My heart hurts

 

Today there was another school shooting. More children needlessly killed. I'm sitting looking at this picture and I wonder what the future holds for them. How can we make this a better world for these precious babies? They're growing so fast and learning so much. My heart hurts for the parents that won't get to hold their children tonight. For the families that will be picking out caskets. For the grannies, nanas, grandmas and grandpas that would move heaven and earth to take their places. Jesus, heal the broken hearts.

Waterfalls 2023 1, 2

 I finally did it. Started waterfall journey 2023. Started with an old favorite: 

Falling Water Falls

This is Intersection Falls. #1 new fall for 2023

Oops forgot selfie at Falling Water Falls

Someone marked the trail with rocks.

Then new fall#2 Hwy 123 Falls:

Light at the end of the tunnel

 A few days back, I mentioned my struggle with finding something good about every day and not counting the days until the weekend or vacation. Well, I'm still counting the days until vacation(serious beach time), but spring is almost here and I'm celebrating little victories. My peonies have emerged from the ground-lots of new plants. My doctor took me off my blood pressure medicine (I still have to check it daily, but none of those nasty little pills). My house is under going spring cleaning-I've rearranged one bed room and have taken a couple of loads to donation boxes. Easter baskets are started as well as plans for that weekend but today I'm going shopping. I don't have to go. I don't need to go, but there's a new store in town and it's calling my name. 

Thank you

 

I had the most wonderful birthday.  I wanted pictures of me and the grandsons at Wye Mountain.  Beth braved the winds and got lost with me to make it happen.  I might have found it quicker if it weren't for the killer swirl margarita that Paul got me with a great Mexican lunch. Lauren brought me some great pizza for dinner and showered me with gifts as did sweet Paige. Then all of the kids chipped in to get me a ninety minute massage.  I've never had one that long before.  The card addressed to Katherine Day had me cracking up. Enough to almost forgive him for telling people I'm 59 a year ahead of time.

The struggle is real

 I'm struggling to get through the work week. Really struggling. Weekends are no problem-they seem to disappear like money. I need to find a way to look forward to each and every day. I really shouldn't just be counting down the days until the weekend or vacation. They say you are responsible for your own happiness a.k.a. you're only as happy as you choose to be. I definitely choose happy, but I'm not a faker. I can't pretend to be something I'm not so I've got to find my groove. I've fallen into the trap of sitting in front of the tv too much so I'm trying to give up tv on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Well, last night was a Tuesday and I sat in front of the tv for a little over an hour, but before I sat down I took Sampson for a walk.  I don't know which one of us enjoyed it more-he was so good on the leash and did every thing I asked him to. Me? I got a little sunshine and some much needed exercise. I felt bad about not taking Midnight so I'll try to take him tonight (he's usually a little terror on a leash). Any way, I'm really looking forward to Thursday ( a visit with Ms. Val) and Friday (working from home) and Saturday (a visit with David and Parker and darkside coffee) and Sunday (breakfast with Lauren and Gilmar) and Monday-well I'm still working on that one. 

A lighter load

 Today is the first Monday of Dwight's retirement. I admit I'm a little jealous that I didn't get to head out and go fishin', but I'm sure I'll eventually get my turn. I like knowing that someone I love will have a wonderful day. I don't have to make sure he has breakfast and packed lunches ready to go at the crack of dawn. No more work shirts. No more going to bed at seven out of necessity. I know I'm still working, but at least I don't have to worry about him getting hurt at work. I know accidents happen all the time, but his work was dangerous and hard on his body (not like casting a rod). I'll keep the honey do list pretty short for a while-just to give him time to cook dinner.