Mirror, Mirror on the lake

Jim and I spent the last five days in the Adirondack mountains helping our friends open their summer home. The weather was heavenly, like the middle of July. Rarely do I awake to the sight of a perfectly still lake. This is the vision that met me and my coffee mug on Tuesday. I was enthralled. I feel as if I have transported to a different world when I visit this mountain retreat.

We have been spending time here with our friends for the past fifteen summers. I don't think there is another place on earth where I am more relaxed. I sleep the sleep of the innocent when I'm here nestled in my comfly bed. Even in the midst of summer, we still usually need a blanket.

Each time I leave, I feel a pang of loss. But, alas! July will be here before we know it and we'll make our way back again, if only for a short visit.

I can't take any credit at all for the lilac, but isn't it lovely. I just love this time of year.

Strength for the Day

It never ceases to amaze me that I have developed a love for gardening. As I was spreading the eight bags of mulch needed to protect my garden from being overtaken by unsightly weeds, I was overcome with joy and thanksgiving that I had the strength to complete this task. I was moved to drop my hoe and just thank God for His goodness to me. And then it dawned on me. God didn't just in His grace and mercy endow me with this newfound strength. Not that He isn't able to do that, He could, but that might be too easy. No, God in his infinite wisdom, decided that I needed to work for my strength and so led me to Curves for Women. Several years ago, my doctor suggested that Curves might help my fibromyalgia. She said at the very least, it couldn't hurt.

EXERCISE! Me? Along with not having a creative bone in my body for the first 50 years of my life, I was also one of the weakest women alive. I hated almost all physical activity except walking for as long as I can remember. But, as my husband, the golfer, says we are playing the back nine and need to stay as strong as possible. So, off I went to Curves and as they say, "the rest is history". Hence the strength to work my garden. Today, was the easy part -- just container planting. I'm tired, but doesn't it all look lovely?

Home Sweet Home

Jim and I were returning home from our very short visit to Pennsylvania this weekend and stopped at a little plaza in Penfield. Because I'm driving these days, Jim has lots of time to gaze around and notice his surroundings. I think he's enjoying it although I doubt he would admit to enjoying my driving. Anyway, when I came out of the store, he pointed to the sign above one of the stores. There sat a devoted Mama bird watching over her nest. I was so happy to have the camera, which thanks to Tracy, I keep with me most of the time. Isn't it cool how God provides for His creatures even in the midst of commercial dealings?

lavendar blue

Okay, I've done it. I've started a blog. I've been wanting to do this for ages. Really, ever since my neighbor, Tracy started blogging. It's sort of a joke with my family and friends. Everyone who knows me knows how I love to be "onstage". Gretchen's gift for Mother's Day and Tracy's reaction to its picture, really motivated me to start. So, here it is.

How strange, or not, that Gretchen would send me a lavendar plant. Last fall, I really housecleaned my perreniel garden and made room for some new plantings. Last week, I was perusing a gardening catalog and decided I definitely wanted a lavendar plant. I just hadn't gotten out to the garden store.

When I called Gretchen to thank her for the plant, she told me that she had struggled with what to send and finally decided on the lavendar. I know we are very much alike, but that's almost eerie. Actually, I shouldn't find that so strange, I think both my daughters have a second sense about me and me them. Poor Jim, living with the three of us for so many years.

I will always treasure this plant not only for its beauty, but because it gave me the impetus to start blogging.

Happy Day!

Lavendar Blue