Today is a bitter/sweet day for me!

This is my son and his lil adventure dog, in early spring,

checking out his new tent that just arrived, for this great

adventure in his life.

Happy Monday Morning to you all,

Well, this morning has been a bittersweet morning. Today is the day our son left for his Trek thru the Appalachian Mountain Trail. We are very happy and excited for him, because he is so excited about doing this and has been planning and reading about it for 4 months now, but of course we will miss him and of course, are concerned about his safety.

I have to say I am very impressed with what an amazing job he has done on the planning and execution of everything. Anything my husband and I or anyone would ask him about, did you think of this or do you have this or that item, the answer was always yes, I do. We asked because we know how easy it is to forget something when we are just packing for a weekend getaway, let alone a wilderness journey, where there is no where to buy anything most of the time. That is a scary thought to me, but I can't dwell upon it!!

My son is very capable and very ingenious about coming up with ways to do things, and ways to improvise, he gets that from his Dad and his Grampa's, and me too, I think!! Well, he was up and out by 7:30 a.m. and on the way to the airport with his daddy. I am so grateful my hubby took him, he had asked me, but I just didn't want to deal with it, I knew it would be hard to watch his lil dog have to go in that tiny cage, and I am a crier by nature, so thought it would be best for him and I, if daddy took him. I didn't want to literally rain on his parade, if you get my drift. I wanted to be excited for him, and I was........even if it was smilin' a bit thru a few tears, he knows me!! what more can I say, he would probably think there was something wrong with me, if I didn't shed a few tears cause you see I cry whether I am happy or sad.

He made tons of preparations, dehydrating all sorts of foods, putting food packets together,even made his own trail mix, and it is the best I have ever eaten, I might add. It has dehydrated strawberries, bananas, apples, and raisens with nuts and coconut and granola with a tinge of cinammon flavor to it, not additives of any kind. I told him he should see if he could sell it when he gets back, because it is seriously some of the best stuff I have ever seen, rather eaten!!

Here are some of his food packets he put together.

Some of them smell wonderful, I was wishing I had

the foresight to make some up for hurricane season,

cause I think they will taste pretty good.

At least if they taste as good as they smell.

and here is that yummy granola I was telling you about,

I just had some, can't be doing that too much tho, just

in case he needs more.

Plus he has been buying stuff off ebay that he can use for his

trip just like the tent above, and a small camera, and tiny cooking

stuff, and bed mats, and a carrier for Joey the adventure dog.

It has seemed like Christmas around here with packages coming

almost daily for awhile. I think he quite enjoyed that!! I think

the planning has been fun and exciting for him, at a time

when he certainly needed some fun and excitement.

Here he is with backpack and the dog carrier,this is my daughter's dog, Rosie, she only weights 8 pds, Joey weights 12 pds, but Rosie happened to be handy at the time. Unfortunately, it didn't work well for Joey sitting in it cause she is a lil longer than Rosie, so we had to reconifigure it some as you will see. Also, picture this backpack sticking out about 3-4 more inches, and about4-5" over the top of his head, it was about even with his head here. It weights over 40Pds, probably close to 45 pds. I would bet!!

We made it like a sling, so it goes around his neck

instead of being strapped to the front of him.

that way she can lay down. Then we also had

to come up with something to protect her feet,

because sometimes they will be hiking in rough

rocky terrain.

So at first he bought these little boots at the pet store

that have velcro, but they didn't stay on long at all.

2 mins. to be exact. When he put her down to walk

it was hysterical, wish we had a video of it, we would

surely have won a funniest home video award.

So then he tried baby socks and you know he used the handymans

secret weapon, duct tape!! That seemed to work okay, and he

was gonna put more duct tape on the bottom so it would be like

our shoes but of course, more limber. He was set to go with

that until yesterday. when his sister came over he was showing

her Joey in the socks and she managed to get some of them

off, and my daughter said, it almost seems like she needs

to have something go across her back that will hold them

up, and I said you know, I have thought the same thing

myself, so...........guess what we did all afternoon yesterday.

We had just the two straps across her but then had

to add the one across the chest. We are gonna call

them doggie garters!! this is our prototype model.

Doesn't she look stylish in her black and white. She is a trooper I am telling you!!

The thing down the back was still pinned, once I finished sewing it the white elastic

was no longer sticking up. He also added silicon to the bottom of her socks,

so that it would sort of be like tennis shoes. It seems to be working well here,

just hope it works well on the trail. He has some extra socks and a sewing

kit just in case he needs new sock feet.

Lest you think this dog is not up to the task, she is truly amazing and adventuresome,

the perfect dog for my son. She is a riot, and keeps us laughing most of the time.

She is a tough lil bugger, and can act as grumpy as can be, yet is really a sweet dog,

she just doesn't like you to know it.

Here she is working for my hubby, while he takes a coffee break!

Believe it or not, this white thing in my gardenia bush

is her, Joey in all her glory!! she tries to climb trees

as well, and I have found her sitting in my huge potted fern that

is in the back yard. She is a Jack Russell terrier,

and she is a tough lil girl!! And she adores my son,

and was so happy he was taking her this morning,

course, she has no idea where she is going, but I

can tell you when she find out she will be a happy

girl, cause she likes exploring, hiking and being

with her daddy!!

