And, They Lived Happily Ever After

Several friends of mine are habitual binge-ers. They binge watch popular TV Series, sometimes 3 episodes, in one evening. Apparently, it's their favorite form of entertainment. Now, this may be something that many people or couples do. Frankly, it's not for me. However, I have been known to hone in on one particular actor, and attempt to watch every movie he or she has ever made. Or filmmaker, every movie they have ever made, or author, every book they have ever written.

So, this week, I have been watching as many Jane Austen based movies or adaptation of her novels that are currently available on television. By far, the most frequently read and watched  Jane Austen novel, is Pride and Prejudice, first published in 1813. I would be hard pressed to choose between the 1996 version (Colin Firth as Darcy in "the wet shirt") or the 2005 version with Keira Knightly, as the lovely Elizabeth Bennett, as my favorite. I have not seen the movie "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies", but I just finished watching a Bollywood adaptation "Bride and Prejudice". Lots of jazzy Indian music with wild and festive dancing. Another take on the Austen story were the "Bridget Jones' Diary" movies. Oh, and there is yet another version of P and P  being filmed, this year. What can I tell you? The story is timeless!

Jane wrote just 6 novels. She was only 41, when she died. But, she remains a popular writer and her books translate well into films. "Clueless" is a California Valley Girl version of the Austen novel,  Emma. Like, it's cute, totally.

My personal favorite is her novel, Persuasion, and the movie adaptation from 1995. (I've always been a sucker for men in uniforms.) Unfortunately, there are some duds, on the list. Hallmark Movies has done several Austen rip-offs, for their Christmas Movies series. A waste of time...... unfortunately I have watched many of them, several times.

So, my week has been filled with mini-escapes to Regency England. Everyone needs a little bit of fantasy and a guaranteed happy ending.

...........................................................................................................................................................................

 Dear Lord, just a little bit of living teaches us that life is not a "rose garden". We all have failures and successes. Good days and horrific days. Wins and losses. But, we have one constant, You. You are always with us. "We need Thee, every hour." 

 

 

"Life is a Highway"

 Two adults living in a house. Both of them are planning motor trips....separately.  These are their plans.

Tripper uno:  

• Take car to the repair shop, for a check-up.
• Pack 1 bag, a tote, and a good book.
• Pack a bag of snacks and a small cooler, with drinks and water.
• Get in car and leave. 

 Tripper dos:

• Make sure truck is fueled up and the lights are in working order. Personally repair whatever it needs.

• Pack two-level tent, shower tent (with solar bags for hot water), and shade structure. Poles, stakes and tools for construction.
• Load up the electric tricycle (camp transportation) and solar panels, to generate the electricity for the trike's motor and the electric refrigerator.
• Pack the camp stove and extra fuel to keep it running.
• Pots and pans, including coffee pot and coffee. 
• Plates, silverware and cups. Dish pan and dish soap. Trash bags.
• Food and drink  Lots of energy bars and no-need-to-cook, or easy-to-cook food. 
• Sleeping bag, pillow.
• Clothes for extreme heat (days) and extreme cold (nights). Includes sun hat, gloves and semi-heavy jacket. Underwear and extra shoes. 
• Gifts for new friends.
• Something called a jackery, for powering stuff, which converts the solar power.
• Lawn Chairs. 
• Flashlight and caver headlamp. Sunscreen and Band-aids. 
• Attach trailer to truck with trailer hitch.
• Pack toilet paper, paper towels, kleenex, bath towels, bath soap, wash cloths. 
• Sunscreen and Band-aids. 
• Leave.   

Different strokes..............Both travelers will have a wonderful time.

.....................................................................................................................................................................

Dear Lord, bless all of us travelers, on this path of life. Make our adventures, memorable. Help us to remember that you are always with us...where ever we go.  May we all have safe travels.

Yes, We Have No Tomatoes

My days as a deck gardener are just about to expire. This year, in early May, at the beginning of our Midwest growing season, I planted, in my sweet little deck-garden, seven tomato plants. I was ambitious and thought I would try some cherry/pear shaped minis and a couple of yielders of standard sized tomatoes. 

I was so excited when the plants started to take off and grow. In a few weeks, we installed some lofty cages to keep the towering plants from falling over.  Then, one morning, to my dismay, all of the leaves disappeared from the beautiful green tomato vines. I discovered big, fat, gross tomato worms chomping away on my gorgeous plants! This is a three story high, deck-garden, folks. Where did they come from? Luckily, the plants recovered a bit and by mid July, we were seeing teeny weeny cherry/pear tomatoes, quickly growing into healthy, but small fruit. 

Unfortunately, the regular sized tomato plants haven't yielded anything. We've had plenty of rain and lots of sunshine. I've fertilized and weeded. It's now August, and no fruit, yet. My thumbs are not green.

Then, along with the tomatoes, I planted 2 zucchini plants. I know what you are thinking, already. But, what did I know? They were just cute tiny little plants. WELL, they have remained bug free, of course. They are now huge, trailing out of the garden box and onto the deck. We have a plethora of zucchini. (Have you heard the joke...Don't leave your cars unlocked in Kansas, in August, 'cause your neighbors will gift you with a car full of their extra zucs."????) Two zucchini plants are two, too many!

 Those zucchini have been air-fried, breaded and deep fried, cut up in a salad and dipped raw into queso......etc. They don't taste like much of anything. Frankly, I'm not a fan. It could be worse. At least it isn't okra!!!!! Seriously, if you have a good recipe, send it my way. I'm willing to try to cook a few more.

We all have our own Gifts and Graces, and apparently vegetable gardening is just not one of mine.  Next year, I will only be planting flowers and we'll be buying our vegetables at Costco!

....................................................................................................................................................................... 

 Gracious and Bountiful Lord. We thank you for our many blessings. We enjoy your world.

 

 

There You Go

 Most of the time, I think I have a handle on the 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit. But, truthfully my struggle  with Patience, is legendary. When those patience genes were being passed out, it's just possible that I may have gotten impatient, left early and didn't get my share.

Oh, I know, "Good things come to those who wait." But, it's so hard. Actually, I do have some degree of patience, when I deal with folks. After all, I am a mother, grandmother and former teacher. I just don't have any patience with myself. If I can't understand or complete a task, then almost instantly, I just give up. I'm done. No patience!!!

This issue of mine is definitely a problem. I don't have any patience, when it comes to my phone. I've tried and tried, but I can't seem to figure out how to use it effectively. Most of the time, I can manage to answer the blessed thing, but not always. Then, there are my hearing aids, that generally (but not always) link to my phone. Really, two impossibly complicated things for me to manage, are supposed to get together and make my life twice as easy. I don't think so. I am apt to get frustrated and walk away, without solving the issues with either one!

I've done it all my life. Math problems. Logic problems...I never understood how the childhood game "Clue" was played. No patience. I would just guess early, so I wouldn't have to wait for someone, other than me, to figure out who, how and where. Computer issues. It's impossible for me to figure out spread sheets or where and how to "save" stuff......to this computer, to the cloud, or to the desk top? Then, when I can't find where they went, after I "save" them, I just quit!

At my age, this affliction of mine is not likely to change. I will continue to attempt to figure things out, but more likely than not, asking for help is the most efficient answer. People are often kind and obliging to little old ladies. People are patient with me.

.........................................................................................................................................................................

Dear Lord. Asking for patience doesn't seem to be working. Guidance and discernment, may be what I need. I am thankful for my many blessings. You are my strength.