Saturday Seventeen

1.   My husband Michael evilly whispered the word “Rabbit!” in my ear this morning, while it was still dark, and when I was barely awake.

2.   We had tacos for dinner last night — there’s nothing like home-fried corn tortillas and fresh homemade guacamole to make a lowly taco taste fantastic. I grew up watching my mother fry our corn tortillas, and have never done them any other way. Do you fry your own corn tortillas? If not, look at this video I found and try it!

3.   I have twenty Words With Friends games going on my iPad and l-o-v-e it. Three games are with Sharon.

4.   Michael and I are now devotees of a few British mystery series. We finished “Ballykissangel” and “Rosemary and Thyme.” We’re currently going through and love “Foyle’s War” (thank you Helen!) and “Doc Martin” (thank you Su!).

5.   I would have a professional massage every day if I could. What would you indulge in if you had the time and funds?

6.   We are going on a big boat out in Lake Superior today.

7.   The fall colors are gorgeous right now — I never get tired of oohing and aahing over the glowing crimsons, oranges and golds that contrast against the dark evergreens.

8.   My oldest grandson and I are memorizing Bible verses together. The one we have down pat now is Proverbs: 12:18: The words of the reckless pierce like swords but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Did you know if there’s someone in your life who’s a little difficult for you, you can help heal them (or wound them further) with your words? Oh, how I want my words to be more healing.

9.   We had a conversation with friends recently and actually toyed with the idea of moving to the Highlands of Scotland for one year. Sort of a Scottish test drive. The more we talked about it, the more they thought they might, and the more we thought we couldn’t.

10.  Throwing things away, paring down, simplifying, makes life calmer and more manageable. If you like that idea and don’t know where to start, you might read this wonderful book.

11. We used to have cockatiels. Their names were Rosie Shackadorum, Chester (the Molester) Pondaleeky, and Walter Whomperwhacker. I would get another cockatiel if they didn’t have such a lot of dander. The older I get the less time I want to spend cleaning up bird powder.

12.  The most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept on in my life was two weeks ago, here. If you’re wondering what the mattress brand was, I took the sheets and mattress pad off to have a look — it was a Jamison.    

13.  If our house sells I’d like to paint our next kitchen something other than dark red. If you haven’t seen our kitchen wall color, click here. But I have tons of blue and white accents that look good with red. I’m wondering if having turquoise walls is too trendy. Here’s a photo of the color I’m talking about, with blue and white plates on the wall, in a bedroom.

14.  I bought some new Three Irish Girls yarn and plan on making a scarf for my husband. In this log cabin. Right on the shore of Lake Superior. Surrounded by beautiful fall foliage. With a fire crackling in the hearth. And snacks within reach.

15.  If you haven’t gotten your free album from Josh Garrels you are missing out. I can’t stop listening to the song “Farther Along.”

16.  Now that I’m 54, I’ve got it in my head that I just should not have to cook anymore. Does anyone have any advice on how to get that out of my head?

17.  Here are some ways that help start the day well:

*I find that if I count my blessings the day goes better in general. I say Thank you Jesus! a lot. And I mean it.

*If I hold my tongue and don’t have to be right, peace reigns.

*If I kiss my husband at least 5 times in one day it makes him happy.

*If I do five things in the morning right away, (i.e. throw a load of laundry in, unpack the dishwasher, make the bed, sweep the floor, clean the kitchen) somehow the day doesn’t seem so overwhelming.

Now, what are your seventeen things? Or your eleven things? Or your five things? I would like to know! (Please try not to list an even number of things — make sure it’s an odd number, okay? I prefer odd numbers.)

Thank you for reading!