"I assure you this will be an epoch in my life."

On Mother's day we jetted off to visit with family long missed and to celebrate the marriage of our son, Ryan and his bride, Kathleen.

There was rehearsal time. Time spent preparing for the day to come and anticipation of the happiness of two families being joined together.

Brothers helping each other swelled the hearts of those who looked on.

The best man, and brother spending final moments together in a kind of solidarity that others cannot understand.

Fathers got to be with daughters, perhaps dreaming of their time under the same circumstances.

Touches exchanged that convey so much more than words ever could between this father and his son.

Never forgetting those moments with the little people that need to be captured.

Seriousness,

and silliness,

and even time for some shenanigans.

Then it all came down to brothers and friends being there for each other.

And thus we come to that moment in time...

when vows are exchanged and the couple looks deep into each other's eyes.  This is where a moment is forged into a forever.

And that forever is shared with those closest.

Then the celebration begins...with a grandpa and his Kaycie.

and brothers being goofy!

Dancing with sons....

cutting cakes...

group hugs...

and baby dances.

I love you big brother (you can see it in their faces)

The bride and groom all alone in their own space.

I'm so proud of you son.

Where has the time gone?

Next up on the wedding train.

New brother and sister taking a spin.

Love her forever, that's all I have to say.

New sisters! The answer to MK's dreams.

The Simple Woman's Day Book 20 May 2014

Outside my window...the sun is shining brightly off the wings of the airplanes parked along the tarmac.  In the terminal it is a climate controlled 66 degrees and all of the people around me remain pleasantly anonymous.  

I am thinking...that it is time for me to be done with all of this traveling.  Much as I like to fly I think that thrill has worn thin this trip and this bird needs to land and stay that way for awhile.

I am thankful for...so much.  God has blessed me, I know this with every fiber of my being, but it has been brought so much to home on this particular trip.  (that is fodder for another blog post)

From the kitchen...? Let's be real. This grandmother isn't going to be doing very much cooking any time soon.  I should probably be walking from NY to SC in order to be able to work off all the the great food that I have consumed in the last 10 days.

I am wearing...jeans and a tee shirt.  One must be comfy, first and foremost, when traveling.

I am hoping...for smooth sailing on this last leg of the trip.  I don't think I can take any drama at this stage in the game.

I am hearing...the sounds of announcements on the PA system, a TV playing off in the distance, and a conversation between two woman close by.

One of my favorite things...the interaction between my family members and the love that they show to each other.

A few plans for the rest of the week...well, I have two large suitcases full of dirty laundry and a mother at the house waiting for me.  That should be sufficient to keep me out of trouble for the near future.

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...

Rehearsal for the big day.  I didn't cry but it was touch and go all the way.

The Simple Woman's Day Book 12 May 2014

Outside my window...the sun is bright, there is a light breeze blowing, the maples are in flower and giving off their perfume and all is right with my world.

I am thinking...about the way that this place is such an integral part of my makeup.  When we stepped out of the terminal in Syracuse the scents of Upstate New York filled my head and I felt a distinct sense of well being.  My body and soul finally were in line with what my mind was telling them, I was home.

I am thankful...for this gift of time at home from my son.  

From the kitchen...I don't know and I don't care.  I am not here for the food but rather for the people.

I am wearing...jeans and my new shirt from Savannah and Kaycie.  It has a butterfly made from Kaycie's feet and a flower made from Savannah's hands.  I am a sucker for those kinds of things.

I am hoping...by some miracle that the next 20 some hours go really slow.  I am trying to savor every second that I am here and with my peeps!  

I am hearing...grackles calling in the trees in front of the house ( I hate to admit that I sort of missed that sound), Grandpa and Layn talking to each other as they do little jobs for Auntie Mate, and Christopher cooing to himself in his saucer.  These are the songs that make up the soundtrack of my life for the last 30 years.

Around the house...there is utter and beautiful chaos!!! the decor is punctuated by suitcases, toys, blankies, and stuffed creatures.  How I have missed the disorder and noise.

One of my favorite things...seeing the way Papa and Layn dote on each other.  Layn has barely left Papa's side since we got here last night.

A few plans for the rest of the week...enjoy, that's my plan.

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...

The men checking out the mud on the skidder.  I love these guys more than I can express.

