Old Timers

 

OLD TIMERS

A woolly bear

with black and brown fur

today quietly travels

in a slow and steady crawl

across the roadway

on a day that's sunny

announcing “winter's coming,

another summer is ending.”

You'll find this "old timer"

knows more than a primer.

Summer came and went so fast

though many wish it would last.

Winter follows fall

after Jack Frost calls

painting a colorful rainbow in the leaves,

then down these leaves come when there's a breeze.

Returning black and brown woolly bears are seen,

on sunny days, forecasting winter's scene.

Today this "old timer"

called out to this rhymer.

It is said his stripes tell a tale

of cold snow or freezing hail,

of dropping temperatures

or mild weather,

of a short season

or maybe prolonged.

Woolly bears are barometers

welcomed by many old timers.

You might hear this black and brown "old timer"

talked about by another old timer.

This other old timer also forecasts the weather

for each year when the seasons change, you'll find rather

rainy or cold

changes are foretold:

muscles tighten

or joints stiffen

and they're in a hurry

to get out their woollies.

Is there anything timelier?

Just ask an old timer.

* * * * *

Old creeps up on us fast.

You'll find young doesn't last.

Old is better in some ways

you might hear someone say

for the old have gleaned wisdom,

knowledge, and understanding.

They have answers to life's questions

that will aid the next generation

for they have figured out the solution

to many of life's problems.

Be sure to make friends with some "old timers"

then seek out these friends for age-old answers.

I was young and now I am old...

Psalm 37:25a

Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,

and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God,

till I declare your power to the next generation,

your might to all who are to come.

Psalm 71:17-18

Regarding wisdom and knowledge from old timers vs. youth,

many wise, older people made the wrong choices in their youth.

On the other hand, many young people have been taught

by those who have already learned, to chose the right path.

Don't be like the foolish king of long ago

who asked for advise from both the young and old.

Instead of listening to sage advice from the wise elders,

he chose to follow consult from the young whippersnappers.

Now consider Timothy's advice re setting an example.

Be aware that wrong choices you make in your youth entangle

you for the rest of your life.

Wrong choices lead to strife.

Timothy's advice states "set an example."

Timothy lists ample examples:

"in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity."

These examples showcase your spiritual maturity.

God gave you wisdom to choose between right from wrong.

Choose to follow the right path when you are young.

Be sure your choices line up with God's timeless principles.

Remember, your life is a testimony of God’s values.

But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him

and consulted the young men

who had grown up with him and were serving him.

I Kings 12:8

Don't let anyone look down on you

because you are young,

but set an example for the believers

in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

I Timothy 4:12

Last summer 3 physical therapists I’ve had occasion to work with asked for gardening advice. Is that due to my having “silver” hair = wisdom? I assured them I am not a Master Gardener, but from the “school of hard knocks.” Advice given was from that schooling.

Saw a wooly bear today when weeding.

Did not have my camera with me.

It had a large brown middle.

Does that mean a mild January/February.

Pray so.

Life Is a Garden Party

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GREEN ROSES

 

Green Roses

After danger of frost

for very little cost

two four-packs

or a six-pack

are planted

then watered.

Soaking in the sun's rays.

Growing bigger every day.

Seen spiraling around

there down on the ground

are leafy green rosettes,

bushel-basket size they’ll get.

Daily a green rose

grew and arose

with many green petals

then forming into a ball.

Lovely to look at

as there it sat.

Pretty as a picture,

so in one they're featured.

Shown to everyone, my green rose.

What is my green rose, do you suppose?

What was in this package?

The green rose is cabbage.

Soon it will be consumed

suppertime or at noon,

cold or hot it might make

a coleslaw to take

or homemade stuffed pigs-in-a-blanket.

It's time to harvest the best yet. You bet!

(Simplier than pigs-in-a-blanket is cabbage soup. Assemble all ingredients, start cooking rice while cooking meats, add onions, after cooked then add crushed tomatoes and herbs, bring to boil, add chopped cabbage and cooked rice. Add tomato juice to make soup. Top with cheese, if desired.)

* * * * *

Growing green roses is fun

with a little help from the sun

and rain from time-to-time

those days the sun doesn't shine.

There is another Son that helps

when life causes us to gulp.

This Son stays with us when life

is anything but bright.

Do you know this always-present Son?

His name is the Lord Jesus Christ, God's Son.

As I call cabbage by another name,

here are some of God's characteristic names:

God is also known as the Creator,

Shepherd, Faithful, Judge, Righteous, Father,

Most High, Fortress, Deliverer, Shield, Strong Tower,

Almighty, Everlasting, Comforter,

Rock,

Hope.

Some other names for Jesus:

Immanuel or God with us.

