Spiess News

Christmas Cheer

2011-12-21T15:12:00.001-08:00

One of the scenes in our local Mall. I just love Christmas.

Photoshoot

2011-12-21T15:10:00.001-08:00

Cody loves the camera sa you can see. Some recent photos taken.

Kitchen Renovations

2011-07-12T07:56:00.000-07:00

Recently we renovated our kitchen and we both love the results. What do you think?

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Fort Mc Henry

2011-05-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

More and more I am blessed to live in a country with so much history and it is right on our door step. Here are some photos.

Trip to Fort Mc Henry

2011-05-13T17:04:00.000-07:00

Aquarium

2011-04-25T06:28:00.001-07:00

Took a trip to the aquarium recently with friends courtesy of the College which I attend. Here are some of the photos from the trip.

Photo Shots

2011-04-25T06:22:00.000-07:00

I love that I have a cat who loves to have his photo taken. When I find him in a certain position I like and I go and get the camera it is like he poses for me. Here he was spending time with me during quiet time this morning.

More outdoor Landscaping

2011-03-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

Before

After

Before

After

Outdoor Updates

2011-03-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

Recently we got some work done on our yard and we now have to wait patiently for the blossoming.

Before

After

Before

After

Spring is here

2011-03-07T16:17:00.000-08:00

Spring I think has arrived as the weather has warmed up and the birds are singing merrily. Cody, of course, is enjoying the bird and squirrel show out the window as he chirps at them while lying as flat on his belly as he can.

Looking for something!!!

Snow, Snow, Snow

2011-01-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

Well we got a snow storm containing thunder and lightning. Amazing. Something I have never seen before. Didn't get photos of the lightning but did get some of the snow.

50lbs

2011-01-15T07:33:00.000-08:00

Well Friday 14th of January I reached my 50lb weight loss. I am so amazed at what I have acheived and am so thankful for all the encouragement of family and friends. I still have more weight to lose but this was such a milestone that I wanted to record it for myself and others. Thanks for all the support.

Weight Watchers

2010-12-11T09:23:00.000-08:00

Before. This was taken in June 2010

After. Taken this morning

After

As some of you know I have been on weight watchers for the last five months and in that time I have lost nearly 44 lbs which is 3 stone 2 lb for the Irish and English folk. I have to say it has been the easiest thing I have done in losing weight and believe me I have been trying for years. Here is a before and after pictures. Still more to lose but well on my way to goal.

Cody

2010-10-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

The other day I was in my craft room talking to my mom and dad on Skype. My little bundle of joy was curled up in the only area of sun in the room relaxing as usual.

Fall

2010-10-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

Fall here in Maryland has been late this year but here are a few photos I took recently.

Fall

2010-10-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

The field near our home

Deering Church

The Overlook (one of the most spectacular sights when you round the bend)

I believe Fall is truly here. The leaves have started to change and the weather is getting colder with a lot of rain. Fall always reminds me of New Hampshire and the good times we had there which now seems so long ago. here are some of my fall photos from way back when!!

Little Helper

2010-08-28T15:43:00.001-07:00

As you can see, Cody thought I was taking too long to work on my latest project so he fell asleep on me on top of the craft table. Not a lot of work done after that

Excited and ready to go to work

Got tired

Ended up going to sleep for about 1/2 an hour

Some More Cody Photos

2010-08-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some more photos of our cat Cody who as you can see, loves getting his photo taken.

Patapsco State Park

2010-08-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

Went to the park today with some new friends and had a great afternoon. So glad to get out and take some photos. Eventually!!!

Looks like a giant Ice Cream Sandwich!!

Wooden Bridge

Dragonfly

Same dragonfly but with a little more distance

A different dragonfly. Pretty color which I have never seen before

Lastest Visitor

2010-07-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

The other day while I was looking out our back window I saw this owl in the tree. Amazing. i opened the door and hooted at it and of course it turned around to see what all the noise was just in time for me to take these few photos.

Creation Museum

2010-07-06T16:52:00.001-07:00

A few weekends ago we went to the Creation Museum in Kentucky. It was amazing both inside and out. Here are some photos to enjoy.

This was before the storm hit. Look at the sky!!

Love the raindrops after the storm on the flower.

