Moisture

Living in a near desert like we do, it feels like the earth really comes alive when it rains.  We really don't receive that much rain.  We generally get lots of snow in the winter - generally being the operative word.  (This year has been an aberration with our super mild temperatures and lack of snowfall.)

Rain, rain, love the rain!

Several mornings this week I've walked in my slicker because of the drizzle.  The trees have lots of buds appearing, I have bulbs coming up in the yard.  Even our grass never went brown this year, it's still pretty green.  I fancy that I can almost hear the earth / vegetation sighing with pleasure as it laps up the life-giving moisture that's fallen.

This branch caught my eye as I walked this morning.  It's a rare thing to see water droplets hanging from the trees around here.  I thought it was lovely.

Today I'm so grateful for the beauty of this world.

Never Boring

Things are never boring around this house.  I might get restless, or wish there was something to do other than what I need to do, but it is never boring.  How ever did I manage to be a Mom and a wife and work at the same time?

Lots of music to learn, a bit of a challenge is ahead of me.

• Received a call this morning requesting my help.  Sure, I said.  Happy to.  She needs someone to play the piano for the Relief Society birthday celebration in March.  Could I do it?  It's just a short little play she picked up at Deseret Book.  Over she comes, bringing the music.  What fun it was to visit with her! (It sometimes seems that when I start to feel a bit invisible someone invites me to play the piano in church.  Makes me wonder what conversations occurred in heaven before I was born that led to this.)

After she left I picked up the music and dove in.  A couple hours later I was worn out.  53 pages of music.  13 songs.  My mouth is dry from counting, counting, counting.  (And I never really was taught how to count music.  Just have had to figure it out as I've gone along.)  The interesting part of all this is that the piano accompaniment doesn't have a bit of the melody in it.  The singer carries the melody all by herself - which to me says the singers have to be strong and confident.  We'll see how this goes.  It's been some time since I had a musical challenge.

Momma and 4 of 5 babies.

• The Husband has bought me lovely flowers over the years.  When I balk a little at the cost, he turns to flowering plants.  My orchids have done well in spite of my unskilled care.  One of them seemed overly happy. So, up to "Cactus and Tropicals" he went yesterday, toting this running-amok cattleya orchid.  Please, divide the plant, put the best part back into our pot and then put the rest of the plants in little plastic pots for us, he said.

Beckoned by the phone call that the dividing / re-potting was done we headed up the hill.  My jaw dropped when I saw the result.  My lovely orchid had 5 babies!  (The picture only shows 4, I already gave one away.)  Wherever am I going to put all these orchids? I'm already out of room for the ones I have.

The very best part (at least for my heart) was the complimentary remarks I received from the store's employees.  (Your orchid is beautiful! You must take really good care of it.  That is one really happy plant. Most people can't achieve results like this.  We are really impressed.) They said such nice things.  My heart was brimming with joy that someone noticed and cared that something (even a something I just bumble around and hope I'm doing right) I did was good.

I'm thinking one of my neighbors up the street might enjoy one of the babies. That leaves only three left to find good homes for.

• I had plans for the day.  I need to get started on my newest stitching project - the Christmas gift I am so looking forward to.  I've got books that are ticking on the down-hill-almost-due-at-the-library side. Especially the one I am so loving by Jeffrey Holland. (So far my favorite chapter was the one about Lot's wife.) I did manage to wash the recently complete stitchery, but that only took a minute.  I think most of my plans flew out the window and joined the chickadees and robins I heard on my morning walk.

I lost a lot of yesterday getting the new computer up and running.  Thank heavens for a resident all-knowing computer expert.  I'd be lost without him - in so many ways.

Vacuuming and a trip for hairspray will wait for tomorrow.  Tonight we're off to dinner - I'm looking forward to it.

I'm grateful today for knowledgeable plant people who are kind in the things they said to me.  What a lift to my soul that was.  I'm grateful for beautiful blooming things.  For lovely music.  For happy welcomes complete with a smile.

Sometimes

Yesterday's sunrise.

I love anticipating things.  I try to be patient in my waiting.  With varied results.

Then there's the patience that we exhibit with another, someone whose behavior requires some degree of tolerance, forbearance.  I also generally have mixed results in practicing this.

