I can tell you that I learned something from every waterfall trip. The first one would be Fuzzy Butt Falls and I learned that my kids really love me and like to share my adventures. The second one was Car Wash Falls and just because it says 20 miles down a dirt road don't assume you can make it in an hour. Twenty miles down a dirt road can last forever. Pack Rat Falls taught me that my nephews are tough little buggers and have the energy of a rabbit. Also, some people have no idea what a moderate hike is though the witch's grave at the end was pretty cool. Pam's Grotto taught me that short cuts are not a good idea when hiking alone. According to my other half, hiking alone is a no-no so there's that. But I made it out and all is well.
Then, I bought a juicer for canning and learned to use it. Made the best muscadine jelly ever. Made peach/jalapeno for the first time and took home a Grand Champion ribbon. Learned about false seals and reorganized my jars. I also tried water glassing eggs but have not opened them yet. Our thornless blackberries took off and we had a really nice harvest. I was really proud of my strawberry jam made entirely from my strawberries, but none of it is left. It was that good-and maybe having two expectant moms in the family helped make a dent.
I've started four baby quilts and I finished a Queen size quilt in time for Christmas.
We took a vacation and saw some incredible things.
Overall, I had a really good year. I have grandchildren coming in 2022.
It's no secret I talk to literally hundreds of people each day. So many of them have wished me a Merry Christmas and it never gets old. Each wish brings a smile to my face and I hope it's reciprocated. Sometimes I tell the Canadian drivers Joyeux Noel. Sometimes I say Feliz Navidad and sometimes it's just Merry Christmas Darlin'
Early this morning, I got a text from Paige. The Paige. The adorable little elf that's carrying my grandson. She wanted to know if I could come and stay with her the week the baby is born. Now I had already planned on worming my way down there some how, but now that she's asked me too it's official. One year ago, I didn't know Paige and now she's asked me to be part of one of the most important events of her life.
I don't know what I've done to be so blessed but I'll take it. Thank you Jesus.
Once again we're getting together early for our Family Thanksgiving Dinner, so if we're doing that earlier, I can do my "things I'm Thankful for List" just as early. And, man oh man, I have a lot to be thankful for. Grab a chair and sit awhile.
First of all, my son is doing this dinner at his house. I'm grateful for the break. I'm grateful that he feels comfortable enough to do this. I'm thankful that everyone has been really great about volunteering to bring food. I'm thankful that his stairs are big enough for a family portrait! I'm hoping he'll let me play pool because I would really like to whoop my husband's butt. I am so happy and thankful that Paul is happy and healthy. He's gonna be a wonderful daddy. I'm grateful that he found Paige.
Then, there's the people that might be in that family portrait. Connor and Grace will be there again and bringing the beautiful Miss Everly. So beautiful. I'm really grateful to be around her. Cool parents=cool kid. Then, Paige's dad will be there-can't wait to meet him. We'll be sharing a grandson soon. I sure hope Paige knows that I will be talking to her tummy(Parker is old enough now to hear and recognize my voice). I might even try to sneak in a rub or two. Paul has tried to warn me about this but sometimes I walk on the side of danger.
Robyn aka Birdie and Wi will be there. Well, Birdie definitely and Wi is a maybe at this point. I'd love to see William, but Robyn is bringing artichoke dip and cheese grits. You really haven't lived if you haven't had her artichoke dip. She gave me the directions to make it and I've tried, but I think she left out a step or something because mine is no where near as good as hers. Speaking of good stuff, Naiveen is making Chai. Chai to go with pi (sorry couldn't resist). So I'm thankful for pie, chai, and artichoke dip.
I'm grateful that Mary and Dave have made plans to join us. Her laugh sounds so very much like mom's. I'm grateful that Lauren, Gilmar, Jody, and Beth have off and can join in the fun. Any time I have all three of my kids in one location it's special. I'm grateful that Beth, Jody, and the baby are doing well after their little misadventure. I'm grateful that Lauren has stayed healthy after her bout with Covid and doesn't seem to have any of those nasty lingering effects. I'm grateful for her little sweet Tilly that makes her laugh so much.
