Plants I haven't killed

For those who don't have or don't like Facebook- my plants on the deck, my unruly tomato bush and tomatoes I hope to vine ripen.

Only the grass that gets some shade is still looking healthy. I'm watering the rest twice a week to keep it alive. I read that Pearland and the Woodlands are having voluntary watering restrictions.

I'm praying they decide not to let the firework stands sell for the 4th as I think it would be disastrous to have people shooting them in this drought.

Ten on Tuesday

1. We are on mattress number three in three months (my mother-in-law says we're in the "Mattress of the Month Club"). We bought a new bed in January, decided it was too soft and after 30 day minimum, exchanged it and after two weeks the new one has defects, so under warranty we have another one.
2. Ben turns 19 tomorrow.
3. Tim's had a bad head cold one week now.
4. I got a different type of bug on Sunday.
5. Daisy is shedding- oh wait, that's not news.
6. Gorgeous weather, but we need rain.
7. Tim is still organizing the garage but making progress- he put a peg board up for tools.
8. I got the color sample sheet and so can try to match the stain for my coffee table refinishing project.
9. I'm pricing photo prints of bluebonnets (20x30) and they are $50 on Amazon.
10. I'm so happy Mariah is blogging again.

New Things

Well, it's been a season for new things and yet I've been sobered by the 'Holy Experience' blog which has been all about death this week. Sobered in a good way. I shall not cling too tightly to my things and be more aware of what really matters. But, I'm pleased to have these things and thankful! They include Ben getting his driver's license and a job at Kroger, a new bed ( a story in itself but suffice to say we are in the process of exchanging it), a new dishwasher and all new duct work including new ducts run to the garage so now Tim can do hobby stuff out there in comfort.

The picture is of the new plenum with all the ducts running off of it. Previously, there were three large ducts coming off the plenum with smaller branches off of them to the rooms. Some of the rooms at the end of a line didn't get as even an air flow. So, we shall see if this new way does a better job.

Proper Perspective

C.S. Lewis wrote in The Problem of Pain, "My own­ experience is something like this. I am progressing along the path of life in my ordinary contentedly fallen and godless condition, absorbed in a merry meeting with my friends . . . or a bit of work that tickles my vanity . . . , when suddenly a . . . headline in the newspapers that threatens us all with destruction, sends this whole pack of cards tumbling down. At first I am overwhelmed, and all my little happinesses look like broken toys. Then, slowly and reluctantly . . . I try to bring myself into the frame of mind that I should be in at all times. I remind myself that all these toys were never intended to possess my heart, that . . . my only real treasure is Christ."

New Fence

Here's the backyard with the new fence completed today! Now Daisy can go out and sunbathe and do her business without supervision. I'm very grateful it's finally done, but also reminded of how something good often (always) comes out of our trials. When the fence was down, we met more neighbors. Because the fence was destroyed with Ike, we now have a new, much better fence with a gate to access the right of way. The new fence is about 8" further back than the previous, so even our backyard got larger. Plus, there's that lovely new wood smell. Little things, perhaps, but ones I'm thankful for.

Some Observations

1. One difference between men and women is that when your son tells you there is a snake just off the patio, the women goes in the garage and gets the hoe and the man asks "Where's a pillow case?"

2. Here's a link to a blog. Don't read it unless you want to be challenged in your faith walk:

http://aholyexperience.com/

3. Being reminded once again of my sin. God doesn't rank sin. I'm so thankful for His Grace.

4. Another link that Sherry sent me:
http://www.maximumreferrals.com/videos/bridge/bridge.html

This is a 5 min synopsis from the short film "Most" which you can look up on IMDB

5. My husband has decided to clean out the garage and I'm in wonder. Ben and I took five boxes of books to Half-Price Books on Monday. There are two more boxes plus three boxes of records (you know those 33rpm vinyl disks that play music) waiting as of this morning. In his office are stacks of models to sell on ebay and military books to post on half.com or ebay.

6. I've been enjoying freshly roasted coffee bean coffee. I sacrificed my air popper popcorn popper which is now Tim's bean roaster for the cause.

7. I adjusted to my bifocals and realize how much better I've been seeing these past months.

8. It's time to take a new profile picture.

9. I'm trying to decide if I should use the almonds in the freezer to make Lebkuchens for Christmas.

10. Hebrews 13:20-21

Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

True Woman (in words)

The slide show below shows some pictures from the Revive Our Hearts "True Woman" conference I attended in Chicago last Th.- Sat. with four other ladies from my church.

It was physically tiring but spiritually refreshing and I left with renewed vision. The main speakers were all fabulous and the break-out workshops practical, informative, equipping as well as I got the neatest goody bag from the "Women's Ministry Director" workshop.

The gals I went with are all so much fun! Mandie was our comic relief and kept us in stitches with her quick wit. Lisa can imitate a certain foreign accent very well and I learned more about Sherry's story (she was hit by a car as a young girl for one) which was fascinating.

Karen was our experienced traveler and Chicago tour guide. She is the one who way back in February I believe, suggested that we should get a group to attend this conference. She's so wise. She was our intrepid driver while I played navigator.

