Scents of Spring

Let's see if I can remember how to join the Hodgepodge with Joyce. Spring questions this week, so join the fun here.

1. What are some memories you associate with spring?

My birthday, Easter clothes, mom letting us go barefoot outside, trips to the nursery to buy flowers to plant, thoughts of vacation and trips to the Dallas Arboretum with my friends to simply enjoy all the blooms: Azaleas, tulips, just everything you could think of.

From the long ago past

These dresses were pale blue organdy, with blue net aprons and the ruffled sleeves 

and little silk flowers at the neck.

These dresses were dotted swiss, white with pink dots and, of course,

ruffles. I guess I was a little impatient wanting to get on with the Easter Egg hunt.

Sweet memories with friends

2. April showers bring May flowers...was that saying proven true where you live? Snapdragons, anemones, carnations, lilacs, sweet peas, tulips, lily of the valley, orchids, roses, gardenias...which one on that list is your favorite May bloom?

Roses! My other favorite is not listed. Peony. I love peonies and watching them come up out of the ground, bushing out, and big blossoms that turned into the sweetest smell. ❤️ I’m going to find a place to plant some in my yard. Mother always had carnations and roses.

Flowers I left behind

3. What are your top three distractions and how do you deal with them?

• Phone
• my brain thinking about what needs to be done next
• the dog.

• I try to slap my hands or hide the phone, but that really doesn't work (I'm fibbing here, the phone is always with me. I do ignore some phone calls when necessary and I don't allow notifications from Facebook, etc.).
• Make a list and prioritize
• Just let her sit on my lap or talk to her as she follows me around, or just give in and take her for a walk.

4. Do you eat beef? Yes.

In the course of a week, how often is beef on the menu? Maybe a couple of times, meat sauce for spaghetti, a small meatloaf, that kind of thing. 

A hamburger, steak, prime rib, or a roast beef dinner...which beef entree would you choose and yes you have to choose. Unless you're a vegan, and then you may pass.

I love a good roast beef dinner, but the cheeseburger is a close second. A good steak is enjoyed when one of the guys are grilling.

5. In what way were you creative during the month of April? 

Nothing comes to mind right now, but I am going to share our son's creativity. He built this chicken coop for Amy's chickens. He didn't have a pattern, he just built it and put wheels on it so it can be easily moved around the yard.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I’m trying to get back into the swing of blogging again. Not too much to write home about, but I’m enjoying every day. I am trying to get some landscaping done and windows replaced in my house. Also, I’m looking forward to doing some front porch sitting with my neighbors and contemplating a trip to Mackinac island this summer.

It's Been a While ...

but that doesn’t mean I’m just been sitting around twiddling my thumbs. I’ve been a busy bee since moving in September.

I’ve been back to Texas three times, celebrated Thanksgiving in Kansas, Christmas has come and gone, I’ve recovered from two falls, a broken wrist, and other mishaps trying to deal with many details such as getting my new drivers license, getting the title changed to one of the cars, selling two cars, buying a new car. Lots of things to do when settling in a new place: doctors, pharmacy, dentist, dog groomer, hair stylist, etc. 

I found a wonderful church that is amazing. So amazing, in fact, that my brother and sister-in-law left their church of over 40 years to join with me. This may be the friendliest church I have ever been part of with ministries to just about everything and everyone you can think of. It’s been a very exciting time. I’ve been involved with Bible study fellowship, made new friends, found old friends, and have just simply enjoyed my life since I’ve been here. I’m still missing my DH, but I am surrounded with love from family and friends and, of course, Annie is happy to be wherever I am. Our neighborhood is populated with some very friendly folk, so we enjoy taking our walks almost every day. And I love my house! It is perfect for me!

I’ve had visitors from Texas and looking forward to more. I’ve seen fall colors, tons of snow, ice, now Spring, and more freezing weather. But I think things are just about to turn as we head into storm season. Just to catch up I’m going to post a few photos of some of the things that have happened over the past few months.                 

Annie's a happy camper

Sunset behind my house

Some of the fall colors from across the street

Seeing this girl again brought tears of joy

And these two!

Thanksgiving in Kansas

Christmas color in the dining room

The first snow

They are all quite brave to stand on those pools.

The really big freeze in Texas

Finally got the headstone for DH's grave

Spring brought a big surprise!

I love these and can't wait to fill in blank spots here with more color!

Got to go back home for Jack's 10th

I should have kept up, but way too many things to recount. Suffice it to say that, in spite of the difficulties in taking care of business during these "unprecedented times", life has been good. God has been faithful to keep me and bring me this far and so He ever will be.