The Country Mouse’s Fireside

 Click on photo to enlarge

 1. The country mouse sat cozily 

beside the fireside,

after she returned home from
a lovely peaceful drive,

though the air outside was crisp, 
her house was cuddly warm.

It’s there she always was refreshed, 
if feeling a bit worn.

Her cozy kitchen table with two chairs, 
was just ideal

for a little mouse, which had to her 
such great appeal.

It was in proximity
to her quaint FIREPLACE,

which together had created 
such a charming space.

2. There were a couple windows, 
neither large, nor very small,

which afforded her a lovely view, 
winter through fall.

When the flowers bloomed in springtime 
everyone rejoiced.

Even in the warming breeze, 
rebirth was gladly voiced.

In the wooded valley
where each neighbor was a friend,

if someone was in need, 
they very happily would lend.

They tended to their GARDENS 
and their household chores, each day,

but set aside some time for fun, 
in a delightful way.

3. Summertime brought opportunities 
to visit more.

Their favorite was to PICNIC 
by their small inland lake shore.

Sandwiches, side dishes, lemonade, 
and homemade cake,

were lunches, and some tasty dinners, 
that they loved to make.

In the autumn, leaves vividly colored, 
showered down,

covering lawns and rooftops splendidly, 
without a sound.

4. Wintertime was simply lovely, 
when the SNOWFLAKES fell

on the tiny houses, 
and on Sundays the church bell.

When it began to ring 
you could see all the little mice

strolling with their boots and scarves, 
through snowflakes, snow and ice.

After the church service, 
they had coffee with their friends,

then happily strolled home along the path’s 
small hills, and bends.

It mattered not how cold it was outside, 
in wintertime,

since they prepared a homemade meal, 
and tiny glass of wine.

5. The houses all were warm and snug, 
with fires in the hearth.

Then after dinner all relaxed, 
and chatted heart to heart.

Now as the little mouse’s eyes 
grew heavy near the fire,

she thought she’d have a cup of COCOA 
before she’d retire.

As she sipped the tasty blend, 
enjoying her repose,

she savored every drop until 
her eyes began to close.

Then slipping underneath her comforter 
and flannel sheet,

she smiled, turned off the light, 
and happily fell fast asleep.

Lighten Up Your Schedule

Click on photo to enlarge

1.  LIGHTEN up your schedule
when things become fast paced.

Our lives were meant for pleasure,
and not a distance race.

Life can become hectic

if our schedules grow too full.

Weeks can soon turn into months

without a peaceful lull.

We add a music lesson

to other daily chores.

At times we feel that we are caught

in quick rotating doors.

2. If that were not enough

we add a class or two besides,

and soon our steps are quickened

into hurried lengthy strides.

With other club activities,

our time grows lesser still.

We never know just when to STOP

until we become ill.

3. What more is there to teach us

that we do not need to keep

such crowded busy schedules

that deprive us of our sleep.

At times we think if we slow down

we'll start to feel bored,

or if we're not involved enough

we might become ignored.

You really can ENJOY your life

if you will plan your time,

and follow the advice contained

within this simple rhyme.

4. Just lighten up your schedule

and ELIMINATE a few

or more of the activities

that keep your life askew.

And then if something happens
unexpectedly one day,

the straw won't break the camel's back,

that's sure to cause dismay.

5. If a new engagement 

occurring suddenly

is added to your schedule,

which you had not foreseen,

eliminate one of your other

plans that week, for then

this change will bring the scales

back into BALANCE once again.

Trying not to be over productive 
you will find

that life will offer such delight

and lasting peace of mind!

Pinegate

Click on photo to enlarge

1. Within all the clusters of homes where I've been,

although many areas are so neat and trim,

with houses quite fancy and very ornate,

I feel the most CHARMING of all is Pinegate.

Our family has lived there for many a year.

Our neighbors and friends 
have all grown very dear.

They have lovely children and house pets galore.

We also have access to every store.

