Friday, May 13, 2011
Weather, can you believe it?
How can we have 90 degree weather and 40 degree weather in the same week? It's Iowa. Spring is here, that is so nice to see. But, I could live without this variation in temperature for sure. This is not the first time we have had something like this. It probably won't be the last time either. BUT, the older I get, the rougher it is to get through. On to happier things. Today we watched the birds on our patio on and off all afternoon. The hummingbirds humming. The Orioles eating the orange halves Larry put up. Other birds we cannot identify for sure fighting the orioles for turf. Our plants are greening and growing full force. The warm weather and the rain the other night have sent the grass into high gear along with those pesky weeds. Our morning glories are planted. The straw like flowers I cannot remember the name of right now are planted. The Nicotania is planted by the garden gate. The wildflowers are sown in the Sun garden. I pulled some up last fall trying to get some sort of order back. Larry ended up tilling the weeds out to help me not have to be on my knees weeding. Thank you dh. We babysat for Hunter several times this past week. It truly makes the time go fast. He is my true Joy. He is so loving and still likes to climb on my lap every once in a while. I will miss that when he stops and I know that time is not far away. He likes to tease me when I ask for a hug. I understand it, but I don't like it. He is 5 now and the child is quickly growing into a little man. We got to take him to get his hair cut the other day when we watched him. He sat very still and flirted with us the entire time while he was in the chair. We could not see him because of a curtain, but the mirror reflected so that we could watch a little bit. Lacey's friend from high school was the one who cut it. She is very good. I had a coupon for a 6.99 plus tax. I have wandered all over the place in this post, but so be it. I follow where my mind travels. Goodnight Moon.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Spring has come again, Yay!
Sometimes we think after a long, long, long winter, that Spring just may not come at all. But, it does, thank goodness. We have had a week of Sun now, and that feels so good. However, the wind just blows and blows and blows. It is rough on the flowers that dh planted, beating them nearly to pieces. The tulips are blooming, but won't last long if this wind continues. The daffodills and Hyacinths were so pretty this year. I thought the daffodills got frosted, but they came out of it just fine. We had enjoyed the crocus a few weeks ago when it was cold, rainy and dreary. They peeked out and did well inspite of the weather. We have planted petunias in the windowbox and morning glorys by the fence. Also nicotania by the gate. Wildflowers in the Sun garden. The lawn needs mowing and the ground is hard and worn looking for need of rain. We are supposed to get some Thursday. Spring always makes me feel better. Just getting out in the fresh air and sunshine does wonders. We also have birds coming in. We saw hummingbirds for a couple of days, but have not seen any the past couple of days. We saw orioles and put out some orange halves for them to feed upon. Today brought on the first true heat of the season. It has gotten up to over 94 degrees today. It might even reach 100. I hope not. Too early for that. We had to turn on the AC reluctantly. It is to be cooler the rest of the week with Friday ending up with a high of only 63ish. This heat might bring thunderstorms. I hope it won't bring any severe storms or tornados. This has been a bad season already for tornados. Many people have been killed down south. Hunter is staying with us overnight. Ava has been in the hospital and Lacey was to go down after work to stay over at Ronald McDonald house, but the hospital released her a couple of hours ago now. She and Lacey are on the way home. She had to go to Des Moines last Thursday again. She seems to be ending up there about every month or so. I have a feeling this will just be our new norm. I feel the time slipping by and I personally think that this is the progression of her condition. It will continue like this until the end. This is my predicition. We have adjusted to her going to Blank often. I don't even get too worried anymore. It has become part of our routine. It has to be wearing on the kids though. I know it is on Hunter. He continues to be brave and pretty much normal. He usually gets to stay with us and he likes that so much. He is getting so tall! We got his haircut today. I had gotten a coupon for 6.99 and that is reasonable for his short hair. He sat really still and grinned at us in the mirror while his hair was removed. Grandpa is going to run him a bath after the movie we are now watching. Monsters, Inc. (cute movie) That catches us up on most everything. My Dad has had a bad cold and it is hanging on, but so far he is getting better slowly. Larry has had a bad cold too and just got back on his feet a couple of days ago. I only got a touch of it this time. Jesse and Lacey both had bad colds too. lacey still sounds like she has a cold even though she is feeling much better. She had to take off work early today. She has to be so tired out. She went to the Sugarland Concert in Miniapolis last weekend. She said it was a great concert and that she enjoyed going to it even though Scott had to miss it and was in Des Moines with Ava most of the time. I have been doing as much scrapbooking as I can. Last weekend was garage sale days in Manson and I found a few things. I have to watch it or I will spend way too much money on this obsession. I have not gotten tired of it though, there are so many ways to go with it. I have ventured into the Art Journal side of creating also. I find it uplifting even though frustrating in the design part of it. I am still battling the fear of doing it wrong. Very common I know, but still frustrating. That is all for this time, byebye!
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Spring Breaks!
As in "Morning Breaks upon the Hill".