I'm thankful that Patrick and his whole bunch have plans to attend. Caitlyn will bring her husband. I'm grateful that Catilyn and Ben Patrick have careers that will make them happy. I'm grateful that Darlene has reasons to smile. It's been a rough year for her. I'm thankful that Patrick is bringing a turkey (and I secretly wonder who's will be better-his or Connor's?)
I'm thankful that my dad and Karon will be there. This year I'll watch them with their grandkids and know that I'll have some (as in more than one) of my own. I'm so grateful that my dreams are still coming true.
I don't think I'll ever stop missing my mom. You would think it would be easier as time goes on-it doesn't. There's more I need to tell her. More I need to share. So many questions I want her to answer. If I'm being honest, I need just one more of her hugs, but heaven doesn't have visiting hours.
Today she would have been 79.
So today, I'll allow myself to remember what it felt like to be with her. I'll drink some strong coffee and have a bagel with way too much cream cheese. I'll call people I haven't talked to in a while. Maybe I'll mail some cards. I know I'll go out and admire my pansies and I'll think about all the times we planted them together. I'll buy some scratch offs and maybe a lottery ticket. I'll take a drive and admire all the fall colors. Might even crank up some Barry Manilow.
And when the day is done-I'll wear an old faded night gown that she gave me. It'll be like being wrapped in a hug...almost. I hope I fall asleep with her laughter in my ears because that would just be the perfect ending to her birthday.
I can't believe we're actually getting to take a vacation. More importantly, I can't believe we get to use our airline credits before they expire. We looked at several destinations but quite a few required a ten day quarantine. Sitting in a room for ten days didn't appeal to either of us. So we're headed west. Making a big circle through New Mexico and Arizona packing in as many sights and touristy stuff as we can. Our flight leaves soon.
This week we celebrated "Son's Day" and as I looked at pictures of my son and step sons memories kept flooding my mind taking me back. Wondering how Paige and Beth will experience things with their sons. There's the first time he grabs your hand and holds on tightly. Then, all the other times he grabs your hand before anyone else's. The way he'll gaze into your eyes when he's nursing and later he'll look to lock eyes to yours before he goes to school, before he steps up to bat. He'll bring you flowers. Sometimes it will just be a handful of weeds, but in his eyes they'll be pretty. It won't matter if he's three or thirty years old, your heart will skip a beat when he hands them to you. You'll feel so proud when he opens a door for you. You'll go crazy explaining how the universe and electricity works. You'll want to help him all you can because one day he'll be a man and won't ask for help. If your lucky, really lucky you'll get to meet his child.
Every have one of those days where you're struggling not to take a nap? Then when it's actually time to go to bed it's just not happening.( in spite of the fact that you've skipped caffeine and sugar for several hours before bed time) That happened to me so I did a little extra sewing, swept the front porch, then watched the sunset. As soon as the sun faded, lightning bugs made their appearance. I love just watching them. Then, the whipper-or-will started his song. I know my head hit the pillow, but I don't remember closing my eyes.
Most people that know me know my vehicle. It's pretty easy to spot. It has a "I love Dacshunds" plate on the front. In the back, there's a weiner dog sticker with paw prints going up the back glass. The outside is colored blue and is respectably clean most of the time. The windows are a lost cause. I gave up on keeping them clean a long time ago-so most of the time they proudly display nose art by my dogs. As soon as I clean them, I find a reason to take someone for a ride and the nose art is right in place. I admit I've really, really been dragging my feet cleaning them this time. As soon as I clean the nose art off the window, I know that Dixie won't be leaving me any more art. I'd cry if I didn't have so happy memories of her in the car with me.
So today Dwight and I have been married eleven years. It seems like just yesterday that I moved in with him and we weren't so sure that we would even get married. But, we did and so, so many things have happened since then. I know in my heart of hearts that things haven't always been perfect but when I think back, I can only remember the good and the laughter. So much laughter. He gets me in ways I didn't even know I needed gettin'. I'll be greedy and wish for eleven more. Here's to eleven more! Dancing in the kitchen. Walking on the beach. Exploring new places. Meeting new faces (we're expecting more grandchildren). More fishes. More wishes coming true.
