Friday Fave Five for Valentine's Day

 

Valentine's Day . . . a day I face with mixed emotions, and they change from year to year. But I love the idea of having a special day to celebrate those who you love. Whether it's a spouse, children, loved ones or friends, there are people on our lives that we dearly love and who love us back. They are such blessings. This week, I'm sharing the blessings that have come to me this week. Thank you, Susanne at Living to Tell the Story or getting us all together each week to share our special blessings. Come join us!

1. Computer working:  Last week I shared how my newer laptop went blank, and I saw no way of getting it going. I have been using my spare laptop, and it has worked okay except for some glitches but it's slower than molasses. This week, I googled what might be wrong with my newer laptop and most didn't make any sense to me except that perhaps it had gotten too hot. This had never happened before, so I didn't consider that as a possibility. But, just for fun, I got it out, plugged it in and voila. . . . a perfectly fine working computer! I have no explanation for it other than divine intervention but I'm just happy I'm back to my old friend. So much faster and I'm not knocked off the internet as my older one did.

2. Breakfast with my daughter in law: Stephanie is more than just the lady who married my son, she's become such a dear friend. She suspected that Valentine's Day was a challenging day for me, so this morning, she suggested treating me to breakfast. We sat and talked for hours. She and I understand each other so well and we shared deep emotions as well as chit chat. We stopped at Dutch Brothers for coffee and then gabbed some more. What a blessing she has become to me. Everyone needs a "Stephanie" in their life.

3. Precious memories: It's been just under 43 years since our wedding day and almost 24 years since Alan passed on to glory. 

September 11, 1982

Some Valentine's Days are challenging and that's when I dig out our wedding book and relive the memories. Alan bought me one single rose on Valentine's Day, 7 months before we married. It was also on Valentine's Day of 2001, that he received his cancer diagnosis. On our way home, we stopped at the grocery store for a few things, and he came out with a single red rose. For a few years after that, I would buy myself a single red rose to help mitigate the emptiness of that day. It was a reminder of his thoughtfulness and our love. Today, even though, he's not by my side, he's waiting for me in heaven. I have treasured memories of our years together and they make me smile. This isn't written to get sympathy but to celebrate the love that God sent my way. I may even get out our wedding book again to reminisce. 

4. Apollo:  I have to share occasionally about this little fur-guy in my life. Since I returned from my vacation in Florida, he has not left me alone. He's not, by nature, a cuddly cat and doesn't not like to be picked up and held. He shows his affection (and demands) in other ways like batting his head against my hand or arm wanting to be petted. Or now sleeping up near my head during the night. Or patting my face with his paw early in the morning when he thinks we should be getting up (aka feed me!) Affection is on his terms and that's okay. I'm thankful for whatever he gives.

5. Reading scripture: Or listening to it....or mediating on it. This week, God has reminded me of several scriptures that I've specifically needed. He has reminded me through His word that I am loved beyond measure... that I care for and provided for.... that I am saved from destruction...that I have eternity to look forward when I finally see Him face to face. The list is endless. How precious is the Word of God!

I hope that you all are looking forward to a special time with your loved ones and a wonderful weekend. It's turned cold again here in east Tennessee but I'm also seeing the trees with tiny buds. The cold won't last forever. Have a blessed weekend.

Friday Fave Fives for February 7

 

It's been almost like spring this week here in east Tennessee, so I thought I'd use our spring icon. I love how Susanne at Living to Tell the Story gives us this opportunity each week to share our blessings. Some weeks, they come to the mind easily. Other weeks, I have to think a bit. Either way, seeing all the blessings and things to be thankful is balm to my spirit. Come join us!

1. Feels like spring:  This week, I've walked in the sunshine and already see buds on the Bradford Pear trees. The grass has tiny blue flowers peeking through. No sign of daffodils yet but they'll come. That rodent up in Pennsylvania saw his shadow this week and predicted 6 more weeks of winter. But I'm holding out that he is wrong. 

2. Lavender bliss:  While in Florida, we visited a trendy small shopping district in Venice. There is a store called Naples Soap Company, full of all sorts of body scrubs, lotions, bath "bombs", scents - anything to make you smell nice! The only other store I've ever found like this was Basin at Walt Disney World. My daughter gifted me with a set of body salt scrub, body butter and a bath bomb - all in lavender scent, my favorite. There are places to try out some of their products and the body sea scrub left my hands feeling so smooth. 

You can buy their products online should I wish to get more. They are a bit pricey but worth the occasional splurge.