The Pavilion

Dinasour

Do you see Jesus in the tree?

I'm still here!!!

2010-06-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I posted anything on my blog. Life is rolling by and time is flying away!!!!. I finished my first sememster at college and started summer classes which I am enjoying. Was in Williamsburg over Memorial weekend and had the priveledge of bringing my dad to see the old town. He really enjoyed it. Here are some photos.

Fife and Drum Parade

Anyone for a ride

I can take you where you want to go!

Two curious travellers

Elkhorn Lake

2010-04-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

Went today for a walk around the lake with my camera. Really enjoyed it. Hope you do also.

Bird watching but from the other perspective

Think I am being watched by a Turtle. New experience

I think there are too many of us on here!!! Someone can't count.

Sunbathing. This is the life

Two's company but three is a crowd. Somebody is going to have to move.

Chris watching

2010-03-20T10:30:00.001-07:00

Cody likes to bird watch from our back room but today he was watching Chris out in the garden. Couldn't see him well a few times so got up on his back legs and stayed there for a good minute. So funny to watch. would love to know what he is thinking as there seems to be a lot going on in that little head of his.

Good viewing area

Observing intensely

He will not get out of my sight. See I can still see Chris!!!

Photos From Ireland at Christmas time

2010-02-11T14:01:00.000-08:00

Deb these are for you. Some photos from when we went home for Christmas at the end of the year. Ireland sure did look different under all that frost!!!

This is Ben, the fox who visits my mom and dad regularly. He will let you come as near as 10 feet ot him!!! Amazing. He was beautiful.

This was a rose blooming with frost on it.

Frost on a cobweb.

Frost on some leaves.

Outside our house. Frost on the ground.

Photo Shoot

2010-02-08T12:26:00.000-08:00

Yes. We had a photo shoot with Cody. Of course he was resting for most of it.

Birthday Present

2010-01-27T04:27:00.000-08:00

Chris got me my birthday present early. He is wonderful. So gentle and has settled in really quickly. We have been thinking about getting a cat since we got married but we both have slight allergies and we had both been working full time and we believe it is not fair to leave an animal at home all day, though I don't think cats care too much as they have the run of the house!!! His name is Cody. A new subject to photo!!!

Washington's Birth Place

2009-10-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to Virginia to visit Chris' family. On the way we always pass George Washington's Birth place and I always comment about visiting but we never seem to have time. This weekend we did have some time so we stopped and I really enjoyed the tour and a chance to see where our first President was born and lived until he was 3 years old. There are no pictures of the original house which burnt down on Christmas day 1779. The foundations are still present and a memorial house was built nearby giving an idea what it would have been like.

Lonesome Traveler

Entrance Road

Memorial House

Foundations of original House

Fall

2009-10-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of my table in the dining room.
Love the glass container with all the fruit in it.

Well Fall is truly here and last weekend we had enough rain to do us all year. The trees are turning but some of them have already lost their leaves. We are house sitting some flowers for our friends and they look pretty good outside our house so I took some photos.

New Bedroom & Bathroom

2009-09-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

Click on photos to get a closer look. Enjoy it as much as we do. Well maybe not that much.

We got our new furniture. I feel like I am sleeping in a hotel, 10 star and not five!!!

Finally after 4 weeks our bathroom is finished except for our shower doors which are going to take 2 weeks to be made. Here are some before and after photos.

Before

After

Paul Mc Cartney

2009-08-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that after all these years of listening to the Beatles music and Paul Mc Cartney, that I would get the chance to go and see him live in DC. Apparently Washington DC was the first place the Beatles played when they came to the US. It was a great night. Went with friends who got us the tickets. We were blessed. Paul played for nearly three hours. He can sure do a good concert even at 67!!

Basket Ball Pole

2009-07-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

Since we moved Chris has wanted the removal of the basket ball pole as it has become rusty and an eye sore. It has been a fixture with the house for about 22 years. Sunday while a few friends were over the process began and the pole was removed. All I hear Chris say now when he comes or goes from our drive way is, "That looks so good." It does. It is like Christmas for him. The little things in life do make a difference.

Top part removed

Down to ground level

Movers and shakers pointing to the hole rather than the pole!!

That looks so good!!!!!

