Odds and Ends!

History in the tree trunk.

and the sun sets and day is ending.

Day dreaming of a vacation .

The Volunteer Dinner got off to a shaky start last evening as we stood outside in a bit of droplets waiting for the gate to open leading to the restaurant door.  We were on time but it seems a few others were dragging their feet.   Once in, we found the tables lined up waiting for us but that was all as it took a good hour for the kitchen crew to get their act together.   I have no idea why they were so slow and out of sorts but they were and I would say they owe the Gallery folks an apology.It was as if they had forgotten we were expected and the kitchen crew was 'anything that could go wrong...did...;   but the Gallery group are good sports and they made the best of it.   In spite of it all, the volunteer dinner was a success.  Good folks,  and King Louis gave a rousing speech to keep us laughing and patient.    We have a little origami crow to hang in our kitchen to remind us of the tribute to the volunteers.   There were thirty in attendance so you see we do have generous folks never lacking in smiles and helpful ways.    The Gallery stays open and healthy for the next on coming events and the volunteers are at the ready.

April ends and May begins along with outside garden chores waiting to be done.   All of the news from you folks is about your early Spring gardening.   Back east the weather is cooperating.  John and Jo have been putting in new flowers and plants and soon I am to have a picture...I'll share....;  Patricia is getting an early start on her vegetables and I, for one, will get in line for a garden tomato.   A real garden tomato, nothing better..yum!!  With a resounding, 'spring is here' get out your old shoes and find the hoe, it is time to get busy and 'produce'...smile.

Have a catch up with yourself today;  it is Sunday all day;   it is a day of rest for some, but not all, some things cannot be put off . . .  so, check your list of 'to-dos' and plan to check each one off;  you know you will add as you go; there really is 'no rest for the wicked'  . . . smile.  Know all the hard work pays off in delectable goodies, so....go be a gardener.

Don't forget to bend the knee in thanksgiving for all you do have.    Be thankful and gracious.  Be YOU, be 'wonderful' and share YOU with those you like and love.    Hugs to all.

It is Saturday...all day!

Put a little sunshine in your life.

Take time to smell the roses.

and give yourself a little treat.

It is Saturday, a day to enjoy, a day to get a few chores finished up and make time to do a lot of nothing special.  The weekend is for rest and relaxation after a very busy week.   That is what weekends are for...smile.

I'd like to be on my way to visit YOU. . . what a treat that would be.   But beggars cannot be choosers so I will have to be content with a computer visit.   The sky is grey this morning, the trees are not moving even a little bit.  The blinds of the hospital wing are closed and the workers cars are parked and a new day is about to start.    My coffee is brewing and I wont make much sense until I have my first sip.    There is something special about that first cup of coffee;  it makes the brain wake up and the imagination soar.  I almost said 'sore' ;  see the coffee does work...wakes the brain up.  One of the hospital workers is running to the building this morning;  either enthusiasm for work or late...smile.

Aah, coffee!!!!  Nothing like it first thing in the morning.   A coffee bun would be good, but you have heard this before....'there is nothing good in this house'....ha,ha.,.....and there really isn't.   I could make some toast but that has no appeal;  it is that big round coffee bun that makes the difference in  your smile or frown.  

I had an 'in' day yesterday and caught up on some reading.  I have had three different magazines and newspapers given to me to add to my already bulging collection of reading material.   I have a few crossword puzzles waiting to be finished or not...smile.     The big bear puzzle on the table got some attention yesterday.  Pat came for a visit and found a place for those little packets I put together.   She is a good puzzler and seems to enjoy it.   I woke up at three a.m., the witching hour for me, and tried to put a few pieces in.   I didn't succeed but did get some reading in before going back for a few more hours sleep.   There is something about three a.m. that appeals to my inner clock...did you know coffee taste better then ...smile.    

I am not sure how my day will enfold as I have no plans.  Maybe Pat will come and rescue me and take me for a ride out for lunch.   A nice juicy hamburger comes to mind.   But, that is wishful thinking as she has Gallery work with Christine today as they are getting ready for meetings , gathering ideas for the upcoming June tea.  It takes a lot of planning.  First the menu, then who is going to make what, and then getting the tickets made and out so the tables will fill up quickly.  I have a couple of ladies lined up to join me.   As you can see preparation is half the battle and we have yet to enjoy the month of May.   