This year Covid didn't keep me from entering things in the fair. I had ten entries and had seven blue(first place) ribbons, two second place ribbons, and one third place. My peach jalapeno jam got Grand Champion. Over all pretty happy with myself.
Peach Jalapeno Jam-blue ribbon and Grand Champion
Green beans-blue ribbon
Blueberry jam-blue ribbon
Strawberry jam-blue ribbon
Blackberry jelly-blue ribbon
Pink Violet-third place
Picture of sunflowers-second place
Picture of Lauren (portrait)-second place
Picture of sunrise-first place
Picture of swan preparing to take off-first place
Next year I'm going to enter a cake and maybe a quilt and maybe a collection. Maybe a Christmas craft. Who knows? I can tell you I plan on taking a lot more pictures and focus on portraits. Say cheese (or not-that won't stop me from taking your picture)
My precious dog Dixie crossed the bridge. There have been lots of kind words and prayers sent my way and all of them have helped in some fashion, but the best came from Dixie herself.
Let me give you a little back ground on her passing. Every night the dogs go out to play before bed. It gives them a last chance to run off a little energy and helps them fall asleep. Sunday night's temperatures were in the low seventies so it was great weather to run and play. They played and played. There was a cool breeze blowing too so I had my bedroom window open. I listened to them run and play for a couple of hours. It was all horse play and something they've done hundreds of times. Then, I heard one of the dogs scream in pain and I ran outside. Four of them came running up to me and it took a second to realize that Dixie was the last one coming up to me. She was in pain and dragging both of her back legs. I immediately picked her up and looked for some kind of puncture mark and could find none. Dixie was upset, but seamed to calm down with her head on my shoulders and me swaddling her like a baby. Typical Dixie move. She loved to be held like a baby. I held her that way and looked for vets open in Harrison. There were none so I went to the internet and found the nearest Emergency Vet open. Springdale-two hours away. I gave Dixie to Dwight so I could change clothes. Dwight had no sleep and there was no way he could make it to Springdale with me(and I kinda needed him to keep an eye on the boys who were still visibly upset). He couldn't find the source of her pain. So I nabbed Chris to go with me. I couldn't hold Dixie and maintain a good speed so Chris held her and calmed her down. We got to the ER and again Dixie was calm when I held her.
She went with the vet and it wasn't long before they called me back to a room. There were no viable options. She let me hold Dixie and she snuggled up to me as they gave her something for pain. Then she looked long and hard into my eyes. When dogs do that they're communicating that they love you and accept you as part of their pack. It was such a deliberate stare that there's no room for misinterpretation. Dixie was telling me that she loved me. That she trusted me. So I had to do what was best for her and let her go. I know she heard me telling her that I loved her. I was saying that and petting her when I felt her last breath leave her little body. She trusted me to do the right thing, but damn that didn't make it any easier. She looked at me and put her little head on my chest. She let me know that it was ok.
Our pack is still here, but we're missing our alpha. Harley keeps sniffing where she's been and has a puzzled look on his face. Oscar cried the first night, but is doing a little better. Sampson and Midnight are confused. Dwight and I are taking it slow and giving ourselves a little time to heal, but Dixie will always be in our hearts.
Yesterday, I ran across a version of the song "You are my Sunshine". It was sung by Willie Nelson and Leon Russell and had a slight jazzy edge to it. I just love it. Love it so much that I was cleaning the kitchen and listening to it over and over. My poor husband happened to walk through just as the song was starting over and I grabbed him for a dance. He told me he can't dance, and I told him that I didn't care and we danced around the kitchen. He can dance but may not like it but you couldn't tell that he was unhappy by the smile on his face. That smile and the way he looked at me...sigh. This dancing thing might be repeated. It was so nice to see his smile and his eyes twinkle with love. That song has always reminded me of 3 am feedings and singing to get someone back to sleep and now I have one more good memory associated with that song. Thanks Willie. Thanks Leon.
I've known for a little while so you think by now that the tears would stop coming to the surface, but they just keep coming. Like my blessings. My little blessings. It's really happening. I'm going to be a Granny again. A little part of me(and probably the best parts) will carry on. The only better thing would be to hold this blessing in my arms. I've dreamed of this for so long. I wish I could say with certainty that I want a granddaughter or grandson but I can't. Not really. I just want a healthy baby and I want to see that baby happy and make some memories. I get to watch my children become parents and aunts and uncles and I hope they learned from my mistakes because these kids-deserve the best. The very best. My heart (and yes my eyes) are overflowing....I am so incredibly blessed.
