After my 4-hour morning “adjustment” period was over, I removed the contacts and put my glasses back on.

This morning I suffered another severe asthma attack (first severe attack was Christmas Eve, 2021) – compounded by chronic bronchitis: by the time my lungs had cleared and I could actually suck breath into my screaming lungs, tears were running down my face, soaking my pj top; and I had visible red strain marks on my face from brow to chin … my eyes were running nonstop, and swollen: getting contacts in them was not feasible.

So, when my tortured body settled back into an easy rhythm after it’s Red Zone experience; and I could talk without sounding like a gasping fish out of water, I called the optometrist’s office again and told them to cancel the Contacts Order. The contacts will not work for me. Whether my eyes “adjust”, or not, is no longer the issue. The frequency and severeness of the asthma attacks are the issue … and I am not going to pay good $$$ for a product my body will not be able to fully utilize. I have worn contacts before with success – but in this season of my life, they just won’t work. Letting contacts eyewear fall by the wayside does not send my entire life into a tailspin.

When I ended the convo with the peeved receptionist, I noticed that there was a break in the weather from 11 AM to Noon, so I pulled on some jeans and tied on my hiking boots.

Whenever possible, I do not allow asthma to handicap me 😉

I may not be able to wear contacts to help lessen the blinding effects of sunshine and headlight glare … but I can still enjoy my daily walks when the weather allows 😉

An adjustment not foreseen ...
I have glasses coming ... and that will be my future outlook on life's scenery.
Swallows were thick ... and quick, this afternoon along the Pacific Way Trail.
Mama Duck had a busy outing with her babies – all TWELEVE of them; she must be a veteran at successfully raising hatchlings ðŸ˜‰
Ring-neck Duck; male.
Nature's 'Chat Room'. LOL
A clump of Calla Lilies.

When I got back to the parked Highlander, I saw that there was enough time to make the Keenagers gathering; I hadn’t been there for a while, so I decided to go – even if I was dressed in my hiking grubbies.

I was still reasonably presentable 😊

Turning off Pacific Way, and onto Huntington, I was momentarily hung up by landscaping activities.

Landscaping holdup - Huntington Place jump road off Glenwood Drive, ties in with Laurel Road.
Keenagers (across from Montessori) on Columbia Heights, from Huntington Place Road; 3 mins.

I had been missed, and everyone let me know it, with squeals of “Val!” and enthusiastic hugs all around. I enjoyed myself, and when asked what I’ve been doing … I answered truthfully with a smile: “staying alive”.

And I laughed when that song, ‘Staying Alive’ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNFzfwLM72c) sung by the Bee Gee’s ran through my mind 😊

When I got back home – barely in the door – my phone rang: another friend needed some time outdoors and asked me if I wanted to go for a walk: I said, “Sure, I’m always game for a walk; do you want to meet out at Willow Grove, or should I come pick you up?” I went to pick her up. We had a nice leisurely riverside walk, shot the breeze on a variety of topics, and enjoyed being together.

Outside.

Soaking up the skimpy sunrays 😊

Kindness, sown in love, is a comfortable 2-way street that always leads to a happy disposition 😉

And I saw, when I got back home and kicked my shoes off … that a snippet of the Angel Wing Begonia plant I hauled home from an Oregon Grange Garage Sale … Bob and I had stopped at on one of our daytrip ventures nine years ago; had finally burst into blossom.

That memory made me smile.

Angel Wing Begonia Blossom; it’s been a looong time coming ðŸ˜Š

So, my day, that started out so precariously amended; ended happy, and on up notes as the day unfolded.