Hello everyone. Hope you are all well and have had a good week.
We started the week with snow - and ended with 85* yesterday!!! Craziness. Storms coming through this evening and then cooling again for the week. No snow predicted just cooler temps.
I did go out and do some yard work on the days that were dry and a little warmer. We haven't had too many dry days or days that the wind isn't trying to take us to Oz! I have a muscle that keeps spasming in my lower back now. Boy, am I out of shape. Need some nice weather for days on end - so I don't have to try to get it all done in a day or two!!!!!
I went to my gr. gr. nieces first birthday party yesterday. It was nice to be with family and to celebrate that sweet peas special day. I needed it. Yesterday was also the 3rd anniversary of Glen departing this earth for his eternity in heaven. He would have wanted me celebrating life!
Tuesday was actually 3 years to the day - Tuesday after Easter. I woke at 5:00AM to the smell of his cologne! It was very distinct. It lasted about a half hour and then was gone. Just one of those little things that happens every now and then.
My week:
- Made a turkey breast tenderloin that gave me several meals and then froze the balance
- Made a cheesecake with items I had on hand
- Tons of laundry
- Made a feed store run for corn, peanuts, and sunflower seeds for squirrels
- Ran across the street from feed store to super Kroger. Used my $10 off coupon I was gifted. Got 'of course' cat food, bananas and salad items
- Did a bunch of pulling, cutting and cleaning out back in beds
- Not using lights to speak of. Daylight hours are such, that I hardly ever turn on a light now
- Got to turn off furnace for a good 3 days - so far. Windows open and airing house
- Using what I have and cooking from scratch
- Doing all the normal things
Meals this past week:
Turkey breast and mac n cheese
Turkey tator tot casserole
Alice Springs turkey and fries
Homemade pizza
Pizza and salad
Fish, baby lima beans and fresh veggies
Egg sandwich at home - Mexican buffet at party
Snacks: cheesecake, fruit
I hope you are getting into the swing of spring. Hoping the weather is cooperating. I am making lots of plans of things to do - no gardening yet or for a bit. Did you get any deals this week? What have you been up to?
Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13
Lord, please guide us and help us to make the best of every moment on this earth. Help us to appreciate and be grateful. Help us to rid our minds of fear and live in love and hope.
Amen
I can only imagine how difficult the anniversary of Glen's death must be for you. It certainly seems he visited you to bring some comfort.
ReplyDeleteThat little one is sure a big girl. What a cutie!
I think he visited as well. Some may think that is crazy talk - but I believe anything is possible. I was comforted - so that is what mattered.
DeleteShe is huge!!!! The rings on her legs make me giggle. She is a sweetheart.
I like to believe that the departed visit us in many ways. It seems that kids help us to engage in life. It seems that spring has truly arrived, finally. Another sign of spring - winter tires replaced and the car vacuumed and cleaned inside. Temp of 17C yesterday so some yard work slated for later today. It all seems daunting at the onset; slowly but surely it all seems to get done. On a day with a spring snow storm, I tackled the job of culling old photos. It's a make-work project to organize the freshly culled albums, a good bad weather task. Fencing supplies have been ordered and a fencer lined up to replace a perimeter fence. Removing the recycle bit by bit. Got in a lunch and scrabble game with a friend. Cooked a brisket for the first time and got a thumbs-up from the neighbor. Other cooking - stove top stuffing meatloaf, pasta salad, scalloped potatoes, pickle soup. hard to believe there's only one week left in April.
ReplyDeleteI do believe as well.
DeleteOh, children are just the best. They make you smile and laugh - and they let you see pure unfiltered love.
I have through pictures many times - I share some and others (duplicates) that no one wants I put in one box. I just can't make myself throw away a picture!
Your meals sound so good. I love brisket - it has such a wonderful flavor.
I need to go into things at a slower pace. I wear myself out - then don't want to go back out!
Such a pretty photo of you. These anniversaries are difficult. I've been reading back on your blog for the past few Aprils. You have been so positive and doing fun things. I think we feel guilty for enjoying ourselves again. My hubby is 2yrs on Thursday so I've planned to go out that day
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Sylvia you are right on the money I do believe. I do think some of it is guilt. It shouldn't be - but that is human nature.
DeleteI am glad you are going out that day. HUGS to you.
Yes, I am FINALLY beginning to understand it is OK to enjoy life again. We can still miss someone, but honor them in living a good life.
Your hair looks fantastic. Great color. I try and wear one of those very stylish and attractive Velcro back braces when I do jobs that require me to be young and nimble, like mopping, raking, and all the other fun jobs!! LOL.
ReplyDeleteTake care and cherish yourself and your memories of Glen.
Sincerely,
Bun
Thank you!!
DeleteI may have to start doing that. Not as young as I used to be - even though I think I am!!
Thank you so much Bun
LOVE the pictures, Cheryl. It's so nice to really "see" you and put a bright, happy face to your words. Thank you so much for your words today. I've written the scripture and prayer in my journal. It's been a rough week.
