More Thankfuls.....

I am thankful that....

• I have started packing in anticipation of our trip North.
• I do not have to go to work again until October 5th.
• I have an abundance of fresh roses in vases around my house. Thank you Father, for this beauty.
• I will be able to spend some time with my mother soon.
• the Lord created hummingbirds. They are a constant source of pleasure.
• we are enjoying some cooler weather.
• we had chocolate flavored coffee this morning.
• my Heavenly Father loves me.

Of bugs and things.....

I noticed this spider on the rose bushes...he seems to be enjoying his lunch.

Of rain drops and roses....

This week we had a couple of days of lovely rain. Yesterday morning I spent some time enjoying the rain drops on the roses. The Lord is so good to give us beautiful things. And, in the middle of my busy work days it was a delight to take some time taking pictures. Thought I might share some of them.

You Know.....

You know that it is time to replace the plug in usable telephone/ answering machine(unusable) that resides on the night stand right by your bed, (hence right by your ear), when at midnight it very loudly, clearly and for no apparent earthly reason, announces the time, day and date.

This is not a good way to wake up. Trust me.

Two Milestones

This week our family experienced two events.
On Monday hubby's beloved Uncle Al went to be with Jesus. He has been in ill health for several years, so we are grateful that he has been set free from his earthly tent, and that he is now in heaven with his Lord. But, we will miss him.
I have been doing a great deal of reminiscing this week. Looking at pictures and remembering all the good times. Uncle Al made delicious waffles! And, he loved to work in the yard. We so enjoyed his oranges, his grapes, his roses, his hot peppers..at least I enjoyed the hot peppers!
I am thankful for all the holidays, vacations, visits, and wonderful family times that we were able to spend with him and Aunt Glady. Trips to Ice House, Loon Lake, going out on his boat, picnics...and the list could go on. So many good memories.
And, when hubby and his father went to visit Uncle Al in July, they called me, and with a little prompting I was able to hear Uncle Al say to me one more time "Hi Ellie".
We will miss you Uncle, but so thankful that you have successfully completed your mission on earth.
Then on Tuesday hubby's only niece and her husband welcomed the arrival of their firstborn son, Matthew. What a joy to welcome a new life to our family. And it is a joy to know he will be taught to know and love Jesus. Welcome Matthew!
Two events...beginnings and endings...the seasons of life continue.

Sure signs of approaching fall

Yes, fall is approaching. Sure signs of that upcoming reality:

• Outside temps are finally falling. Yes, it has cooled down to the 80's now.
  
• Fall decorations are now seen in the stores.
• Christmas things are in the stores. What??? Yes, indeed. Sigh. That is too early, even for me, the person that would start decorating mid-November except for hubby's rule...no Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving.

And, thanks be to the Lord for His blessings of the past week:

• Rain! Lots of wonderful rain. I love the sound of rain falling on the roof our home.
• Going on a "date" with hubby.
• Having hubby feeling back to normal after his tooth removal of a week ago.
• Taking myself out one day and enjoying an orange mocha frappachino. I enjoyed every drop of that delicious beverage.
• Roses. Yes, I know, I say that a lot. But, the fact is, I really am so glad my heavenly Father created roses.
  
• The care and support and prayers of my co-workers as they inquired about my mother and how she is doing.
  
• The willingness of friends to spend some time with my mother and let us know how she is doing every day.
• Music ....and my handy dandy little portable "thing" that lets me listen as I wander around the house or out to the mailbox or out working on the roses etc.