Decisions ~ Decisions

It's been a wonderful ten years of blogging. I began back there in 2007, a year before I married John. 

My grandsons were only 18 months old and six months old respectively.

I was younger, thinner, and far more attractive. Ha! I even wrote better then. 

Now it's a year beyond John's passing and so this blog has come full circle. You know where I'm going with this... I don't know when or even if I'll return to blogging, but this blog is old and so difficult to maintain; it's lumbering along like the dinosaur that it is. Besides, I've had more than my say; I have been so blessed. 

Last year, after John passed away, I felt that I would have to let the blog go because I was having trouble breathing without writing, too. I am glad that I carried on. I found that my blogging buddies were so very supportive and helpful...my own personal gathering of prayer warriors. Thank you to each and every one who has visited through the years. I could never understand why, but I am so glad that you did.

I don't believe in goodbyes so I will say so long for now.

#315 Hodge Podge Wednesday

1. We've reached edition number 315 here in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. So tell us, what were you doing at 3:15 yesterday? 

Napping on Monday (I wrote this post on Tuesday) But wait! Tuesday afternoon at 3:15 I was sewing slipcovers for the camp cushions. I feel better about myself already.

Is that typical? 

napping? no, but not an aberration either

sewing? no, ditto

On a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being low and 10 being high) what's your energy level usually like at 3:15 PM?

6

2. A frisbee, a tantrum, a towel, a party, a punch, or a curveball...which have you most recently thrown or had thrown at/for you? Elaborate.

Though I just threw a towel into the laundry, I would say that someone lobbed a curveball at me. No elaborating. ッ


3. What are three things that would help you right now. Tell us how or why.

a. wisdom to know proper direction

b. peace in decision making

c. better health


4. Do you think you're strong? 

not so very

Why or why not?

I don't feel strong 

What makes you strong?

My faith in The Lord is the Source of my hope in His strength, not my own.


5. Do you enjoy reading historical fiction?

no 

 What's your favorite book set sometime in the past?

Memoirs are my favorite historical genre.

Out of Africa by Isak Dineson (Karen Blixen's pen name) is a favorite.

💕When you have a great and difficult task, something perhaps almost impossible, if you only work a little at a time, every day a little, suddenly the work will finish itself. ~Karen Blixen 

***

💕Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever. ~ Karen Blixen

***

💕God made the world round so we would never be able to see too far down the road. ~Karen Blixen 


Let's see, what innocuous, inane thing can I chat about to disguise what I'd really like to chat about? The weather! Today we are back in sunshine and warmth after two rainy days with much lower temps...as low as the 50s.

Thank you for reading today and now I return you to Joyce and her friends 🌹HERE. 

ツ

Time Out

Gonna tell you a little story and all those who read my last post will understand perfectly.

This past weekend was spent helping my kids with their move. Adam and Michelle had so much wonderful help on Saturday, as many as six other couples all working together to get it done. There really wasn't much that I could offer so it was suggested that I could best help at the old address. Perfect. I had the place all to myself for a number of hours and got a few things accomplished.

Sunday morning, I returned to finish up a few of the things that I had noticed I could help with. I found Laurel looking things over and planning her course of action for the day. She said that she was starving and so we decided to go out for breakfast first. The most important thing you know!

We settled into a nook at our favorite hole in the wall and enjoyed a hearty breakfast. Laurel shared her week's trials with me. Life can be messy and challenging. She had my attention and I will pray that this week is better than last for her. 

When we got back to the car, I shared a few things on my heart...my week had also been messy and challenging. Then I heard a bit of a sigh and Laurel said, "Mom, I didn't have a headache when this conversation started."

Oh dear! ッ

I get the distinct sense that that's how I'm coming across here. Time-out corner for me again!😌 

Have a blessed week!



p.s. another rant coming on... I deeply resent morphing graphics like the white flower formerly used above that turns into a red flower with strange marks on it on my iPad. I took a closer look at what I first thought was a button with thread (old eyes) and learned this:

💮 = Asian symbols meaning "brilliant homework." Really? Forget it. Not interested, which is why all those white flowers on PCs and red flowers on iPad have been changed to buttons from PicMonkey.

However, I did learn how to figure out what those symbols are...type them into an email, highlight them, and ask the iPad to speak them. Maybe that will give me something to do for a few hours...

Light in The Forest

Spider Lilies and I feel a rant coming on...

The biggest news around here is that this is moving day for my son's family. The grands were wistful yesterday about sleeping at 78 for the last time.  Tonight, they'll be sleeping each in his own room at 92 for the very first time. It's a good thing.

See that dappled light through the trees? The homeowners began sawing down trees and now are in a major building project. I can't see exactly what they're doing but perhaps a garage or a pool or something big is happening over there.