The Simple Woman's Day Book 5 May 2014

Outside my window...the sun is shining and the temps are already up into the 60's.  Yesterday the thermometer read 86 and it was a gloriously warm day.  For the first time we turned on the AC in the evening just to cool the house down a little.  I am really liking this nice warm sunny weather.

I am thinking...about things to do and the diminishing time that I have to do them in.  

I am thankful....for the man that God gifted me with 31 years ago.  

From the kitchen...I think I will be shifting into warm weather mode.  That means that meals will be simplified to casseroles and sandwiches.  It is not the preferred time of the year to exercise my culinary abilities.

I am wearing...my night shirt.  Though the morning is rapidly heading toward noon it just feels like a good day to take it slow and easy.  

I am hoping...to get some much needed cleaning done today and out of the way for the week.

I am hearing...the dog next door barking at something, the neighbors on the other side packing their car to go somewhere, and the great big silence and tranquility of this house.

Around the house...there are piles of stuff waiting for me to stow them in their designated places.  My sewing area is being picked up and put away in preparation for our trip next week.

One of my favorite things...FaceTime!!!! I love being able to see my children and grandchildren face to face.

A few plans for the rest of the week...after I get done thinking about preparing for our trip I guess I had better start implementing those thought.  I need to shop, pack and clean (not necessarily in that order) so that we are ready to leave and the house and mom are ready for ReNee'.

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...

The wedding ring quilt now has borders and a back and is ready to go on the machine.  I am really pleased and surprised at how this one turned out.

The Simple Woman's Day Book 28 April 2014

Outside my window...the sun is shining with a vengeance!  The weather people are talking about severe storms later with a chance of hail but right now I cannot imagine that happening.  However, on the off chance that they are correct my wonderful husband took the windows off my cold frame so that they don't get broken.  

I am thinking...about words and the power that they wield.  Words have always been important in my life but never so much as they are now.  My situation and circumstance have made it difficult for me to arrange words in my own way so I have had to rely on the words of others to comfort, inspire, and express for me.

I am thankful for...my sister(in law) ReNee' and my brother Tom.  The few short hours that we had together this weekend and your gift of time off for Doug and I have infinite value to both of us.  We love you and thank you.

From the kitchen...I thought simple would be best so there is quiche on the menu tonight.  I hope to make enough to stash some away in the freezer. 

I am wearing...grey capris and a burgundy tank.  It is already quite warm today and the clock hasn't even turned 9 AM.

I am hoping...to get the three quilts piled on my table and the one on the frame quilted this week.  Time and my mother's behavior will tell but that is my goal.

I am hearing...Mr. Cardinal calling to his mate, the whirring of the fan in the ceiling of the porch, and the voices of our backyard neighbors drifting out the open door of their house.

Around the house...all of my crops have sprouted!  Perhaps I will be able to grow food for my family here as I was able to back in New York. 

One of my favorite things...Early mornings alone to observe and revel in the changes that are happening right outside my door.  All of the trees have little baby leaves on them and have already begun to shade the yard and porch.

A few plans for the rest of the week...get mom to the dr. today and hopefully the dog to the groomer as well.  Work on my quilts so that I can get them shipped out by the end of the week and spend my days slowing down time so that I can be

continually in tuned to all of the gifts of God in my life.

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you....

I went shopping for border and binding fabric for the wedding ring quilts and these three are what I came up with.  The picture doesn't do them justice but I really like the way that they bring out the colors in the quilt.

Today's thanks...

Today I am extremely grateful for the feeling that mama's got her mo jo back!  As strange as that may seem to others to me it is a sign that I am back to myself after a long hiatus.  Although I have been able to create all this time, it has been more of a struggle than a pleasure.

 Now the opposite seems to be coming true.  My head is full of colors and textures again and my fingers cannot work fast enough to get all the ideas out.

To all of you who have been a part of this struggle, thanks for the support and the encouragement.  To the Lord of heaven thank you for the grace to endure the dryness and for giving it back to me.

The start of my one thousand thanks.

 Sitting at the sewing machine today with the songs from my teen years playing in the background and the smell of baking bread sets the scene for many reasons to be thankful.  There are so many memories attached to the music and the scents that fill me today.

 Thankfulness for the time, talent, and resources to express myself through my art.  The incredible blessing that is the man I married who not only encourages me but genuinely appreciates what I do.