July 4th 2009

2009-07-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

Celebrated July 4th in good old Virginia near where George Washington was born. Still have to go and visit his house but we will do that hopefully one of the next few trips we have. Had a great time with his aunts and uncle and cousins and grandmother and kids. Had our own private 4th of July fireworks and plenty of food as always. Also here are some chigger bites which have drove me crazy. Only bad thing about the country.

New Carpet

2009-07-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

Been busy in the house at present. We got new carpet in all the rooms upstairs and it makes such a difference. It is lighter and of course fresher. Here is a picture of the new guest room, visitors welcome. Will do a photo of our new room when we get the mew furniture which should come in a few weeks. Just got the room painted today. It is a taupe color. Different. Enjoy.

Clear Skies

2009-06-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

After all the rain the last few weeks I took the advantage of the clear skies and got some moon photos. Hope you like them.

More Visitors

2009-05-19T13:21:00.001-07:00

More visitors on the deck but this time I had fun watchingthem and taking pictures. My good old friends the squirrels.

Enjoying himself, if it is a him

Wonder who he is watching as I am watching him!!!

Cleaning his tail. This was the other squirrel. There were two of them just hanging out and having fun.

Visitor on the deck!!!

2009-05-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

Job 3:25
For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me,And what I dreaded has happened to me.

Those who know me know that one of my worst fears is snakes and of course in Ireland we don't have any. Seen my first snake in New Hampshire and since moving to Maryland have never seen one and did not want to. Yesterday my worst nightmare happened. I was off work sick with the flu and had a little bit of energy so decided to go out and sit on the deck. I opened the door and for some reason, which I never do looked to my left. I seen this black thing on the ground and jumped back in to the house and quickly shut the door. At this point I still didn't know what it was but was frightened by the unexpected I guess. With the door shut and locked I looked through the glass to realize what I saw was a black snake. With much hyperventilating I went to get my camera. Why I don't know as I hate the things but I did. I can't believe we have a snake in our back yard let alone him come onto the deck. To make matters worse he had the nerve to come up to the door and look in. Yuck!!!
I won't be so keen to be prancing around in the garden barefoot any more but will proceed with much caution.

New Bathroom

2009-04-29T09:20:00.001-07:00

Here is our new bathroom on the first floor. Love it.

Sedona

2009-04-25T09:02:00.001-07:00

Went to Sedona. WOW!!!! God's handiwork is amzing. Thanks Shannon for a wonderful day. We were so blessed.

Saguaro Lake Part 2

2009-04-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

More photos from our trip to the Lake. More wild life. Well you know I love animals and to catch unexpected photos are amazing. Chris took some of thiese photos too. Got ot give him some credit eventhough I taught him everything he knows!!!! (Double click to make photos larger)

Not sure what these birds were but this photo was taken by Chris and is neat.

Another Blue Heron

A squirrel that was chasing the birds to get bread of them that a lady had throw to them. He came right up to the step below our feet

A Dove

Saguaro Lake, Arizona

2009-04-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

We went on a boat tour today at Saguaro Lake which was so relaxing and wonderful. We both really enjoyed it. Thanks Eric for the idea to go. It was so worth it. Here are some photos to enjoy.

A Blue Heron (Double click on photo to zoom in)

Four Peaks

Young Love

A Bald Eagle (Double click on photo to zoom in)

Think It's a Dogwood

2009-04-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

We have a tree in our backyard which we think is a dogwood.
Here are some photos and for all you gardening people
maybe you could confirm for me what type of tree it is.

Do you see the tree in the drop. Click on the photo to enlarge it and you can see it better.

Renovations

2009-04-15T06:48:00.000-07:00

This week we got a new floor down in our hall, stairs and landing. It completely changes the look of the house and we love it. What do you think?

Cherry Blossom Festival in DC

2009-04-04T17:10:00.000-07:00

Chris, Amanda & Robert

Annapolis Harbor

Jefferson Memorial

Lincol Memorial

Today decided to go to DC with our friends Robert and Amanda from North Carolina. Well tried one metro station and the lines were crazy. We probably would have been there over an hour just to get tickets and that wasn't even catching the metro. Went to another and the line was out into the street. Decided to drive in!!!! Big mistake. Traffic crazy and roads closed. Got to get out and take some pictures but then Chris got lost in traffic. After a while he got to us and we decided to go to Annapolis. Tranqil, beautiful and much more relaxed. Will never do that again. We are going to plan a trip later on in the year to take our friends back to DC for a hopefully more enjoyable trip.