We finally pulled the corn this weekend. Not that I'm finished with tomatoes, peppers, or beans.
So far I've made three black berry cobblers that require four cups of black berries and I think I've put up six bags of four cups each so if you're not up to the math that's 36 cups of black berries. Plus 2 batches of blackberry jelly. These luscious berries didn't pick themselves.
Then, I put up 6 pints of green tomatoes. An experiment. Will advise if this is good for humans or gets thrown to the chickens.
Canned 21 quarts of green beans. Canning isn't the hard part-it's keeping the beans weeded, watered, and snapped.
Put up two quarts of jalapenos so far (they're just getting going good-the fools love the heat).
Put up two quarts of bell peppers-my colors this year are purple, orange, white, and green.
I put up 12 gallons of corn and still have some left in the refrigerator to process.
I've made mint tea and extract.
Two batches of strawberry jam. Peach jam. Blueberry jam.
I've water glassed three containers of eggs (if this actually works I'll write another blog about water glassing).
And sometimes... I'm ready for a vacation.
I've got a secret. Actually it's not my secret, but I'm not allowed to talk about it and it's killing me... I totally suck at this. I really don't know how I've survived Christmas and birthdays each year. It's so hard.
So the commercial goes "Best part of waking up, is Folgers in your cup" and I agree with this on some level. I don't function without two cups of coffee in the morning. Oh, I can go on auto pilot with just one small cup, but if you want me to cook something and you expect to eat that something, I need to be on my second cup. Same thing for anything involving directions. I need my second cup at least started. For the love of all things good, please don't ask me any important questions before my first sip. As a matter of fact, best not to trust anything I say before that first sip.
I think another good part of waking up is sitting on the porch with that cup of coffee. Watching the last of the lightnin' bugs fade out and the sun come up. Scratching a belly or behind the ears of some fuzzy kid and listening to the wind chimes.
Sometimes I pretend that the wind is speaking to me. Maybe a voice from heaven telling me it's going to be a good day. That I've got this and beauty is every where if you just open your eyes.
Very often Decoration Day is celebrated with Memorial Day in small towns across America. I thought this was just a day to place flowers on the graves of loved ones and remember those that lost their lives in the service of our country. Well, I was only partly right. It's sooooo much more.
Yes, you are encouraged to put flowers on your loved one's resting place, but my husband explained that I needed several individual flowers or arrangements. I asked how many and he told me that I needed at least a dozen. So, I went to work and made little bouquets of carnations that didn't look half bad. In fact, they were pretty.
When we pulled up to the cementary, you would have thought that there was a funeral going on. Cars were lined all around and lots of people were there. The graves themselves were a sight to see. Decoration Day is day you go to pay respects to those you've lost-so all those little bouquets were loving placed at the base of stones bearing names that Dwight had loved. There were several bunches of flowers placed at the base of every stone. All colors, shapes, and sizes.
There were a lot of people laughing and telling stories about people that had gone on and it was great to see so very many smiles, but every once in awhile you could catch a glimpse of someone that had mist in their eyes. I was one of those. I managed to keep in all in check, but there were times it was hard to breathe so I just swallowed a lot of air and kept going. We put flowers at his mom's grave, his grandparents, great grandparents, an uncle that died in his teens, his favorite aunt's and one of his aunt and uncle's that meant a lot to him as a small boy. I think that's what got me most of all. Forty years after these people were gone, a boy turned man still thought it was important to pay his respects. What wonderful people they must have been. Looking around at the other graves, there were a lot of wonderful people that had left this earth. So many flowers-I like to think each one represented a happy memory.
Happy Places with my little Lauren? Boy, this one is hard because I'm not trying to write a book.