So for someone who had nothing to say this morning;  I said a lot... poor YOU!!!  Know I love you and enjoy your e mails.    Stay healthy and if you get wealthy, you can adopt me..I'm up for grabs..smile.    Go....have a Saturday to remember.....do something you love to do.....and do it all day....think about who you would like to share some time with today and make a call....be a friend, be YOU.   Hugs to all.

Good Morning!!!

The week is ending;  the weather is springlike, as it should be, and another month goes bye;  a couple of more days and May will be here...May,  how did it get here so fast?  Both Patricia and I celebrate birthdays.  I'd like to be going on her age...or would I?.... No, I've been there and done that so I'll be saving my energies to see how far I can go for awhile longer.   I am hoping and wishing her a long life filled with good health, a bit of wealth and happy days as they come, one at a time.    The MS does not get easier but she gets stronger, a very beautiful young woman I am very proud of.   Besides she is my chauffeur and if I don't say 'nice' things about her, she will make me walk...smile.

She and Christine picked me up last evening and we went out to dinner.  We ended up at the Golf Course Club House and the food is excellent.   The view of the actual course is lovely, and it was very quiet at that time of day.   We have been there before so knew we were in for a treat.    The lowly hamburger comes out looking like a magic roast and there just are no crumbs.  The animated conversation is good for the appetite, and the wine always sips well as you wait for your food to arrive.  We talked a lot about the upcoming June tea.   The decorations are planned, the food is going to be colorful as well a delicious and it should prove to be a special treat to all who attend.   I think I have four ladies ready to go from here.

So April says goodbye and May begins.   The Rose Parade has been cancelled which is sad.   Protesters....protesting what????  Why???? Don't they have anything better to do?    Tradition going by the way side...sad.....another ruin not to be proud of.    Some folks are never happy unless they are making it sad for others.   The sad fact is that are allowed to get away with it.  Cancelling the parade satisfies them but it punishes those who want to watch it go by.    If they want to make a statement, all they have to do is stay home.

Okay, enough, time is getting on and I have not had a refill of my hot coffee;  no news on;  no shoes on...aah!!!  and it is time to see what is going on in our world.  I hope today is a good day for each one of you.  I hope you find something to do that will make you smile.   I want you to be healthy, wealthy and wise...then adopt me!!!   Go...have some fun....hugs to all.

Good Morning

Fruit for breakfast....aah!!!  

Looks like this out my window this early part of the day.

and I hope you have a bright and beautiful day!

It is around five a.m., workers walking very slowly into the building across the way.   Looks grey out there, probably a bit chilly yet and no one is 'running' towards the building.  Their gate seems to be a slow easy pace with thoughts of wishful thinking of that cozy warm bed they had to leave.  The working folks. . .  we have all been there . . . and probably miss those 'good old days' . . . well...just a little!!  I enjoy watching the workers park their cars for the day, lock them up, then walk slowly towards their work day although one or two have a quick step.  Soon the blinds will go up and a new day begins.    It is best to be busy and pay day is always welcome.  

The sky is changing, a band of pink clouds has settled across the sky.  A sign of warmth..I hope so.  Spring can fool you with its wet or cool mornings;  but 'wait a minute' and it changes.   Spring is fickle but we know that.   The Gallery ladies are planning the next tea.   I think they are going to use the Summer Solstice as the theme and that should prove interesting and challenging.   I have already put in a suggestion or two, so now to wait and see what the 'board' decides, and what we can do to help make it a success.    I wish you were here to attend one of the teas as the Gallery Group does a terrific job of making it a huge success.    I don't think any one of the members think it is a chore or hard work, but fun and a chance to shine.    

I am off for a refill.   Going to check and see if the daughters are up and at it and planning anything special today.   I am hoping for a work party;  work is good, keeps me out of mischief...um....or does it???  you will never know.  smile.

