tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161610872024-03-13T13:36:51.191-07:00MorningRambleThoughts about daily life on a small Texas farm.
Living Simply and without all the Stress of Modern Times, yet surrounded by beauty.
All writing and photography on MorningRamble is Copyright © 2005-2021 by Patty Lockwood All rights reservedPattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.comBlogger4501125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-90532741998460781492021-08-24T07:49:00.000-07:002021-08-24T07:49:34.071-07:00Taking A Walk In The Slow Lane<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjzdLo0uGmdK5oW9G4HxxsT7YnWp3YqZFStT3Jn5As-PX12PHA-yqf5PGRR6go-zf-KaxgqsStN0hayTbeixxsDiE-wSOj5sjQUPAqql49TaHLQ-eC38xFakSDAEYKamAjAd0/s4032/IMG_8499.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjzdLo0uGmdK5oW9G4HxxsT7YnWp3YqZFStT3Jn5As-PX12PHA-yqf5PGRR6go-zf-KaxgqsStN0hayTbeixxsDiE-wSOj5sjQUPAqql49TaHLQ-eC38xFakSDAEYKamAjAd0/s320/IMG_8499.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: arial;">Admittedly we are living in stressful times. The news is full of tragic events, no matter which side of the fence you sit on. In the past 18 months so much has happened to change the way we think, act and respond to one another. Personally, its taken a toll on me. I have always had low blood pressure, but not now...and suddenly I get hives when I am stressed. How we manage our stresses seems to change as we get older and I find myself having to make a more concerted effort to manage mine. But, in all fairness to myself, lots has gone on. Right before the pandemic, I had arthroscopy on my left knee, then developed an I T band injury from working that knee out a bit too hard....long recovery but there wasn't much else to do, and then 6 months ago I had a shoulder injury repaired which I have to say, was a very painful recovery, still recovering actually. So, there has been lots of things impacting my life.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But, as always, there is our little piece of tranquility, that we call home. Marvelous flower gardens to stroll through each morning and evening, and inside our little home, there is peace in each corner. Each room seems to reflect who we are and what we value. Peaceful things...bookcases full to overflowing, spinning wheels and knitting baskets with yarn waiting to be turned into socks, or hats, or warm woolen sweaters. Music to be played and candles to be lit. There is a well stocked pantry with just the right ingredients for comforting food. Soft feather beds, waiting to embrace us for a good nights rest. We feel blessed and filled with gratitude even during these difficult times. We have felt the pain of discord seen around us and mourned with others over their loss. But always we feel strength from love.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This week I have vowed to surround myself, perhaps even insulate myself for a while with a quiet gentleness, a hug for the soul. To not watch the news, to not be checking social media every hour, to not stress over the things I cannot control or change for the better. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Chamomile Lavender tea, candles, incense, music I love, painting, reading inspirational words and calming words. Stopping to just notice the color of the leaves as the sun hits them in late afternoon. Walking through our butterfly garden and being amazed at the amount of colors and designs on the wings of these beautiful creatures. We have been visited several times by a young red shouldered hawk in the past weeks. He even sits on the fence post by our window in the living room. One day as I stepped outside, he flew right past my face, not even 5 feet from me. What a thrill it was. We have several humming bird gardens too and yesterday, one tiny, shimmering green wonder, flew up to my face, not more than 5 inches from my nose and looked straight at me. I felt such joy.... I guess what this post is about, is to seek out joy in the little things, in the ordinary, that seems extraordinary when we look at it deeply. Take a break from the difficulties we are all facing, even if just for a day or two. Rest in the beauty of nature. Hide in a good book instead or the news or social media before you go to bed. We all need a little respite from time to time. I know I do.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-26290553355273105052020-08-08T11:45:00.008-07:002020-08-08T12:45:02.635-07:00<p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"> </h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nF0KzM4c4XCG3lSS2qTqxLYEFuiIanHt-Ha2cfgGdzqw1Ios5pEUoG9EodEY4ZGBNNE9j331J4OxGODzPBgegq8J-x0UevrLB0BPyAWlVwq_hpshFCSN1gq3X4Emf4tRe_V0/s1600/015+%25284%2529.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nF0KzM4c4XCG3lSS2qTqxLYEFuiIanHt-Ha2cfgGdzqw1Ios5pEUoG9EodEY4ZGBNNE9j331J4OxGODzPBgegq8J-x0UevrLB0BPyAWlVwq_hpshFCSN1gq3X4Emf4tRe_V0/w512-h341/015+%25284%2529.JPG" width="512" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">How Time Flies</span></div>It seems impossible to me that it has been nearly 2 years since I have written on this blog. I suspect that social media has changed the way we communicate our thoughts to some degree. And, maybe I have changed enough that my thoughts and feelings no longer feel like they are ready to explode out of me. Perhaps, I have at age 65 been able to work a bunch of things out ! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">For my long time readers, I can share with you that everyone in the family is doing great. The grandchildren are growing up so fast and each one a true delight. Covid has kept us apart in some respects, but we zoom, we FaceTime and we IM with each often. I am thankful for being so close with our children and the grands. