House and Yard Keeping

Last year, was difficult for working in the flower beds. A step outside the door meant being swarmed by mosquitoes. My gardens suffered for it. This year though, has been quite the opposite.

Though we aren't rich by any means, we like our little home. A small cape cod was built in 97. This spring we replaced our worn out white shutters with the burgundy, which cozied up the front of the house. Pulling out all the weeds, planting new flowers, adding little touches and wood chips seemed to bring our home back to life.

I put the arbor back up, added two old pieces of fencing, and planted morning glories.

and this morning, my first flower bloomed!

A small section of my garden is shown here, that little resin angel has seen better days, as I bought her several years ago. I just can't take her out of there though!

Praise God!!

My heart is singing right now!! After 5 years of battling cancer, Deena is finally healed! Deena has been through so much, and to hear she is fine just fills me with such joy. Congratulations Dear Soul, it's awesome to have you back!!
Please visit Deena, she will amaze you!

Reflecting

When my parents lived in our family home, they had a wooden swing that overlooked Dad's gardens. You would frequently find my parents sitting there, coffee in one hand, and Dad's free arm around my mother. They'd sit and discuss the days events, or sit quietly as they watched the garden grow.

Dad is gone now, and when Mom moved, the swing was placed in our yard. It sits under the shade of the pines, overlooking the property. In the morning hours, I love to sit here and listen to the sounds of nature as the day begins, and in the evening, those sounds fill me with the peace I need before turning in for the night.

In my little nook, I also have my grandmother's rocker, and an Adirondack chair that my husband Ken made for me. Three generations represented, each an important part of what makes up my life.

To sit on the swing, surrounded by memories of those I love, and occasionally with Ken beside me, fills my spirit. I feel the presence of both my father and Grandmother here, and often draw strength from their souls.
Is there a special place you go to meditate, reflect, read a book, or just to sit in the quiet?

My Prayer Altar.

In my home, is a special place to me. It's my prayer altar. On this altar are pictures of my little family and I, and a family picture taken on our last day on the porch of our childhood home. Prayers are said for all the individuals in these pictures. The votive candle, in a heart shaped glass holder, is lit each morning before I start my prayers. Hanging on the frame of my son's family is a necklace that contains a mustard seed, with the verse Matthew 17:20, "...if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'move to yonder place and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you'." One was given to all us sisters, by my sister Kathy, as unity in our prayers. I need to get a longer chain, for now it hangs as a reminder on my altar. The little tablet is my prayer booklet, with the names of others who are in need of prayer. Some of these names are of from any of you who have requested prayers for yourselves or loved ones, little Zavier, pictured on the side, is also in here
I find this altar to be an important part of my daily life. Even though I pray throughout the day, and when the need strikes me wherever I am, my morning prayer ritual keeps me grounded in my faith. Do you have an altar or special place to say your prayers?

Camping Trip

Ahhhhhh! We are home from our annual sisters camping trip, and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. After a long, horrible heat wave, the weather broke for our trip to Sleeper State Park, located at the top of Michigan's thumb. The lake views are beautiful, and you can see the sun rise and sun set from the same lake.

The water was beautiful for those of us who wanted to swim. Nancy, (our "adopted" sister friend) Marti, Wendy and Claire took advantage of the temperatures to take to the water.

Of course, it wouldn't be camping for me, if I didn't make friends with the chipmunks. I swear this little one has a stash of almonds to last a year! It would stuff it's pouches and head for a discreet hiding place, then back to my chair to gather more. I was entertained for hours by the antics of my little friends.

When I was walking back to our campsite at one point, I heard a rustling. When I looked behind me, I had an army of chipmunks following me! I guess I was the nut lady to them. It was precious.

Nights were set around the campfire, where we talked, toasted with a sparkling wine, and laughed our fool heads off. From left is Wendy's daughter and our camp mascot Claire, Wendy, Nancy, seated, Kathy and her little dog Paddy, and Marti.

Our beautiful mascot Claire, with her little Tinkerbell.

On the way home, Nancy and I stopped at this lighthouse, toured the museum that's in the original light keepers house, and took many beautiful pictures of this historic Lake Huron lighthouse.

We came home after only 2 days, because I'm leaving shortly to bring Mom home to Wendy's! But what an awesome time.

Vacation Time

Off for our sisters annual camping trip! See you Wednesday!!

God's Covenant

When we had a storm the other day, it left behind this beautiful rainbow.

When I cropped it, this is what I got.

I love the deep colors!
Hoping everyone is having a rainbow brite weekend!

Good-bye Andy

Today, we lost another great actor. I grew up watching the Andy Griffith show, and still watch it today. Being the same age as Ron Howard, I was in love with the show. But it was Andy that made it what it was, a program that made you laugh while learning valuable life lessons. Moral character was taught, as in the episode where Opie saved money to buy his little girlfriend a coat, or empathy for others like Aunt Bea when she first came to Mayberry. I'd love to get the Bible studies based on this show.
Throughout his life, Andy maintained that moral integrity. We need more role models in the entertainment world that would carry on his legacy.
So rest in peace Mr. Griffith, we will miss you dearly.

Back Again!

I'm back! Yes I've been away for a spell, but miss all of you! It's been quite busy here with Mom, so let me give you an update.
Since November, Mom has gone through major surgery in which her spleen and half her pancreas were removed, a heart catherization, several surgical attempts to reinsert her drain tube, (all unsuccessful) a broken hip she suffered while in the hospital for heart problems which resulted in major surgery to repair, removal of the rest of her upper teeth so she could get her dentures, and several hospital and nursing home rehabilitations.. Several times, we thought we were going to lose her, and each time she bounced back. Now, after getting ready to put her into long term care, she has done a major turn around and is now going back to live with my sister on the 11th! After recovering finally from her surgeries, she has really turned around. We're anxious to welcome Mom home, and can't wait for her to rejoin our family!!