W-E-D-N-E-S-D-A-Y

Wishing The Husband was home already.

Empty. Even though I've been keeping busy, I have a mental picture of the house looking like a deflated balloon.  All the air goes out of the house when The Husband is gone.

Clean Car = Happy Car (and driver!)

Did it - finally.  Stopped at the car wash, deposited an exorbitant amount of money for the luxury of sitting inside my car while said car got a much needed bath.  My car is much happier / peppier since then.

Needed some more carrots.  My friendly neighborhood horse exhibited much dejection in his slumped posture when I walked past this morning and didn't have carrot-treats to start his day. Was a surprise that I could interpret so much emotion from his physical stance.

Eye Candy

Each individual hydrangea plant is lovely. Grouped together in this largish display they are an impressive way to greet shoppers entering the grocery. Love, love, love blooming things.

Soon it'll be imperative for me to spend some time in the roses.  And planting the flowering lovelies we purchased over the weekend.  Not today, though.

Discovered the child's menu at Cafe Rio. A child's meal (meat quesadilla with black beans, no tortilla chips and a cup for a very rare-for-me root beer - too bad it wasn't diet) is just the right size for me.  I love those black beans.  And I didn't come out of there feeling like I was breathing out green skulls from the bad breath.

Am looking forward to the BYU Women's Conference tomorrow.  The weather will be good (have done it in pouring rain - not quite so fun), I'll be with some women who are dear to me, I have enough snacky-type-food things to get me through the day and I expect to have enough enrichment to carry me for a while.

Yay for happy plants.  I spotted new shoots of leaves on the orchid that had all those babies a month or two ago.  The original plant and also one of the babies are exhibiting their joy at being attended to. (It's always a risk, dividing and re-potting plants like that.  I keep my expectations low and am delighted when the reward appears!)

I'm so grateful today for sunshine that doesn't (so far at least) make things too hot, just pleasantly warm.  I'm grateful for a decent night's rest, for texted pictures from The Husband (I loved seeing his smile), for celebratory phone calls from "done-with-the-finals-college-graduating" granddaughters, and for things (including hugs) to look forward to.  We do live in a wonderful world.

And Another Week Begins

I'm counting on yesterday being the last of my embarrassment.  At least for a spell.  After having forgotten three important things that I needed to take with me to church, we ended up being the cause for much riotous laughter in Sunday School class.  Rather than detailing the cause of The Husband's completely red face, I'll just say cell-phones / texting and leave the rest to the imagination.  Though it probably won't have nearly the impact as the real thing (and it was really funny to everyone but us!).

In the last three days there have been funerals for two men that we knew and cared about.  How did we get to be so old that the funerals are outnumbering the weddings?

Oohhh...Aahhh.

After a weekend of rain, rain and more rain (and the return of the heat on in the house) we woke to a glorious morning.  The sunrise was spectacular - both on the mountains rimming the west side of the valley and the ones on the east doing their best to boost the sun high in the sky.  I loved my morning walk - stood for a time and watched seven deer rummage in the grass for breakfast, listened to the song sparrows and breathed the cool air.  Among the very bestest ways to start the day.

I've had a prayer ongoing in my heart for several days.  Had something coming up that was ripe for a question that I didn't want to answer.  And if pressed for an answer would find it hard to give the resounding "NO" that I'd want to give.  It's so hard for me to tell people no.  Especially when I really want (and try) to be kind.   I ended up sitting in my car thanking Heavenly Father for the answer to my prayer - the question never arose. What a huge relief.  And another tender mercy.  A tender mercy more needed, perhaps, after the humiliation of yesterday.

The Husband took a couple more orchids up the hill to the shop for dividing / repotting.  I have more orchid babies!  Haven't the faintest clue what to do with them all.  One of these is a "nameless" orchid - haven't a clue what kind it is.  It happens to be more fussy than the phalaenopsis, and isn't nearly as lovely looking a plant, in spite of my best efforts.  The gal up at the shop wasn't very encouraging. I think she thought it wasn't worth her time or attention to separate and repot.  The Husband insisted, it never refuses to bloom in spite of my ineptitude.  So, we took up two orchids and came home with four.  I'm now officially out of shelf space.

My Hawthorne tree (pictured above) burst into bloom over the weekend. And the tri-color beech trees down in the stairwell and almost there.  What isn't to love about the beauty of spring?!