Go, have yourself a 'great' day. . . be a tony the tiger and growl.    Lighten your mood,  put a smile on your face and find reasons to be a 'happy' YOU.....go...work at it today.   Hugs to all.

Smile!!!

Well, I poured you a cup...where are you?

Maxine can and does make me laugh out loud....Lady Sarcasm herelf!!

You and Me!!!!   How happy we would be if we could share time in person today.....well, words are second best.

Good morning.    Clear outside, light blue sky, not a leaf stirring so no breeze out there this morning.  Cars are in place, parked in their allotted space, the workers are already starting their day in the hospital wing.   It is a long low grey building with lots of windows and there is one bright colorful  bush which stands out in all its glory...bright red flowers and along side of it is a bush with little white flowers but not many, doesn't want to bloom I guess.   They, the folks that run this place, do have yard crews and I have to admit they do a good job.  The lawns are well kept and the asphalt driveways are always spotless.    Neat and tidy.... I am pretending I have never mentioned all this before..smile!!

What did I do yesterday??? I went shopping for a new summer top and found a sale at Macy's so I picked out two.  I'm all set for summer.    I could use a pair of shoes but don't want to pay the price for them.   I am all for going bare foot...summer is coming and flip flop are always in style.....smile.

So if you are in need for something new and necessary, go shopping today.    Take your friend along and treat for lunch.    There is something about a big Mac that always tastes perfect.    Don't forget to stop bye a church a light a candle for those who are enjoying life in the afterglow.    As for me,  I have nothing planned so will wait and see what develops as the day goes on.    I now have eleven books in the bookcase , so will have to make reading time....maybe the rocker on the porch when the weather warms up and I have no place to go and nothing to do. ....  well, there are a day or two like that.  I'm prepared, just do not point me to another book sale.

Have yourself a 'merry day';  one with sharing and caring with those you like and love.    Be a huger;   be YOU;    be someone who loves life and shows it.    Hugs to all.

Brambles!

A bramble bush, amazing how beautiful it really is.

A little beauty hidden in the fronds.

I was thinking of fruit for breakfast, good choices, but I don't have any ....but come to think of it, I have a green apple out in the dish..that will do!!!

I have my coffee, hot and ready to drink.  I'll sip as I spend a little more time here on the computer.   I have had fun looking through the pictures and can see where I really do need some new ones to post.  I'll have to take my camera along on my next 'ride' out.   Talk is cheap, it is in the doings that count.

The hospital workers are all here and have parked their cars for the day.   I can look out my second floor window and see them all lined up.  The blinds are not open over in the hospital wing;  still quiet, not even a tree leaf is moving this morning.  It looks like a pale blue sky with a grey cloud hovering over the tree tops.   It is early....to early to tell what is in store for the day.

Patricia is coming over later this morning and we will go card shopping.  That is always fun.   I like to buy cards ahead to have on hand.  I don't always remember birth dates so it is wise to have some and be prepared.....must be the girl scout in me...smile.    

So I am wishing you a good day, all day, and hopefully one that will make your heart sing.    Be good, be kind, be gentle and remember to be 'nice' as well....it isn't hard t do at all...try it you might find you are having a very good day and we can always use one of those.    Be a bright light and lead the way!!  Hugs to tall.

April Ends

Pictures from Brookings, Oregon, memories of some wonderful days spent in the outdoors, walking the pathways to the water;  walking the beaches; looking at the whales going bye. . . yes, it is on my list of favorite places.   I had a lovely letter from a Brookings friend and I have to admit it made me feel a bit homesick.  I loved living there with an open door to invite friends in for a cup of coffee or tea and a little something to go with it.   Friendly folks who shared a hug or two, always a good word and were truly happy to spend a little time of sharing and caring.    We all need that....so today, get up, go out and find an old friend to hug and a new one to introduce to the sights and sounds of Brookings. 

