I am so Grateful

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Today, I feel especially grateful even though I have empathy for all those who have lost so much in the terrible tornadoes this past week.

I have been retired since Jan 1st and I'm using my time differently. I would work in my yard all day if my stamina would let me and the heat would let up. I'm picking roses and green beans and the sunflowers are getting taller than me.

I play Bridge 5 times a month and am practicing the piano more and playing Freecell less.

We had a wonderful party at our home for the family Easter gathering. I cooked and baked for three days prior so I could enjoy the day with everyone. It was the first time in a long while that we set up two long tables in our Florida room to host 17 people. We enjoyed showing off the fruits of our labors and were blessed with weather that allowed for sitting on the patio and watching the egg hunt.

All of this to say, I'm happy today and I realise that, as tornado victims, it could all be gone in a minute. I feel blessed to live in the present and recognise my blessing.

For, This is the day the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Still blooming

The roses are still blooming and I'm still picking. Can't hardly come inside for the call of the garden is strong in the Spring. My sunflowers are 10 inches high, and my green beans are, too. I'm growing Dahlias for the first time and they are finally up. The daylilies are in full bloom as is the Confederate Jasmine. The grass isn't growing too fast and the trees have put on their new leaves. It's a wonderful time in Central Florida but we could use more rain. The April 90 degrees is a bit too hot, but I'm grateful for what we have.

Holy Roses!

Holy roses it's been a long time since I posted to my Gratitude journal. I've been called by the spirit of Spring to be in my yard as long as possible. Then, of course, there are the naps to recuperate from being in the yard as long as possible! But the rewards are plentiful this wonderful time of the year. The roses are especially rewarding as well as the fragrance of Confederate jasmine. The mosquitoes haven't found me yet and the humidity is low. I grateful for living in Central Florida. Thanks Mom and Dad, for relocating all those many years ago.

Goodbye Cold December, welcome warm January

I say goodbye and good riddance to December. It was the coldest on record here in Central Florida. The three hard freezes this early in winter made toast of the lawns and sticks out of the foliage. Such a shame to do damage this early in the season. But, January has been pleasant and back in the 70s. If it would only last. I would be grateful.