Saying Goodbye to 2018

2018 has been a really hard year for many including me.  Starting with surgery in January that knocked me off my feet for months longer then I ever expected.  It has taken me all year to finally start feeling stronger.  I also had some issues with depression and anxiety, I was lucky to find a great therapist and I am on the right path once again.  

I have been so lucky to spend time with my sweet Grandchildren.  Tiger is 7 and Scout 3 and life is so full with these two. 

 I've also had some special time with both my daughters this year.  A trip to Calif in Sept to see Ashleigh was topped off by a wonderful experience.  We went to the beach and there were some whales off the coast playing and diving.  They were there for hours as I let the late Fall sun warm me and the breeze clear my mind.  I found a special blessing in this event.  A gift from God, a reminder that the simplest of things can bring great joy.

I tried to get a photo of the whales but they were too far out for my phone to capture. 

During this year my blogging suffered.  I felt like I had 'things' to say but could not seem to get it together to write it down.  Also my photography skills have left me and what is a blog without good photos.  Every time I thought about just admitting I was 'done', I just couldn't.  I voiced this again just the other day and my good friend Claudia encouraged me to not give up.

SO...

I'm going to give blogging another try.  I would like to blog at least once a week so we will see how that goes.  My life has changed and so have some of my interests and I would love to share some of that with you. 

If any of you are still out there and reading this I promise to give it my best this year. 

As the hours count down until it's 2019, I wonder what this year will bring.  My Mother turned 88 this past October and I've been spending more and more time helping her.  I am so lucky to have her in my life and try to enjoy each and every day with her.  I am trying to make sure I have time for my daughters and my grands.  They add such joy to my life.  Lastly, I am committed to continuing to take care of myself.  Spiritually, mentally, physically!  So come along with me and let's hope the Best is Yet to Be!

Catch Up Photos

Life has been busy! 

Wonderful in many ways and not so wonderful in others. 

Blogging has taken a back seat but I don't want to quit.  So I'll just do some photos of the last few months and catch-up!

Annie got a new toy and loved it.  The feather wand swings around under the blue fabric and she is fascinated by it.

I turned 68 and all I wanted was a Flamingo float for the pool!

I was also lucky enough to win a free canvas print and I chose this Flamingo Flower!

I've set up a Flamingo corner in my living room, it is so fun. 

My friend Lorraine sent me this Flamingo she painted on a rock.

Love it!

Scout and Grammie had a date night!  We watched Frozen and had all sorts of fun surprises.

Starting with her Elsa nightgown

Dancing and singing along with the movie!

Breakfast!

Teddy Bears and Friends 

Tea Party

 My Little Pony Parade!

Watercolor Painting

(dress off, painting messy)

All in all a wonderful time.

She talked about it for days. 

I can't wait until we do it again!

Tiger picking grapes at the neighbors vineyard

Stomping those grapes!

They made grape juice!

The wine comes later for the adults!

I got this used IKEA desk for my craft room.  Some big changes coming in there soon (I hope)!

Tiger is in 2nd grade and loving school.  Scout is in 3 yr old pre-school and is starting ballet lessons.  She loves it! 

Mom is doing well as she approaches her 88th birthday in October.  I'm doing okay and hoping some of my health issues will continue to improve.

Meanwhile I love visiting all of you who still blog.  I won't promise to do better about posting but I hope to do better! 

I did visit Ashleigh in Cali but that will be saved for another time.

Wishing you JOY,

Linda

Paris When It Rains

Paris!

While I was in Paris a few years ago, it rained several days, but what better place to be in the rain then lovely Paris.  Here are some photos I took as I visited a few museums and just walked the streets of this amazing city.

The street my apartment was on...

Rue St Dominique!

The Museum d'Orsay 

 I believe most of the 'locks of love' have been removed from the bridges now

Passerelle de Solferino 

 Jardin de Tulleries

Bassin Octogonal

Place de la Concorde

 View from the Pont de la Concorde

Walking on the Quai Anatole France

This pair of shoes was sitting on this wall.  I made up romantic stories about the girl who wore them on my walk back to the apartment. 

Truly an amazing day.

I'm joining Paris in July

at Thyme for Tea and the lovely Tamara who hosts this sweet party each year.

Come Dine With Me!

I am joining Paris in July this year and can't wait to go and read all the great blogs.  Check out the fun Here

I'm going to share some of the Paris themed tablescapes I've enjoyed in the past several years! 

Some simple black and white plates found at HomeGoods got me started.

Most everything else was thrifted on the table as you know I like a bargain!

This time red and black.  These plates were thrifted and I love them! 

Dreaming of Paris as always!

Waking up to a Paris themed breakfast tray is always fun!

These cute square plates were a gift.

I really enjoy setting a fun table and Paris is one of my favorite themes.

Join me as I share memories of Paris in my posts this month! 

Linda

Linking to Paris In July 

Mother's Day 2018

This Mother's Day finds me feeling a bit nostalgic.  I decided to share these photos!

My Mom Virgie with her first born..

me!!  June 1950

With my first born 

Ashleigh~May 1979

My second born 

Sara~February 1982

Sara with her first born

Tiger~April 2011

Sara with her second born

Rosemary Scout~April 2015

We love being

Mothers and Grandmothers.

  

Wishing you all a wonderful 

Mother's Day!