Navigating Through [Everything]

Us 
2025

This snapshot was taken earlier this year by my step-granddaughter-in-law (don't try to figure that out, just trust me, she and I are related by our respective marriages into Gary's family). It was taken at a time when family escaped the cold of their home to thaw out for a few days here in Central Florida. 

I chose this photo, which I've shared before, because it is the best illustration that fits since my last blog post. Navigating life: it's an understatement to say recent days have been hard for many. I won't regurgitate current events except to say we all go through times that are tough, mystifying, tragic, and that will take time to process mentally and emotionally.

Those of us who follow Gospel teachings know that the "last days" are like this; it's not going to get better for us until Jesus calls us Home.

Gary and I have not been down to the veterans' cemetery where our late spouses are buried for several months due to the uncomfortable humid heat with the nearly one-hour drive to get there. The weather this week has been slightly better, so with the canvas lawn chairs loaded up, we drove down a couple of days ago. 

Our usual pattern is to stop first at my late husband's grave, spend some time there, and then move to the grave of Gary's late wife, spending a little more time at her place because there tends to be more shade in her neighborhood.

I deviated from that habit on this visit, asking Gary to remain with the car while I carried my chair to Tom's place, sat squarely in front of his raised headstone, and then just cried out loud my words to him and my prayers to God. The tensions from current events in our nation, the realization that it's nearing 5 years since his death, and mulling over the changes in so many areas of life -- I just needed to spill it out by myself at a memorial kind of place. 

The wording on his headstone is what I chose, including the reference to Tom's favorite Bible passage, Proverbs 3:5-6. After crying and with nothing more to say, I dried my face and asked myself if this had been helpful. 

Yes. "Trust the Lord." I have no doubt the Lord inspired me to have those words engraved on the granite to instruct and comfort all who see it, including me. Just believe the Lord is real, let go of my questions and doubts, and choose to be at peace as I rely on God to do His will "on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)

lunch after the cemetery

Whew. That's heavy stuff. But maybe in my sharing how I cope with the hard things, it will be a help to others who also struggle. I hasten to add my profound gratitude that the Lord brought Gary into my life so I don't sit at home lost in baffling thoughts all by myself. He and I have differing perspectives on some things, but he is "someone in my corner", so to speak. We talk about a lot of things together and I am helped. We comfort each other greatly.

I had some money left over on a gift card for Cracker Barrel, so we stopped there on our way home. Gary had pork chops and I had meat loaf. In spite of all the hubbub about changes Cracker Barrel's corporate officers were going to make, our visit there was pretty much as it always has been, including all the antique stuff on the walls. 

Publix half cake

Before reaching home, we stopped at our grocery store so I could take advantage of their half-price offer to help me celebrate my "half birthday." 

4 servings came out of this cake

Since lunch is always our big meal of the day and this time was no exception, portions of the "half birthday cake" became our supper. We finished it off the following day and now I am officially en route over the next 6 months to my next birthday, Lord willing.

With Fall starting this weekend, our thoughts naturally turn to getting our annual flu shots. We did that this morning at our pharmacy. I got mine first. As I was exiting the little booth where the injection was administered, I jokingly told the pharmacist to be aware that my husband would "cry like a baby" with his shot. 🤭

Gary is the cutie on the far right
with his 3 brothers

Afterward as we walked back out to the car, I asked Gary about getting shots when he was a little boy. He told me that he would say to himself, "I AM NOT GOING TO CRY THIS TIME!!" But then one of his older brothers would start to cry, and that would make everyone cry. 

Coyote on our golf course

I shared this picture on Facebook but now you get to see it, too. On the first morning bike ride after our recent road trip we stopped at our usual spot to sip some water and saw this coyote staring out over the lake. He didn't move at all, which was curious.

close-up

When we stopped by there on our return toward home, the animal had not moved at all. Bravely, I left Gary standing with our bikes while I ventured closer.

still not moving

Nope, he's definitely not alive. I don't know what that's all about. Is he leftover from some retiree's career at a museum? I dunno. Now, over a week later, he's still there. 

my collection of Crocs sandals
(except the blue ones are by Reel Legends)

As we are moving into fall, I can still wear my Crocs sandals every day. But come mid-to-late November, I'll probably tuck these away for a couple of months as we endure a Florida winter (wink, smile). 

As I was telling one of my text-groups recently, Crocs does have shoes for narrow feet, but my experience has taught me to go into the store to buy them. Ordering narrow Crocs on-line did not work for me. 

Grace T. gave me the pattern for this
Dresden Plate table topper

Decorating for fall inside our home has been fun. Pulling out the rusty oranges and browns is a refreshing change while the outdoor pines and palms don't change with the seasons.

Our front door entry area morphs very quickly into the formal dining room. The bowl and pitcher belonged to Edith (she had great taste), and I made the pieced topper in 2011.

"Chocolate Chair"

The diagonal squares runner is a pattern I sewed many times, for all seasons. It was quick and fun. It is displayed on my "Chocolate Chair," which was purchased in Colorado some twenty years ago. While I seldom sit in it, this chair is special to me and is now tucked into a corner of the dining room.

another bowl and pitcher 
from Edith's collection

This coffee table runner made from a soft suede fabric is from a second-hand shop. Jersey Girl and I found it last year on a lunch shopping trip.

a smaller version of the pattern
on the Chocolate Chair

Since we won't be having any trick or treaters here in our +55 gated community, we've got candy out all the time! Again, the sewing is mine while the dishware belonged to Edith.

kitchen table appliquéd runner

Thirty years ago Tom's work transferred us from Colorado Springs to Orlando. We were there barely a year because, to put it bluntly, I was NOT READY to be a Floridian with the heat, humidity, and lack of definitive seasons. On our return to Colorado (Denver), I made several of these runners for Christmas gifts to family and friends. Creating this design myself, this was my celebration of our return to the Rocky Mountains.

That was, of course, a long time ago. My feelings, rather my acceptance, of Florida's climate have altered enough that I am content here now. As I like to say, we don't have to shovel anything! ☃️

wood pumpkin

As you can easily see, my idea of autumn decor relies heavily on my sewing room treasures, but we've got a few other items from Hobby Lobby and such. This pumpkin sits on a living room lamp table.

another Hobby Lobby prize

This scroll work pumpkin is a favorite. The doilies are from my shopping and also from my mother's home. Doilies speak "tradition" and "comfort" to me. Generally speaking, they are not a favorite with younger people, which brings down the price when I happen to find them.

With that I close this edition of Journal Memories. I hope that once I got past the serious topics of this post, the remaining subjects served as a pleasant diversion from the hard stuff of life we all are facing. In everything, this prayer is for you and me:

"... may the Lord give you wisdom and understanding."

I Chronicles 22:12 NLT

Thank you for stopping by. I am grateful for your thoughtful comments and pray for you as I read them. Until next time, grace and peace.