That is how I felt today when the Sun finally decided to shine again. The lovely day was a gift, that is certain. The Flowers are breaking through the soil again. They are such a wonderful, welcome sight. The rains and storms of earlier have given way, or broken to let the Spring begin, or break through the clouds. What a lovely thought that is. What a gorgeous day today was, such a gift! We were able to be out in it also, that is another "break". We went to town to find the few Garage Sales that are now starting again. I found a few treasures there, two CDs. They will be put to much use as I walk ever faster on my walking route. I will have to begin to write down my miles again. I took a short break from it for various reasons. I was burned out from walking on the Eliptical. I wanted Spring so much that I could no longer bear to work out on my machine in the dark, cool spare room. Yes, I realize it was a mental block, but a good one. Now I am once again "out there". It feels so good to get the blood moving again.
We also had our first grilled Hamburgers tonight when I returned from my almost 3 mile walk. I did not want to stop walking, but alas, my Body did! I have recently had yet another Birthday. This is One I have celebrated more than any other since my Birth 56 years ago. You see, this year, I am GLAD to still be alive! With the Health problems I have been facing, it is so good just to celebrate LIFE!....
I also chose to forget the Cake. No sense having it around to tempt me after my special day was over. I had a slice of Cake at Applebee's and that was just enough to make me happy.
Hopefully now, the medicine is under control. I had a frustrating day chasing from Pharmacy to Pharmacy to aquire my newest prescription. My Surgeon increased my dosage on my new medicine. She said one spell was one spell to many. I now feel like an old person in that I am taking 6 pills in the morning and 1 at night. 2 Blood pressure, 1 Heart, 1 Water, 1 Mood, 1 Vitamin. I guess I should be happy in that we found out about my problems before they became critical, or I died. I should have known but boy does denial work well. How could it be otherwise when I was so heavy most of my Life, I didn't exercise enough, and I did not eat for Healthful purpose.
See what I mean about choices? Finally I see! I had blinders on for way too many years.
Live and Learn they say. I could have DIED and my Family had to learn upon losing me. Now my children are doing everything they can to improve their own Health. Guess we all had a real wake up call this time. It is nice to see Family members learn from my mistakes. It feels wonderful just to wake up in the morning. You see, with my Heart problems, I could have just gone to sleep and died during it. Some have...many more than anyone will ever know I am sure.
I have printed out a saying to put in two places. One here on my Computer monitor, the other on my Fridge. It changed my Life one step at a time. I put the messages there when I began this Weight Loss Journey several years ago. I have to credit Oprah and Dr. Phil first of all. From watching others succeed on their shows and websites, I finally began the effort for the last time. Finally I realize I AM WORTH IT. No matter what the cost, I will continue to lose and get healthier. There are 4 other people I must give credit to as well.
The first is my Dearest Mother who's illness and Death jump started me. My Grandson Tyler who as a baby made me realize that I wanted to live to see him grow up.
My Lovely, Sweet, Caring Niece Carla who was there when I needed support when I was almost ready to give up for the 21st time. Last but not least, ME. I at last know
that I am worth fixing. No matter what caused the bent me...I knew deep down inside that no one else could take charge and care enough to save me BUT me.
Also it goes without saying that the members of my Weight Loss Group have been there with tips and hugs since last June. Christy Meyer has been the best Leader I have ever had. She always knows just what I need to hear to succeed one more week. Even when I was faultering, she never gave up. The other members were there for me also. I always have felt so at home with this group. We are becoming a true Family, each helping the other when the encouragement is needed. I will be a member a year this coming June. I know that even if I do not make it to goal by then, that it is only a matter of time until I do. I decided before I walked in that door this time, there were not any excuses to fail this time. I have to do it for good, forever, and for my Family, and lastly for ME.
Spring is a time of renewal, a chance for a new start. It feels so good to get out there and see the Flowers and Grass become green again. The air is taking on a fresh smell again. All is well. Time to heal begins again. Never give up on yourself. The only person who can truly love you is you. You have to begin to like yourself just as you are now, before you can learn to love yourself. It has taken me a very long time to stop beating myself up for things that I had no control over. I can control the food going into my body at last. I am stopping to smell the Flowers instead of eating every food that I could find.
When I finally admitted to myself that what I was doing was a slow way to die, I woke up and decided to begin to Live my Second Life. The one I have always hidden from.
So, I will end this article with a wish for all reading this. Take time to care for yourself. If you don't begin to put yourself first, no one else ever will either.
HUG yourself every day. I do. It may seem a silly thing to do, but it really does feel remarkable. Now I do it without worrying what anyone else will think.
Have a good week, see you soon when the writing bug strikes again. It seems to be doing so often now.
ByeBye for now,
Katie
That is how I felt today when the Sun finally decided to shine again. The lovely day was a gift, that is certain. The Flowers are breaking through the soil again. They are such a wonderful, welcome sight. The rains and storms of earlier have given way, or broken to let the Spring begin, or break through the clouds. What a lovely thought that is. What a gorgeous day today was, such a gift! We were able to be out in it also, that is another "break". We went to town to find the few Garage Sales that are now starting again. I found a few treasures there, two CDs. They will be put to much use as I walk ever faster on my walking route. I will have to begin to write down my miles again. I took a short break from it for various reasons. I was burned out from walking on the Eliptical. I wanted Spring so much that I could no longer bear to work out on my machine in the dark, cool spare room. Yes, I realize it was a mental block, but a good one. Now I am once again "out there". It feels so good to get the blood moving again.
