Goodbye 09

I'm happy to say Goodbye to 2009. It's been a year of challenges and loss. But, this is my Gratitude journal, so there are many things I am grateful for. For the new roof, for my husband's health, for my Mother's new residence, for my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. For friends, for Facebook, for clients, and for my massage therapist. There are probably many more things, but these are the ones that come to mind at the moment. May we all live in the moment this year, enjoying being in the present and not ruminating over the past or future. This is my New Year's wish for you.

Loss

What can you say about the loss of your father? Yes, he wanted to go to heaven. But, still it leaves a hole in your life, not to mention my Mother losing her "better half" of 67 years. I am grateful that I had him for 66 years. He lived a good life and never expected to live so long. The last three, he learned the patience (in his power chair) that had eluded him during his younger years. His zest for life was unexcelled. Yet, he mostly lived in the Spiritual world. Years ago, I had a dream of attending his funeral and seeing the hundreds of people that came to pay respects. I don't think any of us appreciate how many lives we touch. He isn't having a funeral. We're giving him a celebration of life party. And, he celebrated life!

Away

I've been away. Far, far away. Caught in the Twilight Saga. If you haven't heard, it's sweeping the country. Young girls are reading Stephenie Meyer's four book series and then their mothers and grandmothers are reading them. It's all about romance and vampires and werewolves. And, young love denied. I can't explain the hold it gets on you. And, then there's the movie version of the book,Twilight. So true to the plot and the actors are perfect. I may be the first in line when the second movie, New Moon, opens on November 20th. I just can't get enough. What is this obsession? An escape from the real world? Or just the feeling of romance and being in love? I don't have the answers, but I am smitten. Who knows where these feelings come from, but I'm grateful for unexpected love.

More roses

At the end of a busy day, it's always a pleasure to enjoy more roses. Mine are still producing in this October heat wave, though not as large. I tend my little bathroom "garden" that has roses and Rangoon creeper in it, which smell like jasmine and last all week. It's a joy to share and I am grateful.

Walk around the world

Last Thursday, we walked around the World Showcase at Epcot to sample the Food and Wine Festival. It's an annual event we look forward to, but missed last year. This year we made it all the way around. We sampled food in ten countries and wine in three. My favorites were Canada and South Africa. The Canadian offerings were Cheese Soup and Maple glazed grilled Salmon. South Africa served Braised Sirloin with mashed sweet potato. Both so yummy. Other countries visited were Chili, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Thailand, America, New Zealand, and India. All were very good and now I'd like to go again to taste the rest.

Birthday celebration

Sunday, we celebrated hubby's birthday with a family dinner complete with cake and ice cream. It was the culmination of a week full of work and fun. Yes, work and projects can be rewarding, too. We worked hard (see last post) and played hard at Epcot. We had the grand kids here for a sleep- over, and received cards, gifts and phone calls from friends and family. I was surprised at how much the birthday "party" meant to Pop Pop. I'm grateful for life's celebrations.

Scenic View

Yesterday, we washed our vinyl porch windows. It was quite a job since we remove each panel, take it outside, wash, squeegee it dry, then replace it. Of course, all the screens are washed in place first. But, since this is our breakfast spot for squirrel and bird watching, it was a pleasure to behold this morning. The thrill was enhanced by the early cool front giving us natural air conditioning. I'm grateful that we can still do manual labor and get joy from the simple, scenic view of our back yard.

Nature up close

Yesterday, I weeded my fern garden which grows around two oak trees in the front of my house. It had been some time since I paid it any attention and the ferns were overgrown and the weeds were thick. As I bustled around pulling and thinning, I disturbed a thin black snake with bluish rings around it. I can't find the species in my snake book or even on Google. So, I'm thinking it's an immature black racer. Anyway, he moved on. A little later, the dirt seemed to move, and a big toad appeared. Finally, as I watered the huge fern pot in the middle of the garden, I must have flooded a carpenter ant colony. They scrambled out the fonds and onto the tree, to be observed by the pair of lizards, which I thought would have an easy meal, but they ran from the ants! All of this wild Florida in one little 4'X5' space. This is the before picture.

Back to busy-ness

Too bad it's been so long since I've blogged. Have I given myself permission to be lazy, or have I been on vacation, or is it all of the above? I still have plenty to be grateful for. So, here I am again attempting to get the ball rolling.

Our beach week was wonderful. The ocean was rough, but warm. The grand kids visited and body surfed with me. My hubby and I played ping pong and bingo. I bead crafted three bracelets. And my sisters and I shopped and bonded some more. We "dock hopped" to 3 different restaurant marinas and took loads of photos. Looked at a DVD of old home movies from 50 years ago. And, went to the flea market twice. It was a busy, but relaxing week and I can't wait until next year.

When I returned home, my orchid was in full bloom, presenting me with 6 fragrant flowers which lasted two weeks.

For all of this, I am Grateful.