ReplyDeleteMore delays on our house and the contractor tried to tack on an extra 13k in charges for a final bill. Of course, we questioned that. Especially after the movers added 10k to their bid, if you recall, then held our goods in storage in CA until we got AZ police involved. So, the contractor was supposed to be done Friday and isn't anywhere close. By contract, we don't make final payment until the job is done. It's... a mess.
Anyway, obviously, your words were just what I needed to hear today. As often is the case. God bless you! --Elise
Thank you!
DeleteI am so sorry you are going through all that garbage. I sure hope this is forever home!!!!! I feel confident it is.
That is pretty rotten on all parts to treat clients that way. Hope this coming week is better. Stand your ground!!!!!
Blessings
Thank you, Cheryl. That's a handsome picture of Glen, by the way. A kind-hearted, honest man is what he seems in that pic. And I believe, too, that loved ones who have passed check in now and then to bring comfort.
DeleteDidn't mean to sound so self-focused earlier. It's been hard to handle is all. And yes, standing our ground. I, too, hope this is the last move I ever have to make. God willing!
--Elise
No problem -you are going through a lot.
DeleteI sure wouldn't want to go through it all.
He was quite handsome and so kind. Hard worker too. All round good man!
I honestly believe Glen visits you. I am so glad he can bring you comfort.
ReplyDeleteI think he does as well. Too many things have happened that have no other explanation that I can figure. It is wonderful.
DeleteThanks
Thinking of you as you continue the journey of grieving and healing. Lynn Ewing
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Each day gets brighter - but the loss never goes away.
DeleteI am always blessed by your Scripture selection and your heartfelt prayer!
ReplyDeleteGlen was a very handsome fellow! Both of you were blessed with the years you shared. Love the picture of you with the gr-gr-niece!
We will be glad when the wind settles down. It's a little too warm for this time of year but it will cool down to more seasonal temps. We have two raised beds to fill with dirt and then plant later with green beans.
Thank you. Yes indeed, we were blessed beyond measure.
DeleteIt was warm - yes, I just wish things would settle down to normal. It would be nice to get things done without extreme wind and rain!
Hello all!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I completely believe you smelled Glen. My mom was a light smoker and when she lived here, she smoked in the garage twice a day. There are times when I get a whiff of mild cigarette smoke. Not enough to be offensive, just identifiable. I'll tell my husband, "My mom must be wandering."
Love the pic of you and your little cherub!!! She's a cutie! There's nothing cuter than chubby baby thighs.
I was restless most of last week from worrying about my brother and his poor decisions. I didn't sleep well or accomplish much. And I ate like a garbage disposal. Boy, do I feel like Le Poo Poo! I need to clean it up this week. Force myself to do something so I'm too tired at night to obsess. Intellectually, I know there's nothing I can do, but that doesn't stop big sister worry. Gah!
I also have this second sense about neighbor behavior lol. I noticed that our next door neighbor's curb appeal has never looked better. The yard is green and lush, house looks great. I have this sinking feeling that their house is going up for sale in the next month, but they're waiting for school to let out. Houses are selling so fast that sometimes the sign goes up with "pending" already on them. They're not very social, but they're very quiet and have good kids!! Okay, laugh and tell me I'm kookoo, but I told you I'm very good at this. Update will follow.....
On to my book pile!
On my nightstand - Even Money by Dick Francis
In my craft room CD - Stephanie Plum #28 by Janet Evanovich (haven't started yet)
By my reading chair - ??? can't decide!
With my Bible study- Created to be his Help Meet by Debi Pearl
Off to bed. I'm wiped out. We went to church and helped with an event for a total of 10 hours today!!
I sorry you are worrying so much about your brother. It is hard, when you can see mistakes or errors and they can't or don't. Prayers that he gets things together and that you can find some peace with things.
DeleteI imagine you may be right about your neighbor. The house next door to me is still empty - they have been doing work over there sporadically. There is a couple from the street behind me that is interested - but can't get any info on it. The grass over there is atrocious!!!! (green buy tall).
I hope if they sell that you get good neighbors.
Get some rest dear!!!
Glad you have been enjoying yourself! Your little niece is precious!
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yes, she is a little chunky bundle of pure joy! Such a happy girl.
DeleteSpending time with littles like your niece always make the day better!
ReplyDeleteNot many bargains last week. Too busy--didn't spend much time looking. I got 2 & 1/2 wheels of brie for less than the price of one. Into the freezer for times I want a little "fancier" appetizer when folks are over. lol.
I made some potholders out of my fabric stash.
Many of my seedlings are coming up. Any seeds that hadn't sprouted I replanted.
I'm ready for spring! It was 80 here on Saturday. Today in the 40s. It sure feels cold today! LOL.....
Yes, those babies sure do lift a spirit.
DeleteWhat a great deal on cheese. Nice to have things put back for a 'fancy' day!
Same here. It was 85 Saturday and this morning it is 38. Only going to 50's. YEP, it eels cold. LOL