January —Brrrr

The first day of January began with this beautiful sunrise! I love walking through the kitchen in the morning and seeing these beautiful skies. On this particular day I watched (and took pictures) minute by minute as the sun crested the horizon. So meaningful!

The majority of these days have had some really pretty sunrises. I call this the ripple effect. 

A couple days later...here was another one! I also love seeing the yellow lights glowing in my neighbors house as they were getting ready to go to school and work! (That is where my neighbor girl lives that cares for me!) She calls and looks in on me everyday. Plus, she cleans and meal preps for me. That keeps my freezer full. 

Sunday, turned out cold and snowy. We did clean down in the basement. Which was nice, she got it all vacuumed and organized.

Monday was the aftermaths of Sunday’s s now.  Sometime late Sunday night my snow removal people came and cleaned my walks and driveway. At least their happy to see it snow. LOL Tom put this thermometer on this tree many years ago. That way we could out the kitchen window and see how hot or cold it was outside! 

And of course the birds were hitting the feeders hard with the snow and cold.

I haven’t done too much this month—-which I can’t believe is half over already! Went to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned and have a cavity—which I have to get filled in February. I also got a perm that same day! 

It seems I have a lot to do...just takes me much longer to get it done.  How about you? Do you feel you’ve slowed down? Or has the world sped up? 

I got a new computer, as I was using Version 7 which they no longer support or update-sad. So now I have Version 10. It is somewhat different but not too bad.  Seemed like when V-10 came out there were a lot of issues. But hoping they got all the bugs out of it by now!!

"Ms.Winter" is doing good. As always she's great company for me. She loves to play, especially with hair ties. They keep her busy for quite awhile. She loves to play fetch. I throw it and back she comes and drops it right in front of me...smart cat! 

But speaking of Ms.Winter...she is tired and looking at me—like aren’t we going to bed anytime soon? Ha! So....I guess it’s time.

Hope all is well in your little corner of the world.

Bye for now...

Blessed SONday

  

After lunch my girlfriend came over with an apple pie from Perkins! This month their restaurant is selling their pies for $7.99! She told Mary if she bought the slices they would run $2.99 a piece. So, the pie was a great buy. We love having our pie and coffee on the Sunday’s when her husband has to work. We solve or try to solve most of the worlds problems-if only they’d listen to us😁 

I had ordered this cup (which I used today!!) from Susan Branch’s website. I love them, especially these big ones!!! I only have 3 now as they are pricey but got one for Christmas and Winter last year. 

There was a nuthatch on the feeder today. Do you have them ?? I love how they normally eat upside down.  Strange little characters !!! But that is how they forage for their food...going up and down the tree branches. 

Speaking of birds... my friend and caregiver, who works as a lunch lady created this for whackey hair days at school. Isn’t she just adorable ??? I can’t remember what her kids had but they were cute too!!

Time for bed...

Bye for now .....

MEMORIES

Today would have been my mother's 99th birthday! Oh, how I wish she was still here with me. What a time we would have had!! But, I do believe she is here in spirit... She would have been so...excited to see how her grandchildren had grown and what wonderful adults they had all become! She saw most of them marry, and saw a few of their children! She loved being a grandma and a great grandma! But..wow being a great..great grandma would have been such a thrill for her. She always referred to them as flowers in her garden of life. Each beautiful and unique in their own special way. Smile... She was the true essence of what a Grandmother should be. She was the age I am today when she passed away. Hard to believe, and yet to think that my Tom has been gone a year now and his sister just passed about 3 weeks ago. We never know when God will take us home, so as they say, it's what we do with our lives while we're here on this earth that counts. They all made wonderful, loving memories for those of us who are left behind. I don't think I can have a conversation that I don't speak of my Tom. (Such as: he would have said this or he would have done that.) I still grieve for him, but he is still a big part of my life...if only in memories. He left so many memories for us to remember and share, as did his sister and my Mom.