Cherry Blossoms Revisited

2009-03-31T16:49:00.000-07:00

This weekend we are going to DC to see the Cherry Blossoms with friends and also going next weekend with other friends to see the Cherry Blossoms. OK I hear you say, glad you have two sets of friends!!! Funny. Actually we have three and I met one of them at the airport today for 20 minutes. Good to see you Karen. Come back again and visit soon. Watch this space for new Cherry Blossom pictures. Coming soooon!!!!

Happy St Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T04:39:00.001-07:00

Happy St Patrick's Day to everyone.

A different look at Spring!!!!

2009-03-05T17:38:00.001-08:00

I thought Spring was all about flowers
and see green grass again!!!!

Is Spring coming!!!!

2009-03-01T16:56:00.000-08:00

Was going through my photos and found these photos of Beardsley Zoo in CT.
Chris and I went there with our friend Eric.
We had a great day.
Will have to visit Baltimore or Washington DC Zoo.
Love Zoo's and animals.

Don't know if he loves the animal or just fell asleep!!!!

Wondering what these 3 are talking about???

Chris trying to wrestle a crocodile!!!!!

Peacock being proud.

Virginia

2009-02-16T16:10:00.000-08:00

Valentine's weekend Chris took me to Virginia to visit his grandmother and aunt and uncle.
They live out in the boonies
but it is so peaceful and quiet that it seems like another world.

While we were there we decided to go and visit the graveyard where our son is buried.
We had not been there before as we get so teary eyes each time we pass the road.
His grandmother decided she wanted to put up a new headstone
and so she added Daniel's name to it.
Here are some pictures.
Also Chris' dad who died 2 weeks before our son is buried in the same plot.

Chris and I both love cats
but feel we can't get one right now as we are never home long enough
for an animal to have company.
It wouldn't be fair,
so for now we borrow others pets.
Isn't he beautiful?

North Carolina Part 2

2009-02-08T18:05:00.000-08:00

In New York they have drop the ball

but in NC they have drop the acorn.

Got to visit Raleigh and here are some sights
including Chris' big pancake breakfast at Big Ed's.

Tower at the college

Aren't they cute together!!!

North Carolina Trip (Part 1)

2009-02-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

I know I am a bit late in the update but I am not sure where time goes.
Last weekend we went to North Carolina to visit friends and had a great time.
While there we found out that Ava Gardner is buried in the town of Smithfield NC.
Didn't get to go into the museum but will do next time we go.

New Year and New Shutters

2009-01-20T15:14:00.000-08:00

Last week we got new shutters and gutters and for all of you
who asked me what they were like, here they are.
They do look a lot sharper than the old ones.
A picture of before and two of after.

BEFORE

AFTER

A New Year and New Beginning

2009-01-05T14:54:00.000-08:00

Wow. We are already at the 5th January 2009.
Time sure does go quick.
We are praying that this year will be better than the last

and that our relationship with God will grow in a way that we couldn't even conceive possible. Lord thank you for the blessings of last year and may we glorify you this year in all we do.

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T15:19:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a happy and blessed New Year.
Hoping it will be better than the last.

Full Moon

2008-12-13T16:47:00.000-08:00

Last night it was supposed to be the largest full moon of the year but guess what???

It was overcast so I couldn't see it.

But tonight we had a full moon also which was very visible.

Went out with my new camera a Panasonic DMC-FZ28 with 18X zoom which goes up to 72X if you use the digital.

Here is 18X of the moon.

What do you think?

Decorations

2008-12-03T14:57:00.000-08:00

Shannon, Chris' cousin had some pictures on her blog showing her decorations

so I decided to do the same thing.

Thanks Shannon.

Mr Snowman amidst the candles

A friend of mine made this last year for me.

Her name is Diane.

It is from crochet thread which was Sue's mom's

and it represents Daniel.

I specifically requested the snowflake.

Decoration I made this year courtesy of Tracy

Our Living Room

Date with God

2008-12-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

Have you ever gone on a date with God?

