Ketchup (as in Catch-up)

from our neighborhood walk
this week

The past month has been trying, not the least of which was the loss of our cable internet connection for 2 weeks. But that was repaired the day before yesterday and as a result, I'm starting to feel more human again. 

There's so much negativity out there about social media but when forced to go without, the loss of the practical benefits are akin to going without electricity or water. You make do, but it's a rude command for patience and receptivity to unfamiliar options.

from where I am sitting 
as I type this blog post

But please keep reading, Now that the connection has been restored and has proven to work perfectly, I am done with the griping. The experience illustrated that one especially helpful way for me relax is to read and comment on the blogs of my friends and to compose my posts. 

I have commandeered Gary's lift chair in the living room. It sits in a corner where it's impossible to see the TV screen, but I can see nearly 180 degrees in every direction. The late afternoon sun is flooding the lanai and although the large windows are open out there, it's just a little too warm. So here in the air conditioning in this very comfy chair with an expansive view of much of the house, I am writing about recent events and thoughts, breathing easy, and feeling pretty good.

I say I'm "feeling pretty good" because one of my recent stressors has been high blood pressure. My primary care doctor retired this past summer so this week was my first appointment with my new doctor. It was on a difficult day for me, one filled with some painful memories of 6 years ago (regarding the health of my late husband) that I was trying hard to just leave behind me. 

But blood pressure, I'm learning, will hike up in spite of my best efforts to be calm and at peace. In the very near future I'll have the usual annual lab work and then report back to my doctor. We'll talk then about the BP, deciding if my current prescription needs tweaking or if I just need a relaxing vacation in the Bahamas . . . . (just kidding).

me (on the left) and Sister
on a walk in her neighborhood,
2019

Before I leave the subject of medical matters, another important date on my recent calendar was Sister's surgery for a knee replacement. I am thankful and happy to report that she came through it like a champ and is faithfully following the medical orders she's been given. 

Sister and her Basset Hounds

Daisy and Maggie have been very attentive, doing all they can to ensure Mom is comfortable.

Paula and me
2019

Thinking back to 2019 when that walking picture was taken, on our way back to Florida (from the upper Midwest) my late husband and I spent a day in Savannah, Georgia. This snapshot popped up on FaceBook to remind me of my visit with Paula Deen. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at her restaurant. Her biscuits are the best!

our front yard just yesterday

Another pleasant piece of news to report is that my rose bushes are absolutely poppin' with buds. This picture doesn't do them justice. There are 3 bushes. The one in the middle is pink, flanked with two rosy reds. Then on the very far right is the Camelia bush showing off her dark pink/red blooms as well.

Gary watches the filling of the buckets

After the internet repair was done, we had to add more river rock to that area. We bought three 5-gallon buckets from Lowe's and then headed to Yard Stop. I told the girls at the counter that Gary wanted to buy me a rock and this was where he brought me. (snicker) Gary's response was "Stop being so cute!"

Truth be told, Gary has gifted me with both gold and precious stones over the years, so I have no complaints. 

We have survived the semi-annual time change. Every morning since setting our clocks back one hour, we are waking up a little closer to our normal routine. One would think we could more easily adapt to sleeping until our usual time but it's just not that simple.

Speaking of adapting to change . . . . . I don't like to get political on my blog but our nation is transforming right before our eyes. While I still ask God to bless America, that prayer is getting overshadowed by my appeal for all of us to examine our relationship with God. He can't bless what opposes Him. 

For more on that topic, read my last post, a book review of Final Conquest. (Click here to see that.)

With that said, I close and will do the best I can to catch up and comment on the blogs of my readers.

Examine yourselves to see

whether you are in the faith.

II Corinthians 13:5a NIV

Until next time, grace and peace,

Barbara 

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