Tragedy Near Home

It is so true !!!  In the blink of an eye a life can change dramatically.  On Thanksgiving Eve at 6PM (following sunset) a young mother was driving home with her two young children from family festivities. The unthinkable happened when a large Black Bear entered the the road from the side and collided with the vehicle killing the mother and a ninteen month old girl.  A four year old boy was in the back seat and sustained minor injuries.  The impact was so intense that the bear ended up in the vehicle front seat !  The bear was severely injured and died .  This tragedy happened about ten minutes drive from my home.

(google image)

Reportedly,  there have been many more bears in our foothills lately.  It seems like the newspaper reports a sighting every couple weeks or so .  Following all our forest fires the last few years and the Clearcut Logging of our forests the wild animals are coming out of the forest for water and food.

This little family is well known in our community and is receiving an outpouring of support, love and prayers . A GoFundMe memorial account has been started with a goal of 40 thousand. In the last three days, 283 caring people have donated $17,395.00.

Hug Someone today and - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Mary

Loving Protection Sprinkled With Gentleness

Seldom do I post a video on this blog but this one has touched my heartstrings !  Especially, during these times of unrest and turmoil throughout our world.

The love shown in this touching video stirs my heart and reminds me of my ever faithful loving Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lily, who passed away almost two years ago.

As with many of our pets, she was keenly attuned to me and all my needs and emotions. It was so wonderful for me to feel her protection, love and support for the many years when it was just "her and me" !  Her love was such a beautiful gift !

And now, let's enjoy this facebook heartwarming video together.

Wishing you a Warm and Cozy Day.

Mary

It's Thanksgiving

Just a little seasonal decor .  I like the autumn leaves placemats. I sure miss all the cooking and baking and family for Thanksgiving holiday.

Now THAT'S a Big Turkey !

Many Blessing and Good Wishes on this Day of Thanksgiving.

Mary

Red Hot Poker In The Winter Garden

What a surprise to see a nice clump of  Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker - Torch Lily)  blooming in the garden when I took a walk outside to see "What's What !  It has been a few days since I have been outside .  The garden is changing colors and dropping leaves quickly day to day .

The Red Hot Poker plants have been here since before I moved here .  They have never seemed to do well until this year .  I understand they require proper moisture and not hot dry conditions .  The plants bloom more as they get older and left in the same location for several years .  Since I have been outside working a lot this past spring and summer in the garden , they have gotten a lot more water than usual . Like Gladiolus, they bloom from the bottom up .  They are blooming probably for various factors .  And, I like it !

The fig leaves are carpeting the ground  in a lovely bright yellow color .  And, the blooming White Chrysanthemums  on the right are drooping their large heads as they are filled with rainwater.

What an inviting view coaching one to take a cup of tea out to the garden for a little sit down time to enjoy the beautiful changing colors .  Look at that singular Yellow Fig leaf in the middle of the Orange Crepe Myrtle .  Is that symbolic for something ??

The Hydrangeas are fading away but still doing well with the rain and all.

These  persistent  Roses are still trying to bring joy even with the heavy rains we have had !

Well, I have to wrap this up and get on the road up the hill to my Medical Appointment.

Wishing you a Fabulous Day.

Mary

Through The Window

The beautiful fall colors are so wonderful especially when I open the dining room drapes in the morning.  The beautiful burst of color the first thing in the day is so energizing .   And, I need all the energizing I can get !  It rained most of yesterday so it is great to see the bright sunshine .

My physical pain, especially left low back with radiation down to my ankle has been horrendous for a few weeks now .  My other joints, especially my knees and shoulders have also been problematic .  In years past both shoulders have been diagnosed with partial rotator cuff  tear .  I have been able to avoid shoulder surgeries by conservative rehabilitation .  I really - really - really do not want to ever have surgery again .  Remember, I do not have anyone to help me postoperatively.  A great deal of the time I am having a lot of difficulty  just walking !  I have a  medical appointment on Monday.

My reality is that friends that would and could help me have passed on .  And, you know my lack of family involment .  Recently,  I read an interesting quote that I think sums up my situation quite well .  "Old age is an island surrounded by death" .

Time to change the subject.  Yesterday , I made some very good soup .  And, that made me very happy  because for quite a long time I have had more failures (which has made me feel terrible)  in the kitchen than what I would like to admit .  And, that is far from my norm .

This is Pasta e Fagioli Soup from Allrecipes.  It was very easy, quick and flavorful.  I used what I had available and subbed small elbow macaroni for the seashell pasta.  Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a nice additional flavor .  Cheese makes everything better - don't ya think?

And, here is a little something that also makes me VERY HAPPY  .

The Holiday Cactus plants are loaded with buds and are starting to bloom !  I have three plants and they all look great .  Last year they hardly had any flowers for some unknown reason .  So this is great .

Hard to believe that we are at the end of another week .  Wishing a Good Weekend to all.

Mary

Making You Strong

BUT,  I DON'T WANT TO BE STRONGER!

I have had a life-time of "Making you Stronger" experiences.  One of the most recent is when my multi-millionaire Twin Brother called (which is almost never) and for the very first time in my life I asked for some financial assistance and he replied with a LAUGH and said I guess we both are going to outlive our money.   He also said he thought he read somewhere (Internet) a few years ago that my house was foreclosed.  I can hardly believe the AUDACITY of a such a statement like that.  And, to think he never even looked for me to see if I was "Living Under A Bridge" somewhere.  I have lived at the same address and phone number for almost 25 years.

Not long ago, I came upon a few photos (Internet) of his estate (interior and exterior) and I could hardly believe what I was seeing!  

Years ago, my husband and I were able to help him with some money?  I don't think I will ever be able to understand or accept his attitude.  Perhaps, it is reflective of his nearly life-time involvement with a religion (cult?)  that he has devoured "hook, line and sinker".  I think his basic personality is very consistent with the tenets of the religion.

I had no intentions of writing this but for some reason I felt a strong urge to do so.  I guess I just had to tell my truth at this time.  I am not looking for comments, perhaps positive energy for my comfort.

Happy Week to All Of You.

Mary

Taking Care Of Myself

My blogging is going to be less for a while.  I need to get to feeling better.  I'll be posting when I feel like I have something noteworthy to share with you.  You may think I have stopped blogging but I don't think that will happen.  And, if that is ever the case, I will certainly let you know by blogging.

I would like to share a recent photo of my Granddaughter and Fiance'.  Aren't they stunning?

I can't help myself.  I have to post this cute photo of these little ones again.

I sure hope to feel better by the holidays and maybe I can be with some family for holiday joy!

I hope you all enjoy the coming days and holiday activities of your choice.  And, be Safe and Happy.

Mary