We also had our first grilled Hamburgers tonight when I returned from my almost 3 mile walk. I did not want to stop walking, but alas, my Body did! I have recently had yet another Birthday. This is One I have celebrated more than any other since my Birth 56 years ago. You see, this year, I am GLAD to still be alive! With the Health problems I have been facing, it is so good just to celebrate LIFE!....
I also chose to forget the Cake. No sense having it around to tempt me after my special day was over. I had a slice of Cake at Applebee's and that was just enough to make me happy.
Hopefully now, the medicine is under control. I had a frustrating day chasing from Pharmacy to Pharmacy to aquire my newest prescription. My Surgeon increased my dosage on my new medicine. She said one spell was one spell to many. I now feel like an old person in that I am taking 6 pills in the morning and 1 at night. 2 Blood pressure, 1 Heart, 1 Water, 1 Mood, 1 Vitamin. I guess I should be happy in that we found out about my problems before they became critical, or I died. I should have known but boy does denial work well. How could it be otherwise when I was so heavy most of my Life, I didn't exercise enough, and I did not eat for Healthful purpose.
See what I mean about choices? Finally I see! I had blinders on for way too many years.
Live and Learn they say. I could have DIED and my Family had to learn upon losing me. Now my children are doing everything they can to improve their own Health. Guess we all had a real wake up call this time. It is nice to see Family members learn from my mistakes. It feels wonderful just to wake up in the morning. You see, with my Heart problems, I could have just gone to sleep and died during it. Some have...many more than anyone will ever know I am sure.
I have printed out a saying to put in two places. One here on my Computer monitor, the other on my Fridge. It changed my Life one step at a time. I put the messages there when I began this Weight Loss Journey several years ago. I have to credit Oprah and Dr. Phil first of all. From watching others succeed on their shows and websites, I finally began the effort for the last time. Finally I realize I AM WORTH IT. No matter what the cost, I will continue to lose and get healthier. There are 4 other people I must give credit to as well.
The first is my Dearest Mother who's illness and Death jump started me. My Grandson Tyler who as a baby made me realize that I wanted to live to see him grow up.
My Lovely, Sweet, Caring Niece Carla who was there when I needed support when I was almost ready to give up for the 21st time. Last but not least, ME. I at last know
that I am worth fixing. No matter what caused the bent me...I knew deep down inside that no one else could take charge and care enough to save me BUT me.
Also it goes without saying that the members of my Weight Loss Group have been there with tips and hugs since last June. Christy Meyer has been the best Leader I have ever had. She always knows just what I need to hear to succeed one more week. Even when I was faultering, she never gave up. The other members were there for me also. I always have felt so at home with this group. We are becoming a true Family, each helping the other when the encouragement is needed. I will be a member a year this coming June. I know that even if I do not make it to goal by then, that it is only a matter of time until I do. I decided before I walked in that door this time, there were not any excuses to fail this time. I have to do it for good, forever, and for my Family, and lastly for ME.
Spring is a time of renewal, a chance for a new start. It feels so good to get out there and see the Flowers and Grass become green again. The air is taking on a fresh smell again. All is well. Time to heal begins again. Never give up on yourself. The only person who can truly love you is you. You have to begin to like yourself just as you are now, before you can learn to love yourself. It has taken me a very long time to stop beating myself up for things that I had no control over. I can control the food going into my body at last. I am stopping to smell the Flowers instead of eating every food that I could find.
When I finally admitted to myself that what I was doing was a slow way to die, I woke up and decided to begin to Live my Second Life. The one I have always hidden from.
So, I will end this article with a wish for all reading this. Take time to care for yourself. If you don't begin to put yourself first, no one else ever will either.
HUG yourself every day. I do. It may seem a silly thing to do, but it really does feel remarkable. Now I do it without worrying what anyone else will think.
Have a good week, see you soon when the writing bug strikes again. It seems to be doing so often now.
ByeBye for now,
Katie
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Spring Anew!
The First Day of Spring!
This year, as in others I am sure, Spring decided to arrive
in her winter coat!
She came in with Fur and Muff and High boots...like a Fancy Lady
all Decked out for a Winter Party.
She danced in and around and around and twirled and flounced
and bounded across the States of the Midwest like She owned them
(as you know, she does).
For 2 days now She has darted and weaved and blown from here
to there and back home again doing what Mother Nature and Spring
are so very good at doing.
She messed up and covered up and laid moisture where it was well
needed in a way that she has not done since the start of this
Winter last year.
Lucky for us, we planned on staying in just in case such a
thing happened.
Though we were only supposed to get a covering to about an inch,
the dear Mother decided to show those Weather Navens a thing or
two and to remind us that Computers can only give an estimated
track and arrival. They still miss once in a while....this too
is Mother Nature's Whim.
(Isn't she Grand? I am glad she can still fool us!)
St. Patrick's Day is just past and we had not had very much
accumulation of snow all winter. We have been lucky in this
area of the state in that we have gotten
more rain than snow.
I have to admit how pretty things are, and how nicely the
snow came down.
It was a pretty snow, a heavy snow, and a very wet moist snow.
The kind that makes sloppy wet snowmen and Snowsuits get
drenched in and Mittens won't stay dry in.