In the 5 weeks of this year...my emotions have been all over the place. From happiness, concern, loved, sickness, tired, amused, excited, blessed and most of all sadness over the loss of my sister in law in January. I thank God for my friends and family who have been there for me, with love and concern. Rusty, is my rock. He keeps me busy, which is good..smile... He watches over me like a hawk. He reminds me of a kid...if I'm on the phone, he needs attention.. If I go to the bathroom, he either pushes the door open or scratches at it (uggg-that's one of the reasons I don't normally close it tight.. ha!) and he comes in, and lays there until it's time for me to come out!!! If you have a pet, do they do these same things??? Some may call it a nuisance, I call it LOVE!!

"The Lord remembers us and will bless us." Ps:115:12

Beauty-Beast-Birds-Best Strawberry Pie

One day I was at the doctors office and spotted this 'yellow' flower! The early morning rain drops were still on it's petals. Oh how I love nature!! Beautiful huh?? 

 

Isn't this funky?? ha! ha! When life gives you a tree stump...why not display your Beast of a Bike for all the world to see on it??? 

Oh, how I love to watch the Birds, especially the Mourning Doves. They are such gentle birds. They come in, in the evening and roost on our tree limbs. They will primp and pamper for hours. And of course they take a nap or two during this time also...

 

I was going through some pictures today and came across this collage of how to make this simple and easy Best Strawberry Pie. Years and years ago, I went to my brothers house and his wife made this....I just fell in love with it!!! So...so...simple and yet so...so...delicious!! And it's perfect for this time of the year. When it's 'hot and humid' and no one wants to run their oven....even for a pie. This way you can have you summertime pie and eat it too!! smile...

 

This was a busy day...my friend came up and cleaned the house. We had lunch together, (Chinese,) and just a good old fashioned visit...which I always love!!

 

We have a potluck tonight, but the heat is too much for me to go out in. Hopefully, it will cool down and I'll be able to attend next month!

 

Have an amazing day...

A Memory of the 4th of July

 

We all know why and how we celebrate the 4th of July. Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1776, freedom, John Hancock, picnics, family get togethers, parades, all kinds of celebrations and remembrance's. And of course fire works!!

 

My question to you is, do you have any special memories when you celebrated the Fourth??

 

Mine began in 1982 with a conversation I overhead my daughter Brenda and her boyfriend Pat talking about finding a friend of theirs a date. Jokingly, I said, "Why don't you find someone for me??" (I had been divorced since 1977 and really didn't date.) So....I gave them a long list of things, such as, he couldn't drink, he couldn't be married or in a relationship, he had to be good looking with a nice personality...etc... (you get the picture...lol) So, they were thinking, they'd think of someone, then say "no, he drinks"..this went on for  awhile. Then Pat said, my Dad's best friend "Tom" has just moved back into town, I think he'd be perfect! So, long story short, his dad asked Tom to come over for a picnic to celebrate the Fourth and to meet a friend of Pat's. (It was actually the 5th of July, 1982, per my diary.) It was a rainy day, but they had fantastic food off the grill and sweet corn out of his garden. And both of my kids were there. So it was a fun day. Afterwards "Tom" took me to a local restaurant for coffee and conversation.. There was just something about him that put me at ease after our first "hello". I had never felt that comfortable around someone I didn't know in my entire life. (God was working his magic!!)

 

Here his is along his 1964 Comet!

 

Ten days later on the 15th, he called and asked me out. (Of course you know I said "yes"..) The next night we went and saw the movie "Firefox", went out to eat, then rode around. He showed me his bus he was working on (below) and I showed him where my friend Char and I go to suntan down by the river.

 

 

 

 

The next day, he came down to the river where my friend Char and I were sunbathing and wanted to spend some time together. We went to my house, along with my daughter, Brenda. I got cleaned up and we took Brenda over to where her boyfriend worked and dropped her off. (He was getting off work.) Then we went to the Tastee Inn and Out and had something to eat. Afterwards we went over my friend Char's house to help them celebrate her husband's birthday.

 

And that was the last time I saw him until September 11th of that year. My friends Curt and Char would take me and we'd go to this bar and listen to the music. (Char and I never drank, and Curt might have a beer...otherwise we were pop drinkers..smile..) It was fun, the bands were great and to watch the dancers. That night I saw Tom walk by our table and he never said a word...nothing...no "Hi"...nothing... I was devastated.. I told Char, "I want to go home..." So, out the door we went... They wanted to stop at a local restaurant for coffee first. I agreed...but was still pouting..ha..ha... I don't think it was but a few minutes, in the door comes Tom. He comes over to our table and says he didn't see us until we were walking out the door.