3. Knitting:  Jill and I spent some time together knitting and she gave me some helpful tips and corrections. I know the basics of knitting but haven't been happy with what I produced. Jill helped so much in that area, and she renewed my interest in the craft. Right now, I'm working on a lap blanket made with knitted squares. Very simple but it's allowing me to get my tension and stitches looking good. I came home, sorted through my yarn stash and have been finally enjoying knitting.

I want to keep the colors on the pastel side and this light blue yarn is so pretty in real life. It looks a bit faded in the photo. I have a good amount of stash to use up in some pretty colors. I only need to buy some in the pink or coral palette. Stay tuned and I'll be putting updates here.

4. Computer issues: The day before I was to leave for Florida my laptop died. One minute it was working and the next I came back to it and no graphics. I have no idea what's wrong with it and not even sure if it turns on as there is no image on the screen to tell me anything. And, since it wasn't an expensive laptop, it may not be worth repairing. But I had a spare laptop kept back for just such an emergency. It works although it's slower than the other one and it has Windows 10. But it does the job. I received a notice that Windows 10 is not supported after October of this year, so I'll have to either buy or repair with something that has Windows 11. But it's a blessing that my old one is working.

5.  Sorting and cleaning:  I've spent this week going through drawers, cabinets and the like and getting rid of things either expired or no longer needed. And there are those things I completely forgot I had. I've got three boxes full of things for the thrift store. I even have parted with a few books, which is distressing for me, but now I have more space on the book shelves (for more books!). I love cleaning things out and freshening up. I have more to do but I go slowly. 

I've seen several memes about January being so very long.

It sure has felt like it and I'm very happy to see the end of it. In that vein though I hate to wish time to pass so quickly. Next month is March and spring...the summer....then fall ...and then winter is back before you know it! This year, my one word - simplify - is causing me to stop and reflect more and cherish the days. 

Until next time. . .  have a blessed week.

Friday Fave Five - last one for January

 

I'm back from a Florida vacation visiting my daughter and son-in-law and it was wonderful. They are moving to France in March, and this will be my last time to hug them. And now, it's time to share my blessings with you all. Come and join us at Living to Tell the Story to share yours. Thank you, Susanne for giving us this spot each week. 

1.  Safe flights: I am not a comfortable traveler when it comes to flying. Even a 2-hour flight makes me edgy. The flights down and back were uneventful for which I am so glad. The only snafu was landing in Punta Gorda where we were on the tarmac for half an hour waiting to taxi to the terminal. Apparently there were 3 planes head of us trying to offload passengers. 

2. Lovely weather: After leaving freezing temps here in TN, it was wonderful to feel sun and temps in the 70s. My first day there was a bit chilly but after that, paradise! Salt air, breezes and sunsets. 

Sunset from my daughter's front door.

When I got back home, it was not too chilly but then the next day back to cold and rain. I could already feel what color I had fading. 

3. Time with great grand kiddos:  I was able to spend the afternoon with my grandson and wife and my great granddaughters. What cuties they are! There were video games and then a walk to the park for playtime. The two girls played on the slide and swings. Lots of visiting and family time.

Playing video games with Grandpa 

Bella ready for a ride in her wagon.

Going down the slide

4. My grand dogs - Max and Mosey: What cuties! They love to cuddle and burrow under blankets. Such well-behaved dogs and what personalities!

Max on the left. . .  Mosey on the right

5. Beautiful beaches, wonderful seafood and time with family: Venice Beach is beautiful. The city itself is also very pretty although the "snowbirds" are still around which makes traffic a bit of a challenge. We ate at a couple restaurants while I was there with amazing Italian food and another with great pizzas. 

On the Venice fishing pier looking down at the beach.

There were still remnants of repair from Hurricane Ian.

My beautiful daughter and me.

We visited a shopping district with a restaurant called Oak Stone with the best pizza in the country!

As it is whenever you come home from a trip, there is that feeling of comfort that you're back home but a bit of sadness that your trip is over. This one was bittersweet, knowing of their leaving in just over a month. Lots of talking and even some tears. They are ready for their great adventure and I'm hoping to visit them towards the end of the year. As nervous as I am on a 2-hour flight - the thought of flying across the pond is a bit daunting. But what an adventure.  But I'm settling back into being home. Apollo, my cat is very happy I'm home!

I hope you all are doing well, and I want to catch up with you to see what's going on in your lives. My prayers for the families of those lost in the airplane and helicopter crash in D.C.