But, Oh what fun it can be if one does not have to
get out and travel in it!
This will also give us something to remember as Spring stops
teasing us and finally arrives. May She soon shed that Coat
and let us see her in all her Spring Glory!
The Robins are back and I bet they are going "What the?" right
about now.
The tulips are up about 2 inches, so Spring cannot be far behind.
We will have double again the tulips we had Spring before last.
The last Spring, frost got them and they did not produce
very well. I have many pictures of the year before to remember,
so that will help again! Remembering is such fun, right?
The Sun is trying to come out now, and the temperature is
climbing slowly up from the 27 degree low it gave us this
morning. It snowed all night and afternoon yesterday.
Then this morning it snowed until around Ten A.M.
Hubby stayed home and Daughters all were safe with their
families, so I did not need to worry about that sort of thing.
We have become pretty good hermits when the roads get bad
anymore. No venturing out unless there is some Dire need,
and that seldom happens.
I often worry about what if someone would have to journey to
the Hospital or some such in Storms like these. Schools were
delayed this morning, but did not hear of many Cancellations.
Jodee and Tyler stayed home yesterday and had a "Snow Day".
It is nice to watch my Children raising their Children. It is good
to see the Happiness second hand that I remember first hand from
when my 3 Lovely Daughters were babies and young children.
Lacey and Scott were very very Happy to return homw to be with
Hunter. Soon they will be building Snowmen too!
Jesse and Todd will have to venture out to have a
Snowball fight and Sweep the Walks together.
This Spring will be a NEW Glory for me. I will again be able
to FEEL things that I had become Numb to and did not
even realize it.
My Health has become an issue, and I will do everything in
my power to regain my fitness level. I would say like when
I was young, but I am in better shape now than I ever was
way back then. I will take care of my Heart AND Mind.
I have taken an interest in my writing again. I want to follow
through on this now because I have been inspired and feel
the "need", the "lust", and the Passion to put down on paper
what goes around in my Head.
Whatever happens, it will be for the good of my Family and myself
that I take this journey, whether successful or not. I will be so
by just writing and feeling good about the process.
Yes, deep down inside I still question my talents. But, from what
I have been reading, even the most successful artists sometimes,
maybe all the time, have these feelings of Self Doubt.
I remember hearing that the only real failure is the failure to try.
That will become my Mantra.
I TRY!
At Last!
Spring is here in my HEART also!
Good luck my Dear Friends, until we meet again!
Take time to Hug youself today, you deserve it!
Katie
This year, as in others I am sure, Spring decided to arrive
in her winter coat!
She came in with Fur and Muff and High boots...like a Fancy Lady
all Decked out for a Winter Party.
She danced in and around and around and twirled and flounced
and bounded across the States of the Midwest like She owned them
(as you know, she does).
For 2 days now She has darted and weaved and blown from here
to there and back home again doing what Mother Nature and Spring
are so very good at doing.
She messed up and covered up and laid moisture where it was well
needed in a way that she has not done since the start of this
Winter last year.
Lucky for us, we planned on staying in just in case such a
thing happened.
Though we were only supposed to get a covering to about an inch,
the dear Mother decided to show those Weather Navens a thing or
two and to remind us that Computers can only give an estimated
track and arrival. They still miss once in a while....this too
is Mother Nature's Whim.
(Isn't she Grand? I am glad she can still fool us!)
St. Patrick's Day is just past and we had not had very much
accumulation of snow all winter. We have been lucky in this
area of the state in that we have gotten
more rain than snow.
I have to admit how pretty things are, and how nicely the
snow came down.
It was a pretty snow, a heavy snow, and a very wet moist snow.
The kind that makes sloppy wet snowmen and Snowsuits get
drenched in and Mittens won't stay dry in.
But, Oh what fun it can be if one does not have to
get out and travel in it!
This will also give us something to remember as Spring stops
teasing us and finally arrives. May She soon shed that Coat
and let us see her in all her Spring Glory!
The Robins are back and I bet they are going "What the?" right
about now.
The tulips are up about 2 inches, so Spring cannot be far behind.
We will have double again the tulips we had Spring before last.
The last Spring, frost got them and they did not produce
very well. I have many pictures of the year before to remember,
so that will help again! Remembering is such fun, right?
The Sun is trying to come out now, and the temperature is
climbing slowly up from the 27 degree low it gave us this
morning. It snowed all night and afternoon yesterday.
Then this morning it snowed until around Ten A.M.
Hubby stayed home and Daughters all were safe with their
families, so I did not need to worry about that sort of thing.
We have become pretty good hermits when the roads get bad
anymore. No venturing out unless there is some Dire need,
and that seldom happens.
I often worry about what if someone would have to journey to
the Hospital or some such in Storms like these. Schools were
delayed this morning, but did not hear of many Cancellations.
Jodee and Tyler stayed home yesterday and had a "Snow Day".
It is nice to watch my Children raising their Children. It is good
to see the Happiness second hand that I remember first hand from
when my 3 Lovely Daughters were babies and young children.
Lacey and Scott were very very Happy to return homw to be with
Hunter. Soon they will be building Snowmen too!
Jesse and Todd will have to venture out to have a
Snowball fight and Sweep the Walks together.