 

(And of course the rest is history... we were a couple of steady Eddies from then on...) He said, when we met in July he wasn't working, (he was an Iron Worker) and didn't think it would be fair to start dating someone when he didn't have a job. He finally got a job working on the new Post Office, so after that every time I'd see the Post Office I'd remember these time...

 

Here is Tom and my son Randy on the 4th of July  1983... One year later!!

 

Happy 4th Everyone.. Would love to hear your favorite memory of the Fourth!!

 

Letters and Loss

Since April was "letter writing month" I did a 30 day mailbox challenge.  I selected 5 different friends across the globe and wrote each of them once a week. One was a pen pal who we met several years ago and had written back and forth ever since. I always looked forward to her letters. She did not have access to a computer so she always hand wrote her letters. She was in a nursing home the last few years after her husband passed away from cancer. She also had MS. I just heard yesterday that she passed away. (Sad) I was very surprised and so sad.. However, I'm very thankful that for that month she got so many nice cards with notes and letters from me. God works in such mysterious ways. Please pray for Jean's family...(thank you)

I hope you've had a wonderful-love filled day... Has someone touched your life today or have you touched theirs? 

Time for bed- sweet dreams....

Lots of Birds in the Yard

 What would spring be without robins?? Nothing in my option!! smile... Do you remember drawing them in grade school?? Seems we drew them and daffodils. Actually I was surprised when I saw them up on the feeder. Normally they always seem to be 'ground feeders'. But as I watched him, he would peck at the suet, some would fall to the ground and down he would fly to eat it off the ground. Smart...huh?? 

 



Normally, this guy is at the suet, but he just seems to like being in the tree these days. Of course, I'm not looking out the window all the time, so he may just hop over there too.

We were so excited to see and hear the turtle doves. They are so pretty and seem so gentle. However, they will chase some of the other birds away at times.

This little female was eating away at the suet feeder lately.. I just love seeing all of them. Tom's sister, fills it for us. She is really into bird watching also. They all do hold a captive audience!!!

And then of course it is always wonderful and heart warming to see the Cardinal! They enjoy the seed that we put out. I still have a feeder I need to make using a coffee can and pan. It's very simple, a friend over at The Run A-Round Ranch has one, also using an old birdbath pedestal. That one will really take care of lots of birds and (squirrels...ha)

And of course we had some red headed finches too.

 

I told you I'd share what all I've been doing.. I've had my Granddaughter, with the Greats come visit (always love--love-- love that!!) My cousin stopped by one day too. We had a nice visit! She lost her husband awhile back also.  I've had others come  by, business as well as personal ones. My days seem to be full. Also, am working on getting donations for the upcoming MS Walk. Our granddaughter is flying in from Georgia for it. So, that will be fun, later this month. And of course my son stopped over every few days. I'm so blessed.

 

Good night...

Windy Wednesday

Today our forecast was for 50 mph wind gusts!! Ugggg But they were only about 30, so that was bad enough but much better than 50. smile... Our temperatures have been dropping all week, which I hate to see. My daughter is flying in tomorrow to get married! It's been a busy time this week (for me), but can't imagine what they are going through... The dresses came in last week, my son came over and brought the box in and hung them up!! Someone asked me if I had opened them and I said "no" I'd seen pictures, but will wait for them to see them in person!! I just hope that the prediction for this weekend is wrong. They are saying cooler temps. Uggg

 

I can't believe it, but the lilac bush is putting on buds already. I hope we don't get a hard freeze before the official spring arrives..

Yes, we are getting cardinals back at our feeders again. They are so pretty. Each time I see or hear one, I think of this slogan I received from a friend.

 

So...I just know it must be Tom visiting...smile...

We've got Downy Woodpeckers here too. I love seeing all of them. They seem to get spooked easily.

 

My friend was here today to clean the house. It is always so nice to see and visit with her as we have been friends for years. And of course having a clean house is also a wonderful feeling!!

 

I hope your weather is being good to you and that you're waiting for Sunday (first day of spring..) smile..

 

Blessings....

