Flipping the calendar to March was a real mood elevator.
The colorful flowers and the mama bird with her nest of eggs offers hope for the beauty of the upcoming Spring season. The card attached to the calendar was made by my sister. I think it pairs so nicely with the calendar. Together they are a real bright spot in the kitchen right now.
In my last post we were anticipating a snowstorm.
It came and dumped nearly a foot of snow. The most we've seen at one time since moving to North Carolina more than twenty years ago.
It was pretty, but overstayed it's welcome in my opinion.
It seems like I am reminded almost daily about how much our lives have changed. Realizing that I was to be the one totally responsible for removing all of that snow from the driveway was a bit daunting.
Usually our snow melts so soon after it falls that it rarely requires shoveling. This was different. The week before we had an ice/sleet storm. The remnants of that were still hanging around on our shady side of the street.
Snow is so rare that I didn't even own a pair of winter boots, so I put on my gardening boots, grabbed the snow shovel and went to town.
I learned a few things along the way...
I'm a lot older than I was the last time I shoveled snow.
I needed to own snow boots even if they rarely get worn.
I have taken care of that which will probably ensure that we will have no more snowfall until they are totally out of style.
Anyhow, once the snow and ice finally disappeared, I put those spring bulbs (above) into my grocery cart.
I planted them right outside the window.
I make sure to glance at them several times a day.
A small investment with big returns.
As someone who tries to look on the bright side of things, it has been a challenge lately. Watching my husband deal with ALS is just plain SAD. There is no getting around that.
In trying to keep looking on the bright side, I am vowing to spend more time working on my gardens.
Most of our time is spent at home now. Even though I am happy@home, I find I am going a bit stir crazy at times. Those are the times I head outside. Gardening has always felt like therapy to me. At this time of year I always envision beautiful bouquets of flowers and a healthy harvest of blueberries. My current efforts have been in trimming the hydrangeas and fertilizing them along with the blueberry bushes.
The bunny in the pot is happy to see the chives and oregano coming to life once again.
The earliest signs of Spring are making their way into the house too.
A little vignette to gaze upon while washing the dishes.
I would like to say thank you for your kind words and prayers on my last post. It means so much and makes this journey a little easier to bear.
💕
I have no doubt that the burdens that you carry are very very heavy. Being the one solely responsible must be so hard. Do you have family near enough to help you? Spring sunshine can cheer us up at least to some degree.
ReplyDeleteYou little collection of bulbs is so sweet.
When I saw your March calendar picture I remembered that I had that Heart & Home calendar last year and enjoyed looking at it through the months. I liked the calendar so much I kept it ( I tend to keep too much!).
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Yes, we do have one son close by. He is coming over several days a week to help out and spend time with us. He wasn't able to come when the snowstorm hit, however.
DeleteI had the same calendar last year too and kept it. In fact I had quite a collection of old ones. LOL. I just love her artwork.
What a great picture for March on your calendar and your sister's card is so nice. That is a lot of snow for you down there. We always get lots of snow but this year it was colder for longer periods of time!!
ReplyDeleteI like the bunny in the flower pot! :)
I'm knitting you something and will mail it when I finish. It will probably take me a couple more weeks.
You are so sweet, Karen. I consider your knitted pieces to be real blessings in my life. The afghan from many years ago is still in constant use and the little prayer piece is always with me in my purse. Thank you for being you!
DeleteThat is a lovely, uplifting calendar page, and your sister's card is so sweet. I hope there's no more snow for you to clear, though you're well equipped now.
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad that you're sad or even angry at your husband's situation. Bottling things up doesn't make them go away and you need to look after you.
You are right about that. It is a lesson I am working on learning daily.
DeleteI'm so happy to have made it to March and the promise of Spring. No flowers yet, but the snow is melting.
ReplyDeleteYou sure got dumped on!
I can't imagine how hard it is to see you husband deal with ALS. I think sadness and anger at this are only normal. I'm glad you find things to bring you joy, like those flowers.
I love that vignette...and all the signs of spring. I need to plant some bulbs. And put them where I can see them daily! I pray all these sweet signs are reminders of hope for you. I will say a prayer that God gives you just the strength you need each day as you lovingly care for you husband.
ReplyDeleteYou have such a heavy load, Kim. Working outdoors in your garden is good for you, mentally and physically. I pray that God will give you his grace for each moment as you care for your beloved husband. It's important to take care of yourself, too.
ReplyDeleteFlowers are a wonderful mood lifter.
Beautiful blog
ReplyDeletePlease read my post
ReplyDeleteI love your beautiful signs of spring around your house, including your pretty flowers. Here in IL we're just now seeing signs of some green poking out of the ground...chives, sedum, daffodils and rhubarb. That's it. The robins, red-wing black birds and sandhill cranes are all back, too. Such a pleasant sight for poor winter eyes every year.
ReplyDeleteOf course it's hard watching your husband go through ALS...and it's very hard being a caregiver, too. Thank goodness you have your beautiful yard to escape to when you need to. It's very important to take care of yourself, too. Big hugs to you.
Praying for you and for your husband, Kim.
ReplyDeleteDear Kim - apologies for not replying to your very lovely email of late Jan. I will get around to writing back some day soon, meanwhile I have held you both close in thought knowing the road ahead will not be easy. But, you are strong and will surprise yourself at what you are capable of when helping the one you love.....that's what it's all about, loving and being loved.
ReplyDeleteSadly, my Bob passed away on February 20 - here at home, in my arms, and peacefully. We were together 62 years and being without him is very hard. I hope to start blogging again in the coming weeks or months. There is so much to do, especially paperwork, and thankfully my wonderful granddaughter is assisting me with all that. It's definitely a world for young people now, whereas we were still writing checks!
Happy Spring dear Kim - sending warm hugs. Mary x
Sorry to hear about your husband, but I'll bet he appreciates you keeping the color (flowers) up front. I know I would.
ReplyDelete