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Emery and I are having great fun with the gardens this year. We planted a wonderful space with plants to attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. What a magical space it it. So full of life and color.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I had some issues with a knee injury that has kept me down a bit. First a torn meniscus from working out that required surgery, then I over did the physical therapy part of my recovery and ended up with a serious injury to my Iliotibal band, that was far more painful than the surgery. Due to the pandemic, we had cancelled our annual hiking trip which worked out for the best all around. I also had to cancel a trip with my daughter and her family to Sweden and Norway. Maybe things will be looking up travel wise by spring.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This difficult period in history has created a multitude of emotions for many people and if there is any solution to the heartache, it is simply to be filled with love, empathy, compassion and hope. </span></div><p></p>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-59316819791699468522018-10-08T14:40:00.002-07:002018-10-08T14:40:35.209-07:00A Changing World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, the world is becoming less pleasant at times and mostly due to social media and the way our lives are connected to it now, as opposed to in the days before things like Facebook, Twitter, etc. This new technology has given us something with amazing possibilities, however, we all are seeing how it turns folks against one another if there is a disagreement on subjects like politics or religion, or even what sort of food you should eat. So often we see that people are not willing to just simply agree to disagree. Young people are subjected to fake "norms" and media telling them what they should and should not look like. One single cyber bully can turn a child into such a wounded person that they end their lives. At least in my day, people acted civil out of good manners, even if they were jerks at home. Ethical behavior was something we all knew about and respected. There was a code of behavior that people expected...of course there are exceptions on all sides of this, but I remember so well, ladies gossip never turned into bullying or said to that persons face or in front of others that would cause shame. Again, there were exceptions. Now here I am really going to show my age and mention that I really don't like all the bad language, So many times I read something on line and think, "well, that was kinda funny, except the language was too foul for me to even read. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess, the ugliness of the political arena right now on both sides has me sad, and unsettled feeling. Loosing hope that we are a UNITED STATES, with a common goal of working together. Its all made me dream of living in a by gone era...rose colored glasses on. It makes me wish once again for that naive mindset that I had when we had no television, didn't listen to the radio, didn't have Internet or wifi or smart phones. I suspect this mood will pass and perhaps it just reflects a feeling of pulling away from all that presses on us these days. Or perhaps, just perhaps, I want to be a happy ostrich with my head happily buried in the sand of my own peaceful, old fashioned life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Think I will go light my kerosene lamp and read a book, an old book.</span>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-64114679975994900422018-07-06T08:52:00.000-07:002018-07-06T08:52:07.164-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every single night before I go to sleep and every morning before I hop out of bed, the same prayer in on my lips. Of course I pray for my family etc but I pray each and every day that I become a better person, more loving, say kinder words, that I don't lie, even if its a "little white lie". I pray that I be more patient with those that are unkind to me, or if I experience someone being impatient in a line or on the road. I pray that I have more understanding and compassion than an attitude of judgment. I pray that I cut people some slack if they are negative and complaining all the time. I pray that I see that so much of what is wrong in the world right now is motivated by fear and for me to remember, "</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Arimo, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. . ."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Arimo, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">I am work in progress, and at times, well actually all the time, the progress is pathetically slow. But, I am aware of both my progress and my shortcomings. I pray daily for strength to rise above where I was yesterday. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Arimo, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Life on this earth is too short to be worried about getting to the store two minutes faster by being impatient at the red light, or waiting for the elderly lady in front of you at the checkout, writing a check, with a turtles pace. Life is precious and beautiful, even amid the chaos. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Arimo, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">The words and deeds that come from us should be gifts to those around us. I want to be like that at all times. To smile at the inconveniences in life and live my life without fear motivating me. This country right now, is riddled with fear and insecurities. I choose to believe that God is in control, and yes, I do admit that I wish He would maybe interfere a bit more in regard to the injustices but the bottom line is I am weary of trying to keep abreast of all that is going on. I think many of us are weary of so much strife and unrest amide bold unethical behaviors. So, for me, I just want to work on being kinder, more compassionate, more patient, move loving, more often putting myself in the other persons shoes and seeing that I have no room to judge anyone. It never was my job anyway.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Arimo, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Find peace. Life is good.</span><br />
