In The Path Of a Hurricane

It's not a porch swing day by any stretch of the imagination.  The South Texas 

Gulf Coast and my little town of Victoria is boarding up and gathering 

supplies to brace ourselves for Hurricane Harvey.  The latest reports are 

that the storm is now between a category 3 and 4 ~ in other words, a

massive storm.  They are predicting up to 24 inches of rain over the 

next few days.

We are about 25 miles from the coast, so, we won't be badly harmed

by the storm surge, which is expected to be huge.  We will however,

be prone to flooding during the storm and any storm that hits to the north

of us because all the water runs downstream through the Guadalupe

River and all the many, many streams headed to the Gulf.

Please keep us in your prayers.  It is going to be a very scary time for us.

Thank you,

Susan and Bentley

A Chaotic and Frightening Week

From the threat of a nuclear war, to terrorist attacks in Barcelona, to

bloodshed on our own soil, and now stabbings in Finland, this has been

one heartache and worry filled week.  I have done my best to limit the 

news I watch and listen to, but it's hard to keep one's head in the sand

every minute of every day when each day seems to bring another 

nightmare.  I try to stay upbeat and happy both for my own mental

health, but also for the sake of my family and friends.  It's not an easy

task in today's world.  

When I consider this world of today, I have to wonder why it is that

some seem to be so intent on tearing apart it's very fabric.  There have

been so many advancements in science and medicine that have eliminated

deadly disease and prolonged life.  Technology has streamlined our lives

and increased the opportunity of an education for many.  There are 

chances for many who were left behind in the past.

Are we perfect?  No, we are not, and there is always room for advancement.

I wonder why we can't focus on the goodness and the ability to help

one another and to strive against suffering.  That's where we should be

putting our energy to use ~ building up and not tearing down.  

Whatever happened in the past, is just that, the past.  We can't go back

and change it, as much as we would like.  We can learn from the past and

strive not to make the same mistakes.  

Forgiveness is not always easy.  I have experience with forgiveness and it

is something I have struggled to embrace.  However, if I were to remain in

a state of anger and resentment, it would be as though I was constantly

removing the scab on an old wound, and I could never heal.  I believe this 

is true for society as well.  At some point, we have to chose to accept the 

past and to realize that we need to make changes so that we all can have

a bright future.

Isn't that what we all want for ourselves, our families and our fellow

man?  A brighter future where we do our best to serve one another?

The choice is ours.  Do we move ahead and plan for better days, or do

we hang on to century old resentments and preclude any chance for

the advancement of growth?  

It's easy to hide our heads in the sand and ignore the problems of our

world, and I certainly could happily hang out in my cozy corner and

ignore the what is happening just outside my door.  I can't really do that,

nor can anyone else.  We could all use some time out to cool off and

put things in perspective.  The choice is always ours to spread goodness

or to spread hate.  It is my hope that we can focus on the positive and

scrap the negative.  Lets work together as a nation, and stop

pointing fingers of blame that only tears apart the fabric that holds

this great nation together.   We are blessed that our nation represents

every color and creed of humanity.  A house that is divided will not 

stand.  I pray that we can hold our house together for the benefit of all.

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Tutus and Cowgirl Boots

My friend, Kathie Truitt, wore a pink tutu to a formal event up in Dallas

a couple of weeks ago.  She looked so great and her outfit was a big success.

I have not worn a tutu since I was a young girl, but can we ever be too old 

to wear one?  I think not.  Inside all of us women is the spirit of a young girl

who just longs to come out and play once in a while.  So ...

I ordered my own tutu.  I found it on an etsy shop and it arrived in the mail

this morning.  I love it!!!

I put an outfit together of my favorite boots, pearls, turquoise beaded

bracelets and cami.

I have owned this little cami forever.  I love it because it has tiny little

pleats in the fabric that give it great texture.  The pearls give it that

Southern flair and the bracelets accent the boots.

These are my favorite boots.  My sweet husband bought these for me

the first Christmas we were back in Texas.  I dream up reasons to wear

them because I love them so much!

If you want your own tut, or one for a daughter or grand, check out 

this etsy shop!  https://www.etsy.com/shop/SparklesandSunbeams

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Eggs and Soldiers

I have always loved soft boiled eggs, and especially when they are served

in an egg cup.  I like the whites to be firm, but the yolks runny.  Here is the

easiest method to cook the egg so that it turns out just the way I like it.

First I bring water in a saucepan to a full boil, then I turn the heat down

so that the water to a simmering boil.  Then I carefully slip the 

egg into the water and set my timer for anywhere between 5 and 7 minutes.

The perfect egg for me is cooked 6 minutes by this method.

Then I take a serrated knife and tap it firmly at the top of the egg and

I can easily remove the top with the knife, leaving the exposed white

and a runny yolk.  

I cut my toast into long strips that can then be easily dipped into the yolk.

In England, these strips are called soldiers.  Isn't that cute?  I love the

charming names that the British give to things in every day life.  They

are so whimsical!

I am having a cup of Earl Grey tea with cream and I store my tea in this

little red phone booth tin. 

Cheers to eggs and soldiers!

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley 

Stop By For a Minute ~ I Have Cake

Hey y'all ~ thanks for taking some time away from your busy Friday

schedule to stop by.  As promised, I have cake.   I made a couple of 

tiny changes in the miniature kitchen and I want to share them

with you.

I moved the little oval hooked rug that used to be in the living area 

and moved it in front of the hutch.  Looks cozier don't you agree?

I have a larger rectangular rug that is identical in pattern and I moved

it into the living area.  I have some more changes going on in there,

so I will show that to you later.  In the meantime, I just received a

sweet mini thatched roof cottage tea pot and want to give y'all a

closer look ....

Isn't this cute?  I love it so much I want to marry it!

Have a fun Friday everyone!!

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley