Tuesday, March 17, 2020

A Little Bit of This and That

This and That To Pass The Time


Hi Everyone!  Just checking in with you to see how all my readers are doing.  Today's post is in true "this and that" fashion as I share bits and pieces of daily life from a week or so ago up until today. The pretty Crocuses you see above were around a tree outside my church. I snapped the photos last week before services were cancelled. 


Actually, I think the Mr. took the first picture and I took this one. He always zooms in for a better pic. Oh well. You can see how they surround the trunk of the tree in my pic. These Crocuses give me hope that Spring is coming and things will get better. I hope you feel hope at this time, as well.


I've been looking for constructive and creative ways to spend my time at home other than watching endless, scary news reports! I decided to get out my sewing machine and found a very pretty placemat that I had purchased a long while ago knowing I wanted to make something from it. I decided to create a clutch purse using the placemat fabric. It needed a little extra "oomph" so I sewed on a red button which is for looks only. The clutch stays closed with velcro tabs. I'm pretty pleased with the results. I figure in addition to using as a clutch purse, this would also be a good way to store jewelry or scarves when I travel again.


OK, I know what you're thinking and before you get too excited, no we did not get a dog. But, we have been looking for the last few months. This was a puppy we looked at several days ago before everyone was supposed to stay in and, although we both thought she was a sweetie, neither of us felt like the match was right. Plus, the Mr. would dearly love a dog to hike with and this little girl would not be big enough to be a long distance hiker. She was fun to snuggle with for a few minutes, though. Of course, as I was in the kennel looking at the puppies I managed to step in a big pile of poo! The Mr. hosed off my shoe for me and the kennel manager told me it was "good luck!" I certainly did not feel like it was good luck, however. I thought it was gross! Anyway, I came straight home and decided to put my shoes, which are Skecher Goga Mat shoes, in the washer. I hoped they wouldn't tear up being in the washer and I can tell you that they washed beautifully. So, that was our puppy adventure. A little puppy cuteness is always good for a smile!


And a little more cuteness for you. This squirrel was enjoying some birdseed outside our kitchen door.  Cassie and Garden are avid squirrel and bird watchers. It doesn't seem to bother the squirrels that two cats are staring at them through the door glass!

Dear readers, I leave you with a scripture which I hope will be an encouragement to you in these days. 

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

We are definitely in the midst of tribulation right now with all of the worry about the virus, social distancing, schedules upended, working from home, and thoughts for our own health and the health of those we love. It's scary. I have to restrict watching too much news because it upsets me and I feel frightened. I am relying on my faith in the Lord right now that this too shall pass. Better days are ahead. We will get there together. I pray that each of you are safe and well and able to feel God's peace. And I hope that this post has given you a few minutes of respite.

Peace and Blessings, 
Debbie

5 comments:

Susan said...

The Crocuses are beautiful. I have to get some bulbs of those for next spring. I love them. The clutch is beautiful. I figured it was a professional made purse. You did a great job. Sweet puppy. I would love to have another but the last one I had was the first one ever I had in my house 24/7 in my life and low and behold found out, after ending up in the hospital with pneumonia that I was allergic to dogs. I had notice the sniffles at both my son's houses as they have dogs in the house but had no clue till I had a dog in the house. All the dogs I had before that were outdoor. I would love another one for outdoors. Things are crazy here in California but we will all make it though the crises and live to have stories to tell. God is so good and watching over us all. I have been praying like crazy for so many and even though I am sick with a flu, not the flu, I have hope and comfort that I will be just fine. That is a good scripture thanks for posting. I enjoy your blog.

Karen Anderson said...

Beautiful flowers!! Crocuses always seem to come at just the right time, when we need encouragement that spring really is coming! Such an adorable puppy, I'm sure she'll find just the right match! How fun to be looking for a dog - they are such wonderful company! "This too shall pass" indeed. I am personally refusing to panic, and trying to live as normally as possible in a world that seems to be unhinged! Can't wait till things get back to normal! Your placemat turned purse is an inspiration. This is a great way to get a truly unique piece and an idea that I'm going to remember. Definitely will have to borrow this idea! Great verse from John, thank you for continuing the uplifting and normal posts!!

Sharon said...

Thanks for you post, Debbie. It did provide respite from the cycle of news and all that is going on right now. While staying home now, I find myself gazing outside my windows to see the daffodils and buds on trees. It has a calming effect for me as do the pictures and words in your blog post.

Iris said...

Love your doggie & squirrel pics. And, especially like your clutch purse. What a great idea to make it out of a placemat.

Two of my very favorite scriptures that are so applicable to today's situation: "Don't worry, because I am with you. Don't be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you." Is 41:10 (NCV) The other has been my most quoted scripture for a long time is Det 31:8 Since I live alone, those are both comforting scriptures, and are surely good ones for these times.
Grace & Peace,Iris
www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com

Joy said...

Gorgeous crocuses and a super bag that anyone would be proud to hold - how creative!