First Anniversary

Today is the first anniversary of my husband Gary's death. He died one year ago today at 1:15 p.m. This has at times been a very difficult week but with the Lord's help, the prayers of my church family, and my special group of friends (and you all know who you are) I have made it through the hardest part, or at least I think so.

Monday will be the day that his funeral was held and the last time I saw him. I know he is in heaven celebrating and singing and not missing this life at all. Praise God he is not suffering any longer! I know we will see each other again and that Gary will be right there when I leave this world and enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I don't have a clue what tomorrow will bring but I do know where my eternity will be.

However, I do miss my husband and my children are far away so today I miss family. I miss the us that made us a couple and a family of 5. I miss my man hugs, intimate laughter, being called "Precious," sitting on the sofa holding hands, and running errands together. I miss much more than I can write on this page.

My advice, especially since no one asked for it, don't take the little things for granted, it's not worth the disagreement or argument, children grow up WAY too fast, and know, really know that life can change in an instant.......

"There's No Place Like Home..."

Yes, Toto I am home! I arrived back in North Carolina this past Monday and have been busy since I landed. I work part time and have spent the week playing catch up at work and my yard needed mowing and clothes needed to be washed and I had to unpack and put stuff away and I still haven't made it to the grocery store! What's a girl to do? I have been tired but not able to sleep and just have that plain "I don't want to do nothing" feeling. And in my case I don't do nothing. So now I am so far behind in the little stuff that the big stuff will begin to get behind. I think I'll probably be behind when I die. Anyone else out there feel that way?

Anyway, I need to leave the Emerald City and get back to Kansas. Hang in there Toto we are only a wish away!

Flower Power

Today I went to The Flower Fields of Carlsbad Ranch (www.theflowerfields.com) and it was amazing. I have never seen such rows of flowers in my life. There was a rose garden as well as a poinsettia house. There is no way to put the 72 pictures I took on this blog. The colors were just breath taking and the fragrance was heavenly. The fields are Ranunculus, butter cup family, and I purchase a bunch of red ones as a reminder of today plus a package of yellow bulbs and purple bulbs to plant in my own garden once I get home. They also have a nursery and the flowers and plants are huge and at a great price. They have some wonderful yard art, bird feeders, seeds and bulbs. It was just the best way to spend the afternoon. The only thing is it began to drizzle rain and the wind picked up which made it cold. I would like to go back when it is sunny and warm. This was great eye candy provided by my MAKER! Grow where you are planted........

"It Never Rains in Southern California..."

Once again I am in California to dog sit my son and daughter in love's dog Zeus. I have been here since April 6 and they left for Greece on April 8. My son Nick is currently in Ireland and will not be home until probably May 5. Something is very wrong with this picture. Why am I not out of the country enjoying myself? I must reconsider this question and step out of my comfort zone and try to go somewhere new and exciting. I am having a great time here and have plenty of time alone with the Lord and look forward to the days ahead. I am beginning a new Bible study called "Stepping Up" by Beth Moore. Plus having quiet time to pray and reflect. I am looking forward to Easter and going to church out here. I hope and pray everyone has a great Easter and that the Lord will bless each of your family! Hoppy Easter!

Cold and Flu Season and Sinus Season

Don't you hate getting a cold, flu or sinus infection? If you don't cure it with OTC meds adding up to the hundreds then you wind up going to the doctor for another couple of hundred in order to cure the common cold! Being able to blow your nose and rid your head of the sinus congestion is worth millions when it is currently happening to you. But then after all is said and done you regret spending the money it took to feel better.

This week I finally went to the doctor on Wednesday after originally saying that I would give myself until Friday (today) to feel better was worth the $90 dollars in antibiotics and the cost of the office visit. I still am unsure as to how I got this since I was in California until last Saturday. I guess I could have gotten it from the plane ride out, because we all know that the air is recirculated, or whether walking the dog and getting hot then cooling off to quickly was to blame. Anyway, it was my time.

So my dears, be sure to wash your hands often, drink lots of fluids, don't breathe plane air or walk a dog, and take every precaution possible in order to NOT catch the cold, flu or sinus bugs that are going around this season.

Vitamin C ya!

LOL

LOL in this case means "Locks of Love" which is what my son did with the 14 or so inches of beautiful red hair that he had cut off recently. Nick's doing his student teaching at a school in Watagua County and has decided that it was time to look like a teacher. He will be leaving on March 25 to go to Ireland to participate in a student teaching program there. He will graduate in May from Appalachian State University! I am soooo proud of him and his accomplishments. Plus he looks so cute with his new hair style. I love you Nick!

Snow Bound with Rudolph

This is what I woke up to this morning! This is my front porch and steps with about 2-3 inches of fresh snow. I have spent the past two days inside with a nice warm fire and very comfortable clothes, which in other words means pj's. I have really enjoyed the alone time and have gotten a few things completed. However, it is very hard to get too motivated when its cold outside and all you want to do is watch the food network!

This is my find last Friday while my friends Carol, Sherry and I were out "Junk'n" This is the whole Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer gang! I found them at one of our local Goodwill shops at the amazing price of 50 cents each a great buy for $5. I can't wait to decorate with them at Christmas.

I hope that wherever you are you are warn and cozy and have access to hot chocolate!