Autumn

Finch Arboretum in Fall

Autumn has come to the Pacific Northwest.  This is my favorite time of year ~ cool mornings and sunny (mostly) days ~ leaves of vibrant colors.  God’s handiwork for all to see.

My grandmother has moved to a small assisted living facility and has settled in nicely.  We have set her room up with pictures, curtains, knick-knacks…it is truly homey ;)

Oregon Trip

Mt. Hood with Mt. Jefferson in the background

I just got back from a mini-vacation.  It was peaceful and relaxing.  I always enjoy rebooting at my dad’s home.  From the front room window, I enjoy a beautiful view of Mt. Hood (weather permitting) or watching the hummingbirds and finches in the fountain turned bird bath.  They are in the Willamette Valley on a couple of acres of land.  Jeanine does a beautiful job of caring for the lawn, pasture, garden and home.

On occasion I think about moving down there but then realize that it wouldn’t be the same.  I’d have to find a job since I don’t have a husband to care for me.  Knowing that I would not have the same freedom to enjoy their home and fellowship in the same way that I am able to do when I visit.

I am blessed to have family that lives in a place of peace and beauty AND a job that has great benefits including vacation time.

Gram Update -- REVISED 7/18/16

Enjoying a chocolate chip cookie courtesy of friend Daniela

Update on my beautiful grandmother:

We are finishing up week 6 of my night-sitting and she is doing great.  I am really only there for moral support as she is doing everything on her own.  We are shooting for me to ‘return home’ next week sometime.

She has been sharing stories from her past.  I am learning some interesting facts and tidbits I didn’t know before.

This has been a blessing of time with my grandmother and will be a memory I won’t forget.

7/18/16:  Well, I guess we were counting our chickens before they were hatched...Gram re-injured herself -- the rib area started bothering her again Friday morning and it is painful.  Not sure how this will play out; praying for stabilized health for my grandmother.

97 and Counting

A shout out to my grandmother who turned 97 yesterday.  She has been an inspiration to me throughout the years.  I have been blessed.

June

I can not believe it is June already!  This year has flown by.  There have been busy days, slow days, joyful days, sad days; however, the Lord has been with me through all of the days.

Summer is looming in the distance, creeping ever closer.  I am not a fan of the heat but I enjoy the flora and fauna of summer!

Each weekend this month is brimming with activity ~ from Bible Studies to Graduations to Birthdays...

April Days

It’s mid-April and the earth is coming alive.  Trees, bushes and flowers are blooming.

I’ve joined a co-worker in taking 10 minute walks outside three times a day ~ invigorating!  We are keeping each other accountable and enjoying every minute of it.

After my week vacation in late March, I celebrated my birthday.  What a blessing the people around me are!  They made my birthday extra-special.  I love that Google does the special "birthday" logo when it is your birthday -- the above was what I got :-)

Spring Trip

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

I just got back from a lovely trip to the Willamette Valley in Oregon.  My dad and his wife live very close to a tulip farm that opens to the public for the season.  The above photo is just one of several.

The highlight of my enjoying God's creation was on Saturday morning.  All week had been rainy and cloudy; however, Saturday morning was clear.

Mt. Hood at sunrise

I was able to capture Mount Hood in the back left of the picture.  What a sight from the loveseat in their living room!

My week was a blessing.  I always enjoy my visits with Dad, Jeanine and Lori was able to come up from California.

Evidence of Spring

Everywhere I look, there is evidence of Spring.  New growth, yard cleanup, street washing...All this evidence points back to the Lord God!  Praises to the Creator of heaven and earth - Hallelujah.

Lent

This Wednesday begins the forty days of Lent ~ our preparation for the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  My goal is to focus intentionally on my Lord moment by moment each day.  So often He gets pushed aside in the daily grind of life.  He is my redeemer.  All glory belongs to the Lord!

How are you living through Lent this year?

Tax Time

I just finished my 2015 tax return.  In this day and age, completing a tax return is as simple as logging onto the internet :-)

I hope all of you are able to get your returns completed with as little drama as possible.  I know that it can be a pain if there are multiple W-2s and children involved.  Chin-up, it will soon be over.

Blessings!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone!

2015 seemed to fly by -- why is it that time seems to move more quickly the older we get?

I pray for continued growth and maturity in my faith and walk with the Lord during this new year.

I will turn 49 this year.  I am blessed to know this is just a number and a very small one at that considering life includes eternity with my Heavenly Father.

I'm excited to see what 2016 brings!