America The Beautiful

 I love the song, America the Beautiful.  From sea to shining sea reminds me of the trips we took with my Mom back in the day.  First to Alaska and then to New York City where we were able to go to Ellis Island and see where Mom's parents came into America and started a new life here.  How brave they were to come to a country, not speak the language, raise 5 kids...although my Grandmother passed away when my Mom was 10yrs, old.  Her Dad came with only $26 in his pockets and the rest filled with dreams.  He raised his children alone, worked, owned businesses, and became a citizen.  Yes, we saw the country from one sea to another that year and Mom sat on a bench at Ellis and cried thinking of her own family who may have sat at the same spot.  My uncles served in WWII and so did Dad.

My brothers served in Vietnam.  Thankfully all came home from those wars and lived good lives.  I'm so grateful for all our service men and women who have served, who serve today, and those that gave their lives for our freedoms.  I hope everyone had a good Memorial Day that included time out to reflect on this holiday we have to honor them.  I've been reading a lot of books about the women who played a big part in WWI and WWII in helping win those wars.  This will be the final post of this month as June is just around the corner.  Jack and I have been working outside to get the grounds weeded, planted, painted, cleaned, etc!  Lots of work but nice to have good weather to do it.  It's been a wetter and chillier Spring than last year.  Jack won't complain about the cooler temps as he does not enjoy the heat. I think next week will bring some more seasonal temps and I know those that have pools will be happy!  I did get to Chicago as my past post said.  Midge and I got lots done to get ready for the family reunion at the end of June.  Only a month away actually!  It was fun to be with her and also be a help.  There's lots planned for that weekend and then I might have some better blog posts!  Here's just a few pics from the Pines to end this.  Have a good rest of the week everyone!

See the owl by the heat pump? There were two originally but one broke...so what happened to it? Can you see it?

One day I'll toss it but for now he's found a home! Ha!

I put some bunting on the fence.  I'm glad Midge and I put that fence up last year! Gives me more places to decorate!  I planted some flowers there today but will show those later after it's all mulched up.

This area across the driveway also needs mulch but slow but sure it will get done. I call this area my garden of weedin.

Hostas coming up nicely by the deck.

I love the wild flocks in the Creepy woods.  Always a nice walk up there.

The Peonies knew it was Memorial Day weekend and opened up to celebrate!

Jack enjoying a quiet evening.  I took these pics with my new phone.  I hate getting a new phone.  My Facebook account was messed up on it but hopefully finally have it under control. Just takes time to adjust to a new one.  But the camera seems to be working just fine!  Speaking of photos...

This pic was taken about 22yrs ago here at the Pines.  That's our backyard and that tiny tree between the kid without his shirt on and my daughter-in-law is an oak tree.  Flash forward to today:

Here's that same tree and the same backyard.  Time flies fast and kids and trees grow up fast too.  Have a good week and I'll see you in June, I guess!  (Unless some fabulous news or event happens before then!)

Mothe's Day And Happenings

 I hope everyone had a nice Mother's Day yesterday.  3 of my boys came over and spent the day with Jack and I and we had some good laughs and good food!  I was very thankful for the thoughtful gifts and cards from them, and we had a nice phone call from our son in Oregon.  He sent me a gift card to one of the restaurants in town that Jack and I both enjoy.  The weather was so beautiful and we were able to spend most of the day outside on the deck.  Today I took off early and headed to Chicago to be with my sister to help with planning of our family reunion we're having this summer.  We took some time to go her Granddaughter's horseback riding lesson.  Ella loves horses and this is truly a passion for her and I was happy to see her doing so well and loving those horses! I'm sure I'll have more to blog about after this trip as we're also planning a girls trip to Maine in July.  Here's just a few pics of the last few days:

Jack and I went out to our favorite Amish place for eggs, but they also have a beautiful greenhouse and this fusia was calling my name!

I cleaned the deck and got out all my furniture but I was most proud of this crazy fern that I managed not to kill from last summer!  I nursed it all winter and it magically made it to see the deck for another summer.  Annabelle took the time to snooze in the shade.

Finally, Miss Ella doing her thing!  She's braver than me on top of that big horse!  It was a lovely night to go and watch her but the rest of the week will be work to get all the details and things done for this reunion at the end of June.  It's going to be a 2 day affair and lots of happenings and maybe even a few good blog posts.  Heading to bed all! Have a good week!

The Colors Of May

 May has arrived and I hope Spring has arrived in everyone's neck of the woods.  I know in northern areas snow can appear even now but here at the Pines the colors of May abound.  There's Pinks, whites, reds, orange, and of course green.

I want to sing: Green, green, the grass is green...but I'll spare you that!  I've mowed 5 times already and I'm grateful for the growth and rain that keeps it going, growing and greening.

My photography isn't too great but there's the pinks of the crabapple, the white of the snowball bush, the red of the Japanese maple.

The dogwood trees are blooming white.  Soon those petals will cover my deck, and I'll groan about it! But for now, I'll enjoy the beauty of them.

As I was mowing the other day, I noticed some of the pine trees were sporting a pink of their own.  Pink pinecones! Very festive!

I believe I mentioned orange in the color pallet here at the Pines.  The setting sun was hitting the trees behind the house and made them light up to look like a Fall pic.  You all know I love Fall but I'm not ready for that just yet.  As I end this post on color, I want to ask for a few prayers for some friends of mine.  Every month I gather with 4 of my old coworkers from the hospital and we have lunch, laughter, good stories, catch up about our families and my tellings of the hospital happenings, just to make them glad they are completely retired!  One of the gals, Kris, lost her sweet daughter Beth last week to a very rare virus.  Beth had battled childhood cancer all through her teen years but survived, worked as a pharmacy tech, got married and although she couldn't have children due to chemo and radiation, she was a wonderful aunt to her nieces and nephews. I was in on her surgery when she was 9 that found her cancer.  Beth is the reason Jack, and I got involved with Relay for Life years ago until Beth had a remission and moved on with her life.  After all her battles, to be taken away by a virus is heartbreaking.   A few of you know my BFF, Donna, who also is in our lunch bunch group.  Donna's husband has been battling his health issues for some time and Donna has had her issues too but has been taking care of Larry through it all.  Yesterday, after a week in the hospital, Larry passed away.  I know prayers can't bring back Beth and Larry, but I sure believe in prayer as a help through difficult, sad times.  So in your prayers if you could send up a little one for these folks you really don't even know, I know it will reach the heavens and give some comfort down here.  

We had a lovely sunset the other day that added to the colors of May. We never know what's ahead for us each day we are privileged to enjoy, so hug your loved ones and have forgiveness and kindness as your colors of the season.