Blog Friend Memories

This blog post of mine from 2014 deserves repeating in appreciation of one of my special followers that has befriended me through blogging since my early days in 2010 .  She does not have a blog .  I am repeating it because of her kind comment from my last post reminding me of these memories .  

Thank you Special Friend .

                               Monday, August 18, 2014

            Gifts Come Packaged In Many Ways

On Friday evening a Gift came walking down our Main Street to join us for dinner at Alchemy.

That may not seem very unusual to you but it was rather unique in many ways. This couple was meeting us for the first time after flying in from San Diego with their Mooney Airplane to our local airport.

OK, that was a little different. But, wait, there is more.  After following my Blog for about four years we were about to meet a lovely lady and her husband who were spending a weekend in our little part of the country - Northern California.

What a Beautiful Gift we received in meeting this fun, nice, interesting and adventuresome couple. We had such an enjoyable evening getting acquainted. And, we sure hope to repeat the experience in the future, either here or maybe in San Diego.

Cherish your Gifts.

11/23/2020 - Additional Note - My Special Gentleman Friend who was an Aeronautical Engineer was familiar with Mooney Aircraft from his early years when he had a pilot's license . I had mentioned that we had been to the local Air Craft Show in one of my blogs. That's a little history.

Have A Great Day

Mary

Twenty Five Years Ago - Who Would Have Thought

When I was on a four-day week-end vacation in the California Mother Lode I became interestingly infatuated with a Small Historical Town.  My trip was for the purpose of looking for an area that would take me away from living in an expensive busy big city to a quieter home as I was getting older and dealing with rehabilitation following orthopedic spinal surgery because of cumulative injury and disk herniation of my low back resulting from many years working as a Registered Nurse.  The uncertainty of my ability to return to work was looming in my consciousness especially since my pain level continued to be very debilitating .  However, the mobility of my left leg had been restored with the nerve decompression. And, that was a huge blessing.

When I travel and have the time I like to check out different cemeteries that can give me a quick history lesson of the area and the time. 

As I was driving on the little winding gravel road and turning at the next corner, I was very surprised to see a headstone directly in front of me from 1804 with a very visible engraving of my first name and middle initial.

It took my breath away.  As I pondered what I was seeing my thoughts drifted to comfort and home !

The Small Historic Town became my home shortly thereafter. What a miraculous time in my life !

It wasn't until ten years later that I decided that it would be a good idea to purchase a cemetery plot in the same cemetery that I visited that first day visiting the Small Historic Town. The cemetery is about a five minute drive from my home and the grave site is under a very large oak tree.

Since the passing of My Special Man in 2014 and his request for me to have his cremains inurned in the same location where mine will be inurned I have slowly (as funds permitted) had the preparation of the gravesite started.  A few months ago the required cement curbing was completed.  The cemetery contractor came to my home to select rock from my garden to use as a representative border decor of my love of nature and my garden .  The next activity is to have a meeting to discuss the headstone.  As I have posted on March 15, 2018, I have an idea for the headstone that I want to discuss with the Memorial Headstone Engraver.

Business is business.  Compartmentalizing helps with carrying on with business !

When I first visited my little town,  little did I know that there would be someone to share my little cemetery plot with ! ! ! With the way I am feeling lately, I think it will be quite a while before I will be joining My Special Man.  But, who knows, I sure don't.

God Works In Mysterious Ways.

Goodness and Love to All.

Mary

Easter

HAPPY EASTER

A little Easter Flashback - - -

It is so nice to have some memories to reflect on as time seems to be passing me by as I travel this journey of life .

It was just recently that I saw this photo on facebook that someone from the church that I previously attended had taken .  What a nice surprise !  For the few years (2010-2014) that I had a companion to enjoy life with, it was not unusual for us to Go To Brunch following church services .  Easter Brunch was a given .  And, our favorite place was about 25 minutes drive of beautiful winding country road .  He always enjoyed driving and I always had ideas of places we could go to explore what was over the hill and around the next curve in the road .

And, My Special Man sang in the church choir for about 20 years.

Happy Easter to everyone.

Mary

Corned Beef

I was  able to make my Corned Beef and it was very good. And, a couple Reuben Sandwiches were made today.

I did not take photos, I guess because I was feeling lazy.  However, I am posting some photos of when I made them in the past for My Special Man in about 2013.  They were outstanding then and also today!

 Got to have Thousand Island Dressing.

 And Cheese

A Panini Maker/Grill sure makes a pretty sandwich.

It was so nice when I had him to cook for.  I sure miss him and the motivation it gave me to be "in the kitchen".

A Couple Updates -

My High School friend in New York is improving following her foot removal surgery.  She has been in a Rehab Hospital for a couple weeks receiving Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy and will be there for at least another month. I try to talk with her by phone most evenings. And, she is very grateful because it breaks the monotony.

My heart and prayers goes out to all who are living through the Forth Nor,Easter. Be safe and stay in and warm.