I have tried another's patience today.  And probably most every day.  Yet he keeps me around, even rewards me with support, both physical and emotional.  I surely don't deserve him.

This morning found me out on the trail again, loving the drizzle from the shelter of my slicker and the hush that comes before the doors fly open and the morning crowds descend to the streets.  When I arrive home The Husband always asks, "did you have a good walk?"  Almost invariably the answer is a resounding yes.  (Although I confess that my foot seems to have taken a turn for the worse again - though I tried to baby it by walking slower than usual.)

And sometimes I think I'm braver than I am.  I try to be brave and meet each challenge with nary a quiver in my lip / soul.  Sometimes I'm better at it than others.  Maybe I'm not really brave, just timid?

Today's beautiful sky just before the sun opened its eyes.

So, sometimes I'm patient.  Sometimes I'm brave.  Sometimes I'm kind.  And sometimes I'm cheerful. I need to figure out how to turn those "sometimes" into pretty much "always".  Thankfully Heavenly Father isn't finished with me yet.  Hopefully He won't give up on me.  I surely have some work ahead of me. I hope I won't disappoint.

Today I'm grateful for a husband who doesn't seem to mind that I try his patience as much as I do. Who ceaselessly pampers me and works for our united happiness.

Moody Monday

Loved our walk!

This has been an odd morning - and it isn't even 11:00 yet.  My emotions have been all over the place:  one minute I'm happy and content and the next I'm an old grump.  Where does that come from?

I doubt it is a result of the weekend - it was a pleasant enough couple of days.  We redeemed a gift card at Outback and stuffed ourselves silly.  Church was fine.  With our early meeting schedule our afternoons are blessedly open with nary a temptation to include activities that hamper our observance of the sabbath.  Yesterday we treated ourselves to a walk; could hardly believe it is January with the sunshine and 55 degree temps.  We saw lots of people out riding their bikes in shirtsleeves.  (Makes me wonder - with our dearth of snowfall - if I should be worrying about our water come summer?)

This touches my soul.

I've been immersed in this fabulous new book by Jeffrey Holland.  I find myself re-thinking stuff I've read and reeling in awe at his grasp of gospel truths and ability to convey just what I need to hear.  What a marvelous blessing his words are to me.

And speaking of words:  I've come under fire (actually just some good-natured teasing) lately for my texts.  Apparently I'm too verbose.  And he says that like it's news to him?  I keep reminding him that I was ceaselessly admonished to stop talking throughout my entire growing up years.  And I was the quiet one of the family.

The Husband is heading off to lunch with the guys from our former ward today.  Tomorrow I'm lunching with a sweet friend.  And we've received a rare invitation to dinner.  Clearly food is high on our list of important things in our lives.

Read the other day about a lady whose middle name was Princess.  Why didn't I think of that?  Or maybe I wish my parents had. What a lovely moniker to have, and I am just imagining that she really acted like a Princess. People are so very creative!

Today my heart feels gratitude for uplifting words, for walks in the sunrise (especially when my feet are no longer hurting) for a sweet home teacher's wife who makes sure he visits us even though she's the one doing the heavy lifting, and for ready smiles.

Yay For Fridays!

And I've only a few thoughts bouncing off the corners of my mind.

•  I've spent a lot of time here at home this week.  I love being here.  Perhaps we can find something fun to do tomorrow.  Fun is good.

• Even though I think I've spent a lot of time here at the house, I've pretty much enjoyed the week.  I've been for walks pretty much every morning.  We had a visit from a grandson and a friend.  There's been good words to read.  I've cooked, we've had the luxury of eating out.  We saw a play (silly though it was). I've sewed and knitted, tidied and stayed on top of the laundry.  I loved that we had some interaction with family that we don't get to see that often.

I love the morning frost.

Overall, I'd have to say it's been just an ordinary week.  I must enjoy ordinary.

• Love these words from Dieter Uchtdorf:  "In the end, it is the merciful who obtain mercy."

• Sunshine in January is good for my soul.

• I tried to take a picture of these frost-tipped weeds.  It was a fairly long stretch of fence, lined the entire way with these weeds.  (I must have taken 7 or 8 pictures.  My phone was determined to focus on the fencepost instead of the frost.  So I finally gave in and let the phone have its way. ) There's something about frost on plants that reminds of some sort of fairy land. The morning was quiet, it was just me, the birds and the frost-tipped weeds.  I loved it.