This Spring will be a NEW Glory for me. I will again be able
to FEEL things that I had become Numb to and did not
even realize it.
My Health has become an issue, and I will do everything in
my power to regain my fitness level. I would say like when
I was young, but I am in better shape now than I ever was
way back then. I will take care of my Heart AND Mind.
I have taken an interest in my writing again. I want to follow
through on this now because I have been inspired and feel
the "need", the "lust", and the Passion to put down on paper
what goes around in my Head.
Whatever happens, it will be for the good of my Family and myself
that I take this journey, whether successful or not. I will be so
by just writing and feeling good about the process.
Yes, deep down inside I still question my talents. But, from what
I have been reading, even the most successful artists sometimes,
maybe all the time, have these feelings of Self Doubt.
I remember hearing that the only real failure is the failure to try.
That will become my Mantra.
I TRY!
At Last!
Spring is here in my HEART also!
Good luck my Dear Friends, until we meet again!
Take time to Hug youself today, you deserve it!
Katie
Spring Rain (written March 26th of 2004)
I sit here wondering If Spring will ever come...and now finally I begin to see signs....the grass is greening, the Robins have returned....and at last the days are warming up....from 30 to 50 wahooo!
The flowers are struggling to break through the hardened winter ground, and succeeding at last to do so.
THe dogw will go outside and be willing to stay for awhile without barking and wanting back in....
I have hopes of no more snow this year...but past years have proven that we may have snow well into April.
I tried to deny the last Snowstorma nd that didn't stop it, just made me totally unprepared and lost while drivng in it. I made my destination safely but had some nerves to calm down afterwards.
Luckily it did not last very long this year. No blowing or closing of schools as in past winters.
Today is warm but foggy and it is raining. This is what makes flowers grow and Spring come and Winter go away......I think as I sit and find the positive slant on things....like the old song said, accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative...
I WILL the glass to be half full again, no more half emtpy.
See you next time My friends
The flowers are struggling to break through the hardened winter ground, and succeeding at last to do so.
THe dogw will go outside and be willing to stay for awhile without barking and wanting back in....
I have hopes of no more snow this year...but past years have proven that we may have snow well into April.
I tried to deny the last Snowstorma nd that didn't stop it, just made me totally unprepared and lost while drivng in it. I made my destination safely but had some nerves to calm down afterwards.
Luckily it did not last very long this year. No blowing or closing of schools as in past winters.
Today is warm but foggy and it is raining. This is what makes flowers grow and Spring come and Winter go away......I think as I sit and find the positive slant on things....like the old song said, accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative...
I WILL the glass to be half full again, no more half emtpy.
See you next time My friends
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Dreary Spring
Cold, Rainy, Drizzle, Foggy days sprinkled in between Sunny, Bright, Blustery Days that pass rapidly.
This is still the best Spring ever.
No matter what the weather has been like, I vote yes to it.
I think back to past Springs and how they were. Time has such a way of whizzing by. I found myself wishing for days to pass so rapidly. I have always tried to be happy where I am, to bloom where I am planted.
Only during the past few years has this become difficult to do.
I suppose it is a normal aging progression, but that did not make it any easier to get through.
I have fond memories of Springs past. Time of renewal. New Birth.
The Earth coming to life again after a Winter of lying dormant.
Children finally able to run outside and play and have fun without coats and snow and mud. Ok, the mud is still there, but bearable.
I think of my Heritage and the Great Grandparents and decided that a bit of cleaning and scrubbing is nothing compared to how and what they survived.
Little girl giggles while they slide down the slide in our yard.
Puppy squiggles and wriggles and the girls chasing the puppy around the tree.
The first time the kiddie pool gets filled with water.
Daffodils crawling up out of a musty smelling depth and
reaching for the sun.
I learned one time at a nature meeting about the wild flowers
and weeds that are edible. I fried Dandelions in egg and flour batter a few Springs after that class. My Daughters loved having them and would ask me when they saw them bloom the first time when we could cook them.
The many times I was given a hand picked Dandelion bouquet...you
could not ask for better flowers, not even a Dozen Roses compares to the look of love in the eyes of the ones giving that gift to me.
Looking back and remembering those days is a joy to me.
A true gift.
I see how blessed I am. I am loved. I am more than I could ever have been alone. I am my Children, they are me.
They still phone me often. I still phone them too. We connect.
Now they are starting their own families. Spring if full of busy, hurried tasks and they are now the ones going outside and playing with children and watching them get muddy and possibly pick Dandelion bouquets for their Mommies.
It is a time of renewal for all of us. I can recall and record
times when they were growing so that when their own children ask,
they can ask Gramma Kate "What was my Mommie like when she was little?"
I will be there to tell them of the wonderful times we had in Spring. How we went Camping and each pet the girls had.
How we went to pick up our long loved puppy Moki, who was born in early Spring. How we used to go to the park and what their favorite cool Drink was.
Yes, this is definately the best Spring ever.
Every Spring is.
Hugs my Dear Friends,
Katie
This is still the best Spring ever.
No matter what the weather has been like, I vote yes to it.
I think back to past Springs and how they were. Time has such a way of whizzing by. I found myself wishing for days to pass so rapidly. I have always tried to be happy where I am, to bloom where I am planted.