He's the The Light of the World,

The Bread of Life, The Word,

The Great Physician,

The King of Kings,

The Alpha and Omega,

The Prince of Peace, The Savior,

The Lamb of God,

The Good Shepherd.

Do take time to do your own study.

Knowing these names will come in handy

for they contain blessed promises

that God is with us, in us, and for us.

O Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth.

Psalm 8:1

In the beginning

God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

The Lord is my shepherd,

I shall not want.

Psalm 23:1

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God;

he is the faithful God,

keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations

of those who love him and keep his commands.

Deuteronomy 7:9

Will not the judge of all the earth do right?

Genesis 18:25

For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice.

Psalm 11:7

Our Father in heaven...

Matthew 6:9

Blessed be God Most High.

Genesis 14:22

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

my God is my rock in whom I take refuge.

He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 18:2

O Lord God Almighty, who is like you?

You are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

Psalm 89:8

Before the mountains were born

or you brought forth the earth and the world,

from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

Psalm 90:2

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel – which means, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23

I am the light of the world.

John 9:5

Then Jesus declared,

I am the bread of life.

John 6:35

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

John 1:1

I am the Lord who heals you.

Exodus 15:26

Lord of lords and kings of kings.

Revelation 17:14

I am the Alpha and the Omega.

Revelation 1:8

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

We have put our hope in the living God,

who is the Savior of all men,

and especially of those who believe.

I Timothy 4:10

The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

John 1:29

I am the good shepherd.

John 10:14

- - - - -

More about cabbages, strangely but fortunately, cabbages produce early in the season. It’s tomatoes that take forever to mature – like late summer. If cabbages become too big, they may split so daily watch. Cut off head but leave the roots intact. New growth will spiral around into a mound of small cabbages. If they have time to mature, these small cabbages make the most sweet, tender Cole Slaw.

Should you notice holes chewed in cabbage leaves, it’s most likely from green worms. Look under the large leaves early morning. To combat organically, sprinkle with whole wheat flour. It is said the green worms will consume then bust their gut. I don’t know if anyone has ever watched this happen, but I do now whole wheat flour discourages green worms.

August 2026 - 14#s.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

TEA PARTY

 

Tea Party

An afternoon tea is being prepared.

What will this afternoon’s welcome guests wear?

What color will be their dress?

Which tea will they like best?

On the wings of the wind floats

someone dressed in an orange cloak

stopping at the purple butterfly bush

where yellow striped guests also sip their lunch.

She’s dressed to impress

with a polka dot and striped dress.

She's not late for her afternoon cup of tea

which she's happy to share with hes and shes.

There's purple cone flower tea

and lavender blazing star tea.

She sips to her heart's content

then up, up, up she went...

to try another flavor -

zinnia tea she favors.

It's hard to decide

as she quietly glides...

to sample pink hollyhock tea

where she finds more hungry bees

sipping this nectar

for breakfast, lunch, and supper.

This tea party guest

wore an orange dress.

Did you guess a monarch butterfly?

There she goes, on the wind she glides.

Other teas await.

Guests are not late.

Yellow lily tea is sipped in my town

by someone dressed in a yellow and black gown.

Looking like she lunched on "Cheetos,"

she then stops at the cosmos.

Her wings are covered with golden pollen

as she sips from each, going round and round.

She, too, likes zinnia tea

as do the yellow striped bees.

Afternoon tea delights

these winged creatures in flight.

She samples each flavorful tea

sharing next to her friends, it's free.

Fragrant, colorful ambrosia *

uplifting, and refreshing, to all.

This garden guest

wears a yellow dress.

It was a swallowtail

who visited my dale.

Another guest prefers red tea

as they share alongside the bees.

A green vest is worn over a white tee.

They prefer a straw to sip their tea.

Around 4:00 they zoom in on sunny afternoons.

See. There. Look quick as its long sipper zooms

into red geraniums for more tea

before sampling red trumpet vine tea.

They especially love red bee balm tea, they do,

pleasantly scented with citrus flavored dew.

To cleanse their palate, a sip

of blue borage tea is sipped.

This afternoon’s guest

was a hummingbird.

Did you know? Did you guess?

Their favorite color is red.

Who likes sunflower tea the best?

It's the bees wearing yellow striped vests.

They also like squash blossom tea

while humming a morning song of glee.

This song of contentment is heard

at this tea party outdoors.

The crickets even join in

strumming a continual din.

Afternoon tea was a great success.

Whose outfit did you like the best?

Tomorrow more tea will be brewed

as more acquaintances will be renewed.

Do you have a tea party planned?

Please do take the time to plan

time to sit and sip

as your cup is tipped...

with a cup of lemon balm tea

full of Vitamin C.

Cheers! Cheers

to you, my dears.