Today I'm grateful for blooming plants.  For hopeful sunrises.  And for clear answers to prayers.

Another Week's End

And things feel a little less frantic and pressured.  We've knocked a few things off our list and added only a couple more.

Last night was our last Symphony night.  (We've opted not to renew our tickets this next season - too few things scheduled that we thought were worth the big bucks.)  We've become acquaintances with our seatmates; when the evening was over I was the recipient of a big farewell hug with admonitions to call when we'd like to get together.  How kind.  

Loved this view!

We saw the Midtown Men. A group I hadn't ever heard of before.  (Yes, displaying my ignorance. Haven't ever seen The Jersey Boys, not likely to, these 4 are from the original Broadway play cast.) But what an evening!  Their energy was palpable from the minute they bounded on stage until the very last farewell wave as they bounced off.  And their music:  songs from the 60's, the era of my teen years.  I knew nearly every word of nearly every song.  It was the perfect way to end our season with the symphony.

Today has been an odd Saturday.  Filled with errands and the resulting (though small) sense of accomplishment.  We took old fluorescent lightbulbs over to the recycle event at the city park, picked up some items we stumbled on that will make great birthday gifts for some special people later in the year, stopped at a garden place we haven't been to before.  And whilst there bought some lovelies for the yard.  After a Home Depot stop we were off for a mid-afternoon lunch at Corner Bakery, rounding off the meal with a child's size (though I doubt there's a child existing who could finish it, the portion is enormous) ice cream from Leatherby's that we ate (and had no trouble finishing) under the open sun-roof of the car.  

2 kinds geraniums, cosmos, alyssum & double-pleat columbine.

I overheard some teen telling her Mom she always thought greenhouses were called that because they had to be green.  We learned the difference between zonal and seed geraniums, and had our purchases at Home Depot given the checker's verbal approval. We saw some young ladies (all wearing the same color dresses and matching necklaces) performing some strange circling / touching ritual over their car before they then prayed around it.  

Last night we saw a whole bunch of kids downtown for some prom or other.  And mentally complimented a couple of the girls on their extremely lovely - yet totally modest - dresses. 

The blades of the family room ceiling fan have been thoroughly cleaned.  The curtains in the bedroom have been re-hung on a new replacement bracket (thankfully the holes on the new brackets were an exact match for the previous broken-bracket holes).  The window screens have been scrubbed and replaced back on their matching clean (though rain-dampened) windows.  The Husband has been w-a-y busier than I.  

I'm so grateful today for the rain.  I so love the way it cleanses the air and freshens our environs.  I'm grateful for a husband who doesn't balk at the upkeep our home requires, doesn't hesitate to jump in and get to it.  I'm grateful for annual plants.  Even though I really dislike the cost each spring, I love the punch of color that brightens our spirits just looking at their beauty.  (It'll be my job to get most of them planted this week while The Husband is out of town.) I'm grateful for a new book to read. For clean sheets on our bed.  And for enough things to do (and to look forward to:  BYU Women's Conference - Yay!) this next week to keep myself from being really sad and lonely. 

I'm grateful for music that makes my head and heart happy.

Earth Day

2 ducks and a goose.

What better way to start this day than by being out in our gorgeous world?  I always chuckle when I see ducks and geese on rooftops. I never expect to see those waddling creatures silhouetted against the morning sun.

We celebrated Earth Day by having our windows washed.  Outside.  And inside!  What a delightful treat to have someone clean them.  The Husband can clean them, and has.  Often.  But they all really needed a thorough wash by someone with all the appropriate ladders / equipment, someone who could come in and do them all at once. We scurried around this morning raising blinds, moving furniture out of the way, wiping down the windowsills.  The sheer curtains in our bedroom were way-overdue for cleaning as well.  So in the washing machine they went.

Beautiful (Clean!!) View

I've been dancing around with mental glee at the totally fresh outlook we have!  While I'm not fond of feeling like I live in a fishbowl, it was challenging to drop the blinds again - I wanted to leave the windows all wide open letting in the sunshine and beautiful view.  (And the bonus?  The guy said he couldn't resist cleaning the mirror in the powder room!  I look almost lovely in a reflection sans dust film.)

Today is also the celebration of the birth of one of our granddaughters.  Hopefully we'll get to see her for a minute or two and share some hugs and a bit of happiness.

