Yard of the Month

LET ME BEGIN WITH...

When my cat, Sunny, is not basking in the sun on the porches and playing "catch" with the birds, he can usually be found lying next to me on the sofa.

This photo does not do justice to what he really is like...

Believe me, when we are both on this sofa together, he conquers 3/4 of the space. It is quite the sight!

NOW ON TO THE FEATURE OF THE MONTH...

Last Mother's Day was the beginning of the landscaping of our Somerville yard. The front entry pathway went in, then the shrubs in the front of the house. A few weeks later the side yard received its facelift. With each season I have planted flowers to bring color and interest to the property.

The vision, hard work and upkeep brings its rewards for the month of May.

The city selected our home to begin the Yard Of The Month for thE 2011 summer.

Please enjoy the pictures but more than that, come and see for yourself as you sit with me on the front porch.

I would love it!

Oh, how your garden grows!

Our gentle giant resteth.....

You can find us in the dark now.....

Solar power lights up our new house number at 341 9th Street, Somerville, TX. each night.

Y'all come!

Garage Sale Church

So, are you amazed at the title of this posting? Well, I am amazed at how the Father directs our steps and hearts!

Here is the story of the "Garage Sale Church"!

Last Saturday I drove my usual trip to Brenham to the H.E.B. market and to the Farmer's Market. On the way, I observed a garage sale sign just outside a seculed housing development but I decided I would not stop because.....1) I needed to conserve my money and 2) I was on a time schedule of my own making.

About 1 mile past the sign I decided to turn around and go see the treasures --- was I tempted or was there another purpose?

You guessed it! You are so smart! :)

I encountered a family who really loves the Lord despite some extremely difficult times right now.....mom is in the final stage of Lupis. What an atmosphere of hope and joy I sensed as we conversed. Just as naturally as talking about the Lord, the topic of a local body of believers demonstrating support and love was mentioned. I asked where this body of believers was and Greg (the dad) said, "Champion Fellowship near downtown Brenham". He asked me where I received my support and love and I had to admit I had no church family at the present time. His young daughter of 9 years spoke up and said, "Why don't you come to our church this Sunday!" As I looked at her, I envisioned one of my granddaughters saying that and I smiled at her saying....."You know what, I am going to be there tomorrow...look for me, ok?"

On Sunday I drove into the parking lot of Champion Fellowship and was greeted by a man directing vehicles. He even opened my car door! Pointing me in the direction of the front doors, I made my way into an experience of worship I will never forget! The men and women of the church were so very friendly, the music was worshipful, communion was conducted in a manner that caused me to worship Christ and then the message was encouraging from the Word of God. The pastor was finishing up his series in 1 Corinthians 5. What a marvelous day!

Although I did not purchase anything at the garage sale, I was given information about a church, genuine concern from other believers and hope! Now, where can you go to a sale, not spend one penny and come away with more than you went with?

God bless that mom, bless that dad and their two young children!

Thank You, Lord, for the garage sale sign last Saturday!

Sunny Welcomes The Birds To Take A Bath

It has been in the triple digits with the temperature in Somerville so I put together a make shift bird bath near a bird feeder by our property line. Sunny felt it his duty to check out his new picnic area, drank some of the water and then proceeded to clean himself.

Sunny became aware that I was standing in the side yard filming him and he decided he had better get himself down from there. He came running to me, rubbing up against my legs as if to say, "That really was not me up there....you know I would never do something like that...!"

(Between Sunny and the five deer who visit our yard every night, there is little water left in the dish for the birds.)

Somerville's Fire Department Benefit-July 19,2009

The Annual Somerville Fire Department's Fund Raiser is held at the American Legion hall with great food catered by Mantey's Catering. What a feast there is! Who would not love Barbequed chicken, beef and sausage! Huge portions of all three of these meats were served in large to-go boxes. Included in the meal were hot twiced baked potatoes, the most delicious spicy black beans, a deli pickle, a warm slice of bread. On a separate table each guest could select a dessert of choice --- oh, dear, these homemade desserts all looked so yummy! Trust me....from this one to-go boxed meal I had three meals! From ticket sales, purchase of a meal(s), the silent auction and the regular auction, the money raised helps the Fire Department with all their yearly expenses. The community turned out in force for this one! What a great event! I enjoyed every minute of it. Connie Mantey, co-owner of Mantey's Catering said they had served over 800 meals that day! And the meal was only $7.00! Meet our neighbor across the street in the big white house. This is Missy Tharp. Here Missy is determining which items she and her husband, Kenny, will bid on. The Tharp family own the Overall Lumber Company in Somerville and are very active in the development of Somerville. Missy just won the election to be on the Somerville ISD Board. We are happy for that. She is a hard, dedicated worker. The Tharps donated some really nice items to the auction to benefit the Fire Department. Nice people and the view of their home and property from our front porch is spectacular, as many of you know. This is our dear friend, Connie Mantey! She is one of the sweetest gals you will ever meet! If ever I have seen a hard worker with a fabulous attitude, it is Connie. She is a blessing to be around! Her family is heavily involved with the Somerville Fire Department. Gene Welch is Bud's cousin who also lives in Somerville. Gene's wife, Marilyn, could not attend the benefit due to health challenges. Marilyn is a fabulous pianist, cook and has a generous heart. Gene and Marilyn are two of the most pleasant folks to be around. Bill and Julie Smith are dear, sweet folks from Somerville. I first met this couple at the first Arts At The Lake meeting I attended by invitation. Julie is the Secretary/Treasurer for the organization. Bill is a retired attorney, and gives his valuable legal interpretations and insights as our organization is beginning to take some shape. Believing this is a venture Somerville needs to connect Lake Somerville patrons to the town of Somerville, I accepted an invitation several weeks ago to be on the board of directors. Although I see such great potential of the Arts At The Lake and their mission statement, I have become aware that my attentions need to be in another direction. I resigned my position just this week. Sunday's community activity and involvement with the Fire Department Benefit was truly a great time for me. Our fire fighters do so much more than fight fires for our town and county, they are some of the most friendly people! We live in the best little town ever!

Elaine in the office on Monday, 7/6/2009

Sunny on July 4, 2009

See the Curtains From Switzerland/Stires