Only during the past few years has this become difficult to do.
I suppose it is a normal aging progression, but that did not make it any easier to get through.
I have fond memories of Springs past. Time of renewal. New Birth.
The Earth coming to life again after a Winter of lying dormant.
Children finally able to run outside and play and have fun without coats and snow and mud. Ok, the mud is still there, but bearable.
I think of my Heritage and the Great Grandparents and decided that a bit of cleaning and scrubbing is nothing compared to how and what they survived.
Little girl giggles while they slide down the slide in our yard.
Puppy squiggles and wriggles and the girls chasing the puppy around the tree.
The first time the kiddie pool gets filled with water.
Daffodils crawling up out of a musty smelling depth and
reaching for the sun.
I learned one time at a nature meeting about the wild flowers
and weeds that are edible. I fried Dandelions in egg and flour batter a few Springs after that class. My Daughters loved having them and would ask me when they saw them bloom the first time when we could cook them.
The many times I was given a hand picked Dandelion bouquet...you
could not ask for better flowers, not even a Dozen Roses compares to the look of love in the eyes of the ones giving that gift to me.
Looking back and remembering those days is a joy to me.
A true gift.
I see how blessed I am. I am loved. I am more than I could ever have been alone. I am my Children, they are me.
They still phone me often. I still phone them too. We connect.
Now they are starting their own families. Spring if full of busy, hurried tasks and they are now the ones going outside and playing with children and watching them get muddy and possibly pick Dandelion bouquets for their Mommies.
It is a time of renewal for all of us. I can recall and record
times when they were growing so that when their own children ask,
they can ask Gramma Kate "What was my Mommie like when she was little?"
I will be there to tell them of the wonderful times we had in Spring. How we went Camping and each pet the girls had.
How we went to pick up our long loved puppy Moki, who was born in early Spring. How we used to go to the park and what their favorite cool Drink was.
Yes, this is definately the best Spring ever.
Every Spring is.
Hugs my Dear Friends,
Katie
More Thoughts of Spring
I sit outside looking at the wild flower garden I treasure.
If I think of how many hours I have spent in that little place,
it would number in the hundreds or more.
I have weeded, planted and reaped the joys of that place more times than I cold begin to count. It is somewhat of a Secret Garden in that
people cannot see it from the Alley that runs behind our home.
In this garden, I have experimental Perenials. Sometimes I add in and take out things that did not grow as I thought they would when I planted them. There is a corner of spices and my Clemitis in the corner. It gets bigger and prettier every Spring and blooms for so long the summer is nearly ended before it gives up making beautiful blooms of lavender with a darker purple center. I have long forgotten the names of most of these flowers...but there are Butterfly weed, Coneflowers and Wild Strawberries just to name a few. I never tire of spending time out there....unless the mosquitos are bad and chase me inside.
I have a little old porcelin baby bathtub we put water plants in every year, and I found some sprinkly stuff that kills the larve that the mosquitos lay in it. We usually put in a Water Lily and
some water cabbage and whatever else the store has that fits our
budget. I had so many of one plant last year, I could have sold it had I had the ambition and energy.
I also began an Arid plant garden at the same time. Plants that love to be hot and dry and don't complain when I don't quite get all the weeds out. It is bordered on one end by my Deep Purple Iris which double in depth each Spring. On the western end are the Multi-Colored Tulips that seem to get taller every year. They were late blooming this year, but oh when they did, what a joy to see every morning, afternoon, and early evening when I looked out the Kitchen window.
There are the Hostas growing alongside the east fence, getting fuller and bigger each year. I planted the green ones there, having divided them and moved them from a couple of other places since first buying them a few years ago at good old wallyworld. They were cheap at the time and have quadrupled in the years I have had them planted here and there. I have the varigated version around a tree on the southeast of the yard, growing and becoming more beautiful each year, just like the others. I even moved some along the leanto..they love all the shady places I find for them. This year I will only move the ones by the leanto as they need to be divided and conquered.
When I planted them, I got so tired before I was done, I have klumped them a bit and need to remedy that.
The new Lilac bushes we planted last summer are growing and doing well. The Weigilia bush is doing well although I am not sure I like the shape it is taking. May have to talk to someone about how to shape and fix that. I just have not had the time to do that as I should.
I smelled the Spearmint and Peppermint the other day while I was weeding around the tree. It will make wonderful tea one day.
I have two small areas near the front step that need some new Landscaping as I am not sure I like the way they are developing.
That is one of the Joys of Spring, being able to get outside and enjoy these beautiful flowers, some of which I have not even mentioned. I got out there with my camera earlier and was amazed how good the pictures looked, considering the camera was a 48.00 special.
More later on how Spring has affected me both in past and present.
Hope you smiled at least once just sharing my flower gardens with me a bit. They are an amazing way to get out and appreciate nature.
The bugs will be here soon and that will temper my joy a bit, but I realize without them, the flowers would not survive either.
Hugs my friends, catch you later.
Katie
If I think of how many hours I have spent in that little place,
it would number in the hundreds or more.
I have weeded, planted and reaped the joys of that place more times than I cold begin to count. It is somewhat of a Secret Garden in that
people cannot see it from the Alley that runs behind our home.