[Okay, am I safely down the page to let it rip? I have seen the slop bucket all over Blogdom and it has been mighty annoying, but it really became personal this morning when all my "Love, Vees" turned into those disgusting graphics warning me that my signatures were being held hostage by said slop bucket and that I'd have to pay up. Nice try, Bozos, but I have zero intention of paying you anything, though I certainly did try to get my photos printed at your stupid site; it was impossible. I will remove every stinking one of  those signatures on all umpteen posts if it takes me the rest of my life or maybe I'll just wander off and delete this entire blog and be done with it. Way to go making so many so frustrated with you. Brilliant you definitely are not.]

Hope that you have not been adversely affected by this new policy. You may or may not see my new signature on posts, but when and if you do, it will be in John Hancock proportions. Ha!

P.S. This is what I'm huffing about, folks. If you don't know what I am talking about, you don't use buttons from other blogs on your favorite blogs page and you don't use a signature.

That's right! A mere $400 a year will give you a cute little signature at the end of your posts. Bugger that!

💛 Moving

...Few things we can do in this world are so well worth doing as the making of a beautiful and happy home...
J.R. Miller

More pictures and fewer words = a perfect post for a Thursday. No need to comment either. ッ

~Arriving for an afternoon in the pool~

~Neighbors' Charming Home~

~The Afternoon Went Swimmingly~

~Sam observes; Jake swims; Cousin E swims~

~The Home I Once Loved~

The big move comes this weekend. In the meantime, small loads are being taken. The boys were very excited about their new home and backyard with a pool. 💛💛💛  Thanks for peeking in... Now scoot... Many blessings...

Of Grands and Grandparents Hodge Podge

1. Growing up, were you close to your grandparents? Tell us one or two specific things you remember about them.

Sadly both grandfathers were gone by the time I was three years old. Jack passed away before I was born and Vic while I was still a toddler.  

My memories of my dad's father are good ones. He gave excellent horsey rides, carried butterscotch candies about in his pockets and, even if his wool pants were itchy on my bare legs, I loved sitting on his lap. He also smelled like the outdoors.

My dad's mother was a busy homemaker during my early years. She made the best Hermits and wonderful doughnuts.  She single-handedly kept me in underwear throughout childhood. This was not appreciated so well then, but it makes me smile to remember now.  I am always trying to perfect Hermits, which I can not make near so well as hers. 

Though my maternal grandfather passed away before I was born, he was immortalized by the vivid memories my mother and grandmother shared of him. I was often told that I looked like him. I felt as if I knew him.

My maternal grandmother probably had the most influence on me. She is the Nan oft spoken of in this blog who was given into John's and my care in her final year. Our connection lasted for a very long time. I play the piano because she did and I like to read because she did and I like the ocean because she did...

2. What's an item you were attached to as a child? What happened to it?

My dolls and books. What do you mean what happened to it?! They are all still with me. 

Speaking of which, I own many things that belonged to each of my grandparents. I keep telling you that I live in a museum. 

3. When you look out your window, do you see the forest or the trees (literally and figuratively)? Explain.

Jungle comes more to mind... 

4. Do you like sour candies? 

No

Which of the 'sour' foods listed below would you say is your favorite?

grapefruit, Greek yogurt, tart cherries, lemons, limes, sauerkraut, buttermilk, or kumquats 

Grapefruit served with maple syrup

Have you ever eaten a kumquat? 

not if I knew it

5. July 1st marked the mid point of 2017. In fifteen words or less, tell us how it's going so far.

Trusting for better days ahead...

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I must scoot today because I have the grands for the morning and as long as they'll have me.  I think that I'll share this video with them because yesterday, right in the middle of all that is going on at their house, they said goodbye to their beloved pug Bazil.

~2015~

 They've known Bazil all their lives. I don't know if dogs go to Heaven, but I know that Jesus will return on a white horse so there are animals there. The bit about the lion lying down with the lamb is from the Millennial reign so I am slightly confused. Anyway, I know that I can trust God with these deep questions of life. 

Click this sentence to find Joyce and the Wednesday Hodge Podgers. Thanks for reading today! I'll be by to visit this afternoon and evening.

Pleasant Summer Weekend

* There is a reverence in small children for delicate things.

~ Abbie from Abbie's Place

 

 Of course, my grandson Sam is not a small child anymore, though he still finds things that intrigue him. This is a perfect three-pronged maple seed all on one stem. I had never seen one before. Perhaps it's like finding a four-leaf clover.☺

As you can see, Sam is doing well. He enjoyed time at a friend's pool on Sunday afternoon with his brother, dad, and auntie. He's pondering leaving behind his first childhood home so has preferred sticking closer to 

home where he knows all the best places to 

play — the secret nooks and crannies.