The first one that comes to mind is "Beach". Lauren wasn't even six weeks old when her toes touched the waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Instead of crying when the waves touched her feet, she laughed and put her arms in the water. I believe she was three when she found her first sand dollar. Later, there was Cumberland Island, Amelia Island, Key West, Vero Beach, Bowman's beach and the Lighthouse beach on Sanibel Island. I never asked if she had a favorite. She seemed to love them all as I did. We collected shells, watched gators and dolphins, played with starfish, walked with wild horses, swam with manatee. Admired the sun going down and coming up and we laughed. Rain didn't stop us or the laughter.
Her "spaceship". She really didn't travel out of space, but in our RV-the bed above the driver's seat. She came out to eat her lunchables and just handled everything in stride. Just like when the airlines lost our luggage and we were bound for a wedding. Everything handled in stride.
Falling Water Falls-it's a beautiful place. We've jumped a couple of times now, but I'm still afraid of heights and she still makes fun of me and lets me jump when I'm ready. It constantly reminds me-there's nothing to be afraid of if you've got the right person by your side.
"The field" the one behind the house where we let the horses run or slowly walk and take it all in. The mountains. The smell of fresh hay. The sound of eagles. The smell of leather and the feel of a good breeze. I don't know how many times we've ridden across the field but I'm glad that it's too many times to count. The conversations we've had. The problems that Abigail, Kate, Sassy, Miss Priss, and Blaze have helped us solve.
"The River"-Our annual float trip from Hasty to Carver. Laughing at you in the gar hole. Playing in the holes of water. Watching Ash swim so gracefully. Crossing the river on horseback even with snow at the river's edge.
My kitchen-watching Lauren master chocolate gravy. Making poppy seed chicken. Numerous oreo balls. Coffee and more coffee. Making jam.
And I can't forget the "porch". It's where we've enjoyed coffee, tea, and other adult beverages. We've watched the sun go down and storms come. We've watched the dogs jump a five foot fence(not mine obviously). Listened to eagles and whipporwills .
You see what I mean about a book? I could go on but I think I'll go out and maybe make some more happy places.
As I said before, I have a lot of happy places, but these are my happy places with Paul.
First one that comes to mind is the little house on Arch Street in Little Rock. It was the very first house I owned and where all the kids came after leaving the hospital. It's where Paul disappeared and I found him in the refrigerator eating peaches. It's where he took apart an outlet and told me that it bites. It's where Beth and Paul had miniature John Deere tractors with carts and they would follow their dad around the yard when he mowed.
Then there was the Scout Reservation outside of Damascus(my favorite speed trap). Paul and I went there for several years usually the third week of June. I watched him turn over a canoe on purpose and right it by himself. I watched him throw an ax with precision beyond his years. I watched him wake up at dawn to practice swimming and build endurance so that later he could swim a mile. I swam it too just to make sure he was safe and then I had to sit in the pool until feeling returned to my legs so I could walk. I watched wonderful sunsets and amazing sunrises while watching my little boy turn into a caring young man. It's where I crossed a bridge made of rope to prove I could.
The ballroom. Dancing with my son at cotillion. Him looking so spiffy in his suit and so patient with me and my two left feet. Watching my girls dance so elegantly in dresses with their done in something other than a pony tail. Watching Paul dance with girls and seeing them smile at him.
Fenton Cave-it's in the mountains near me. It's unbelievably beautiful and going through the cave, you would have thought my son was the parent and not me. He was so worried about me. If I knew what would be expected of me to finish the trip through the cave, I would not have gone, but I'm glad I did. We had to brave frigid water, jump across a divide to continue the trail, fit through a needle's eye, and belly crawl the length of a foot ball field. Good times.
My home in Jasper. That's right. Lots of happy times with my city kid. There's the dinners were he's arrived just a little bit late-and I've called to see where he's at-oh you know that place with the cows. Watching him take everything in stride. The numerous dogs that sneek into bed at night. The sounds of the country. It might be owls, whipporwills, or coyotes. He just takes it all in and makes everyone laugh. Here's hoping Jasper can give him something else to laugh about on his 31st birthday.
A couple of days ago, Beth called me to share one of her "happy places"- a place she could visit that brought her happiness and it got me to thinking...
I have a lot of happy places.