 MK, I know you will understand my thanks for the ability to do things the way that only I can do them.  With the nice weather and grandma spending so much time outdoors, I am able to spread out, throw fabric around, and make a complete mess while I create.

Drawers left open, piles of books and quilt blocks, and furniture draped in the colors that I am considering today are other reasons that I am thankful.

Only someone totally immersed in what they are doing could function in such utter chaos.

The Simple Woman's Day Book 21 April 2014

Outside my window...the sun is shining brightly and the birds are singing as if they knew that it is Easter Monday and all the world has been redeemed.

I am thinking...about the virtue of patience.  There are folks who pray for patience and grumble because they persist in their impatience.  Mother Angelica has taught me that when you pray for this particular virtue God does not send it to the petitioner.  Rather he sends occasions that are designed to foster patience.  Welcome to the sum of my days.

I am thankful for...family!  I have family all over this crazy planet who love enough to send their Easter wishes and blessings to me.  I only hope that I have been able to convey back to them my thankfulness for them in my life and my wish for God's blessings on their lives.

From the kitchen...bread needs to be baked today and I think a roasted chicken with oven roasted potatoes and a garden salad are on tonight's menu.

I am wearing...navy capris and a green tee.  

I am hoping...that the time in the next three weeks flies by.  I am counting the hours until we fly to NY and see the grandkiddies and then to WA to witness Ryan and Kathleen's wedding.  

I am hearing...birds singing outside, the washer doing it's Monday morning duty, and an airplane taking off from the airport nearby.  These familiar sounds are the soundtrack of my life.

Around the house...the windows and doors are open to the fresh air, there is abundant bird song to punctuate my thoughts, and a definite feeling of belonging in the air.

One of my favorite things...sharing holidays with family.

A few plans for the rest of the week...there are packages to mail, sewing to be done, and life to be lived.  I won't be bored!

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...

You know your man loves you when...

He takes you to see airplanes

old cars...

even older cars...

trucks..

and street musicians.

When he takes you walking in the park...

to see turtles swimming...

and strange metal sculptures.  

Then you love him right back by looking at rocks with him and laughing together all afternoon.

The Simple Woman's Day Book 14 April 2014

Outside my window...the clouds have moved in and it is fixin' to rain today.  We have been spoiled by the last four or five days with sunshine and warmth.  My gardens are dry and it is definitely time for a bit of divine watering.

I am thinking...of family members and the supreme hurt that they can inflict.  How it breaks my heart that members of the same family seem unwilling to understand and would rather take the path of judgment and hurt.

I am thankful...that God has blessed me with the man I have and all of the lessons we two have learned along the way.  Time is too short and love is too big to let little bumps separate us.

From the kitchen...there will be bread in the making.  My man has to have his PB&J's and homemade bread is the only way to go for him.  

I am wearing...jammies!  Ariel and I are having a slow, lazy morning today and it seems that my mom is in no hurry to get up and get going.

I am hoping...that the next couple of weeks fly by! I am beginning to count the days until I go to NY and see my family there and then to Washington to see my son married!

I am hearing...the dishwasher cleaning and sterilizing the bucket to mom's commode, the birds outside the window calling to each other, and the TV spouting the weather forecast.

Around the house...it is shaping up into an inside kind of day.  That is quite all right for me.  I have plenty that needs to be done and a lot more that I want to do.

One of my favorite things...learning new things.  I think I would be happy for the rest of my life if I could spend a major part of it studying and learning.

A few plans for the rest of the week...this is Holy Week! My favorite week, season, time of the year.  This week will be spent contemplating the passion of Christ.  Doug and I started it out last night with our own viewing of The Passion of the Christ.

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...

Doug provided me with a wonderfully interesting and relaxing weekend.  Yesterday afternoon we went to Clemson and walked among the plantings in the Botanical Garden and learned a little SC history in the Geology Museum.

The Simple Woman's Day Book 7 April 2014

Outside my window...it is raining!!!! I think that the building of an ark may be the order of the day! 

I am thinking...of warm days and sunshine!  I took the dog out to do her business and discovered that she is violently opposed to rain! She tiptoed onto the grass right off the driveway, did her thing and ran back into the garage.  Maybe some toilet training might be a good idea.

I am thankful for...a house with no basement, umbrellas, and good books to read.