Water Color

I had my grand children here for a sleep over recently and we tried our hands at painting with Water Colors. It's fun to try new things and having grand children really let your imagination grow. For this I am grateful.

Take time to Smell the Roses

My BFF is seriously ill. She's in the hospital and will go to rehab from there. It was touch and go earlier this week and makes one reflect on the value of friendship and the fragility of life. One can only offer to be there. Hand holding, feet warming, and prayer offerings are the valuable gifts at this stage. Which reminds us all to take time to smell the roses. The best things in life are free. And, the most precious are our connections.

Simple, sinful pleasures

Well, what's better than a banana split? Two banana splits, but not eaten by the same person. To share please. Not to would be sinful. For self control, I am grateful.

Summer fun

I had a great week with my Grandson from Atlanta visiting here at the local Grand Kids' house. Swimming, wiffle ball, board games, and great eats made the hot days of July a blast.

Simple pleasures hands down

When you massage people, you can't have long, lovely nails. They must be short and practical. So, when on vacation, it's a simple pleasure to let them grow longer and perhaps give them a shiny coat of red! It makes me so happy!

Ikebana and simple pleasures

Last fall, our Sorosis women's club hosted an Ikebana demonstration. I was impressed enough to purchase a frog (or spiky holder) in the event that I would attempt floral arranging some day. Recently, I found that it worked nicely in a martini glass that my son-in-law purchased for me from our favorite seafood restaurant which, by the way, is no longer in business. The glass works nicely for flowers that have stems which are too short for a vase. It works especially well for the last few blossoms on the top of a gladiola. It beautifies my bathroom and brings me simple pleasures. For continuing education, I am grateful.

Celebrating the Fourth

We're back from the beach after sun, fun and family gatherings. The sisters got their hearts together, and the grand kids had a blast cheering Nana as she Cannon balled into the pool. The cupcakes kept up the tradition of something to eat that is red, white and blue, and the sunrise walk on the beach was fulfilled. We returned to grass that needed to be mowed again, and okra and roses to pick in profusion. I'm grateful for get-aways and grateful for a beautiful place to come home to.

Summertime fun

We had a blast swimming in a great pool and eating Popsicles to stay cool while my kids from Atlanta were here. Cousins bonded and siblings double-dated. A fun time was had by all. I'm grateful for Grand kids!

Garden Gate Tea Room

Has it really been eleven days since I posted to my blog? Shame on me!

I've really been a nature girl caught up in the duties of the yard: weeding, transplanting, feeding, and edging. Also picking the rewards of my efforts. Green beans, roses and gladiolas.

Well, back to the blog world.

Tuesday, my Sorosis board members had a lovely day trip to Mt. Dora, FL and ate lunch at the Garden Gate Tea Room. This is a charming old house that is a delight to the eyes. The food was fabulous and a wonderful time was had by all. See all the photos at Webshots.

Happy Birthday Mom

Sunday, we celebrated Mom's birthday with a family gathering in Jacksonville. It was my nephew's birthday also and he was there to show off his new vehicle, the blue Isuzu Rodeo. At sixteen, he's on top of the world. And Mom is too, with almost all of her "kiddies" there. Mom is our inspiration of joy, liveliness, and perseverance. And at 89, looks beautiful as always. Love you, Mom. Happy Birthday!

At the Ballet

We had a wonderful time at the Garden Theater in quaint downtown Winter Garden watching our grand daughter perform at her end of year recital. She did a great job and when asked if it was fun or scary, she said "Both". We are so proud of her accomplishments and her desire to stretch her comfort zone. Kudos to her parents for the great opportunities they provide for their children.

Memorable Memorial Day

We had an enjoyable Memorial Day with the local grandchildren here. We played croquet in almost 100 degree weather. It was a short game. Then, inside, we tackled Chinese Checkers. I haven't played that since I was their age. The twelve year old used tricky strategy to win. He made me laugh after seeing my red Phillies baseball cap and commenting "Nice Piner hat, Nana." He also praised my hamburgers. Our lunch was followed by a Klondike bar, with the usual question from the 10 year old: "What would you do for a Klondike bar?" to which I replied, "I'd have my grandchildren over." And she replied, "Are we that bad?" You have to laugh. I didn't know you had to suffer for one!

May in Atlanta

I recently returned from visiting with my grandson and his family in Atlanta. We had fabulous adventures in new restaurants and the best Greek pizza ever. It was accompanied by a salad of Baby Arugula with green apple and lemon vinaigrette. Wonderful! We had fun shopping in the city and playing in the backyard. I flew back on the only Pink cancer awareness plane in Delta's fleet of 800 planes. Just lucky.

The best part was mornings on the bed with Giorgio and Jack. Singing songs and greeting the sun peeping through the window. For little boys with curly hair, I am grateful.

PS

If you haven't looked at B's web log lately, you should. She has links to all the old songs our family sings. It was so amazing to hear them. Most I didn't know were even recorded. That YouTube is an amazing tool. Her link can be reached by clicking on the words Floortime Mom on the side of this page.