Well, as I just checked the clock they should be arriving

at their destination soon, but they will have a shuttle

to get to their hotel near the trail, and tomorrow

starts their big adventure, and ours.

He is gonna try to text us everyday, but we are

not expecting it to work, so if we get a message

before he gets to the next town that will be

Heaven!! If you feel led we would covet your

prayers for him and for us, that we will keep

our focus and remember that he & Joey are

not alone out there. Our son know the Lord

and Jesus goes wherever he goes, I just

have to keep reminding myself of that!

Well, thanks for dropping in, and hope you

enjoyed yourself, it has been an exciting

time for us as well as him. So I will

keep you updated on what is happening.

He is prepared to stay possibly 4 mos.,

but he will come back as soon as he has

had enough. Selfishly we, and his friends are

praying that it want be too long!! ha

Blessings and Love to you all,

Nellie

I will praise you, o Lord,

with all my heart,
I will tell of all your wonders.

I will be glad and rejoice in you;

I will sing praise to your name,

O Most High.

Psalm 9:1-2

Yummy Pasta Salad Recipe

Good Afternoon Dearies,

and Happy Happy Friday to you all..............



Well, here is the recipe for that "Yummy Pasta Salad"

I told you about on Wednesday.






I use this pasta cause it is multigrain, but the person I

got the recipe from uses bowtie pasta cause she said

the Pesto sticks to it better! Your choice!!

Pasta Salad Recipe

1 Package of pasta

1 Jar of Basil Pesto

1 Jar of Marinated Mushrooms drained

(mine was Vigo Brand)

1 Jar of Sundried tomatoes (drained)

2 small cans of sliced black olives (drained)

1 large onion diced

1 large bell pepper diced

granulated garlic powder to taste

salt and pepper to taste

Cook the Pasta as package directs, drain and rinse,

Put it in a large bowl (cause you will have to mix it

together after adding all the ingredients)

add Pesto Sauce and mix well, then add mushrooms,

sundried tomatoes, black olives, chopped onions and peppers,

garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste.

Mix Well and Eat. This salad is good hot or cold.

I usually eat it room temp. the first time, if I don't have

to make it ahead of time, and put it in the fridge.

Sometimes the next day I will add some cooked chopped

chicken breast just to change it a little bit.

If some people like it cold and some hot,

those that like it warm or hot can just put it on

their plate and stick it in the microwave for

about 15-20 seconds.

Well, Bon Appetit!!

Blessings,

Nellie

Welcome to Thankful Thursday

Hello My Cheery Friends,

Welcome to Thankful Thursday,

Hope you are feeling thankful for something today!!

I am feeling very Thankful for the Gift of Prayer.

I Have been thinking about what a gift it is!!

1. It is one of the best ways to get to know and commune

with our Lord. Helps to feel you are talking with a

divine friend and He truly is!! But don't forget He is

also a Holy friend and Holy God!!

2. It is amazing the impact that prayer has on our spirit.

When I am troubled, and pray, it amazes me how the Lord just

makes all those troubles melt away as He takes on those burdens of mine.

3. It is incredible that God has given us the ability to impact

the lives of others thru prayer. It is so neat to me that I can

pray for someone that lives in my home, neighborhood, church

or miles away, and it can affect a change, cause someone to

get the help they need, or calm their spirit, or heal a sick

child or relative.

4. It is wonderful that I can pray for myself, and get

answers to my prayers. It is neat that God says, He is

our ever present help in time of trouble, all we need

to do is cry out to him.

5. It is awesome that we can pray about anything and

everything, because the Lord is concerned about anything that

concerns us. He is our concerned and caring Father.

6. It is humbling that we can come boldly before His throne

of grace. That we have an audience with the Lord,

because we are his precious children.

7. It is comforting to know that when we have fears

and anxiety we can bring them to our Heavenly Father,

and He can bring comfort and peace to our soul.

8. It is also comforting to know that when we have

material needs we can bring them before the Father

and He can meet our needs, not wants necessarily,

but sometimes He even does that!!

And oh how we need to learn the difference

between the two.

9. It is refreshing to know we can come to the Father

for physical needs, and have him heal them

if it is his sovereign will. He has healed me

many times in many different situations.

10. It is Priceless to know that the Very Best Thing

we could every do for ourselves or another human being

is to pray for them. The Lord surely cares for us,

all our family and friends and even acquaintances.

As my son is leaving soon to hike the Appalachian Trail,

I am so incredibly thankful for the gift of prayer

because I know that is what is gonna get me thru

this time (cause it is gonna be a real stretch for Mom)

and I also know it is what is gonna get my Son

thru this time as well.

We will be praying but

so will many others that love this sweet young man.

What a comfort, what an encouragement,

what peace, what help, what hope.

I know in my Heart Prayer

is the Best Thing Possible

to do for my Son and for myself!!