From the kitchen...all kinds of good things have been in the making this morning.  Since the damp weather makes it difficult for me to sleep I have been up since the wee hours making meatballs, muffins, and biscuits.

I am wearing...jammies, still.  I see no urgency about taking my shower and getting dressed.

I am hoping...that my hubby has a good day today at work and that the rain stops sometime short of flooding!

I am hearing...the dryer tumbling its first load of the week (no clothesline usage today), the rain beating down on the sidewalk out side the door, and my mother scraping the plate to get the last of her breakfast up.

Around the house...it is far too quiet for my liking.  This place could use a few little boys to tumble around and make noise and some little girls to giggle and have their brand of fun.

One of my favorite things...hot coffee, a good book and a cozy shawl crocheted by my daughter.

A few plans for the rest of the week...the usual round of chores along with some quality facetime with my family in NY and Washington.

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...

This is the view out my back door.  

I don't know how well you can see this bird but he and his woman have been coming to the feeder and terrorizing all the other birds.  Their antics crack me up.

The Simple Woman's Day Book 30 March 2014

Outside my window...the sun is up and already warming the great outdoors.  It looks like this day will shape up to be another warm sunny one.  I think that playing in the dirt is definitely on the agenda.

I am thinking...about my feelings of disconnect between living here and reading about what is going on back home.  Flooding has come to the city of Oneida again.  My heart and prayers go out to all those who are experiencing this trial once again.

I am thankful for...the life I live and the people who populate it.  

From the kitchen...I think pulled pork is on the menu today.  I like a meal that I can put in the crock pot and forget until it is time to serve it up.

I am wearing...warm and cozies.  

I am hoping...to get some serious garden planting done today.  My wonderful man built me a cold frame and a lovely raised bed.  Now that it is not raining or cold out there I think that it is time for the spring crops to go into the ground.  

I am hearing...birds singing in the yard (thank you MK for the early Mother's Day gift of a bird feeder and bird house), the dog is snoring away on the bed beside me, and an airplane is revving up to take off at the airport nearby.

Around the house...all is silent and restful.  The weekend was filled with togetherness, nice weather, and stimulating activities now it is time to fill the week with the business of living.

One of my favorite things...finishing off my Sunday by attending Solemn Vespers.  

A few plans for the rest of the week...I expect there will be the usual round of laundry, housework, and cooking (there's no escaping that).  The struggle this week is to fulfill my inside duties before I indulge in outside fun.  

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...

She's wondering when I am coming out to keep her company.

Watch out Greenville here we come!

My beloved daughter, Mary-Kate came to visit for a week!!! What a wonderful time I had in the company of this amazing young woman.  She has grown up to not only be my daughter but my friend as well.  Of course South Carolina will never be the same again but that's just what happens when the two of us get together.

Tuesday we spent the day together talking, sewing, sorting though fabric, and talking some more!  She got to know my dog who promptly defected and fell in love with MK! 

Wednesday we took the day to go out and see what kind of damage we could to to Easley and Greenville.  First a stop at a local thrift shop where MK managed to find the perfect dress for the wedding.  It still had the tags on it and we only paid $7!  Then we were off to Hobby Lobby and then Belk where I, with the help and criticism of my loving daughter, managed to find my dress for the wedding as well. 

With all that seriousness out of the way we headed to Greenville to two of my favorite stores in the area.  At the Mast General Store MK got into the spirit when she saw the shield and swords that were displayed.

But I think the true MK came out when she donned this get up! Beware world the diva cowgirl is out to conquer.

Saturday evening we drove into Pumpkintown (yes that's right folks! complete with a giant pumpkin) to have some ice cream and see the sights there.  Upon entering this store MK found her knight in shining armor and her heart was instantly lost.  He's the tall silent type but she has what it takes to soften his heart.

Alas the fun is over, for now.  But beware South Carolina, MK will be back to take you by storm again.

The Simple Woman's Day Book 24 March 2014

Outside my window...it is darned cold out there! There is a heavy frost on the ground and the temperature is down below freezing!  Even down here in the southland winter seems reluctant to yield to spring.

I am thinking...about the days ahead.  What an enjoyable visit I had with MK this past week.  The warmth of her smile and the sound of her voice will ring out through this house and warm my heart in the days and weeks to come.

I am thankful...for the times that we all get to spend with each other. I love my children so very much and I am greatly proud of the people that they are becoming.