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Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-33380375886060557812018-05-09T07:48:00.002-07:002018-05-09T07:48:57.115-07:00Much To Catch Up....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In mid January, we saw the passing of my father and after nearly two years of caring for him, it was so hard to see him leave us, but at the same time, his health was growing much worse and he was not able to do all the things he loved so much. He was 96, sharp as a tack and so independent for all but his last two years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weeks have passed by quickly since his passing and each day filled with much to do. I always thought that once you retired, the days would go by slowly, perhaps even drag by, but that is just not so for us. We need more hours in our day ! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The children and grandchildren are doing well, our sweet Mei-Ling has been in the hospital recently but now is doing well again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its gardening time for us and hours each day is spent, weeding and feeding. I like those early morning hours outside, its so peaceful and truly a spiritual time. I pray a lot with a hoe in my hands, getting rid of the weeds in the garden and in my heart. Life is good and I am thankful for all the many blessings I have and for sticking to our commitment of living a simple life.</span>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-46276185165832278552018-01-02T09:52:00.002-08:002018-01-02T09:52:47.608-08:00A New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a silent sort of morning, sitting next to the wood stove in my rocker, watching the birds outside my window. Cold weather has driven the little birds to eat almost continually to stay warm. This cold snap has chased away any life left in the plants in the garden. Robbing them of their lingering colors. It is the cycle of life in winter, with a beauty all its own. Faded roses are still beautiful and fallen leaves that have been gently touched with frost, are lovely to look at. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our family had a delightful Christmas, we were all together, the children were here with all my amazing grandchildren and even my Dad of 96 was able to spend Christmas eve and some of Christmas day with us. A blessing beyond words as he has just entered Hospice care. His Congestive Heart Failure is rapidly advancing. I am so thankful he is near us. Less than a mile from our home in an assisted living facility that has given him the independence he wanted and yet so close we can be there at his side in a minutes time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is the time to extend him much grace and much love. To see his brokenness wants me to wrap his failing body in all the love there is. I understand more the true concept of mercy at this time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am sad, knowing my days with my father are numbered, but so profoundly thankful for this time I have had with him. He has not been easy to deal with at times, but then I think about me, and I am sure God has said many times, that I am not an easy woman to deal with at times ! What God has shown me, over and over, is what I want to show my father. To pray with him and to comfort him, to love him unconditionally and to try to make his time left on earth filled with comfort and the knowledge that he is loved, in spite of the mistakes he has made in life. That is the mercy I so desire from God for me after all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is my prayer that this new year bring us closer to the really important things in life. The things of value that money has nothing to do with. May you all be blessed !</span>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-43431791335378476102017-11-19T08:56:00.001-08:002017-11-19T09:00:11.997-08:00Sunday Blessings<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soft music, the gentle kind of music that makes you feel content with life... the view from the window as I sit and spin at the wheel makes my heart fill with gratitude for the simplicity of my life. The smoke from the chimney, dancing as it loves to do, with the fall leaves clinging tightly to the tree for as long as they can. Sunshine and shadows, contrasting the beauty. The tea kettle spitting and hissing on the stove top, at the ready to fill my cup. Chamomile tea, is the tea of choice on this chilly November morning. Soothing, and simple...no pretense. </span><br />
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<br />Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-79153911701334408872017-11-15T07:04:00.001-08:002017-11-15T07:04:17.135-08:00November Morning<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gray clouds racing across the sky, followed by bits of blue poking through. Colorful leaves dancing their way down to the earth. Old roses, pretty pink, fringed with the mauve of age. Damp green grass under my feet, cool, clean feeling. This is November and it if full of a beauty known to no other month.</span><br />
