One morning this week, I captured the sun just as it came up over the tree line. We are loving the new view minus the pines.
Spring is still doing its best to pop out here. The trees are either budding beautifully or dropping their leaves right on time (live oak leaf drop season is spring). The camellias have their last blooms on them this week and the azaleas are popping out all over the neighborhood. I added some day lilies to my front bed. I happened to come across some more Alabama Jubilees and one called South Seas. Jeff says I pick my day lilies because of their names and he might be right.
In my last post, I had been so busy that I didn't cover all my goings on in that post, so here are a couple other things I did in February and early March....
Jeff and I along with friends went to Pensacola one evening to see Sean of the South and Three on a String. Saying it was good doesn't even come close to the experience we had. Seriously, we all left in the very best mood talking about it all the way home.
The tickets to this had been purchased back in early December - before we took the trip with friends to Atlanta and the holiday lights at Calloway Gardens. You may remember that trip was not as easy as I had hoped.
I sort of thought to myself after that trip that we would do this one with the friends, but I would not plan anymore trips like this with friends. I put out of my mind until about a week before. Jeff seemed fine so as it approached time I thought he would be ok. The night before the event I panicked big time. He was putting off the driving to Pensacola on our friends and I could see his anxiety. We had even driven over to Pensacola to check out the parking over the weekend prior to the Thursday night event. Here is the thing...I know Pensacola as well as I know Fort Walton Beach. I spent my entire life going there...I am completely comfortable driving there. I tried to assure him of that, but this new Parkinson's thing attacks him at random times with anxiety that I have explained before is so NOT my Jeff.
Anywho, when he kind of pawned off the driving to Mike which again is not like him...I went into panic mode. Was this going to be like the December trip? After talking to my wiser than years daughter, she said I really needed to talk to my friend Cindy and let them know what it might be like. I heeded her advice and let Cindy know how the Atlanta trip had gone and that I sensed Jeff getting anxious about the parking and getting there on time, etc.
Bottom line: that was a good idea and God guided me the whole time. Parking could not have been easier with hardly any walk to the theatre. The event was in historic downtown Pensacola that I love so much. The seats were incredible and the music and stories were amazing.
If either Sean or the group is ever near you ---Run to it. The music was so good. It covered all genres and I truly can't say enough about it.
*****
Tucker's first field day happened. I enjoyed it so much. You know being a teacher I really missed my own children's field days. Jeff would attend them, but often I was dealing with my own class while my kids had field day. I got to watch and enjoy my oldest grandson have fun. I just wish the powers that be would not do Field Day in March. It can be 60 something degrees and freezing. The wind here in this month can make the same temps seem completely different depending on said winds. It happened to be a cold day for his field day:)
This week has been lots of baseball games but mostly at home during the days which I needed. Friday, I kept Tucker and Palmer because there was a teacher workday. Spring break is this next week. Katie brought Miles and Valerie over to play. I had to take Mama to get her nails done but brought her back over for play time. I think she thoroughly enjoyed watching them all. It is loud with 3 boys in the house.
I have done a good bit of stitching this week and will share soon on Valerie's name.
Bad weather is expected today and I am trying not to listen to the weather reports because they are scaring me. I have the alerts set, but I can't just listen constantly to it.
My dad's first cousin posted this prayer poem today ....(I thought it to be very appropriate.
Until next week,
Sandy
It's so hard to deal with changes. I have some problems with riding in a vehicle after an accident we had a few years ago. But I am trying to overcome it and not let it hold me back. We all have to make adjustments and having family and friends to talk to helps as well. Love the first photo! WOW!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dianne. When we cut the trees we didn't know what to expect, but honestly the view is even better. My daughter and I were in a car accident right down the road from our home. It totaled my Expedition. I could never get in a small car after I saw what it did to my big one. I have a Telluride as of a few months ago and even that one is a wee bit smaller for me. I couldn't have done it right after the accident so I get that.The diagnosis for Jeff as brought me more joy for just every single day. No days to waste at all.
DeleteI love that prayer and haven't heard it in years. It all came back and I could almost recite it by heart! Thank you for that blessing, Sandy! I saw Sean of the South with my sister last year, up in Georgia. It was wonderful. I have one of his books and bought a CD while at the concert. Yes, everyone should go see him!! Sending a hug!! xo
ReplyDeleteI remembered that you went. I always wanted to go, but this was the first chance it was so close and he is even from close by. It was so good. I loved his memoir book the best, but I liked the novel Kinfolk too.