In this garden, I have experimental Perenials. Sometimes I add in and take out things that did not grow as I thought they would when I planted them. There is a corner of spices and my Clemitis in the corner. It gets bigger and prettier every Spring and blooms for so long the summer is nearly ended before it gives up making beautiful blooms of lavender with a darker purple center. I have long forgotten the names of most of these flowers...but there are Butterfly weed, Coneflowers and Wild Strawberries just to name a few. I never tire of spending time out there....unless the mosquitos are bad and chase me inside.
I have a little old porcelin baby bathtub we put water plants in every year, and I found some sprinkly stuff that kills the larve that the mosquitos lay in it. We usually put in a Water Lily and
some water cabbage and whatever else the store has that fits our
budget. I had so many of one plant last year, I could have sold it had I had the ambition and energy.
I also began an Arid plant garden at the same time. Plants that love to be hot and dry and don't complain when I don't quite get all the weeds out. It is bordered on one end by my Deep Purple Iris which double in depth each Spring. On the western end are the Multi-Colored Tulips that seem to get taller every year. They were late blooming this year, but oh when they did, what a joy to see every morning, afternoon, and early evening when I looked out the Kitchen window.
There are the Hostas growing alongside the east fence, getting fuller and bigger each year. I planted the green ones there, having divided them and moved them from a couple of other places since first buying them a few years ago at good old wallyworld. They were cheap at the time and have quadrupled in the years I have had them planted here and there. I have the varigated version around a tree on the southeast of the yard, growing and becoming more beautiful each year, just like the others. I even moved some along the leanto..they love all the shady places I find for them. This year I will only move the ones by the leanto as they need to be divided and conquered.
When I planted them, I got so tired before I was done, I have klumped them a bit and need to remedy that.
The new Lilac bushes we planted last summer are growing and doing well. The Weigilia bush is doing well although I am not sure I like the shape it is taking. May have to talk to someone about how to shape and fix that. I just have not had the time to do that as I should.
I smelled the Spearmint and Peppermint the other day while I was weeding around the tree. It will make wonderful tea one day.
I have two small areas near the front step that need some new Landscaping as I am not sure I like the way they are developing.
That is one of the Joys of Spring, being able to get outside and enjoy these beautiful flowers, some of which I have not even mentioned. I got out there with my camera earlier and was amazed how good the pictures looked, considering the camera was a 48.00 special.
More later on how Spring has affected me both in past and present.
Hope you smiled at least once just sharing my flower gardens with me a bit. They are an amazing way to get out and appreciate nature.
The bugs will be here soon and that will temper my joy a bit, but I realize without them, the flowers would not survive either.
Hugs my friends, catch you later.
Katie
Thoughts of Spring
It is so easy to get caught up in the busy schedule of Life.
Often we as people do not take time to appreciate simple things.
I see it more and more as the older I become. Hurry, Scurry, no..
time to sit and visit....to send a card, watch the children
playing, heck to even LET the children play! Don't do that,
don't sit there, behave, don't laugh or giggle....ssshhhh.
Sometimes I have to do things I do not wish to do. More often
than I would like to admit. But when I do face these challenges,
I try to make the most of a bad situation.
A couple of times this past early Spring this has happened.
I had car trouble on the way to visit my daughters last month.
Spending time in a Used Car dealership was not my idea of fun,
especially when it took time away from being with my family.
Did I get depressed? Sad? Down? No. I did not let myself get upset.
Ok, ok, those of you who know me know that I took it with a grain of
salt....stressed and tormented and all in turmoil on the inside.
Ok, on the outside too. That poor Car Salesman earned his lowly dollar that day! I ranted and raved and test drove every car they
had on the lot that I remotely liked.
In the end, I called my Banker, called my husband, called all my kids....until I finally started to calm down. There was an up side to the entire thing...and I reached and searched for the good things in this experience.
It was a gorgeous Spring day! The breeze was brisk but invigorating. The location was not bad, good things to see. Places to shop near by.
I was not stranded in the middle of no where all alone. I could have had a much worse day.
While I waited, not so patiently, I saw another stranded car abandoned while someone just gave up entirely. Further on in
my trip, I saw a family calling on a cell phone from a broken
down car on the other side of the Interstate.
Then as I finally was near my destination, I stopped to see
if my youngest Daughter was home from work. She was not, so I
continued to the other Daughter's home where I was intended
to arrive 4 hours earlier. As I neared the exit where I needed
to turn, there had been an accident that was blocking both lanes.
Now THOSE people involved in that were having a BAD day. I was
able to appreciate my good fortune in not being involved some
way in that accident. Had I not made that 10 minute side trip,
I feel I might have been. It is all in the attitude toward what
happens to us. The glass truly is half full or half empty. It
depends on how we choose to see it.
I also had a good breakfast and a safe place to wait. The people there were very patient and accomodating...coffee was plenty and so was a warm showroom. I kept thinking how much worse off I could have been. This car trouble had happened to me 3 times before, so I really didn't even panic as I had the other times that I had faced this adversity. This time the car did not die in the middle of traffic...I was pulled safely off the interstate.
I was much mmore appreciative of my children once I finally arrived
safely than I might have been had things gone smoothly.
