Author: Timelesslady

Married with children and grandchildren. Reader, writer, painter - maybe a bit of an artist. Gardener... Led by the Spirit.

Perspective – Rewinding

On By TimelessladyIn PerspectiveLeave a comment

I think most of us in the blogosphere remember VHS tapes, and the stickers on most rentals that kindly asked us to rewind by saying…

be kind

Today I’ve altered that now obsolete catch-phrase into a thank you to those who will understand why I have nothing else to give in my blog post today.

Rewind

I am scattered, with too much too do, and some pressing concerns that are pecking at me like a chicken scratching for grain. I think many of us feel that way throughout the week, and even more so on the weekends, when there are isn’t enough time for all the tasks we must accomplish, let alone the time to fulfill our dreams. So…my advice… be kind to yourself today…rewind, relax…and relinquish your worries to the Lord.

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” ~ Psalm 55:22

Phavorites – Oceans

On By TimelessladyIn PhavoritesLeave a comment

Times might feel shaky…people might let you down, but keep your eyes upon the Lord. Walk on the Water! I consider this one of the most uplifting and beautiful music videos I have ever viewed. Please take a few moments to watch it. Take the words to heart. You won’t be disappointed.

Phavorites & Phun – Throwback Thursday – Birthday Song

On By TimelessladyIn Phavorites, Phun4 Comments

I had a good time visiting Birthday Jams. You enter in your birthday, and they tell you what song was #1 on the charts that week in the US. The drop down menu also allows you to check out what was #1 in the UK, Top Dance Tracks, and Alternative Hits. Number one on the US charts when I was born, way back in 1957, was Elvis Presley singing “Jailhouse Rock.” Give this fun site a try…I would love to hear in the comments section what was number one when you were born. Number One Song the Week You Were Born.

“Diana” sung by Paul Anka, was number one in the UK.

Plants & Phavorites – Sunset Runner Bean Vine

On By TimelessladyIn QuirkinessLeave a comment

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I’ve been very pleased with my Sunset Runner Bean Vine this summer. The vine sprouts easily, grows quickly, and is soon exhibiting lovely snapdragon-like clusters of flowers. The spent flowers develop into pods, and the pods develop beautiful black seeds with purple blotches. I purchased these seeds from one of my favorite seed sources: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

The seeds are beautiful.

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After the pods dry to a tan color, the seeds are ready to harvest. I like to display mine in a jar throughout the winter.

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They are a good reminder of the promise of a new spring, and flowers to come.

Plants & Phavorites – Lemon Grass

On By TimelessladyIn Phavorites, PlantsLeave a comment

Summer is at an end. I thought it would be good idea throughout this week to take time for some reflections on the garden…successes and failures, and make note of what I want to plant again next year.

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At the top of my list is Lemon Grass. I found this plant in my local Amish Market. I must have planted it in the perfect spot this year for it has thrived and grown to about a thirty inch height in the afternoon sunshine.

I found some terrific information on WebMD on the benefits of Lemon Grass.

“Lemongrass is a plant. The leaves and the oil are used to make medicine.

Lemongrass is used for treating digestive tract spasms, stomachache, high blood pressure, convulsions, pain, vomiting, cough, achy joints (rheumatism), fever, the common cold, and exhaustion. It is also used to kill germs and as a mild astringent.
Some people apply lemongrass and its essential oil directly to the skin for headache, stomachache, abdominal pain, and muscle pain.
By inhalation, the essential oil of lemongrass is used as aromatherapy for muscle pain.
In food and beverages, lemongrass is used as a flavoring. For example, lemongrass leaves are commonly used as “lemon” flavoring in herbal teas.
In manufacturing, lemongrass is used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. Lemongrass is also used in making vitamin A and natural citral.

How does it work?
Lemongrass might help prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast. Lemongrass also contains substances that are thought to relieve pain, reduce fever, stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, and have antioxidant properties.” ~ Webmd.com

There are some side effects and dangers when using Lemon Grass –
LEMON GRASS IS UNSAFE DURING PREGNANCY – It can start menstrual flow.
From my own experience I can caution you to be aware of the sharp edges when you gather the grass. I experienced a painful cut, pretty much like a deep paper cut while picking the grass to use in tea.

