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Camelia in our front yard |
It's been a quiet week here with regard to collecting blog fodder. I've not taken many pictures, but happily, here in Florida, there is usually photo-worthy flora and fauna to fill up the space, even right here in our own yard.
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Azaleas in our front yard |
When I lived in Northern Virginia in the mid-1980s, we had to wait until spring to see the flowering Azaleas (and in Colorado they were nearly non-existent), but here in North Central Florida, we enjoy them for Christmas and still even now as we progress toward Valentine's Day. Our yard provides delightful eye candy year 'round.
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Blue Daze surrounds our front patio |
We are doing well, having thus far avoided the current threats of COVID, FLU, and RSV that seem to be making the rounds in our town. We have got all the shots/vaccinations and take precautions within reason. As we remember the pandemic and how deeply personal its effects were on the two of us, no, I don't think we can be too careful.
Worshiping at home via on-line church has become the norm for us. A congregation of two seated in front of the computer monitor is less hazardous to our health right now. Gary adds to the specialness of that by serving a caramel-flavored coffee that he saves to brew just on Sunday mornings (sometimes with marshmallows!).
Yes, we miss out on the face-to-face interactions with people, but that's where social media (in spite of its negatives) can serve us well. My ladies' Bible group is studying Peter by Mindy Ferguson. We can share our thoughts on that via emails. That's a form of the "small group" studies that are emphasized so much these days. We have participated in Zoom groups that are a help when face-to-face meetings are problematic.
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1. January 29th is National Puzzle Day. Do you enjoy puzzles? What kind (crossword, jigsaw, sudoku, etc)? How often do you work a puzzle?
As I've said many times since marrying Gary, I don't cook like I used to, so taking a home-cooked meal is pretty much out of the question for me. I like to get take-out for the recipients. Deli sandwiches, BBQ pulled pork, or lasagna from the grocer's freezer case are my favs for sharing with others. (with appropriate side dishes and a pre-made dessert)
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my husband sealing the concrete patio behind our house |
Those who follow my blog regularly know I refer often to life with the advent of widowhood and re-marriage. People tell me the experiences have helped them. This season of my life has become a platform of sorts because what has happened shook me up more than anything else I had experienced before. So please forgive me as I again make a reference to grief here.
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back yard Hibiscus December 2023 |
To see the blogs of others who are participating in Joyce's Wednesday Hodgepodge, go to http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/2024/01/puzzling-over-hodgepodge.html
16 comments:
Thankfully we have had very springlike days here at about late morning until the sun goes down. It's still in the mid 30's early morning and requires heat and I'm pretty sure it will be this way until the end of March at least. But, just to have sun is awesome. I'm sure it would be a big adjustment for me should something happen to Hubby and the outside work around here and any maintenance or repairs. So glad you and Gary found each other. :o))
It is always a pleasure to visit with you via your blog, Barb! I enjoyed your Hodgepodge today and your photos! Hugs!!
I like seeing your flowers. It's still cold and gray here...
We have also had lots of covid/RSV and influenza. I can't tell you how many times I've had to order those 3 swabs for patients when I'm working. However, it's been better the last 2 weeks so hopefully we're heading in the right direction.
Yes to Sudoku and the political scene.
Good for you for learning some outside tasks. I need to learn from you, because I do the inside things, Bob does the outside; so I would be in the same situation.
I am so grateful for flowers year round. It is one of life's blessings I don't take for granted. I have enjoyed the camellias. I go to so many doctor appointments with mom that I have no chance of avoiding sickness. I have had to hope for the best, but I am also grateful for online messages and all of that. It is super helpful to those who can't get out. I don't blame you a bit for enjoying those services. Looking forward to spring and more outside time.
Love seeing that camellia blossom. I don't have any camellias here at this house and I miss them, but we have them at our church so I can see them there. We do have azaleas and they are blooming. Your posts have been very enlightening to me as I have watched you going through all you have endured over the past few years. I am amazed at how God has carried you and taught you and blessed you abundantly in the whole situation. Not really amazed at God, because I know He is faithful, but still it was amazing to see how everything has unfolded in your life. God is with you and He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you. Thank you for always being so open about all you are going through. I do believe it is helpful to others who find themselves in similar situations. Take care of each other and God bless you both.
It's good to be a helpmate and to learn things, too. I enjoyed your pretty blooms. It's also nice to see the sunshine. Your home is well cared for. Our political world is so puzzling. I'm with you on not opening that can of worms on a blog. Happy February to you and Gary.
Your azaleas are so pretty. Be well!
I respect your courage and perseverance in difficult times. God bless always.
So nice to see you in the Hodgepodge this week! My jonquils are popping up and we have azaleas that want to bloom year round. I love it. We are waiting on a new baby to arrive any day now so also avoiding large groups of people when possible. My daughter's toddler had RSV about a month ago and the pediatrician said on the bright side he probably has some resistance to it and won't bring it to the new little one. The political scene is almost unbelievable to me right now. I continually remind myself God is on His throne. Have a nice weekend!
Your flowers are amazingly beautiful, Barbara! Thanks for sharing the cheerful photos here today.
We are still trying to return to "normal" whatever that is. Praising God for all His goodness!
Blessings!
I think take out is a perfectly acceptable option. I liked your thoughts at the end. There are things I think "if something happened to kevin, could I figure this out"...mostly managing budget etc..
Really beautiful flowers. And great photos too. God bless.
It’s beautiful seeing flowers at anytime of the year but a special treat in winter. I’m Cheryl from Sunlitpathway but I can’t seem to get signed in to comment. I’m sure the Lord is in your midst at home too if it’s better to watch Sunday services online and you will be blessed as you care for your health. I’m so ready for winter to be over. I keep a few houseplants through the winter. Sometimes there are flowers
I'm sure I've already commented here, or was it on my Blog, or someone else's Blog or ... is it Monday yet?
God bless.
So nice to see you in the HP this week! (last week now I guess, but I'm tying to catch up) I used to enjoy Barefoot Contessa and Paula Dean both. Most of the cooking shows now are competitions as opposed to just cooking. Politics and the great division created there have made blogging about current day topics a bit challenging. I hint at them on my blog but typically don't rant. I have opinions but I don't think people come to my blog to hear more noise. The internet is so noisy. Your blog is lovely as are your winter flowers. Enjoy your day!
Beautiful pictures, Barbara, and very thoughtful words here. You have given me some things to think about... :)
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