Serene, gentle summer skies

I love this photo! It looks so peaceful! A beautiful calm summer evening; with the last rays of the sun! That is what it feels like tonight....we enjoyed sitting outside on our patio furniture and just inhaling the wonderful good summer air!

Invited our neighbour in for a glass of wine a tid earlier this pm; and it was a good visit. We were given a bunch of exquisite lillies from a friend, from her garden, last week; and they are finally coming into effervescent bloom. Inasmuch as we are out of town tomorrow to Monday, I thought our friend might enjoy the flowers instead.

Tidbit - You feel so good when you give to others. And even when you are extra weary, etc, when you "give", things are just that much better; all the way around. The joyful smile on our neighbour's face was a 'picture of 1000 words'. That made my night; as well as appreciating the value of a good friend. Wanted to share that bit of encouragement with you.

Good Night and God Bless.

Appreciation!

Good Morning, or Good Day or Good Evening! - in whatever part of the world you are in!

Yesterday, in between everything else, was a day of wonderful enrichment; and this morning, with coffee in hand, I am just appreciating some of the events that took place.

In yesterday's post, there was the photo image of the "Queen Elizabeth Rose"; and we are blessed with 2 rose bushes, that we have "merged"; so it is a lovely looking combo. Imagine our bittidz patio; with roses budding profusely, produce thriving, and other flowers / plants in full gear, along with 'harrier' hummingbirds and buzzing bees etc. One of my best friends came over for lunch; and we sat outside at our wonderful wrought iron table; and it was extra special because that was the first time that we have enjoyed the table and its inviting setting.

I have "borrowed" 3 photo images. 2 are by "Ingram's"; which offers 'fine patio & outdoor furnishings'; for those that might wish to treat themselves to some patio furniture etc. The elegant rectangular table, with glass top, is EXACTLY like ours! Also, LOVE the "conversation" group of cushioned wrought iron chairs. They look so comfy; and I really like the red and white broad, bold stripes. We have instead " old fashioned ice cream parlour chairs"; so the photo is a REPLICA of our chairs, save that we have white cushions. The black wrought iron patio table and the ice cream chairs, recovered with white seats, is a dramatic classic contrast to all the abounding abundant greenery "in the gardens"!

I "whipped up" an omelette and salad, with our 'straight from the garden' fresh herbs and lettuce. My friend brought over a tidbitz of prawns and a bottle of lovely white wine. The delicious prawns were perfect in the salad; and we each enjoyed 2 glasses of wine, as well as a very long overdue visit.

Tidbit - Cherish moments with dear friends (and family). I have about 3 or 4 very good friends; and I consider myself very blessed to have them in my life. This particular friend lives less than 5 minutes away; but we both have had other things going on; so it has been awhile since we last saw each other. Of course, we barely "scratched the surface"; but the garden ambience is one to be repeated more often, we decided. A simple shared preparation of lunch, a tid or two glasses of white wine, and into summer reverie we go!

Had to gently "kick her out" because we had an invitation from our next door neighbour (mentioned in yesterday's post) for "drinks". "Well", they provided a lovely smattering of cheeses (one being, fresh unpasteurixed brie....mmmmmmm!), exotic crackers, and gorgeous raspberries. It was indeed a "feast"; and a most refreshing get together; and it gave us a chance to get to know each other a bit better. There was no need for dinner! LOL! They are genuine people; and we look forward to inviting them over here. Also, Alan was given a " cutting snippet" of a beautiful orangey red climbing plant; which he has planted in a large pot that already contains a flowering clematis. We are looking forward to that new growth and spread of synergy.

Bittid - Appreciate and enjoy what you have around you. ie your garden, patio, surroundings, whatever. Create atmosphere for enjoyment and peace of mind. We finished our day, captivated by the summer evening and our cosy patio; and the expression, "There is no place like home" is so true.

God Bless. Please feel free to share some patio / furniture ambience thoughts, that give you joyful memories.