2. The HOMES are all colored in various shades

that lift up your spirits in delightful ways.

I love picturing cozy quaint scenes inside,

like bacon and eggs on the stove being fried,

or warm fires crackling ablaze in the hearths,

with fresh pastries baking, like cookies and tarts.

Enticing aromas bring pleasure and joy,

while children all play with a favorite toy.

3. In WINTERTIME when snowflakes begin to fall

and cover the fir trees so graceful and tall,

the homes are all nestled so snuggly warm,

attracting the wildlife with unspoken charm.
Little birds chirping and gentlest deer,

with squirrels and chipmunks 
all scamper quite near.

Happily nibbling their nuts and their seeds,

the neighbors just love catering to their needs.

4. Autumn is lovely with leaves drifting down 
in myriad colors that cover the ground.
After the sun melts the wintertime snow,
the beautiful flowers in springtime all grow.
When SUMMERTIME weather is finally here,

It's always a favorite time of the year!

5. Picnics and meals are part of the fun,
served in the backyard with filtering sun.
Hot dogs and hamburgers cooked on the grill
and barbecued spareribs are part of the thrill.
These are all reasons I feel truly blest,
experiencing joy, CONTENTMENT, and rest,

and why I so gratefully appreciate

our charming and welcoming homes in Pinegate!

Picnics!

Click on photo to enlarge

1. A PICNIC is relaxing 

and is such a pleasant thing.

There seems to be no end 

to all the joys that it can bring.

Thinking of a charming spot 

where nature dwells in peace,

with creeks or ponds enhanced with flowers, 

can make our worries cease.

2. Planning a delicious MEAL 

is so enticing too.

The list of foods unsuitable 

is really very few.

Over time there have been picnics 

ranging from small treats

to very grand and elegant displays,

or royal feasts.

3. It’s so delightful sitting  

on a blanket in the shade,

happily enjoying sandwiches,

and cakes you’ve made,

or at a picnic table eating

in a lovely PARK,

with children swinging, 

hearing an occasional dog bark.

4. A BARBECUE is always fun 

with various foods to eat,

like hot dogs, hamburgers and steaks, 

or any favorite meat.

Tasty homemade side dishes 

complete the meal it seems,

with fresh potato salad, 

cakes and cookies, or baked beans.

5. If you have some extra time, 

it’s nice to bring a book

to read next to a creek or pond 

that flowers overlook.

A picnic is refreshing, 

and a healing thing to plan,

whether at a park, backyard, 

or beach upon the sand. 
A picnic table by the LAKESIDE
is my favorite spot,
when the weather's pleasant, 
neither cold nor very hot. 
With your friends or family, 

choose a date that you can meet.

Enjoy a lovely picnic,

so your summer is complete!

God Wants You To Be Well

Click on photo to enlarge

1. God wants you to be well

in your body and your mind.

He helps you every moment

so that HAPPINESS you'll find.

He's pleased when you are happy

and sad when you are blue.

His promise is that every problem

He will help you through.

2. He knows our every weakness

and embraces every care.

He only hopes we realize

His love is always there.

God wants us to be HEALTHY

in heart and spirit too.

He knows what's best and gives us rest

in everything we do.

3. He also has the answers

to every single prayer.

He wants us to have FAITH

and with Him all our sorrows share.

His shoulder's there to lean on.

His voice is there to soothe.

To brush away our tears

His hand is there so soft and smooth.

4. God wants us to be happy

each and every day.

He longs for our SERENITY

and freedom from dismay.

It is a greater miracle

how God keeps us alive

than if upon our deathbed

He would cause us to survive.

5. Each moment He sustains us

by His love and constant care.

The greatest COMFORT we can have

is knowing He is there.

So thank Him for each moment

of this life He gave to you,

and realize, God wants you to be well,

in all you do!

"The thief comes only to steal and kill 
and destroy; I have come that they 
may have life, and have it to the full." 
John 10:10