I love how it feels so much brighter when things are clean.  I like clean.  Just wish I liked to clean more than I do.  I'm fair-to-middling at it.  That means I could be worse.  I'll work on being better.

I'm grateful today for windows and the (luxurious) ability to have them cleaned (just in time for the coming rain).  I love that we can see the outside from the in.

Almost Mid-Week

Somehow, oft-times, we start off the week on Sunday thinking we're going to have a bit of a calmer week.  What on earth were we thinking?

The Husband's work (we are so very grateful for employment!) has had him tied in knots.  Deadlines, changes in stuff he needs to do, additional things to do - reviews, etc.  have cropped up in seemingly endless supply frustrating his efforts to actually do his work.

The toe of my shoe for comparison.

Then there's the stuff on the calendar:  a granddaughter's birthday for which we hope we'll be able to see her at least for a few minutes.  The Symphony.  The Temple.  A couple movies I'm quite anxious to see (might have to give up on those).  The window washers.  Haircuts.  All those things are good and important.  They just all take time.  Time that seems to slip through our fingers.  Leaving us a teensy exasperated at our lack of progress in accomplishing things.

Sigh.  I wish I had an answer.

Yesterday morning while walking, I nearly stepped on this moth (have discovered it is a white-lined sphinx moth).  Not a little one, but I'm glad I saw it in time to keep from sending it to its demise.  I missed my walk this morning.  I can tell.

This doesn't look like much of an owie by now, but on Saturday afternoon I took a big chunk of skin out of my hand when closing the backyard gate.  Haven't had a tetanus shot since we've been in this house (14 years).  The ever-patient Husband took me off - again - to the Insta Care for one.  I'm dejected by how much time and money we've spent on doctors and hospitals lately - on my account. I try really hard to be healthy. (I actually thought I was too ornery to get sick!)

Today I'm grateful for visits from those we love.  And for gifts of flower bouquets.  And for forgiveness for the things I constantly repent of (a too frequent process!).

So Embarrassed!

I've been rehearsing with a choir made up of families for our Stake conference today.  Was invited to accompany them.  A simple little primary song.  One I've played at least a couple hundred (no exaggeration!) times.  Easy peasy.

Except.

Except for the fact that someone (not knowing my history of accompanying many people over the last number of decades) said I was doing fine, she knows it can be scary, but I'm doing fine.   (I know she meant to be supportive - but it felt a little different, left me feeling on edge.)

Except for the fact that that particular piano has a really strange "touch" - never mind that it is the same brand as the one we have here at home.  It just feels weird.  It's difficult to explain how difficult it is to play.

Except for the fact that I got nervous. (Not sure I've ever played in Stake Conference before.)

Sat down, waited for the signal from the conductor, hands on the appropriate keys.  And....hit the first two chords as though I'd just plunked my entire hands down on the keyboard.  Seriously.

With only a slight hiccup in her directing, the chorister continued on (I'm certain her mind was screaming out, "W-h-a-a-a-t?!?!?") So I followed.  Didn't make a single mistake the entire rest of the song.  Nary a one.

I'd like to think that no one noticed.  I'd be trying to fool myself.  I know there were those who noticed.  As I sat there and berated myself for the mess-up I was so discouraged.

We heard some good talks, by people who have conquered (or are conquering) some tough things. My silly piano mistake kind of paled in comparison.  Still, though, I am embarrassed.  I've been doing this since I was a kid.  I thought I was over this kind of thing.  I hope I didn't detract too much from the choir and their lovely music.  I'd be super sad if I did.  Perhaps Heavenly Father won't give it another thought.  Perfect I will never be.

Heard a couple thoughts I really liked.  One was something to the effect that if we try, and are sensitive to the spirit we can find love for another even in the most trying and difficult of circumstances (in spite of their behavior).  Another:  The Spirit is never frantic.  Another:  No one escapes this life without trials.  Another:  Service is the best way to feel our Heavenly Father's love. Nothing new in any of these words.  They just had a little extra impact today.

Today's experience is among the kind of experiences I get if ever I start to get too full of myself.  The message:  now, don't get cocky!  Lesson learned, again, for the umpteenth time.  Will I ever get it?

I'm grateful today that at least I didn't trip going up / down the stairs on my way to / from the piano. That would have been even more humiliating!

Saturday Again

 And it's been a fine few days.  Thursday morning I left the house - surrounded by multiple inches of snow.  Returned a few hours later to sunshine, green grass and blooming flowers. (Although these particular pansies are over by the library.)