But this is about happy places with Beth and this goes back 32 years. There was a strawberry field-she was in a baby carrier and as I picked strawberries so did she. I don't even think she was walking yet. My berries went in a bucket and hers went in her mouth. The farmer kept telling me he was gonna weigh my kid before and after she left the field. I can't go back to that particular field, but every time I smell ripe strawberries I have to smile. I'm reminded of this every time she raids my pantry for strawberry jam.
Then there was the city of New Orleans. The sweet smell of fried pastries. The sound of jazz. The mystery of fortune tellers. My daughter explaining to the general population that it was ok to drop money in the open instrument cases for the musicians. I felt honored to work there after a hurricane. The people are amazing and very patient with little people.
Can I just say "softball field"? The memories and locations could go on for quite a while. There's the wonderful feeling your rear gets when it goes numb, the heat and humidity, and the thrill of watching a very determined girl do what no one thought was possible. So thin and gangly, putting a ball into the outfield and loping the bases like it was no big deal.
St. Edward's church-where all my children were baptized, made their first communion, and prayed. Watching Beth pray, made me proud. Yes, I know I was supposed to have my eyes closed, but there was an incident of bubble wrap in the pews for which my children were responsible. Watching them as altar servers-all three together-brought tears to my eyes. Such a proud mama moment. My eyes were too teary to focus so I'll always be grateful to my mom for capturing this on film.
Cumberland Island. A beautiful place by the sea. The smell of salt in the air. The wild horses strolling on the beach. The sea turtle nests. Watching my daughter enjoy the beauty of it all and knowing she loved the feel of the sun as much as I do.
Hot Springs. Watching my kids jump in the water. Hearing their laughter. Watching Bowser the Bassett on the inner tube with his big ole years flapping in the wind. That crazy dog loving every minute of it. The feel of a winning horse. The smell of the racetrack. Later, watching Beth walk down the isle. Feeling so blessed to be among her bridesmaids. And on one of the most important days of her life, she has one of my favorite songs played for me. Never has "Ave Maria" sounded so good. I still get chill bumps on my arms remembering Danni's voice. That night watching Beavis and Lauren tear up the dance floor. Laughing with my favorite Aunt and sisters well into the night.
And the best part about my happy places with Beth? They're not over.
During the work week, my alarm goes off at 4 am. I start getting ready for work at 5 am and leave by 5:30, so that gives me sixty minutes to get some stuff done. I usually wash dishes, fold some clothes (both done this morning) and try to tackle some sort of cleaning or try to sew for thirty minutes after I enjoy half a cup of coffee. When I drink that wonderful half cup of coffee, I sit down and I might look at my phone or just pet the dogs in my lap. This morning I was petting the dogs and looking at my face book and on my feed is a post from a dear friend. She's grieving over the loss of her dacshund of thirteen years. So many cute pictures and so many memories and thirteen years just doesn't seem long enough. Then, I look at the wiggle butts in my lap and I put down my phone and I snuggle, scratch behind ears, and pat tummies . We play fetch and absolutely nothing else gets done. But I laugh and they wag their little tails and that's probably a lot more productive than vacuuming or dusting. Excuse the mess, we're making memories.
We're closing in on the end of April. This month only has 30 days and yet mass shootings number 28 so far. And I'm trying not to think about having one mass shooting per day.
And I'm trying not to think about the latest shooting at a FedEx Ground facility last night. Eight people have lost their lives and their next of kin have not been notified because the area is still a crime scene. It's pretty complicated because that hub employed over 4,500 people. It could have been much, much worse but that's no consolation to those that have just had their worlds torn apart. I can't imagine waiting and not knowing. I'm trying not to think about it.
I'm trying not to think about a world where people don't feel safe or loved because it's a world I know nothing of.
I feel safe in my little paradise on the mountain. I feel loved when I unexpectedly receive a "snap chat" , a phone call, a visit, a hug, or a kiss. I thank God every day for the blessings He's given me and I pray for those that need them...
and I try not to think about hurting, being scared, and receiving bad news.
Made it! Made it to Friday. Starting off the week end with my second covid shot. Then, we'll pick up some furniture that I bought without the hubby's blessing. Hopefully, I can plant the naked lady bulbs that I bought last weekend while I fill the hot tub. Gonna need that hot tub after the furniture moving. Then, I'm gonna keep my promise to my boy Harley. Every day he's given me puppy dog eyes when I've made him get out of bed. Every day. I've been promising him that we'll sleep late Saturday and I sure intend on keeping that promise. Move over little dog, big dog's coming in.