From the kitchen...we will enjoy the rest of the pork and mushroom stew that is left from yesterday.  There is too much to do today to even dream of cooking something.

I am wearing...navy sweatpants and a tee shirt with Eeyore on it.

I am hoping...that today crawls slowly along so I can have every second with MK before I have to take her to the airport.

I am hearing...the dog snoring as she sleeps on the couch next to me, the local news on the TV telling me that it is going to be sunny and cold today, and water running in the bathroom (must be MK is up)

Around the house...there are signs everywhere that a good time was had in the past week.  Dirty floors and piles of dishes speak mute testimony that more important things were accomplished during this visit.

One of my favorite things...visiting with MK and creating beautiful things together.

A few plans for the rest of the week...get through today and then we will see.

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...

Saturday Doug drove up to Pickens to get some slab wood from a sawmill there.  On the way he passed this cute tractor and wagon parked in someone's front lawn. He insisted that we go back and take a picture of it to show Ian.  

The Simple Woman's Day Book 17 March 2014

 

Outside my window...the world is weeping!  Last week's 60's and 70's have given way to 40's and the sunshine has become liquefied.  Last week's taste of Easter is gone.  The Lord seems to be reminding me that it is still Lent and though he lifted my heart briefly the time for mourning and reflection has not yet passed.

 

I am thinking...how readings and meditations that I surely have come across before suddenly seem to take over my consciousness.  The Lord has always put those very words and thoughts before but they were not as significant to my world as they are now and so I didn't pay as close attention as I am now.

 

I am thankful...for the upcoming visit from my daughter.  She will be like a fresh breeze in my world.

 

From the kitchen...there will be Ruebens on the menu.  That's as close as I am coming to corned beef and cabbage.

 

I am wearing...jammies. Yes, it is after 9AM and I am still not ready for the day. 

 

I am reading...nothing!I have given up trying to read anything.  The inmate gets into trouble whenever I get into a book.

 

I am hoping..to get a lots of things done today so that they aren't interfering with my visit with MK this week.  Shhhh! Don't tell mom that.

 

I am hearing...Ariel drinking from her bowl, mom clacking her Duplos together as she builds something, and the priest on TV talking about something.

 

Around the house...it is too quiet, too neat, and too organized! I need little kid clutter, noise, and chaos.

 

One of my favorite things...hearing Layn's little voice saying, "Good morning, Marya!"

 

A few plans for the rest of the week...first I have to stop the clocks so that time no longer flies! Then I am going to enjoy every minute with MK.

 

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...

I love this man beyond description.

The Simple Woman's Day Book 10 March 2014

 

Outside my window...the sun is shining brightly and it is already warming up nicely.  The weather guys are calling for highs in the 70's and you are not going to hear complaints from this zip code!!

 

I am thinking...with excitement about the week to come. One week from today my beloved daughter will be coming to visit and there is much to do.  I resolve not to let anyone or anything mar the excitement of anticipation or the joy of being with MK for one whole week.

 

I am thankful for...sunshine, green grass, soft breezes, porch swings, and a dog to keep me company when my love is off to work.

 

From the kitchen...bread will be baked today along with something good for my husband's supper.  I think scalloped potatoes and ham will be just the thing.

 

I am wearing...navy capris and a green tee.  Somehow I have to get some kind of workout in today so I have to be ready.  Maybe a long walk later on when it really warms up.

 

I am reading...Lady Almina Corcarvan and the real Downton Abbey

 

I am hoping...to get some sewing done this week.  There are a heap of projects in my future and I need to stay on top of the ever growing pile.

 

I am hearing...the red birds and jays calling in the back yard, Ariel barking at the neighbor kids behind us (they can no longer ride their bikes down our back hill!) and the clack of the duplos as mom builds whatever is in her mind.

 

Around the house...the floors, bathrooms, dusting, and kitchen are all done. My charge is bathed and fed and has already enjoyed the mass on TV.  Though the sun shines and calls me to come out and play there is still baking and laundry to fill my Monday.

 

One of my favorite things...evocative smells.  With the dearth of Maple trees around here I fear that I am going to be deprived of that soft young scent of budding Maples that always heralds Spring in New York State.

 

A few plans for the rest of the week....prepare for the coming of MK!!!!  All the while being sure to maintain my normal duties and not forget that it is Lent and so to continue my Lenten practices.

 

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you...