• I proved again that I can be dumb.  Pulled up the texts on my phone and without looking texted a quick one word message off...to the wrong person!  Surely I'm not the first (or the last?) person to do that?!

• Finally, finally I think I'm coughing less.  My voice is back more of the time.  And I slept super well last night.  Small things like that can almost make me feel human again.  I like feeling well and healthy.

• Received an invitation to do lunch with a friend next week.  Anticipation of a good thing is a good thing.

Today I'm grateful for contentment.  For a happy husband.  For something to look forward to.

Mystery Solved!

The mystery of the cookies has been solved and the cookies eaten.  Our friend apparently texted us that he left them on our porch when we weren't home.  Text never received (one of the hazards of having w-a-y too many numbers for people to keep track of).  Next time, he'll text me and we'll get the cookies when they're really fresh.  Although we didn't have any difficulty at all downing them even a day or two past fresh-from-the-oven!  Yum!

Spent a bit of time with our grandson and a couple of his friends.  He was just in town for a short time but we got great hugs and thoroughly enjoyed his visit.  We don't see our grandchilluns near enough - and they're all growing up way too fast.  I hope they'll love us and keep in touch when they (and us) are older.

Overheard in the grocery - a woman talking on her cellphone: "Maybe I should just stay married." That's all I know.  Still, though, it saddened me a bit.  It seemed to trivialize her marriage.  I surely hope she works things out for the best outcome.

Night before last I finished a book I loved.  It seems more and more rare that I find an author who 1) Can really write. 2) Keeps it clean. 3) Writes enough that I look forward to his/her books. This particular author does it for me.  I actually felt a bit of a let-down when the last page was turned, I'm always a teensy sad to see the end of a good book.

And fresh from the embroidery hoop (hasn't even been rinsed or ironed) is my latest project.  For Christmas I received a project I had coveted.  (Yes, on occasion, I do covet, try though I might not to.) It's a largish project and came complete with hand-dyed fabric, hand over-dyed floss, buttons / embellishments and of course, the pattern - which came in three parts.  I'm just itching to get started.  First, though, I had to finish up the one I was working on.  Haven't yet decided who to gift it to, or if I should just keep it.  I'll wait for a really good sale to frame it; I deplete The Husband's hard-earned cash with all the custom (translation: expensive) framing.  He's a great sport about it.

So:  finished the cookies, finished a great book, finished a project.  Now on to the next:  batch of cookies, great book and new project.  I love anticipating those things.

Today I'm grateful for finishing things, for new things to start, for hugs from grandsons. And for friends that bring us cookies.

Luxuries

I surely am aware that my life is replete with luxuries.  Some small, others larger, but luxuries nonetheless.

This morning's luxury was sleeping until my mind and body said it was time to leave the warmth of our bed.  We had the luxury of spending the holiday doing whatever the mood dictated.  A dinner of leftover lasagne was another luxury as was our treat of popcorn in observance of National Popcorn Day.

This plate of cookies was discovered on our porch when we retrieved the morning newspaper.  No idea how long it had been there.  Or who left it or even who it was for.  It was just there.  It strikes me that in former / simpler times we'd have scarfed those cookies up faster than we could say their name. Nowadays, we're reluctant to sample even a bite.  Makes me a little bit sad.

And my final thoughts:  This month in Primary we are working on one of the songs for the program.  Hopefully, I'll manage to memorize my piano part whilst the youngsters are learning the song.  Each time we arrive at the chorus I have a series of mental images.

"I know He lives
I will follow faithfully,
My heart I give to Him,
I know that my Savior loves me."

When we get to the line about my heart, my mental picture shifts:  to me - standing in front of Jesus Christ - with my hands stretched out, cupping a heart - my heart.  Anxiously hoping it will acceptable to Him.  He sacrificed so much for each and every soul on this earth.  Will my meager offering be enough? I like to imagine that if I've created enough of a relationship with Him, stood for the things I know are right (for example: that our Savior lives and guides us) been obedient and faithful (steadfast) and try always to do my best, then it will be enough.  I work for that every day.

