Best Doughnut Ever!

I felt like I'd landed in a Norman Rockwell painting with a hint of Mayberry. On our way home from Port Clinton over Labor Day weekend, we stumbled upon a quaint village. Most of the stores were closed due to the holiday, but the bakery's open sign hung on the door. 

Ideal Bakery sat on the corner across from the locally owned Kirwen's Super Market. As soon as Tim and I entered the bakery, the smell of fresh baked goods filled my nose. The lovely lady at the counter told us to take a seat and she'd be right with us. With coffees in hand, we pulled up to a table. Our waitress recommended the longjohn with chocolate filling and chocolate icing. Oh my goodness! Best. Doughnut. Ever. I'm not kidding. It was fresh and wonderful and very fattening. But, it was vacation-so calories didn't count. We found out the bakery was open due to a tractor and implement show they held every year in Gibsonburg on Labor Day. And the bakery was the result of three generations dedicating their lives to baking.

After our indulgence, our waitress who had filled us in on much of the goings on in Gibsonburg recommended we visit the local park. A rod from the 9/11 World Trade Center was set up for a memorial to be held a few days later. The town had been selected from several others for this honor.

Not only did the park hold a piece of history, several artists had installed a variety of work. As we walked the path that encircled a small pond, we discovered so many lovely sculptures and expressions of beauty. And all in the middle of a lovely small town.

I grew up in a small town and have an appreciation for the ones that still thrive. Someday I'd like to return to Gibsonburg and maybe stop in the grocery. I sense a chocolate longjohn is in my future. 

Photos of some of the fabulous art. Enjoy!

“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” -L.M. Montgomery

One of the reasons I love this time of year--I get to make soup! We had our first bowl of chili this week!

©Penny Frost McGinnis

What I Found Along the Trail

nature's bouquet

autumn's color-

God's gift

©Penny Frost McGinnis

The Forest Sings

Psalm 96:11-13
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
    let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
    let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,
    he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
    and the peoples in his faithfulness.

When the leaves begin to turn and the temperatures cool, my heart sings. On our walks with the dogs, I've noticed the rich shades of purple and gold in the weeds along the ditches and woods. But nothing beats the beauty of the reds, oranges, and yellows I look forward to in the fall. The trees cycle through their process. Chlorophyll breaks down and pigments mix in and create the abundance of color. As autumn progresses the leaves tumble to the ground and carpet our walking paths. Trees are a fascinating part of God's creation. They provide shade, wood for furniture and paper, sap for maple syrup, and limbs for climbing.

As I walk in the woods I am amazed by the tall oaks and maples. The beautiful dogwood brings me joy. As much as I love the science of trees, I'm more fascinated with the Bible verses that talk about the forest singing for joy. 1 Chronicles 16:33, Isaiah 44:23, and Psalm 96:12 all talk about the trees giving praise to their creator. And I'm sure in their own way they do. The splendor of fall has to bring joy to God. He made them and they're showing off their beauty just for him.

If the trees can stand tall and rejoice to the Lord. Shouldn't I? Life gets tough. Days are hard. Weeks seem long sometimes. But even in discouragement, I want to praise God. He made me. He takes care of me. He loves me. Praise and joy to the one who created the forest!

Children's Bible Review: NIrV Love Letters from God Holy Bible

Book Description:

What if a child could read his or her own personal mail from God? The NIrV Love Letters from God Bible will invite kids to do just that! This full-text Bible in the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) is a perfect way to introduce children to God’s Word and his great love. With 80 love letters from God written especially for the reader, children will see Bible stories and themes come to life and learn just how much they are loved by their Creator.

Each love letter also contains a very special Bible verse, entitled God’s Wonderful Words to You. Much more than a mere memory verse, each carefully chosen promise will be God’s very own personal words of love, encouragement, and hope, and are highlighted in the text. The love letters will culminate in an invitation for the children to write their own RSVP to God.

My Thoughts:
The first thing I noticed when I opened the box and pulled out this Bible was the inviting cover. Just seeing the lovely illustrations on the front made me want to open it. Inside I found an explanations of the NIrV version and why the publisher chose to use this edition. There is also a page of contents, a presentation page, and colorful maps. But the real beauty is in the "Your Love Letter from God" pages and the colorful inserts that give the reader explanations of Biblical principles. The letters from God are written by Glenys Nellist, who has written several beautiful books for children. There is also a place for the reader to write a letter back to God and a place in the back for notes. This would be an excellent Bible for a child who has given their life to Jesus or one who wants to learn more. I'd go so far as to say, an adult would enjoy the book as well.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review. 

Every Leaf

Nonfiction Book Review: Kit Kat & Lucy: The Country Cats Who Changed a City Girl's World by Lonnie Hull DuPont

Book Description:

After years of vibrant city life in San Francisco, Lonnie Hull DuPont reluctantly trades her three-room apartment on Telegraph Hill for a farmhouse in Michigan. She immediately misses the rhythm and the pace of the city, and the isolation of country living has her longing for something more.

Enter Kit Kat, an obsessive-compulsive tortoiseshell, and Lucy, a playful Russian Blue who can nail a bat right out of the air. These stray cats arrive a year apart and each ask to move into the farmhouse--and ultimately DuPont's heart. From the hysterical process of getting two strange cats to like each other to the exciting years of watching those cats thrive--and inspire DuPont in the process--this book is the heartwarming story of how one woman's world would never be the same.

My Review:

Kit Kat & Lucy is a delightful read about two sweet creatures who brought joy to their owners in a time of transition. In the book, I learned of Lonnie Hull DuPont's struggles in life. I loved how she found peace though these sweet creatures. Another wonderful aspect of the book is her relationship with her husband. Their marriage is a centerpiece as they snuggle into their new home many states away from where they met. Reading Lonnie's writing, left me feeling like I was reading a letter from a friend. I can honestly say, I smiled a great deal and even laughed out loud a few times. If you love animals, especially cats, you'll enjoy the antics of Kit Kat & Lucy. I can easily give this book five stars.
I received this book in exchange for a fair review.