Could This Really be Working!?

With my appointment approaching for my next A1C and full bloodwork up results, I was dreading being put on insulin, which I knew was going to happen because I couldn't get my sugar under control. A week ago I was flipping through the channels and started watching a program on PBS about reversing diabetes. With Ken's full support, I plunged into the vegan lifestyle, and can't believe the difference this has made in my life. I have started a blog diary of this journey, and welcome you to follow along on this amazing trip! Please come over, and I welcome you comments!

Crazy Quilting with Pat Winter!

I'm so excited! My sister Wendy and I, are going to a crazy quilting class by Pat Winter! Pat is one of the greatest crazy quilt and embroidery masters I've ever seen. Her blogs are beautiful, so full of the projects that set her apart. To be able to meet and learn more of this art form from her is a dream come true! The class is in October, and we were happily surprised to learn that she is only a few hours from us. So it will be off to Indiana for a day of creativity in the country! Check out Pat's blogs, I know you'll be just as impressed as we are!

A Dog, a Cat, and Nature

We have a new member in our family, Molly. She is a little sheltie around 10 years old. She was my parents dog, she was so attached to my dad, followed him everywhere. When Mom moved into her apartment, Molly went with her. She was doing OK, but not getting the exercise she needed, as it was difficult for Mom to get her out. So when Mom went into the hospital for a couple days, Molly came to stay with us. We collectively agreed, that she was doing so well here, that she is now here for good! Molly has some health issues, arthritis, and a scarring on her face that she has had all her life. We don't know what it is, some skin disease that was a trait in her genes. But she's doing well here, she runs now, barks with the other dogs, Mitzi is thrilled to have her best friend back, and we love her to pieces, right along with the rest of the "kids".
Mitzi has also adjusted very well and loves to sleep in the kitchen sink. I don't know why...she must like the cool or something, all I know is she's just so dern cute!

Yes, Andy, no need to look so mad, you are still my main man! Such a handsome guy, love those beautiful green eyes and your leathery skin! There, did I make you feel better baby boy!?

Even though my flower garden didn't fair well at all this year, most of it died off except for my Black Eyed Susan's and phlox, a quick stroll around the property showed me that Mother Nature's garden is doing beautifully! To me, there is no such thing as a weed, if it flowers and adds beauty to your surroundings.

Ahhh yes. If only this caught on.

Amazing Creatures by an Amazing God

Today I took my camera out to see what things in nature held me in awe. Sitting on the glider at my niece's, enjoying the quiet over a cup of fresh brewed coffee, I saw three bugs that upon closer examination, struck me as being the most beautiful creatures.
I looked so closely at the beetle that was walking around the side table, and was awestruck at her beauty. Every marking on her was so perfect, so symmetrical. Her colors were so vivid.

I had never seen these insects til this year, and have no idea what they are. But there also, was a beauty that only a God could create.

What could be more perfect? What purpose could this little creature have? Where did it come from, what do they eat? I don't know, all I do know is that for some quiet moments, it's purpose was to bring me closer to a Creator who touches my life in such unusual ways. Even through a bug.

From a Dear Blog Friend!

Lola, of And Sew On, was gracious to send me this friendship award! I love her blog, she is so talented and a lovely person!

I in turn would love to pass this on to my dear blog friends, who enrich my life daily. It's too hard to choose just a few, and I don't want to leave anyone out. So to all the authors of the blogs I follow, here's to you. Take this award and put it on your site. You deserve it. Thank-you all for making my life more fun, for the countless hours of entertainment you have brought me, and the long distance friendships that have seen me through the good and bad times. I love you all, and can't picture life without any of you. You are all so dear to me, God Bless All!!

For the Love of a Bird

During the past year, we have lost several of our little animal family members. This week, my sweet little cockatiel passed on. I can't tell you how sad her passing was for Ken and I. Sassy was such a comical bird, who brought such a happy smile to every one's face. We got her several years ago, Mom's neighbor had found her in his driveway, just a baby then. I told him if he didn't find the owner, I would gladly take her, and that's how she came to live with us. The extent of Sassy's vocabulary was "Pretty Bird", and she could also crow, and whistle. Such a character, she loved to tease our border collie Bobby, who adored and protected and played with her. Sassy had not been feeling well, and would lay in the corner of the cage, as close to Bobby as she could get, his watchful eye not leaving her. I awoke Sunday morning to an empty cage. I asked Ken about her, and he told me she was upstairs in his office, he was holding her, said he didn't want her to die alone. Him and Bobby kept their vigil over her until she passed. Why do we do it? Why do we keep rescuing our little friends, knowing that one day we will lose them and experience the pain we dread? For love. To give our pets the love for the rest of their lives that they lacked in the beginning. To let them experience life in a home where they are protected, and so loved. To make sure that they are comfortable, healthy, and have a real family. From beginning, to end. I'm fortunate enough to have a husband that shares this love and compassion, not many spouses would put up with the endless menagerie of pets that have passed in and out of our doors. For that I am so grateful. Even for a little bird, dying alone was not an option for her. I so miss her cheerful voice, and Bobby is lost. But I can't say we regret having her in our hearts. Forever.