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Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-72082324183806336612017-11-13T09:43:00.001-08:002017-11-13T09:43:16.109-08:00The Days Slip By So Quickly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How amazing it is to me, how fast time is flying by. We were certain that with my husbands retirement, we would have so many more hours in our days, but instead, it feels as though the days pass by more quickly. I find our days, well occupied with our hobbies, with our family and with daily tasks. I now wonder how I had so much time to sit at the computer in the past ! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The word "contentment" is how I sum up my life right now. Easy flowing days turn into weeks and months. My knee replacement 7 months ago has given me freedom from pain, which allowed us to take our annual backpacking, hiking trip easier. We had so much fun. There was adventure....a bobcat fighting its prey right beside our tent one night...the sounds were terrifying. We also had a black bear get into our car, looking for food but not finding any. But it did do a lot of damage to the car trying to get into the trunk. There are stories from this trip that made the grandchildrens eyes grow wide as I recounted our adventures. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last few months we have experienced many medical issues with our youngest daughter. Seizures, 5 surgeries and several hospitalizations. As you can see in the picture, she is doing quite well now, standing in between her husband and sister. How blessed we all feel to be seeing her health return. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is good, perhaps not always easy, but there is faith enough to carry us through. </span></div>
Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-50750860686767522762017-04-17T09:25:00.001-07:002017-04-17T09:25:10.787-07:00Recovery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just a quick little update to let you all know that your prayers and well wishes were so very appreciated. I am recovering quite nicely and was up walking one hour after surgery. I am two weeks into my recovery now and walking without the use of a walker or cane. I take the cane with me when we go out, just as a safe measure. The hardest part of my recovery has been not being able to go outside and see my roses each day. The pain has been quite manageable and although I do not like the feeling of being tired, physical therapy would not be possible without the help of pain medication. The Doctor and therapist all tell me I am a "rockstar" in regards to my quick recovery. Hoping to hit the trails this fall and get some hiking done. Thank you again for your kind emails and the many prayers.</span>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-89201052863557337492017-04-02T15:58:00.001-07:002017-04-02T15:58:10.073-07:00Prayers Please....Knee Replacement Tomorrow <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow, April 3, at 12:30 I will be having my knee replacement surgery and I would covet your prayers for the surgeon, for my dear husband (so he won't worry too much) and for me, that all go well and that my recovery go well. I know the Lord will be with me, but there is comfort in knowing others are praying for you. Thank you in advance.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am going to be in the surgery center for just 24 hours if all goes according to plans. I am thrilled to be able to recover at home. I will have a nurse come in a few times and have physical therapy at home until I can leave the house. I am thankful for such good health that allows me to have such a short stay. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know this will not be an easy peasy recovery but I will get to enjoy looking out the window of my bedroom and seeing my rose garden and that will be a wonderful delight.</span></span>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-14488544734766798232017-03-26T09:24:00.001-07:002017-03-26T09:24:15.388-07:00Preparation <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One week from tomorrow I am scheduled to have a total knee replacement. So, I have been busy in the garden this past week in preparation for being laid up for a bit. I am hoping to be able to sit on the porch quite a bit while recovering and enjoying watching the garden grow ! Each morning that I have been outside, digging in the dirt, planting a new flower bed under the kitchen windows by the St Swithun climbing rose bushes, tending to the grape vines, feeding the multitude of rose bushes, planting some vegetable seeds in the raised beds, or thinning out the iris and day lilies, I have felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for having the blessings on land with which to garden. The wisteria filled the morning and evening air with its delightful sweet scent as I watered the roses and the birds sang to me as I sat on the side of the raised beds. Its the perfect place to pray, to think and to get some exercise. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am excited about my upcoming surgery, as I know its step number one on the road to having my hiking life back. Not looking forward so much to the recovery part as people have told me, its not pain free...but, no pain, no gain as they say.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along with the gardening, I have been swimming at least 1,000 meters several times a week and doing a lot of bicycling to build up the muscles in my leg. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have ordered several books to read and have a good supply of yarn on hand for knitting. Emery will help me warp the loom so I can sit and weave during my recovery time too. Aging has its down side, like my knee giving way, but that is a small thing compared to all the blessings that surround me. Life is good and God is ever watching over me. I would love some prayer on April the 3rd as the doctor replaces my worn out knee with a brand new replacement. </span><br />