I was thinking about the places I have lived and , believe it or not, each one was for a reason.  Some folks never move away from their birth place, while others seem to travel the world.    I did see a little of the world, but I saw more of the States.    I started out in Massachusetts, lived in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Washington, D. C. , California and Washington State.   I always thought I had a bit of the gypsy in me as it was fun and interesting and each stop was good for the heart and the soul.    Making friends is a joy and having an open door is always a good policy.   Friends make our world go around and I am so very happy I made such good friends.   Each one so different, each one lovable, each one so special.  Having a locked door is like having a locked heart..so open the heart first and then the door and let love and friendship in.  

I love my morning visits with you.  Next would be to actually see you in person...I'd like that....if you travel plan a stop bye...I'll put the coffee or tea on and share a piece of pie or cake with you.  You could always throw a sleeping bag on the floor and visit..smile...not comfortable but doable. 

I am off for a refill and watch some news.   We may have rain but with four new books on my table I am not concerned....feet up...book open.....aah!!! what's not to like? 

Go...be YOU....do something wonderful today.  Be a friend.    Be a lover.   Be all you can be.....be YOU!!!  Hugs to all.

Old Views!

tulips in the Spring, what is not to like?   

The view at the end of a Sunday drive.

My favorite tree in Brooking, Oregon.   . . . I have shown these pictures before and probably will again as they are of beauty and memories, both of which I would want to keep forever in my mind.  Memories of lovely day trips.  Memories of special times shared with a family member or two.  Good days, good times, good stops for a favorite treat and a lot of shared love . . . memory pictures, we all have them and we should take them out and bring them up of a time shared and so well spent.   Remembrance of a time shared with a family member . . . a good day . . . a special time to hold in ones memory banks.  I was thinking of how lucky we are to capture on film the places and faces of times that make our memory shine with the beauty of a 'shared' day.    We need more of them.

I have my Prayer of Serenity plaque on my desk reminding me to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to change the things I can.    I never tired of looking at it and reciting the prayer in hopes that this day will be another special day filled with love and laughter as I share thoughts with those I love and like.   My little angel figurine has wire wings and a painted wreath but no facial expressions...just a blank face which you can place imagined expressions according to your view of the new day.   Little symbols to remind us to celebrate today...all day...and make it the best one yet.  A good deed or two will not hurt;    a open door;    sharing is caring and it is alright to share you with those you love and like.     If you have not been sharing then today is a good day to start.   Open up the blinds that keep you closed up in heart and mind and let the folks in who have something to share with you...love for one.    I, for one, like hugs....I don't think we get enough of them...um.....how to fix that......hug the next person you meet and greet and watch how quickly their expression changes from frowns to smiles in seconds.   Be an Ambassador of Good Will;  your assignment for today...Go....be a 'wise ass' it is good for you.....and those lucky enough to share a little bit of YOU.    

Be kind, be merciful, be just......just because you can.   Hugs to all. 

Saturday!

Beauty is in the 'eye' of the beholder . . . a good eye . . . in fact a beautiful eye.  The center piece of life.   It is Saturday morning, very , very, early in the morning.  It is pitch black out side , the outside light is on over at the hospital wing, the shades are drawn and no lights within....it is very early...stillness.....black and dark out there....and here I am sitting under a bright lamp trying to think of what to say that you might be interested in......my brain is still asleep.....my fingers are all over the key board and my coffee is not ready yet....wait a minute or two until I have my first sip and then maybe I can wake up and blog ....or not...smile.....

My thoughts are to quit blogging as I have no new news or anything interesting to write about.    I have a new book to start, John Grisham's "The Confession", and the only thing that happened yesterday was a meeting upstairs in the 'mess hall' . . . a long meeting of dos and donts and how to prepare for an emergency.  

The day was saved as Patricia invited me over for dinner.  She is so organized.  The table was set and we had a platter of old fashioned hot dogs, lots of sweet crunchy onions topped off with good conversation and news of the upcoming Gallery events.  Christine tells us that the summer solstice is the theme so we will have to deal with fairies and flowers . . . um. . . that should be easy.  I have reached the age where I have become repetitive...'old folks are like that'....the brain idles, like an old car, and you have to allow for 'repeats'.  Don't be too hard on us old folks as you are following close behind.   You don't always think of that, but if the truth be known, you are entering the age of indifference;  an age where words and deeds happen and you have no idea how they came about...well,you do, but you don't admit it...smile.