I've been for walks, out to lunch with sweet friends who are kind and accepting of my faults and shortcomings (and patient with my silly schedule), read some books, eaten out with a couple of my favorite people (Cubby's is one of our new favorites!  But we'll be avoiding the Lehi location at 6 p.m. on Friday's - w-a-y overcrowded / noisy.), gotten a few things accomplished - including some birthday shopping for a granddaughter and shared some deeply appreciated (and needed) hugs.

Noticed The Husband's Christmas cactus is blooming.  He's good at babying it along - I'm too impatient for that extreme fussiness in plants.  My philosophy:  find a place in the house they like, plop them in it, dispense water when they plead for moisture (and otherwise ignore their needs) and enjoy!

The Husband has rinsed the mud from the windows in preparation for the professional window washers coming this week, clean sheets are on the bed, the floors have been vacuumed and we're ready for a movie!  How fortunate we are to have windows to look out, beds to cover with comfy sheets and floors that are soft underfoot.

Went to a rehearsal this morning and was touched during the opening prayer by the words this sister spoke.  She stated our love for our Heavenly Father and requested His help in making our homes places of sweetness  (what a wonderful mental image).  When I said amen, I agreed with all that she said.

I'm grateful for the immeasurable blessing of music.  For the sunshine that helps things grow and brightens our spirits.  For the treat of gelato.  And for kind people who are generous with their smiles.

Storm

The big to-do the last 24 hours has been our weather.  It all started with the wind.  Strong wind.  Parts of our valley registered winds in excess of 80 MPH.  (The paper even said one place was over 90 MPH.)  I was reminded of my childhood and the dust storms we frequently had.  There were times yesterday when the houses behind us were barely visible with all the dust in the air.  And it was windy (and dusty) all day long!

There were multiple accidents because of the low visibility.  Roofs torn off houses.  Trees downed. The trails and sidewalks this morning were strewn with broken limbs and branches.  I managed to time my morning walk between the wind /rain and the snow; the only time today when it was actually possible to get out and enjoy myself.

Then the rain came.  Mixing with the dust on the way down.  It's really strange when it rains mud. Which it did.  Then it got cold.  29 degrees this morning about 8:30. And now it's snowing. Really. Since about nine this morning we've accumulated several inches on the grass.

I'm wondering how my peonies will fare.

Clean

We were among the lucky ones whose power stayed on.  There are still a couple thousand power customers without power.  And I'm thinking it's time to turn on the heat.  My wool sweater isn't quite enough.

Hmmm???

Two days ago this little catch-basin over by the high school looked like this:  clear water, ducks paddling around.  Today it was more mud than water,  and contained this couch.  I'll never know if it was the wind or some kids' hi-jinks, but there it is.  A couch.  In the catch basin.  Truly something I've never seen before. (The opaque surface makes a great reflector for the mountains!)

Snow at 9 a.m.

I'm loving the quiet that descends along with the snow.  I tend to thrive more without a lot of bustle and commotion.

Today I'm so grateful for safety from the winds and a home without interruption of power.  For wool sweaters and snuggly socks.  For those who text me.  For the much needed moisture.  For something to look forward to in the next few days.

How blessed we are to live in this world.

Post-Weekend

And the very bestest thing about it was our communication with our kids.

We managed a "happy-birthday" conversation with our daughter.  It felt like we could talk for hours. We hope her birthday celebration continues, one day isn't enough!

We drove to Utah county so see our son and daughter-in-law.  What fun it was to see them.  They look good, seem happy and give really great hugs!  We got to feed carrots to their horse, and spend some time together over a yummy meal.  The most heartwarming was how happy our son is- he seemed delighted to see us and just hang out.  It couldn't have been nicer!

Sometimes I get a catch in my breath as I see what wonderful people my children have become. However they managed to get from their birth to fully-kind grown-ups is beyond my comprehension.  (And all of it in spite of my shortcomings (hopefully they'll always know they're loved anyway) as a mother!)

I couldn't resist these pink blossoms!

Church was strange for me.  I subbed (mostly adequately) for the ward chorister.  And warmed the piano bench (and keys) for Sr. Primary.  In spite of the fact that I made a bunch of mistakes, I felt right a home there.  I received an unexpected but nice text from a sister expressing enjoyment of the hymns I had chosen for the meeting. The men of our ward choir sang one of my favorite hymns.  Sundays seem to be kind of odd more often than they feel average.