Well I used to when I lived in Ireland but it has been a long time.

Chris and I are working through the book Experiencing God and one of the exercises is to spend 30 minutes on a walk with God or somewhere of your choice where you can openingly talk with Him and enjoy His Presence.

It was great.

There is a spot about 10 minutes from our house where you can watch the planes land at BWI.

I have wanted to go there with my camera since I moved here and guess what.

A month ago my camera got stolen.

My wonderful husband bought me a new one and so today I had time to go so I did.

I had a great time and just enjoyed resting in the presence of God.

I really should do this more often.

Here are some pictures.

Of the planes, silly.

God didn't let me photograph Him.

Do you want to have a heart attack!!!

Can you see the plane in the distance?

Here it comes

Pretty good landing on that sign!!!!

Right on cue for the runway

A furry Friend

Hope you enjoyed my trip.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T13:35:00.001-08:00

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving

and

thank you all

for being part of our lives in so many different ways.

What would we be without the body of CHRIST

and friends to come alongside us in times of need.

May you all have a blessed day.

Fall

2008-10-21T16:03:00.001-07:00

Fall is such a wonderful time of the year

and I so miss New Hamsphire for all those beautiful fall colors.

The colors are changing here

but it is hard to find somewhere to go and take pictures

so here are some old ones.

The Old Barn
One of the Pastures
Deering Church

The Overlook

Youth Fellowship

2008-10-12T13:30:00.001-07:00

Had youth fellowship from church at our house

and we had hotdogs and smores and other snacks.

Never cooked a hotdog on an open fire before.

Not an Irish tradition at all. Had a lot of fun.

Two Workers
Just getting started
How to do it

....and what not to do!!!

Redskins

2008-09-22T18:17:00.001-07:00

Chris went to the game with Gary on Sunday and really enjoyed it.

Here are some pictures to prove it.

They got some really good seats.

Take me out to the Ball Game!!

2008-09-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

Yes. It happened. I went to my first ball game in the good old USA. Went to watch the Orioles play against the Athletics or should I say get hammered by the Athletics. Orioles did not do well but we had a lot of fun going with people from Chris' work. We were in a suite with food, beverages and cheesecake!!!! What more could a girl want.

Friends at Play

2008-08-31T14:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had friends in town from North Carolina.

Sunday afternoon Amanda and I went outside to visit with a friend

Chris had told me on the lawn visiting. You never know who comes to visit.

What do you think?

New Toy

2008-08-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

Hi all

Have been told by a friend about Picasa

and editing photos so here are some examples.

New Flower

2008-08-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

The other day in our back yard I noticed this huge flower blooming.

Not sure what it is, so if anyone can help me please write a note.

4th July 2008

2008-07-12T11:37:00.000-07:00

On 4th July we had friends visiting from New Hampshire.

Our dear friends the Hillikers.

We had a great time and our evening of fireworks

consisted of watching them on TV from DC and also the fireworks from our neighbors.

Only got one really good shot

so here it is

but got some shots of our resident cardinals.

New Cards

2008-07-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

I deleted my other blog Spiess Crafts as it was hard keeping up two blogs!!! I decided to just add cards to this one as I make new ones or get new ideas. I have recently been looking through Papercrafts magazine from the library and have found this card which I really liked and tried and also used the same stamp set but a little variety. What do you think?

Church Picnic

2008-06-29T12:02:00.001-07:00

Saturday we went on a church picnic at Beechwood, MD.

We had a great day and here are some of the photos I took.

2008-06-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

Hi all
I really don't know where the time goes.

It has been a while since I blogged

and I have noticed that I have not had the opportunity

for taking photos like I use to so will have to get out more and also be more creative.

Some more garden flowers in our back yard and a friendly bug.

Can bugs really be friendly. Feel like I'm in bugs life!!

New Friends

2008-05-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

At times I think I miss the wild life of New Hampshire and then God reminds me of what we have here. A few weeks ago I saw a possum for the first time but didn't have my camera with me. Also saw a ground hog which I had never seen before. Then yesterday saw a bunny rabbit or it may have been a hare. You can decide for yourself. He looks at home in our backyard.

Blessings

2008-05-23T15:24:00.001-07:00

May we never forget the provision of God.