*Ambrosia came to mind when writing this story. To me, ambrosia sounds like a dessert, as in fruit with whipped cream. (One definition of ambrosia is “food of the gods; another definition is bee bread.)

When I used the computer thesaurus to look up another word for ambrosia, the first definition was beebread! How fitting for this story.

I then looked up beebread, which is a mixture of pollen and honey stored by bees and fed to their young. Isn’t God the Creator Awesome! Every detail was thought of. Because God cares for the smallest of creatures in this way, you can know for certain that God cares for each detail of your life.

* * * * *

I hope these tea party guests brought a smile to your face.

When they visit me, they bring a smile to my face

as one afternoon in August I sat

with pen and paper in lap

recording what I saw happening

as overhead fluffy clouds were drifting.

My heart was cheerful

as my yard was full

of winged guests -

can you guess

from the clues above:

butterflies, which I love,

bees and hummingbirds

quite often heard.

Various birds from dawn to dusk.

Even hummingbird moths.

Earthworms which aerate and fertilize

plus unwelcome insects, I realize,

but today my focus was on peace and happiness.

Tomorrow is soon enough to contemplate the rest.

Rather sitting or working in my yard,

it's an occasion to give glory to God:

“O Lord my God when I in awesome wonder

consider all the worlds thy hands have made,

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder

thy power throughout the universe displayed,

then sings my soul

my Savior, God to Thee,

how great Thou art,

how great Thou art!”

A happy heart makes the face cheerful.

Proverbs 15:13

The cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Proverbs 15:15

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,

and good news gives health to the bones.

Proverbs 15:30

A cheerful heart is good medicine.

Proverbs 17:22

Life Is a Garden Party

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Ode to Rose

How lovely a blooming rose.

Its beauty comes from within, it glows

as its petals open then pose.

Spiraling around it shows

one petal at a time, then grows

full bloom into a lovely rose.

How fragrant this blooming rose

delighting everyone’s nose

as most everyone knows.

How beautiful it grows.

Covered with dewdrops, it glows.

Yes, how lovely a rose.

It’s the object of many poet’s prose

who often pen heartfelt tributes to a rose

one day quoted as romantic words sowed.

You’ll find this perfect rose from thorns arose –

as joy from sorrow one day will be bestowed.

Yes, hope deferred* is born – as time will show.

It’s the thorns in life that eventually sow

internal beauty grown from heartaches and woes,

the end result being lovelier than a rose.

Long-time gardeners know a rose

will endure a lifetime of woes

for roses attract many foes.

Not only are poets romanced by a rose,

so are aphids and green worms, and black spot grows.

These insects might be knocked off with the water hose.

Even deer are know to nip off rosebuds by their nose

often tattle-taled by the tell-tale print of their toes.

Yes, roses are known to attract many unwanted foes.

Despite the woes

that roses pose,

lovely is a rose.

This ode to a rose

written in prose

now comes to a close.

* * * * *

This ode refers to “hope deferred”

as in when our dreams are on hold

or when prayers are seemingly ignored.

As we all know, waiting is hard to do,

even though patience is bestowed, it’s true,

as diamonds in the rough turn into jewels.

Yes, waiting has much to teach everyone of us.

It ultimately grows our faith as we learn to trust.

It’s meant to be a time of rest instead of stress.

As we grow in faith and faithfully trust

we realize God has a good plan for us,

our prayers are heard and therein we place our trust.

So we wait for our prayers to one day be answered

then often realize God had a better answer

for it’s in God’s time wherein lies the key to the answer.

Often when God doesn’t answer your prayers when you’d like Him to,

it’s because He has something much better in His plan for you.

In the meantime, continue to give God glory because He loves you.

In God’s time, in God’s time...

God makes all things possible in His time.

May the prayers I offer Him

bring glory to my King

as God makes all things possible in His time.

(Deviation of “In His Time”.)

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name;

worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.

Psalm 29:2

Thy will be done.

Matthew 6:10 (KJV)

*In the Bible, "hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Proverbs 13:12) means that delaying or postponing a deeply longed-for promise or fulfillment leads to emotional pain, discouragement, and spiritual weariness, like a lingering illness. However, the verse's second half, "but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life," offers the antidote: the ultimate satisfaction and renewal that comes from God finally granting the desire, which brings vigorous life, flourishing, and deep joy, reminding believers to trust God's timing and find their ultimate hope in Him, not just the outcome. (Copied)

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is available via Amazon.

STORMS

 

Storms

Clouds gathering in the sky,

the sun now hidden by and by,

distant thunder draws nigh,

lightning flashes by and by.

The wind comes from who knows where.

There's the smell of rain in the air.

Raindrops

start to plop.