“Lemongrass is an aromatic storehouse of essential nutrients providing a wide array of health benefits. It is a source of essential vitamins such as vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), folate and vitamin C. It also provides essentil minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, zinc and iron, which are required for the healthy functioning of the human body. It offers no harmful cholesterol or fats.” ~ Organicfacts.net

I was astounded by all the benefits of this plant as I researched facts for this post. Lemon grass is widely available as an ingredient in herbal teas. Check out the labels in the tea section and drink more tea this winter!
Benefits of Lemon Grass

Before the grass falls victim to Autumn frosts, I plan on gathering and drying more of the grass to use throughout winter. I have had great results harvesting the grass, gently washing off any garden debris, cutting into 1/2 – 3/4 inch lengths, and drying for a day or two in the heat of my car.

Place – Conservatory Gridlock/Longwood Gardens

On By TimelessladyIn Photo Challenge at Wordpress, Photographs, Place2 Comments

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Grid.” This week, let’s take the humble grid out of the shadows, and make it the star.”

When I think of grids I think of conservatories. My favorite public garden is a perfect subject for this week’s Daily Post photo challenge. Most often, the flowers and plants are the stars of my visits to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. This post features the bones, or the grids, that hold the thousands of glass panes in place.

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You will find grids and grates wherever you look in the Longwood Gardens conservatory. The fragility of the flowers and foliage is protected by the strength of the metal, while the glass panes let in the life-giving light.

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The view looking up reveals even more grids and glass.

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Grids are used outdoors also as a support for vines and other plants. This is a row of spectacular clematis vines that were on display this year.

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Steel grids and cement are the base for the reconstruction of the fountains that is going on at this time. Take a look at the Online Fountain Exhibit at Longwood Gardens.

Planting – Terrarium Creation

On By TimelessladyIn Quirkiness4 Comments

This is a re-post from a few years ago, but well worth repeating once again. If you have small outdoor plants you want to save from winter weather, they are the perfect candidate for placing in a terrarium.

1. Select Container/Add a layer of pebbles.

2. Add a layer of charcoal.

3. Add a layer of humus/soil.

4. Add plants and mosses.

5. Add lichens, rocks, and small statues. (Mine are elephants from Red Rose Teabag boxes) Water sparingly, rinse excess dirt off of sides. Cover with lid of some type. Enjoy your beautiful terrarium.

Care of terrariums: Mosses like gentle sun, morning light exposure is best for a terrarium. Try to lift lid each day to give terrarium fresh air. Your terrarium will self-water, if it develops a look of dryness water sparingly once again.

Quote – George Washington

On By TimelessladyIn QuotesLeave a comment

George Washington Quote

In the coming months there will be a lot of political drama, campaigning and speculation in the United States. Let us examine the lives of each candidate for public office and look beyond the posturing and promises to the truth. Each citizen who is registered to vote has a responsibility to our country, and its people, to investigate where each candidate has stood on important issues in the past, and in the present. Don’t believe everything the media spins out about the candidates. Watch every debate that airs on television and listen carefully. Be well informed and make your decision according to the facts.

Let us pray for discernment to correctly choose the person who will lead us out of this mire of sinking sand we are floundering in, and bring us back onto the solid rock of morality and common sense.

Pheathers – White on White

On By TimelessladyIn Quirkiness3 Comments

Pheather

While walking in the woods last week, I found a few beautiful white feathers. I researched them a bit, and believe they might be the feathers of a snowy owl. Snowy Owls in New Jersey are rare but at times the birds venture beyond their normal breeding and feeding grounds. Another possibility is the feathers belonged to a hawk. At one time seeing hawks was also rare in our area, but they have adapted, and now thrive in civilization.

“Monochromatic”

Pots and Pans – Carrot-Ginger Soup

On By TimelessladyIn Pots and Pans7 Comments

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Oh my how this soup made my spirit sing! Have you ever taken a mouthful of pure sunshine? This soup is just that good and so beautiful in appearance. The carrots add subtle flavor and color, the ginger warmth and depth, the lowfat milk a nice touch of creaminess. I found and adapted the recipe in an old cookbook that gave the credit for the soup to the Junior League of Pasadena. I adapted it to my own taste and pantry ingredients. It’s easy and took under an hour to prepare, and also has the added bonus of being low in calories.

