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Feb

A Snowy Visit on a Wintry Day

Categories: Our Farm, Penny at Home, U.S.A., Winter

We sure have had a snowy February here in New York! It has been clean and bright white, but the sunshine has been rather rare. One frigid day, Penny went out for a walk in the snow on our farm. She climbed an elm tree to gaze about. Suddenly, she heard a warm and friendly voice from below inviting her to drop in for a visit.

Mr. Jedidiah was so happy to have some company after so many cold and snowy days when most creatures have been staying indoors. He met Penny in the tree and showed her how to reach his home under the low gnarly log.

WEEEeeeeee!! Down Penny slid in the soft, fluffy snow.

Mr. Jedidiah had a safe little porch where they could chat together and gaze at the lovely scenes around them.

Such a delightful visit it was for both of them as Mr. Jedidiah was full of knowledge about the forest and all the critters that lived there. He also had a rich memory of many past winters and the varieties of weather he had seen and the adventures he had lived through. He was eager to share stories and tales with Penny and she really enjoyed making a new friend that wintry day as the snow fell softly around them.

After Penny trudged home to the dollhouse that night, she fixed herself a cup of hot cocoa and burrowed down in her favorite chair to sip it slowly and recall the stories of the afternoon. The fire in the fireplace crackled and popped contentedly beside her.

Just a little whipped cream on the cocoa added the perfect touch, and Penny even got a bit on her nose before it all melted away into a hot creamy pool.

This jar of cocoa mix came for Christmas and he is sure loving Penny’s warm house. How about a cup for yourself, Mr. Jolly Cocoa Jar?

“Don’t mind if I do,” says he.

May you all have a safe and warm winter season where you are today!

God bless you, real good!

*****

Dec

Penny’s Old Fashioned Christmas

Categories: Christmas, Penny's Travels, U.S.A., Winter

Comments: 2

Merry Christmas from Penny and Friends!!

Penny recently went to visit her friend Cathy, and had such a lovely time making new friends and enjoying an old fashioned Christmas home. Come along and share the fun!

Ho, Ho, Ho!! Come on in, many joyful surprises await you here!

Penny is sitting above the door to invite you in. What a cute homemade garland this is with red beads and green fabric ties.

First, come to the stable, where the shepherds and wise men have traveled to see that the wonderful news is true, a Savior is born!!

“God must have said, ‘I know what I’ll do, I’ll send my love right down there where they are. And I’ll send it as a tiny baby so they’ll have to touch it and they’ll have to hold it close.’ “
– Gloria Gaither

Jesus, You are the reason for this season of festive joy.

We come to celebrate your birthday!

On the mantel, Penny wanders among the lights, pine cones and greenery exploring on the back of a friendly stuffed reindeer steed.

The Christmas tree is a splendid display of beauty!

This is Felicity, the darling folk art angel holding the star at the top of the tree. How do you do, dear? What a lovely view!

Nestled among the other ornaments Penny feels right at home. Here she meets jolly little snowmen and a Christmas cat! Why, that must be Stitch’s favorite ornament! Let’s go meet Stitch, the kitty…

Here, kitty, kitty!

Hello Stitch, what a warm and cozy pal you make, with your little “stitched” half mustache, and your long soft fur.

How about a frosty sleigh ride together with you, Mr. Snowman? Wheee!

Now we’ll rest a bit on this old fashioned trunk and decide where to go visit next. Do I see someone cat napping on the couch back there?

I love the old Santas and lots of little Christmas trees.

Red berries and mittens are joyful additions,

And a sparkly lamp shines with cheer!

Another pretty old lantern sits in this corner on a square basket box where hangs a single white snowflake.

Penny found another little Christmas tree, perfect for sitting under as she chats with a few more snowmen buddies. I like this one beside her with the sleepy eyes.

She can’t resist the invitation to come sit by these two snowmen’s campfire while they entertain her with jolly tales.

Come to the kitchen now, Penny! There are lots of special things in here!

These rows and rows of cookies smell, oh, so delicious!

See the shadow of the window snowflake on the cupboard’s side? So pretty.

More Christmas friends spread cheer in their bright corner over here.

Even the shaggy dark fellow under the hat can’t resist all those snowman smiles that surround him.

Penny oversees the operation of more cookies underway.

I’ll volunteer to be a taste tester!!

Yes, you may, as long as you come join the sink crew and take a turn washing some dishes!!

Its evening now, and the Santa moon is out.

Penny is resting and gazing at all the labors below she was happy to be a part of.

What’s that old English Carol? “On a cold winter’s night that was so deep..”

The First Noel, the Angels did say,
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay,
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star,
Shining in the East beyond them far,
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.

And by the light of that same star
Three Wise Men came from country far;
To seek for a king was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.

This star drew nigh to the northwest,
O’er Bethlehem it took its rest;
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Then entered in those Wise Men three,
Full reverently upon the knee,
And offered there, in his presence,
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Then let us all with one accord,
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with His blood mankind hath bought.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel!