This past week, I had to get the truck serviced a few miles from home. I always sit in the local Coffee Shop while the work is done
because otherwise I have to make arrangements to leave the vehicle being serviced and then once again a way to pick it up later...or the next day. We have done this in the past when work was involved on my part. The past few years it has been a nice break for me to be able to spend time on my writing, reading or whatever project I can take with me. The time goes fast and usually only involves a bit over an hour of my time. I count myself very lucky in that I can enjoy such a gift of time. There is a time in my past that I would have fretted and been frantic about having to take that time out of my day.
I used this time to observe other people. Since I am starting to do more and more writing, I welcome the time to listen and learn. There are many things a person can learn sitting and just being part of the scenery. The coffee was hot and tasty, and I managed to avoid the temptation of the most delecious looking and large Cinnamon Rolls I have ever seen. I felt in control and relaxed and invigorated having walked up town from the local Repair Gas Station.
I am learning that such a place is fast fading fom the landscape.
The place in Council Bluffs where I had the car fixed my last trip to see that Daughter has since folded and closed it's doors. The Small Business person is fast losing out. That is a topic for another time.
My point to this wandering is that I got to get out and enjoy 2 wonderful Spring Days. Days that I might have spent inside had the
ways of the world not intervened. I managed to turn an otherwise negative experience into an investigation of people, nature and Me.
It was time well spent.
Hugs my Friends,
Katie
Often we as people do not take time to appreciate simple things.
I see it more and more as the older I become. Hurry, Scurry, no..
time to sit and visit....to send a card, watch the children
playing, heck to even LET the children play! Don't do that,
don't sit there, behave, don't laugh or giggle....ssshhhh.
Sometimes I have to do things I do not wish to do. More often
than I would like to admit. But when I do face these challenges,
I try to make the most of a bad situation.
A couple of times this past early Spring this has happened.
I had car trouble on the way to visit my daughters last month.
Spending time in a Used Car dealership was not my idea of fun,
especially when it took time away from being with my family.
Did I get depressed? Sad? Down? No. I did not let myself get upset.
Ok, ok, those of you who know me know that I took it with a grain of
salt....stressed and tormented and all in turmoil on the inside.
Ok, on the outside too. That poor Car Salesman earned his lowly dollar that day! I ranted and raved and test drove every car they
had on the lot that I remotely liked.
In the end, I called my Banker, called my husband, called all my kids....until I finally started to calm down. There was an up side to the entire thing...and I reached and searched for the good things in this experience.
It was a gorgeous Spring day! The breeze was brisk but invigorating. The location was not bad, good things to see. Places to shop near by.
I was not stranded in the middle of no where all alone. I could have had a much worse day.
While I waited, not so patiently, I saw another stranded car abandoned while someone just gave up entirely. Further on in
my trip, I saw a family calling on a cell phone from a broken
down car on the other side of the Interstate.
Then as I finally was near my destination, I stopped to see
if my youngest Daughter was home from work. She was not, so I
continued to the other Daughter's home where I was intended
to arrive 4 hours earlier. As I neared the exit where I needed
to turn, there had been an accident that was blocking both lanes.
Now THOSE people involved in that were having a BAD day. I was
able to appreciate my good fortune in not being involved some
way in that accident. Had I not made that 10 minute side trip,
I feel I might have been. It is all in the attitude toward what
happens to us. The glass truly is half full or half empty. It
depends on how we choose to see it.
I also had a good breakfast and a safe place to wait. The people there were very patient and accomodating...coffee was plenty and so was a warm showroom. I kept thinking how much worse off I could have been. This car trouble had happened to me 3 times before, so I really didn't even panic as I had the other times that I had faced this adversity. This time the car did not die in the middle of traffic...I was pulled safely off the interstate.
I was much mmore appreciative of my children once I finally arrived
safely than I might have been had things gone smoothly.
This past week, I had to get the truck serviced a few miles from home. I always sit in the local Coffee Shop while the work is done
because otherwise I have to make arrangements to leave the vehicle being serviced and then once again a way to pick it up later...or the next day. We have done this in the past when work was involved on my part. The past few years it has been a nice break for me to be able to spend time on my writing, reading or whatever project I can take with me. The time goes fast and usually only involves a bit over an hour of my time. I count myself very lucky in that I can enjoy such a gift of time. There is a time in my past that I would have fretted and been frantic about having to take that time out of my day.
I used this time to observe other people. Since I am starting to do more and more writing, I welcome the time to listen and learn. There are many things a person can learn sitting and just being part of the scenery. The coffee was hot and tasty, and I managed to avoid the temptation of the most delecious looking and large Cinnamon Rolls I have ever seen. I felt in control and relaxed and invigorated having walked up town from the local Repair Gas Station.
I am learning that such a place is fast fading fom the landscape.
The place in Council Bluffs where I had the car fixed my last trip to see that Daughter has since folded and closed it's doors. The Small Business person is fast losing out. That is a topic for another time.
My point to this wandering is that I got to get out and enjoy 2 wonderful Spring Days. Days that I might have spent inside had the
ways of the world not intervened. I managed to turn an otherwise negative experience into an investigation of people, nature and Me.
It was time well spent.
Hugs my Friends,
Katie
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