I'm grateful today for every luxury I enjoy, for an improvement in my coughing situation (it has lessened and I actually have a voice most of the time) and for lovely music that touches my heart.

A Day Without Pictures

Though I still saw some things I thoroughly enjoyed.   Like:

The Husband's smile first thing this morning.

The sunshine we saw and felt all day, it brightened my spirits.

My chocolate gelato shake.  That, too, brightened my spirits.

Our new vacuum cleaner.  (I did not enjoy the demise of the former vacuum.  At least the new one was on sale.)

Our fridge full of food.

The buds I've been noticing on the trees.  It may be January, but there are signs of new life all around me.

The mail from the mailbox that was only toss-stuff.  Not a single bill.

And the enjoyment will continue - I'm looking forward to:

The clean sheets on the bed.

Another hug.

Some more chapters in a wonderful book I'm reading.

Seeing the backside of my eyelids - in other words, some good sleep.

I'm so grateful.

The Week Surely Seems To Have Disappeared

And while it was disappearing I was enjoying life.  I enjoyed my treadmill one morning, then was able to enjoy the trail.  I enjoyed getting a haircut and having a meal out with My Love.  I've enjoyed some books, some knitting, and some visiting - with family and dear friends.  (I haven't enjoyed quite so much the cough I seem to have acquired - The Husband is reluctant  :(  to kiss me. Thankfully hugs are still allowed.)

Stunning View1

Some of this enjoyment is an offshoot of being mindful.  It seems like ever since the first of the year a lot of what I've read (particularly in regards to New Year's Resolutions) has mentioned (or even focused on) being mindful.  I try to be mindful, especially of the good things that surround me; and they are myriad. Being mindful suggests an awareness, a conscious recognition.  Which makes being that way somehow more intentional.  I like the thought of living an intentional life, full of awareness of blessings, abundance and goodness.

Brave, strong little daisy.

How lovely it was today to lunch with a friend.  And to drive in the sunshine - it's been days since we've seen actual sunshine.  I had to pull to the side of the road to snap this picture of our beautiful mountains.  (Actually I took several and selected the best one, though it was hard to choose, the mountains are surely displaying their finest aspect.)

Today I'm grateful for work that provides income for our comfort, and a husband who isn't afraid to work, who is dedicated.  I'm grateful for hope for fun.  And I'm grateful that in the midst of winter there's still that lone little english daisy blooming in our front garden.  It reminds me to have hope.

A Fresh Week

Our mountains are behind / amidst the clouds.

Mondays always feel like I have a chance to start anew.  There are myriads of things to conquer / begin / finish / attempt / enjoy / experience - to just name a few.

This view from our backyard looking north is usually filled with our stunning Rocky Mountains. Today all we see is rain.  I love rain.  Even when it means I'm inside on the treadmill on occasion. Hopefully this version of a storm will scour our air so we're not afraid to breathe it - the results of living in a valley surrounded by mountains.  I love it here.

The Husband returned Thursday night, bringing my heart home safely with him.  He also brought me flowers.  He knows how much I love flowers in the house - while I simultaneously object to the cost. They so brighten the house!

My mouth is much improved, the antibiotics are completed, I am catching up on weekend-neglected household maintenance.  I finished reading the Doctrine and Covenants (my personal scripture study) and am once again into the Book Of Mormon.  (Hopefully this time more of what I read will stick to my brain cells.) I am making great progress on the knitted baby blanket and other needlework projects, the ironing is almost done.  Bottom line is: I'm fairly content.

I read this in a book recently and loved the sentence:  "I, too, have been guilty of thinking with my heart.  I believe it is not such a bad thing."  I hope that I'll often think with my heart, perhaps it will help me in my efforts to be kind.

I'm grateful today for the rain, for the safe return of The Husband and for flowers.

Teeth / Kindness

Have I mentioned how much I love (not) teeth issues?

I spent the afternoon at the dentist having my roots canal-ed.  Last tooth in the back on top.  It could be way more convenient to get to. My mouth isn't large (even though I've been told I am a big mouth). Most dentists are men.  Men generally have largish hands.  Nothing here suggests an experience of ease and joy.  (When asked, the dentist said it is rather like building a ship inside a bottle.)

