Oatmeal, Bible Study and Too Many Accidents

Hello friends…and happy Thursday!  I hope wherever you are in the world, you have been enjoying weather that refreshes your soul…much like I have this week.  It has been delightful.  There is no other way to describe it.  I always say summer is my favorite, but honestly I do love spring as well!!  I thought I would blog Three Things on Thursday and what better place to start than Three Things I am Loving because number one is, well –

1 – being outside.  We worked in the yard this week.  I have to say, my husband does most of the “work” but I love putzing out there alongside him.  We pulled out our candytuft border.  That was a bit of a tough decision because it is so pretty when it blooms and fills in the back flowerbed.  But that is very short-lived.  The rest of the time, it is just ugly.  And for some reasons, the rabbits love it.  They sleep in it at night and the entire patch has bunny butt dead spots.  So, even though it did delight for three weeks or so, it had to go.  The new, clean space looks fresh and I really like it.  We planted a few pansies, which really should get a paragraph all on their own but I will just include them here.  Pansies make me happy and I am loving these new ones ever time I pull around our corner!  I am eager to get some in pots for the porch soon as well.  I will say my son was helping us in the yard and washing his car…and, well, he is sunburned.  Ouch.

2 – baked oatmeal.  I had to take a dish to brunch at Bible study on Tuesday.  I pulled out my favorite overnight baked oatmeal recipe – which is beyond simple – and made it.  I don’t know why I it has been so long since I baked oatmeal for myself.  I have been trying to eat more eggs but I do enjoy oatmeal cooked on the stovetop regularly; however, the oatmeal soaked overnight and baked in the morning is just delicious!  My friend brought some blueberry bars (I think they are actually called blueberry pie bars but they are not overly sweet – perfect for brunch) and I was loving those as well!!  Here’s the recipe link, if you are interested.  My friend did not put the glaze on at the end.  Everyone agreed it was not necessary and they were perfect just like she served them.  I love a good brunch!

3 – the start of a new Bible study.  We finished up the study of Ephesians and, after a short break, we started a study in Acts.  It is not a verse by verse study of the book but more a study of the culture and the early church in Acts.  I very interested to see how this one goes.  I always enjoy meeting with these group of friends.  One of the gals (from the study) hosts a crochet/knitting afternoon in her home.  I have been joining (more like crashing their party as the other ladies are all very accomplished with yarn skills) them and have actually been making progress.  I have completed two coasters.  They are far from perfect  but I’m enjoying a pop of green – that I made!! – in my kitchen:)

And now, how about Three Things that Leave Me Wondering Why??

1 – Why do software system/companies/whatever have to do updates (seemingly) every other day?  Can they not get anything correct that will last longer than 48 hours?  I suppose I can appreciate an update that fixes bugs (whatever those might be) but lately, every time I get an update – whether on my phone or my computer – everything is new.  Refreshed (but not necessarily for the better) and confusing.  Is it really necessary?  I know I am probably one of the few still using yahoo for emails but can I just say the new look is terrible.  I don’t like it but it is not optional.  Last week, yahoo essentially held my email accouts hostage (I could not access them) until I agreed to their updates and new terms of service.  I really had no choice.  Grr.  I also had an update to my printer recently and I have been so frustrated, I won’t even discuss it here.  I have had nothing but headaches!!

2 – How many accidents does one street need before something is done?  I would say until people slow down and use some driving sense but that is, obviously, not going to happen.  The street that leads to our subdivision (and several other subdivisions) is straight, flat and has no stop signs or other things that would slow the traffic flow.  And, so, it is a bit of a raceway to many.  It seems like once a week there is an accident.  Cars going through the guardrails.  Down embankments.  Into trees.  And, the other day, through a fence into someone’s backyard.  I am not exaggerating.  There have been many attempts to have our county install a traffic light.  Some stop signs.  Anything.  But each time, it is voted no.  Oh, and the street is lined on both sides with sidewalks that are always full of pedestrians.  I ask again, why??

3 – Why don’t I have plans to go downtown next week?  It is almost Cherry Blossom time:)  The Japanese Cherry Blossoms in DC are a bit of a big deal.  They are beautiful, to be sure, and attract thousands of visitors every year.  There is a full calendar of special events during their peak which begins the end of next week, I believe.  The subject of these beautiful trees came up at Bible study on Tuesday.  Only one of us (locals) had plans to go see them.  (And she was very excited about it!)  Yes, there are cherry blossoms outside of the city but something about so many being clustered together and the monuments as a backdrop…well, it is rather magical.  But so few, that I know, make the trip into the city just for the purpose of seeing the fully bloomed trees.  Of course, there are thousands who see them every day on their commute to work, but that doesn’t really count, does it?  Doesn’t it seem that those who live close to “tourist attractions” are often the ones who enjoy them the least?  I wonder how many Paris natives have never once been to the top of the Eiffel Tower??  It is a curious question.  Just to note, I have been (to see the blossoms) before but it has been several years.  But looking at my photos, I really want to go again:)

Well, friends.  I prepared this post yesterday.  And then did not hit publish.  Here’s to a day without other surprises and that my head is on tight for the rest of it!!  I hope you have a great day.  Tell me, do you visit the “tourist attractions” closest to you??  As always, thanks for stopping by!