Psalm 118

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

Little Piece of Ireland

2008-05-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been wondering

how to get a little bit of Ireland in the house

and we have discovered it.

Since moving we have wanted to redo the front yard

but knew it would be a lot of work.

With Chris having some time off,

we hired a friend who does renovation work

to redo our yard with Chris being his helper. What a helper!!!!

A lot of work but boy does it look good.

Here it is so far.

By the way it is Dublin Cobble stone.

How much more Irish can you get!!!

Well what do you think?

Lily & Patsy, Hope you like it.

Haircut

2008-05-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

Karen, these pictures are for you.

Got my haircut about 6 weeks ago and when I told Karen

she wanted a picture so here is before and after.

Gardening

2008-05-08T15:14:00.001-07:00

Our garden out the back of the house, or should I say yard!!!!, is big.

Here are some pictures

and note the man in the left hand corner working.

He has his work cut out for him.

Cherry Blossom in DC

2008-04-20T16:44:00.001-07:00

Photobucket Album

Double Click on the photo and then click on slideshow on the top right of the page to see the photos. Enjoy.

Spring in Maryland

2008-04-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

Wow! Spring is here.

It has been in the 70's the last few days and the buds have been budding.

Our daffodils have nearly gone

but the other flowers are begining to bloom.

Cherry Blossom Time

2008-04-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

Today was my last day off in the middle of the week

so I took the opportunity to go to DC to see the Cherry Blossoms.

Amazing. Here are some of the treats I got.

Also found this blue color feature on the camera so thought I would

try it out and here it is in the last photo.

It was so nice to go and take some pictures today.

I have missed that.

More Arizona Delights

2008-03-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some more photos from Arizona.

Enjoy.

Do you see the face in the mountain?

No it's not the old man of the mountain

but I don't know who it is.

Arizona

2008-03-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to Arizona to Chris' cousin, Sara's wedding.

We had a great time at the wedding and also seeing friends and family

and doing a little site seeing.

Chris wanted to move but I told him we had just moved

so he needs to hold his horses!!!!!!

Ye ha!

No wonder they call him "Cowboy."

Shannon & Sara

Always got to take pictures of wildlife when I get the chance

Cactus, cacuts and more cactus.

The scenes were breathtaking.

March 1st 2008

2008-03-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

Wow. It is hard to believe we are already into March.

Where has the last few months gone.

It seems like I can't get blogging at all becasue I am so busy

doing other things but I guess that isn't a bad thing

except I don't seem to keep up with people as much.
Well after my last blog I got to meet some more neighbors.

Glad to see we have animals around here but no chipmunks yet.

I miss those little guys.

Also had some snow and ice about an inch.

Less than what New Hampshire got. Boy,

I really don't know how I stuck the cold and snow

but I guess with God's grace you can do anything.

Worry

2008-02-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

Since moving I haven't been out with my camera a lot

but have been observing our friends in the yard.

I miss the chipmunks but have our fair share of squirrels.

Counted 9 one moring all playing together in the back yard.

It was fun to just take time out of my day and watch them as the world went by.

They do not have the cares and worries we do

but God is ever faithful and tells us to

'cast our care upon Him

because He cares for us.'

Why do worry and fret so?

Re-entry to Blog Land

2008-02-06T05:31:00.000-08:00

Hi all.
We are back on the internet which is great so within the next few weeks I will be posting again on my blog and let you know what is happening in our world here in Maryland. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support. Both Chris and I are working but not exactly where we want to be but God has provided in the interim. Keep us in your prayers for jobs especially Chris as it is difficult right now to get back into his field in computers. I am still waiting on paperwork from England before I can take any nursing exams so pray that this process will speed up.
Here are some pictures of the house as it is now. Enjoy.

Hi All

2008-01-16T11:12:00.000-08:00

Hi All

We are getting internet access the beginning of February so I will be up and running again with the blog and contact with you all in internet land. It has been difficult not having access but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Talk with you all soon.

Blessings
Marie

Moving

2007-12-03T13:13:00.000-08:00

Sunday we had lunch with our Small Group from church.

We had a great time.

We will really miss them all.

Don't we all look smart!!!