I like my dentist for multiple reasons.  Not the least of which is his kindness.

After being released from the dentist chair, picking up my prescription for antibiotic and finally getting home, recovering with the help of the couch, I was involved in a conversation with my sweet visiting teacher.

Next thing I know she's at the door.  Bringing food.  (And not just for me, but for our daughter who has missed this entire week of work because of sickness.)

Another attempt at capturing the full moon as it sets in the a.m.

Seriously. Whatever could I have done to deserve such gracious, thoughtful, kindness?  On second thought, maybe it isn't anything to do with me.  This sister is like this with pretty much everyone. Her husband is the same way.  They not only serve others as a matter of routine, they actively search for opportunities to express their discipleship.

I'm so grateful today to be the recipient of her friendship.  My heart has been warmly hugged.

I'm grateful also for the airplane that is at this moment winging The Husband home.  I haven't kept as busy this week as I should have - that meant the door was open for that old frenemy "lonesome" to creep in.  I shall be in much better spirits in a couple hours.

It's Tuesday Again?

Time flies but crawls at the same time when The Husband is out of town.  We've got one "sleep" under our belt with only two more "sleeps" to go before he's home.  I'm almost counting the hours!

Sunday marked our ward's return to the 9-noon schedule of meetings.  I love the early schedule, love the sense of rest and rejuvenation after having had our souls uplifted on a day we do our best to observe and keep the Sabbath holy.

My early morning friend.

Yesterday found me on the trail early after The Husband headed to the airport.  Kept myself as busy as I could so as to not dwell on my lonesome-ness. After having The Husband off work for well over a week and being pretty much joined at the hip the entire time it's been a bit of a wrench having him gone.  Not complaining, I am so very grateful for his job.  Just sayin'.

Retrieved some carrots from the fridge and served carrot breakfast to this guy a couple houses down from us.  He seemed appreciative.  Wonder how often I'll have to do it to have him recognize me?

Yum.

Treated myself to Cafe Rio for lunch/dinner.  The special yesterday was chile rellenos.  Can't recall if I've ever had them before (and I had a gift card) so I dared to try something different.  While I'm not a fan of the Cafe Rio sweet pork (yeah, I know, I'm totally in the minority!) I enjoyed the meal.  Didn't even mind so much being there by myself.

The moon making way for the sun.

This morning I walked in the company of the full moon.  I imagined it was shining so bright just for me.  (I don't have the right equipment for moon-picture-taking; this was the least blurry of the 7 or 8 I took.)  I have long loved the stark beauty of the bare trees limbs against the sky.  The moon peeking through just enhances the view! It was 30 degrees out when I left, so quite a warm-up.  My gloves and ear-muffs spent the majority of the walk in my pocket.  I loved it out there.

This afternoon I have a multitude of things to choose from.  I could clean some bathroom sinks.  Do some cross-stitch (working on something for a loved one), knit some rows on the baby blanket, go look for a rug, read one of the two books that are in progress.  What a luxury it is to choose from so many great options.

I am so grateful for so much in my life.  For my cellphone - that keeps me in touch with those I love when they're not within touching distance.  For my ability to enjoy the world, especially in the early morning when most folks are sleeping and the peace seeps into my soul.  For kind friends who call to chat when they'd like to hear a familiar voice and share some happenings.  (She was very gracious as she listened to my small concerns.) For the hope of a pain-free mouth after my dental appointment. For lemons.  And for my testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ that helps give me purpose.

Best Gift Box!

Received this for Christmas, thought it was interesting someone would give me a year of earrings.

Then I opened the end.  This is the best gift box I've ever received.  Some lucky soul will receive it from me in the future - loved it!

4:30 p.m. just before sunset, we loved the view!

2015

Looking west from the trail.

The first day of this year found us sleeping in, taking our time, going for a walk in the beauty of the 7 degree winter day, reading, napping, putting away Christmas and getting the family room back to what passes for normal.

The Husband is cooking some ribs for dinner, we'll have a feast.

Looking east from the same spot.

I'm grateful for each day that provides me new opportunities to make better choices, for a clean(er) house, for warm socks and warm water.  And for hope in the future.

This is what the New Year in Draper, Ut looks like.