Times change-they really do. At least twice a year, there's day light savings. Now it's almost sunrise when I head to work and there's a couple of hours of day light when I get home. The best thing? Watching the sun set on the front porch or from my bed (don't judge occasionally bed time comes early for this ol'girl). I love the spring. Planting more flowers. I'm so excited. I got a great deal on some naked lady bulbs and now have two huge bags to plant. My lavender seeds have sprouted and that dream of having a row of lavender is closer to becoming a reality. I didn't kill the peony when I separated it last year so now I have three bushes coming up. The butterfly bush is blooming a magnificent purple. The dog woods are blooming. There's violets through out the yard. My pansies(planted last fall) are going crazy and are the most obnoxious yellow I have ever seen, but I love it. I love all of it. I love watching Dwight head to the garden in his overalls. He's planted cabbage, radishes, carrots, and sugar snap peas so far. I've planted gourds and pumpkins. Lots more to plant and while we're at it- we might want to get the hot tub up and running. Much easier to work harder with that thing around.
Sometimes life just gets a little hard. I'm fine, but I'm worried about a lot of people that are very close to me right now so I've been praying really, really hard because that's literally all I can do. I can't do anything to change what's going on or make things better so I pray and really hard. Like at night, in the morning, and driving to work. Every once in a while, I'll add "Mom sure wish you were here" because that was her thing. She could make every thing better and when I needed help or just a little bit of encouragement-she was there. I know she physically can't be here, but on the days I utter those words the pennies start appearing in the most unlikely places. You know finding a penny means someone in heaven is thinking of you. Then, I'll see cardinals every where. There will be a whole flock of robin birds outside my window but a cardinal (a sign your angel is near) will come right up where I can't miss him. It will keep happening over and over until I smile. Maybe I'm going crazy, but I've got the pennies in my pocket and I've started taking pictures of the cardinals. My ascent to the nuthouse will be well documented.
Mel designated March as the Month of Mel because her birthday is in March. While that sounds cool, Month of me sounds pretty cool in my book too. When I first thought of it, it sounded kinda self-absorbed. maybe a little over the top. But you know what? Life is short. Make the most of it and take time out to celebrate you.
And to prove my point, one of my coworkers died last night. Someone much younger than me. Someone in much better physical shape. Someone with a really good future and four loving kids.
Life isn't fair. Each day is a gift. Every day.
So today, I stopped and bought my favorite cup of coffee and a couple of lottery tickets. My tickets weren't winners, but I still winning at life.
Last week, I think Arkansas got over 20 inches of snow-no matter what part of the state that you lived in. Snow records were set. Cold temps too. All week long. Never have I looked forward to 32 degrees so much. Texas is still recovering. Hard to believe Austin had six inches of snow.
We made snow ice cream. I tried to make snow decorations but it was just too cold and they busted. Luckily, none of our pipes in the house froze, but there are field lines that will have to be worked on as soon as the ground is unfrozen.
Yesterday, temperatures were in the 50's and yet there is still snow on the ground. Not a lot, but it's still there. Today temperatures are supposed to be in the 60's-and it just feels amazing.
The sun. The clean air. I think I saw some flowers poking up. It won't be long now.
Today I'm working from home. It's nothing unusual to hear a dog whine outside my office door. Usually, I open the door and give them a treat or a quick pat on the head or maybe I have to throw a toy and we're good for another hour or so, but not today. Dixie whined for over two hours and it was driving me batshit crazy. At my lunch, I picked her up and held her and she quieted down-as soon as I put her on the floor she'd start up again. I felt so bad-after all, she just wanted to be held. When my lunch was over, I took her into the office and held her some more. She nestled my neck and was content for quite a while. As things got a little busier, I moved a chair close to me and put her in it. I reach over and scratch her ears as often as I can and she seems content. Sometimes I look over and I see her watching me work. Then, I have to smile and scratch her ears again. I may hold her in my arms, but she holds my heart.
