Special moments

When I was going into the third grade, I was so upset to start the school year. That particular year, due to overcrowding, all third graders had classes at the Good Will Center which was in a different location from the regular elementary school.

Yet, that year, I met life-long friends. When I was young, with all the responsibilities at home, I was not always able to share times outside of school as the others did. At times, I found this disappointing.

Maybe that’s why I feel grateful and blessed and yes, lucky 🙂 to have these friends. We don’t see each other that often, but when we do, it truly blesses my heart. We are all very different in lifestyle and personality which gives me much delight. I appreciate our differences and I feel thankful for these dear friends that I have known for so many years. Because we are different, it makes conversations interesting and fun. One thing that is different for me, is that they are all retired and I like hearing about what their plans are for the future. Hopefully, I will be there soon.

We have grown older together. How many people can say that? It is these moments that remain in my heart, year after year.

Yesterday, was one of those special days that I had the privilege to see these three amazing women. We share about our children, grandchildren, life changes, ups and downs. Luckily, the restaurant wasn’t busy, which gave us the chance to linger a while in each other’s lives. How did I get so lucky???

Lucky Day

I was able to spend the day with my daughter, Tina, grandson, Isaac and Leonard. Went to a Fall Festival and a Harvest Festival! Lucky to be able to spend that time!

Thankful!

I am filled with so much gratitude to God my Father. My grandson, Luke was 2 years old when diagnosed with germ cell cancer. Yesterday, Luke turned 8!!!!!! Praise God for His goodness!

Ladies Book Study

I have committed to a new study at church. To start out, they asked for two women that have inspired you in your life. I have had many women that I have had a close bond with, so to pick just two was hard.

The first one, was my mother. She lived a very hard life and struggled with depression and mental illness, but she continued to have faith which sustained her. She would go without rather than not give to someone in need. Also, she was probably the wisest person I have ever met.

My daughter also is an inspiration to me. She, too, has had her share of hardships, but has overcome with grace and beauty. She continually inspires me to be a better person. Her perseverance to reach her goal of inspiring young people through teaching, fills me with pride for her. She reached this goal through earning her degrees while raising a happy and respectful son, maintaining full time job and home and marriage. She is an amazing woman.

A third woman that is an inspiration to me, is my friend, Chris. She has prayed over me more times than I can remember and is a dear, dear Christian friend who walks the walk.

Busy

It’s been a busy couple weeks. We were able to see Brian and family while they were on their RV vacation. Spent a day with Isaac. I’ve been canning. Leonard picks flowers every once in awhile for me.

Yes, I am lucky! 🙂

Summer in Michigan

A gentleman from my church brought some produce to share for an object lesson. I was excited to get some homegrown red potatoes. Yummy!

We went to King’s Orchard to get some peaches but, they are not ripe yet. However, they did have some donut peaches. I’ve never hear of such a thing!

Donut peaches.
Cherry puff pastry

After leaving King’s Orchard, we went to Barnes Park. I just wanted to look in the water. Lake Michigan never disappoints!

Beautiful!
Rocks are pretty too!

Kindness

Most days, I’m fairly chipper when I go to work. This day, however, I was feeling a bit down for no particular reason. A friend of mine told me that I needed to go into the lunch room. I found it odd but proceeded to follow her cue. To my surprise…this is what I found!

I love this!

The couple that made this for me, share my love of “Snoopy”. I am always humbled and taken aback by the kindness of people.

My Heart Grows

My heart Grows three times with pride Everytime I have the opportunity to watch my bro perform. I got that opportunity tonight!

Heart of Gold
Would you like to go

Simple Joys

I have not made jam in years, albeit…this year, our berries were in abundance. So, why not? Every year that I preserve anything, I forget that sweet “plink” of the jars sealing. Knowing that this sweet sound congratulates you in that your labor was not in vain. Even if it was a small batch.🙂

Black Raspberry Jam!

We grow tomatoes next to our house every year. This year, we had a few surprises. Spinach that came up voluntarily, providing us with enough to enjoy a salad every night and it continues to provide. Also, sunflower seeds made their way into our tomatoes as well. Sweet!

Excited for to see them in full bloom!
More flowers my daughter planted at our house!❤️

Some more “plinking” going on! 🙂

Pepper jelly from the jalapenos that we grew on our deck