Chris & Me

As you all know we are moving this week to Maryland from New Hampshire. The U-haul is hired and the boxes are packed. We roll out on Friday afternoon. Tomorrow or Wednesday we will be packing up the computer so no more e-mail or blogging for a few weeks. Not sure when we will have access but keep watching this space. Hope to see and hear from you all soon.

Blessings
Marie

Ebenezer Lock

2007-11-29T06:30:00.000-08:00

Ebenezer Locke

Who!!!!!

Fritz Weatherbee was on New Hampshire Chronicles recently and told us a little of Ebenezer Lock who is suppose to be the man who fired the first shot in Lexington Mass. upon the British Troops, April 19, 1775. He was known for 'firing the shot heard around the world.'

Ebenzer was born March 2, 1735 in Woburn, Massachusetts, the son of Ebenezer Locke, Sr. and Elizabeth Poulter Locke, and the great grandson of William Locke, an orphan who immigrated to Massachusetts in 1635 at the age of fourteen, and later became a successful farmer and extensive landholder in west Woburn. You can still see the original William Locke homestead in Woburn, although much altered over the years, located on the North side of Lexington street, less than 100 yards east of the intersection of Route 3. It is now referred to as the Fox home, for a later resident.

Following the battle, the army took up winter quarters in Morristown, New Jersey, where in April 1777 Ebenezer was discharged and left the army for good. After the war, he sold his property in Woburn and Lexington and sometime in the late 1780's or early 1790's he moved to Deering, NH along with his three sons, who by the way all served at one time or other in the 26th regiment. There he lived with his son Benjamin, surviving to a ripe old age and no doubt spending many a winter's evening sitting around the fire swapping war stores, and telling his grandchildren how he fired the shot at the Regulars on that April morning.

The inscription on the tombstone reads simply "Ebenezer Locke, Died September 12, 1816, Age 82 Years." Pretty simple for someone so famous. Who would have thought little Old Deering had so much history.

Hard to read the tombstone
but double click on the picture and make it larger
and you will be able to see better.

Thanksgiving Dinner

2007-11-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

One of the most blessed times at His Mansion
when we all come together as a family
and have dinner together being thankful
for what the Lord has done over the last year.
Many of our residents would not have seen this
Thanksgiving if they had remained where they were at.

Thank you Lord for what you do daily in our lives.

Chris & Me

Mantle Piece Decoration

My best Friend Karen & Me

Our Women staff and residents

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE.

Storms of Life

2007-11-20T07:19:00.000-08:00

The Storms of Life

During my quiet time I have been reading about
storms in the bible.
The one that we all know of is when the disciples
are out in the boat and a storm arises
and Jesus is asleep on a pillow.
As God He knew a storm was coming and yet
He chooses to get a pillow and fall asleep.
The disciples panic and wonder why
He is asleep instead of helping them.
Don't we do the same?
Don't we have storms that cause us to panic
and wonder where Jesus is?
Is He in your boat or are you sailing it alone?
It's hard sometimes even when He is in the boat as we
focus on our circumstances and how we feel.
Trust and Obey. That's what it is all about.

Psalm 20

2007-11-18T15:27:00.000-08:00

Well folks.
20 days left until the big move South.
This was the Psalm for today.

Psalm 20

(NLT)

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1 In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.

May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.

2 May he send you help from his sanctuary

and strengthen you from Jerusalem.

3 May he remember all your gifts and

look favorably on your burnt offerings.
4 May he grant your heart’s desires

and make all your plans succeed.

5 May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory

and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.

May the Lord answer all your prayers.
6 Now I know that the Lord rescues his anointed king.

He will answer him from his holy heaven

and rescue him by his great power.

7 Some nations boast of their chariots and horses,

but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.

8 Those nations will fall down and collapse,

but we will rise up and stand firm.
9 Give victory to our king, O Lord!

Answer our cry for help.

Thanksgiving Week

2007-11-18T15:08:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is near here so as a foreigner I thought I would give you all a bit of history.