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Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-9792888871731652922017-03-03T15:26:00.002-08:002017-03-03T15:26:36.450-08:00Love With Action And Truth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 John 3:18</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Dear children,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30598A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30598A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.</span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">For nearly a year now, we have been caring for my 95 year old father that came to live near us. For a few months, he lived with us but we could tell he wanted a bit more independence. So we were blessed with being able to get him into Assisted Living just down the road from us, less than a mile away. This has been a learning experience for us. Learning what sort of things we need to have in order by the time we reach the years where we are not able to do things for ourselves. We are learning a new level of patience and acceptance for the things that will never change. Its a blessing in many ways but it is hard in many many ways. We have days filled with Dr visits, medication lists, hard choices and a lot of running errands. I am learning so much about my husband through all this. He is a saint of a man. His patience with my dad is never ending. He has a willingness to help my dad at any hour for as long as my dad needs him. Its beautiful to watch. Its a gift to my heart to see the gentleness of the man I love in dealing with my father. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, I do seem to have less and less time on the computer. A quick post here or there on Facebook is about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next month I may have a bit more time as I will be having knee replacement. I guess my last backpacking trip just blew that arthritic knee out completely. Last MRI showed a lot more damage to the knee. I am looking forward to having the surgery done and having the pain gone. I am still swimming my laps several times a week and getting on the stationary bike for some good long rides, but walking is not so much fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is good, despite a few little bumps in the road. I feel blessed.</span></div>
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Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-32758400373933610382016-12-31T07:34:00.002-08:002016-12-31T07:34:34.554-08:00Winter Morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Nature is sleeping, it is winter. The vibrant colors have faded, replaced by subtle shades of fade. Beauty can still be found all around, in shapes, and in the puffed up feathers of the birds, chasing off the morning chill. The sun, dulled by a sky filled with ice crystals, has an ethereal beauty that stirs the soul. The bare branches, showing their form and shape, delicate like the veins in the hand of an well used hand. How blessed we are to have eyes to see and words to express the beauty around us. Life is amazingly wonderful !</span>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-76851743484411284992016-12-30T09:22:00.002-08:002016-12-30T09:22:28.847-08:00The Christmas Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I was putting away some of my Christmas decorations and feeling a bit sad, since I love the Christmas season so much. All the vibrant colors, the scents and the joyfulness that goes along with the holidays. I sat down for my breakfast, using my favorite, Twas the Night Before Christmas dishes and smiling at how the decorations, casually sitting on the table near me, waiting to be put away in a box for another year, matched my breakfast dishes so nicely. It was nice to take a quiet little break and just enjoy the last of the Christmas season.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Its been a very busy month for me, both my daughter and father were in the hospital at the same time, on the same floor of the hospital. There have been many issues to deal with regarding my Dads failing health that have kept me a bit stressed and very busy seeking the resources he needs in order to stay in his apartment as is his wish. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Christmas eve, there were four generations at my table, ages 2-95. I felt so blessed, so full of this love that spanned the generations. We laughed, we ate, we shared fond memories and complained a bit about the very warm weather. It always feels a bit "wrong" to have windows and doors open on Christmas eve. We all like that winter feel of the season. Warm sweaters, hats and gloves. Warm puffs of air kissing the dark cold night as we say goodnight to one another at the door. As the evening came to an end, with the little ones anxious to go to bed so Santa could come, I gathered all 5 grandchildren around me and read, "Twas The Night Before Christmas" to them, hardly glancing at the words as I so long ago memorized this wonderful poem. I felt so full of love, so full of hope, and so delighted that we could all be together. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">So, this morning, as I ate my breakfast, smiling at the words that go round the tea cup, I felt a bit sad that the holidays are over for another year. </span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">On January 2nd, I will start making presents for next Christmas, filling my special red hat box with socks, hats, hand made sheep, deer and bunnies. Life is good.