My daughter-in-law's most recent doctor appointment went well. The arm is healing and staples were removed...ouch! Her tendency now that she is feeling better and stronger is to overdo it. This is understandable given that they will begin moving this week. Again, thank you for all the prayers.

🍉🍉🍉  

Saturday, my daughter and I ate lunch out dockside. It is always very pleasant to have a lakeside view. We even saw loons.

 A similar photo was shared on Instagram. Some wondered if I were on a trip. No, this location is just six miles and nine minutes from home. Instagram...so conflicted about that place. I don't feel that I have much to offer. Photos are not my thing; words are. Thanks to Laurel for taking all the photos above. I was in both places without a camera as per usual. I am not so good at blogging either. ッ

Also spent some weekend time in the garden...having trouble with a pest...a big dope. She is chomping on my last nerve.

These Coral Bells have escaped the doe who is chowing down on most other things, including bee balm that deer are not supposed to like. Coral bells are also known as Heucheras, but I seldom remember how to pronounce them. Who'-cur-ah is close (hard ch as in ch in chorus...thank you, A Beka). This is an official syllable breakdown: [hyoo-ker-uh]. I used to pronounce them "wahcheras." Ha! 🍉🍉🍉
Thanks for reading...a pleasant summer week to you.

* I collect quotes; some of the finest are said by bloggers. I have asked for permission to gather them in. Don't be surprised if I ask you! Alas, this Abbie no longer blogs. 

We Are Not in Charge

A blessed Sunday to you...

Time for Some Pretty Pictures

Thank you for all the lovely comments on my last post. I very much appreciate the prayers for my family. You are the best!

White Ash

All taken on a walk through my favorite local garden...
Look and scoot...  Have a wonderful weekend...
🍉🍉🍉

On a Dime

Last Friday, I was running errands in "the city." My daughter-in-law's birthday was coming right up and I had also used up all my ink while printing off legal papers for John's estate.

After leaving Office Max, emergency vehicles came up behind me where I waited at a red light and, since there was literally no place to go, I pulled my car up onto an expansive curb-height middle island and prayed for whoever needed the emergency help. I had no idea that I was scooting and praying for my own. 

I would find out within a half hour or so that Michelle (my daughter-in-law) and Sam were struck as they traveled north in a line of traffic along the four-lane road with a middle turning strip. A rather large business truck t-boned the driver's side door. Apparently, he was traveling south, wanted to turn left, and not having a clue how to use that middle turning lane, he turned directly from his lane rapidly smashing into Michelle's door, which spun Michelle's vehicle 180° as you see in the photo below. He told police that he hadn't seen Michelle's vehicle. How does one not see an SUV? 

My son calmly reported this to me in his phone call which began like this: Mom, there are no life-threatening injuries...  (I do tend to get a bit rattled, but that was intense.) The gist of the story was that Michelle had suffered the most serious injuries and was now in the ER. The car had been twisted in such a way that she needed to be cut free. Sam suffered a "rug" burn on his neck from the seatbelt and also bruises on his side where the seatbelt locks in. Right after the accident, Michelle, calmly as possible, assured Sam that help was coming and that everything would be okay. Mothers are amazing people. Her presence of mind when she was so badly hurt impresses me.

And that's where I came in. My son wanted me to pick up the grands from the ER.  Jake had been with his Grammy and Sam was soon to be released after a time of observation. Michelle's mother and my son would be staying at the hospital with Michelle through surgery on her badly injured arm and subsequent overnight stay. Both aunties were en route and were able to help with caregiving duties as well. Families can pull together quickly when there's a need... circle the wagons style.

It was very interesting to hear the boys' perspectives on the events. Jake jokingly said that he had made the best choice to stay with Grammy that day. Sam told how very frightening it all was. One second he was wondering what he might buy for his friend's birthday party and the next they were spun around in the road bruised and bleeding. Then he told how the driver of the truck (that ran into them) got him out of the vehicle. Someone needs to have a talk with that guy! I'd like to volunteer. 

So what a way to spend one's birthday and right in the middle of trying to move to a new home with boxes piled all over. Sometimes, life just isn't fair and we become discouraged; nevertheless, life is good and we are grateful.  

Yesterday afternoon, after my son had seen the vehicle and taken pictures, we were reminded all over again how very much different the outcomes could have been. Sam had been seated behind his mother and if the impact had been a little different, he'd have been more seriously injured. Michelle could truly have been killed. Thanking God for His protection over them. The injuries are not life threatening, but they are definitely life changing. 

P.S. I was shocked to learn that Renee of Sewn With Grace passed on to Glory on July 5. It was sudden and unexpected her family shares. Such things are a surprise for those left behind, but never to God. Renee was a God-honoring woman. I very much enjoyed her blog and will miss her.