The days come and go, all of them full of graces I recognize and many that I don't even notice. Surely many of my readers will agree this is true of them, too. Yes, there are bumps along the way, but when we trust in the Lord, He helps with that.
daughter-in-law's Peregrina (also known as Spicy Jatropha) |
I'm sharing recent snapshots and resulting observations that design a diary of God's hand upon me with those I love.
Michael, me, and Gary |
Since Gary has come into my life, I have more "children." I've gained a couple of sons and their wives, more grandchildren, and in the past 18 months I've become a "step great-grandma" -- three times!!
We have not yet been able to visit the great-grands in person, but one of our sons flew in from Minnesota to see us this past weekend. It had been a year since the last visit; but the real impetus was so he could check on his dad, post surgery. He came to see for himself that Dad was doing well, and indeed, he is!
Michael |
We took him to Barberville Yard Art Emporium. It's an interesting destination for out-of-town guests located about an hour's drive east from us.
Gary and his son Michael |
On another day of his visit, we braved the I-75 and Turnpike traffic into Orlando for a post-op visit for Gary. Michael came away assured that ol' Dad had weathered surgery just fine and is recovering well.
Tony, Gary, Mary, and Bailey |
After depositing Michael at the curb at the Tampa airport, we traveled deeper into the metro area to find the home of another son and his wife. Neither of us had been to their house before and what a treat that was!
fountain in back yard corner |
As Mary gave us the tour of their back yard, the first topic of conversation was this fountain. Stunning!! And then she flattered me with a question of what I thought she should plant behind the highest point of the rocks, to help obscure the view beyond the fence. While I know much less about such things than she does, I think it was generally agreed that Bamboo would grow fast, fill out, and provide some privacy.
sign at one of the seating areas |
Their yard is essentially a long rectangle that parallels the back of the house. The fountain is in one corner and on the opposite end is a covered seating area where, had there been more time, I would have, for sure, "kicked off my shoes."
Their yard is like something out of a "feel good" movie. I loved every detail and the resourceful use of space. I could have spent hours there, had it been practical that day. Mary says she likes to read and pray in the serenity they've created.
us |
Beside the pool and spa we took several snapshots. In this one Gary was giving me his mock frownie face when I told him I didn't want his sun glasses in the pictures.
us again |
Although he likes to tease me, I always get his cooperation and this was one of those times.
Gary on our back patio |
Of course the big news the following day was the eclipse. We didn't get excited about it since our area expected to see only 50 to 60% of the event through some high, thin clouds. I turned on the TV to watch it.
me on the back patio |
But then Gary remembered that he had some of the required eclipse glasses tucked away in his office from years ago. He surprised me with them and that's what took us outside to watch. While it was not the stunning event those in the Midwest witnessed (Sister was in Indianapolis!!), it was a marvel to observe even a partial eclipse.
Glad you got to enjoy time with Gary's kids. I know they are a blessing to you but as a stepdaughter myself, I can tell you that you are a blessing to them too!
ReplyDeleteI love bits and pieces of life that you share Barbara! So thankful Gary has successfully recovered from his surgery, and that you are out and about again enjoying life! I know the visits with his children mean so much, and I'm so glad that you have such a special relationship with his family! The eclipse was able to be seen here, partially. We had a lot of cloud cover though. Many blessings to you!
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