After arriving on Thursday around noon, we ate a late lunch/early dinner at Maggiano's, took photos at the Lego store and scoped out a Starbucks for morning. Karen knew where the local grocery store was so we stopped and got water, soda and snacks. We checked in at our hotel and headed over to the conference. Every seat had a cool tote bag with more cool stuff inside. The Getty's were the worship leaders and got things started about 6:30.

I would bore you and not do justice to the speakers to try and flesh out the messages but you can go to the True Woman web site (http://www.truewoman.com/) and check things out yourself.

On Friday morning we had a lovely breakfast at our hotel and then went to Starbucks so Sherry could get their hot chocolate and Lisa some "real" coffee. The day was packed at the conference, but totally invigorating. They fed us a boxed lunch and after workshops in the afternoon we left at four. We ate at the Weber Grill for dinner where I had the best porch chops ever before heading back to the convention center for more great teaching and music.

On Saturday, we hit Starbucks again on way to conference. We expereinced more great music, prayer and teaching and then the conference ended with us reading and signing the True Woman Manifesto (see web site). The conference ended a little after noon and so we had time to drive to downtown Chicago!

We had real Chicago deep dish pizza and then did a quick driving tour. Time was too short and we headed to the airport to drop off our rental. By the way, there are no gas stations anywhere near O'Hare, so if you get a rental there, refill the car way before you get near the airport.

True Woman

Top Ten Reasons Hurricane Season Is Like Christmas

Number Ten: Decorating the house (with plywood).
Number Nine: Dragging out boxes that haven't been used since last season.
Number Eight: Last minute shopping in crowded stores.
Number Seven: Regular TV shows pre-empted for 'Specials'.
Number Six: Family coming to stay with you.
Number Five: Family and friends from out of state calling you.
Number Four: Buying food you don't normally buy . . . and in large quantities.
Number Three: Days off from work.
Number Two: Candles.
And the Number One reason Hurricane Season is like Christmas:
At some point you're probably going to have a tree in your house!


My hubby sent me this- don't know who the author is. Christmas is more fun, but the similarities are remarkable.

A Car in the Garage

As part of our hurricane preparations, we cleaned the garage out so the Corolla would fit in. This is the first time since we've had a garage (five years) that a car has EVER been in one.

Corolla Update

Seems that Hubby doesn't want a name for the Corolla and so Johnny suggested "Undecided" and Mom threw in "No Name". I like both of those. Undecided sounds like a horse you'd bet on and I can sing to "No Name"- "I've been to the store in a car with no name, it felt good to get out of the rain..."

In other news, we've been having lots of rain.

Tuesday Stuff (Ten on Tuesday)

1) We went to LaGrange over weekend where we went to the impressive airport to watch the monthly fly-in and eat BBQ.

2) Most of the airplanes were kit built. It cost about 60K to build one.

3) I told Tim he could build one if he cleans out the garage .

4) I think that was a safe bet.

5) Exterminator lost his footing yesterday checking and resetting traps and stepped through the ceiling.

6) Thankfully, he wasn't hurt, apologized profusely, and the repair will be done by another professional.

7) We're getting much needed rain today from tropical storm Edouard, but that's about all.

8) Still reading same great books I've recommended before.

9) School starts August 25! Ben's enrolled at Cy-Fair. His books for two classes cost $264.

10) Ephesians 5:1 & 2 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

LaGrange Air Show

Time to Vote!

Here are the top four car names for the new Corolla. If you want to vote, leave a comment and list the names from your favorite #1 to your least favorite #4.

#7- This is the seventh car we've owned in our marriage

Ludwina- Friend of the people

Emerald V- (Emmy for short) green gem/ five speed

Tawanda- From "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe"

Labor and Delivery

Where was Leslie on Friday?:
A)Burden Honda Care B)CarMax C)Joe Myers Toyota D)K&J Automotive E)all of them

Labor pains began at 8 a.m. when I took the Odyssey to Burden to have the belt tensioner (& belt) replaced. We waited too long after my temporary fix there three weeks ago, and the squeal was so loud and consistent, it had to be fixed. Another $160 spent on the "Horrid Honda". See previous post for that saga.

Brief stop at home to gather all the necessary paperwork and then to CarMax for a 10a.m. appointment with Jim. While the Honda is being appraised, I test drive a Corolla with Jim. They don't have any manual transmissions at this CarMax location so I drive an automatic. I am very impressed with it's pick-up, handling and ride comfort. After the test drive I find out what CarMax will pay us to trade or buy outright the Honda. It's right at the price I had researched online, so I'm content. I left with the seven day guarantee paper.

Another stop at home to grab some lunch and then over to Joe Myers Toyota because they have a 5-speed Corolla and I want to test drive it and also see what they will give us for a trade. Not only does it drive well, but they had reduced the price from what the web site showed. I call Tim at work to tell him they were letting me take the Corolla home and keeping the Honda to appraise. He tells me to take the car to our mechanic. So without stopping at home (or passing GO), I head to K&J Automotive.

They are the absolutely nicest auto shop and James stops and gives it a look over and a clean bill of health.