1833 Old English Christmas Carol – Author Unknown

Merry Christmas, friends, near and far, thank you for coming along. May God bless your home with His grace and peace this Christmas.

*******

Jul

Hawaii – Part Two

Categories: Evangeline, U.S.A.

Comments: No

Welcome back to our Hawaii tour with Evangeline! (Click here to see the first post Hawaii – Part One) We are enjoying this stunningly beautiful tropical beach. Oh, the blueness of the sky and water and the softness of the sand. How fascinating to find this odd turtle fellow traveling along at his thoughtful pace.

Seeing all this sand makes me think of the “grains of sand” verse in Psalm 139. Do you remember it? Speaking of how tenderly God loves us, the Psalmist says:

“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand.”

On the Big Island of Hawaii, Evangeline took time to do a little lounging on the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. What a funny idea, black sand! So much of Hawaii is lava related!

More black lava is evident in this cove below.

Mike and Chip are exploring and trying to identify fascinating new water items.

Just think of the beautiful mind that created and formed these unique and colorful discoveries. Our amazing Creator!

Could these be mulberry drupe shells? and “ha ‘uke ‘uke”, a helmet or shingle urchin? Fascinating!

A wee bit wind-blown is Evangeline here as she is out sightseeing on a cloudy day. Such expanse of moody ocean.

Now she is relaxing in a quiet display of water-related finds just her size.

Evangeline highly recommends this great bake shop from waaa-aaay down south.

Yummy, yummy, yummy!! Such sweet and sticky deliciousness.

A bit of memorabilia to bring home in remembrance of that visit. Now don’t get any coffee stains or frosting on Chip’s new hat, Evangeline!!

A unique bit of Hawaiian history was shared at this Kona Coffee Living History Farm.

Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s many Japanese emigrated to Hawaii and became industrious farmers of coffee. One farm was this 6 acre Uchida Coffee Farm purchased by a Japanese family in 1913 and through two world wars it kept producing large amounts of coffee beans and macadamia nuts. This farm has been preserved to display what their lifestyle in that period must have been like.

Hello there Mr. Burro! I learned that coffee doesn’t come from “beans” at all but from the pit inside a fruit like a cherry!

My craft-loving side was tickled by this sewing machine in the Japanese home.

Evangeline wanted to perch in this display of native fruits bought locally. A pineapple, of course, some stubby bananas, and hairy strawberries among others. Juicy and sweet!

From the Big Island of Hawaii, our friends traveled on to Maui.

March is a good time to do a bit of Whale Watching, as the humpback whales are wintering here at the Hawaiian Islands and when summer comes, they head up to Alaska. On the tour boat, our friends saw lots of whales in the water, and what a thrill to hear their song humming so deeply. Psalm 148:1,7 says “Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above… Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths.” And so they do in song!

Then a trip on the famous Road to Hana. An ad proclaims: “There are few words that can describe the beauty of this drive with its cliffs cloaked in green and lush valleys bursting with waterfalls. Curves hug the coast and gaze over an ocean.” Rustic and jungle-like sometimes, and not for the faint of heart!

Another highlight was to see the Giant Banyan Tree in Lahaina town. This huge landmark, covering nearly two-thirds of an acre, was imported from India and planted in Maui back in 1873. It was a memorial to the 50th anniversary of the first American Protestant mission to Lahaina. It stands 60 feet high and boasts over 16 major trunks that spread out in all directions creating a shady place to congregate beneath. Quite a landmark, I say! (This is a borrowed photo).

The Haleakala mountain volcano is unforgettable. This “House of the Sun” is a sacred place of many legends in original Hawaiian folklore. The mountain was formed by layers of lava increasing over the years. This information sign explains the forming of the giant crater.

Here we are up above the clouds. Magnificent!

An incredible view.

And some time was enjoyed splashing in the waves before it is time to say good bye to the Pacific Ocean.

Toward the end of the trip, a visit was made to the famous Mama’s Fish House.

Is your mouth watering for fresh local caught fish?

They say the menu lists the name of the fisherman who caught the fish and where he caught it. Did I see octapus on the menu as well?

Outside the restaurant you can stroll down to the ocean, and enjoy the sunset view.

Here are Evangeline’s friends that so kindly included her on their trip to explore the Hawaiian Islands. She had a great time and sends you all a Big THANK YOU!! for your hospitality. It was a good project for me to look up all these places and facts to flesh out this post. I’ve learned a lot about Hawaii! What a marvelous place.

Farewell, fair land of tropical beauty.

Psalm 148

¹Praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord from the heavens;
    praise him in the heights above.
²Praise him, all his angels;
    praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
³Praise him, sun and moon;
    praise him, all you shining stars.
⁴Praise him, you highest heavens
    and you waters above the skies.

⁵Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for at his command they were created,
⁶and he established them for ever and ever—
he issued a decree that will never pass away.