Ivy is showing adjustment progress each and every day.  I have received a couple books that are very helpful.  Additionally, her Kitty Condo Tree arrived yesterday and she has spent some time checking it out and slept in it for a little time.  It is 52 inches tall and she hasn't traveled to the top as of yet. Rewarding her with kitty treats is a big help in training and allaying any fear or anxiety .  Photos will be coming soon.

I am so ready for Spring Weather.

Take Care.
Mary

Until I See You Again

Yesterday morning my Precious Lily told me that it was the day she would be leaving this life and would be going to the Rainbow Bridge and would be waiting along with My Special Man; Hans (His Schnauzer), Pixie (My Yorkie) and Puff (My Tabby Cat) for me to arrive whenever that time comes.

Hans (2013) The day He went to the Rainbow Bridge with Lily comforting him.

Puff and Lily taking an afternoon nap ( 2007).

This has been an extremely difficult time. Precious Lily had started having severe difficulty breathing. And she was no longer able to breathe if she tried to lie down. She had to sit up in order to continue breathing. She told me with her eyes that she couldn't stay with me any longer. We spent half a day together with me holding her up to my chest and carrying her outdoors for a little time while we waited for her veterinarian appointment at noontime. She was so cuddly and clung to me so lovingly. She traveled so well sitting up in her car seat and she was so ready to see our wonderful Dr. Ray. It had been one and a half years since she was diagnosed with heart disease and I am convinced without a doubt that it is because of Dr. Ray and his talent and compassion that Lily and I had this length of time together. Dr Ray telephoned me almost every Monday morning to check on Lily (and Me) during that year and a half and was very generous regarding the expenses.  

Lily meant the world to me. She was with me through some of the most difficult times of my life. Her loving tender care of me helped me so much through life's hard times. I will miss her forever but I know my grief is necessary and the pain of loss will lessen in time. I am so comforted knowing that she no longer is sick and no longer struggling for her breath.

What a beautiful life chapter I have been given by having this special dog, Lilithann sharing with me.

Mary

Forever Valentine Love

Exquisite Red long stemmed roses that I received shortly after meeting My Special Man in 2010! This was the first of many red roses I received thereafter. I keep a small bouquet of these roses dried and placed in my china cabinet. It is one of the many reminders of love, however the largest and forever reminder is in my heart!

I have no more to say, but GRATITUDE.

Wishing lots of special love to all of you in whatever your current life is presenting. YOU ARE LOVED!

Mary

When You Live Alone

Some times it is necessary to hire some "outside help". At this busy time of year you may have to settle for less than your first choice. However, I have found that on occasion, the training of the alternative help can be quite impressive! Now, don't ask me what I am smokin' or drinkin'. I would just like a cup of coffee please, preferably Caramel Machiato!

Just thought this was kinda cute, especially on this chilly morning that we are having. I sure hope the "outside help" remembers the cream! And, I would like mine in the holiday mug!

It is always nice to have a cup of coffee ready when a new magazine comes in the mail. This is the only magazine subscription that I have. And, it is special because My Special Man would always make sure that he was current on my subscription. It looks like there is one more issue yet to come on the subscription.

Frequently, we would watch together Americas Test Kitchen show on Saturdays PBS TV. It seemed like I always learned something that was new to me.

This coming year I hope to do more cooking and try some new recipes. I have always enjoyed cooking (for the most part) but it was a lot of fun to cook for someone else. It is just different. Especially, since I never felt like I had to cook unless I wanted to. Such a gift!

I imagine there is a lot of cooking going on about now in preparation for The Big Day. I am doing something different this year that I have not done in the past. Our local community club serves a free Christmas dinner every year at the Native Son's Hall. And, they will also deliver! In the past on one occasion I have gone to the dinner and it was extremely good and enjoyable with lots of people. I went alone (short walk from my house) and sat with people that I knew. However, everyone is very friendly. They have Santa Claus, Christmas Caroling and "the whole works".

Well, this year it is very cold here by California standards and the forecast is predicting snow fall at my elevation of 2000 feet. So, I have ordered a dinner to be delivered to me here at home where I will be nice and warm and cozy. I do not feel the least bit deprived and I am sure it will be a nice little treat with all the yummy flavors - - - and no kitchen mess to attend to. Lily and I may just find that a little nap may be in order afterwards.

I am feeling tremendous Gratitude for Feeling So Good.

Blessings.

Mary

I Walked Across The Street

On Sunday morning and went to Church.

It has been close to a year since I have attended Sunday church services. But, it felt very good and I received a very nice welcome from so many church friends. There were a lot of new members and the church was almost filled. This was the last Sunday in Advent as well as the children's and youth's holiday pageant. The story of the Christ Child was presented in a very nice lighthearted performance with appropriate moments of laughter. I guess I would call it a "modern day" version of the pageant I remember and was in as a child.

As I wrote yesterday, I am going to start living a life again with more interaction with my community. It would be so nice to develop a friendship with another woman that I could do fun things with. So very many of the people that I have known, have passed on, especially during the last few years. During church today an announcement of a another members passing was made. And, on December 30, it will be one year since My Special Friend passed. And, I miss him so much.

Let the one's you love, know of your love NOW.

Lily update - Continues to be about the same. Happy and Loving!

Mary