I am off for a coffee refill.  I have hopes of a ride out today, maybe to Manchester and back.   Fish and Chips would make a good brunch, lunch or dinner....I don't mind treating as the girls use up a lot of cash filling the tank to get us where we need to go.   A lovely ride, probably twenty minutes away.  Getting out and about is healthy . . . well, it really is....a little fresh air changes the 'attitude'.  So....put on your shoes, call a friend,   get in the car and go for a ride to your fish and chip place, or a hamburger if you prefer.    Getting out and about keeps the mind alive and active.    But....if that doesn't suit you and you prefer to stay put....grab a good book and hunker down and be content.

Today is a good day to 'hunker';  a good day to be good to YOU;    a good day to relax after a week of hard work and fulfilling all the duties one has on their plate every day.    It takes energy to be a good friend, a listener, a hugger, busy and useful all at the same time.    We are jugglers . . . and good ones, you know...'practice makes perfect' and we have a lot of practice behind us.   Go....be a hugger....be YOU.....be someone who brings love and laughter into your life and others as well.  Be YOU....the one who makes everyone smile when you walk into a room.    HUGS to ALL!!!! 

Just Thinking!

A truism . . . one second at a time;  one step at a time . . . and life goes on at a pace you can understand.

Take time to smell the flowers . . . be sure you are growing some so you have some to smell.

See, you can bring the sunshine indoors . . . flowers brighten a room, brings love, light and laughter inside.

Make a copy, put it on your mirror and relax and enjoy your seconds as they come.

Friday, another week gone.....what are you planning for your weekend?    Rest and relaxation is the name of the weekend game;  you have earned the right to do a lot of nothing if that is your choice.  A long week of hard work and you did accomplish some things you set out to do.  There will be a new week to catch up if you did not.  Meanwhile make the weekend work in your favor.   Rest, relax and do something 'fun'.  Take time, pour yourself a hot cup of your favorite beverage , sit awhile and think . . . no hurry . . . then act . . . . call a friend and go for a hike;  maybe a shopping trip;   or visit a friend who is feeling a bit low and could use a visit.    Be good, be kind, be generous and share you with those you like and love.    Your work week has ended,  now, go and celebrate your free hours and make them as joyous as you can.   Hugs to all.

Good Morning!!

Do I feel like a Spring Lamb full of vitamins and vim and vigor.....

nope, feel like I'm almost awake

ready to take on the world

Another new day to fill and it looks dark and mysterious out there in the parking lot, not a soul stirring, nor a car moving;  no noise of any kind...well at this time of the morning there should be silence...only non sleepers are awake at this time of day....wonder what it would be like to sleep in...guess I'll never know...Late to bed, early to rise, hot coffee to drink and where are the words I need to share.  I didn't go out yesterday so there is little to talk about;  well.....Doris came for a visit and that was nice.  We talked of the Swedish folks and their ability to make some of the most delicious pastries you could ever eat.   They do have a knack for baking.    Speaking of baking, our one hundred year old Doris came bye with a plate full of those delicious coffee buns ;  she makes the by the dozen and loves to share.   No complaints from this doorway.  We have two ladies with the name Doris and I got to see both of them yesterday;  thought I"d better explain...smile.

The theme for the upcoming Spring Tea is the Summer Solstice so Pat and I are going looking for ideas today.   We will find some trinkets as we look around the junker stores, although I am not sure anyone throws away little fairy statues, or mardi gras dolls.    I have one doll face so far ;  a completed doll face with feathers and ribbons....very pretty. . . now to find a few more....well....it gives me something to do...smile.    

I am off for a refill, good coffee this morning.  Some mornings I make a good hot pot of coffee and then there are mornings when you wonder  'what is that stuff?'   ...possible crank oil, certainly not coffee.    Today is a good day so I'll go for a refill, turn on the news and find out what is going on in our world.    We certainly could have some interesting conversations...smile.

Be good, be kind, be gentle . . . yep, one good deed or two;   be generous today . . . share you with those you like and love.    Hugs to all.