⁷Praise the Lord from the earth,
    you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
⁸lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
    stormy winds that do his bidding,
⁹you mountains and all hills,
    fruit trees and all cedars,
¹⁰wild animals and all cattle,
    small creatures and flying birds,
¹¹kings of the earth and all nations,
    you princes and all rulers on earth,
¹²young men and women,
    old men and children.

¹³Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens…

And speaking of the Pacific Ocean, on the way home, our friends took Evangeline to the Big Basin Redwoods State Park in California. The tour guide made friends with li’l Evangeline. Imagine being a little clothespin doll among the giant redwood trees. Awesome.

*******

Postscript: After Evangeline’s Hawaii visit in March, the news came that there was a giant volcanic eruption in one of the very places they visited. The Kilauea Volcano was pouring out lava near Leilani Estates on the Big Island of Hawaii. There 1,500 residents were ordered to evacuate their homes in May of 2018. We were praying for their safety. Quite a topic of interest after our friends were just there!

Jun

Visit to Hawaii – Part One

Categories: Evangeline, U.S.A.

Comments: 2

In March of this year, the clothespin doll, Evangeline, had a lovely chance to travel with our friends and do some exploring in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. Would you like to come along on her journey of favorite memories from there?

In one of the guest houses the host, who was a champion wind surfer, provided this beautiful Hawaiian bouquet as a warm welcome to his visitors. Notice the uniquely formed Bird of Paradise flower and the pretty pincushion protea.

Don and Chip spent time relaxing with their feet up, admiring the brightly colored Hawaiian pineapple socks my Dad sent with them for their trip. They were also admiring the effect of those socks against the amazing tropical scenery.

The Hawaiian State Flower is the yellow hibiscus that is native to these islands.

On the Island of Oahu, our friends visited the Dole Plantation – in celebration of pineapples! Hawaii has built up a large pineapple industry even though I learned that pineapples are not native there, but come from South America originally.

Don and Chip enjoying the inside of a cool pineapple.

Yum, Yum!!

Below are windsurfers on Oahu Island.

Oahu is home to the State Capital, Honolulu.

Also of interest is Pearl Harbor, a powerful place to visit in remembrance of its history to our nation. It was a very moving experience for our friends who were able to be there. Awesome.

Below, Evangeline, got her picture taken at Hanauma Bay at the south end of Oahu.

The land of sand and palm trees. So unlike our home in New York!

The North Shore is the legendary birthplace of big wave surfing. I don’t think Evangeline was keen to try it this time. “Have fun, guys!” says she.

Ker-splash, and away they go!

It is amazing to see God’s handiwork expressing His personality in so many ways. Some places He designed to be rugged, powerful and mighty. Some gentle, quiet and peaceful. Some places are colorful, bright and joyful.

He is present in all places, and delights to have our company. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

“If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23

Part Two coming soon…

Jul

Celebrating July 4th

Categories: Penny at Home, U.S.A.

Comments: 3

Happy Independence Day!!

In our upstairs hallway hangs this old flag and a historic picture called “The Declaration of Independence.”

It was hard to get a clear picture, so here is a close up of our print of

the painting done by John Trumbull in 1817.

I was interested to find in this little old book about the American flag that I previously had our flag hanging wrong, with the blue field of stars on the right, but it properly belongs on the left when hung on the wall like this. I’m glad that I now have that corrected.

The page below was interesting, “A Mighty Nation on Whose Flag the Sun Never Sets.”

What a fascinating thought.

Today, I give thanks for the many noble heros who helped to found our country and of the courage and faith that they displayed.

To celebrate our national holiday, our family gathered last night to watch Kirk Cameron’s DVD called “Monumental”.

Sadly, most of our American history is no longer taught in schools, but my siblings and I always loved Early American history and read lots of books based in that era.

In this DVD, I enjoyed the interview with David Barton, who has an astounding collection of papers, letters and books that shed much light on the beginnings of our country and its government.

Here is a video clip I found on YouTube that shares a bit of the main focus of Kirk Cameron’s tour of Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Matrix of Liberty is a huge granite statue in Plymouth that we had never heard of before, but what a testimony it is to the Pilgrim’s purpose for establishing themselves here on our shores so long ago amid so much suffering. They had a vision for a country where people would be free to worship God.

I recently read the biography of Francis Scott Key, who wrote our national anthem. The last verse is one that is seldom recorded, but it is so beautiful.

The Star Spangled Banner

Oh, say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
‘Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wiped out their foul footstep’s pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

******

“Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!”

“In God is our trust.”

Happy Independence Day!

*****

Sep

Harvest Time

Categories: Farmer Andy, FCFI, U.S.A.

Comments: No

Farmer Andy and his sister Fanny are enjoying the harvest season. They are resting here beside a John Deere tractor with a lovely painting in the background by Kathy Brown. She and her husband, Bill, are busy this summer with the Fellowship of Christian Farmers ministry, sharing the bead story. Many people are hurting and ready to hear that the blood of Jesus can cleanse and give us new life in Him.

***

“Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields;

for they are white (ripe) already to harvest.

And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal:

that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. John 4:35, 36

***

“The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few:

pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest,

that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” Luke 10:2

***