I was met on my walk this morning by my favoritest person in the whole world.  I fed multiple horses their morning carrot-treat. Saw a big goose on top of a silo and loved being out in the early morning.

I'm grateful today for loving children.  For the safety of family that survived their car's impact with a sofa on the freeway (late at night at freeway speeds:  scary!).  For the rain that is headed our way. For visiting teaching this week that will enable me to interact with some really lovely women. For smiley memories of our weekend.

Micro-Manage / Forgiveness

There's a commercial running on our local tv with some sports team manager being confronted everywhere he goes with advice on how to run his team. Little kids, grandmothers and everyone in between can't wait to give him their opinion on what he should do.

I've felt like that lately.  Ever since my new (and for the third time in recent memory) calling as Ward Music Chair, I've been somewhat amazed and puzzled at the number of people who have approached me with advice, concern and requests for me to implement.  I've had more people chat me up in the last month than in the last year!  They all want me to do things their way.

Well-intentioned as they are (and I really believe they're well-intentioned) I feel somewhat micro-managed.  I didn't just fall off the turnip truck.  I didn't just spring into being.  I have 60+ years of life experience and a modicum of common sense.  But whatever.

Today's mail included a letter from a ward member.  With further instructions on what my calling includes, implying my need to do as he says.

And here comes the forgiveness part.  It's often easy to forgive others for trifling little things. Sometimes it can be a teensy bit more difficult.  Sometimes they don't ask forgiveness (indeed, might not even know - or care - they've done something (deliberate or not) requiring forgiveness). In those instances, forgiveness isn't for them, it's for me.  So I can forget and move forward,  concentrate on my own progress.

An Institute teacher I had was fond of saying that if we weren't on our knees every single night pleading for forgiveness from our Heavenly Father for our (and no one else's) transgressions of the day, well, we were missing the boat.  The thing is:  if we are sincere, that forgiveness from Heavenly Father will always be ours.

Why then, can it be so challenging to forgive others?  I struggle with this.  Not always, but enough that it weighs on my mind.

I could respond to the letter I received today. (I actually expect to be confronted by the sender and forced to at least verbally respond.) The right thing to do is toss the letter (and my attached emotions).  And forgive the sender.  For me.

And continue to repent and count on that ready easy forgiveness from Heavenly Father.

I Still Like Thursdays

Here are a couple things from my walk this morning.

This black dog had an ow-ie on his paw.  I know where he lives, I see him all the time when I walk. But he doesn't really know me in spite of his wagging tail.  I wanted to see why he wouldn't put any weight on that one paw, but was afraid of getting bit.  I hope he's ok, he really wanted to walk a ways with me.

There's fresh snow on those west-side-of-the-valley mountains.  I loved the clouds nestled among them.  About this point on my walk I spotted a hoppity rabbit - with a ginormous white puffy tail.  No way was I going to get a picture of him - he was way too quick!

I loved these robins perched like ornaments in the tree.  (Of course, in the time it took to pull my phone out and activate the camera several of them took wing.  Still, though, they looked nice against the morning sky.)  There's something so beautiful and clean about the way the air smells after the rain.

A couple weeks ago I picked up this new purse.  It isn't news to those who know me that I'm not into being trendy.  (Matter-of-fact, the older I get the more important comfort is to me.) I'm not into the latest styles or fads, I prefer to spend our cash on things of more lasting value than the immediate. Somehow I got it into my head that I'd like a cross-body bag, one I could sling over my shoulder leaving my hands free.  I have a small nylon one I use for traveling, but wanted a more durable/better looking one for everyday.  Can I just say how much I've loved this?!?  Running errands is so much more pleasant with my hands free.  And now that I'm old, I figure no one really looks at me anyway, so as long as I'm clean, tidy and comfortable I figure I've the best situation of all.

I've been struggling my way through Veronica Roth's last book of the trilogy.  Allegiant.  I've been struck by Tris' astonishment at the discovery that everything in her world was on camera.  I often feel like someone is watching me, taking note of my behavior - good or bad.  I have long believed that there are angels keeping vigil over us, and a Heavenly Father keeping watch over all His children. Makes me desire (pretty much all the time!) to please Him.  I don't always measure up, I often fail.  I believe the Atonement of Jesus Christ will cover all my shortcomings.  What an incredibly astonishing gift to our world.  I am grateful.  And I will not give up in my quest to improve.

