It Was A Week Ago

That my dearest friend departed this world to join her dearest husband who passed at the age of 79 a little over a year ago on January 7, 2019.  She was 80 years old.

This beautiful photo was taken on December 28, 2019 prior to her attending the event of her son's sixtieth birthday and (would you believe) wedding. How nice of the family in sharing this photo that shows me the beauty of her soul.  She told me that she had a wonderful day - that her lady friends at the Care Facility had done her make-up (what a nice gesture) and she was very thankful for her power wheelchair that facilitated her getting around to enjoy all the activities .  It was a thrill for her to enjoy her son's wedding and all of its celebratory niceties .

During the past few years her physical challenges have been huge and I marvelled at her continued ability to rally following many serious events (including kidney failure , lower extremity neuropathy,  infections and a foot amputation to name a few) that easily could have been her last beautiful presence on this earth. Her heart and soul was filled with so much love and kindness for others.  Her joy was recognized by many if not all of the personnel who cared for her in whatever medical facility she was in .  Her need for personal care was extensive .  She was no longer able to get out of bed alone nor was she able to walk .  Her time was spent in bed or in her wheelchair .  But , she continued to participate in the planned activities of the Care Facilities . Impressive !

Her one and only son and family members were so very caring and supportive in this journey .  Her son went way beyond "the call of duty" in providing all necessary and more, provisions for his mother and father as they traveled their sunset years.

A few years ago I received a phone call from her son prior to my friends approaching birthday . He wanted to know if I could come to New York (I live in California) at his expense to celebrate her Birthday with her . What a thoughtful idea ! Unfortunately , I had reached the position of being a little fearful at my age of traveling alone in this current world with all the aspects of stress with navigating Air travel .

At one point her son had a chair lift installed in the two story home where they were living with him at the time .  Truly , lovely people !

Sending healing thoughts for the grief of the present time and beautiful memories to be celebrated and enjoyed throughout the coming lifetime for the family .

Mary

TEN YEARS Ago Today I Started To Blog

And what a ride it has been .  A VERY GOOD RIDE .

Thank You to everyone who has come to visit, read my thoughts and encouraged me to continue!

And look what I can share with you this morning after taking a walk outside .  The diameter of this Oklahoma Hybrid Tea Rose is five inches and it is described as an unusual dark red color . It is very dark - almost a maroon and has a very strong rose fragrance that is noticable when walking by  the bush.

More to Come in the 11th year.

Mary

Good Morning Sunshine And St. Patrick"s Day

Oh, how I love thee!

We are having a beautiful morning following another night of rain.  Our little town has been blessed with nature giving us a sunny day yesterday as this little Historic Gold Rush town celebrated Saint Patrick's Day with the annual celebratory event of a Parade, Craft Fair, lots of Food Vendors and fine Music.  In spite of the chill in the air that started the day in the low 40's, people bundled up and attended the activities.  Since I live very close to main street where the activities took place, I saw many people passing by in their bulky coats, gloves and scarves.  This event is generally a highly attended event and I think that can be said of this years event.  The visitor's cars were lining the nearby streets as well as mine.

 Considering that we had heavy rain and some light snow on Friday the day prior to our St. Patrick's Day Celebration, the Sunshine was certainly a Blessing.

Very large Shamrocks are painted on the street at about 3 intersections.  And, if you were to turn right at this corner - you could visit me!

Through the years, I have attended the celebration and always had a grand time.  The Corned Beef Sandwiches were great and the beer was too.

I may be a day late, but today I am going to cook my Corned Beef.  I love making Reuben Sandwiches with some of the leftovers.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

Note - Sweet Ivy is doing well and does a lot of exploring of the house along with all the window sills.  I have ordered a few things to make her life more enjoyable.  I look forward to when her  52 inch cat tree with scratching post arrives.  It will work well in front of the living room window.

Have a Great Day.

Mary

Today Is My Son's 57th Birthday

As is often said by mothers of a certain age,  "How did this happen so fast"?  It can't be so. but it is !  He really is 57 ! ! !   If you follow my blog you realize that my memories of this time of new life has been very bittersweet.  Even though it was a challenging time of unknowns we carried on as best as we could.

His due date was December 5 but he wasn't born until December 20.  Having a Birthday five days before Christmas is not a desire of any child I have known.  So, it was not unusual for us to party and celebrate his Birthday in the middle of the summer.  I recall one year when we had a big party with a Pinata in a decorated garage where there was plenty of room to swing the stick to strike the suspended Pinata and gather the falling candy.

Another party that was popular at the time was to have a Birthday Party in an Ice Cream Parlor.  I recall arranging the party following his father's departure from the family!

I would so enjoy being able to be with my son today, on his Birthday.  However,  "I don't think it is in the cards" this year nor do I think it will happen in the future.

For many years we also celebrated his Birthday with a Christmas Cookie Party.  I would usually bake at least 20 different types of cookies. All the ol' favorites like Spritz, Thumbprint, Pfeffernusse, Sugar Cutout Frosted Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, Snickerdoodles, Peanut Butter Blossoms, Chocolate Fudge, Molasses Crinkles, Old Fashioned Oatmeal, Ginger Bread Men and Swedish Rosettes.  All those cookies presented a beautiful display of holiday colors.  And, of course everyone of them looked especially celebratory if we chose to add a Birthday Candle!

It would be so nice if I had a color photo of the display to share.

From the moment I got out of bed this morning I have been in more pain than usual.  I believe it is from all the maneuvers during the physical exam yesterday at the doctors appointment.  I do not seem to be able to determine a consistent pattern of what causes the greatest pain aggravation.  Would you believe that when I saw the doctor yesterday, I had very minimal pain.  Go figure? 

That's it for today.  Be safe and take special care.

Mary

A Little Grey Poupon Mustard Please

There was no way I was going to let St Patrick's Day slip away without making Corned Beef and Cabbage.  The thought of Reuben Sandwiches and Corned Beef Patties added to my enthusiasm to get into the kitchen and make it happen. The corned beef turned out nicely with great flavor and tenderness.

Yesterday was also our Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival. These are just a few photos from the newspaper. The weather was perfect and the crowds were huge. In the thousands, honestly, be sure and look at the last photo. I did not go this year even though I only have to walk about two blocks and I would be there. My mobility and endurance isn't what I would like it to be or what it has been in the past.

Besides all the activities with the Parade, Craft and Food Booths and Music Venues the town was also hosting the Annual Mother Lode Spring Daffodil Show at Ironstone Vineyards which is one mile from my house. It is a fabulous show. And the country road leading to the show is flooded with growing daffodils on both sides of the road.

I hope your weekend is enjoyable. I am very grateful for the sunshine.

Mary