</span></span>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-51413072877622544392016-12-11T11:50:00.001-08:002016-12-11T11:50:19.673-08:00The True Beauty of The Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Christmas season is one of my all time favorite times of the year. I love the colors, the scents, the tastes, the laughter, the elements of anticipation and surprise. I find joy in the happiness of this holiday. But, the most important aspect for me is the true beauty of the season, the love. The love that was born so long ago, that we celebrate during this season. The transforming love that came from one life, one tiny baby, born in a stable. Humility personified. An example of how to live our lives with compassion, non-judgment, and empathy. We celebrate all the good things in life at this time and many of us, seek to find deeper meaning in the way we live our lives at this time of the year. Seeking to be more like Christ. To look past the shopping madness and look inward and in turn, manifest goodness to those we love, to those less fortunate and for those with deep aches in their hearts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is what the holiday season is about, the true meaning.</span>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-39069749558388653612016-11-14T14:46:00.001-08:002016-11-14T14:46:12.597-08:00Mei-Ling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not sure how it is that time has past so quickly that it has been months since I have posted. We were sure that once we retired, we would have more time than we needed, but instead, it seems like we still need more hours each day to do all the things we want to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 3rd of November, Mei-Ling had a planned surgery to revise a previous surgery. Everything seemed to go just fine, until it was discovered she had a pretty serious infection. Emergency surgery was done last week and the next morning another surgery to do some additional repairs that were needed. I think that was surgery #35 or somewhere around that number. She is on isolation due to the infection and having an open wound. It looks as if she will be hospitalized for many more days and she is beyond discouraged. She hates missing school and no one likes being stuck in bed in a hospital room for this amount of time. She cannot get out of bed, or leave her room. My heart bleeds for her. Today she had a little melt down, to which she is surly entitled and cried for quite some time. She has been a real trooper, enduring pain which I cannot even imagine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would love to have her flooded with get well wishes. Fill her room with cards that will make her smile. I am organizing a "card shower" for her, asking people to send her get well cards. If you would like to participate, just email me at pasuhi54 @ msn.com for the address of the hospital. You dear readers have been following her since she was a new born and I know so many of you feel like you know her. She is still using the prayer quilt made for her several years ago. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you and of course, please pray for her to recover quickly. </span></div>
Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-56354543340183624782016-08-25T08:00:00.003-07:002016-08-25T08:00:34.638-07:00Food For The Long Haul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A backpacking trip that lasts for weeks, requires lots of careful planning. There are several lists posted on my refrigerator and one corner of the living room is piled high with what we will pack in the car as our resupply station. I have been having so much fun making our meals for this trip. All our meals will be of the "just add water" variety. Little bags with complete meals fill our food storage container. Freeze dried vegetables and fruits have made the preparation quite easy. Instant rice, couscous, powdered eggs, dehydrated soy meat substitutes and milk have made it so these little meals are balanced and good tasting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My dining room table resembled a little factory last week. We saved a lot of money by making our own meals and not buying the already prepared backpacking meals. Plus, I know first hand all that is in the meals and can easily adjust the seasonings to our personal preferences.</span>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-37430832891912105362016-08-25T06:53:00.001-07:002016-08-25T06:53:39.280-07:00A New Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was at this same time last year, that we were preparing for our camping adventure in Colorado and New Mexico. This year we are upping it a notch and adding in lots more backpacking trips, as we have next years trip in mind already. This year we plan on heading to the Rocky Mountains and get some serious backpacking trips under our belts. This is nothing new to us, hiking and backpacking have been a part of my life since I was 10 years old and as soon as we got married, nearly 38 years ago, I introduced it to Emery and he loved it from the start. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is about living out your dreams and even more so when you are retired and have the time to do the things you love. Such is the case for us. We have the time to do what we love. I recently read a quote about backpacking that made me laugh, simply due to the truth of it. It went something like this. . ." backpacking is where you spend a fortune to live like a homeless person." This year our hikes require more equipment than in previous years. Bigger backpacks, better rain gear, better water purifiers etc. But next years adventure that's in the planning stages, hiking the nearly 500 miles of the Colorado Trail, will require even more ! But, what fun we are having and what fun we will have. But beyond the beauty and serenity of our back country hiking, is something deeply profound. We learn what we are made of, how strong our determination is. In swimming, I have leaned that there are days when the first 500 meters are tough, but as soon as I push past that feeling of wanting to quit, I find that I can go on for so much further. Usually I manage to climb out of the water after 1500 meters, with a feeling of accomplishment that invigorates me for the rest of the day. I have leaned that in many areas of life, once we push past the difficult stage, we can go on for so much longer. I am looking forward to this years backpacking trip to discover more about what I can do at age 62. I am excited about seeing new horizons, new mountain tops, and new paths. We look forward to new challenges and so we are setting the bar higher each year. Life is good, it really is.