I have to admit that I am not good at gardening, but this lily always brings us much enjoyment. So lucky that it is hardy!!
Flowers
Another Ladies Day
One of our after Bible Study adventures included visiting Horton Bay General Store, Red Fox bookstore and Lavender Hill farm.
Last week, we enjoyed a picnic at Magnus Park. It is so beautiful there. We stopped to take pics of this guy who was out enjoying our magnificent weather.Followed by a lingering visit to Sturgeon River Pottery. A visit to Alpine Chocolate for ice cream ended this excursion.
Who Would Have Thought
Who would have thought that in my elder years that I would become a fisherwoman??? !!! And yet, that seems to be what I have become.
God provides! Leonard has been title-ing me, “The Perch Whisperer”.That is so funny! Yes, we continue to be the Lucky Ones!
Other Ladies
My sister-in-law invited me to go to a Bible Study that meets every Thursday. I have gone for 3 weeks now.
These ladies are from all different denominations. It has been very informative and thought provoking.
After the first one that I went to, my sister-in-law said that some of them were going out to lunch after and asked me to join. I declined. The second week, a group of ladies were having a picnic on one of the gal’s pontoon. I accepted this offer and had a most relaxing day with some truly beautiful ladies and an awesome pontoon ride on Torch Lake!
This week, there were only 3 of us. We had lunch at “Toonie’s” in Bellaire, went to an art gallery where one of the gals from Bible study displays her artwork. She’s a magnificent artist. The gallery was called “Mr. Pin”. From there, we went to Grass River Natural area, then back to “Ruthie’s” in Bellaire for an ice cream cone! What a nice day!
I am one of the “lucky ones”
Thank you, Jesus
We have gone fishing a little in the last few weeks. Other than a couple small pan fish, we have gotten “skunked”.
Before dinner each night, we hold each other’s hand and I thank God for this day and for providing. Last night, Leonard added to my prayer and asked for Him to provide fish.
Later in the evening, we went fishing. I wish I could have captured it on video as the fish gave a noble and lively fight, but I was busy getting the net to scoop up Leonard’s opponents.
First thing that came out of his mouth was, “THANK YOU, JESUS!” and same thing with the second one. When we got home, he stated,” I know I’ve already said it, but “THANK YOU, JESUS!!!”
We ARE the lucky ones, for our God cares about us so much! When we get discouraged, He lifts us up and He cares for even the smallest things in our lives.
Sentiments on the Eve of Independence Day
A few years ago, three girlfriends and myself took a tour bus to New York City. It was such a great trip and I feel so lucky to have had this experience. I was able to see first hand the Statue of Liberty!!
This morning at church, the choir sang this song. Check it out!
It blessed my heart. Yes, I am proud to be an American and YES, I am proud to be a Christian!
We ARE the Lucky Ones to live in the United States of America because of those who have sacrificed for our freedom.
Reminiscing
When I was a kid, my hometown of East Jordan was known as “Swan City”. I don’t think they use that slogan anymore. It always seemed so appropriate.
This year, they had some art added to the city and I was thrilled to see this addition. It reminds me of days gone by.
Another thing that causes me to reminisce of days gone by are fields of hay. It does warm my heart to see them, yet I certainly am a lucky one not to have THAT chore anymore! 😊
Yes, we are the lucky ones to live where we do!
Critter-cation
My grandson, Isaac wanted to go to the Smithsonian this year for vacation. My daughter planned their vacation to go to DC, Hershey’s factory and Niagara Falls this year via rented RV.
While they were gone we watched their critters, which I will refer to as a critter-cation. One week of experiencing three dogs and one cat. Just a taste, in case I was considering acquiring another critter.
From eldest to youngest:
The second they added to their family,
Their youngest dog, which they acquired as a gift for Isaac.
Their most recent addition;
I was so excited for Tina and family to have such a nice vacation. They saw some amazing sites. While they were away, we took great care of their critters. Now, they are reunited and all are home safe and sound. Again, we are the lucky ones.
Here are some pics that Tina and family shared with me:
Love her Photos
My daughter always takes the coolest photos!
Life: A mixture of Ups and Downs
It has been a bit since my last blog post. I always enjoy any time that I get to spend with my family, so this is the best place to pick up.
Tina asked us to join her for the Boyne City Mushroom festival. Tina and Isaac did the bumper cars together. This brought joy to watch.
I was able to meet some long time friends for lunch. I enjoyed seeing them so much even though I was self conscious of my physical state when I saw them. It was good to hear how their lives are changing with kids and grand-kids.
As I’ve stated previously, relationships and encounters are what I treasure above many things. On the 23rd of May, I went back to my doctor for a follow up of the hip surgery. He gave me the “go ahead” to return to work. Part of me was ecstatic, for this meant that I was doing well. As it turns out, that the day they told me to return to work, was the very day that my long time girlfriend was in the area. I totally missed an opportunity to visit with with her. Even though I was overjoyed to see the people that I have grown special relationships with at work… I cannot adequately explain how disappointed I was to not see her for this round of her returning to the area. Especially this year, when this fall has made me so aware of the frailty of life.
Since I have been recuperating, I have tried to be vigilant with walking and exercises that physical therapy has given. One of those walks, I was startled by this morning dove that did not seem to be disturbed by my entering it’s personal space.
Memorial Day weekend, Brian and family came to visit and it was such a joy to see them.
Isaac turned 11 and asked for us to take him miniature golfing. I made him an ice cream cake and he was overjoyed to get a Nerf gun that he had been asking his Mum for.
Just a few days later, was Tina’s birthday. I made her a cake made only with fruit which she thought was great!
After returning to work, I found that my ability to do my job adequately and how it was effecting my health was just not providing the desired outcome. I had many mixed feelings about this. We made the decision for me to retire. The reality of not seeing the people that I have grown so close to, puts a sadness in my heart that I cannot explain. Did I return to work to early? I don’t know. I never realized a simple fall on the ice could impact not only my health but also my emotional state in such a big way. I realized how fragile life is and how quickly that can change. We decided as a couple that we needed to be together as much as possible. We both are realizing that each day is a gift and not to take it for granted.We go through life believing that there will be a better day or that we will have another day. We count on it, but that is not promised.
Even though life is a mixture of ups and downs, I am grateful to my God for the many relationships that have blessed my heart along the way. To the friends I’ve made that are near my own age to the younger ones that are younger than my own kids and the unlikely relationship that I encountered with a young man that I worked with for 7 years. These people that I’ve been accustomed to seeing everyday, I had to leave behind, yet their uniqueness and the love that I feel for them will be etched in my heart for eternity. Will I forget about them? Not a chance! They have impacted my life and changed me in a way that could have not happened without their place in my life. We have photo albums of moments with our families but, I have a photo album of memories of these people that I hold dear on my heart. No one can take that away. These are moments of just living everyday…same place, same time and yet, that is what draws you close.
Yes, life IS a mixture of ups and downs, but we remain the Lucky Ones and I am grateful.
We Are the Lucky Ones 