We're off to the shore for a week. We'll be in Maine where no hurricanes are expected! Have a blessed week.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlLPLO90fSkWe attended a concert given by our local symphony orchestra. It ignited our excitement for Smetana and taking a trip down the Moldau River. AAAHHHH yet another field trip. I wonder when it's off-season in Switzerland?

Turn off my blog music on the sidebar and enjoy this piece while your feeding the baby, doing the dishes, or taking a break from your studies. (Note to my daughters: ONLY A BREAK.) And in case you were wondering, this is not a video of my local symphony orchestra.

I had two positive incidences happened to me on a recent trip to Barnes and Noble.

First, I tried a Starbucks Mint Mocha Frappachino. I'm in love! I wish I could find a picture to show you what a beautiful creation it is. Don't wait- go get one now! I don't want to know how many calories is in it. I don't want to know how much fat it has. I don't want to know how much sugar it contains. I just want to enjoy the memory of the first sip. Oh, it also had whipped cream on it.

Secondly, my heart was warmed as I perused the magazine isles and a fellow "magazine flipper" had already been there. For those who are unfamiliar with the noble work of magazine flipping, the task involves flipping over the magazines with immodest covers. If only I had seen the culprit, I would no doubt have struck up an immediate friendship. More than likely, we are already friends.

Magazine Flippers Unite!!!!

Glimmerglass State Park- A Place to Decompress

Tom needed an afternoon off to decompress and the rest of us just wanted to get to the lake at least once this summer.We found the perfect kayaking creek just off the lake.

This is the oldest covered bridge in America , built in 1825. We were surprised too. But that is what the marker said!

A perfect New York afternoon. If only state park beaches wouldn't close up on Labor Day! We can still enjoy the rest of the park though.

A Devotional from Elizabeth Elliot

Content to be Weak
What weakness are you feeling today? The inability to manage circumstances that cry out to be changed? Helplessness in the face of another's deep need, or of evil you have to watch perpetrated on others you love? A sense of inadequacy for some task laid upon you? Physical weakness or pain? The need for power to forgive an injury or keep silence about unjust accusations against you?
Christ has been there before you. Every form of human limitation He knew, and out of that utter poverty we have been made strong. Yet, again and again, in the life of each disciple, comes the experience of weakness in order that we may live His life for others.
"We who share His weakness shall by the power of God live with Him in your service" (2 Cor 13:4 NEB).
This sharing of His weakness is one aspect of the death of the cross, one of the conditions of our discipleship, and hence cause for joy rather than bitterness. For we walk the road, not alone, but with Christ, "well content to be weak at any time if only you are strong" (2 Cor 13:9 NEB). The mystery is constantly being worked out--strength out of weakness, life out of death.

The Graduation Party

The graduation party was last Saturday. Here are some random pictures showing why I haven't blogged in over a week!

Preparing the tables

We were a bit concerned about the weather. But the fog did burn off, the sun came out, and we had the occasional rain shower just to add some excitement.

The cake table with memorabilia showing the true Carissa. There was also a computer set up with a PowerPoint presentation of pictures. This was referred to as the "crying corner."

The food: a pasta bar, rolls, salads, hot dips with chips and crackers, fruit salad, and a Greek/Lebanese selection of humus, tabouli, stuffed grape leaves and flat bread. Did I do this all myself? No way! Friends volunteered to bring in various dishes, my mother-in-law made the fabulous fruit salad, and my sister-in-law went way above the call of duty :)

Playing "The Blob."

I couldn't have done it without this woman- my wonderful sister-in-law.

Carissa cutting the cake.

It was a wonderful day of memories as we honored our graduate.

More pictures can be seen (from a different perspective) at Rubies in the Rough.

A Bloggy Conflict

The girls went blueberry picking this afternoon. I have not been feeling well, so they went without me. (Have I mentioned how wonderful it is to have my oldest of the road. YEAH!) As Caroline was walking out the door I said, "Be sure to take some pictures." When they came home I asked to see the pictures and I was told they would be on the girls blog. Their blog! What am I going to post on my blog?!

Well, here's a picture of the blueberries before I put them in the freezer. You can go to Rubies in the Rough, like me, and see the pictures of them being picked. :)