CARROT GINGER SOUP

1 TBS butter
1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced thin
1 medium onion, chopped
1 14 – 16 ounce can chicken broth (or 2 cups homemade broth)
1 1/2 tsp. shredded orange peel
3/4 tsp ground ginger
1 1/4 Cup (10 ounces) lowfat (2%) milk
salt and pepper to taste
can be garnished with a fresh parsley sprig

Melt butter in saucepan. Add carrots and onion & 4 tbs water. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Check and stir often to prevent burning.

Stir in one cup of the broth, orange peel and ginger. Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are fork tender. In blender or food processor, puree the saucepan ingredients. Transfer back to the saucepan and add remaining broth and lowfat milk. Heat on low heat until warm, stirring as needed. Salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy.

Perspective & People – Classics

On By TimelessladyIn People, PerspectiveLeave a comment

I recently saw a special on Johnny Cash. He is one of my all-time favorite singers, and I love the message of God’s love that his life exhibited. I also love the words and message of Billy Graham. Two classics, one in song, one in word, and both men of God.

Place & Photograph Challenge – Salt Marsh in Monochromatic Hues

On By TimelessladyIn Photo Challenge at Wordpress, Place4 Comments

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Monochromatic.”“This week, share with us your monochromatic images. Be calculating and creative in choosing your subject and focal point; resist the urge to simply take a photo of something with a single color range.”

Salt Marsh in Greens with Texture. My photograph is a close-focus capture of a salt marsh on the Atlantic Coast in New Jersey, taken along the Delaware Bay. I have also included several panoramic shots and additional close-ups of the various plants and herbs that make up a salt marsh.

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“A salt marsh or saltmarsh, also known as a coastal salt marsh or a tidal marsh, is a coastal ecosystem in the upper coastal intertidal zone between land and open salt water or brackish water that is regularly flooded by the tides. It is dominated by dense stands of salt-tolerant plants such as herbs, grasses, or low shrubs. These plants are terrestrial in origin and are essential to the stability of the salt marsh in trapping and binding sediments. Salt marshes play a large role in the aquatic food web and the delivery of nutrients to coastal waters. They also support terrestrial animals and provide coastal protection.” ~ Wikipedia

Can you make out the gigantic bird nest atop one of the trees in the photo below?
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Moore’s Beach

Problem-Solving – The Antidote

On By TimelessladyIn Problem-SolvingLeave a comment

The Antidote

In remembrance of September 11, 2001. The antidote for the evils of this world is the love and light of the Lord Jesus Christ.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ~John 3:17

Phavorites – Two Philms and One Series

On By TimelessladyIn Phavorites, PhilmLeave a comment

I recently viewed two movies on DVD. Both were quiet, thoughtful, and completely satisfying. Cedar Cove, a series on the Hallmark Channel, has also been a nice respite this summer.

“Far From the Madding Crowd,“ by Thomas Hardy, is a beautiful love story. I have never read the novel, but will remedy that situation after watching the movie based on the book. The film was beautiful; the story satisfying and believable.

I loved the ‘Age of Adaline”, a story of a young woman who lives her life without aging. The premise might be way out there, but the storyline makes it all believable. It was interesting to see Harrison Ford in a non-leading man role.

Cedar Cove is a television series on the Hallmark station based on the books of Debbie Macomber. I missed the first two seasons, but was able to purchase the first through Amazon at a great price. Andie McDowell is terrific as the heroine and small town judge.

Prayer & Praise – I Want to See You

On By TimelessladyIn Praise, Prayer1 Comment

Friend,

I give to you every burden I carry in my heart this day, and have faith as I leave them upon your altar, all will be well. In each moment and circumstance, help me remember to give thanks for the blessings you have given to me and my family. Thank you for this life, and best of all, salvation and the promise of eternal life with you in your Kingdom. I think of heaven and dwell for a moment in a flood of pure joy, much like the waves washing over me when I am within the ocean. Sometimes your Spirit is a powerful surge, other moments a gentle touch of purest love, but always Lord, your love moves me, and reaches the inner recesses of my spirit. Hallelujah! What a Savior, what a friend…always…and forever…and like the song…Amen!