Spring Forward

             

The other day my friend came by and gave me this... Isn't it cute?? And so true. She found it an estate sale. Her and her husband go to different sales, estate, yard sales in the summer and Goodwills. I'm always so surprised at the clothes her and a young lady friend I know get there!! When Ive gone, I never had that kind of luck.

 

 

Many years ago, a lady and I became wonderful friends across the internet. We've never met and yet know and each other and our families as much as any friends could! She sent me these..and wrote in her Sympathy card,  Enclosed are "Heaven's Twinkles" Hang outside and sun reflection will embrace you all year long.... In loving memory of Tom. I decided to hang one here in the house and the other outside.. 

 

 The other morning I noticed the light shining on the wall and thought, yes, he is twinkling and surrounding us with his presence. (Just thinking of Tom makes us know he is with us...if only in spirit.)

Spring...spring, oh yes!!! This week, we've had some wonderful days. Temperatures in the 70's and upper 70's one day....breaking another record!! smile.. Our yard people came and cleaned it up and hauled away several tree limbs that had fallen this winter.  And then yesterday evening around dusk, I heard a bird and looked out....there was a robin! It's the first one I've seen this year!! That makes it official for me...it truly must be spring!!

 

Don't forget to put your clocks ahead an hour tonight...

 

Blessings....

Hallowen Party

Yesterday there was a Halloween Party at the Rehab Center! I got there just in time to have lunch with my hubby! It was so fun to see him again... ha...ha.. The day before was so rainy and cold that I stayed home and tended to busy. My first appointment was cancelled, but I was surprised that I had another one decided to come by and work on the my computer. I decided to get a hospital bed (or at least rent one for awhile) and those people came by at the same time. I did get the bed but realized I didn't have any bedding for a twin bed. I called a friend to see if she had some, which she didn't, but said she'd have something here by evening. And she did...bless her heart...she went to a secondhand shop, and found a pretty set for a dollar!! Then later her and her husband went to the Goodwill and found a nice blanket for the bed. She washed and dried all of this bedding, the blanket was still warm when she got here!! Unbelievable what a true friend she really is. I feel this reading totally fits her:
Matthew 25:31-40
³¹ “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. ³² All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³ He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

 

There were lots and lots of people and children at the party. They had games for them to play, and a haunted house to go into. It was a blast for the children, they got lots of treats and food and drinks.

 

I'm so sorry this picture shows my dear friend frowning...so unusual for her.:( But look at her adorable granddaughter. She is a spitting imagine of her grandma when she was her age!

Granddaughter Wendy and the twins came and had fun too. They were dressed as Salt and Pepper. This was their costume from last year that their Mimi made for them. The hats looked like shaker lids. Just so cute!!

And then there was Lorelai and her Mommy Lacey. She was so pretty all dressed up as Elsa!!!

 

 Love her shoes, aren't they adorable?? 

 

It was a great day for us. Today, I'm tired and sore, but am anxious for tomorrow when Tom will come home for a walk around, to be sure he can do what is necessary to be home for good!

(Prayers please..)

 

Blessings to your SONday!

 

Continued Prayers Please

This has been a stressful week. Poor Tom, they just can’t seem to get his meds under control. His heart rate is just way too high. Oh course he doesn’t feel himself due to this.   He was back in the ER yesterday. But thank goodness he was able to come home. They just keep changing up his medicine. And of course it's always stressful, trying to get doctors and office staff to call you back!!! But you need to keep your cool!! (Which isn't always easy to do. Especially when a love one is involved.)  

What wonderful friends we have. Tom's appetite has really been terrible. Some days he'd go all day , and not want to eat anything. Then one day a friend called and said she was baking bread and they would run some right over. Yummm. It was still warm and the smell was amazing. One loaf was banana and the other was apple! I think that really helped him, as he ate some with a vengeance...smile...

Thanks again for all your prayers and good thoughts. I'll keep you up to date on how it's going.

First Fish Fry

Last night we headed down for the first fish fry of the season! It was soooo good! They take the summer off, and start up again in September. I'm almost ashamed to tell you this, but I ate all that fish! smile...

 

I thought these clouds were kind of funky! Kind of a weird description, but I enjoyed seeing them.

Whizzing home... It was fun to see our friends. However, I was pretty sore this morning. But it did calm down as the day went on. Hope you are having a nice weekend!