I read somewhere once that God rules the world

by the prayers of His people!!

Wow, what a thought,

and whether it is totally true or not I am

not sure, but I do know it certainly motivates

me to prayer!!

Hope you too, are Thankful and practicing Prayer

daily in your life, if not, give it a try..............

It will rock your world for the Good!!

Hugs and Blessings,

Nellie

Wednesday madness

Good Morning lovely ladies,

Hope you had a good night's rest and are all ready for the day.

I had to hit the ground running this morning (accept for the 30 mins.

I talk and pray with hubby on the cell phone as he drives to work)

cause the things I already had planned collided with some new

things that we wanted to do, so it shall be a day of fun madness.

Got all my salads made yesterday, so really there is not too

much else I have to do, so it should be fine.

Had ladies group this morning, and my daughter will be

here soon to do my hair. God Bless her!!

and then hubby gets home at 6p.m. and our company

arrives at 6:30.

I shall be very tired tomorrow!! I am suppose to sew

children's sundresses again tomorrow, so hope I can

get myself out of bed!! ha

Just finished a bite to eat, so thought I would write

to say hi and hope your day is going well.

May the Lord bless you and keep you

and Give you peace and Joy.

Blessings,

Nellie

Today is cleaning day

Good Morning Sweet Friends,

Well, I am taking a little break cause today is heavy cleaning day.

Just came in from cleaning the porch. Vacumming was not enough.

The rain has made it look pretty dirty, so it was out to the yard

with the chairs so they could be cleaned. My back was giving

out by chair #3, so I am saving the rest for this evening.

Then it was in with the hose to hose the floor down. A fellow

from our church was starting a business doing floor finishes

five years ago, and he did our porch for us, to look like

tile, and we just love it, so easy to keep, and all you do

is bring the hose in and hose it all down, works for me,

Takes a little time, but Looks great now, just have to wait

for her to dry andput it back together. So it will be much

more enjoyable out there, and nice for company tomorrow as well.

Hope you are having a good day.

It is beautiful and sunny again today and was getting

pretty hot out there and I was very happy to be done.

Well, got to get busy cause I have to vacuum the

whole house and do a lil dusting, and of course,

work on some food for tomorrow night.

I am gonna make a Pasta salad that is so good,

I learned about it from a friend of 30 some odd years.

It has pasta, black olives, sundried tomatoes,

marinated mushrooms, bell pepper and onions,

olive oil and spices..

Think that is all. It is great! Yummy, I am

making myself hungry, cause all I have had is

iced coffee so far.

I am also making a 7 layer salad, if you

have never had it, it is awesome and great

for company, but you have to make

24 hrs. ahead for it to be it's best.

I just realized I got this recipe from the same

friend. She is a great cook what can I say.!!

That would be you Arlene if you happen to

be reading today.!! Love ya girl!!

My sister-in-law is gonna make cole slaw, and I might

make some green pea salad as well.

Gonna get my daughter to pick up

some cheese cake and I am gonna make a double batch

of brownies to have with some "Toffee Candy Crunch"

frozen yogurt, from good ol Publix, we also

found a "Key Lime frozen yogurt that is delicious too.

and who knows what else we will add as we go.

If you want any of these recipes leave a comment and

I willmake a post with them.

Well Girles............

gotta get back to work, but just wanted to say Hello.

Have a truly Blessed Day!!

Love and Blessings,

Nellie

Good Afternoon Dearies............

Hope you all had a Wonderful weekend.

Our's was without rain for the most part.

It has been a real joy to be able to sit in the sunshine Again.

We had a good restful weekend, did a little yardwork, cutting bushes and stuff,

studied for our last Sunday School class, we were doing the "Fireproof Series,

and just enjoyed sitting out in the backyard in the evening on Saturday.

Sunday we went to church, got to see my Nephew and his wife

and children again. Had to run a few errands after, and one

of our favorite things to do is get a smoothie,

from Planet smoothie. It is called a "chocolate elvis",

it has banana, peanut butter, vanilla yogurt and some chocolate.

It is like one of their customers said and we couldn't

agree more, it is like a cup of Joy!! ha

It is our special treat to ourselves.

Hey, it is Sunday, why not celebrate!!

We look for any reason to Celebrate!

Came home read the paper a bit, rested and went

back to church again, My nephew and his wife were speaking

and giving their testimony and sharing about their ministry

with New Tribes Mission. They did a good job, and we are

very proud of them.

His dad (my step-brother) also came to hear them.

So we decided to all get together this Wed. at our house

and have a fish fry because they are starting their

trek back to Missouri on Thursday.

My step brother has fresh Dolphin and Grouper,

Now that is some might fine eating!!

Can hardly wait!!

Came home watched some Pastors that we record weekly,

and did the exercise bike as we watched.

Went to bed at a decent hour and slept like a rock.

Not real exciting by most people's standards but............

I am finding that I am excited by a whole array of different things

than I was excited about in my youth and it was also very peaceful!!

Well, hope you have a beautiful and fruitful week ahead.

Thanks for dropping in,

Blessings and hugs,

Nellie