Lunar Eclipse

Did any of you see the lunar eclipse last night--or rather, early this morning? I got up around 5:30 and couldn't find the moon at all--and we weren't able to see a 'full' eclipse here, so I guess it was just cloudy. I had a hard time getting back to sleep. So much for science!

The gorgeous picture of a partial lunar eclipse is from our local weather station.

We are still having hot temperatures around here. Yesterday my thermometer showed 100 degrees in the shade. Our air conditioners are getting tired of this--I just hope they last through September-- then we won't need them anymore this year.

I am looking forward to fall, but summer does seem to have flown by terribly fast. It won't really seem like fall around here until at least October. We'll probably have a few 'teaser' days in September to get us ready.

Hope you are all having a great day.

R~Mary

Good Morning

Mission Statement: The Fort Smith Streetcar Restoration Association is dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of electric powered streetcars, railroad equipment, transportation and other technology that existed during this period in history, and to providing a unique educational experience to the visiting public.

Big waves to all my blogging friends. My husband was off most of last week and we spent a few days having fun with our daughters.

Tuesday, we were off to Fort Smith, Ar--a short, almost two hour drive:). Fort Smith is working hard to restore much of their old downtown area so that tourists can get the true feel of this once 'wild west' town. In another year and a half, Fort Smith will be the proud home to the U. S. Marshall's Museum, an attratction that will add much to the already wonderful history of the town.

As you can see in the picture above, (sorry I couldn't post it by my paragraph, but Blogger won't let me this morning) we had a good time riding the trolley. Right now, it is just a short ride from one end of the track to another, but a 'loop' is in the works that will add quite a bit to the ride.

Our youngest will go back to college tomorrow. It seems like her time at home has really sped by. I hope all of you had a great week. As soon as things slow down, I'll try to start posting more and get around to 'see' all of you more, as well.

R~Mary

Good Sunday Morning!

AMAZING GRACE
"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,That saved a wretch like me....I once was lost but now am found,Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...my heart to fear.And Grace, my fears relieved.How precious did that Grace appear...the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...we have already come. T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...His word my hope secures.He will my shield and portion be...as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years...bright shining as the sun.We've no less days to sing God's praise...then when we've first begun.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me....I once was lost but now am found,Was blind, but now, I see.

This is a song that everyone knows and has always been on of my very favorites. It is something that I find myself humming quite often~because the words are so true! I thank God everyday for His Amazing Grace!

2 Corinthians 12:9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me

Have a blessed Sunday!

R~Mary

Thank you, Claudia!

My dear friend, Claudia, has given me the 'Nice Matters Award'!

"This award will be given to those that are just nice people, good blog friends and those that inspire good feelings and inspiration! Those that care about others that are there to lend support or those that are just a positive influence in our blogging world!"

I will have too hard of a time picking just five of my special blogging friends~you are all nice, inspirational and special in your own way! Please consider yourself nominated!

I hope that all of you have had a wonderful week. I've seen a lot of talk about Autumn in the blogging world lately~I guess we are all ready for some cooler weather!

Everyone have a wonderful weekend!

R~Mary

Good Morning

We let these 'babies' out of their pen two days ago--and so far, so good. We still have all six of them! There was originally eight, but a raccoon made a mid-night run a few weeks ago and took two of them.

Of course, now that they are out, they want nothing to do with us! That is the thing I don't like about Bantams--they are just too wild. Next, I'd like to get some Rhode Island Reds. We used to have quite a few of those and they tame down quite nicely.

Everybody have a great day.

R~Mary

Cat Days of Summer?

Even our heat-loving cats are starting to resent this heat! Especially poor Brina, above. All that black fur just makes her hotter. She's decided to spend a little time inside, after our 'photo' session!

The building for our shop is now taking on a real shop look! Nothing fancy, of course, but it will be usable. My husband has been trying to work in an 8'x16' area, and that is just not enough.

It is 97 degrees outside right now and with the heat index it 'feels' like 103. The high is supposed to be 105, so we've still a ways to go.

Hope all of you are staying cool!

R~Mary

Good Friday Evening!

I have been busy for a while and am just now getting back to my lonely little blog. Thanks to all of you who have checked in from time to time!

My dear friend, Connie, has given me the Thoughtful Blogger Award! Thank you so, so much, Connie. You are such a sweet friend and I always love hearing from you and visiting your blog. I'm very honored that you thought of me!

Check in here: http://www.writersreviews.com/2007/07/writers-reviews-blogger-awards.html for the rules for awarding your dear friends that give you inspiration on their blogs.

I'd like to give these awards to these five friends. Actually, I'd like to give awards to ALL my blogging friends. I enjoy knowing each and every one of you.

#1. To Terri, I'd like to award the Inspirational Blogger Award. I always love to hear what Terri is doing. She and her husband are both active in charity work, showing their love for others as well as being wonderful and inspirational grandparents to their two grandchildren.

#2. To Nancy Jo, I'd like to award the Creative Blogger Award. If you don't know Nancy Jo, you need to visit her blog. She is a very talented woman and does beautiful needlework. She also has a very good 'eye' when it comes to thrift shopping and makes some unbelievable finds!

#3. To Sue, I'd like to award the Inspirational Blogger award. She is truly an amazing woman. She not only loves the Lord, but truly cares about others. She is also an inspiration to me when it comes to gardening~especially with her herbs. And, she is a writer, also an inspiration to those of us who work at the craft.

#4. To Allison~sister of Sue and good friend, I give the Creative Blogger Award. She tells some amazing stories about the history of her town and shares some of the best outdoor pictures I've seen. She is such a good friend and always inspiring to read.

#5. To Pat, I give the Creative Blogging Award. She has the most amazing home and gardens. It is truly an inspiration to look at her pictures! And I love the way she practically takes us on her trips with her! She gets some great photos of the most beautiful places and things!

To everyone I didn't give an award to: you deserve one! Thanks to all of you for your sweet friendship!

R~Mary

Good Friday Morning!

Sorry I have been away from here for so long. It seems like summer is just not my time to Blog! I do miss all of you, though!

We are still busy sorting through bins of books, papers, and just plain junk, trying to get my husband's shop ready. There are several projects around the house that need attention as soon as the shop is ready. We have numerous shelves, a bookcase, and a craft/vacuum closet to build, just to name a few of the things that we hope to get completed. I am looking forward to having a place to store the vacuum and not have it sitting in my little hallway!

I don't understand how we have accumulated so much stuff! I am afraid that the people at the Goodwill will run and lock the doors when they see us coming, by the time this is over with! Oh well--there is one in a small town south of us that we might be able to sneak a few things in:-0!

Hope you all had a great week!

R~Mary