Raindrops turn into sprinkles, than

sprinkles turn into showers, than

showers turn to pouring rain.

Will the sun ever shine again?

The temperature cools

as the storm moves through.

Vegetation

takes a beating.

Limbs sway

every which way

as trees take a shower

from nature's awesome power.

Torrents of rain

and thunder reigns

as this afternoon's storm

leaves leaves and limbs torn.

Puddles form

before too long

then flooding from the downpour

as thunder continues to roar.

The sky is laden slate gray.

Nervous dogs are heard bay.

Although rain was needed, "enough already."

The storm turns into a shower steady.

Sooner or later the storm blows through

then gray clouds make way for skies of blue

for behind the clouds, the sun

was waiting to shine all along.

When the sun does finally shine through

a rainbow's spectrum will surprise you

with a promise,

nature's kiss...

lovingly bestowed

on everything below

assuring that God is in control

even when storm clouds continue to blow.

* * * * *

Yes, behind the storm clouds the sun

was hidden, but still there all along.

Yet our focus was on the storm,

of new fears being born.

Behind our personal storms the Son

is forgotten, but still there all along.

His focus is always on us

even when we forget to trust.

Sometimes it takes a storm

for us to finally learn

that the Son knows what is best.

It's when we learn His faithfulness.

Next time there's a rainstorm

think about this lesson learned,

that the hidden sun will again shine

and the Son is there for you - all the time.

He stilled the storm to a whisper;

the waves of the sea were hushed.

They were glad when it grew calm,

and he guided them to their desired haven.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love.

Psalm 107:29

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging water;

the storm subsided, and all was calm

Luke 8:24

For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son

and believes in him shall have eternal life.

John 6:40

The life I live in the body,

I live by faith in the Son of God,

who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God,

and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.

This is how we know that we love the children of God:

by loving God and carrying out his commands.

This is love for God: to obey his commands.

And his commands are not burdensome,

for everyone born of God overcomes the world.

This is the victory that has overcomes the world, even our faith.

Who is it that overcomes the world?

Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God

I John 5:1-5

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GOOD FOR YOU

 

Good for You

Remember when mom said,

“Eat your vegetables, they're good for you.”

Chances are she repeated

what she heard when she was a child too.

There's actually more wisdom in that statement than you might know.

God designed good-for-you foods to keep us healthy and to grow.

Be sure to pass on what you learn today

so others will be healthy everyday.

Consider the carrot.

Mom said they're good for eyesight,

for seeing in the night.

If you slice a carrot, what do you see? An eye?

There's a pupil and iris – just like the human eye!

Walnuts are special!

If you crack a walnut without breaking the meat

you'll find your brain in miniature, which is quite neat.

Brians have two hemispheres: the cerebrum and cerebellum.

And guess what? Walnuts help the human brain to function.

What about the tomato?

A tomato is red and has four chambers

just like the human heart has four chambers.

The red color of the tomato is called lycopene

which you'll want to be part of your heart-healthy team.

Have you thought about celery?

Celery is reminiscent of your bones.

Did you know there's sodium in your bones?

There's the exact same percentage of sodium,

it's true, in celery as there is in human bones.

How about onions and garlic?

Onions and garlic are kitchen staples

often paired with other vegetables.

Onions and garlic detox your system.

Do you need to buy more onions?

Examine kidney beans.

Notice the kidney bean's shape?

It's the same as your kidney's shape.

And kidney beans help maintain your kidneys.

Will tonight's dinner be homemade chili?

Dinner tonight:

Tomatoes, onions, garlic, peppers, celery, kidney beans

will make a pot of tasty chili and healthy genes.

(Don’t forget the fragrant and flavorful herbs.)

It's time to set the table and call your crew.

Mom was right! Vegetables are good for you!

* * * * *

Give us this day our daily bread...

with meat and vegetables and drink, we're fed

and oftentimes with dessert to top it off.

God graciously and daily provides a lot.

As a child we're taught to say “thanks,”

but do we remember to tell God thanks.

More than likely we say, “give”

which is a selfish way to live.

Start today by telling God “thank you.”

You'll find you'll be more appreciative, too,

for your heart will be grateful

for each and every mouthful.

I give every green plant for food.

Genesis 1:30

Better a meal of vegetables where there is love...

Proverbs 15:17

Give us this day our daily bread.

Matthew 6:11 (KJV)

If we have food and clothing,

we will be content with that.

I Timothy 6:8

Were you taught to be a member of the “clean plate club”? Sometimes our eyes are bigger than our stomachs. Learn to recognize your full signals. Refrigerate for later, even if it’s the mid-day snack. Leftovers are like a free meal. Win-win financially and physically.

Photo: Scarlet Runner Beans

Life Is a Garden Party

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