Today's thanks is for lunch out with a couple of my favorite guys.  For rain.  For chocolate milk.  For a new purse.  And for family, I love when they reach out to us.

Strawberries, Apples and Stitches

Spent some time traversing the aisles of the grocery this morning.  I noticed a man pushing his cart. He reminded me of my Dad.  Same sort of walk, same shape head / hair.  Same mustache (although this man's had clearly been darkened.)  I had this crazy impulse to go up and give him a hug.  All of a sudden I really missed my Dad.  Somewhere amidst the apples, oranges and cucumbers rational thought prevailed and the impulse evaporated.  Still...I miss my Dad.

My very favorite apple!

Last night The Husband discovered a box of pictures we'd forgotten about.  (Maybe we should seriously consider moving so we can thoroughly clean?!?) The grandchildren were the predominant subjects of the pictures.  It's so strange to see how we've visually aged over the last 12-14 years.  Even though I still think I look young - but really, who am I kidding? (I refuse to color my hair, my attempts to slim down have failed and the wrinkles around my eyes have become permanent furrows - what makes me think those all equate to young looking?)  Little kids are generally so happy! I'm so glad we have pictures of happy little ones. (Although we came across a picture of a granddaughter whose face is spitting daggers at whoever it was she was looking at! And it was still cute!)

First ones of the season.

The Husband also spent some time working on the ice maker.  Again.  First thing this morning I blinded myself with the light from the freezer and Woohoo!!  Ice!  Thus The Husband maintains his outstanding record as the fixer-of-all-things (including my grumpy heart!).

I am fully flawed.

Today's grocery run yielded my favorite apples, and a container of strawberries- our first strawberries of the season. And yes, they tasted mighty fine. I'm so grateful for the wonderful variety of foods that enhance the way we sustain our bodies.

I loved this needlework piece I came across.  There's a something to this. (I might have to stitch it!)

Today I found myself smiling - I'm so grateful for life.

Miscellaneous Thoughts

• I loved Easter this year.  We spent the day watching Conference, having our hearts and testimonies fed.  A quiet day at home being spiritually lifted can be wonderfully rejuvenating.

• This morning found me on the trail bright and early.  Today's route was past three (2 middle and a high) schools.  Spring break meant the sites were empty and my trek was mostly in solitude.  I loved it.

• I deliberately didn't take carrots along for the horses - lately they've been breakfasting on their hay as I passed, so my few carrots haven't been remotely tempting.  Today, though, this guy was waiting for me.  As soon as I greeted him, he trotted over for his treat (which I, alas, didn't have).  The Husband hustled home and back with a few carrot treats.  He was so anxious he was practically climbing the fence to reach us.  I suspect he'd stand and eat carrots all day long. (And it's really difficult for me to catch a picture of something that keeps moving!)

The moon just before the sun rose.

• We were chatting yesterday about eye exams and the doctors we go visit.  We still chuckle over The Husband's latest.  "Cover one eye and read the bottom-most line that you can read."  Without hesitation The Husband said, "Made in China."  Yup, I live with that.  I don't know if he's gotten funnier over the years or less inhibited.  But I love that he strives (and generally succeeds) to make me laugh every single day.

• Finally found out the expected arrival date of our grandchild.  October 4th.  We don't leave for our trip until after that.  I surely hope we get to see him/her before we leave. We received the excited text last week that they'd heard the baby's heartbeat - we are so pleased for them!  (And for us - grands are just grand!)

I'm grateful today for the indications / hope of some rain.  For the ability to text.  For something good to read.  For a reliable curling iron (and for at least a little hair left to curl, my hair has always been fine and thin).  For a modicum of common sense (at least I hope so).  For something fun / wonderful to anticipate.

For my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Things I Enjoy

General Conference.

Soup and salad lunch at Olive Garden.

Hugs from some of our grandchildren, what fun to have a visit from them, we don't see them near enough.

Whopper robin eggs Easter candy.

Movies.  Especially ones with cars. Or music.

Mail that doesn't include bills (today's had another bill from my sinusitis hospital visit - I dislike insurance deductibles.  But am grateful for insurance.)

And these lilacs I brought in from our yard.  I will never grow weary of their smell.  I love them.

And I'm grateful for some love in my life.