The whole weekend was spend out in the fresh air and sunshine.  Just as with my kids when they were little people we reaped the benefits of Mom being out all weekend long.  She slept peacefully all Saturday and Sunday nights.

A tribute

My son, Jason, is an over-the-road trucker.  That's his truck pictured above.  When he got the job as a trucker I was of two minds about it.  Jason has always been a natural driver.  Since the first time that he drove a tractor and backed up a tractor, baler and wagon he has had my unfailing admiration for his skill. I have difficulty backing up a car in an empty parking lot without putting everyone within miles in danger.  On the other hand Jason has always been a hothead (a trait that he comes by honestly) and I wondered if he would have difficulty with his temper out on the road.

Its his mother that should be feared for.  Jason comes back with stories of all the idiots that he encounters while he is out driving and all I can do is marvel that he has yet to lash out and kill someone.

Since moving my inclination toward road rage has increased 1000%.  (this is not a rant against southerners) Every time I have to go somewhere I am forced to travel on a major highway.  Back home that was not true.  We lived in a agricultural community and most of my commutes took me on back country roads and if that wasn't necessarily the route I would deliberately take back roads as much as I could so as to avoid other drivers and to be able to enjoy the scenery.  Now, I suppose that option is open to me here as well but since I am a newcomer obviously I do not know the back way to get there.

One of these days I either need to take a leaf from my son's book and learn a little patience for the other drivers on the road or I am going to end up being one of the vehicles in these pictures. 

My hat is off to you, Jason, for your perseverance in the face of those who are not only inconsiderate but also impatient when they are on the road.  (don't get me started about the phone callers, make-up artists, texters, and those who insist on reading their mail while behind the wheel)  Stay safe my son.

A Pre-Lenten Reflection

     Being recollected, this phrase from Father's sermon keeps twining its way through my thoughts. It is rapidly becoming the purpose and focus of my upcoming Lent.
     Everyone of us, in his own way, gets enmeshed in life, the daily obligations and goals that we set, to the point that to remain recollected to God is often a huge struggle.  Inside we each feel the need and pull to be in his presence and yet we respond, more often, to the pull of other obligations as something that is greater.
     I have also noted that each time I publically encourage my own struggle through blog posts and FB statuses to that effect, others respond with thanks and an acknowledgment of their own struggle.  So, along with the notion of being recollected myself comes the idea of encouraging others.  If we all strive to share quotes, prayers, or thoughts that inspire personally these inspirations will be out there to inspire all who read them.  Perhaps instead of giving up FB we can flood it with recollections of God and his place in our lives and make it less a place of triviality and more a place of depth.

The Simple Woman's Day Book 3 March 2014

 

Outside my window...there is a light rain falling.  Though it is only March the scent of the rain is like that in early April back in New York.  The new grass that Doug planted is greening up and the bare ground is contributing its earthy (pardon the pun) odor to the world today.

 

I am thinking...that no matter how "over things" one thinks one is there is always a situation that can convince you to the contrary.

 

I am thankful...for the Catholic faith and the sacrament of confession.  There is nothing more freeing and cleansing than guilt and the proper response to it.

 

From the kitchen...there are black beans and chicken on the menu!!!!  This girl loves her some black beans.

 

I am wearing...flannel jammies.  The damp weather has made the arthuritis rear its ugly head.

 

I am reading...The Book of Job in the Bible.

 

I am hoping...to get Kathleen's quilt top finished and shipped this week. I have a pile of sewing to do for my grand babies and I am eager to get to it.

 

I am hearing...the sound of the rain splashing in the birdbath outside the window, the dog snoring in the livingroom, and the news playing on the TV.

 

Around the house...I look at the changes and wonder what my father would say about it all.  I think he would be pleased by the grass that is growing and the fence posts that are in the ground.  I like to think that he and Doug would have rolled up their sleeves and dig in to conquer the earth and make that yard behave.

 

One of my favorite things...the changing of the seasons.  That doesn't seem to mean the same thing here in the southland as it did back home.

 

A few plans for the rest of the week...prepare myself and my patient (as much as she is able) for the coming season of Lent.  I look forward to Lent every year. I wonder what this year's Lent will bring as far as sanctifying experience is concerned.

 

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you... 

I thought that I had gotten a dog. I guess she defected!  Actually when I got her home it was love at first sight, at least on her part.