Beauty!

Good Morning!!

and Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder!!

Hope your day is filled with beauty.

Hump Day, we get one every week and it gives us more time to do all of the things we love to do.   I hope your week is going well.  I hope your weather is bright and beautiful with a shower or two to help the flowers grow.   The trouble with homemade coffee buns is one bite is never enough, in fact one bun is never enough...delicious, delightful and oh so tasty;  that Doris makes the tastiest coffee buns in town and I am lucky to be on her list.   I already finished one and am thinking it was small so another wouldn't hurt...um, ....... I'l be back, going for a refill .

I opened the blinds, the sky is clear and still dark;  the streets are dry and the workers are heading into the hospital building to start their new day.    It is quiet, the kind of silence you can hear . . . at the moment nothing is moving. . . silence at its best.  Hump day and I have no plans.   Hopefully we will have some sunshine and a walk to the corner and back may be the order of the day.  Yesterday, Pat and I walked the thrift store where the old adage comes true as folks throw away what becomes a treasure. to someone else.      It is amazing to see the discards and find a tiny treasure for an already crowded shelf.    Dust collectors, but fun ones and anything that creates smiles is worth the work.   The secret of success is to add a tiny treasure to your shelf but to discard one that has lost its charm.   Hard to do as each little piece is responsible for that smile on your face.  Like everything else in life, too much of a good thing is just that....too much.....so you add a new piece but you discard an old piece...easier said than done.  Things....just what makes our world go round.....smile.

I am off to watch some news, enjoy my refill and maybe one more pinch of the delicious coffee bun...better not but aah, wishful thinking!!!   Go, have yourself a wonderful day doing the things you love to do best.   Be good, be kind, be gentle and share that lovely smile with those you like and love.    Hugs to all.

Plants!

Pa called them "bleeding hearts" but I am sure they must have  a nicer name.   

We have to remember that as we grow impatient for our gardens to bloom 'right now';  care, time and love is what it takes for a beautiful garden and I bet each of you are working at it right now.

what a lovely thistle, I think that is what it is.    Different.  Really very beautiful.   It must be a fairy flower.

Today is a good day to go outside and work in your garden.   I wish I had one to go out to. I am sure if I dug in the dirt around the back end of the building here I'd be fined..smile.  Not much garden area, a back low hill with a bush or two and a huge front lawn with a tree or two....well, it is grass and trees so it isn't all bad.    I miss my house, my yard, my bird house.....even the ants sometimes.  It has to be Spring springing...smile.

Not much to talk about today as I stayed 'home' yesterday and entertained a few visitors.   Vinnie came with some magazines for me.  He gets quite a few and doesn't mind sharing them once he has gone through them.   We had a nice visit and he made his usual stop at the candy dish that sits on a little table in my hallway.  I keep it filled up for those with a sweet tooth.   Ron stopped in for a cup of tea and some of Erin's delicious cake she baked and shared with me.   I have a lot of new reading material to get through this week so will have nothing to complain about....well, I am sure I can think of something...smile.  No lady visitors yesterday, guess the men folks scare them away.  

So a new week starts.   I hope for some sunshine and a chance to walk to the corner and back.   I need to get in some exercise.   It is still the wee hours of the morning, woke up at three a.m. so am having early coffee and a visit with you folks.   I'll have a chair nap after awhile or find a puzzle piece or two.   A nap sounds good...smile. 

So have yourself a good day, all day, do something you love to do.   Pay attention to your garden, get those vegetables growing.  I am looking forward to some of Pat's produce as her garden already looks good.  She has a green thumb.  I am off for a refill , maybe a bit of news, but a nap for sure.  Late to bed and early to rise; um...think I've got that all mixed up.    Well, a chair nap isn't all bad.  I'm off for a refill, feet up, tv on and I'll snooze through it all..smile.

Have yourself a wonderful day, all day, do something that is good for YOU.    Have fun...smile a lot...be a good neighbor...be a good friend....just be YOU.  Hugs to all.

E A S T E R !

To each and everyone of you.

Happy Easter Morning with my love and best wishes.