The First Thanksgiving The first American Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621, to commemorate the harvest reaped by the Plymouth Colony after a harsh winter. In that year Governor William Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving. The colonists celebrated it as a traditional English harvest feast, to which they invited the local Wampanoag Indians. Days of thanksgiving were celebrated throughout the colonies after fall harvests. All thirteen colonies did not, however, celebrate Thanksgiving at the same time until October 1777. George Washington was the first president to declare the holiday, in 1789. A New National Holiday By the mid–1800s, many states observed a Thanksgiving holiday. Meanwhile, the poet and editor Sarah J. Hale had begun lobbying for a national Thanksgiving holiday. During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, looking for ways to unite the nation, discussed the subject with Hale. In 1863 he gave his Thanksgiving Proclamation, declaring the last Thursday in November a day of thanksgiving. In 1939, 1940, and 1941 Franklin D. Roosevelt, seeking to lengthen the Christmas shopping season, proclaimed Thanksgiving the third Thursday in November. Controversy followed, and Congress passed a joint resolution in 1941 decreeing that Thanksgiving should fall on the fourth Thursday of November, where it remains.

Rock the Sound & Beardsley Zoo

2007-11-11T14:46:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went to Rock the Sound Concert.

We saw Grits, Jars of Clay and Jeremy Camp.

There were two other bands we didn't know.

Grits

Jars of Clay

Jeremy Camp

Also we went to Beardsley Zoo.

Here are some pictures with Chris wrestling a crocidile.

Isn't he brave!!!!

Thanks Eric. We had a great time.

Strong Tower

2007-11-07T09:14:00.001-08:00

It is Psalm 31 today for our reading. Wow!!! More about God being a strong fortress, a rock of refuge. Here is a photo I found of the tower at Glendalough in Ireland. It reminds me of God being my strong tower.

Be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.
Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
Psalm 31:2-3

Psalms

2007-11-06T06:42:00.000-08:00

Psalm 32:7-8

You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.

Chris and I have been blessed in the last few days how God is leading and guiding us. When I first came to His Mansion, one of the verses God gave me as confirmation was Psalm 32:8. As we are reading the Psalms each day as our count down, something a student taught me who was in the last phase of the program. As her count down she counted how many days she had left and started at that Psalm and read backwards each day. Great way to get into scripture though a lot of verses about the wicked and the righteous. Challenging.

Read Psalm 32 this morning and was reminded of these 2 verses I quoted above. I have always seen God as my refuge and strength and strong tower. When times are tough I want to be reassured that I have a hiding place to go to that is safe and secure and God is that for me though I have to admit in the last year I have been tested in this area. When we lost our son I did not feel like going to God as He could have chosen something different for us but He didn't. After working through my anger with Him I realize He is my only refuge, strength and hiding place no matter what!!!!

Why not read through this Psalm today and see what God is speaking into your heart.

Blessings
Marie

Butterfly Farm

2007-11-05T05:52:00.000-08:00

Blog Land seem slow in posting blogs
so this is why it has taken me a little while to get this up and posted.

Last weekend I went to a butterfly farm in MA
with some dear friends of mine.
We had a great day and her are some pictures.

Peak Time

2007-10-20T19:38:00.001-07:00

We have been told that this weekend is the peak time for the leaves here in New England.

I think they have got it right and as Chris says,

"It seems like the trees have been plugged in a lite up."

So beautiful.

God's Handiwork.

The Overlook

Maple Leaves
So Many Colors

Fall colors

2007-10-17T09:30:00.001-07:00

The leaves are changing more and more.

Hope to get out this weekend and take some pictures.

Here were some I took yesterday.

What do you think?

Autumn

2007-10-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

The leaves are finally starting to change and show their glorious colors. Here are just a few pictures of this autumn in New Hampshire. The last one we will have at present.

A Little Bit of Heaven

2007-10-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

Going to Nubble Lighthouse and Perkins Cove to walk the Marginal way is a little bit of heaven on earth for me. Went today with Sue and Gary. Had a great day. Hope you enjoy.

Neices

2007-09-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of my neices.

My sister Patricia and her husband Shane

had these 2 delights 16 months ago.

They are definately gifts from God.

Alice

Sarah

Belfast Zoo

2007-09-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

One of the days we managed to get out we took my neice and nephew,
Shannen and Brandon tot he Zoo in Belfast.
We had a great day.
Here are some of the photos from that day.

Ain't that cute!!

Mama and Babies

Brandon and Shannen

Ireland, Home Sweet Home

2007-09-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the locals.

Can you see the cat in the side of the cliff.
I have posted a closer picture so you can see it clearer.