Strange Days

The Husband took not one, but an unheard of two sick days.  I hope by now his headaches have subsided and that a couple days away from computers and stress (at least a much as we could eliminate) have helped.  Lunch at Cafe Rio, dinner at The Habit (I love, love, love gift cards) surely couldn't have hurt.

Although I have to confess my morning walks were w-a-y better with him along.  (I often feel -yes self-imposed - that I am looked on disparagingly by those who are out on the trails in twos or threes, or even more.  Like there's something wrong with me because I'm alone.  I generally prefer being alone on my walks.  Walking alone allows the peace of the morning to seep into my soul, rejuvenating my spirits. The exception is when someone particularly special accompanies me.  Like The Husband, or a child/grandchild.  There's a difference between loved friends and loved family.  At least for me.  And there is no criticism of others implied here, this is my personal perspective.)

Looking west at the mountains.

We decided yesterday to brave the snow and walk anyway.  By the time we returned the sun was up, the snow had stopped and the day was off to a delightful start.

Lilacs under the snow.

This morning I was off later than usual, the sun had risen.  Which enabled me to see the lovely flowers.  I stopped at the first lilac bush I saw and tried to bury my nose...in frozen lilacs.  It was only 24 degrees out.  And just in case anyone was wondering, frozen lilacs don't smell.  All the plants seem to be a month earlier than usual, and for this year, a month earlier than they should be.  I fear for our food supply this year.  (Especially considering so much of our produce comes from CA and they are in a severe drought.  Things are looking a mite dismal.)

I'm looking forward to General Conference.  President Monson is aging, and I suspect it won't be too awfully long before he leaves this earth.  How grateful I am to know that Heavenly Father is in charge and things will proceed according to His will.

Perhaps we'll hear from our son this weekend - President Obama visited our valley yesterday.  Our son is a motorcycle police officer, maybe he'll have a tale or two to tell.

And today:  the sun is shining.  Our lawn will be aerated (it's currently covered in fluorescent flags marking the sprinkler heads so as to avoid damage).  I don't have to think of something for dinner, we've got leftovers and Sunday's meal is also covered.  The laundry is almost done and I am making headway on other household tasks.

I'm so grateful for good health.  For plenty to eat.  For enough to do.  And for Easter, the celebration of hope for all mankind.

Mid-Week

I've been in a bit of a funk all week.  It must be contagious.  The Husband got up this morning and said he was going for my walk with me.  Really?  5 miles?

He's generally a pretty happy camper.  One of those people who doesn't wake up and then decide what mood he's going to be in, instead he wakes up happy.  Instantly happy.  He doesn't very often get down.  This morning he was.  I know he gets tired of the pressure to perform at work (he's up against much younger/more agile minds), of the burden of activities he's involved in (church callings, UCARE) and now that it's spring there's the yard work to contend with.  Sprinkler systems to get working (this will finally be the year to replace the sprinkler system controller I think.  It's pitched one too many fits!) lawn to mow, fertilizer to purchase and spread.  I imagine it just seems endless to him.

(And currently, besides the unreliable sprinkler system controller, our icemaker in the fridge is on the fritz! Loathe as we are to spend money on stuff like that, he'll do his handy-man magic and try to fix it.  Yet more demands on his time.)

Thus, today was a sick (Mental Health?) day.  He went with me on my walk, then spur of the moment we headed over to a new place for breakfast.  (After all the positive recommendations I expected a bit more.  I like pancakes well enough, just without the onion flavor -must have been from the grill, The Husband's didn't taste the same.

Then he decided to take a post-breakfast nap.  I haven't the heart to disturb him.  I just hope he'll be able to sleep tonight.  He doesn't usually take a several hours nap.

This was the calendar picture when I turned to April.  I love this reminder.  It's really another version of one of The Husband's sayings:  Enjoy the journey.

Yesterday morning I was stopping every chance I got to bury my nose in the (way-too-early) blooming lilacs.  They're a favorite of mine.  I also snapped this picture of one of the trail accesses. My soul responds to a tree-lined (especially blooming trees) path.  This particular one is a double dose of soul-enriching:  blooming trees and lilacs!  I've been known to take a lengthy detour sniffing the fragrant blooms.

I'm grateful today for the beauties of the earth that can lift my dejected heart.  For a husband who is always so willing to work so hard for us.  For naps. For ice makers and sprinkler systems - what a total luxury! For sweet smelling lilacs. For pictures to remind us of good things when our eyes can no longer see them.