DeleteThat sounds like a wonderful evening with friends and your daughter is, indeed, very wise. I'm so glad you all enjoyed it and that Jeff did well. I can imagine how loud your house is with all three boys visiting (I lived that life for many years here--ha ha!). I'm sure little Miss Valerie will be a welcome new experience in grandparenting. Love the fact that your mom is still getting her nails done--something I don't even do :) And lastly, I so enjoyed your prayer at the end and that first photo. How wonderful to wake up to that view each morning. Hope your coming week is filled with lots of fun and family! ♥
ReplyDeleteMom does like to look nice. She has days when she feels terrible, but she gets dressed and tries to look nice. She doesn't wear much makeup, but I think I wore off on her for that. I don't wear it daily either....just to church mostly. She likes her nails done and her pedicure.
DeleteI am thinking Valerie is going to have to be tough to manage these boys, but they are all crazy about her.
Boy, do I love that view of the sunrise. Your house sits perfectly to get just the right angle of a photo. Losing your trees sure turned out to hold a nice gift for you. I'm glad your trip and the shows turned out so well. I checked the link, and I will say that looks like a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteThe show was so good. The music was incredible. They definitely knew their 55 plus audience. Yes, the trees turned out to be so nice - gone. Opened up the view and now no worries of them falling right through the kitchen.
DeleteOh, that sunrise is magnificent! You have a perfect view now! Wow!!! Sounds like you've been busy. I'm so glad you were able to do the little trip to Pensacola with friends, etc., and that everything worked out okay. I'm sorry for the added anxiety that is happening, but I guess it comes with the territory. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this together. may God continually give you strength and wisdom concerning this changes. Oh, how wonderful that your mother was able to come and spend a little time with the boys and Valerie too? What fun! I can imagine how much fun that must be for all of you. What a joy and blessing. I hope the storm today didn't do any damage where you are. We had quite a thunderstorm, but no damage that we know of around here. Thank the Lord. It's spring, so I guess these storms are to be expected. Praying for calm and smooth sailing from now on.
ReplyDeleteThe storms stayed north of us and I am grateful. I had to quit listening to the weather because they were going on so about it. It hardly rained here. The things I am going through have taught me what a gift each day is and just ordinary days too. Doing all the things around the house and walking the dog are not to be missed.
DeleteHello Sandy: Love the sunrise photo so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry Jeff has been having a tough time, I do understand how he feels and how you feel, with Mikes illness's it is touch and go each day, keeping Jeff in my daily Prayers and you the care giver.
It sounds like you all had an amazing time, I bet its a hoot seeing your grandchildren play ball.
I hope the bad weather has left your area alone.
Catherine
We were very lucky with the predicted weather. They were almost scaring us, but it stayed north of us. I will take it.
DeleteI don't take any days for granted. They are all a gift. Jeff is doing pretty well as long as it is all the normal routines so that is a win too. I just don't think we will be adding travel to our retirement plans and I am ok with that. We are pretty simple.
Sandy, God is guiding you in this season of life....I am encouraged by your strength and wisdom. Being able to share situations with good friends is a blessing as well. We finally made it to one of Landon's soccer games...it was on Friday night and so windy but not cold. Then Saturday we were in all day, awaiting the storms. Thankfully they passed us by. I have started volunteering in the art room at our church school. I am enjoying being back with children. So I can understand the fun of a field trip for you. Have a great week. And yes, that sunrise is amazing.
ReplyDeleteIn March, that wind can be freezing or warm. The games can be wonderfully warm or bundle up freezing. I guess we can chalk that up to March in the south. We all want it to be warm, but it doesn't always cooperate. I know you are wonderful in that room at church. I am working with the 2 year olds. I feel like I change a lot of diapers as it seems that is their constitutional time - HA. I have found it to be a no stress position. Whatever I get done is just fine!Jeff and I are off to Pensacola today for the 2 tests about the latest issue I told you about. I will let you know later how it goes.
DeleteAnxiety is a part of Parkinsons it seems. In some I have even seen it go to paranoia. Praying for Jeff and you! I know God will see you through as you continue to look to Him. I am even asking Him for for healing for Jeff. He is able!
ReplyDeleteThe sunrise is gorgeous! I always loved seeing the pines in the photos but this is even better.
He IS able. Thank you.
DeleteI loved the pines too, but I am loving the new view even more…a nice bonus.