I head home to await Tim. He arrives shortly after me and we go for more test driving and decide to go negotiate.

Back to Joe Myers. Lots of talking, phone calls, paper shuffling, and WAITING. They won't give us as much as CarMax for the Honda, even after much back and forth, so we decide Tim will stay there and start the Corolla paperwork, I'll take the car to CarMax to start the selling of it and he'll join me there to finalize the sale and then I'll go back to Joe Myers to finalize purchase. Off down the road to CarMax I head, when Tim calls and says the sales manager ask me to return.

Back I go. It's not that bad as the dealers are within spitting distance of each other.

The sales managers agrees to offer us comparable and so we trade the Honda to them.

We then have to wait for the finance guy. He's a Christian and makes all the tedious stuff as fun as possible. We had pre-approval with the same Credit Union we had the Honda with for a loan, but we were pleasantly surprised that Joe Myers credit union conglomerate beat it by a whole point. We are awesomely blessed with a new loan rate of 4.54%.

Lots of paper signing and then finally off to bring the new baby home. But, they are way behind in the prep area and haven't even started cleaning her up. We decide to have her "detailed" when we go back for tags etc... and leave the dealer at about 7:30.

Twelve hours of labor. We are thankful it's over.

Another New Addition!

We are pleased to welcome our 2nd pre-owned vehicle this year to our family. It's a girl, 2007 Toyota Corolla 5-speed. Adopted into our family as of Friday, July 25 at 7:25 p.m. and weighing 2722 lbs.We are opening up the comments sections for a contest of naming the car. The winning name will be announced sometime in the future.

Explanation of Slide Show Below

Tim's sister and spouse were on the mainland from Hawaii for Lynn's son's wedding in California. They then made a whirlwind tour of Texas to see all their family and some friends here. They started in Austin, then went to LaGrange, on to Sugarland and finally Northwest Houston.

Tim smoked a brisket and we had everyone here on Saturday. Bekah brought some awesome green bean casserole (one of my favorites), Wendy made shrimp dip and Michael supplied some good beer. Since so many of the family had hair long enough for pony tails, we planned a pony tail picture. Since Stephen didn't want to be left out, he supplied his own wig.

We also had fun with water. Bekah totally whooped Nick in a water gun/hose battle and then later Saturday night, Linda and Lynn helped with the cleanup from a broken water supply line under the hall bath sink. It's amazing how quickly water spreads.

I STILL didn't get a picture of Uncle Frank and Wendy for my family fridge gallery, but Mike insist on being unique. Everyone else cooperated.

Sibling Reunion

Bye, Bye!

We've decided to part ways with our 2003 Odyssey but only if it will stay together long enough to get it to CarMax or another dealer.

The air conditioning was replaced less than a month ago and then last week the back vent window motor died ($206.00) and TWO DAYS later, the hood latch broke (AGAIN). We fiddled and fiddled but could not get the hood open.

The 2nd hood latch was put in in 2006 at the dealer but no longer under warranty, so I went to our Honda mechanic this morning at Burden. The belt tensioner is also bad now and so we squeal, especially before the engine is warmed up. He quoted me $289 to repair both. I just about cried. I told him we had decided to sell the van and hated having to keep repairing it. I told him to fix the latch but not the tensioner. He went out and when he came back told me he had put a shimmy somewhere so the hood latch would work, tightened something and sprayed stuff on belt tensioner and no charge. I almost cried, again.

He said, go take your headache and get rid of it. We're researching options and are going to check with my son-in-law's dad who works for a dealer.

In everything give thanks. I'm trying, but somedays....

A Tale of Two Vans

Once upon a time there was family that was growing and they were able to purchase a mini-van. What joy to have all that space after being squeezed into a tiny Ford Escort. But, the mini-van played them false, and even though it was a Honda, it gave them nothing but grief. The family was very glad they had purchased the extended warranty, for repairs were needed time and time again.

Then, a much loved mini-van, whose owners didn't want to scrap it and had lovingly named it "The White Knight", was offered to the family. It needed a new air conditioner, but had already had its transmission replaced and the family gladly welcomed it into their home and had it's air conditioning repaired.

Shortly thereafter, the Honda grew jealous of the new van and decided it wanted a new transmission, also. But, it didn't time its revenge well and there were still 2000 miles left before the extended warranty expired. The White Knight came to the rescue during the time the Honda was being repaired.

But, the poor Knight worked so hard that the very next day after the Honda came home, its transmission got sick. Even though it was out of its warranty for its second transmission, the shop was kind enough to repair it for a nominal transmission service charge.

The Honda gloated.

But once the White Knight returned, the Honda grew jealous again. It didn't even have a cool name. It planned its next attack. It waited until it was 1000 miles out of warranty. It wanted a new air conditioner, too. The White Knight had waited until winter to need it's a.c., but the revengeful Honda, chose the heat of a Texas summer while its master was driving home from work.

Perhaps the family needs to appreciate the Honda and give it a name, but they are seriously thinking it is time to part ways. But don't mention this to the Honda. It's at the shop and we will try to make our decision before it returns.