Hello friends…welcome to the blog today. I hope everyone has been enjoying their week. Mine has been full of blessings so far:) We spent the day on Monday downtown with family who were in town for a school trip. Goodness but their group covered a lot of ground in the nation’s capitol in three days. When they arrived on Thursday evening (from Florida), it was snowing. They were excited – for about fifteen minutes. I think their coats were in the suitcases and it was cold! However, by Friday, the weather had significantly improved and they had three really nice days for all their touring, museum visits and other random fun. That was a blessing.
I think everyone in their group had a good time. I will say, unfortunately, on Saturday evening there was a teen takeover in DC. Apparently, this is an ongoing problem but I had not heard of them before. Apparently, this takover involved “hundreds of juveniles flooding Washington, D.C.’s Navy Yard neighborhood….leading to chaos marked by fights, robberies, and gunfire.” This all took place directly in front of their hotel – which is an upscale neighborhood of DC. It really does not seem to matter which part of the city you are in. Nothing can be taken for granted. Which really is a shame. Nevertheless, I think, overall, the trip was a success.
The school trip officially ended on Sunday evening. Some of the families drove and headed home on Monday morning. Many were flying and headed to the airport; however, all flights were cancelled due to severe weather forecasted up and down the east coast. Fortunately, our family had already planned to stay an extra day, so that was another blessing. Despite the gloom and doom forecast, we headed downtown. We had the best lunch at Carmine’s. Apparently, a lot of lunch reservations were cancelled and the normally very busy restaurant was rather empty. It felt a tad odd but we had almost personalized service and I am not complaining.
After lunch, we had planned to spend some time at the Smithsonian museums. For some reasons, these two museums were not part of their itinerary and the kids were looking forward to the gemstones and a few other favorite exhibits. Just as were entering, they announced the museums and all government buildings were closing for the day due to the weather. Or, the forecasted weather. It was sunny, at the time. That was disappointing, to say the least. We still had a great visit and we even managed to see the first of the nation’s cherry blossoms. That is a win for me! I’ll even call it another blessing:)
Yesterday was the last day of this Bible study. We had a great morning of fellowship, food and a study recap. This has been a really profitable study for me. On not only the letters of Peter (I and II Peter) but also on the life of Peter. So often Peter is remembered most for his failures. The sinking on the stormy waves and/or his three-time denial. But Jesus was ever patient with Peter. Constantly molding and making him fit for the Master’s use. And he delights to do the same with all of us. With me!
Last night, we “celebrated” St. Patrick’s Day with shepherd’s pie for dinner. Okay, I would not call it a celebration but my husband does love some shepherd’s pie! After dinner we went to Home Depot to pick up “just one thing” we need for the installation of the new hot water heater (which is happening today – another HUGE blessing) and walked out with a new dishwasher and a new stove top! Maybe we were celebrating something?!
All of which bring me to this morning. I am so looking forward to a new hot water heater. We have been cold water only here since Saturday. It is not pretty. And goodness but do I ever take the luxury of instant hot water for granted!! My husband has reminded me (a couple times) that he grew up without a hot water heater. His mom boiled water every night in order for him to bath. Have mercy. The generations before me were a hardy breed, to be sure!
Many blessings already this week. And, today, the sun is pouring through the windows. My heart is full. I hope you are able to count some blessings today as well!!
Such a lovely post. I’m so sorry about the “teen takeover” in front of the school group’s hotel. That’s such a shame.
Loved seeing the pictures of the cherry blossoms! They are lovely.
Wow…your trip to Home Depot was very profitable when it comes to things for the home.
Hope the rest of your week is full of blessings, my friend. xx
Well, that is a new one to me — the teen takeover thing you mentioned. Definitely a very different generation! It sounded like you had a good time with your family and venturing into DC. The pictures of the cherry blossoms are so pretty. Glad to hear you will have hot water soon! Happy Wednesday, Jennifer!
Hi Jennifer. Thanks so much for stopping by Writing Straight from the Heart today. What a delight it was to see you were there and that you commented, too. Glad your trip went well. It sounded quite interesting. Have a good rest of the week. And please, stop by any time. Susan
Cold water.. of dear.. in this weather. Yay for a new hot water heater.
The teenage takeover sounds awful. Do these teenagers not have parents? Is this a norm or a fluke event.
Good that you were able to spend sometime with the family.
Oh, man. I think about how showers and am so grateful. Also for dishwashers, washing machines, and my car. We do take things for granted. But I am trying to be better about feeling gratitude.
Jennifer, I love what you said about the sun pouring through the windows and having a full heart. Yes, yes, dear. I am completely resonating with where you’re coming from!
Stay cozy as we wait for those golden springtime days.
Oh how neat it would be to just go into the DC area and be so close. Yikes on the Teen takeover. Now that would have me a little unsettled, especially these days and gun shots? No way!
The photos are pretty. I love seeing your area and the trees are gorgeous.
Hello! Thank you for sharing the cherry blossoms! They are so lovely! And thank you for reminding me to be thankful and mindful of the conveniences we have today. Sometimes when I complain to myself about doing the dishes or the laundry, I think about how easy I have it compared to the women who came before. We are watching The Chosen, and we were talking about how Mary and Mary Magdalen were preparing supper in the middle of nowhere with nothing! Have a cozy, sunny day, my friend.
Glad you’ll be getting a new hot water heater! Our water turned brown for a few days a week ago, and it was amazing how often I suddenly needed some water. ha. Things we take for granted!
I was going to comment on your Anchor post, but I was too late. So I’ll just add my comment here for that post, if that’s okay:
I’m laughing because I can SO relate to getting snippy if my friends tried to carry me to Jesus too. I don’t want to be a bother either. Or the center of attention. Or responsible for tearing up someone’s roof, of all things! lol.
A few years back I began memorizing scripture and now poetry, and it’s been an amazing journey (although difficult, ha). Great post on being anchored, Jennifer!
I am studying and planning to do a Bible study on 1 Peter with the ladies at our church. Good point about Peter, you are so right.
Sad about teen takeovers! But it is more and more common. Sadly.
Have a blessed day!!
I love your spirit! Despite the minor irritations and disappointments, you have found much for which to be grateful. I just finished the book, “Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks,” by Diana Butler Bass. You serve as a great example of the goodness of gratitude!