For HE has risen . . . and we celebrate one more Easter Sunday.

Make good use of it and share YOU with those you like and love today.

I'm off to a Sunday brunch with the two loveliest daughters in town.    

Celebrate today!!!!  Celebrate because you can!!!!  Celebrate the holiest most wonderful day of the year.  Celebrate...call in the family, friends and share love and laughter and special treats from chocolate bunnies to Easter ham...or lamb....or whatever it is you love the most.   Bend the knee in thanksgiving for having the chance to celebrate the holiest of holidays.    Go....bring YOU and a treat or two and celebrate.

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL.   

Easter Saturday!!!

Happy Easter Saturday, don't forget to get some holy water as today is the day it is blessed and ready to take some home .  Sprinkle some around your house for new blessings this year.

So practice compassion and tolerance every day this year.

a truism.

It is Easter Saturday, the blessing of Holy Water , not sure if it is still done but once upon a time we followed the Lenten season to its end and Holy Saturday meant going for some holy water to take back home and sprinkle around to ask for blessings in our home for the coming year.   We all needed blessings then and still do a far as I can tell.    I don't follow the road a I used to, but, I do remember some of the beautiful rituals that we did follow.  We were blessed in so many ways in having such wonderful meaningful traditions to follow.  It really brought many blessings into our lives and we were all the better for it.  

Daughter Patricia gave me a lovely little angel for my desk.  She will keep me company and help me to think so I can tell you all kinds of tales this coming year.   She stands about five inches tall, has a wreath of green leaves on her head, wire wings and her arms are hanging long with her hands clasped.   Her face is blank so you can imagine all kinds of thoughts she might be having;  hopefully good ones that mean some lovely days ahead and some fabulous tales to tell.   Let us hope so!!

Pat took me out to lunch yesterday and we found a restaurant hidden away in a alley.  Not a soul in the place, lovely elephant designed table cloths of damask material and rustic colors.   The food was excellent so we have a new place to revisit on occasion.   We finished up our shopping and I returned to Ridgemont and the scheduled musical group .   There were about ten folks ready to play for us and they did .  Some hymns I never heard of and more than I few I did know.  Singing and tapping the toes does a lot for the mind.  

So today, take the time to visit the church of your choice.  Light a candle.   Say a prayer, or two, for all of us as the need is always there.    Remember good deeds are special prayers.   Be generous in word and deed and spread a little joy around.    Easter is a new beginning;  think of all the things you want to change in your life like taking better care of your health;   doing at least one good deed each day,  and burying the hatchet if you have been hacking away at someone or something.   A new start beginning on Easter Sunday morning.    A second chance, now that the New Year is well on its way.   Don't waste your seconds as they are as precious as gold and silver.    Decide that you will be the best you can be and give of yourself with all the love and patience you are noted for;  don't change;   be YOU . . . did I tell you how glad I am you are in my life.....well darlin' I'm telling you now!!   GO!!!! BE YOU!!!!   and we will all be blessed.    Happy Easter.   Hugs to all.

Signs of Easter!

Easter Sunday flowers of Hope, Faith, and Love!!

Easter  Bunnies , some come in chocolate....smile!!

A serenity flower of hope and love.

Reminds me of birds of a feather!!

Good Friday, a day to think, a day to prepare for Christ in all His glory!!!   Over ninety years have passed since I was introduced to the wonders of Easter Sunday;  the purple covered statues of lent, the somberness, the meaning of life, the hope of the resurrection.    Easter is a magic holiday as we go from horror to beauty and have that second chance of life to become the person we are suppose to be.   We are filled with love, laughter and blessed with so many magnanimous feelings of doing what is right in our world.   We, each one of us, has the capacity to do 'good' and so many reasons for doing it.    So think today.    Good Friday.....a thinking day....a visit to church...light a candle....bend the knees and say a prayer for those who have crosses to bear and be thankful that your load is easy.   Light a candle for the souls who have gone before us;  light another for those who are in poor health;   light one more for strength to carry on all your good intentions in life and the courage of your convictions.   Be Christlike;   be thankful;  be YOU!!!  Hugs to all.