Enjoy the Bloom!

Today has been an interesting tidbitical start, thus far! Lots of "little" things happening all at once! Some good; and some not as favourable.

Tidbit - Just make the best of it! It is enlightening what takes place when you "Praise Him in All Things" - out of "bad", always comes GOOD.

Bittid - We all have our unique blessings; and we are daily thanking Him for what we have; not what we do not have! Even our wee bittidical / botanical garden, with all its producing produce and colourful flowers, gives us so much pleasure! He created the Universe in 6 days; that always is such a joyful uplift!

Here again, is the photo image of the "Queen Elizabeth Rose" - wonderfully delicate petals and just exquisite. We are enjoying many healthy blooms! We have been invited to our next door neighbour's tonight; and they have complimented us on our various types of roses. We will be giving them, a garden picked fresh bouquet; plus this particular rose is extra special to me; as per my memories. I have written a bittidz about the "Queen Elizabeth Rose" on June 17th; as well as in an earlier tidbitz post; should there be any "rose lovers".

It's the little things!

It is so true...It is the little things! Life is made up of so many tidbittle bitiddle things....and it is how we handle everything - ie all the difficulties, delays, disappointments; along with the GOOD. Do we despair or do we drive steadfastedly on; like the "energizer bunny?" Well, we have had a whole - - - - load of "stuff" that has come our way; more unexpected and "out of left field". However, we have become "stronger" in dealing with the various adversities, that have posed unreal challenges to our everyday life. However, we just keep saying; "Praise Him in All Things:" and not forgetting to thank Him for what we already have been blessed with; regardless of circumstances or trying times.

We have so much to be thankful for; and we feel, that integrity, honour, etc is always the best way to go. I guess that was a wee tidbitz for you.

Tidbit - Little things ARE important; it is the little things in life; like a link in a chain. However, sometimes, you just have to choose a different chain, if there are too many chinks in the armor. If you find you are against the wall, know it; and just move calmly to Plan B; and always, asking Him to help guide you for the right solution.

Hard to explain; but the bittid - "Don't sweat the small stuff", is also true. Like, concentrate what matters most to you; and if the tid things can be "nipped in the bit bud", from the onset, wonderful! If that does not happen, well, there is always another solution. Rely totally on Him, and He will provide.

Am going to go and make a feisty salad from our garden produce! Alan is making a magnificent pizza; so I think a glass of red vino, the pizza,(which smells soooooo delicious!) along with the fresh salad, is going to be a joyful repas for us tonight. Am still enjoying the photo image of the tid bittily kitchen in yesterday's post. As mentioned, I "rearranged" our kitchen; and it is now a chef's delight! LOL! With these little bittidz changes, our kitchen is a bit more tiddily organized; and we appreciate things all the more!

Good night and God Bless.

Love this kitchen!

Here is a photo image of a kitchen that I just love! Love the colours and contrasts; and the subtleties; the soft moss greens, the forest hunter green marble top, the woods with their grains and tones, the appliances etc.

Our tidbitz kitchen is quite similar to the photo; save that ours is a whole lot bittidz smaller! Nor do we have the wonderfully high lofted and beamed ceiling, with creative track lighting; instead, we will be looking to refurbish the ballasts in our low ceiling; and work with what is there already. Our (without door handles) cupboards are of the varnished brown colour that you see in the bottom cupboards; and then our ceramic tile floor is a caramel brown, as a voluptous contrast. Our tiles around the stove and sink, are creamy taupe. More light than dark. Imagine a cup of milk with a dash of coffee. There is the colour combo! Also our countertop is a white meringuish marble. Our appliances we had to replace; and the gas range stove with fan is exactly like ours...right down to the number and location of the burners! Our tap and sink (along with a good sized garbarator)also resemble what you view in the picture. The cutting board too, along with the utensil holders, the nooks and crannies for "objects" are uncannily like ours. There is a white container with kitchen utensils...hmmmm. looks very much like a Pampered Chef container. Those are great; they can hold so many items! We have 3; makes it a lot easier to reach for tools etc; then to have to burrow for them out of drawers etc. We do not have a lot of room; "old fashioned" type of kitchen; however, it works delightfully for us! Our window, is a bit bay window; and our tid of a glass table and 4 chairs fit nicely into that little cosy alcove.