</span>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-14681492002665983632016-07-07T15:09:00.001-07:002016-07-07T15:09:11.411-07:00Retirement Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What fun we are having being retired ! We thought time would slow down when we retired, but not so, it seems we don't have enough days in the week to accomplish all that we want to do. Emery and I love spending every moment together and it seems we just laugh half of each day because we are having such fun. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Spring time was busy for us, gardens to get into shape after the winter, and we each had projects we were involved in. For me, it was knitting socks for our late summer hiking and camping adventure, and for Emery, it has been keeping up with the gardens and having plenty of time to read the books on his list. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the end of April my dad, now 94 flew out to see us and will be leaving the middle of August. How sad it will be to see him go. He is doing well, but at this stage of his life, he is beginning to see some changes in what he can and cannot do. Before he came out here, he did the difficult thing of selling his car and no longer driving. Its been so hard on him. He is an independent man. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Grandblessings are getting big, Mei-Ling is now 9 and has been doing great. Soon Elizabeth will be 9 also. Yen is now 6 and Victoria is soon to follow him. Axel, he is two now and such a joy. We are so blessed to have our children and grandchildren close and what joy it is to see them all often. A close knit family is a source of great happiness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its now, hot summer here. Heat indexes of over 100 for what seems like weeks on end. The upcoming trip to the mountains will be a welcomed change of temperatures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soap was made last month and yesterday I trimmed the bars and have them stored away. The lavender scent, filling the cabinet. Daily we check the fig tree for just the right moment to pick and then dry the figs, and also keeping an eye on the Elderberry bushes. We are out of elderberry syrup from last years harvest and I must say I am more than anxious to be restocked. Elderberry syrup kept us free of colds and flu all winter, but when we ran out in April, I caught a nasty case of walking pneumonia. No fun at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see, we have been busy and I don't see any slowing down any time soon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is good and happiness and contentment fill each second of every day. </span>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-1492946874395087032016-02-03T16:07:00.001-08:002016-02-03T16:07:53.158-08:00The Good Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's not icy today, but its certainly chilly outside as I bring in the laundry. I was wishing I had my fingerless gloves on, but still I linger taking each piece down. The sun is sinking in the western sky, bathing everything in a glorious golden glow. The tree tops, the roof tops, and over all of the field across the road. The birds are making their last visit of the day to the feeders and catching that gold from the sunshine on their wings as they dart about. The sheets smell of cool, clean air as I fold them into the laundry basket. How sweet we will sleep tonight on them. I stand at the screen door for a minute, soaking in all the sights and sounds. The chickens clucking near by and Miss Kitty tickling my leg with her fluffy tail. Emery is finishing up his work on the house for the day. Old houses always seem to need something done to them and that is good in a way, as it keeps my retired man busy. How blessed I feel as I walk through the back door and into the kitchen. Freshly made bread filling the house with a wonderful smell. The wood stove glowing with warmth, casting a copper reflection on the floor of the living room. All is well, and for this and so much more, I thank God above. </span>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-91452531304336499602015-12-16T08:47:00.002-08:002015-12-16T08:47:38.996-08:00December Morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh how quickly December is passing. There are still more gifts to be made, time enough though to do them and baking to be done and still a bit more decorating. I seem to decorate our bedroom last, every year. I suppose thinking, that if it doesn't get done, not too many folks will know. There are still flowers blooming in the garden. We have never had Angel Trumpets in bloom this late in the year but we certainly are enjoying them. The mistletoe in the tree tops are full of berries this year. We will cut a few and hang them for kissing in the doorway. How I love the dark mornings, I really do. I light the candles and enjoy a hearty</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">breakfast, watching the sky lighten