I Worked in the Yard too!

Masterpiece!Petunias I love!Mixtures of beauty

I ran out of potting soil with some plants left and some pots remaining too...so guess that means more fun in the dirt soon! I still have to figure out some kind of covering for the pressboard showing in front. I like flagstone but can I find it and do it is the question? Maybe so!

Waterpark and Silly faces!

I love to spend relaxed time, no matter how short with my grandkids and their parents. Note the new order that happens when you become a gramma! I loved the visit no matter that the kids attended a funeral with us all for a young man who we cared about who ended his life from prolonged depression that few would have know he had. We were shocked and pained at the loss. The Pastor did a good job of relating the situation and letting us all know there is hope for the troubled and mercy for the Christian. The time with the family was precious and the presence of the kiddies made it all more tolerable. The next day Ira ran to Rockford while I did the shower and he brought back the new baby for Jack to meet and his beautiful wife. We spent time at the waterpark the next day and ate at Cracker Barrel before they began the long drive home.

The Rummage which has not happened yet.

I have to admit I thought I could do it. However, I did not take into account the kids coming and a funeral to attend and absolutely no help to count on as Jenna is trying to pack and move. Whew! My house looks like Goodwill blew up!
But then I cogged it, I am in charge here and the pace I choose to adopt is the pace I am comfortable with so ...the rummage will be but in the meantime I shall enjoy bubble baths in the midst of marking and cups of tea on the porch when it suits me. Sigh of relief...pressure is now less somehow.

The Best of Times, The Worst of Times

So racing on trying to do it all I realized I have lost my cape. Rats! How do you do it all without your tights and your identifying Bunny suit with insignia and your cape? Well, I still have my Mary Poppins Umbrella around here somewhere...

A Wedding Shower:  Jenna Lu is marrying Farmer Mike so we had a wonderful shower
for her! Jean got the cake and decorations, Sue put them up with her kids, her sister played a wonderful trick on Jenna and I handled feeding them nachos and getting them out of their chairs for games!

The waters were quiet and so beautiful!

The Mothers Day Weekend was not yet the tourist rush so we saw the Door County the regulars and homeys see. It was delightful and serene. I do love to be by the water!

At Last a Port with a Meal. Or is that a meal with Port?

Our arrival and check in at the motel made us past the usual brunch times and finally we found a lovely and slightly deserted place with a sumptuous array of food!!

My Mother's Day Luncheon was late and lovely!

Door County Delights

Here Jenna and I and a youngish troll sat on a bench together. The troll had a peculiar breath so I leaned into Jenna as to not become faint. They don't like that!

While Ashley and Brit went to the NaDa Farm Sale Ira and the two eldest kiddos came to see this Gramma! Fun!

Gypsy Caravan Wagon

This was a most surprising and wild day for me. Actually most of it was frustrating and long but this one moment enlivened my soul and set me to dreaming once again about my future gypsy caravan wagon I desire for my back yard. I want it more than another Willow tree to replace the one I lost. I was in Madison Wisconsin driving down Odana Road when I saw a real and wonderful gypsy caravan wagon behind a truck and parked. I couldn't stop but I slowed way down and squeeled like a baby pig. It was yellow and green and beautiful. I sighed for hours.

Had a couple days away with a friend who was scouting for her honeymoon. I hadn't been to Door County for about 10 years so it was fun. I found a couple treasures and ate too well. It was certainly beautiful and filled up my eyes with beauty...

The Plan for is for the Birds!

My big find at the antique mall! Jack has a view out the picture window that will now have a focus!

Snap snap snap!

My best bathroom shot!

Mother's Day Thoughts

I spoke to my mom today and she warned me about her concerns for my plans to go to Door County over Mother's Day and a couple more! She is very practical and concerned for my welfare even if I am 63 and she is 84. I have to smile and always consider what she has to offer. She is a trouble shooter for potential disasters and has many good points to suggest. I appreciate her willingness to try to steer me clear of trouble. She is my mom! I love her dearly.

I spoke to one of my daughters yesterday. She had hard news for me. Our visit which has been planned for what seemed to me like a very long time is now on hold again because of the ramifications of the flood in Nashville. Well, I must swallow the bitter pill and find what is good and pure and lovely to think of. I am proud of Jamie and her mothering skills and yes, I miss her loads. When we can I want to hang with her and soak up her muchiness!

 I have raised 4 independent and self-sufficient children into adulthood and then they went their own way. I tried to show them that they had wings so now why should I lament their flight? My nest isn't even big enough for all to come at once. It unraveled when they got their wings.

My heart is the heart of a mother no matter if I did it wonderfully or missed the mark at times. My heart has unlimited love for my two daughters and my two sons and their mates and offsprings respectively. I pray for them and try not to guilt them with my troubles or druthers. I can get by. God is my witness that I try. Crosby Stills and Nash is playing "Teach Your Children" as I type.  I better switch it up so I can make it through this without being sappy.

I do not remember anything as exciting as watching my kids succeed at something they wanted to do. Soccer games, concerts, hostessing parties, marrying the love of their lives, the births and birthdays of their precious kids, a moment of clarity about the Lord, it all adds up to joy for a mom.

Equally nothing is as heart wrenching as when they are sick or hurt deeply or when cross thread with one another. So... I listen but then stand back, pray and wait for resolution and healing. I have learned to hold my kids lightly and let God have His way in their lives.

No one will come on Mother's Day. I am going traveling to see new vistas and think some new thoughts and get a small break from routine so I can have a change in perspective. It is all good!