Tidbit -Enjoy your kitchen; regardless of its size or any imperfections or "character", it may have. Those can either be left as is, or replaced with renovations, or just simply "moving things" around. I did that yesterday afternoon; and it was creatively restful. And, my husband, Alan prefers the changes! - which is important, as he loves to cook! This might also inspire me to cook a tid bit more! I used to cook; however, Alan really enjoys it; why would I want to ruin his fun! LOL!

Bittid - The kitchen is a wonderful place to entertain, to enjoy family and / or friends. Generally, the kitchen is the "grand central station" or place where people gather - be it at a party or whatever; somehow it is like a refuge...Maybe with the comforts of food and drink close by.

Hope you are all enjoying today.

Dog Fighting

Good morning everyone! Here is the website address for signing a petition.http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/354020737.

I was eluding to Dog Fighting in yesterday's blog; and wishing I could do even a tid of a bit to make an impact on such unfathomable cruelty to animals. Then, lo and behold, this am, I receive an email from a dear friend, with a petition to sign. I have done so; and now wish to give you the opportunity to do the same, if you wish.

Cathy, would you please give me the steps again, as to how to link up a website; so that it becomes a matter of a tidbitz touch for those who wish to link in to a website within a bittidz moment! Many many thanks. Then, I will add the link in for the petition site.

Also, thank you to my friend, who forwarded on the email re: the petition.

We have had a very full morning already; and it is not even 11 am. We have lots going on; and will keep you posted as soon as I know of something!

Here is our doggie, Blue again. He is an awesome animal.

"Praise Him in All Things" - has been exactly what has been going on today!

Our Blue

For some of you that have already seen our "Blue" in the grass, here he is again! - in full regalia - in the grass! Blue is an awesome dog; he will be 3 years old, as of this July 30th. We still think of him as our "puppy"; and, he acts as if he is a "kangaroo pup"! (Blue Heelers are of an Australian descent). You should see him chasing the deer on Pasley; he wants to "play!". He springs and bounds like a deer; and he is almost just as fast! Pasley has that bit of an "oomph" to restore / rejuvenate one's energy a tid!

Tidbit - A "good" dog is generally indicative to his care / treatment by a "good" owner. I believe that with all of my heart! We have such a dog! A wonderful, loyal "pal!" etc.

You read about dogs that are involved with "dog fighting" and you have to wonder a tid of a bit. - about their OWNERS or whomever.... comes seriously to my mind. A very provacative hmmmmm. I saw today in the news headlines, a pair of very sad sad empty eyes of such a dog; who was referred to as a "fighter dog" - well, I do not think that it should ever have to come to this sorry stage. To me, it is so cruel, heartless, and mean. It simply is not right. This does not help in building warm, fuzzy, future friendships / trusting relationships. Instead, it is the exact opposite - breeding visciousnes, for the sole purpose to make this a money making sport. Reminds me of the poor gladiators of long ago; and of those who watched with heady delight, the "kill", for their own selfish sheer entertainment. The only difference, being that it was human beings fighting for their lives, instead of dogs eating dogs. Hmmmmm. not right, is it? "A dog's breakfast?", or so "they" say.

Bittid - In a different terminology, ie " a dog's breakfast", we NUTURE our "puppy". An egg once a week is wonderful to maintain the healthy shine of his coat; we have seen the difference - just by simply mixing an egg in with his breakfast meal.

On that enlightening note, Good night and God Bless.

P.S. It was another fully engaged day; tomorrow there will be major decisions that will have to be made. For now, we are going to "sleep / tidbitz on things". That never hurts, as a bittidz.