and the sun rise as we talk of the days plans. We linger with that second cup of tea, enjoying the moment far too much to rush from the table. The simple life is not a rushed life, even if the "to do" list is long. There are no trips to the mall, or mad dashes to stores. Our Christmas lists are filled with old fashioned planning. Come to think of it, its been years since I have been shopping at a mall, I suspect the term, decade would suit just fine. I never did buy into this massive Christmas shopping idea anyway. A few well chosen gifts, that don't cost an arm and a leg is how we do it. Never could imagine going into debt for gift giving and I sure would hate to think that someone went into debt getting me something. Expensive gift giving for some folks is little more than a "look at me" type of thing. I said, some folks, not all. In the olden days, it was a simple gift that meant the most. But through time, we seem to have bought into the marketing schemes, hook, line and sinker and forgotten about being moderate when it comes to gift giving. I look back on old family photos and wonder how things have changed so much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas, @ 1944 for a large family</span></div>
Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-64582276017445819942015-12-06T08:20:00.001-08:002015-12-06T08:20:09.114-08:00Saint Nicholas Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite the fact that we no longer have children at home, we still put out wooden shoes on St Nicholas eve, hoping to find treats in them in the morning, provided we were good all year long ! We decided to each use one of Emery's wooden shoes, after all they are pretty big ! I must admit to looking through old photos and finding one of all the children's wooden shoes lined up waiting to be filled and feeling a bit sad that those days are gone, as if they didn't last long enough for us. Time passes by so quickly. How grateful I am for the grandblessings to daily remind us of the joy and preciousness of childhood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have so many friends that have gotten older and no longer enjoy the holidays, no longer decorate or care to remember the delight in picking out that special gift or seeing packages under the tree, even if they are just for one and you had to buy them yourself. We all deserve to have fun and experience delight and the simple joy of looking at a decorated tree. I still love finding a stocking filled with goodies on Christmas morning, even if I did purchase half of what is in there LOL. Just because we have aged, and felt loss or pain, there is still plenty of reasons in life to have fun and keep awake those feelings we had as children during the Christmas season. Treat yourself with love and never loose that sense of joy and delight that comes from making your holiday bright. </span>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-31453355374143331622015-12-04T08:04:00.001-08:002015-12-04T08:04:52.977-08:00This World We Live In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The news is so horrible these days. Fear can grip you and squeeze you to the core, when you hear about all these shootings, so totally random. You can find yourself wondering if you should go here or there. No place seems beyond the reach of hatred. When I start to think about all this, I tend to step back a bit further into our quiet life and be an ostrich for a while, completely happy to have my head in the sand for a bit. To reaffirm in my mind that I was born a couple centuries too late. To yearn for a quieter time, to mourn for the olden days when we had not even heard of the terms we use so often today on the news and social media. This morning I had breakfast by candle light, as if to chase away the modern world. I had my oatmeal in a pewter porringer, old and worn as if I could mingle the oatmeal with history. We all need a respite from the insanity that rages around us. I am reminded of the verse I love so well, Psalm 91:4 </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">We all need a time of being under His wings.</span>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16161087.post-23015835016586835502015-12-03T14:31:00.001-08:002015-12-03T14:31:35.335-08:00The Child In Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas time is my favorite time of the year. It wakens that inner child in me. There is excitement as we head out to get the tree and decorate it. On the first day the tree is decorated, we light the candles that sit on the branches in their sparkling silver holders. The house is filled with the scent of pine and spices from the garlands of apples tossed in cinnamon and from the oranges, poked with cloves. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The chill in the air invigorates me and has me going at top speed as I work on all the presents for Christmas. We never have bought into the materialistic side of Christmas, but have always kept it simple. Never spending large amounts for a gift or supplies to make a gift. This year I have opted to make almost every gift we give. I like the idea that the entire time I work on the gift, I can think and pray for the person I am making it for. Perhaps that "Little House on The Prairie" episode where everyone was so busy making gifts for Christmas had a big impact on me. Maybe, I am just old fashioned. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The holidays should not be about spending more than we can afford, or even for feeding into all the "wants" of our children and grandchildren. Its about so much more and that seems to be getting lost in the black Fridays, the cyber Mondays etc. Keeping it simple, keeps us far less stressed.</span>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505042214124811641noreply@blogger.com4